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 Feb. 4, 2020 | Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington (19100)

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

NO. OF PATENTS BY CLASSIFICATION

TOP LOCAL ASSIGNEES (NO. OF PATENTS)

Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas) 18
Futurewei Technologies Inc. (Plano) 17
Sandisk Technologies Llc (Addison) 7
Toyota Motor Engineering Manufacturing North America, Inc. (Plano) 5

UNASSIGNED 8

TOP LOCAL INVENTORS (NO. OF PATENTS)

David Gerard Ledet (Allen) 4
Dianbo Fu (Frisco) 4
Benjamin Stassen Cook (Addison) 3
Heping Dai (Plano) 3
Adam Joseph Fruehling (Garland) 2
Andrew Silver (Frisco) 2
Christopher Terpstra (Frisco) 2
Daoshen Chen (Allen) 2

SPEED: APPLICATION TO ISSUE (NO. OF DAYS)

175 days
Media balancer employing selectable evaluation source
Patent No. 10552214
Assignee: iHeartMedia Management Services, Inc. (San Antonio)
Inventor: Darren Grant Davis (Dallas)

3,185 days
Topical skin formulation
Patent No. 10548821
Assignee: Mary Kay Inc. (Addison)
Inventor: Bob Foley (Coppell)

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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

Potato chip
Patent No. 10548341

Inventor(s): Christopher James Koh (Southlake, TX), Girish Ganjyal (Plano, TX), Justin French (Frisco, TX), Keith Alan Barber (Frisco, TX), Scott L. Sullivan (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): Frito-Lay North America, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Carstens Cahoon, LLP (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 13904889 on 05/29/2013 (2442 days app to issue)

Abstract: A potato chip that has more oil near its outer surfaces than in its interior and a unique RVA profile is disclosed. The organoleptic properties of the inventive potato chips compare favorably to known and commercially available potato chips.

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

Articulated sofa bed with locking mechanism
Patent No. 10548406

Inventor(s): Thomas A. Garland (Palmetto, FL)
Assignee(s): American Leather Operations, LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15259355 on 09/08/2016 (1244 days app to issue)

Abstract: A seat convertible to a bed. The seat includes a locking mechanism for fixably maintaining a head panel section of the bed in a generally horizontal orientation when the bed is in the deployed configuration and releasing the head panel section from the deployed configuration by a lifting motion. The locking mechanism is connected to the head panel section and a mid-swinging member. The mid-swinging member pivotally attaches to the head panel section and a stationary mounting arm. The stationary mounting arm is fixably attached to a seat frame.

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

Tethered cleaning tool for a kitchen sink
Patent No. 10548458

Inventor(s): Jeremy Joseph Sankey (Richardson, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15186039 on 06/17/2016 (1327 days app to issue)

Abstract: A tethered cleaning tool includes an elongated, helical cord having two opposing ends. A first end of the cord is fastened to a magnetic attachment sleeve for tethering the cord to a faucet riser or similar support surface. At the opposing, second end of the cord is a quick-connect fitting for securing the cord to any one of a plurality of interchangeable cleaning implements, such as a sponge or a brush. Accordingly, a desired cleaning implement is conveniently suspended above a sink until needed.

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

Control for surgical handpiece
Patent No. 10548576

Inventor(s): Larry Dale Estes (North Richland Hills, TX), Vikram Garadi (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): Medtronic Xomed, Inc. (Jacksonville, FL)
Law Firm: Dicke, Billig Czaja, PLLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15207755 on 07/12/2016 (1302 days app to issue)

Abstract: A powered surgical handpiece including a housing, a printed circuit board, a sensor, and an actuator assembly. The housing has a longitudinal axis extending from a first end to a second end of the housing. The printed circuit board has a first face and a second opposing face. The first and second faces extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The sensor is coupled to the first face of the printed circuit board. The sensor is centered along the longitudinal axis of the housing. The actuator assembly includes a lever and an actuator. The lever is pivotally coupled to the housing. The lever maintains a magnet slidably positionable along the lever. The magnet is positionable to be proximal to the sensors.

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

Intramedullary fracture fixation devices and methods
Patent No. 10548648

Inventor(s): Brian Bradford Carpenter (Decatur, TX)
Assignee(s): ARTHREX, INC. (Naples, FL)
Law Firm: Carlson, Gaskey Olds, P.C. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15805798 on 11/07/2017 (819 days app to issue)

Abstract: An intramedullary bone fixation device is provided with an elongate body having a longitudinal axis and an actuator to deploy at least one gripper to engage an inner surface of the intramedullary space to anchor the fixation device to the bone. Methods of repairing a fracture of a bone are also disclosed. One such method comprises inserting a fixation device into an intramedullary space of the bone to place at least a portion of the fixation device on one side of the fracture, providing rigidity across the fracture, and operating an actuator to deploy at least one gripper to engage an inner surface of the intramedullary space to anchor the fixation device to the bone. Various configurations allow a segmented device body to lock in the intramedullary space before and/or after fixation of the bone.

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

Hand propelled wheeled vehicle
Patent No. 10548785

Inventor(s): Hans Vermij (Bedford, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: The Roy Gross Law Firm, LLC (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15631452 on 06/23/2017 (956 days app to issue)

Abstract: A hand propelled wheeled vehicle, specifically a wheelchair, containing a pair of hand actuated, lever driven mechanisms to rotate the main wheels. The levers pivot around attachment points on the left and right sides of the vehicle chassis. The left lever actuates a frame responsible for contra-rotating two integral one-way clutches arranged on a drive shaft coupled to the left main wheel, with the right lever operating the right side mechanism in an identical fashion. The arrangements of the clutches utilize both the forward (pushing) and backward (pulling) stroke of the lever to rotate the main wheels forward. Steering and braking control is afforded through attachments integral to the hand grips of the right and left hand levers, respectively.

[A61G] TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS (appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk A61H 3/00); OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES (embalming corpses A01N 1/00)

Topical skin formulation
Patent No. 10548821

Inventor(s): Bob Foley (Coppell, TX)
Assignee(s): Mary Kay Inc. (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 13698016 on 05/17/2011 (3185 days app to issue)

Abstract: Disclosed is a gel, and corresponding methods for its use, having an SPF of at least 15 comprising at least about 50% by weight of a volatile hydrocarbon, a film former, a solvent comprising an ester group, a combination of ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) sunscreen agents, wherein the UVA sunscreen agent comprises 4-tert-butyl-4-methoxydibenzoylmethane, wherein the PFA of the gel is at least about 5 or at least about 8, and wherein the gel is capable of drying within two minutes after topical application to skin.

[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)

Inhibitors of multidrug resistance transporter P-glycoprotein
Patent No. 10548893

Inventor(s): Courtney A. Follit (Dallas, TX), Frances K. Brewer (Waxahachie, TX), John G. Wise (Dallas, TX), Pia D. Vogel (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Southern Methodist University (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Chalker Flores, LLP (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16204582 on 11/29/2018 (432 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of treating a subject that is resistant to one or more drugs by identifying a subject having one or more drug resistant cells; administering to the subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of an inhibitor compound, and contacting one or more drug resistant cells with the inhibitor compound to reduce the export of the inhibitor compound from the one or more drug resistant tumor cells and to block the transport of drug(s) from the one or more drug resistant cells.

Therapeutic treatment kit for allergies based on DNA profiles
Patent No. 10548974

Inventor(s): Jovan Hutton Pulitzer (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): ROCA Medical Ltd. (London, , GB)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15222790 on 07/28/2016 (1286 days app to issue)

Abstract: A therapeutic treatment kit includes a container for holding a plurality of compartmentalized therapeutic dispensers. Each of the therapeutic dispensers includes a plurality of vials of antigens, and a plurality of containers of supplements disposed in compartments, each of the compartments labeled with the name of the supplement. A compartment is also provided for containing applicators or the antigens, such that an individual can extract the antigen from the vial in a single dose; and para instructions associated with a therapeutic program for utilizing the vials of antigens and the supplements in accordance with a therapeutic program that is predefined. The construction of the kit, including the dosages of the antigen, the types of antigens and the supplements all associated with a particular therapeutic program.

Heeling apparatus
Patent No. 10549176

Inventor(s): Roger R. Adams (The Colony, TX)
Assignee(s): Heeling Sports Limited (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Locke Lord LLP (Local + 12 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15720226 on 09/29/2017 (858 days app to issue)

Abstract: Provided is a heeling apparatus. The heeling apparatus includes a sole including a forefoot portion and a heel portion. The heel portion has an opening formed therein. In one embodiment, the sole includes a removable portion. The heeling apparatus further includes a wheel assembly including wheel rotably mounted to an axle and a mounting structure, wherein the wheel extends through the opening in the heel portion.

[A63C] SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE (water skis B63B 35/81) [5]

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

Use of spent bleaching earth from edible oil processing in the formulation of salt and mineral feed blocks or pellets for livestock
Patent No. 10548338

Inventor(s): Norman J. Smallwood (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: McKee, Voorhees Sease, PLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14344803 on 09/28/2012 (2685 days app to issue)

Abstract: Spent bleaching earth from edible oil processing can be used in the formulation of salt and mineral lick blocks and pellets for livestock to enhance the health and nutritional value of the feed supplements. Because of the ignition hazard inherent with spent bleaching earth, landfill has been and continues to be the dominant disposal method. By adding salt or brine to the spent bleaching earth upon discharge from the process filters, the hydroscopic property will keep the material safe for handling and economic use as described.

[B09B] DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTE [3]

Seating arrangements in a vehicle
Patent No. 10549659

Inventor(s): Danil V. Prokhorov (Canton, MI), Paxton S. Williams (Milan, MI), Richard M. Sullivan (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: 15656028 on 07/21/2017 (928 days app to issue)

Abstract: Various seating arrangements for a vehicle are described. Generally, the vehicle includes an electromagnetic array featured on a floor of the vehicle. The chair includes base having a plurality of magnets featured thereon. The vehicle generates signals for the electromagnetic array to generate a wave and impart a force on the chair in a determined direction via the plurality of magnets.

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

Parallel hybrid vehicle launch torque control
Patent No. 10549747

Inventor(s): Thomas S. Hawley (Ann Arbor, MI)
Assignee(s): TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Sheppard, Mullin, Richter Hampton LLP (7 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15669686 on 08/04/2017 (914 days app to issue)

Abstract: System and methods are provided for improving launch performance of a hybrid vehicle. During a stall condition prior to launch, the engine of the hybrid vehicle can produce engine torque beyond a standard stall torque limit. Negative motor torque that offsets the increase in engine torque in accordance with the standard stall torque limit is produced by the motor. This results in loading the automatic transmission of the hybrid vehicle with additional torque that would otherwise not be possible. During a launch condition following the stall condition, the motor torque is dropped to 0 Nm, and the brakes are released, allowing the hybrid vehicle to accelerate. The full torque generated by the engine is provided to the automatic transmission and used to drive one or more wheels of the hybrid vehicle.

[B60W] CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT [2006.01]

Adjustable blade balance module
Patent No. 10549840

Inventor(s): Andrew Paul Haldeman (North Richland Hills, TX)
Assignee(s): Textron Innovations Inc. (Providence, RI)
Law Firm: Lightfoot Alford PLLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15672087 on 08/08/2017 (910 days app to issue)

Abstract: An adjustable balance module for the balancing of rotatable blades. The adjustable blade balance module includes a frame that retains and covers an adjustment screw with a mass that translates along a threaded shaft of the adjustment screw. The adjustment screw is incrementally controlled by an adjustment dial that is accessible from an exterior surface of the blade.

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

Variable hub-to-hub phasing rotor system
Patent No. 10549849

Inventor(s): Brian Modrzejewski (Keller, TX), David Popelka (Colleyville, TX), Frank B. Stamps (Colleyville, TX), J. Scott Drennan (Dallas, TX), Ken Shundo (Keller, TX), Michael E. Rinehart (Euless, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15895589 on 02/13/2018 (721 days app to issue)

Abstract: An aircraft includes a first rotor assembly, a second rotor assembly, and a rotor phase angle control system. The system includes a phase adjustor operably associated with the first rotor assembly and the second rotor assembly. The method includes sensing vibrations exerted on the aircraft and offsetting a phase angle of the first rotor assembly and the second rotor assembly to minimize the vibrations.

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

Integrated aircraft hoist
Patent No. 10549854

Inventor(s): Jeremy Robert Chavez (Colleyville, TX), Steven W. Kihara (North Richland Hills, TX)
Assignee(s): Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: Lightfoot Alford PLLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15082839 on 03/28/2016 (1408 days app to issue)

Abstract: An aircraft has a wing and at least a portion of a hoist system disposed within the wing. A method of hoisting an item includes disposing at least a portion of a hoist system within a wing of an aircraft and extending a cable of the hoist system through an access hole of an exterior wall of the wing.

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

Lined waste receptacle assembly
Patent No. 10549911

Inventor(s): Allen Stetson (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15978876 on 05/14/2018 (631 days app to issue)

Abstract: A lined waste receptacle assembly includes a container and a frame. The container comprises a wall that extends annularly from a bottom to a top. The top is open so that the container is configured to receive waste items inserted through the top. The frame is annular and defines an opening. The frame is sized so that opposing ends of the frame extend past a perimeter of the top. The frame is positioned to rest on the wall with the opening positioned over the top. Each of a pair of couplers is coupled to the frame proximate to a respective opposing end. Each coupler is configured to selectively couple to a respective strap of a bag as the bag is inserted through the opening and the top into the container. The bag is positioned to receive the waste items.

[B65F] GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE (disinfecting refuse A61L; refuse disintegrators B02C; sorting refuse B03B, B07B; handcarts for transporting refuse receptacles B62B; sack holders B65B 67/00; converting refuse into fertilisers C05F; converting refuse into solid fuels C10L; sewers, cesspools E03F; arrangements in buildings for the disposal of refuse E04F 17/10; refuse-consuming furnaces F23G)

Flow rack assemblies and methods of use
Patent No. 10549912

Inventor(s): Brian L. Sutt (Petersburgh, IN), Dallas L. Barbre (Geff, IL), Gary W. Roy (Boonville, IN), Gregory Y. Harden (Princeton, IN), Justin W. Ice (Hazleton, IN), Larry J. Gogel (Dale, IN), Michael E. McClarney (Haubstadt, IN, U
Assignee(s): Toyota Motor Engineering Manufacturing North America, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Dinsmore Shohl LLP (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15716632 on 09/27/2017 (860 days app to issue)

Abstract: A flow rack assembly includes a support structure. A supply track assembly supported by the support structure extends in a longitudinal direction. The supply track assembly declines in elevation from a component supply location to a component pick location. A return track assembly is supported by the support structure that extends in the longitudinal direction. The return track assembly declines in elevation from the component pick location to a tray storage location. A transition support shelf is rotatably connected to the support structure at a pivot location. The transition support shelf is rotatable about the pivot location due to gravity between a component pick configuration that receives component trays from the supply track assembly and a tray transition configuration that delivers component trays to the return track assembly.

[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)

Apparatus and method for packaging wire or cable in a barrel or drum container
Patent No. 10549945

Inventor(s): Andrew P. Hull (McKinney, TX), Benjamin L. Weatherford (Princeton, TX), John L. Rhoads (The Colony, TX), William T. Bigbee, Jr. (Melissa, TX)
Assignee(s): Encore Wire Corporation (McKinney, TX)
Law Firm: Warren Rhoades LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16363906 on 03/25/2019 (316 days app to issue)

Abstract: An apparatus for the accumulation of wire or cable, the apparatus including a collapsible reel assembly, the collapsible reel assembly including a central hollow arbor, a fixed inner support structure axially centered on and rigidly attached to the central hollow arbor, wherein the fixed inner support has a first end and a second end, a fixed flange, axially centered on and attached to the first end of the fixed inner support structure, a removable flange, axially centered on and removably attached to the second end of the fixed inner support structure opposite the fixed flange and an inner drum assembly. The inner drum assembly including a plurality of moving inner support structures movably attached to the fixed inner support structure and a plurality of inwardly-collapsible drum segments. Wherein the inwardly-collapsible drum segments collapse inward after the removable flange is removed from the collapsible reel assembly.

[B65H] HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES

Hermetically sealed molecular spectroscopy cell
Patent No. 10549986

Inventor(s): Adam Joseph Fruehling (Garland, TX), Benjamin Stassen Cook (Addison, TX), Juan Alejandro Herbsommer (Allen, TX), Simon Joshua Jacobs (Lucas, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15697525 on 09/07/2017 (880 days app to issue)

Abstract: An illustrate method (and device) includes etching a cavity in a first substrate (e.g., a semiconductor wafer), forming a first metal layer on a first surface of the first substrate and in the cavity, and forming a second metal layer on a non-conductive structure (e.g., glass). The method also may include removing a portion of the second metal layer to form an iris to expose a portion of the non-conductive structure, forming a bond between the first metal layer and the second metal layer to thereby attach the non-conductive structure to the first substrate, sealing an interface between the non-conductive structure and the first substrate, and patterning an antenna on a surface of the non-conductive structure.

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

Fabricating composite core with woven composite fibers
Patent No. 10550499

Inventor(s): Elizabeth Oberle (Keller, TX), Kathleen Oldham (Fort Worth, TX), Levi Armstrong (Kerrville, TX), Phillip Kendrick (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC. (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: Chalker Flores, LLP (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15410416 on 01/19/2017 (1111 days app to issue)

Abstract: In the present disclosure, a method may include forming a three-dimensional composite fiber pre-form by three-dimensionally weaving a plurality of composite fibers. The composite fiber pre-form includes a plurality of open cells formed adjacent to and interlocked with each other, and a composite fiber forms at least a portion of a first side of a first open cell and at least a portion of a second side of a second open cell. The first open cell and the second open cell are adjacent to and interlocked with each other.

[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

Deck framing system
Patent No. 10550570

Inventor(s): Aaron Jesiolowski (Garland, TX), Geoff T. Luczycki (Garland, TX), Kevin B. Flatt (Garland, TX), Kevin T. Burt (Dallas, TX), Matthew Carlyle Sherstad (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Fortress Iron, LP (Garland, TX)
Law Firm: Foley Lardner LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16123661 on 09/06/2018 (516 days app to issue)

Abstract: A deck framing system includes a ledger that has a joist support wall, a web wall extending perpendicularly from the joist support wall, and an overhang wall extending perpendicularly from the web wall and disposed parallel to the joist support wall. Each of a plurality of joist support brackets is configured to be coupled to the web wall of the ledger and includes at least one ledger attachment wing and a joist support portion that includes a pair of opposed lateral walls and a bracket web wall. Each of a plurality of joists includes at least one lateral wall and a deck support wall that extend from the at least one lateral wall. The at least one lateral wall is configured to be secured to one of the opposed lateral walls of the joist support portion.

[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)

Surface-mountable locking device
Patent No. 10550609

Inventor(s): John Llewellyn (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): Bluewater Resources LLC (Cotulla, TX)
Law Firm: D. Tiller Law PLLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16001665 on 06/06/2018 (608 days app to issue)

Abstract: A surface-mountable locking device includes a body within which is disposed: (1) a box configured to receive a pin and (2) a locking mechanism having a bolt configured to engage the pin when the pin is inserted into the box. Because the locking-mechanism bolt engages the pin within the box disposed in the body, the body protects the locking-mechanism bolt from tampering, creating a more secure lock than when the bolt is exposed. An adapter for attaching a chain link (or similar link) to the locking device is also disclosed. The adapter is configured on one end as a pin to engage the box and on the other end to engage a link.

[E05B] LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS

Drill bit having shaped leading cutter and impregnated backup cutter
Patent No. 10550644

Inventor(s): Peter Clark Wilson (Conroe, TX), Steven Wayne Drews (Cypress, TX)
Assignee(s): VAREL INTERNATIONAL IND., LLC. (Carrollton, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16055657 on 08/06/2018 (547 days app to issue)

Abstract: A bit for drilling a wellbore includes: a shank having a coupling formed at an upper end thereof; a body mounted to a lower end of the shank; and a cutting face forming a lower end of the bit. The cutting face includes: a blade protruding from the body; a leading cutter including: a substrate mounted in a pocket formed in a leading edge of the blade; and a cutting table made from a superhard material, mounted to the substrate, and having a non-planar working face with a cutting feature; and a backup cutter mounted in a lower face of the blade at a position trailing the leading cutter and made from a composite material including a ceramic or cermet matrix impregnated with a superhard material.

[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]

Internal valve plunger
Patent No. 10550674

Inventor(s): David Robert Dahlgren (Brighton, CO), Garrett S. Boyd (Godley, TX), Mitchell A. Boyd (Haslet, TX)
Assignee(s): FlowCo Production Solutions, LLC (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: Adams and Reese, LLP (7 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16294625 on 03/06/2019 (335 days app to issue)

Abstract: A bypass plunger includes a plunger body that includes a head portion located at one end of the plunger body and a tail portion located at an opposite end of the plunger body. The head portion includes at least one flow port, and the tail portion includes at least one passageway. A valve component is disposed within an internal bore of the plunger body and is movable between an open position and a closed position. At least one plug is located within a respective one of the flow ports and/or a respective one of the passageways, and is configured to reduce or prevent flow through the respective flow port or the respective passageway.

Removal of stick-slip vibrations in a drilling assembly
Patent No. 10550683

Inventor(s): Fanping Bu (Carrollton, TX), Jason D. Dykstra (Carrollton, TX), Yuzhen Xue (Carrollton, TX)
Assignee(s): Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: Baker Botts L.L.P. (Local + 8 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14912087 on 09/17/2013 (2331 days app to issue)

Abstract: An example method for removal of stick-slip vibrations may comprise receiving a command directed to a controllable element of a drilling assembly. A smooth trajectory profile may be generated based, at least in part, on the command. A frictional torque value for a drill bit of the drilling assembly may be determined. The example method may further include generating a control signal based, at least in part, on the trajectory profile, the frictional torque value, and a model of the drilling assembly, and transmitting the control signal to the controllable element.

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

Liquid inertia vibration elimination system
Patent No. 10550907

Inventor(s): Dalton T. Hampton (Fort Worth, TX), Frank Brad Stamps (Colleyville, TX), Frederick Sullivan Gay (Fort Worth, TX), Michael Scott Seifert (Southlake, TX)
Assignee(s): Textron Innovations Inc. (Providence, RI)
Law Firm: Lightfoot Alford PLLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15240797 on 08/18/2016 (1265 days app to issue)

Abstract: A liquid inertia vibration elimination (LIVE) system having an upper end cap, a lower end cap, a spindle located between the upper end cap and the lower end cap, and an external tube connected between the upper end cap and the lower end cap.

[F16F] SPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION

Axial-seal butterfly valve
Patent No. 10550943

Inventor(s): Sridharan Soundararajan (Tiruchirappalli, , IN)
Assignee(s): Flowserve Management Company (Irving, TX)
Law Firm: Magleby, Cataxinos Greenwood, P.C. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15750458 on 08/05/2016 (1278 days app to issue)

Abstract: A valve includes a valve body having a fluid flow path extending therethrough, a valve seat located in the valve body, and a valve disc located in the fluid flow path of the valve body. The disc is rotatable between a fully open position and an intermediate position about an axis substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the disc. The disc is also translatable between the intermediate position and a fully closed position in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the disc. Such a valve may be incorporated into a fluid line of a fluid system.

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

Locking/ indexing pin
Patent No. 10550956

Inventor(s): Darrell Robert Krueger (Lawrence, KS)
Assignee(s): BNSF Railway Company (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16112380 on 08/24/2018 (529 days app to issue)

Abstract: A locking pin assembly having a body including a wall defining an interior space and having at least one aperture therethrough for allowing fluid communication between the interior space and an exterior environment. A barrel defines a bore and has an outer wall with external threads. A pin travels longitudinally within the interior space of the body and the bore of the barrel. A spring actuated assembly maintains an end of the pin in an extended position relative to an end of the barrel when no force is applied to the pin and allows the pin to retract relative to the end of the barrel when a force is applied to the pin.

[F16B] DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING (couplings for transmitting rotation F16D)

Fluid flow control devices and systems, and methods of flowing fluids therethrough
Patent No. 10550960

Inventor(s): Bradford Haines (Spanish Fork, UT), Gifford Decker (Springville, UT), Mark Haehl (Alpine, UT)
Assignee(s): Flowserve Management Company (Irving, TX)
Law Firm: Magleby, Cataxinos Greenwood, P.C. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15677980 on 08/15/2017 (903 days app to issue)

Abstract: Fluid flow control devices comprise a body including a central aperture extending along a longitudinal axis therethrough and a plurality of channels extending from an outer sidewall of the body to an inner sidewall of the body. At least one first channel may intersect at least one other channel. Fluid flow control systems, methods of forming fluid flow control devices, and methods of flowing a fluid through a fluid flow control device are also disclosed.

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

Flow control system
Patent No. 10551001

Inventor(s): Bradley Wade Fontenot (Longview, TX), Courtney Ann McCollum (Longview, TX), Paul Howison Bergthold (Longview, TX), Richard Allan Poorman (Diana, TX)
Assignee(s): J-W Power Company (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Lightfoot Alford PLLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15257869 on 09/06/2016 (1246 days app to issue)

Abstract: A compressed natural gas (CNG) refueling station system includes a compressor, a dispenser, and at least one of a valve and an orifice disposed in fluid communication between the compressor and the dispenser.

[F17C] VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES (storing fluids in natural or artificial cavities or chambers in the earth B65G 5/00; construction or assembling of bulk storage containers employing civil-engineering techniques E04H 7/00; variable-capacity gas-holders F17B; liquefaction or refrigeration machines, plants, or systems F25)

P H Y S I C S

Method and apparatus for configurable photodetector array patterning for optical encoders
Patent No. 10551223

Inventor(s): Benjamin Mak (Carrollton, TX), Bharath Mandyam (Carrollton, TX), Brent Hans Larson (Carrollton, TX), James Cusey (Carrollton, TX), Stepan Illasevitch (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): TT ELECTRONICS PLC (Carrollton, TX)
Law Firm: Haynes and Boone, LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15681182 on 08/18/2017 (900 days app to issue)

Abstract: An encoder system includes a configurable detector array, wherein the configurable detector array includes a plurality of detectors. In an embodiment, the encoder system includes an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The encoder system may also include a memory operable to store a partition map that defines a state for each of the plurality of detectors. In an embodiment, the memory includes a non-volatile memory. The encoder system may also include a controller, such as a microcontroller, operable to read from the memory the partition map and to configure the configurable detector array according to the configuration map. The encoder system may also include an emitter operable to generate a flux modulated by a motion object, wherein the configurable detector array is operable to receive the flux and generate respective current outputs for each of the detectors in response to the flux.

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

Pressure sensing using quantum molecular rotational state transitions
Patent No. 10551265

Inventor(s): Adam Joseph Fruehling (Garland, TX), Benjamin Stassen Cook (Addison, TX), Django Trombley (Dallas, TX), Juan Alejandro Herbsommer (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15698445 on 09/07/2017 (880 days app to issue)

Abstract: A pressure transducer includes a cavity, a first dipolar molecule disposed within the cavity, and a second dipolar molecule disposed within the cavity. The first dipolar molecule exhibits a quantum rotational state transition at a fixed frequency with respect to cavity pressure. The second dipolar molecule exhibits a quantum rotation state transition at a frequency that varies with cavity pressure.

[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]

Wafer with dio bidirectional lead, n dies, domains, clock leads
Patent No. 10551438

Inventor(s): Lee D. Whetsel (Parker, TX)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16228137 on 12/20/2018 (411 days app to issue)

Abstract: Testing of die on wafer is achieved by; (1) providing a tester with the capability of externally communicating JTAG test signals using simultaneously bidirectional transceiver circuitry, (2) providing die on wafer with the capability of externally communicating JTAG test signals using simultaneously bidirectional transceiver circuitry, and (3) providing a connectivity mechanism between the bidirectional transceiver circuitry”s of the tester and a selected group or all of the die on wafer for communication of the JTAG signals.

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

Calibration of inverting amplifier based impedance analyzers
Patent No. 10551469

Inventor(s): Charles Kasimer Sestok, IV (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15445762 on 02/28/2017 (1071 days app to issue)

Abstract: A circuit for measuring an impedance of a device under test (DUT). The circuit includes: (i) circuitry for generating a stimulus wave at a stimulus frequency; (ii) an amplifier circuit coupled to the DUT to present a response signal from the DUT in response to the stimulus wave; (iii) switching circuitry for selectively coupling, between the stimulus wave and an input to the amplifier, either the DUT, a first calibration impedance, or a second calibration impedance. With the switching functionality, calibrations are performed so to provide a measure of impedance of the DUT in response to the plural calibrations.

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

Wavelength division multiplexed polarization independent reflective modulators
Patent No. 10551640

Inventor(s): Xiao Shen (San Bruno, CA), Yan Cui (Sunnyvale, CA), Yangjing Wen (Cupertino, CA), Yu Sheng Bai (Los Altos Hills, CA)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Conley Rose, P.C. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15357199 on 11/21/2016 (1170 days app to issue)

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a polarization beam splitter optically coupled to a first light path and a second light path and configured to receive a CW light having a plurality of wavelengths, forward a first light beam of the CW light along the first light path, and forward a second light beam of the CW light along the second light path. A first multiplexer coupled to the first light path and configured to de-multiplex the first light beam into a first plurality of channels each corresponding to one of the plurality of wavelengths. A second multiplexer coupled to the second light path and configured to de-multiplex the second light beam into a second plurality of channels each corresponding to one of the plurality of wavelengths. A modulator coupled to the first multiplexer and the second multiplexer and configured to modulate the first plurality of channels and the second plurality of channels.

[G02F] DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS, THE OPTICAL OPERATION OF WHICH IS MODIFIED BY CHANGING THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIUM OF THE DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF THE INTENSITY, COLOUR, PHASE, POLARISATION OR DIRECTION OF LIGHT, e.g. SWITCHING, GATING, MODULATING OR DEMODULATING; TECHNIQUES OR PROCEDURES FOR THE OPERATION THEREOF; FREQUENCY-CHANGING; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS [4]

Touch sensing apparatus with dual touch sensors
Patent No. 10551659

Inventor(s): Dongtai Liu (Fremont, CA)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15708120 on 09/18/2017 (869 days app to issue)

Abstract: A touch sensing apparatus for dual (adjacent) touch buttons (areas) defined on a touch surface (such as a sidewall of a mobile communications device). The apparatus includes first and second touch sensor assemblies, each including a support structure, a mounting structure to mount the touch sensor assembly to the back-side of the surface, and a sense inductor coil disposed on one of the support structure and the mounting structure. The first touch sensor assembly mounted to the back-side of the surface opposite the first touch area. The second touch sensor assembly mounted to the back-side of the surface opposite the second touch area. The touch sensor assembly can be constructed with the sense inductor coil disposed on the support structure, such that deflection of the respective touch area causes the touch surface to deflect toward the sense inductor coil, or with the sense inductor coil is disposed on the mounting structure, such that deflection of the respective touch area causes the touch surface and the sense coil inductor to deflect toward the support structure.

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

Regulator with convertible trim assembly
Patent No. 10551855

Inventor(s): Ernesto Vasquez (Dallas, TX), Justin W. Hart (Melissa, TX), Tony A. Durant (McKinney, TX)
Assignee(s): EMERSON PROCESS MANAGEMENT REGULATOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (McKinney, TX)
Law Firm: Marshall, Gerstein Borun LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15786840 on 10/18/2017 (839 days app to issue)

Abstract: A regulator includes a body, a first cage positioned in the body, a diaphragm positioned within the body, and a second cage operatively connected to the diaphragm. The body has an inlet, an outlet, and a passage formed between the inlet and the outlet and the first cage is positioned adjacent the passage. The second cage moves with the diaphragm and is positionable on a first side of the diaphragm, opposite the first cage, or on a second side of the diaphragm such that the second cage is positioned within the first cage and is movable relative to the first cage.

[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)

Methods and apparatus for overshoot, undershoot and delay reduction of a voltage regulator output by dynamically offsetting a reference voltage
Patent No. 10551859

Inventor(s): Dattatreya Baragur Suryanarayana (Bedford, NH), Muthusubramanian Venkateswaran (Bengaluru, , IN), Preetam Tadeparthy (Bengaluru, , IN), Vikas Lakhanpal (Bengaluru, , IN), Vikram Gakhar (Bengaluru, , IN)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15596864 on 05/16/2017 (994 days app to issue)

Abstract: In a described example, a method includes using a power supply, supplying an output voltage that varies in response to a reference voltage; detecting a voltage ramp in an input reference voltage; generating an offset voltage waveform; adding the offset voltage waveform to the input reference voltage to generate a second reference voltage; and using the second reference voltage, operating the power supply to supply the output voltage.

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

Touch slider-position sensing
Patent No. 10551945

Inventor(s): Evgeny Fomin (San Carlos, CA)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15911067 on 03/02/2018 (704 days app to issue)

Abstract: Touch slider-position sensing useable with a capacitive touch sensor that includes multiple capacitive electrodes arranged to define a slider track. The touch slider-position sensing methodology includes: (a) generating a set of calibration vectors for points of the slider track; (b) determining a touch slider-position based on (i) measuring a measurement/data vector associated with the touch-press slider-location, (ii) determining an angle between the measurement/data vector and a subset of the calibration vectors, and (iii) determining touch slider-position based on the angles between the measurement data vectors and the subset of calibration vectors. The method can include performing a quadratic or higher order interpolation of the angles between the measurement/data vector and the subset of the calibration vectors.

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

Network interaction optimization
Patent No. 10552000

Inventor(s): Kulvir S. Bhogal (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): International Business Machines Corporation (Armonk, NY)
Law Firm: Schmeiser, Olsen Watts (6 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15355277 on 11/18/2016 (1173 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method and system for improving network interaction is provided. The method includes monitoring biometric attributes of a user and determining a functionality status of a mobile hardware device of the user. A cognitive state of the user is determined based on the biometric attributes of the user and selections associated with transmitting the cognitive state of the user and the functionality status of the mobile hardware device to additional hardware devices of additional users are received via a graphical user interface. A user task interaction plan is enabled based on the cognitive state of the user and the functionality status of the mobile hardware device. The cognitive state of the user, the functionality status of the mobile hardware device, and the user task interaction plan are transmitted to the additional hardware devices.

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

Storage operation queue
Patent No. 10552045

Inventor(s): Henry Zhang (Saratoga, CA), Jingwen Ouyang (Mountain View, CA)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15410746 on 01/19/2017 (1111 days app to issue)

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for queuing storage operations. An integrated circuit memory element receives a storage operation command associated with a bank of storage locations of a memory element. An integrated circuit memory element queues a storage operation command for execution on a bank of storage locations by determining a storage location in a page register for data associated with the storage operation command. A storage location in a page register includes a subset of available storage locations in the page register. An integrated circuit memory element stores data associated with a storage operation command at a determined storage location in a page register.

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

Systems and methods for data path power savings in DDR5 memory devices
Patent No. 10552066

Inventor(s): Ravi Kiran Kandikonda (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): Micron Technology, Inc. (Boise, ID)
Law Firm: Fletcher Yoder, P.C. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15693173 on 08/31/2017 (887 days app to issue)

Abstract: A memory device includes a data path having a data bus. The memory device further includes a first one-hot communications interface communicatively coupled to the data bus, and a second one-hot communications interface communicatively coupled to the data bus. The memory device additionally includes at least one memory bank, and an input/output (I/O) interface communicatively coupled to the at least one memory bank via the first one-hot communications interface and the second one-hot communications interface, wherein the first one-hot communications interface is configured to convert a first data pattern received by the I/O interface into one-hot signals transmitted via the data bus to the second one-hot communications interface, and wherein the second one-hot communications interface is configured to convert the one-hot signals into the first data pattern to be stored in the at least one memory bank.

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

Identification of volumes for thin provisioning
Patent No. 10552076

Inventor(s): Mirza S. Baig (Grand Prairie, TX)
Assignee(s): INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION (Armonk, NY)
Law Firm: Ference Associates LLC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15377614 on 12/13/2016 (1148 days app to issue)

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method, including: generating, for each of a plurality of storage volumes, an actual used storage capacity model and identifying a potential storage capacity savings using the actual used capacity model, wherein each of the plurality of storage volumes has been identified as a candidate for migration to a thin provisioned volume; generating, for each of the plurality of storage volumes, an input/output profile model and identifying a potential change in performance of an application accessing the storage volume using the input/output profile model; generating, for each of the plurality of storage volumes, a growth profile and identifying a potential change in capacity using the growth profile; and determining, using an optimization algorithm, a subset of the plurality of storage volumes to be migrated to thin provisioned volumes based upon the volume capacity model, the performance model, and the volume growth profile.

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

Vehicle audio settings management
Patent No. 10552117

Inventor(s): Devang Parekh (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Haynes and Boone, LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16156870 on 10/10/2018 (482 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method performed by a computing system includes receiving audio data from a plurality of vehicles. The audio data may include vehicle audio settings associated with a set of input parameters. The set of input parameters may include vehicle type. The method may further include analyzing the audio data to determine an audio setting trend for a subset of the plurality of vehicles. The method may further include transmitting to a destination vehicle, an audio setting profile based on the audio setting trend. The destination vehicle may be different than the plurality of vehicles. The destination vehicle may have at least one matching input parameter as the subset of the plurality of vehicles.

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

System and method for dynamic process flow control based on real-time events
Patent No. 10552121

Inventor(s): Jayaraman Ganeshmani (Plano, TX), Kissoon John Ramotar (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): Capital One Services, LLC (McLean, VA)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16405135 on 05/07/2019 (273 days app to issue)

Abstract: An exemplary process management server disclosed herein comprises a machine-learning model that may be trained to expose processes from a message stream in response to a training table. In one embodiment, one or more performance metrics of the exposed processes may be monitored to identify a process anomaly or other change in process performance, and to dynamically modify one or more process components in response thereto. Such an arrangement improves system performance, efficiency and resource utilization. For example, system performance may be improved by re-ordering process steps to minimize resource overlap. Efficiency and resource utilization may be improved by re-ordering process steps to maximize parallel processing and reduce lag times and bottlenecks.

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

On-die signal calibration
Patent No. 10552169

Inventor(s): Amandeep Kaur (Bangalore, , IN), Ravindra Arjun Madpur (Bangalore, , IN)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15708121 on 09/18/2017 (869 days app to issue)

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for on-die signal calibration. A calibration circuit on an integrated circuit device receives data from an active data path of the integrated circuit device and detects a variation in the received data from a calibration data pattern. An adjustment circuit on an integrated circuit device reduces a delay of an active data path of the integrated circuit device in response to detecting a first variation in received data. An adjustment circuit on an integrated circuit device increases a delay of an active data path of the integrated circuit device in response to detecting a second variation in received data.

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

Media balancer employing selectable evaluation source
Patent No. 10552214

Inventor(s): Darren Grant Davis (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): iHeartMedia Management Services, Inc. (San Antonio, TX)
Law Firm: Garlick Markison (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16539507 on 08/13/2019 (175 days app to issue)

Abstract: A media balancer obtains a master schedule to be used as a basis for generating target schedules, user input specifying one or more target stations for which the one or more target schedules are to be generated, and a duration delta indicating a maximum difference between runtimes of the replacement media items and the one or more scheduled media items. The media balancer selects a media scheduler to identify replacement media items to be substituted for one or more scheduled media items identified in the master schedule and transmits information associated with the duration delta to the media scheduler. The media balancer receives a list of identified replacement media items selected by the media scheduler, and generates the target schedules by replacing scheduled media items with particular replacement media items taken from the list of identified replacement media items.

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

Virtualized multicore systems with extended instruction heterogeneity
Patent No. 10552369

Inventor(s): Russell C. McKown (Richardson, TX)
Assignee(s): Open Invention Network LLC (Durham, NC)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16137527 on 09/20/2018 (502 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system on a chip may include a plurality of data plane processor cores sharing a common instruction set architecture. At least one of the data plane processor cores is specialized to perform a particular function via extensions to the otherwise common instruction set architecture. Such systems on a chip may have reduced physical complexity, cost, and time-to-market, and may provide improvements in core utilization and reductions in system power consumption.

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

Root cause analysis of performance problems
Patent No. 10552390

Inventor(s): Manish Anand (Irving, TX)
Assignee(s): International Business Machines Corporation (Armonk, NY)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15400048 on 01/06/2017 (1124 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system for analyzing performance of a computer system where at a plurality of time intervals, a set of KPIs of a database and database performance outputs are monitored. A database performance value is calculated based on the monitored KPIs and one or more database performance outputs. In response to determining the database performance value is below a first threshold, a KPI correlation coefficient is calculated. The calculated KPI correlation coefficient with the greatest value is selected as a target KPI. In response to determining that a count of functions of the target KPI meets a second threshold, a dynamic tabular representation of the determined target KPI is generated. A correlation matrix is generated based on the generated tabular representation and the plurality of time intervals and a first set of target functions are identified based on the generated correlation matrix.

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

System for performing data transformations using a set of independent software components
Patent No. 10552440

Inventor(s): Arunkumar Rajappan (Dallas, TX), Meher Ram Janyavula (Frisco, TX), Muralikumar Venkatasubramaniam (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Capital One Services, LLC (McLean, VA)
Law Firm: Greenberg Traurig, LLP (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16109106 on 08/22/2018 (531 days app to issue)

Abstract: Described is a system (and method) that provides a framework for performing data transformations, which may be part of an Extract, Transform, and Load (ETL) process. The system may perform a data transformation by creating a pipeline that executes a set of independent software components (or component, plugins, add-ons, etc.). The components may be executed as individual services (e.g., microservices) that may be provided within containers to allow the components to be deployed as self-contained units on various types of host systems including cloud-based infrastructures. In addition, to provide further flexibility for the framework, the components may be implemented using preexisting software libraries.

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

Visual monitoring of queues using auxillary devices
Patent No. 10552687

Inventor(s): Ira L. Allen (Dallas, 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: 16107333 on 08/21/2018 (532 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods and system are provided for monitoring a queue. A method includes receiving by sensors a non-visual identifier at predefined locations of a queue. Further, the method includes capturing by image capture devices images of an object possessing the non-visual identifier at the predefined locations of the queue. Further, the method includes visually tracking another object in the queue based on transformations of a predefined feature extracted from the images of the object possessing the non-visual identifier at the predefined locations.

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

Conversation branching for more efficient resolution
Patent No. 10552751

Inventor(s): Kulvir S. Bhogal (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): International Business Machines Corporation (Armonk, NY)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16180805 on 11/05/2018 (456 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for conversation branching may include storing a plurality of messages communicated in an online conversation and generating a fingerprint for each message. The fingerprint for each message may be stored in a lookup table. The method may also include detecting a new message from one of the users and processing the new message to generate an artifact that correlates to the new message. The lookup table may be queried using the artifact to determine a similarity between the new message and each of the stored messages. One or more proposed reply messages to the new message may be generated for branching the online conversation to a new conversation point that corresponds to a selected one of the one or more proposed reply messages. The one or more proposed reply messages are based on one of the stored messages that has a closest similarity to the new message.

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

Prioritizing workload
Patent No. 10552777

Inventor(s): Patricia Foley (Alvarado, TX)
Assignee(s): International Business Machines Corporation (Armonk, NY)
Law Firm: Schmeisher, Olsen Watts (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14548522 on 11/20/2014 (1902 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method and system for determining work ticket priority is provided. The method includes enabling a work ticket for a work assignment associated with an entity. The work ticket is assigned an initial priority value. Relevant data from multiple sources is associated with the work ticket and an updated priority value is requested. In response, multiple priority scores for the work ticket with respect to additional work tickets are published to an enterprise service bus (ESB) and an aggregate score for work ticket is calculated from the multiple priority scores.

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

Dynamic digital certificate updating
Patent No. 10552827

Inventor(s): Weimin Tsai (Irving, TX)
Assignee(s): Google LLC (Mountain View, CA)
Law Firm: Dority Manning, P.A. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14843551 on 09/02/2015 (1616 days app to issue)

Abstract: Providing backup digital certificates comprises an application provider, such as a digital wallet system, that obtains signed digital certificates from a certificate authority. The digital wallet system provides an application, such as a digital wallet application, to a user computing devise along with a primary digital certificate and a backup digital certificate. The user computing device utilizes the primary digital certificate to ensure a secure connection with the digital wallet system. If the primary digital certificate is compromised, the digital wallet system may communicate the backup digital certificate to the digital wallet system when a subsequent secure connection is requested. The user computing device may access the backup digital certificate and verify the provided digital certificate. The digital wallet system provides a new backup digital certificate to the user computing device, and the user computing device deletes the compromised digital certificate.

Systems and methods for discounting the price of goods and services to a consumer based on purchases made by the consumer at a plurality of merchants using a plurality of financial cards
Patent No. 10552860

Inventor(s): Brandon Logsdon (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Excentus Corporation (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14611038 on 01/30/2015 (1831 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to discounting a price of commodities to a consumer based on purchases made by the consumer with a financial card. A consumer registers with a reward program by providing information associated with a financial card to a reward program provider. The reward program provider may validate the financial card with a financial card provider (e.g., a card association), and, in response to a successful validation of the financial card, may receive, from the financial card provider, a token that may be used to identify purchases made by the consumer using the financial card, and the reward program provider may delete the financial information provided by the consumer during the registration process. The reward program provider may receive information that includes the token and indicates purchases made by the consumer and is used to determine rewards earned by the consumer.

Shadow mask generation using elevation data
Patent No. 10553020

Inventor(s): Allen Hainline (Rowlett, TX), Richard W. Ely (Lewisville, TX)
Assignee(s): Ratheon Company (Waltham, MA)
Law Firm: Schwegman Lundberg Woessner, P.A. (11 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15926285 on 03/20/2018 (686 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method can include determining, based on elevation data of a geographic region corresponding to a location at which an image was captured and a solar elevation angle at a time the image was captured, whether each pixel of the image is a shadow or a non-shadow to create a shadow mask of the image, generating an eroded shadow mask that includes the shadow mask with a specified number of pixels from a perimeter of each shadow in the shadow mask changed to respective values corresponding to non-shadows, generating a dilated shadow mask that includes the specified number of pixels in the shadow mask changed to values corresponding to shadows, and refining the shadow mask using the eroded shadow mask and the dilated shadow mask to create a refined shadow mask.

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

Using embedded electromagnetic signatures to monitor and authorize collection of printed material
Patent No. 10553049

Inventor(s): Erik Katzen (Argyle, TX)
Assignee(s): International Business Machines Corporation (Armonk, NY)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15855893 on 12/27/2017 (769 days app to issue)

Abstract: Monitoring and authorizing collection of printed media. A print task is received. A unique electromagnetic (EM) signature is generated for the received print task. Files for the print task are printed including the EM signature. Communication information is received including information exchanged between a radio frequency identification (RFID) badge associated with a user requesting access to a common printing area and a RFID reader associated with the common printing area, and information by an electromagnetic detector of a computer from the EM signature. Based on the first and second set of received communication information, an attempted collection of the printed media by the print task owner is determined. If the attempted collection is not made by the print task owner, a notification is transmitted to a computer associated with the print task owner indicating an unauthorized attempted collection of the printed media.

[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)

Building security and automation system speaker and method
Patent No. 10553089

Inventor(s): Lance Leo Dean (Colleyville, TX)
Assignee(s): Nortek Security Control LLC (Carlsbad, CA)
Law Firm: Lemaire Patent Law Firm, P.L.L.C. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15871771 on 01/15/2018 (750 days app to issue)

Abstract: A security system control panel or home automation control panel including an end-user replaceable cellular telephony module that is removable from the control panel without disassembling the control panel. The cellular module includes a body, a cellular telephony circuit coupled to the body, a cellular telephony antenna coupled to the body and the cellular telephony circuit, and a first connector coupled to the cellular telephony circuit and the body, wherein the first connector is sized and shaped or otherwise configured to be removably engaged by the end-user with a second connector in the control panel.

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

System and method for determining lane occupancy of surrounding vehicles
Patent No. 10553117

Inventor(s): Christopher J. Smalley (Canton, MI), Miles J. Johnson (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: 16181913 on 11/06/2018 (455 days app to issue)

Abstract: System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to determining whether lanes in a surrounding environment of an ego vehicle are occupied. In one embodiment, a method includes, in response to detecting a surrounding vehicle from sensor data acquired about the surrounding environment by the ego vehicle, updating a vehicle track for the surrounding vehicle in relation to the ego vehicle. The method includes computing a position probability indicating a probable lateral position of the surrounding vehicle in relation to the ego vehicle as a function of the vehicle track. The method includes generating an occupancy indicator specifying which of the lanes the surrounding vehicle is occupying according to the position probability satisfying an occupancy threshold for a respective one of the lanes.

[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]

Non-volatile memory with countermeasure for select gate disturb
Patent No. 10553298

Inventor(s): Deepanshu Dutta (Fremont, CA), Dengtao Zhao (Santa Clara, CA)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16047599 on 07/27/2018 (557 days app to issue)

Abstract: Program disturb is a condition that includes the unintended programming while performing a programming process for other memory cells. Such unintended programming can cause an error in the data being stored. In some cases, program disturb can result from electrons trapped in the channel being accelerated from one side of a dummy word line to another side of the dummy word line and redirected into a select gate. To prevent such program disturb, it is proposed to open the channel from one side of the dummy word line to the other side of the dummy word line after a sensing operation for program verify and prior to a subsequent programming voltage being applied. For example, the channel can be opened up by applying a voltage to the dummy word line prior to pre-charging unselected memory cells.

[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)

Dynamic read table block filter
Patent No. 10553301

Inventor(s): Aneesh Puthoor (Bangalore, , IN), Arun Thandapani (Bangalore, , IN), Dharmaraju Marenahally Krishna (Bengaluru, , IN), Divya Prasad (Bengaluru, , IN), Narayan K (Bangalore, , IN), Piyush Dhotre (Bengaluru, , IN), Sateesh Desireddi (K
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15677874 on 08/15/2017 (903 days app to issue)

Abstract: Non-volatile memory and processes for reprogramming data posing a potential reliability concern are provided. A process is provided for distinguishing between cross-temperature effects and read disturb effects as part of determining whether to perform a maintenance operation such as reprogramming. A process is provided that compensates for cross-temperature effects while testing to determine whether to perform a maintenance operation. Applying temperature compensation attempts to remove cross-temperature effects so that testing accurately detects whether read disturb has occurred, without the effects of temperature. By reducing cross-temperature effects, maintenance operations can be more accurately scheduled for memory that has experienced read disturb, as opposed to cross-temperature effects.

Three state buffer, another buffer coupled to ends of tsv
Patent No. 10553509

Inventor(s): Lee D. Whetsel (Parker, TX)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16019848 on 06/27/2018 (587 days app to issue)

Abstract: The disclosure describes a novel method and apparatus for testing different types of TSVs in a single die or different types of TSV connections in a stack of die. The testing is facilitated by test circuitry associated with each type of TSV. The test circuitry includes a scan cell adapted for testing TSVs.

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

Spin orbit torque magnetoresistive random access memory containing shielding element and method of making thereof
Patent No. 10553783

Inventor(s): Jeffrey Lille (Sunnyvale, CA)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: The Marbury Law Group PLLC (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16024490 on 06/29/2018 (585 days app to issue)

Abstract: A Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory (MRAM) assembly includes a substrate, a plurality of MRAM cells, a plurality of bit lines, each bit line magnetically coupled to one of the plurality of MRAM cells, a plurality of word lines, each word line magnetically coupled to one of the plurality of MRAM cells, a first planar ferromagnetic shielding component located vertically above the substrate such that the plurality of bit lines and the plurality of word lines are located between the first planar ferromagnetic shielding component and the substrate, and a first insulating layer located between the first ferromagnetic shielding component and one of the bit lines or word lines such that the bit lines or word lines are not electrically connected to the first ferromagnetic shielding component.

Control method for buck-boost power converters
Patent No. 10554130

Inventor(s): Daoshen Chen (Allen, TX), Dianbo Fu (Frisco, TX), Heping Dai (Plano, TX), Jinbo Huang (Guangzhou, , CN), Liming Ye (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Slater Matsil, LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16212943 on 12/07/2018 (424 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method includes generating a first ramp signal for controlling a first portion of a converter, generating a second ramp signal for controlling a second portion of the converter, controlling a state of a first switch of the first portion through comparing the first ramp signal to a control signal and a state of a first switch of the second portion through comparing the second ramp signal to the control signal and determining a switching cycle of the converter through comparing a current flowing through an inductor of the converter to a threshold.

ADC bit allocation under bit constrained MU-massive MIMO systems
Patent No. 10554335

Inventor(s): Alan Gatherer (Richardson, TX), Jinseok Choi (Austin, TX)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Schwegman Lundberg Woessner, P.A. (11 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15720743 on 09/29/2017 (858 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method includes determining an error vector magnitude for analog signals received by multiple antennas in an array of antennas of a base station, assigning quantization bits to a plurality of analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) of the base station such that some ADCs have different numbers of quantization bits allocated from a fixed total number of available quantization bits of the base station, and applying the analog signals to the ADCs with quantization bits assigned to reduce the error vector magnitude of the analog signals.

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

Hash-based overlay routing architecture for information centric networks
Patent No. 10554555

Inventor(s): Aytac Azgin (Santa Clara, CA), Ravishankar Ravindran (San Ramon, CA)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Conley Rose, P.C. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15910811 on 03/02/2018 (704 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method implemented in a network element (NE) configured to operate in an information centric network (ICN), the method comprises creating, by a processor of the NE, a minimum spanning tree for an overlay cluster to which the NE is assigned within a host domain, wherein the minimum spanning tree comprises a root corresponding to the NE and a plurality of member nodes assigned to the overlay cluster, and broadcasting, by a transmitter coupled to the processor, a hash cluster setup (HCS) message to the member nodes, wherein the HCS message comprises source path routing information for the overlay cluster and hop limit values corresponding to distances within the ICN between the NE and each of the member nodes.

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

Message management and conversation processing application
Patent No. 10554589

Inventor(s): David Gerard Ledet (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): OPEN INVENTION NETWORK LLC (Durham, NC)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 14813965 on 07/30/2015 (1650 days app to issue)

Abstract: Identifying user input data on a mobile user device may provide a way to predict the types of questions and actions a user will take and offer information contemporaneously with such actions. One example method of operation includes identifying a computer hosted conversation with at least one user submitting conversational statements, parsing the conversational statements to identify at least one item of interest, retrieving a source of information corresponding to the item of interest and automatically creating a response statement including the item of interest.

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

Message management and message modification application
Patent No. 10554597

Inventor(s): David Gerard Ledet (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): OPEN INVENTION NETWORK LLC (Durham, NC)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16261493 on 01/29/2019 (371 days app to issue)

Abstract: Identifying messages transferred to and from a mobile user device may provide a way to monitor message transfers. One example method of operation includes receiving a message from a user device, processing the message to identify message content, determining whether the message should be modified based on the message content, and determining whether the message should be transmitted to its intended destination based on the message content.

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

Message-based keyword, phrase, and object processor and resource allocator
Patent No. 10554606

Inventor(s): David Gerard Ledet (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): Open Invention Network LLC (Durham, NC)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 14838124 on 08/27/2015 (1622 days app to issue)

Abstract: Message-based keyword, phrase, and/or object processing and resource allocation may perform functionality related to the message data, such as keywords, phrases, and/or objects (e.g., images, video, etc.). Based on the keywords, phrases, and/or objects, emails may be modified, project plans may be updated, calendar events may be created, and/or various notifications may be sent to allocate and notify human resources accordingly.

Browser application selection and navigation operations in a co-browsing environment
Patent No. 10554697

Inventor(s): David Gerard Ledet (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): OPEN INVENTION NETWORK LLC (Durham, NC)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15181797 on 06/14/2016 (1330 days app to issue)

Abstract: Sharing data with various user devices may be performed by receiving a request from a first user device to connect to a live web page collaboration application managed by a proxy server, identifying a first user profile associated with the first user device and a list of corresponding functions assigned to the first user device via the first user profile, creating a session for the first user device to access the live web page on a master page hosted by the proxy server, and storing browser status commands received from the first user device in the first user profile.

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

Notifying online conference participant of presenting previously identified portion of content
Patent No. 10554703

Inventor(s): Kulvir Singh Bhogal (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): International Business Machines Corporation (Armonk, NY)
Law Firm: Heslin Rothenberg Farley Mesiti PC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14821243 on 08/07/2015 (1642 days app to issue)

Abstract: In a method for notifying a participant of an online conference of when a portion of content will be presented during the online conference, a computer receives at least one data item identifying the portion of content. The computer determines an estimate of a time at which the portion of content will be presented and the level of confidence in the accuracy of the estimate. The computer transmits a user notification including the estimate of the time at which the portion of content will be presented and the level of confidence in the accuracy of the estimate.

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

Dynamic allocation of a workload across a plurality of clouds
Patent No. 10554740

Inventor(s): Bret A. Bailey (Flower Mound, TX), Joseph E. Hackett (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION (Armonk, NY)
Law Firm: Cuenot, Forsythe Kim, LLC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14706602 on 05/07/2015 (1734 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method of allocating cloud resources. A user interface can be presented to a user. The user interface can be configured to receive a user selection of a change of context for at least one of a plurality of workloads allocated to at least one cloud. Responsive to receiving the user selection of the change of context for the workload, via a processor, a service level agreement applicable to the workload can be dynamically changed from a first service level agreement to a second service level agreement, while the workload remains in an available state.

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

Intelligent programmable policies for network functions
Patent No. 10554765

Inventor(s): Anuj Dutia (Irving, TX), Manish Srivastava (Frisco, TX), Ramesh Nadella (Allen, TX), Sivanaga Ravi Kumar Chunduru Venkata (Irving, TX), Susmitha Hymasree Pulakhandam (Irving, TX)
Assignee(s): Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc. (Basking Ridge, NJ)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16017592 on 06/25/2018 (589 days app to issue)

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein provide unified policy management framework network functions in enterprise networks. The systems and methods store an abstract micro-service template configured from predefined configuration elements; receive descriptive information for a vendor-specific micro-service that corresponds to the abstract micro-service template; solicit first customer labels for at least some of the predefined configuration elements associated with a group of users for a micro-service on a customer network; solicit second customer labels for other of the predefined configuration elements associated with applications used on the customer network; generate a vendor-agnostic micro-service template using the first customer labels, the second customer labels, and the abstract micro-service template; convert, based on the descriptive information, the vendor-agnostic micro-service template into a vendor-specific micro-service template for the customer; and generate, based on the vendor-specific micro-service template, a network policy for enforcement across multiple sites of the customer network.

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

Apparatus and method for generating low-light images with improved bokeh using mobile electronic device
Patent No. 10554890

Inventor(s): Hamid R. Sheikh (Allen, TX), John W. Glotzbach (Allen, TX), Long N. Le (Richardson, TX), Michael O. Polley (Garland, TX)
Assignee(s): Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (Suwon-si, , KR)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16278581 on 02/18/2019 (351 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method includes capturing multiple pairs of images of a scene at different exposures using at least one camera of an electronic device. Each pair of images includes (i) an ambient image of the scene captured without using a flash of the electronic device and (ii) a flash image of the scene captured using the flash of the electronic device. The method also includes rendering a final image of the scene with a bokeh that is determined using the multiple pairs of images. One of the ambient images or the flash images are captured in order of increasing exposure time, and the other of the ambient images or the flash images are captured in order of decreasing exposure time. The method may also include estimating a depth map associated with the scene using the pairs of images, where the bokeh is based on the depth map.

[G03B] APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR (optical parts of such apparatus G02B; photosensitive materials or processes for photographic purposes G03C; apparatus for processing exposed photographic materials G03D) [4]

E L E C T R I C I T Y

Method for providing lateral thermal processing of thin films on low-temperature substrates
Patent No. 10553450

Inventor(s): Kurt A. Schroder (Coupland, TX), Robert P. Wenz (Austin, TX)
Assignee(s): NCC NANO, LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Russell Ng PLLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14635729 on 03/02/2015 (1800 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for thermally processing a minimally absorbing thin film in a selective manner is disclosed. Two closely spaced absorbing traces are patterned in thermal contact with the thin film. A pulsed radiant source is used to heat the two absorbing traces, and the thin film is thermally processed via conduction between the two absorbing traces. This method can be utilized to fabricate a thin film transistor (TFT) in which the thin film is a semiconductor and the absorbers are the source and the drain of the TFT.

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

Methods and devices for enhancing mobility of charge carriers
Patent No. 10553497

Inventor(s): Chengyu Niu (Niskayuna, NY), Heng Yang (Fishkill, NY), John H. Zhang (Altamont, NY)
Assignee(s): STMICROELECTRONICS, INC. (Coppell, TX)
Law Firm: Seed Intellectual Property Law Group LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15276516 on 09/26/2016 (1226 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods and devices for enhancing mobility of charge carriers. An integrated circuit may include semiconductor devices of two types. The first type of device may include a metallic gate and a channel strained in a first manner. The second type of device may include a metallic gate and a channel strained in a second manner. The gates may include, collectively, three or fewer metallic materials. The gates may share a same metallic material. A method of forming the semiconductor devices on an integrated circuit may include depositing first and second metallic layers in first and second regions of the integrated circuit corresponding to the first and second gates, respectively.

Inspection of substrates
Patent No. 10553504

Inventor(s): John Thornell (McKinney, TX), Wu Y. Han (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Rudolph Technologies, Inc. (Wilmington, MA)
Law Firm: Larkin Hoffman Daly Lindgren, Ltd. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15933366 on 03/22/2018 (684 days app to issue)

Abstract: Concepts presented herein relate to approaches for performing substrate inspection. In one aspect, the concepts relate to detecting anomalies or candidate defects on the substrate based on contrast in images obtained of the substrate.

Interconnects containing serpentine line structures for three-dimensional memory devices and methods of making the same
Patent No. 10553537

Inventor(s): Chenche Huang (Campbell, CA), Chun-Ming Wang (Fremont, CA), Vincent Shih (San Jose, CA), Yuji Takahashi (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: 15898544 on 02/17/2018 (717 days app to issue)

Abstract: A device structure includes an array of semiconductor devices located in an array region over a substrate, metal lines laterally extending from the device region to a peripheral interconnection region, and interconnect via structures located in the peripheral interconnection region, and contacting a portion of a respective one of the plurality of metal lines. The metal lines include a first metal line and a second metal line each having a serpentine region which contacts a respective interconnect via structure.

Self-assembly of semiconductor die onto a leadframe using magnetic fields
Patent No. 10553573

Inventor(s): Benjamin Stassen Cook (Addison, TX), Daniel Lee Revier (Addison, TX), Steven Alfred Kummerl (Carrollton, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15693985 on 09/01/2017 (886 days app to issue)

Abstract: Integrated circuits may be assembled by placing a batch of integrated circuit (IC) die on a leadframe. Each of the IC die includes a magnetically responsive structure that may be an inherent part of the IC die or may be explicitly added. The IC die are then agitated to cause the IC die to move around on the leadframe. The IC die are captured in specific locations on the leadframe by an array of magnetic domains that produce a magnetic response from the plurality of IC die. The magnetic domains may be formed on the lead frame, or may be provided by a magnetic chuck positioned adjacent the leadframe.

Select gate self-aligned patterning in split-gate flash memory cell
Patent No. 10553596

Inventor(s): Douglas Tad Grider, III (McKinney, TX), John MacPeak (Garland, TX), Xiangzheng Bo (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15971159 on 05/04/2018 (641 days app to issue)

Abstract: A split-gate flash memory cell (cell) that can be formed by a method including self-aligned patterning for the select gates includes a semiconductor surface. A first control gate (CG) on a first floating gate (FG) and a second CG on a second FG are on the semiconductor surface. A common source/drain is between the first and second FG. A first select gate and a second select gate are on a select gate dielectric layer that is between a first BL source/drain in the semiconductor surface and the first FG and between a second BL source/drain and the second FG, respectively. The first select gate and the second select gate are spacer-shaped.

Three-dimensional memory device containing drain select isolation structures and on-pitch channels and methods of making the same without an etch stop layer
Patent No. 10553599

Inventor(s): Michiaki Sano (Ichinomiya, , JP), Mitsuteru Mushiga (Kuwana, , JP), Zhen Chen (Yokkaichi, , JP)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: The Marbury Law Group PLLC (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16142875 on 09/26/2018 (496 days app to issue)

Abstract: A three-dimensional memory device includes an alternating stack of insulating layers and electrically conductive layers located over a substrate, memory openings vertically extending through the alternating stack, and memory opening fill structures located in the memory openings and including a respective memory-level semiconductor channel and a respective memory film. Drain-select-level gate electrodes overlie the alternating stack. Drain-select-level pillar structures extend through a respective one of the drain-select-level gate electrodes. Each drain-select-level semiconductor channel is electrically connected to an underlying one of the memory-level semiconductor channels. A planar insulating spacer layer having a homogeneous composition throughout directly contacts top surfaces of the memory films and bottom surfaces of the drain-select-level gate electrodes.

Methods and apparatus for three-dimensional non-volatile memory
Patent No. 10553647

Inventor(s): Bruce D. Terris (Sunnyvale, CA), Derek Stewart (Livermore, CA), Michael K. Grobis (Campbell, CA)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16021804 on 06/28/2018 (586 days app to issue)

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a bit line above a substrate, a word line above the substrate, and a non-volatile memory cell between the bit line and the word line. The non-volatile memory cell includes a reversible resistance-switching memory element coupled in series with an isolation element. The isolation element includes a first selector element coupled in series with a second selector element. The first selector element includes a first snapback current, and the second selector element includes a second snapback current lower than the first snapback current.

Medium voltage MOSFET device
Patent No. 10553717

Inventor(s): Christopher Boguslaw Kocon (Mountain Top, PA), Hideaki Kawahara (Plano, TX), John Manning Savidge Neilson (Norristown, PA), Satoshi Suzuki (Ushiku Ibaraki, , JP), Simon John Molloy (Allentown, PA)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15138955 on 04/26/2016 (1379 days app to issue)

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a medium voltage MOSFET having a vertical drain drift region between RESURF trenches containing field plates which are electrically coupled to a source electrode of the MOSFET. A split gate with a central opening is disposed above the drain drift region between the RESURF trenches. A two-level LDD region is disposed below the central opening in the split gate. A contact metal stack makes contact with a source region at lateral sides of the triple contact structure, and with a body contact region and the field plates in the RESURF trenches at a bottom surface of the triple contact structure. A perimeter RESURF trench surrounds the MOSFET. A field plate in the perimeter RESURF trench is electrically coupled to the source electrode of the MOSFET. An integrated snubber may be formed in trenches formed concurrently with the RESURF trenches.

Passive magnetic devices
Patent No. 10553782

Inventor(s): Andrew Arthur Ketterson (Dallas, TX), Xing Gu (Allen, TX), Yongjie Cui (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Qorvo US, Inc. (Greensboro, NC)
Law Firm: Withrop Terranova, P.L.L.C. (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15901142 on 02/21/2018 (713 days app to issue)

Abstract: A passive magnetic device (PMD) has a base electrode, a multi-port signal structure (MPSS), and a substrate therebetween. The MPSS has a central plate residing in a second plane and at least two port tabs spaced apart from one another and extending from the central plate. The substrate has a central portion that defines a mesh structure between the base electrode and the central plate of the multi-port signal structure. A plurality of magnetic pillars are provided within the mesh structure, wherein each of the plurality of the magnetic pillars are spaced apart from one another and surrounded by a corresponding portion of the mesh structure. The PMD may provide a magnetically self-biased device that may be used as a radio frequency (RF) circulator, an RF isolator, and the like.

Well-based vertical Hall element with enhanced magnetic sensitivity
Patent No. 10553784

Inventor(s): Iouri Mirgorodski (Sunnyvale, CA), Keith Ryan Green (Prosper, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16147007 on 09/28/2018 (494 days app to issue)

Abstract: A vertical Hall element and method of fabricating are disclosed. The method includes forming a buried region having a first conductivity type in a substrate having a second conductivity type and implanting a dopant of the first conductivity type into a well region between the top surface of the substrate and the buried region. The buried region has a doping concentration increasing with an increasing depth from a top surface of the substrate and the well region has a doping concentration decreasing from the top surface of the substrate to the buried region. The method includes forming first through fifth contacts on the well region. First and second contacts define a conductive path and second and third contacts define another conductive path through the well region. The fourth contact is formed between first and second contacts and the fifth contact is formed between second and third contacts.

Method and apparatus for controlling solar power systems
Patent No. 10554050

Inventor(s): Dianbo Fu (Frisco, TX), Heping Dai (Plano, TX), Huibin Zhu (Plano, TX), Xiaolin Mao (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Slater Matsil, LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15493796 on 04/21/2017 (1019 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method comprises operating a plurality of power optimizers connected in series between two input terminals of an inverter, wherein the plurality of power optimizers are connected to a plurality of solar panels to form a plurality of power modules connected in series, measuring operation parameters of the plurality of the solar panels, calculating a maximum power flow of each solar panel based upon the measuring, determining a mode transition range based upon the maximum power flows of the plurality of solar panels and configuring a first power optimizer to operate in a pass-through mode if a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) current of a first solar panel connected to the first power optimizer is within the mode transition range.

[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)

Harmonic reduction apparatus for wireless power transfer systems
Patent No. 10554115

Inventor(s): Hengchun Mao (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): NuVolta Technologies, Inc. (Milpitas, CA)
Law Firm: Slater Matsil, LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15933518 on 03/23/2018 (683 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system comprises a soft-start circuit connected between an input dc source and a switch network comprising a plurality of power switches, a primary resonant tank coupled to the plurality of power switches, wherein the primary resonant tank comprises at least a resonant capacitor and a transmitter coil coupled to the primary resonant tank, wherein the transmitter coil is configured to be magnetically coupled to a receiver coil.

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

Multi-level boost converter
Patent No. 10554128

Inventor(s): Bo Yu (Shanghai, , CN), Dianbo Fu (Frisco, TX), Jinxiang Zhan (Shanghai, , CN)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15863002 on 01/05/2018 (760 days app to issue)

Abstract: A DC to DC converter uses a multi-level boost converter topology. In addition to the input voltage being connected to an output node through a boost inductor in series with a pair of diodes, a bridge circuit generates a multi-level waveform on one side of flying capacitor, which is on the other side connected between the series connected diodes. The boost converter topology maintains low voltage stress on its components under abnormal conditions on the output node and allows for simple pre-charging of the flying capacitor.

[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]

Adaptive burst generation for use with a DC-output converter
Patent No. 10554133

Inventor(s): Bing Lu (Bedford, NH), Pei-Hsin Liu (Westford, MA)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16276075 on 02/14/2019 (355 days app to issue)

Abstract: These teachings apply with respect to a direct current (DC)-output converter and provide for adjusting a number of switching pulses per burst cycle as a function, at least in part, of converter output loading. This adjustment can be made by controlling burst frequency with respect to at least one predetermined threshold frequency. The predetermined threshold frequency can comprise a non-audible frequency such that the number of switching pulses is adjusted to prevent the burst frequency from itself constituting an audible signal. The adjustment of the number of switching pulses per burst cycle may only occur when the output loading is less than a predetermined level of loading. These teachings may also provide for clamping the pulse frequency for the pulses in each burst package to a particular value when dynamically controlling the number of pulses in each burst package. The aforementioned particular value may constitute, for example, a highest available switching frequency.

Parallel hybrid converter apparatus and method
Patent No. 10554141

Inventor(s): Daoshen Chen (Allen, TX), Dianbo Fu (Frisco, TX), Heping Dai (Plano, TX), Liming Ye (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Slater Matsil, LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15477504 on 04/03/2017 (1037 days app to issue)

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an isolated power converter coupled to an input dc power source, wherein the isolated power converter comprises a first switch network coupled to a first transformer winding and a second switch network coupled to a second transformer winding and a non-isolated power converter coupled to the second switch network of the isolated power converter, wherein a current flowing through the non-isolated power converter is a fraction of a current flowing through the isolated power converter.

Self-powered piezoelectric energy harvesting microsystem
Patent No. 10554152

Inventor(s): Cuiling Gong (Dallas, TX), Jianbai Jenn Wang (Mountain View, CA)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15627587 on 06/20/2017 (959 days app to issue)

Abstract: A self-powered piezoelectric energy harvesting microsystem device has CMOS integrated circuit elements, contacts and interconnections formed at a proof mass portion of a die region of a semiconductor wafer. Piezoelectric energy harvesting unit components connected to the integrated circuit elements are formed at a thinned beam portion of the die region that connects the proof mass portion for vibration relative to a surrounding anchor frame portion. A battery provided on the proof mass portion connects to the integrated circuit elements. In a cantilever architectural example, the battery is advantageously located at a distal end of the proof mass portion, opposite the joinder with frame portion via the beam portion.

Peak detection methods, apparatus, and circuits
Patent No. 10554200

Inventor(s): Antonio Amoroso (Tremestieri Etneo, , IT), Maxim James Franke (Dallas, TX), Michael Ryan Hanschke (Dallas, TX), Rosario Stracquadaini (San Gregorio di Catania, , IT)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16214770 on 12/10/2018 (421 days app to issue)

Abstract: Peak detection methods, apparatus, and circuits are disclosed. An example peak detector includes a first peak-hold circuit having a first input terminal and a first output terminal, the first peak-hold circuit to determine a first peak of a rectified input voltage at the first input terminal during a first time interval, and to track a second peak of the rectified input voltage during a second time interval, the second time interval distinct from the first time interval, and a second peak-hold circuit having a second input terminal and a second output terminal, the second peak-hold circuit to determine, during the second time interval, a greater of the first peak and the second peak, the first output terminal coupled to the second input terminal, the greater of the first peak and the second peak output at the second output terminal.

Radio frequency detection circuit
Patent No. 10554203

Inventor(s): Abidur Md Rahman (Richardson, TX), Eung Jung Kim (Allen, TX), Sualp Aras (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16206317 on 11/30/2018 (431 days app to issue)

Abstract: In some examples, the disclosure includes a circuit including a power field effect transistor (FET), a gate pull-down circuit, a pull-down bias circuit, and a radio frequency (RF) detector coupled to the source terminal of the power FET and the pull-down bias circuit. In an example, the RF detector circuit is configured to detect a presence of an alternating current signal at a source terminal of the power FET when the power FET is in a non-conductive state and control the pull-down bias circuit to bias the gate pull-down circuit to create a low impedance path between a gate terminal of the power FET and the source terminal of the power FET when the power FET is in the non-conductive state and the alternating current signal is present at the source terminal of the power FET.

[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]

LLC converter with wake-up circuitry
Patent No. 10554205

Inventor(s): Antony E. Brinlee (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): FLEXTRONICS AP, LLC (San Jose, CA)
Law Firm: Volpe and Koenig, P.C. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16290051 on 03/01/2019 (340 days app to issue)

Abstract: A circuit arrangement is disclosed for controlling the switching of a field effect transistor (FET). A current controlled amplifier may be configured to amplify a current in a current sense device to generate an amplified current, wherein the current in the current sense device indicates a current through the FET. A comparator may be coupled to the current sense amplifier to compare a voltage corresponding to the amplified current with a voltage reference and to generate a comparator output based on the comparison, wherein the comparator output controls whether the FET is on or off.

System and method for reducing pilot signal contamination using orthogonal pilot signals
Patent No. 10554264

Inventor(s): Solyman Ashrafi (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): NXGN Partners IP, LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16278784 on 02/19/2019 (350 days app to issue)

Abstract: A communications system includes a plurality of transmitting units that each generate a pilot signal modulated using quantum level overlay modulation to apply at least one orthogonal function to the pilot signal and transmit the modulated pilot signal from the transmitting unit over a pilot channel. A base station unit including a MIMO receiver for receiving the pilot signals over the pilot channels from the plurality of transmitting units, demodulating the modulated pilot signals using the quantum level overlay modulation to remove the at least one orthogonal function from the pilot signals and outputting the demodulated pilot signal. The at least one orthogonal function applied to the pilot signals are orthogonal to each other and substantially reduces pilot channel contamination between the pilot channels.

[H04B] TRANSMISSION [4]

Device, network, and method for CSI feedback of hybrid beamforming
Patent No. 10554280

Inventor(s): Jialing Liu (Palatine, IL), Qian Cheng (Aurora, IL), Weimin Xiao (Hoffman Estates, IL)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Schwegman Lundberg Woessner, P.A. (11 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15139674 on 04/27/2016 (1378 days app to issue)

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided to provide for Channel State Information (CSI) feedback of hybrid beamforming. In a first example embodiment, a method for signaling a beamforming reference signal (BFRS) is provided. A resource block is created for the BFRS, the resource block containing a plurality of resource elements, each resource element defined by a time-frequency resource within one subcarrier and one multiplexing symbol. A total number of analog transmit beams for the BFRS is then determined, along with grouping information for the analog transmit beams for the BFRS. Then, the resource block, the total number of analog beams, and the grouping information are transmitted from a first network controller to a user equipment (UE). Then the BFRS is transmitted from the first network controller to the UE.

[H04B] TRANSMISSION [4]

Authorized data sharing using smart contracts
Patent No. 10554406

Inventor(s): Qiaochu Tang (The Colony, TX)
Assignee(s): Capital One Services, LLC (McLean, VA)
Law Firm: Banner Witcoff, Ltd. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16431409 on 06/04/2019 (245 days app to issue)

Abstract: Systems as described herein may include authorizing the sharing of data and sharing data between a variety of systems. A request to share data may be provided to a first system. The system may create sharing session data using smart contracts executed by a distributed network system. Sharing session data may be stored using a smart contract. A second system may obtain the sharing session data and verify the sharing session based on the execution of the smart contract. On verification of the sharing session, a variety of data may be shared between the systems identified in the sharing session data. The sharing session data may be established between two systems and/or a number of systems. Smart contracts may provide a variety of functions for authorizing the sharing of data between systems. Additionally, encrypted data may be stored and/or obtained using a smart contract.

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

Sandbox based internet isolation in an untrusted network
Patent No. 10554475

Inventor(s): Charles King (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (Melbourne, FL)
Law Firm: Condo Roccia Koptiw LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15637951 on 06/29/2017 (950 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for a sandbox based internet isolation in an untrusted network. A host computer system may include a host-based firewall, an operating system, a first memory space, and a second memory space. The host-based firewall may be configured to prevent unauthorized communication between the trusted host computer system and one or more other devices on an untrusted LAN and/or the Internet. The second memory space may be configured to enable storage and/or operation of one or more applications and/or processes associated with a sandboxed computing environment. The host computer system may include a sandbox firewall that enforces separation of the first and second memory spaces.

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

Method and apparatus for providing trouble isolation via a network
Patent No. 10554478

Inventor(s): Brian Heard (Mckinney, TX)
Assignee(s): ATT Intellectual Property I, L.P. (Atlanta, GA), ATT Mobility II LLC (Atlanta, GA)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15227451 on 08/03/2016 (1280 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing trouble isolation are disclosed. For example, the method monitors a plurality of sessions for a user group for detecting an abnormal cause code associated with the user group, determines a root cause for the abnormal cause code when a deviation is determined to have occurred for the cause code of the user group, wherein the root cause identifies either an issue associated with the communications network or an issue associated with user endpoint devices of the user group, and generates a ticket indicating the root cause.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Modeling access networks as trees in software-defined network controllers
Patent No. 10554500

Inventor(s): Jingjing Zhang (Plano, TX), Liurong Qian (Plano, TX), Wei Wei (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15725035 on 10/04/2017 (853 days app to issue)

Abstract: A network model is provided for modeling the nodes in networks such as access networks having a tree topology. Using the model, a network description can be generated that includes a node description for each node in the access network. A node description for a node includes an extra field to define child nodes relative to a modeled node. The node description also includes an extra field to describe a link from a modeled node to an upstream node. The connecting links and intermediate nodes of access nodes are exposed and can be manipulated. By providing a node description with child and link fields, a separate link data store can be avoided.

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

Enforcing parameters for quality of data link service at a future time
Patent No. 10554531

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: 15891345 on 02/07/2018 (727 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method is provided for enforcing quality of service parameters. A gateway receives a request for data usage from a mobile device. The gateway sends, to a controller, inquiry for allowed bit rate. Upon receiving a first bit rate value, the gateway sends, to a charging system, request for quota. In response to receiving the quota, the gateway provides data to the mobile device based on the first bit rate value. The gateway provides data to the mobile device until the quota is exhausted. Once a data usage threshold is reached, the gateway receives, from the controller, a second bit rate value. In response to receiving the second bit rate value, the gateway provides data to the mobile device based on the second bit rate value, until an activation-time is reached. When the activation-time is reached, the gateway resets the allowed bit rate to the first bit rate value.

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

Partially deferred packet access
Patent No. 10554548

Inventor(s): Yunsong Lu (Mountain View, CA)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Schwegman Lundberg Woessner, P.A. (11 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15199373 on 06/30/2016 (1314 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method includes an interconnect performing a partial direct memory access of a packet to obtain packet header data of a packet header, using the packet header data to generate a packet forwarding decision identifying a packet destination address, and initiating a direct memory access of a packet payload to the packet destination address.

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

Method to optimize mapping for multiple locations of a device in mobility
Patent No. 10554551

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: 15726010 on 10/05/2017 (852 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method implemented by a sending host implemented as a network element (NE) comprises receiving, by a receiver of the sending host, a set of locators from a distributed mapping system, each of the locators in the set of locators being an address associated with the receiving host, storing, in a memory of the sending host, the set of locators in an entry of a local identifier (ID)-to-locator database in association with an ID of the receiving host, transmitting, by a transmitter of the sending host, a plurality of packets to a plurality of endpoint routers (xTRs), each of the xTRs associated with each of the locators in the set of locators, and receiving, by the receiver of the sending host, a response from one of the xTRs in response to sending the plurality of packets to the plurality of xTRs, a locator associated with the one of the xTRs being an address of a current location of the receiving host.

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

Method and apparatus for management of communication conferencing
Patent No. 10554700

Inventor(s): Steven M. Belz (Sunnyvale, TX)
Assignee(s): ATT Intellectual Property I, L.P. (Atlanta, GA), ATT Mobility II LLC (Atlanta, GA)
Law Firm: Guntin Gust, PLC (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14817672 on 08/04/2015 (1645 days app to issue)

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, detecting another communication device during a communication session, adjusting without interruption the communication session to add the other communication device responsive to a determination according to conferencing information that the other communication device is authorized to join in the communication session, and controlling access by the other communication device to the communication session according to user input. Other embodiments are disclosed.

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

Cell phone having enhanced silent notification mode
Patent No. 10554806

Inventor(s): Lawrence R. Youst (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Lawrence Youst PLLC (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15877389 on 01/23/2018 (742 days app to issue)

Abstract: A wireless communications device includes a memory adapted to maintain profiles relating to user contacts, an output device operable to emit audible notifications responsive to incoming communications, at least one input device operable to receive a user selection of a silent notification mode of the device and a user selection of a silent mode disabled setting associated with the profiles and a processor coupled to the memory, the output device and the at least one input device. When the device is in the silent notification mode, audible notifications are not emitted from the output device responsive to incoming communications from the user contacts having profiles without the silent mode disabled and audible notifications are emitted from the output device responsive to incoming communications from the user contacts having profiles with the silent mode disabled.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Methods, systems, and products for social alerts
Patent No. 10554808

Inventor(s): Steven M. Belz (Sunnyvale, TX)
Assignee(s): ATT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P. (Atlanta, GA)
Law Firm: Scott P. Zimmerman, PLLC (6 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15488593 on 04/17/2017 (1023 days app to issue)

Abstract: Alerts are processed based on social networks. A person”s contact information, as an example, may be associated with a social network. Each different social network may also have its own custom ringtone or other alert. Calls, texts, and other electronic messages may thus processed with the alert of the social network.

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

Location-based services for controlled-environment facilities
Patent No. 10554809

Inventor(s): Adam C. Edwards (Fort Worth, TX), Russell W. Roberts (Colleyville, TX)
Assignee(s): Securus Technologies, Inc. (Carrollton, TX)
Law Firm: Fogarty LLP (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15906847 on 02/27/2018 (707 days app to issue)

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing location-based services for controlled-environment facilities are disclosed. The location-based services may be used to restrict the ability of residents to communicate with non-residents that are located within geographic areas defined with the location-based service, such as within a specified proximity of the facility. A resident of the controlled-environment facility requests a remote communication with a non-resident that is utilizing a mobile device, such as a cellular phone, smart phone or tablet device. The request for the remote communication may be allowed based, at least in part, upon the physical location of the mobile device as determined based on the location of cellular towers in use by the mobile device and based on a GPS (Global Positioning System) location provided by the mobile device.

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

Method and apparatus for depth-fill algorithm for low-complexity stereo vision
Patent No. 10554955

Inventor(s): Goksel Dedeoglu (Plano, TX), Vinay Sharma (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 13270365 on 10/11/2011 (3038 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method and apparatus for depth-fill algorithm for low-complexity stereo vision. The method includes utilizing right and left images of a stereo camera to estimate depth of the scene, wherein the estimated depth relates to each pixel of the image, and updating a depth model with the current depth utilizing the estimated depth of the scene.

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

Illumination compensation (IC) refinement based on positional pairings among pixels
Patent No. 10554967

Inventor(s): Chen-Xiong Zhang (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Conley Rose, P.C. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14664348 on 03/20/2015 (1782 days app to issue)

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a receiver configured to receive video views comprising a reference view and a current view, wherein the reference view comprises a reference block and the current view comprises a current block, and a processor coupled to the receiver and configured to determine neighboring reference pixels associated with the reference block, determine neighboring current pixels associated with the current block, determine a first positional pairing between the neighboring reference pixels and the neighboring current pixels, determine a second positional pairing between the neighboring reference pixels and the neighboring current pixels, and determine an optimal pairing from between the first positional pairing and the second positional pairing.

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

Machine learning based packet service classification methods for experience-centric cellular scheduling
Patent No. 10555040

Inventor(s): Jianzhong Zhang (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (Suwon-si, , KR)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16221292 on 12/14/2018 (417 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for classifying a traffic packet service of a traffic flow to a client device, a state and/or video resolution of a streaming video player in a client device. The apparatus includes a memory, and a communication interface configured to obtain TCP/IP or UDP/IP headers of packets to a client device, at least one processor operably connected to the memory, the at least one processor configured to detect a start of a traffic flow, and buffer a first number of packets for the traffic flow, extract features from UDP/IP or TCP/IP headers of a second number of packets belonging to the detected traffic flow, and obtain a flow service classifier for classifying a service type of the traffic flow, and classify the service type of the traffic flow by applying the extracted features to the flow service classifier.

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

System, method, and computer-readable medium for implementing intelligent network service functionality in a network
Patent No. 10555056

Inventor(s): Andrew Silver (Frisco, TX), Lathan W. Lewis (Dallas, TX), Patricia A. Landgren (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Tango Networks, Inc. (Richardson, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16199188 on 11/25/2018 (436 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system, method and computer-readable medium for simulating intelligent network triggers in a network system are provided. A mobile terminal is configured with an intelligent network Simulator adapted to detect call events and originate simulated intelligent network triggers in response to the call events. Call progressions implemented according to the simulated intelligent network triggers may be managed or coordinated by at least one of a carrier-gateway server and an Enterprise-gateway server. Call progressions implemented by simulated intelligent network triggers may be specified according to Enterprise member policies or general Enterprise behaviors. Advantageously, if a carrier network does not support a trigger infrastructure that has capabilities of originating triggers and terminating triggers, or if a roaming agreement is not in place that allows transfer of triggers between carriers, the use of an intelligent network Simulator provides an alternative mechanism for providing IN service functionality without network support for intelligent network triggers.

[H04Q] SELECTING (switches, relays, selectors H01H; wireless communication networks H04W) [2009.01]

System and method for managing dual connectivity with dynamic anchor cell selection
Patent No. 10555187

Inventor(s): Hongyan Lei (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): ATT Intellectual Property I, L.P. (Atlanta, GA)
Law Firm: Guntin Gust, PLC (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16443015 on 06/17/2019 (232 days app to issue)

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, obtaining configuration update messages received from neighbor cells of a serving cell of a wireless network, wherein the configuration update messages include dual connectivity capability information of the neighbor cells. The neighbor cells are ranked according to the dual connectivity capability information resulting in a dual connectivity ranking. A target cell of the neighbor cells is selected according to the dual connectivity ranking and a dual connectivity capability of a mobile device, and a dual connectivity service is established according to the dual connectivity ranking. The dual connectivity service includes exchanging user plane messages between the mobile device, a master cell and a secondary cell of the wireless network. Other embodiments are disclosed.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Predicting received signal strength in a telecommunication network using deep neural networks
Patent No. 10555192

Inventor(s): Jie Ren (Somerset, NJ), Jin Yang (Bridgewater, NJ), Lizhou Zhou (Shenzhen, , CN), Qitao Song (Shanghai, , CN), Ruilin Liu (Hillsborough, NJ), Xie Wang (Shanghai, , CN), Xin Zhang (Pennington, NJ), Xiujun Shu (Shenzhen, ,
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Fish Richardson P.C. (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15814074 on 11/15/2017 (811 days app to issue)

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for predicting received signal strength in a telecommunication network includes receiving, by one or more processors that execute a convolutional neural network, geographic data representing geographic information of a geographic area and antenna and transmit power information of a base station in the geographic area; inputting the geographic data and the antenna and transmit power information into the convolutional neural network; predicting received signal strength using the convolutional neural network that includes a number of convolution layers based on the received geographic data and the antenna and transmit power information, the received signal strength representing signal strength of wireless signals received at different locations in the geographic area; and outputting the predicted received signal strength.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Measurement in MBMS
Patent No. 10555196

Inventor(s): Boon Loong Ng (Richardson, TX), Thomas David Novlan (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (Suwon-si, , KR)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16002886 on 06/07/2018 (607 days app to issue)

Abstract: Drive testing for network optimization has been supplemented by the use of information measuring radio conditions collected by mobile terminals (i.e. UEs). To improve the user experience of multicast and broadcast services based on cellular telecommunications networks, such as MBMS and eMBMS, a mechanism is described that adapts UE-based reporting of measurement reports to multicast and broadcast services.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Method and apparatus to address user equipment power consumption
Patent No. 10555218

Inventor(s): Devaki Chandramouli (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): NOKIA SOLUTIONS AND NETWORKS OY (Espoo, , FI)
Law Firm: Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP (13 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15565292 on 04/07/2015 (1764 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method and apparatus may include determining whether a user equipment is reachable or not. The method may also include determining whether a network should buffer downlink data. The determining whether the network should buffer the downlink data is based on stored context information or by querying an evolved Node B. The method may also include requesting a first network node to buffer the downlink data for a duration. The method may also include informing a second network node if the user equipment is determined to be unreachable. The method may also include informing the second node if the downlink data has been buffered.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Controlling mobile device calls, text messages and data usage while operating a motor vehicle
Patent No. 10555240

Inventor(s): Andrew Silver (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): TANGO NETWORKS, INC. (Frisco, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16267918 on 02/05/2019 (364 days app to issue)

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method of regulating mobile device communications while operating a motor vehicle. One example method may include determining a speed event indicating that a speed of the motor vehicle has performed at least one of exceeded a first threshold above which mobile device usage restriction policies are invoked and fallen below a second threshold allowing the mobile device restriction policies to be removed. The first threshold may be equal to or greater than the second threshold. As a result of obtaining the speed event, the method may also provide transmitting the speed event to a remote edge gateway server located remotely from the motor vehicle, which stores the speed event for reference purposes when determining a policy for routing a particular mobile device call, text message and/or mobile data session.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Method and system for selection of an access and mobility management function in an access network environment
Patent No. 10555253

Inventor(s): Devaki Chandramouli (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY (Espoo, , FI)
Law Firm: Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP (13 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15882839 on 01/29/2018 (736 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided in accordance with example embodiments in order to provide methods, apparatuses, and/or systems that reduce and/or eliminate network inefficiencies caused by the persistence of user-equipment-specific associations with network interfaces and elements, including but not limited to user-equipment-specific associations on at least N2. In some example implementations, an AMF may assign a temporary ID containing particularized identification information to a UE in a manner that allows for selection by a (R)AN of a AMF and that enables an AMF to process an N1/N2 transaction, such as may occur when a UE enters an idle mode and/or transitions from an idle mode to a connected mode.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Re-sampling with reduced power consumption and complexity
Patent No. 10555256

Inventor(s): Jaiganesh Balakrishnan (Bangalore, , IN), Jawaharlal Tangudu (Bangalore, , IN), Sreenath Potty Narayanan (Bangalore, , IN)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15259703 on 09/08/2016 (1244 days app to issue)

Abstract: A re-sampler comprises a first CSD multiplier configured to receive input samples, a first accumulator coupled to the first CSD multiplier and configured to form a first MAC unit with the first CSD multiplier, a second CSD multiplier configured to receive the input samples, and a second accumulator coupled to the second CSD multiplier and configured to form a second MAC unit with the second CSD multiplier, wherein the re-sampler is configured to generate output samples based on the input samples. A method comprises receiving, by a first CSD multiplier, input samples, receiving, by a second CSD multiplier, the input samples, generating coefficients, scaling, using the first CSD multiplier and the second CSD multiplier, the input samples with coefficient vectors associated with the coefficients to form coefficient vector scaled input samples, and generating output samples based on the coefficient vector scaled input samples. The CSD multipliers may be MC-CSD multipliers.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

System and method for detecting an erroneous beacon signal
Patent No. 10555257

Inventor(s): Yunsong Yang (San Diego, CA)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Slater Matsil, LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15977537 on 05/11/2018 (634 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for operating a station associated with an access node includes receiving one or more wake-up radio (WUR) Beacons, wherein the one or more WUR beacons each comprises timing information and an identifier associated with the access node, and wherein the station is configured to receive WUR Beacons to that a first timing information with a WUR receiver, and reporting, to the access node, information about the one or more WUR Beacons, the information comprising at least one of second timing information, signal quality information, or error information.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Uplink signal transmit power control
Patent No. 10555263

Inventor(s): Bin Liu (San Diego, CA), Pengfei Xia (San Diego, CA), Richard Stirling-Gallacher (San Diego, CA)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Slater Matsil, LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15821319 on 11/22/2017 (804 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for controlling an uplink signal transmit power at the user equipment and a UE configured to perform such a method are disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes receiving a downlink reference signal transmit power associated with a first resource indicator, a downlink reference signal transmit beamforming gain associated with a second resource indicator, an uplink signal receive beamforming gain associated with a third resource indicator, and an uplink signal target receive power associated with a fourth resource indicator and transmitting an uplink signal associated with a fifth resource indicator to a transmission point with a transmit power calculated based on the combination, wherein the downlink reference signal transmit power associated with the first resource indicator and the downlink reference signal transmit beamforming gain associated with the second resource indicator are signaled together as a single metric associated with a sixth resource indicator.

[H04B] TRANSMISSION [4]

System and method for signaling a prohibited D2D operation
Patent No. 10555271

Inventor(s): Brian Classon (Palatine, IL), Philippe Sartori (Plainfield, IL)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Slater Matsil, LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14937525 on 11/10/2015 (1547 days app to issue)

Abstract: An embodiment method for operating a base station includes instructing, by the base station, a mobile device to transmit, over grouped communications resources, a first instance of a data structure for D2D signaling. The data structure includes a first data field that indicates at least one of a D2D frame number, a D2D multiplexing configuration, a resource allocation for D2D signaling, an identifier of a D2D synchronization source, a type of a D2D synchronization source, or whether the mobile device is in coverage of a network. The data structure also includes a second data field indicating at least one of whether a D2D signaling operation is prohibited, or a type of prohibited D2D signaling operation.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

System and method for determining geolocation of wireless access point or wireless device
Patent No. 10555275

Inventor(s): Mark Gerard (McKinney, TX), Robert W. Peterson (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Open Invention Network LLC (Durham, NC)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16209625 on 12/04/2018 (427 days app to issue)

Abstract: In order to determine the location of wireless network devices without inherent location capabilities, a wireless network device such as an access point can receive geolocation information from transient data sources such as mobile devices requiring network access from the access point. The access point stores geolocation records including location coordinates received from the transient data sources. The geolocation records can be processed to determine the position and movement of the access point. The geolocation records and/or location information can be passed to other transient clients that do not have inherent location capability.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Facilitation of channel selection within a wireless network
Patent No. 10555279

Inventor(s): Jerome Hetrick (Flower Mound, 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: 16033402 on 07/12/2018 (572 days app to issue)

Abstract: A more efficient network can be achieved using channel allocation strategies within a wireless network. A network device can receive several data points from a mobile device including resource request data, access condition data, and location data. Once the network device has received the aforementioned data points, the network device can identify channels that are conducive to a heightened quality of service for a resource being requested based on a signal attenuation associated with the channel. The network device can then facilitate a channel selection in response to an assessment of the data points and identifying a channel for the resource.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

System and method for reducing decoding for carrier power control
Patent No. 10555282

Inventor(s): Sean Michael McBeath (Keller, TX)
Assignee(s): BlackBerry Limited (Waterloo, Ontario, , CA)
Law Firm: Fish Richardson P.C. (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15615499 on 06/06/2017 (973 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for processing a control channel at a user agent (UA) to identify power control commands within a wireless communication system, the method comprising the steps of, at a user agent, monitoring for power control messages on a single carrier, decoding a message received on the single carrier to generate decoded information and using the decoded information to identify a power control command for each of at least first and second carriers.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Transmission apparatus and transmission method using a plurality of divided frequency bands in a communication band
Patent No. 10555305

Inventor(s): Kentaro Miyano (Osaka, , JP), Takaaki Kishigami (Tokyo, , JP), Yoichi Nakagawa (Tokyo, , JP)
Assignee(s): Optis Wireless Technology, LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Nixon Vanderhye P.C. (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15859940 on 01/02/2018 (763 days app to issue)

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

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

System and method for beam failure recovery request reporting
Patent No. 10555307

Inventor(s): Bin Liu (San Diego, CA), Pengfei Xia (San Diego, CA)
Assignee(s): FUTUREWEI TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Slater Matsil, LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15880022 on 01/25/2018 (740 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for sending a beam failure recovery request (BFRQ) includes setting a demodulation symbol to a first value to specify a BFRQ signal, encoding the demodulation symbol with a first orthogonal code sequence, thereby producing an encoded first sequence of symbols, and send the encoded first sequence of symbols on a first physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource allocated for a first scheduling request (SR) transmission.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Interference measurement methods for advanced receiver in LTE/LTE-A
Patent No. 10555319

Inventor(s): Robert Mark Harrison (Grapevine, TX), Yi Song (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): BlackBerry Limited (Waterloo, Ontario, , CA)
Law Firm: Robert Rose. P.C. (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16049226 on 07/30/2018 (554 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for receiving a PDCH is provided. The method includes receiving, by a UE, information identifying a plurality of resource elements that are transmitted with zero power in a resource block containing the PDCH; receiving, by the UE, a first DMRS on a first DMRS port transmitted from a first cell; and receiving, by the UE, the PDCH that is transmitted on the first DMRS port.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Communicating with a wireless device via at least two access nodes
Patent No. 10555357

Inventor(s): Ankur Sharma (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Sprint Spectrum L.P. (Overland Park, KS)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15902367 on 02/22/2018 (712 days app to issue)

Abstract: Systems, methods, and processing nodes for communicating with a wireless device via at least two access nodes include communicating with a wireless device via at least two access nodes includes receiving, at a relay access node coupled to a donor access node, downlink data intended to be transmitted to an end-user wireless device attached to the relay access node; determining that a signal condition at the relay access node meets a criteria; and in response to determining that the signal condition meets the criteria, forwarding the downlink data to the donor access node. The donor access node transmits the downlink data to the end-user wireless device, and the relay access node maintains a control channel with the end-user wireless device.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

System and method for beam failure recovery
Patent No. 10555359

Inventor(s): Bin Liu (San Diego, CA), Pengfei Xia (San Diego, CA), Young Hoon Kwon (Laguna Niguel, CA)
Assignee(s): FUTUREWEI TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Slater Matsil, LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15836444 on 12/08/2017 (788 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for operating a user equipment (UE) includes detecting a failure of a first link between the UE and an access node, and based thereon, detecting a second link between the UE and the access node, sending, to the access node, a beam failure recovery request (BFRQ) on one or more physical random access channel (PRACH) resources associated a third link conveying a reference signal, wherein the third link and the second link are quasi co-located (QCLed), wherein the BFRQ includes a group identifier associated with a UE group including the UE, and monitoring one or more PRACH response opportunities associated with the one or more PRACH resources for a beam failure recovery response (BFRP).

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Network cloud load distribution for an electric vehicle application
Patent No. 10555369

Inventor(s): Luke D. Heide (Plymouth, MI), Nishikant Narayan Puranik (Frisco, TX), Prince R. Remegio (Lewisville, TX), Roger Akira Kyle (Lewisville, TX), Ryoma Kakimi (Ann Arbor, MI), Scott A. Friedman (Dallas, TX), Tim Uwe Falkenmaye
Assignee(s): Toyota Motor Engineering Manufacturing North America, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Darrow Mustafa PC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15866722 on 01/10/2018 (755 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method and device are provided to monitor a wireless link state for an electric-powered vehicle, and comparing the wireless link state with a wireless-link trigger condition. When the wireless link state compares favorably with the wireless-link trigger condition, a thick-client application request may be transmitted based on the wireless-link trigger condition. A thick-client application load is received in response, and the thin-client application is transitioned to a thick-client application.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

System and method for push-to-talk (PTT) in high latency networks
Patent No. 10555370

Inventor(s): Bibhudatta Biswal (Richardson, TX), Brahmananda R. Vempati (Dallas, TX), Krishnakant M. Patel (Richardson, TX), Ravi Ayyasamy (Plano, TX), Shantanu Konwar (Bangalore, , IN), Vadiraj Villivalam (Bangalore, , IN)
Assignee(s): KODIAK NETWORKS, INC. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15717742 on 09/27/2017 (860 days app to issue)

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes: accessing, by a push to talk (PTT) server, a PTT session with a PTT client operating in a first network; detecting, by the PTT server, a transition by the PTT client from the first network to a second network, the second network having a lower throughput or a higher latency than the first network; and adapting, by the PTT server, one or more parameters of a plurality of communication protocols in response to detecting the transition by the PTT client from the first network to the second network, the communication protocols being host layer protocols used by the PTT server to communicate with the PTT client.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

OFDM signal transmission system, portable terminal and E-commerce system
Patent No. RE047844 (Reissue)

Inventor(s): Hisashi Takayama (Tokyo, , JP), Kenichiro Hayashi (Kyoto, , JP), Mitsuaki Oshima (Kyoto, , JP), Sadashi Kageyama (Hyogo, , JP), Seiji Sakashita (Osaka, , JP), Takao Isogawa (Kanagawa, , JP)
Assignee(s): Sovereign Peak Ventures, LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Ascenda Law Group, PC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15884652 on 01/31/2018 (734 days app to issue)

Abstract: A portable terminal includes a receiver, a barcode former configured to form barcodes and a display. The barcode former forms a barcode from the data received by the receiver and the display displays the formed barcode. Patent Class: N/A

DESIGN PATENTS

Upper for a boot
Patent No. D874120

Inventor(s): Billy W. Lovell (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): Boot Royalty Company, L.P. (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: IP Attorneys Group, LLC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 29659951 on 08/14/2018 (539 days app to issue)

Abstract: No Abstract Patent Class: N/A

Container bracket
Patent No. D874357

Inventor(s): Craig A. Smith (Argyle, TX), Sean Brennan (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): APEX COOLERS, LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Bell Nunnally Martin LLP (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 29679871 on 02/11/2019 (358 days app to issue)

Abstract: No Abstract Patent Class: N/A

Power driven surgical tool
Patent No. D874649

Inventor(s): Brian R. Conroy (Addison, TX), Charles R. Forton (Frisco, TX), Dan Davison (Addison, TX), Eric Mickelson (Addison, TX), Gregg Prisco (Addison, TX), Jason Barber (Addison, TX), Mario Gonzalez (Addison, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 29578307 on 09/20/2016 (1232 days app to issue)

Abstract: No Abstract Patent Class: N/A

Pet toy
Patent No. D874747

Inventor(s): Vung Van Nguyen (Ho Chi Minh, , VN)
Assignee(s): DOSKOCIL MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC. (Arlington, TX)
Law Firm: Global IP Counselors, LLP (9 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 29626188 on 11/15/2017 (811 days app to issue)

Abstract: No Abstract Patent Class: N/A

Litter pan
Patent No. D874749

Inventor(s): David Veness (Forth Worth, TX), Nicholas Baker (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): DOSKOCIL MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC (Arlington, TX)
Law Firm: Global IP Counselors, LLP (9 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 29675935 on 01/07/2019 (393 days app to issue)

Abstract: No Abstract Patent Class: N/A

Litter pan
Patent No. D874750

Inventor(s): David Veness (Forth Worth, TX), Nicholas Baker (Forth Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): DOSKOCIL MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC (Arlington, TX)
Law Firm: Global IP Counselors, LLP (9 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 29675936 on 01/07/2019 (393 days app to issue)

Abstract: No Abstract Patent Class: N/A

Surface cleaning head
Patent No. D874766

Inventor(s): Christopher Terpstra (Frisco, TX), Ernest Matthew Chavana, Jr. (Villa Ridge, MO), Jan Valentic (Plano, TX), Richard Foster (Powell, OH), Stanley Anderson (Fenton, MO), Xintao Ma (Suzhou, , CN)
Assignee(s): RUG DOCTOR, LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Hauptman Ham, LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 29618144 on 09/19/2017 (868 days app to issue)

Abstract: No Abstract Patent Class: N/A

Surface cleaning head
Patent No. D874767

Abstract: No Abstract Patent Class: N/A

Girder
Patent No. D874783

Inventor(s): Vitor Hugo Carneiro dos Santos Neves (Maia, , PT)
Assignee(s): FLEXCRANE, INC. (Burleson, TX)
Law Firm: Patenttm.us (Local + 4395 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 29647483 on 05/14/2018 (631 days app to issue)

Abstract: No Abstract Patent Class: N/A

___

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As of June 12, 2018, unassigned patents with a local inventor may be included.

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R E A D N E X T

Calendar: Not-to-Miss Events for Innovators in Dallas-Fort Worth
North Texas has plenty to see, hear, and watch. Here are our editors' picks. Plus, you'll find more selections to "save the date."
Dallas Invents: 111 Patents Granted for Week of March 9
Dallas-Fort Worth ranked No. 9 for patents out of 250 metros. Patents granted include: 7-Eleven's object tracking system, Accenture's cost of healthcare analytics platform, American Airlines' flight number optimization system, Deere's scouting system with an autonomous ground vehicle, Mavenir Networks' system for supporting low latency applications in a cloud RAN, Roka Sports' snap-in nose pads for eyewear, The Parking Genius' sensors capable of determining direction and speed of vehicle entering or leaving a lot, and Toyota's system for monitoring suspicious activity of a vehicle.
Dallas Invents: 117 Patents Granted for Week of April 6
Dallas-Fort Worth ranked No. 9 for patents out of 250 metros. Patents granted include: Astrapi's methods of transmitting data using polynomial-based signals, AT&T's allocation and extraction of data for augmented reality for 6G or other next-gen network, Building Materials Investment Corp.'s moisture sensing roofing systems, COEVAC's automatic smoke/carbon monoxide evacuation system, IBM's cognitive intervention for voice recognition failure, Kioma's child safety seat, SanDisk Technologies' low latency data transfer, Shavelogic's shaving systems, USAA's recommendation engine for cost of a claim, and an unassigned virus immune computer system.
Dallas Invents: 119 Patents Granted for Week of April 27
Dallas-Fort Worth ranked No. 11 for patents out of 250 metros. Patents granted include: Bank of America's authentication using blockchains, Dell's validation of data integrity through watermarking, Samsung's compensating for a movement of a sensor attached to a body of a user, SYNERGEN Technology Labs' baby monitor system sound and light delivery based on vitals,Toyota's parking meter monitoring and payment system, and Walmart's product recognition through multi-model image processing.
Dallas Invents: 115 Patents Granted for Week of May 4
Dallas-Fort Worth ranked No. 11 for patents out of 250 metros. Patents granted include: Allied Bioscience's aqueous antimicrobial coatings, American Leather Operations convertible furniture, Caris Science's method for measuring the amount of at least one molecule in a bio sample, Siemens Industry Software 's environmental perception in autonomous driving STMicroelectronics' NFC antenna switch, Toyota's collaboorative robot hand bearing for high-torque tightening applications, and vSpatial's method for creating a collaborative virtual session.