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. 16, 2020 | Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington (19100)

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

NO. OF PATENTS BY CLASSIFICATION

A: HUMAN NECESSITIES 23
B: PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING 4
C: CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY 2
E: FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS 15
F: MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING 7
G: PHYSICS 42
H: ELECTRICITY 54

DESIGN: 2

TOP ASSIGNEES (NO. OF PATENTS)

Texas Instruments Inc. (Dallas) 21
Futurewei Technologies Inc. (Plano) 7
Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. (Houston) 6
SanDisk Technologies LLC (Addison) 5
Toyota Motor Engineering Manufacturing North America, Inc. (Plano) 5
Zoccam Technologies Inc. (Dallas) 5
Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc. (Basking Ridge, NJ) 4
BNSF Railway Company (Fort Worth) 3
Capital One Services, LLC (McLean, VA) 3

UNASSIGNED 10

TOP LOCAL INVENTORS (NO. OF PATENTS)

Ashley Cook (Dallas) 5
Christopher William Overton (Richardson) 3
Lonnie Burrow (Carrollton) 3
Peter D. Gabriele (Frisco) 3
Christopher C. Hoelscher (Arlington) 2

Don’t miss Dallas Invents: Sign up for the Dallas Innovates e-newsletter. 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

Adaptable handbag system and method of use
Patent No. 10918178

Inventor(s): Chae An Marsh (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Eldredge Law Firm (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15903011 on 02/22/2018 (1090 days app to issue)

Abstract: An adaptable handbag system enables a user to customize the capacity of their hand bag by adding or removing bags from a carrying ring. The bags are attached to the ring via a hinge and attachment point to allow the bag to move with respect to the carrying ring. The bags have different shapes and markings to allow for quick identification even in less than optimal viewing conditions.

[A45C] PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS

Locker seat assembly
Patent No. 10918207

Inventor(s): Sam Allen (Maypearl, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16686991 on 11/18/2019 (456 days app to issue)

Abstract: A locker includes a pair of spaced-apart upstanding sidewalls having a pair of front edges. A generally horizontal seat extends between and at least partially forward of the front edges of the sidewalls. A lower seatback is connected at a lower extent by a hinge between the sidewalls and extending above the seat, the lower seatback is movable about the hinge between an open position and a closed position. An upper seatback is connected at an upper extent by a hinge between the sidewalls and above the lower seatback, the upper seatback being movable about the hinge between an open and a closed position.

[A47B] TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE (jointing of furniture F16B 12/00)

Instruments and methods for complete plantar plate repairs
Patent No. 10918369

Inventor(s): Jesse G. Moore (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): ARTHREX, INC. (Naples, FL)
Law Firm: Carlson, Gaskey Olds (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16216342 on 12/11/2018 (798 days app to issue)

Abstract: Surgical repair systems and techniques for plantar plate repairs. The surgical repair systems and methods reconstruct the plantar plate through a dorsal incision. The surgical repair system embodies a variety of instruments that provide visualization and access to the plantar plate using suture to complete the repair. The repair system may include some or all of the following instruments: a metatarsal head pusher employed in open surgical space, to move the ”capital fragment” in a controlled manner; a suture retriever instrument and a suture retriever funnel (sleeve); a suture passer such as a Mini Scorpion DX and accompanying needle, or a variety of shaped Micro Suture Lassos; a measuring guide; and a small joint distractor.

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

Portable monitoring system transport case
Patent No. 10918453

Inventor(s): Kenneth R. Johnson (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16817400 on 03/12/2020 (341 days app to issue)

Abstract: A portable transport system for containing and transporting monitoring system components includes a case for enclosing the monitoring system components. At least two wheels are located on the case. A collapsible monitoring component assembly for supporting the monitoring system components that telescopes between a collapsed position, wherein the collapsible monitoring component assembly is substantially contained within the case and an open position. A handle assembly is associated with the collapsible monitoring component assembly for moving the collapsible monitoring component assembly between the collapsed position and the open position. The handle assemble further acts as a pull handle for moving the portable transport system on the at least two wheels.

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

Glenoid implant for a shoulder prosthesis, and surgical kit
Patent No. 10918492

Inventor(s): Wayne Z. Burkhead, Jr. (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Tornier SAS (Montbonnot Saint Martin, , FR)
Law Firm: Knobbe, Martens, Olson Bear, LLP (9 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15967450 on 04/30/2018 (1023 days app to issue)

Abstract: A glenoid implant for a shoulder prosthesis for implantation in the glenoid of a scapula according to embodiments of the present invention includes a central fixation element; an articular body configured for articulation with a humerus, the articular body comprising a plate, the plate comprising a side configured to be oriented toward the glenoid, the side comprising a central protrusion, wherein the central fixation element comprises a means for mechanically engaging with the central protrusion; a first means for locking rotation of the central fixation element with respect to the glenoid; and a second means for locking rotation of the articular body with respect to the glenoid.

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

Method and apparatus for treating an ocular disorder
Patent No. 10918521

Inventor(s): David G. Godfrey (Dallas, TX), Davinder S. Grover (Dallas, TX), Ronald L. Fellman (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): INNOVATIVE GLAUCOMA SOLUTIONS, LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Winstead PC (Local + 2 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15966282 on 04/30/2018 (1023 days app to issue)

Abstract: Embodiments of the claimed invention are directed to the treatment of glaucoma (or conditions of elevated intraocular pressure) using a novel ab interno trabeculotomy procedure that uses a flexible device. At least one advantage of the present method is that it does not require a conjunctival or scleral incision, which in turn improves patient recovery time and healing.

Compositions comprising kakadu plum extract or acai berry extract
Patent No. 10918591

Inventor(s): Brian Jones (Flower Mound, TX), David Gan (Southlake, TX), Javier Aravena (Dallas, TX), Michelle Hines (Hickory Creek, TX)
Assignee(s): Mary Kay Inc. (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16171120 on 10/25/2018 (845 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method of treating skin in need thereof is disclosed. The method can include topically applying to the skin a composition consisting of kakadu plum extract, glycerin, water, and optionally alcohol.

[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)

Delivery of drug nanoparticles and methods of use thereof
Patent No. 10918606

Inventor(s): Holly Maulhardt (San Luis Obispo, CA), Keith Johnson (Durham, NC), Meidong Yang (Petaluma, CA), Robert Lathrop (Petaluma, CA), Roland Franke (Delta, , CA)
Assignee(s): DFB Soria, LLC (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16567164 on 09/11/2019 (524 days app to issue)

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods useful for enhancing the skin penetration of drug nanoparticles. The compositions can be hydrophobic and include a hydrophobic carrier, a volatile silicone fluid, and drug nanoparticles. Also disclosed are methods for inhibiting crystal growth of drug nanoparticles in an aqueous carrier or a hydrophobic carrier. Further, methods to topically treat psoriasis using compositions containing nanoparticles of paclitaxel or other taxanes are disclosed.

Antioxidant compositions for treatment of inflammation or oxidative damage
Patent No. 10918613

Inventor(s): Edward P. Allen (Dallas, TX), Jan Zielinski (Vista, CA), Thomas Russell Moon (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Perio Sciences, LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Baker Botts L.L.P. (Local + 8 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15222570 on 07/28/2016 (1664 days app to issue)

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method of preventing, reducing, or eliminating at least one negative effect of oxidative damage, such as an oral disease, caused by a dental device in the mouth of a patient. Another embodiment relates to a method of preventing, reducing, or eliminating at least one negative effect of inflammation. The method may include applying topically to a soft oral tissue in the patient an oral antioxidant composition. The antioxidant composition may include between 0.0001% and 5.0% w/w or at least one antioxidant, wherein the at least one antioxidant includes a natural phytochemcial antioxidant, a flavonoid, an anthocyanidin, a dihydrochalcone, a phenylpropanoid, a chalcone, a curcuminoid, a tannin, a stilbenoid, a coumarin, a carotenoid, or a vitamin, and an orally pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The pH of the oral antioxidant composition may be at least 5.0.

Compositions and methods of aloe polysaccharides
Patent No. 10918659

Inventor(s): Ivan E. Danhof (Grand Prairie, TX)
Assignee(s): Bespoke Bioscience, LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Chalker Flores, LLP (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16402651 on 05/03/2019 (655 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for preparing a polymannan extract from freeze-dried aloe powder. The polymannan extract of the present invention is further used to formulate a sterile injectable formulation for the treatment of one or more cancers, leukemias and lymphomas, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer, immune diseases, particularly immune related neoplasms, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, and hepatitis C.

Dermocosmetic compositions including glycerol-sebacate
Patent No. 10918724

Inventor(s): Peter D. Gabriele (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): THE SECANT GROUP, LLC (Telford, PA)
Law Firm: McNees Wallace Nurick LLC (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16281516 on 02/21/2019 (726 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method of forming a skin care product includes combining at least one additive including at least one active ingredient with at least one glycerol-sebacate component having repeating units of (glycerol sebacate), water, a co-solvent, and at least one of an emulsifier, a surfactant, and a bodying agent to form the skin care product. A dermocosmetic composition includes at least one additive including at least one active ingredient and at least one glycerol-sebacate component having repeating units of (glycerol sebacate). A method of skin care includes applying a dermocosmetic composition to a skin surface.

Osteostimulating elastomeric bone filling compositions
Patent No. 10918729

Abstract: A bone filling composition includes a bone filler. The bone filler includes microparticles of at least one elastomeric material. The at least one elastomeric material includes a poly(glycerol sebacate)-based thermoset. The poly(glycerol sebacate)-based thermoset may be porous thermoset poly(glycerol sebacate) flour, thermoset poly(glycerol sebacate) microspheres, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the bone filling composition is a bone filling composite that further includes a carrier material including a poly(glycerol sebacate) resin. A method of forming a bone filling composite includes selecting a bone filler and mixing the bone filler with a carrier material to form the bone filling composite. A method of treating a bony defect includes molding a bone filling composite and placing the bone filling composite in the bony defect. The bone filling composite includes a bone filler mixed with a carrier material.

[A61L] METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION, OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS, OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS, OR SURGICAL ARTICLES (preservation of bodies or disinfecting characterised by the agent employed A01N; preserving, e.g. sterilising, food or foodstuffs A23; preparations for medical, dental or toilet purposes A61K) [4]

Tunable, controlled-release, urethane-containing elastomers and processes of forming the same
Patent No. 10918764

Abstract: A process forms an implantable product including poly(glycerol sebacate) urethane (PGSU) loaded with an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). The process includes homogeneously mixing a flowable poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) resin with the API and a catalyst to form a resin blend. The process also includes homogeneously combining the resin blend with an isocyanate to form a reaction mixture and injecting the reaction mixture to form the PGSU loaded with the API. An implantable product includes a PGSU loaded with an API. In some embodiments, the implantable product includes at least 40% w/w of the API, and the implantable product releases the API by surface degradation of the PGSU at a predetermined release rate for at least three months under physiological conditions. In some embodiments, the PGSU is formed from a PGS reacted with an isocyanate at an isocyanate-to-hydroxyl stoichiometric (crosslinking) ratio in the range of 1:0.25 to 1:1.25.

Probe tip and infusion sleeve for use in ophthalmological surgery
Patent No. 10918783

Inventor(s): Wesley K. Herman (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15973016 on 05/07/2018 (1016 days app to issue)

Abstract: A phacoemulsification probe for use with eye surgery comprises a connector for interconnecting the probe with a phacoemulsification machine. A probe tip has a first end with a first central axis running therethrough connected with the connector and a second end with a second axis running therethrough. The second axis is at a predetermined angle to the first central axis. The probe tip further includes a body defining a channel therein for aspirating material from a surgical region within an eye through an opening in the second end along a first vector. The body includes a straight portion around the central axis connected to the first end and a curved portion connecting the straight portion to the second end. A fluid sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the probe tip and has a first end and a second end. The fluid sleeve has a first portion at the first end having a first diameter that prevents a fluid from flowing between the fluid sleeve and the body of the probe tip. The fluid sleeve further has a second portion having a second diameter that defines a channel between an inner surface of the fluid sleeve and an outer surface of the body of the probe tip for injecting a fluid into the surgical region within the eye. The fluid sleeve defines at least one opening for injecting the fluid from the channel into the surgical region of the eye along at least one second vector.

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

Autoinjector apparatus
Patent No. 10918805

Inventor(s): Neal Johnston (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): AMGEN INC. (Thousand Oaks, CA)
Law Firm: Marshall, Gerstein Borun LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16026294 on 07/03/2018 (959 days app to issue)

Abstract: An autoinjector apparatus is disclosed which comprises a single-use cassette and an autoinjector. The cassette comprises a housing and a sleeve movably disposed in the housing. A syringe may be disposed in the sleeve and secured therein with a lock cap. The lock cap is affixed to a distal end of the sleeve and contacts the distal end of the syringe. A shield remover extends through an opening in a proximal end of the housing for removing a needle shield which covers a needle of the syringe. A cassette identification arrangement is provided on a surface of the housing to enable the autoinjector to identify the cassette. The autoinjector is provided with a detector for reading the cassette identification arrangement.

Balloon catheter
Patent No. 10918839

Inventor(s): Jaro Mayda, II (Lewisville, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: International IP Law Group, PLLC (11 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15919451 on 03/13/2018 (1071 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present application regards examples of a fluid delivery device including a spike including a base end and a pointed end, an inlet opening located along the shaft of the spike between the base end and the pointed end, and an outlet opening located on the pointed end. In an example, the fluid delivery device includes an inner flexible layer, wherein the base end of the spike is attached to the inner flexible layer. The fluid delivery device includes an outer flexible layer, wherein the spike punctures the outer flexible layer in response to the inner flexible layer moving towards the outer flexible layer in response to inflation of a volume of space enclosed by the inner flexible layer.

Wound care and infusion method and system utilizing a thermally-treated therapeutic agent
Patent No. 10918843

Inventor(s): Tony Quisenberry (Highland Village, TX)
Assignee(s): THERMOTEK, INC. (Flower Mound, TX)
Law Firm: Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley Norton, LLP (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15957385 on 04/19/2018 (1034 days app to issue)

Abstract: A combination therapy pad that includes a first layer and a second layer operatively coupled to the first layer. A fiber-optic array is disposed between the first layer and the second layer. A third layer is operatively coupled to the first layer. The third layer includes a vacuum tube in fluid communication with a vacuum source and a therapeutic fluid tube in fluid communication with a therapeutic fluid source. The third layer provides at least one of vacuum therapy and therapeutic fluid treatment to a wound area.

Flash therapy treatment planning and oncology information system having dose rate prescription and dose rate mapping
Patent No. 10918886

Inventor(s): Michael Folkerts (Carrollton, TX)
Assignee(s): Varian Medical Systems International AG (Cham, , CH), Varian Medical Systems Particle Therapy GMBH (Troisdorf, , DE), Varian Medical Systems, Inc. (Palo Alto, CA)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16436762 on 06/10/2019 (617 days app to issue)

Abstract: A computing system comprising a central processing unit (CPU), and memory coupled to the CPU and having stored therein instructions that, when executed by the computing system, cause the computing system to execute operations to generate a radiation treatment plan. The operations include accessing a minimum prescribed dose to be delivered into and across the target, determining a number of beams and directions of the beams, and determining a beam energy for each of the beams, wherein the number of beams, the directions of the beams, and the beam energy for each of the beams are determined such that the entire target receives the minimum prescribed dose. The operations further include prescribing a dose rate and optimizing dose rate constraints for FLASH therapy, and displaying a dose rate map of the FLASH therapy.

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

Heat resistant descent controller
Patent No. 10918892

Inventor(s): Johnny Dickson (Van Alstyne, TX)
Assignee(s): Tech Safety Lines, Inc. (Carrollton, TX)
Law Firm: Carstens Cahoon, LLP (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16850556 on 04/16/2020 (306 days app to issue)

Abstract: A load lowering descent controller having a fixed cylindrical body or capstan about which a rope or cable is turned. The descent controller allows for lowering of the load at a controlled rate by adjusting the amount of friction between the controller and the rope or cable as a function of rope or cable turning and relative contact with rope or cable engagement surfaces in the controller. The fixed cylindrical body or capstan is surrounded by a vented sleeve to prevent the rope from becoming heated and to prevent the user from being injured.

[A62B] DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING (valves specially adapted for medical use A61M 39/00; composition of chemical substances used in respirators, gas-masks, breathing apparatus or the like A62D; rescuing from mountains or trees A63B 27/00, A63B 29/00; life-saving devices, apparatus or methods specially adapted for use in water B63C 9/00; divers’ equipment B63C 11/00; specially adapted for use with aircraft, e.g. parachutes or ejector seats, B64D; rescue devices peculiar to mining E21F 11/00)

System and method for providing a coach with live training data of an athlete as the athlete is performing a cycling workout
Patent No. 10918911

Inventor(s): Todd Martin (Lexington, OH)
Assignee(s): FINISH TIME HOLDINGS, LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Sheridan Ross, PC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 17023913 on 09/17/2020 (152 days app to issue)

Abstract: An athlete tracking system and method for tracking an athlete during training sessions. The system includes a mobile tracking device wearable around a portion of the athlete”s head, and a training log server for maintaining an athlete profile that includes a training record updatable by the athlete and a training plan supplied by a coach.

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

Swing training device
Patent No. 10918927

Inventor(s): Jose Canseco (Las Vegas, NV)
Assignee(s): Sports 40 40, LLC (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15767075 on 10/07/2016 (1593 days app to issue)

Abstract: A swing training device has an upper cuff for removably receiving an upper arm of a user and a lower cuff for removably receiving a lower arm of the user. A hinge connects the cuffs, which are movable about the hinge and relative to each other between an extended position and a retracted position. An elastic member biases the cuffs toward the extended position. The device may be utilized for medical uses, such as for rehabilitation or strengthening exercises.

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

Controlled-environment facility gaming service
Patent No. 10918953

Inventor(s): Alexander Noland (North Richland Hills, TX), Connor Pickens (Little Elm, TX)
Assignee(s): Securus Technologies, LLC (Carrollton, TX)
Law Firm: Fogarty LLP (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15971215 on 05/04/2018 (1019 days app to issue)

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices provide gaming services to residents of a controlled-environment facility. A first network interface of a device provides a restricted-bandwidth connection to a gaming system via one or more network access points located within the facility. A second network interface of the device establishes a second connection with the gaming system via a high-bandwidth connection in order to download one or more games to the device. Once the device is disconnected from the high-bandwidth connection, a request for the resident to access a downloaded game is issued to the gaming system via the restricted-bandwidth connection. An authorization key granting temporary access to the game is transmitted to the device via the restricted-bandwidth connection. The resident has access to the game until expiration of the authorization key is detected. The authorization key may expire based on duration of gameplay or based on gameplay progress.

[A63F] CARD, BOARD OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR [5]

Notifying users of actions in cross-platform environments
Patent No. 10918954

Inventor(s): Justin Rouse (Dallas, TX), Shawn Lohstroh (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Zynga Inc. (San Francisco, CA)
Law Firm: Schwegman Lundberg Woessner, P.A. (11 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14744620 on 06/19/2015 (2069 days app to issue)

Abstract: A gameplay notification system receives gameplay indications and notification configuration information from a gameplay system. The gameplay indications and configuration information are stored in a platform queue corresponding to a client device platform type. Further configuration information may be received from various gameplay devices of a user. The notification configuration information is analyzed by the gameplay notification system to schedule transmission of gameplay notifications to various client device platform types. The notifications are sent to the corresponding client devices according to frequency, day of the week, and notification states, among other configuration settings, that pertain to a user and the user”s corresponding client devices.

[A63F] CARD, BOARD OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR [5]

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

Cleanroom wiper and method for making same
Patent No. 10919077

Inventor(s): Jayson Barrios (Aubrey, TX)
Assignee(s): Foamtec International Co., Ltd. (Waco, TX)
Law Firm: Zeman-Mullen Ford, LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15934611 on 03/23/2018 (1061 days app to issue)

Abstract: A pre-saturated wiper for use in a cleanroom environment, or other similarly controlled environment, that includes a woven fabric which incorporates a unique weave pattern with sealed edges that is saturated with only Ultrapure water (UPW).

[B08B] CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL (brushes A46; devices for domestic or like cleaning A47L; separation of particles from liquids or gases B01D; separation of solids B03, B07; spraying or applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces in general B05; cleaning devices for conveyors B65G 45/10; concurrent cleaning, filling and closing of bottles B67C 7/00; inhibiting corrosion or incrustation in general C23; cleaning streets, permanent ways, beaches or land E01H; parts, details or accessories of swimming or splash baths or pools, specially adapted for cleaning E04H 4/16; preventing or removing electrostatic charges H05F)

Autonomous data machines and systems
Patent No. 10919163

Inventor(s): Stacy Dean Stephens (McKinney, TX)
Assignee(s): Knightscope, Inc. (Mountain View, CA)
Law Firm: Wilson Sonsini Goodrich Rosati (11 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16360643 on 03/21/2019 (698 days app to issue)

Abstract: A charging system for an autonomous data machine may be provided. The system may comprise: a charging station, wherein the charging station has a low profile allowing the autonomous data machine to drive over to charge a power supply of the autonomous data machine automatically; and one or more processors of the autonomous data machine configured to make charging decisions to effect charging operations of the autonomous data machine that include charging time, charging location, and operations to be performed during charging. In some instances, the charging decision are based on at least one of the following: location of charging station, availability of charging station, mission parameters, locations of other autonomous data machines, and/or charging requirements and/or availability of charging stations.

[B25J] MANIPULATORS; CHAMBERS PROVIDED WITH MANIPULATION DEVICES (robotic devices for individually picking fruits, vegetables, hops or the like A01D 46/30; needle manipulators for surgery A61B 17/062; manipulators associated with rolling mills B21B 39/20; manipulators associated with forging machines B21J 13/10; means for holding wheels or parts thereof B60B 30/00; cranes B66C; arrangements for handling fuel or other materials which are used within nuclear reactors G21C 19/00; structural combination of manipulators with cells or rooms shielded against radiation G21F 7/06) [5]

Molded product having hollow interior region
Patent No. 10919185

Inventor(s): Jack Renforth (Azle, TX)
Assignee(s): DOSKOCIL MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC (Arlington, TX)
Law Firm: Global IP Counselors, LLP (9 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15939766 on 03/29/2018 (1055 days app to issue)

Abstract: A molded a product includes a body including a hollow interior region and a plurality of openings in communication between an interior region and an exterior of the body. The body is formed from a resilient material that enables the product to stretch and retract to an original shape without tearing or breaking when removing a first part of a core of a mold from a first portion of the interior region through a first opening of the plurality of openings and a second part of the core of the mold from a second portion of the interior region through at least one of the first opening and a second opening of the plurality of openings, the first and second parts of the core of the mold being larger than each of the plurality of openings.

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

Systems and methods for detecting tanks in railway environments
Patent No. 10919546

Inventor(s): Andrea Leticia Arias Llorenty (Fort Worth, TX), Anpeng Zhang (Seattle, WA), David Matthew King (Fort Worth, TX), Doug McReynolds (Dallas, TX), Je Sang Sung (Fort Worth, TX), Nathaniel Richmond (Frisco, TX), Rucha D. Jani
Assignee(s): BNSF Railway Company (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16855365 on 04/22/2020 (300 days app to issue)

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes identifying, by an image detection tool, a tank within an image of a railway environment and identifying, by the image detection tool, a railroad track within the image of the railway environment. The method also includes determining, by the image detection tool, a distance between the tank and the railroad track and comparing, by the image detection tool, the distance between the tank and the railroad track to a predetermined threshold distance. The method further includes determining, by the image detection tool, that the tank presents a hazard to the railway environment in response to comparing the distance between the tank and the railroad track to the predetermined threshold distance.

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

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

Costimulation of chimeric antigen receptors by MYD88 and CD40 polypeptides
Patent No. 10918705

Inventor(s): David Spencer (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): Bellicum Pharmaceutics, Inc. (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: Jones Day (Local + 44 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16788062 on 02/11/2020 (371 days app to issue)

Abstract: The technology relates generally to the field of immunology and relates in part to methods for activating T cells and other cells resulting in an immune response against a target antigen. The technology also relates to costimulation of therapeutic cells that express chimeric antigen receptors that recognize target antigens using chimeric MyD88- and CD40-derived polypeptides. The technology further relates in part to therapeutic cells that express chimeric antigen receptors, wherein the chimeric antigen receptors have an endodomain that includes MyD88- and CD40-derived polypeptides, and methods for treating patients using the modified therapeutic cells.

[C12N] MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF (biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing microorganisms, viruses, microbial fungi, enzymes, fermentates, or substances produced by, or extracted from, microorganisms or animal material A01N 63/00; medicinal preparations A61K; fertilisers C05F); PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA (microbiological testing media C12Q 1/00) [3]

Silicone hydrogel lens with a crosslinked hydrophilic coating
Patent No. 10920102

Inventor(s): Lynn Cook Winterton (Keller, TX)
Assignee(s): Alcon Inc. (Fribourg, , CH)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16720932 on 12/19/2019 (425 days app to issue)

Abstract: The invention is related to a cost-effective method for making a silicone hydrogel contact lens having a crosslinked hydrophilic coating thereon. A method of the invention involves heating a silicone hydrogel contact lens in an aqueous solution in the presence of a water-soluble, highly branched, thermally-crosslinkable hydrophilic polymeric material having positively-charged azetidinium groups, to and at a temperature from about 40 C. to about 140 C. for a period of time sufficient to covalently attach the thermally-crosslinkable hydrophilic polymeric material onto the surface of the silicone hydrogel contact lens through covalent linkages each formed between one azetidinium group and one of the reactive functional groups on and/or near the surface of the silicone hydrogel contact lens, thereby forming a crosslinked hydrophilic coating on the silicone hydrogel contact lens. Such method can be advantageously implemented directly in a sealed lens package during autoclave.

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

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

Induced material segregation methods of manufacturing a polycrystalline diamond tool
Patent No. 10920303

Inventor(s): Zachary Ryan Murphree (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: Baker Botts, L.L.P. (Local + 6 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15569908 on 05/28/2015 (2091 days app to issue)

Abstract: Induced material segregation methods of manufacturing a polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) cutter result in formation of a polycrystalline diamond/tungsten carbide (WC) composite material having a smooth compositional gradient from maximum WC concentration at one face to maximum diamond concentration at another face. Because the compositional gradient is smooth, very little or no mismatch of coefficient of thermal expansion occurs, which improves a service lifetime of the PDC cutter.

[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]

Food waste disposer interlock device
Patent No. 10920405

Inventor(s): Oran Baldwin, III (Richardson, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16525545 on 07/29/2019 (568 days app to issue)

Abstract: An interlock device coupled to a magnetically activated switch when the interlock device is removably seated in a sink flange coupled to a food waste disposer, comprising: a base having interlock device magnets, a recessed seat having drain holes, a helical cam, a strainer basket adjoined to a rotatably mounted spindle having a handle adjoined thereto, opposing nubs, which travel within the helical cam, when the handle is twisted, a spindle mounted seal adapted to block flow through the interlock device, when the spindle mounted seal is releasably seated in the recessed seat, and allowing fluid to flow through the interlock device, when the spindle mounted seal is releasably unseated from the recessed seat; the interlock device activating the food waste disposer when the interlock device is removably seated in the sink flange and one of the interlock device magnets is adjacent a switch magnet of the magnetically activated switch.

[E03C] DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER (not connected to either water-supply main or to waste pipe A47K; devices of the kind used in the ground E03B, E03F); SINKS

Drain and vent cover
Patent No. 10920431

Inventor(s): David K. McNinch (Alvarado, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16231629 on 12/24/2018 (785 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cover assembly for a drain and vent pipe. The cover assembly comprises an attaching component, a slide latch, a screen wire, a gasket and multiple tooth configuration. The attaching component is positioned between the screen wire and the slide latch. The screen wire is detachable from the attaching component, thereby enabling easy cleaning and replacement of the screen wire. The slide latch includes the gasket made of silicone rubber, which is extruded into a mold into which the multiple tooth are placed. The multiple tooth grips to an outer surface of the drain or vent pipe, and prevents the cover assembly from sliding off during use. The slide latch is attached to the attaching component at one end and to an outer surface of the drain or vent pipe on the other end.

[E04F] FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS (windows, doors E06B)

Vehicle door latch assemblies
Patent No. 10920461

Inventor(s): James D. Cunningham (Clarkston, MI)
Assignee(s): Toyota Motor Engineering Manufacturing North America, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Dinsmore Shohl LI.P (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15829321 on 12/01/2017 (1173 days app to issue)

Abstract: A door latch assembly includes a handle bezel, a rotatable handle coupled to the handle bezel, and a bezel cap. The handle bezel includes a main body portion and a rib extending from the main body portion. The rotatable handle includes a handle lever extending through the main body portion of the handle bezel, wherein the handle lever extends alongside the rib of the handle bezel. The bezel cap is positioned in a first position at an end of the rib so as to provide clearance for the handle lever of the rotatable handle to rotate thereby. The bezel cap is configured to move along the rib toward the main body portion of the handle bezel to interfere with a rotation of the handle lever during a side impact condition.

[E05B] LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS

Drill bit
Patent No. 10920495

Inventor(s): Christopher M. Casad (Benbrook, TX)
Assignee(s): ULTERRA DRILLING TECHNOLOGIES, L.P. (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: Kilpatrick Townsend Stockton LLP (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16265448 on 02/01/2019 (746 days app to issue)

Abstract: A drag bit includes a blade extending from the bit body and supporting inner cutters proximate the longitudinal axis and outer cutters spaced from the longitudinal axis. The inner cutters are rotationally offset from the outer cutters. During operation the inner cutters deposit cut material in a channel that is contiguous with a channel that receives material cut by the outer cutters. The cutters and the contiguous channels flush agglomerating material from the slots.

No blade bit
Patent No. 10920497

Inventor(s): Ben Chrest (Holmen, WI), Mitchell Rothe (Montgomery, TX)
Assignee(s): ULTERRA DRILLING TECHNOLOGIES, L.P. (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: Kilpatrick Townsend Stockton LLP (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16243697 on 01/09/2019 (769 days app to issue)

Abstract: A bladeless polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) drill bit includes a head having a plurality of knots protruding from a drilling face of the head. Each of the plurality of knots includes a single cutter. Each of the cutters is arranged about a central axis of the head such that each cutter has a unique radial position and angular position relative to the central axis. The head defines at least one fluid port extending through the drilling surface.

Hydraulic packer setting tool with anti-preset feature
Patent No. 10920514

Inventor(s): Gary John Geoffroy (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC. (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: McGuire Woods, LLP (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16330332 on 09/14/2016 (1616 days app to issue)

Abstract: A completion running tool includes a body that defines a central flow passage and one or more radial flow ports. A piston is coupled to the body at a releasable coupling and positioned for longitudinal movement within a piston chamber defined radially between the body and an outer shroud. A prop sleeve is positioned in the central passage and defines one or more apertures that facilitate fluid communication between the central passage and a piston setting chamber via the one or more radial flow ports. The prop sleeve is movable within the central flow passage between a first position, where the prop sleeve radially supports the releasable coupling and thereby prevents disengagement of the piston, and a second position, where the piston is able to disengage from the releasable coupling and move within the piston chamber.

Device and method for retrieving a restriction element from a well
Patent No. 10920515

Inventor(s): Dennis Roessler (Fort Worth, TX), John Hardesty (Fort Worth, TX), Kevin George (Cleburne, TX), Michael Wroblicky (Weatherford, TX)
Assignee(s): GEODYNAMICS, INC. (Millsap, TX)
Law Firm: Patent Portfolio Builders PLLC (4 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16759836 on 10/10/2018 (860 days app to issue)

Abstract: A setting tool ([b]402[/b]) for setting a plug in a well, the setting tool ([b]402[/b]) including a body ([b]404[/b]) extending along a longitudinal axis X; a rod ([b]408[/b]) extending along the longitudinal axis of the body ([b]404[/b]), from an upstream end ([b]402[/b]B) to a downstream end ([b]402[/b]A) of the body ([b]404[/b]); a chamber ([b]406[/b]) formed at the downstream end ([b]402[/b]A) of the body; and a restriction element ([b]450[/b]) located in the chamber ([b]406[/b]). The rod ([b]408[/b]) extends through the entire chamber ([b]406[/b]) and the restriction element ([b]450[/b]) is located between the rod ([b]408[/b]) and a wall ([b]404[/b]A) of the chamber ([b]406[/b]).

Downhole interventionless tools, systems, and methods for setting packers
Patent No. 10920526

Inventor(s): Abdel Hamid Rawhi Abeidoh (Dallas, TX), Colby Munro Ross (Carrollton, TX)
Assignee(s): Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: Chamberlain Hrdlicka (5 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16341342 on 06/07/2017 (1350 days app to issue)

Abstract: Hydraulic setting tools, packer setting systems, and methods thereof are provided. The hydraulic setting tool includes a mandrel containing a main flow path, a piston housing surrounding at least a portion of the mandrel, and a piston disposed between the piston housing and the mandrel. A cavity is defined at least partially between the piston, the piston housing, and the mandrel. The tool also includes a port passing through the mandrel and configured to provide fluid communication between the main flow path and of the cavity, and an isolation sleeve located within the mandrel and movable along the main flow path between a closed position and an opened position to control the fluid communication between the main flow path and the cavity via the port. A remotely activated valve is located downstream from the isolation sleeve along the main flow path and controls the fluid passing therethrough.

Perforating device
Patent No. 10920541

Inventor(s): Christopher C. Hoelscher (Arlington, TX), James Wight (Mansfield, TX), Joseph Todd MacGillivray (Fort Worth, TX), Richard Ellis Robey (Mansfield, TX)
Assignee(s): Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: Parker Justiss, P.C. (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15774483 on 01/06/2017 (1502 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an perforating device for use within a wellbore. The perforating device comprises a center member having a length, an expansion tool positioned about the center member along at least a portion of the length, and a plurality of perforating guns positioned about the expansion tool, each of the plurality of perforating guns configured to carry one or more explosive shaped charges. The expansion tool is configured to move the plurality of perforating guns radially outward toward a wellbore target of a wellbore it is configured to be positioned within.

Perforator having movable clusters of perforator guns
Patent No. 10920542

Inventor(s): Christopher C. Hoelscher (Arlington, TX), Richard Ellis Robey (Mansfield, TX)
Assignee(s): Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: Gilliam IP PLLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16348900 on 02/03/2017 (1474 days app to issue)

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first cluster of perforator guns positioned circumferentially around a central longitudinal axis at a first axial position. The apparatus includes a second cluster of perforator guns positioned circumferentially around the central longitudinal axis at a second axial position. The first and second clusters are configured in a closed position while the apparatus is being lowered to a perforator position in a wellbore. After the apparatus is lowered to the perforator position, the first and second clusters are to move to an expanded position and the first cluster is to move axially such that the first cluster and the second cluster at least partially overlap.

Setting tool igniter system and method
Patent No. 10920544

Inventor(s): Aaron Douglas Holmberg (Omaha, NE), John T. Hardesty (Fort Worth, TX), Johnny Joslin (Godley, TX), Robert E. Davis (Joshua, TX), Shelby L. Sullivan (Minot, ND)
Assignee(s): GEODYNAMICS, INC. (Millsap, TX)
Law Firm: Patent Portfolio Builders PLLC (4 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16240942 on 01/07/2019 (771 days app to issue)

Abstract: A downhole system includes a switch sub holding a gun switch and an adapter attached to the switch sub and holding an igniter switch. The gun switch is configured to detonate a detonator, and the igniter switch is configured to ignite an igniter system.

Fluid exchange devices and related controls, systems, and methods
Patent No. 10920555

Inventor(s): Andreas Dreiss (Hamburg, , DE), Christopher Shages (Bethlehem, PA), Jason Bandi (Irving, TX), Mark O”Sullivan (Phillipsburg, NJ), Scott Judge (Bethlehem, PA), Tom Knochenhauer (Escondido, CA), Zach Procita (Warrington, PA,
Assignee(s): Flowserve Management Company (Irving, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16678720 on 11/08/2019 (466 days app to issue)

Abstract: Pressure exchange devices and related systems may include a valve device configured to selectively place a fluid at a first higher pressure in communication with another fluid at a lower pressure in order to pressurize the another fluid to a second higher pressure. Methods of exchanging pressure between at least two fluid streams may include a pressure exchanger having two low pressure inlets.

Utilizing electrically actuated explosives downhole
Patent No. 10920557

Inventor(s): James Marshall Barker (Mansfield, TX)
Assignee(s): Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: Baker Botts L.L.P. (Local + 8 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16315514 on 08/19/2016 (1642 days app to issue)

Abstract: Electrically ignitable and electrically controllable explosive material (EIECEM) may be disposed within a shaped charge for deployment downhole. An explosion of the EIECEM is controlled by limiting the duration of excitation at the EIECEM, for example, the duration that an electrical source provides an electrical charge, electrical current or electrical signal. The shaped charge may be insulated from an electrical source to prevent explosion of the EIECEM and coupled to the electrical source to create ignite or explode the EIECEM. A plurality of shaped charges may be disposed downhole and may be ignited or exploded in any suitable order. The EIECEM may be ignited multiple times such that multiple explosions are created. The explosion of the EIECEM creates or extends a perforation or fracture in a formation. The shaped charges may be arranged to create a shaped perforation or fracture, such as a slot-shaped fracture.

System and method for determining BHA position during lateral drilling
Patent No. 10920576

Inventor(s): Brian E. Stokeld (Lewisville, TX), Todd W. Benson (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): MOTIVE DRILLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Kilpatrick Townsend Stockton LLP (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15364583 on 11/30/2016 (1539 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for controlling drilling direction of a bore hole assembly (BHA) while laterally drilling through a formation involves accessing, by a surface steerable system, recent TVD corrected logging history data from a bore hole estimator, iteratively determining, by the surface steerable system, a formation bed dip of the formation being laterally drilled through, repeating the steps of accessing the recent TVD corrected logging history data and iteratively determining the formation bed dip of the formation responsive to additional well information, determining, by the surface steerable system, a most probable statistical match of a well bore positions to predicated well bore positions based on the accessed recent TVD corrected logging history data, the determined formation bed dip and the additional well information and providing, by the surface steerable system, geosteering feedback responsive to the determined most probable statistical match.

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

Top entry axial flow regulator
Patent No. 10920896

Inventor(s): Daniel G. Roper (Lucas, TX), Douglas J. Scheffler (McKinney, TX), Harold J. Mckinney (Durant, OK), James L. Griffin, Jr. (McKinney, TX), Matthew W. Hanusa (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: 16055930 on 08/06/2018 (925 days app to issue)

Abstract: A valve seat assembly for use in a fluid control valve. The valve seat assembly includes a pad holder and a support ring. The pad holder includes a support body configured to support a seat pad and a plurality of alignment struts projecting radially outwardly from the support body. The support ring extends around the radially outer perimeter of the alignment struts. The pad holder slides into and out of an operative position in the support ring.

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

System and method for compressor optimization and system cycling using ambient air for cooling or heating
Patent No. 10921012

Inventor(s): Frank I. Menocal (Plano, TX), James R. Walton (Murphy, TX), Tejasbhai D. Patel (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): EnTouch Controls Inc. (Richardson, TX)
Law Firm: Frost Brown Todd LLC (Local + 4 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15450772 on 03/06/2017 (1443 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system and method are described for conserving energy in HVAC systems. During certain temperature requests, ambient air can be supplied to a conditioned space and the HVAC compressor can be turned off to conserve power. During certain temperature requests, supply air can be adjusted through cycling of heating or cooling elements to conserve power and maintain desired space temperature. In various embodiments, supply air temperature, coil temperature, cabinet temperature and other values can be monitored for their effect on cooling and/or heating, and taken into account for determining how to best cool or heat a conditioned space.

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

Method of and system for reducing refrigerant pressure in HVAC systems
Patent No. 10921032

Inventor(s): Rakesh Goel (Irving, TX)
Assignee(s): Lennox Industries Inc. (Richardson, TX)
Law Firm: Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley Norton, LLP (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16421611 on 05/24/2019 (634 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method that determines whether at least one condition indicating a likelihood of one or more high refrigerant pressures within a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system is present. The method includes generating a first control signal configured to switch a first valve from an open to a closed position in response to determining that at least one condition indicating a likelihood of one or more high refrigerant pressures within the HVAC system is present and upon expiration of a defined first period of time. The method further includes generating a second control signal configured to switch the first valve from a closed to an open position following generation of the first control signal and upon expiration of a defined second period of time.

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

Self defense ring
Patent No. 10921097

Inventor(s): Bernardo Rojas (Irving, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Law Office of Jeff Williams PLLC (Local + 690 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16685465 on 11/15/2019 (459 days app to issue)

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a self-defense ring assembly and method for a user to deter an assailant, having a ring body, a chamber within the ring body containing a pressurized repellant, a conduit within the ring body, a nozzle located on a surface of the ring body, and a button located on the ring, the button having a portion of the conduit passing through the button such that the button selectively translates the portion of the conduit. Furthermore, the ring assembly includes a track running along the ring body, and a cover member that selectively translates along the track, the cover member selectively exposing the button.

[F41H] ARMOUR; ARMOURED TURRETS; ARMOURED OR ARMED VEHICLES; MEANS OF ATTACK OR DEFENCE, e.g. CAMOUFLAGE, IN GENERAL

Multi-piece polymer ammunition cartridge
Patent No. 10921100

Inventor(s): Christopher William Overton (Richardson, TX), Lonnie Burrow (Carrollton, TX)
Assignee(s): TRUE VELOCITY IP HOLDINGS, LLC (Garland, TX)
Law Firm: Singleton Law, PLLC (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15886207 on 02/01/2018 (1111 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present invention provides polymer ammunition having a generally cylindrical neck having a projectile aperture at a first end, a shoulder comprising a shoulder top connected to the generally cylindrical neck opposite a shoulder bottom, a nose junction positioned around the shoulder bottom, a skirt connected circumferentially about the nose junction to extend away from the shoulder bottom, wherein the nose junction and the skirt are adapted to mate to a base junction in a cartridge.

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

Multi-piece polymer ammunition cartridge
Patent No. 10921101

Abstract: The present invention provides polymeric ammunition having a generally cylindrical neck having a projectile aperture at a first end, an outer shoulder surface that extends from the generally cylindrical neck, an outer shoulder angle defined by the outer shoulder surface, an inner shoulder surface on the inside of the polymer nose opposite the outer shoulder surface, an inner shoulder angle defined by the outer shoulder surface, a skirt surface extending from the inner shoulder surface, a skirt angle defined by the skirt surface and a nose junction that extends from the outer shoulder surface to the skirt surface, wherein the nose junction is adapted to mate to a polymer cartridge.

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

Polymer ammunition and cartridge having a convex primer insert
Patent No. 10921106

Inventor(s): Christopher William Overton (Richardson, TX), Lonnie Burrow (Carrollton, TX)
Assignee(s): True Velocity IP Holdings, LLC (Garland, TX)
Law Firm: Singleton Law, PLLC (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16276007 on 02/14/2019 (733 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present invention includes a primer insert for a polymer ammunition cartridge comprising: a top surface; a bottom surface opposite the top surface; a coupling element that extends from the bottom surface, wherein the coupling element comprises an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the interior surface comprises: a convex transition region that transitions from the bottom surface to a second segment wherein the transition region has an overall convex shape; a first segment extending from the second segment and terminates at a tip, wherein the first segment has a first segment distance from 0.02 to 0.18 inches and the second segment has a second segment distance from 0.02 to 0.18 inches, wherein the second segment has a second segment angle from +3 to 3 degrees relative to the first segment angle and the first segment has a first segment angle from +6 to 6 degrees from perpendicular to the top surface; a primer recess in the top surface that extends toward the bottom surface; a primer flash aperture positioned in the primer recess through the bottom surface; and a flash aperture groove in the primer recess and positioned around the primer flash aperture and adapted to receive a polymer overmolding through the primer flash aperture.

[F42C] AMMUNITION FUZES (blasting cartridge initiators F42B 3/10; chemical aspects C06C); ARMING OR SAFETY MEANS THEREFOR (filling fuzes F42B 33/02; fitting or extracting primers in or from fuzes F42B 33/04; containers for fuzes F42B 39/30) [5]

P H Y S I C S

Vehicle sensor tracking for customized vehicle profile
Patent No. 10919537

Inventor(s): Aghyad Saleh (Grand Prairie, TX), Joshua C. Batie (Frisco, TX), Trent B. Bennett (Prosper, TX)
Assignee(s): TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16407526 on 05/09/2019 (649 days app to issue)

Abstract: An example operation may include one or more of monitoring data when the data is associated with at least one detected behavior of a first user, quantifying the at least one detected behavior into a first value, sending the first value to a first server and a second server, comparing the first value to a first threshold at the first server, comparing the first value to a second threshold at the second server, determining whether to increment a first score at the first server and a second score at the second server, when the first value is greater than one or more of the first threshold and the second threshold, and determining whether to decrement the first score at the first server and the second score at the second server, when the first value is less than one or more of the first threshold and the second threshold.

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

Electronic valve actuator with predictive self-calibrating torque controller
Patent No. 10920899

Inventor(s): Daniel E Carlson (Rustburg, VA), Mark D Ollander (Forest, VA), Michael Adam Rumore (Lynchburg, VA)
Assignee(s): Flowserve Management Company (Irving, TX)
Law Firm: Maine Cemota Rardin (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16165043 on 10/19/2018 (851 days app to issue)

Abstract: An electronic controller of a valve actuator predictively calculates motor inputs that will cause the actuator to apply desired forces or torques to a valve. A force/torque sensor of the actuator measures applied force or torque at the motor output and/or valve to verify the applied force or torque and enable updating of calibration settings as needed. Upon failure of the force/torque sensor, embodiments continue predictive operation without sensor verification or calibration updates. Upon failure of the predictive control, embodiments continue valve actuation under reactive control via the force/torque sensor. Connection to a calibration valve simulator enables embodiments to perform an initial self-calibration using the force/torque sensor of the actuator. The motor can be a variable frequency driven AC motor or a DC motor. The calibration can incorporate mechanical properties of an actuator gear train.

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

Bending and kinking detection apparatus and method
Patent No. 10921120

Inventor(s): Ryohei Tsuruta (Ann Arbor, MI), Taewoo Nam (Ann Arbor, MI), Umesh N. Gandhi (Farmington Hills, MI), Yuyang Song (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: 16280546 on 02/20/2019 (727 days app to issue)

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other implementations described herein relate to a manner of detecting kinking or other bending on a bendable structure. In one implementation, a bendable structure is configured to kink at different locations. First and second sensors surface-mounted antiparallel along the bendable structure have bending responses that increase with increasing amounts of bending, and that are increasingly sensitive along their lengths. The bending responses from first and second sensors are received at a first time and a second time subsequent to the first time. The formation of a kink is identified in response to identifying that the bending responses are indicative of unkinked bending at the first time and indicative of kinked bending at the second time. In response to identifying the formation of the kink, the location of the kink is identified based on the bending responses at the first time.

[G01B] MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS

Autonomous vehicle virtual reality navigation system
Patent No. 10921138

Inventor(s): Hideki Hada (Ann Arbor, MI), Kristofer D. Kusano (Ann Arbor, MI), Miles J. Johnson (Ann Arbor, MI), Yi Li (Ann Arbor, MI)
Assignee(s): TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Oblon, McClelland, Maier Neustadt, L.L.P. (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15981418 on 05/16/2018 (1007 days app to issue)

Abstract: The virtual reality navigation system can display the position of an autonomous vehicle at a predetermined amount of time in the future via virtual reality. A virtual reality display can display a virtual reality autonomous vehicle, as if the virtual reality autonomous vehicle is the autonomous vehicle operating at the predetermined amount of time in the future. Additionally, a virtual reality interface can provide an interface for an operator to interact with the environment of the autonomous vehicle. The virtual reality interface can receive an alternate route selection, and display in virtual reality the one or more maneuvers that would be required to reach the selection.

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

Monitoring a sensor array
Patent No. 10921154

Inventor(s): Corey Wick (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: Tong, Rea, Bentley Kim, LLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15746003 on 07/22/2015 (2036 days app to issue)

Abstract: In example implementations, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes an interface, an inheritance engine, an anomaly detection module and a processor. The interface communicates with a sensor array. The inheritance engine is used to create a model of the sensor array based on information collected from the each one of a plurality of nodes in the sensor array over the interface. The anomaly detection engine is used to monitor the sensor array in accordance with the model to detect an anomaly and initiate a corrective action to correct the anomaly in two or more of the plurality of nodes within the sensor array simultaneously. The processor is in communication with the inheritance engine and the anomaly detection engine is used to execute instructions associated with the inheritance engine and the anomaly detection engine.

[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

Remote monitoring of water distribution system
Patent No. 10921304

Inventor(s): Brian Morrow (Carrollton, TX), Charles Kitowski (Colleyville, TX), Daniel Copeland (Bessemer, AL), Leon G. McCullough (West Des Moines, IA), Mike Vore (Oskaloosa, IA)
Assignee(s): AMI Investments, LLC (Coppell, TX)
Law Firm: Maynard Cooper Gale, P.C. (4 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16685495 on 11/15/2019 (459 days app to issue)

Abstract: A liquid monitoring system includes a remote measurement device located at a location of the fire hydrant that is in contact with water provided by a water main. The remote measurement device has sensors that measure characteristics of the water and a communication interface that transmits measured information to a communication network device that may be located elsewhere on the fire hydrant. The communication network device communicates with a communication network.

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

Devices and methods for diagnosis of sinusitis
Patent No. 10921320

Inventor(s): Oriana E. Hawkins (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): Entvantage Diagnostics, Inc. (Austin, TX)
Law Firm: Shay Glenn LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15938315 on 03/28/2018 (1056 days app to issue)

Abstract: Apparatuses for sampling mucous from within a sinus to determine if a single sample includes one or more bacterial types indicating bacterial sinusitis comprising an indicator to guide the angle at which a user inserts the apparatus relative to the patient.

Systems and methods for converting wind pressure to wind velocity
Patent No. 10921343

Inventor(s): Brian J. Dumont (Royal Oak, MI), Corey D. Wills (Berryton, KS), Corey T. Pasta (Topeka, KS), Dennis W. Morgart (Topeka, KS), James Paul (Carmel, CA), Matthew Fleming (Ypsilanti, MI), Paul Harris (Canton, MI), Paul K.
Assignee(s): BNSF Railway Company (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16295371 on 03/07/2019 (712 days app to issue)

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes determining, by a controller, a first wind pressure associated with a first port of a first probe, determining, by the controller, a second wind pressure associated with a second port of the first probe, and determining, by the controller, a reference wind pressure associated with an end portion of the first probe. The method also includes calculating, by the controller, a first reference differential using the first wind pressure and the reference wind pressure, calculating, by the controller, a first rotational differential using the first wind pressure and the second wind pressure, and calculating, by the controller, an angular coefficient using the first reference differential and the first rotational differential. The method further includes calculating, by the controller, a wind velocity using the first reference differential and the angular coefficient. The wind velocity represents a wind velocity relative to a vehicle.

[G01P] MEASURING LINEAR OR ANGULAR SPEED, ACCELERATION, DECELERATION OR SHOCK; INDICATING PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF MOVEMENT; INDICATING DIRECTION OF MOVEMENT (measuring angular rate using gyroscopic effects G01C 19/00; combined measuring devices for measuring two or more variables of movement G01C 23/00; measuring velocity of sound G01H 5/00; measuring velocity of light G01J 7/00; determining direction or velocity of solid objects by reflection or reradiation of radio or other waves and based on propagation effects, e.g. Doppler effect, propagation time or direction of propagation, G01S; measuring speed of nuclear radiation G01T)

Pressure sensing probe
Patent No. 10921344

Abstract: In one embodiment, a probe includes a first facet associated with a first pressure port operable to measure a first wind pressure, a second facet associated with a second pressure port operable to measure a second wind pressure, and a third facet associated with a third pressure port operable to measure a third wind pressure. The second facet is adjacent to the first facet and the third facet adjacent to the second facet. The probe further includes a fourth facet adjacent to the third facet and a fifth facet adjacent to the fourth facet and to the first facet. The first facet, the second facet, the third facet, the fourth facet, and the fifth facet are located between a first end portion and a second end portion of the probe.

Display system and components
Patent No. 10921523

Inventor(s): Jonathan Gabel (Arlington, TX), Kevin P. Cippant (Mansfield, TX)
Assignee(s): L-3 Technologies, Inc. (New York, NY)
Law Firm: Tiajoloff Kelly LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16331026 on 09/25/2017 (1240 days app to issue)

Abstract: A display system comprises a screen having a concave spherical surface positioned so as to be visible to a user of the system. The screen comprises a plurality of kite-shaped screen elements supported adjacent one another so as to form that spherical surface. Each of the screen elements comprises a respective faceplate comprising optical fibers extending adjacent each other so as to transmit light therethrough between two opposing face surfaces. One of the face surfaces is a concave spherical display image output surface, and the other of the face surfaces is a substantially planar image input surface. The screen elements also each comprise a respective image panel having a field of pixels each transmitting light corresponding to serial images of said panel. The fibers of the faceplate receive the light of the pixels of the image panel and together transmit the light from the image panel coherently to its image output surface so that the images of the panel are displayed on the image output surface.

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

Electro-optical package and method of fabrication
Patent No. 10921538

Inventor(s): Karlheinz Muth (Richardson, TX)
Assignee(s): Rockley Photonics Limited (Oxford, , GB)
Law Firm: Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP (6 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16382076 on 04/11/2019 (677 days app to issue)

Abstract: An electro-optical package. In some embodiments, the electro-optical package includes a first electro-optical chip coupled to an array of optical fibers, and a first physical medium dependent integrated circuit coupled to the first electro-optical chip.

System and method for applying orthogonal limitations to light beams using microelectromechanical systems
Patent No. 10921753

Inventor(s): Roger Linquist (Dallas, TX), Solyman Ashrafi (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): NXGEN PARTNERS IP, LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16127729 on 09/11/2018 (889 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system contains a light source for generating a plane wave light beam. A MicroElectroMechanical (MEM) system includes an array of micro-mirrors for generating a light beam having a plurality of orbital angular momentum modes multiplexed together within the light beam responsive to the plane wave light beam and control signals for controlling the array of micro-mirrors. A controller generates the control signals to dynamically control a position of each of a plurality of micro-mirrors of the array of micro-mirrors to apply the plurality of orbital angular momentum modes on to the light beam. The controller controls the position of the plurality of micro-mirrors to dynamically generate a plurality of holograms for dynamically applying the plurality orbital angular momentum modes to the plane wave light beam and to dynamically encode a phase and amplitude of the light beam responsive to the control signals.

[G03H] HOLOGRAPHIC PROCESSES OR APPARATUS (holograms, e.g. point holograms, used as ordinary optical elements G02B 5/32; analogue computers performing mathematical operations with the aid of optical elements G06E 3/00; holographic storage G11B 7/0065, G11C 13/04) [2]

Process and system for providing a machining method for manufacturing a feature in a part
Patent No. 10921779

Inventor(s): Majed Amer (Kfar Qassem, , IL), Tom Van ”T Erve (Enschede, , NL), Yahel Aricha (Givat Shmuel, , IL)
Assignee(s): Siemens Industry Software Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16347635 on 11/04/2016 (1565 days app to issue)

Abstract: A machining method is provided for manufacturing a feature in a part. Feature data are received that describe a feature to be manufactured and include a type and a set of attributes of the feature. Machining method data are received that describe a machining method for manufacturing an associated feature. Machining methods associated with features of a given type are analyzed in order to define a set of ranges of feature attributes where the machining methods are applicable. A set of ranking values are assigned to each machining method for ordering machining methods. Data of an additional feature to be manufactured is received, the type of the additional feature being the given type and the set of attributes is a specific set. A set of machining methods is selected and at least one machining method is provided based on its assigned ranking value to be associated with the additional feature.

Wirelessly connected thermostat with flexible and scalable energy reporting
Patent No. 10921835

Inventor(s): Gregory H. Fasullo (Dallas, TX), Iftekhar Hasan (Richardson, TX), Tejasbhai D. Patel (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): EnTouch Controls Inc. (Richardson, TX)
Law Firm: Frost Brown Todd LLC (Local + 4 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 13604728 on 09/06/2012 (3085 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system for controlling an HVAC system and for monitoring energy usage at a premises is described. The system includes an energy meter at a electrical distribution panel, where the energy meter connected to one or more current transformers monitoring the current in one or more input lines and load lines and collecting current information for each of the monitored lines. The energy meter is further including a wireless radio to transmit the current information. An intelligent thermostat is operable to control the HVAC system at the premises according to environmental data sensed by the intelligent thermostat, and to receive the current information from the energy meter and to transmit the current information to a remote server for processing. A remote server is operable to process the current information from the energy meter by applying a scaling factor to the current information to determine energy usage.

[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)

Computer architecture for emulating a node in a correlithm object processing system
Patent No. 10922109

Inventor(s): Patrick N. Lawrence (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Bank of America Corporation (Charlotte, NC)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16411733 on 05/14/2019 (644 days app to issue)

Abstract: A device configured to emulate a node in a correlithm object processing system includes a memory and a node. The memory stores a node table that links source correlithm objects to target correlithm objects. The node receives an input correlithm object and determines n-dimensional distances between it and the source correlithm objects, and determines that it is not within an n-dimensional distance threshold from any of the source correlithm objects in the node table. The node adds the input correlithm object to the node table as a new source correlithm object in response to determining that it is not within the n-dimensional distance threshold from any of the source correlithm objects in the node table. The node then links a new target correlithm object to the new source correlithm object in the node table.

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

Subscription server
Patent No. 10922136

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: 16747860 on 01/21/2020 (392 days app to issue)

Abstract: A subscription server generates, at a clock generation module, a clock template including a plurality of slots, each slot associated with at least one content type, and wherein the clock template includes information indicating timing relationships of the plurality of slots relative to one another. The subscription server determines that a media log is to be generated from the clock template for one or more subscribers, and obtains, from a subscription verification module implemented by the processor and associated memory, trust parameters associated with the one or more subscribers. A log generation module implemented by the processor and associated memory, generates a media log including at least one slot assigned a restriction level determined based on the trust parameters. The media log, including information indicating the restriction level, is transmitted to at least one of the one or more subscribers.

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

Masterless raid for byte-addressable non-volatile memory
Patent No. 10922178

Inventor(s): Chris Michael Brueggen (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: Sheppard Mullin Richter Hampton LLP (8 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16176731 on 10/31/2018 (839 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system includes byte-addressable non-volatile memory (NVM) modules. The system includes media controllers communicatively connected to one another over a memory semantic fabric. Each media controller is responsible for a corresponding NVM module to which the media controller is attached. The media controllers cooperatively provide redundant array of independent disks (RAID) functionality at a granularity at which the NVM modules are byte-addressable without employing a master RAID controller.

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

Systems and methods for determining performance metrics of remote relational databases
Patent No. 10922206

Inventor(s): Amit Pandey (Plano, TX), Kumar Anand (Plano, TX), Naseema Shaik (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Capital One Services, LLC (McLean, VA)
Law Firm: Kacvinsky Daisak Bluni PLLC (13 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16409051 on 05/10/2019 (648 days app to issue)

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide systems and methods for determining performance metrics or statistics relating to relational databases that are accessed remotely. Such embodiments may automatically discover the presence or identity of such remotely-stored databases using serverless code, query each database for performance information, convert the performance information into performance metrics, and store the performance metrics as time-series data in a time-series database. The performance metrics may be used to generate notifications, provide input to a machine learning process, adjust settings of the relational databases or an associated service, or provide a visualization of the performance of the databases, among other possibilities.

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

Embedded universal serial bus 2 repeater
Patent No. 10922255

Inventor(s): Bhupendra Sharma (Bangalore, , IN), Douglas Edward Wente (Murphy, TX), Huanzhang Huang (Plano, TX), Mustafa Ulvi Erdogan (Allen, TX), Saurabh Goyal (Bangalore, , IN), Win Naing Maung (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16939725 on 07/27/2020 (204 days app to issue)

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide for a circuit including a squelch detector having a first input coupled to a first node and configured to receive a positive component of a differential signal with a floating center tap, a second input coupled to a second node and configured to receive a negative component of the differential signal, and an output coupled to a logic circuit, a first resistor coupled between the first node and a third node, a second resistor coupled between the third node and the second node, a third resistor coupled between the first node and a fourth node, a fourth resistor coupled between the fourth node and the second node, a capacitor coupled between the fourth node and a ground terminal, a comparator having a first input coupled to the third node, a second input coupled to a fifth node, and an output coupled to the logic circuit.

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

System and method for extended peripheral component interconnect express fabrics
Patent No. 10922259

Inventor(s): Wesley Shao (Cupertino, CA)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16539707 on 08/13/2019 (553 days app to issue)

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment extended peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) device includes a host PCIe fabric comprising a host root complex. The host PCIe fabric has a first set of bus numbers and a first memory mapped input/output (MMIO) space on a host CPU. An extended PCIe fabric includes a root complex endpoint (RCEP) as part of an endpoint of the host PCIe fabric. The extended PCIe fabric has a second set of bus numbers and a second MMIO space separate from the first set of bus numbers and the first MMIO space, respectively.

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

Techniques to determine relationships of items in web-based content
Patent No. 10922374

Inventor(s): Geoffrey Dagley (McKinney, TX), Habeeb Hooshmand (McKinney, TX), Jason Hoover (Grapevine, TX), Micah Price (Plano, TX), Qiaochu Tang (The Colony, TX), Stephen Wylie (Carrollton, TX)
Assignee(s): Capital One Services, LLC (McLean, VA)
Law Firm: Kacvinsky Daisak Bluni PLLC (13 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16662068 on 10/24/2019 (481 days app to issue)

Abstract: Embodiments may generally be directed components and techniques to receive and process an indication of a web-based search performed for an item of a plurality of items and determine a co-occurrence matrix comprising rows and columns having entries associated with the plurality of items. Each of the entries of the co-occurrence matrix may indicate a number of co-occurrences of two of the plurality items. Embodiments also include techniques to determine related pairs of the plurality of items based on the number of co-occurrences for each entry and a relationship threshold value indicating two of the items are related and provide an indication of each item of the plurality of items that is related to the item searched based on the related pairs determination.

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

Facial authentication systems and methods utilizing time of flight sensing
Patent No. 10922395

Inventor(s): Frederic Morestin (Santa Clara, CA), Xiaoyong Yang (San Jose, CA)
Assignee(s): STMICROELECTRONICS, INC. (Coppell, TX)
Law Firm: Seed IP Law Group LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16240213 on 01/04/2019 (774 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method of authenticating a user”s face with a ranging sensor. The ranging sensor includes a time of flight sensor and a reflectance sensor. The ranging sensor transmits a signal that is reflected off of a user and received back at the ranging sensor. The received signal can be used to determine distance between the user and the sensor, and the reflectance value of the user. With the distance or the reflectivity, a processor can activate a facial recognition process in response to the distance and the reflectivity. A device incorporating the ranging sensor according to the present disclosure may reduce the overall power consumed during the facial authentication process.

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

Methods for converting circuits in circuit simulation programs
Patent No. 10922459

Inventor(s): Ashwin Vishnu Kamath (Bangalore, , IN), Dien Mac (San Jose, CA), Jeff Perry (Cupertino, CA), Kian Haur Chong (McKinney, TX), Makram Mansour (San Jose, CA), Pradeep Kumar Chawda (Cupertino, CA), Satyanandakishore Vanapalli (
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16437020 on 06/11/2019 (616 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for converting a circuit in a format of a first circuit simulation program to format of a second circuit simulation program includes identifying components in the circuit that are recognized by the second simulation program. Characteristics for components that are not recognized by the second simulation program are created. Connections in the circuit are formatted to a format that is recognized by the second simulation program. The components, characteristics, and connections are stored in a single computer-readable file.

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

Customer-based video feed
Patent No. 10922555

Inventor(s): Matthew Raymond Magee (Waco, TX), Ravi Kumar Kurva (Irving, TX), Shahmeer Ali Mirza (Celina, TX)
Assignee(s): 7-Eleven, Inc. (Irving, TX)
Law Firm: Baker Botts L.L.P. (Local + 8 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16664470 on 10/25/2019 (480 days app to issue)

Abstract: An apparatus includes an interface, display, memory, and processor. The interface receives a video feed including first and second camera feeds, each feed corresponding to a camera located in a store. The processor stores a video segment in memory, assigned to a person and capturing a portion of a shopping session. The video segment includes first and second camera feed segments, each segment corresponding to a recording of the corresponding camera feed from a starting to an ending timestamp. Playback of the first and second camera feed segments is synchronized, and a slider bar controls a playback progress of the camera feed segments. The processor displays the camera feed segments and copies of the slider bar on the display. The processor receives an instruction from at least one of the copies of the slider bar to adjust the playback progress of the camera feed segments and adjusts the playback progress.

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

Dynamic message categorization for optimized message targeting
Patent No. 10922622

Inventor(s): Sumit Patel (Irving, TX)
Assignee(s): INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION (Armonk, NY)
Law Firm: Cantor Colburn LLP (7 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15378578 on 12/14/2016 (1525 days app to issue)

Abstract: An automated dynamic message categorization system is provided and includes first, second and third processing units. The first processing unit is configured to generate a user interface (UI) and to present the UI to a user. The second processing unit is configured to pull information from a first textual element which has been entered into the UI, to identify second textual elements that are relevant to the first textual element based on the pulled information and to extract textual element identifiers from the second textual elements. The third processing unit is configured to generate, for each extracted textual element identifier, a confidence score describing a degree of correlation between each extracted textual element identifier and the first textual element. The first processing unit is further configured to present to the user each extracted textual element identifier with a corresponding confidence score as a selectable option via the UI.

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

Systems and methods for improving medical order entry for high volume situations
Patent No. 10922651

Inventor(s): Robert W. Langdon (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): T-System, Inc. (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 12171160 on 07/10/2008 (4604 days app to issue)

Abstract: By arranging the input screen of a computerized medical order entry system to display pre-defined order-set possibilities for several categories (for example, labs, diagnostic, staff, medications) where the displayed order-set is directly related to a selected one of a plurality of medical emergency conditions, the physician can easily select orders from a single screen while conducting a patient interview or examination. The system allows the physician to concurrently select orders from order-sets associated with medical conditions different from the initially selected medical condition. In one embodiment, an elapsed time for an order is displayed for overall monitoring of patients.

[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]

Web based repair cost estimating system
Patent No. 10922664

Inventor(s): Pankaj V. Desai (San Ramon, CA), Seyed Rexa Vahidi (Pleasanton, CA), Sonja Larson (Benicia, CA), Stan Griffin (Livermore, CA), Steve Glendenning (San Ramon, CA)
Assignee(s): Audatex North America, Inc. (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Baker Botts L.L.P. (Local + 8 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14014092 on 08/29/2013 (2728 days app to issue)

Abstract: A web based insurance estimating system. The system includes a client computer that can launch client-side integrated processing software through a web-based application. The system also includes a server that generates information for a repair cost estimate web page. The repair cost estimate web page is displayed at the client computer. The repair cost estimate web page has properties that can be configured by a user at the client computer. The server can automatically populate fields of one or more web pages in response to a vehicle identification number entered by the user.

Systems and methods for database management of transaction information and payment data
Patent No. 10922766

Inventor(s): Ashley Cook (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): ZOCCAM TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves Savitch LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15887790 on 02/02/2018 (1110 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system for storing data related to a transaction and for facilitating the transaction, the system comprising: a database; an application server coupled with the database and configured to store information associated with a plurality of transactions, the information including a transaction identifier, and escrow agent identifier, and account information related to an escrow agent account for the escrow agent maintained with a financial institution, the application server further configured to receive an image of the a check associated with a payment related to the transaction from a buyer or buyer agent, forward the check image, payment information, and escrow agent account information to the financial institution to cause a deposit into the escrow agent account, and generate and send notifications to the escrow agent and buyer or buyer agent.

Systems and methods for database management of transaction information and payment instruction data
Patent No. 10922767

Abstract: A system for storing data related to a transaction and for facilitating the transaction, the system comprising: an application server coupled with a database and configured to store information associated with a plurality of transactions, the information including account information related to a user account maintained by a first financial institution, a recipient identifier, and account information related to a recipient account maintained with a second financial institution, the application server further configured to: receive transaction data associated with a payment of the transaction, the transaction data comprising an identifier and user account information; identify the recipient account information based on a comparison of the received identifier against the stored recipient identifier; generate transfer instructions data based on the transaction data and recipient account information; and forward the transfer instructions data to the first financial institution based on the user account information to cause a deposit into the recipient account.

Systems and methods for database management of transaction information and a plurality of payment sources
Patent No. 10922768

Abstract: A system for storing data related to a transaction and for facilitating the transaction from at least one of a plurality of payment sources, the system comprises a database; an application server coupled with the database and configured to store information associated with a plurality of transactions, the information including a transaction identifier, a recipient identifier, and account information related to a recipient account for the recipient maintained with a financial institution, the application server further configured to receive transaction data from a user device associated with a payment from at least one of a plurality of payment sources and related to the transaction, the transaction data comprising the transaction identifier and the recipient identifier, generate an electronic check based on the transaction data, and forward the electronic check and recipient account information to the financial institution to cause a deposit into the recipient account.

Systems and methods for database management of transaction information including data representative of documents related thereto
Patent No. 10922769

Abstract: A system for storing data related to a transaction and for facilitating exchange of the data related thereto, the system comprises a database; an application server coupled with the database and configured to store information associated with a plurality of transactions, the information including a transaction identifier and a plurality of identifiers of parties related to the transaction, the parties registered with the application server based on the associated identifier, the application server further configured to associate identifiers of one or more parties with the transaction based in part on a transaction identifier provided by a device associated with the one or more parties, receive data representative of one or more documents from the device, store data representative of one or more documents and an association of the data related to the transaction based in part on the identifier of the party and the transaction identifier, and, in response to receiving the data representative of the one or more documents, generate and send one or more notifications to one or more of the remaining parties related to the transaction.

Systems and methods for database management of transaction information and payment data
Patent No. 10922770

Abstract: A system for storing data related to a transaction and for facilitating the transaction, the system comprising: a database; an application server coupled with the database and configured to store information associated with a plurality of transactions, the information including a transaction identifier, an escrow agent identifier and account information related to an escrow agent account maintained with a financial institution, the application server further configured to: receive transaction data associated with a payment from an account of a buyer related to the transaction, an identification of an escrow agent, and a transaction identifier related to the transaction from a device associated with an agent of the buyer, the transaction being between the buyer and a seller; forward the transaction data to the financial institution to cause a deposit into the escrow agent account based on a comparison of the identified escrow agent with the escrow agent identifier associated with the transaction, wherein the escrow account is retrieved when the escrow agent identifier is associated with the identified escrow agent, and generate and automatically send notifications to the escrow agent and buyer agent.

Object tracking using contour filters and scalers
Patent No. 10922824

Inventor(s): Edmund Dawes Zink (McKinney, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Barnes Thornburg LLP (Local + 12 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16539642 on 08/13/2019 (553 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system, components, and methodologies are provided for image data processing and subsequent use to detect and/or identify objects and object movement in such image data to enable assistance, automation, control and/or documentation regarding transportation vehicle movement. An affine contour filter provides the ability to extract precise sub-pixel roots of contours that represent boundaries of blobs in an image that undergoes small affine changes such as translation, rotation and scale. Thereby lateral contour tracking may be performed wherein movement of an object may be tracked within the field of view of a camera by aligning the contours associated with the object in space-time. As a result, the size and shape of the object to be tracked need not be specified ahead of time.

[G01B] MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS

Method and apparatus for remotely communicating vehicle information to the cloud
Patent No. 10922904

Inventor(s): Michael Garner (Richardson, TX)
Assignee(s): Aeris Communications, Inc. (San Jose, CA)
Law Firm: Brundidge Stanger, P.C. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16052684 on 08/02/2018 (929 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the communication of vehicle data, diagnostics and related information with a network remote from the vehicle, and more particularly to communications and storage of vehicle data in the cloud. In one or more preferred embodiments, vehicle information is securely gathered from a vehicle, processed in accordance with instructions and a profile set remotely, and stored at a remote data store, where remote access to such information can be accommodated through applications, smartphones and other remote devices.

[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)

System for providing on-demand resource delivery to resource dispensers
Patent No. 10922930

Inventor(s): Veronica Smith (The Colony, TX)
Assignee(s): BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION (Charlotte, NC)
Law Firm: Moore Van Allen PLLC (6 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16725100 on 12/23/2019 (421 days app to issue)

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for managing and/or operating a nodal grid network in which resources are received, dispensed, and transferred throughout the nodal grid network. The nodal network may comprise automated teller machines, merchant stores, delivery vehicles, processing centers, and the like. The system scans resource notes for important and sometimes unique information as the resource notes are received and/or dispensed at each of the nodes. This information about the resource notes and the nodes of the network can be recorded and stored in real-time, such that the system can make real-time decisions regarding how to address any necessary adjustments of resource quantities at each node. Furthermore, historical nodal data can be analyzed to identify trends at each node, and this historical data can be extrapolated to provide insight into an expected health of each node at future points in time.

[G07F] COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS (coin sorting G07D 3/00; coin testing G07D 5/00) [7]

Erase operation in 3D NAND
Patent No. 10923196

Inventor(s): Kwang-Ho Kim (Pleasanton, CA), Masaaki Higashitani (Cupertino, CA), Peter Rabkin (Cupertino, CA)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16781589 on 02/04/2020 (378 days app to issue)

Abstract: An apparatus for erasing non-volatile storage elements in a non-volatile memory system is disclosed. The apparatus has consistent speed in gate induced drain leakage (GIDL) erase across the operating temperature of the memory system. In one aspect, a voltage source outputs an erase voltage to NAND strings. The NAND strings may draw a GIDL erase current in response to the erase voltage. The amount of GIDL erase current for a given erase voltage is highly temperature dependent. The GIDL erase current may be sampled, and the erase voltage regulated based on the GIDL erase current. Therefore, the GIDL erase current, as well as erase speed, may be kept uniform across operating temperatures.

[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)

Memory device with compensation for erase speed variations due to blocking oxide layer thinning
Patent No. 10923197

Inventor(s): Ashish Baraskar (Santa Clara, CA), Ching-Huang Lu (Fremont, CA), Vinh Diep (San Jose, CA)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16922037 on 07/07/2020 (224 days app to issue)

Abstract: Techniques are provided for optimizing an erase operation in a memory device to compensate for erase speed variations due to blocking oxide thinning In an erase operation for a block, the channels of NAND strings in different sub-blocks can be charged up by different amounts. One approach adjusts the control gate voltage of a first select gate transistor in a NAND string. This adjusts the amount of holes generated in the channel due to gate-induced drain leakage. Another approach adjusts the control gate voltage of additional select gate transistors in the NAND string to adjust the conductivity of the adjacent channel regions. Another approach applies different bit line voltages to different rows of NAND strings in each sub-block.

Dynamic selection and sequencing of healthcare assessments for patients
Patent No. 10923231

Inventor(s): Adam C. McCoy (Flower Mound, TX), Atul Kumar (Irving, TX), Guy B. Mrnustik (Irving, TX), Karie L. Kelly (Carrollton, TX), Patrick L. Walters (Mansfield, TX), Russell G. Olsen (Flower Mound, TX)
Assignee(s): International Business Machines Corporation (Armonk, NY)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15078055 on 03/23/2016 (1791 days app to issue)

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided for administering health care assessments to a patient. The mechanisms analyze patient information stored in a patient registry and determine a plurality of health care assessments to be administered to the patient based on the patient information and one or more pre-defined health care assessment guidelines specifying conditions for which health care assessments are to be administered to patients and timing for administering the assessments to the patients. The mechanisms generate a sequence of health care assessments, in the plurality of health care assessments, based on the guidelines and the patient information. The sequence comprises an ordering of the health care assessments, and a timing interval between health care assessments, determined based on the guidelines and the patient information. The mechanisms administer at least one health care assessment to the patient in accordance with the determined sequence of health care assessments. NULL

Methods related to valve actuators having motors with peek-insulated windings
Patent No. 10923240

Inventor(s): David Breeding (Lynchburg, VA), Kyle Ramsey (Lynchburg, VA), Nathan J. Sochor (Lynchburg, VA)
Assignee(s): Flowserve Management Company (Irving, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15565643 on 04/10/2015 (2139 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method of operating a nuclear reactor includes operating a valve actuator to open and close a valve in fluid communication with a nuclear reactor fluid control system. The valve actuator includes a motor having windings of magnet wire. The magnet wire includes a layer of insulating material disposed over a conductor. The layer of insulating material comprises polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and has a thickness between about 0.025 mm and about 0.381 mm. A method of replacing a valve actuator motor with such a motor having windings formed of PEEK-insulated magnet wire is also disclosed. A method of coupling a valve actuator with such a motor having windings formed of PEEK-insulated magnet wire to a valve is also disclosed.

[G21C] NUCLEAR REACTORS (fusion reactors, hybrid fission-fusion reactors G21B; nuclear explosives G21J)

Phosphor screen for MEMS image intensifiers
Patent No. 10923244

Inventor(s): Arlynn W. Smith (Blue Ridge, VA), Dan CHiLCOTT (Buchanan, VA)
Assignee(s): Elbit Systems of America, LLC (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: KL Gates LLP (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15827956 on 11/30/2017 (1174 days app to issue)

Abstract: A phosphor screen for a Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MEMS) image intensifier includes a wafer structure, a lattice of interior walls, a thin film phosphor layer, and a reflective metal layer. The wafer structure has a naturally opaque top layer and an active area defined within the naturally opaque top layer. The lattice of interior walls is formed, within the active area, from the naturally opaque top layer. The thin film phosphor layer is disposed in the active area, between the lattice of interior walls. The reflective metal layer that is disposed atop the thin film phosphor layer. In at least some instances, the thin film phosphor layer is a non-particle phosphor layer.

[G21K] TECHNIQUES FOR HANDLING PARTICLES OR IONISING RADIATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; IRRADIATION DEVICES; GAMMA RAY OR X-RAY MICROSCOPES [2]

Techniques for providing visualization and analysis of performance data
Patent No. 10924366

Inventor(s): Steven Dodge (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): VIAVI Solutions Inc. (San Jose, CA)
Law Firm: Harrity Harrity, LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16387780 on 04/18/2019 (670 days app to issue)

Abstract: Techniques for providing visualization and analysis of performance data are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a system for providing visualization and analysis of performance data. The system may comprise one or more processors communicatively coupled to a mobile communications network. The one or more processors may be configured to monitor data traffic within the mobile communications network. The one or more processors may further be configured to collect network performance data associated with the mobile communications network. The one or more processors may also be configured to provide user-selectable options to a user at a mobile device for viewing the network performance data. The one or more processors may further be configured to process the network performance data based on the user-selectable options identified by the user. The one or more processors may also be configured to provide a visualization to be displayed at the mobile device based on the processed network performance data, where the visualization presents the processed network performance data that improves customer experience assurance.

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

Conversation agent for collaborative search engine
Patent No. 10924442

Inventor(s): Chaofeng Xu (Plano, TX), Dinesh Sundaram (Plano, TX), Jayson Sellers (Flower Mound, TX), Kasey Greuner (Bedford, TX), Micah Price (Plano, TX), Olalekan Awoyemi (Prosper, TX), Praveen Kumar Gadipelly (Frisco, TX), Sand
Assignee(s): CAPITAL ONE SERVICES, LLC (McLean, VA)
Law Firm: Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16292595 on 03/05/2019 (714 days app to issue)

Abstract: A chatbot in the context of a chat group messaging is described. The chat group can include a plurality of users and a chatbot. A set of rules can be defined for the users of the group granting each user a privilege status. The chatbot can receive a request through a message transmitted to the chat group. The chatbot can discern a task associated with the message, and perform the task or ask another module to perform the task. Once the task is performed, the chatbot can report the results to the chat group. The chatbot can include a conflict resolution module which can resolve conflicts. The conflict resolution module can use each user”s privilege status to resolve the conflicts.

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

E L E C T R I C I T Y

System for adaptive bandwidth control of electric motors using frequency response analysis method
Patent No. 10921778

Inventor(s): Manish Bhardwaj (Sugar Land, TX), Ramesh Tiruvannamalai Ramamoorthy (Sugar Land, TX), Sam Gnana Sabapathy (Sugar Land, TX)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16403156 on 05/03/2019 (655 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system comprising a processor, a non-transitory memory, and an application stored in the non-transitory memory is provided. The application is configured, upon execution by the processor, to cause the processor to generate a first controller signal based on a first set of feedback from an electric motor, based on a characterization tone, and based on a controller gain, to provide the first controller signal for operation of the electric motor, to generate a frequency response analysis on a second set of feedback from the electric motor in response to the first controller signal, and to determine a new value of the controller gain based on the frequency response analysis.

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

Microwave plasma source
Patent No. 10923324

Inventor(s): Mark A. Meloni (Carrollton, TX)
Assignee(s): Verity Instruments, Inc. (Carrollton, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16254177 on 01/22/2019 (756 days app to issue)

Abstract: The disclosure provides a plasma source and an excitation system for excitation of a plasma, and an optical monitoring system. In one embodiment the plasma source includes: (1) a coaxial resonant cavity body having an inner length, and including a first end, a second end, an inner electrode and an outer electrode, (2) a radio frequency signal interface electrically coupled to the inner and outer electrodes at a fixed position along the inner length and configured to provide a radio frequency signal to the coaxial resonant cavity body, (3) a window positioned at the first end of the coaxial resonant cavity body, and (4) a mounting flange positioned proximate the window at the first end of the coaxial resonant cavity body and defining a plasma cavity, wherein the window forms one side of the plasma cavity and isolates the coaxial resonant cavity body from plasma in the plasma cavity.

[H01J] ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS (spark-gaps H01T; arc lamps with consumable electrodes H05B; particle accelerators H05H)

Spectral reflectometry window heater
Patent No. 10923406

Inventor(s): John Christopher Shriner (Allen, TX), Kevin Paul Wiederhold (Wylie, TX), Maja Imamovic (Rowlett, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16712234 on 12/12/2019 (432 days app to issue)

Abstract: A plasma processing tool for fabricating a semiconductor device on a semiconductor wafer includes an optical window disposed on a plasma chamber, remotely from a plasma region. The window is thermally connected to an electrical heater element capable of maintaining the window at a temperature of at least 30 C. A heater controller provides electrical power to the heater element. During operation of the plasma processing tool, the heater controller provides power to the heater element so as to maintain the window at a temperature of at least 30 C. during at least a portion of a plasma process step in which by-products are produced in the plasma chamber.

[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]

Multi-die module with contactless coupler and a coupling loss reduction structure
Patent No. 10923457

Inventor(s): Baher Haroun (Allen, TX), Benjamin Stassen Cook (Addison, TX), Bichoy Bahr (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16231555 on 12/23/2018 (786 days app to issue)

Abstract: A multi-die module includes a first die with a first device and a second die with a second device. The multi-die module also includes a contactless coupler configured to convey signals between the first device and the second device. The multi-die module also includes a coupling loss reduction structure.

Three-dimensional memory device containing a replacement buried source line and methods of making the same
Patent No. 10923496

Inventor(s): Akio Nishida (Yokkaichi, , JP), Kenji Sugiura (Yokkaichi, , JP), Michiaki Sano (Yokkaichi, , JP), Mitsuteru Mushiga (Yokkaichi, , JP), Ryosuke Kaneko (Yokkaichi, , JP)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: The Marbury Law Group PLLC (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16241171 on 01/07/2019 (771 days app to issue)

Abstract: An alternating stack of insulating layers and spacer material layers is formed over a source-level sacrificial layer overlying a substrate. The spacer material layers are formed as, or are subsequently replaced with, electrically conductive layers. Memory stack structures including a respective vertical semiconductor channel and a respective memory film are formed through the alternating stack. A source-level cavity is formed by removing the source-level sacrificial layer. Semiconductor pillar structures may be used to provide mechanical support to the alternating stack during formation of the source-level cavity. A source-level semiconductor material layer can be formed in the source-level cavity. The source-level semiconductor material layer adjoins bottom end portions of the vertical semiconductor channels and laterally surrounds the semiconductor pillar structures. The source-level semiconductor material layer may be electrically isolated from a substrate semiconductor material layer in the substrate by a series connection of two p-n junctions having opposite polarities.

Three-dimensional memory device containing direct source contact structure and methods for making the same
Patent No. 10923498

Inventor(s): Makoto Koto (Yokkaichi, , JP), Satoshi Shimizu (Yokkaichi, , JP), Yoshitaka Otsu (Yokkaichi, , JP)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: The Marbury Law Group PLLC (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16394233 on 04/25/2019 (663 days app to issue)

Abstract: A source-level sacrificial layer and an alternating stack of insulating layers and sacrificial material layers are formed over a substrate. Memory openings are formed through the alternating stack, and a source cavity is formed by removing the source-level sacrificial layer. A memory film is formally formed by a conformal deposition process, and a source contact layer is formed in the source cavity. Vertical semiconductor channels and drain regions are formed in remaining volumes of the memory openings on sidewalls of the source contact layer. A backside contact via structure is formed through the alternating stack and directly on a sidewall of the source contact layer.

Three-dimensional ferroelectric memory devices including a backside gate electrode and methods of making same
Patent No. 10923502

Inventor(s): Koji Sato (Yokkaichi, , JP)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: The Marbury Law Group, PLLC (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16249300 on 01/16/2019 (762 days app to issue)

Abstract: A ferroelectric memory device includes an alternating stack of insulator layers and electrically conductive layers and located over a top surface of a substrate, a memory stack structure vertically extending through the alternating stack and including a ferroelectric material layer, a front-side gate dielectric contacting the ferroelectric material layer, and a vertical semiconductor channel contacting the front-side gate dielectric, a backside gate dielectric contacting the vertical semiconductor channel, and a backside gate electrode contacting the backside gate dielectric. Portions of the ferroelectric material layer adjacent to the electrically material layers can be programmed with polarization states to store data.

Graphene FET with graphitic interface layer at contacts
Patent No. 10923567

Inventor(s): Archana Venugopal (Dallas, TX), Luigi Colombo (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16792379 on 02/17/2020 (365 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for forming a graphene FET includes providing a graphene layer having a surface. A first metal layer having a work function 4.3 eV is deposited on the graphene surface. The first metal layer is oxidized to form a first metal oxide layer. The first metal oxide layer is etched to provide open surface contact regions including a first and a second region of the graphene layer for providing a graphene surface source and drain contact. A second metal layer is deposited including a second metal layer portion providing a source with a source contact over the graphene surface source contact and a second metal layer portion providing a drain with a drain contact over the graphene surface drain contact. A grown-in graphitic interface layer is formed at an interface between the source contact and graphene surface source contact and the drain contact and graphene surface drain contact.

Lithium metal sulfides as lithium super ionic conductors, solid electrolyte and coating layer for lithium metal battery and lithium-ion battery
Patent No. 10923763

Inventor(s): Chen Ling (Troy, MI), Qiang Bai (College Park, MD), Xingfeng He (Greenbelt, MD), Yifei Mo (Fulton, MD)
Assignee(s): TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Oblon, McClelland, Maier Neustadt, L.L.P. (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16264499 on 01/31/2019 (747 days app to issue)

Abstract: Solid-state lithium ion electrolytes of lithium metal sulfide based composites are provided which contain an anionic framework capable of conducting lithium ions. Composites of specific formulae are provided and methods to alter the composite materials with inclusion of aliovalent ions shown. Lithium batteries containing the composite lithium ion electrolytes are also provided. Electrodes containing the lithium metal sulfide based materials and batteries with such electrodes are also provided.

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

Antenna array with integrated filters
Patent No. 10923804

Inventor(s): Igor Timofeev (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): CommScope Technologies LLC (Hickory, NC)
Law Firm: Myers Bigel, P.A. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16362956 on 03/25/2019 (694 days app to issue)

Abstract: An exemplary antenna system has first and second antenna elements, where a diplexer is connected to each second element. First phase shifters are connected to the first elements and to the diplexers, and second phase shifters are connected to the diplexers, but not to the first elements. Either a different bandpass filter is connected to the first and second phase shifters or a single multiplexer is connected to all phase shifters. The antenna system can be used to support communications over first and second sub-bands with independent beam tilts and equivalent beamwidths, where all of the elements are used for the first sub-band, and the second elements, but not the first elements, are used for the second sub-band. Each first element is separated from an adjacent element by a first distance, and each second element is separated from an adjacent element by a second distance different from the first distance.

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

Lens arrays configurations for improved signal performance
Patent No. 10923828

Inventor(s): Serguei Matitsine (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Matsing, Inc. (Irvine, CA)
Law Firm: Fish IP Law, LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16178540 on 11/01/2018 (838 days app to issue)

Abstract: A lens elements array comprises at least two lens elements aligned along an alignment axis. Each lens element includes a spherical lens and a feed element. The feed elements are tilted such that the RF signals generated by the feed elements have major axes form an angle (preferably between 5 and 30) other than a perpendicular angle with respect to the alignment axis. The combined RF signals produced collectively by these feed elements have amplitude that has minimal dips across the array. The feed elements that are farther away from the center of the array have higher levels of tilts than the feed elements that are closer to the center of the array.

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

Modular barrel contact system for electrical connectors
Patent No. 10923848

Inventor(s): Jose Luis Ortega (Irving, TX)
Assignee(s): Carlisle Interconnect Technologies, Inc. (Kent, WA)
Law Firm: Stoel Rives, LLP (5 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16712852 on 12/12/2019 (432 days app to issue)

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a modular barrel contact system suitable for use with a variety of electrical connectors. The contact system includes a barrel having an opening extending therethrough and designed to receive an electrical contact and a wire. When the barrel is crimped, the contact and wire are brought together with improved mechanical strength and electrical performance. The barrel includes features for securely inserting and retaining the contact system within a housing of the electrical connector.

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

Vehicle harness connector interface assemblies
Patent No. 10923869

Inventor(s): Jeffrey Salazar (Hamtramck, MI)
Assignee(s): Toyota Motor Engineering Manufacturing North America, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Dinsmore Shohl LLP (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16435968 on 06/10/2019 (617 days app to issue)

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to a connector interface assembly. The connector interface assembly includes a housing and a printed circuit board. The housing includes a first side part and a second side part. The printed circuit board includes a first end having a connector, an opposite second end having a first receiving port, and an upper surface having a second receiving port and a pair of coaxial ports extending therefrom. The second receiving port and the pair of coaxial ports of the upper surface extend in a direction perpendicular to the connector and the first receiving port. The connector is different from the first receiving port. The printed circuit board is positioned between the first side part and the second side part such that the housing at least partially surrounds the printed circuit board in a between the first and second side parts.

Surgical instrument motor with increased number of wires per phase set and increased fill factor and corresponding manufacturing method
Patent No. 10923977

Inventor(s): Vikram A. Garadi (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): Medtronic Xomed, Inc. (Jacksonville, FL)
Law Firm: Harness Dickey (8 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15951458 on 04/12/2018 (1041 days app to issue)

Abstract: A motor for a surgical instrument includes a rotor and a stator. The rotor includes a shaft and a magnet. The stator includes (i) a cavity in which the rotor is disposed, and (ii) a coil assembly. The coil assembly includes multiple phase sets. The phase sets include multiple sets of wires. Each of the phase sets includes multiple coils and corresponds to a respective one of the sets of wires. The coils in each of the phase sets are at respective positions about the rotor. One of the sets of wires includes at least three wires. The stator causes the rotor to axially rotate a surgical tool of the surgical instrument based on current received at the sets of wires.

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

Gate driver controller and associated discharge method
Patent No. 10924001

Inventor(s): Toru Tanaka (Plano, TX), Xiong Li (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16109276 on 08/22/2018 (909 days app to issue)

Abstract: A gate driver controller, inverter circuit apparatus, and associated discharge method for electric vehicles are disclosed. An example gate driver controller includes a mode determiner to set a mode of operation of the gate driver. The example device includes a gate driver control to control the gate driver to set the gate driver to: a) on, b) off, or c) generate a pulse width modulation signal. When in a first operating mode and set to on, stored energy is to be transferred from a capacitor to a motor winding inductor via a power transistor activated by the gate driver to dissipate a first portion of the stored energy. When in a second operating mode, a second portion of the stored energy is to be transferred from the motor winding inductor to the power transistor to dissipate the second portion of the stored energy.

[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]

Methods, apparatus, and systems for current sensing in valley current-controlled boost converters
Patent No. 10924015

Inventor(s): Christian Harder (Freising, , DE), Ivan Shumkov (Freising, , DE), Joerg Kirchner (Mauern, , DE), Stefan Dietrich (Freising, , DE)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15990382 on 05/25/2018 (998 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus to facilitate current sensing for valley current-controlled power converters are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a comparator including a first terminal, a second terminal, and an output. The apparatus further includes a first transistor including a first drain coupled to the first terminal of the comparator. The apparatus further includes a second transistor including a second drain coupled to the first terminal of the comparator. The apparatus further includes a third transistor including a third drain coupled to the second terminal of the comparator.

Tracking energy consumption using a boost-buck technique
Patent No. 10924018

Inventor(s): Anton Brauchle (Mering, , DE), Horst Diewald (Freising, , DE), Johann Zipperer (Garching, , DE), Peter Weber (Allershausen, , DE)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15865035 on 01/08/2018 (1135 days app to issue)

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for tracking energy consumption. An energy tracking system comprises at least one switching element, at least one inductor and a control block to keep the output voltage at a pre-selected level. The switching elements are configured to apply the source of energy to the inductors. The control block compares the output voltage of the energy tracking system to a reference value and controls the switching of the switched elements in order to transfer energy for the primary voltage into a secondary voltage at the output of the energy tracking system. The electronic device further comprises an ON-time and OFF-time generator and an accumulator wherein the control block is coupled to receive a signal from the ON-time and OFF-time generator and generates switching signals for the at least one switching element in the form of ON-time pulses with a constant width ON-time.

Asynchronous clock pulse generation in DC-to-DC converters
Patent No. 10924019

Inventor(s): Jiwei Fan (Cary, NC), Mingyue Zhao (Cary, NC)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15816446 on 11/17/2017 (1187 days app to issue)

Abstract: Generally speaking, a pulse generation unit can aid load transient response for a DC-to-DC converter. In some examples, a pulse generation unit is coupled to an output voltage of the DC-to-DC converter. The pulse generation unit includes a transient sensing unit and a clock augmentation unit. The transient sensing unit monitors the output of the DC-to-DC converter. When the transient sensing unit detects a load transient, the transient sensing unit generates an additional clock pulse. The clock augmentation unit augments an existing clock signal to include the additional clock pulse.

Operational mode control of a motor
Patent No. 10924040

Inventor(s): Kristen N. Mogensen (Freising, , DE)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16704149 on 12/05/2019 (439 days app to issue)

Abstract: One example is a system for controlling a motor during startup. The system includes measurement logic, pattern detection logic, and mode logic. The measurement logic monitors a back-electromotive force (BEMF) signal representing a BEMF of an electric motor and the pattern detection logic monitors this signal to detect instances of the monitored BEMF signal exhibiting a predetermined pattern. The mode logic enables control of the electric motor according to a plurality of modes of control. In some examples, the mode logic initially employs a first mode of control and switches from the first mode of control to a second mode of control in response to the pattern detection logic detecting that a BEMF signal exhibits the predetermined pattern over a plurality of commutation states.

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

Local oscillator distribution for a millimeter wave semiconductor device
Patent No. 10924058

Inventor(s): Abdellatif Bellaouar (Richardson, TX), Arul Balasubramaniyan (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC. (Grand Cayman, , KY)
Law Firm: Williams Morgan, P.C. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16801667 on 02/26/2020 (356 days app to issue)

Abstract: A CMOS gain element is disclosed herein. Also disclosed herein are splitters, comprising the CMOS gain element, and local oscillator distribution circuitry comprising the splitters and the CMOS gain elements. Semiconductor devices comprising the local oscillator distribution circuitry may have smaller footprints and reduced power consumption relative to prior art devices.

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

Multi-element resonator
Patent No. 10924059

Inventor(s): James Caldwell (Elgin, IL), Michael Bushman (Manitowoc, WI)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16029905 on 07/09/2018 (953 days app to issue)

Abstract: A resonant tank includes a first capacitor formed on a semiconductor substrate, a first inductor formed on the semiconductor substrate, a second capacitor formed on the semiconductor substrate, and a second inductor formed on the semiconductor substrate. The first capacitor, the first inductor, the second capacitor, and the second inductor are connected in a ring configuration, with each capacitor connected between a pair of the inductors and with each inductor connected between a pair of the capacitors. An amplifier circuit is coupled to the resonant tank and configured to amplify a signal in the resonant tank.

Digital predistortion calibration
Patent No. 10924068

Inventor(s): Harish Kumar Ramesh (Bangalore, , IN), John Roshan Samuel Chandran (Bangalore, , IN), Lakshmi Bala Krishna Manoja Vinnakota (Dallas, TX), Raghu Ganesan (Bangalore, , IN)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16288094 on 02/27/2019 (720 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for digital predistortion (DPD) calibration in a wireless communication device is provided that includes transmitting, by transmission circuitry of the wireless communication device, a plurality of pulses, where each pulse corresponds to an amplitude step in a pattern of amplitude steps, where the amplitude steps are separated by silence gaps, receiving each pulse in receiver circuitry of the wireless communication device, generating, by an accumulator component of the wireless communication device, an accumulated sample for each pulse based on a plurality of samples output by the receiver circuitry for the pulse, and computing, by a processor of the wireless communication device, amplitude dependent gain (AM/AM) and amplitude dependent phase shift (AM/PM) values for each accumulated sample.

[H04B] TRANSMISSION [4]

Slew boost circuit for an operational amplifier
Patent No. 10924074

Inventor(s): Nitin Agarwal (Bengaluru, , IN), Suresh Mallala (Hyderabad, , IN)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16377462 on 04/08/2019 (680 days app to issue)

Abstract: A differential input stage of a circuit includes a first transistor, a second transistor, a third transistor, and a fourth transistor. Drains of the first and third transistors couple together at a first node, and drains of the second and fourth transistors couple together at a second node. A first slew boost circuit includes a fifth transistor and a first current mirror. A gate of the fifth transistor couples to the second node. A source of the fifth transistor couples to the first node. The first current mirror couples to the fifth transistor and to the second node. A second slew boost circuit includes a sixth transistor and a second current mirror. A gate of the sixth transistor couples to the first node. A source of the sixth transistor couples to the second node. The second current mirror couples to the sixth transistor and to the first node.

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

Phase-locked loop (PLL) with direct feedforward circuit
Patent No. 10924123

Inventor(s): Debapriya Sahu (Bengaluru, , IN), Rittu Sachdev (Bengaluru, , IN)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16219067 on 12/13/2018 (796 days app to issue)

Abstract: A phase-locked loop (PLL) device includes: 1) a detector configured to output an error signal to indicate a phase offset between a feedback clock signal and a reference clock signal; 2) a charge pump coupled to the detector and configured to output a charge pump signal based on the error signal; 3) an integrator with a feedback path, an input node, a reference node, and an output node, wherein the input node is coupled to the charge pump and receives the charge pump signal; 4) a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) coupled to the output node of the integrator via a resistor; and 5) a feedforward circuit coupled directly to the detector and configured to apply an averaged version of the error signal to correct a voltage level received by the VCO.

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

Oscillator closed loop frequency control
Patent No. 10924126

Inventor(s): Danielle Lyn Griffith (Richardson, TX), Per Torstein Rine (Oslo, , NO)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16362403 on 03/22/2019 (697 days app to issue)

Abstract: An electronic device comprises a regulator, and an oscillator and a resistor coupled to the regulator. The electronic device further comprises a feedback controller that includes a differential amplifier coupled between the oscillator, the resistor, and the regulator. The feedback controller is configured to apply a control voltage to the regulator in response to a resistor voltage upon the resistor and an oscillator voltage upon the oscillator. The feedback controller can be coupled to control a substantially equal voltage upon the resistor and the oscillator.

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

Communications with carrier selection, switching and measurements
Patent No. 10924228

Inventor(s): Brian Classon (Palatine, IL), Jialing Liu (Palatine, IL), Qian Cheng (Aurora, IL), Vipul Desai (Palatine, IL), Weimin Xiao (Hoffman Estates, IL), Xiang Chen (Campbell, CA)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16546114 on 08/20/2019 (546 days app to issue)

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a base station configuring component carriers to user equipment (UE). The base station determines one or more component carriers to configure based on the UE carrier aggregation capability and sends a first configuration signaling to configure the UE with the component carriers in one or more component carrier sets. The base station configures each of the component carrier sets with a first common parameters and operations set and sends a second configuration signaling to configure the component carrier sets of the UE with the first common parameters and operations set. The base station then sends a third configuration signaling to configure each of the component carriers in the UE with a second parameters and operations set.

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

Methods and apparatus for transmitting modulation signals
Patent No. 10924241

Inventor(s): Akihiko Matsuoka (Kanagawa, , JP), Masayuki Orihashi (Kanagawa, , JP), Yutaka Murakami (Osaka, , JP)
Assignee(s): Wi-Fi One, LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Nixon Vanderhye P.C. (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16848956 on 04/15/2020 (307 days app to issue)

Abstract: A plurality of multicarrier signals is generated. Each of the plurality of multicarrier signals includes a pilot symbol sequence at a same temporal point in each multicarrier signal. Each pilot symbol sequence includes a plurality of pilot symbols with non-zero amplitude. The pilot symbol sequences are orthogonal to each other at the same temporal point. A quantity of the plurality of pilot symbols in each pilot symbol sequence is greater than or equal to a quantity of the plurality of multicarrier signals to be transmitted. The plurality of multicarrier signals are transmitted in an identical frequency band from a plurality of antennas. The plurality of antennas includes two, three, or four antennas.

[H04B] TRANSMISSION [4]

Method and apparatus for configuration, measurement and reporting of channel state information for LTE TDD with dynamic UL/DL configuration
Patent No. 10924249

Inventor(s): Anthony Edet Ekpenyong (Houston, TX), Runhua Chen (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15809846 on 11/10/2017 (1194 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method of operating a time division duplex (TDD) wireless communication system is disclosed. The method includes establishing communications with a remote transceiver. A subframe configuration including static and flexible subframes is determined and transmitted to the remote transceiver. A channel state information (CSI) report is received from the remote transceiver in response to the subframe configuration.

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

Smart receiver with compressive sensing and machine learning
Patent No. 10924308

Inventor(s): Michelle L. Crawford (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Raytheon Applied Signal Technology, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA)
Law Firm: Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP (6 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16745204 on 01/16/2020 (397 days app to issue)

Abstract: System and method for identifying an RF emitter include: channelizers for channelizing RF signals into several channels; a compressive sensing (CS) encoder for each channel to CS encode the channelized signal to produce an encoded channelized signal in each of the plurality of channels; a summer to sum the encoded channelized signals of all of the plurality of channels to produce an I/Q data; a channelized pulse detection circuit to detect pulses in each channel and produce encoded pulse snippets from the I/Q data; a CS decoder for each channel to CS decode the encoded pulse snippets; a first machine learning device to characterize the decoded pulse snippets and to produce pulse description words (PDWs); and a second machine learning device to associate the PDWs with one or more RF emitters and identify the one or more RF emitters.

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

Phase error reduction in a receiver
Patent No. 10924309

Inventor(s): Arpan Thakkar (Vadodara, , IN), Naveen Mahadev (Bengaluru, , IN), Pranav Kumar (Hatia, , IN), Srikanth Manian (Chennai, , IN), Yogesh Darwhekar (Bengaluru, , IN)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16793486 on 02/18/2020 (364 days app to issue)

Abstract: A receiver circuit includes a quadrature signal generator to generate an in-phase (I) signal and a quadrature (Q) signal from a local oscillator signal and an IQ phase sense and control circuit to generate a phase adjustment code responsive to a phase error between quadrature signals generated by a plurality of mixers. The receiver circuit also includes a phase corrector to adjust a phase difference between the I and Q signals from the quadrature signal generator to generate corrected I and Q signals to be provided to the plurality of mixers.

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

IQ mismatch correction module
Patent No. 10924320

Inventor(s): Chandrasekhar Sriram (Chennai, , IN), Raju Kharataram Chaudhari (Pune, , IN), Sthanunathan Ramakrishnan (Bengaluru, , IN)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16525103 on 07/29/2019 (568 days app to issue)

Abstract: An IQ estimation module comprising a powerup state IQ estimator configured to generate powerup state IQ estimates based on a powerup calibration of the IQ estimation module, a steady state IQ estimator configured to generate steady state IQ estimates during a steady state operation of the IQ estimation module, and an IQ estimate extender configured to determine differences between the powerup state IQ estimates and steady state IQ estimates at their respective frequency bins and adjust the powerup state IQ estimates to improve the accuracy of IQ estimates.

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

Configuring a network forwarding element with data plane packet snapshotting capabilities
Patent No. 10924400

Inventor(s): Patrick Bosshart (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Barefoot Networks, Inc. (Santa Clara, CA)
Law Firm: Compass IP Law PC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15980543 on 05/15/2018 (1008 days app to issue)

Abstract: A forwarding element includes data plane forwarding circuitry for forwarding data messages received by the forwarding element to other network elements in a network. The data-plane forwarding circuitry includes several snapshot-match circuitry units. Each snapshot-match circuitry unit compares a set of header fields of incoming data messages with a corresponding matching data. The data-plane forwarding circuitry also includes several snapshot-capture circuitry units. Each snapshot-capture circuitry units stores a set of header fields of data messages that matches a corresponding matching data.

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

Service function chaining congestion feedback
Patent No. 10924405

Inventor(s): Andrew G. Malis (Andover, MA), Donald E. Eastlake, III (Milford, MA)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Conley Rose, P.C. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15977161 on 05/11/2018 (1012 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method of reporting congestion in an upstream direction in a service chain function architecture. The method includes receiving, by the downstream device, a packet indicating congestion within a service function chaining architecture; generating, by the downstream device, a congestion report message in response to receiving the packet, wherein the congestion report message comprises a field indicating an existence of congestion within the service function chaining architecture and a service path identifier indicating a location of the congestion within the service function chaining architecture; and transmitting, by the downstream device, the congestion report message to an upstream device to permit the upstream device to address the congestion.

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

Location control and access control of emails
Patent No. 10924459

Inventor(s): Chen Tian (Union City, CA), Reza Yazdani (Los Altos, CA), Yan Zeng (Hangzhou, , CN), Ziang Hu (Union City, CA), Zongfang Lin (Santa Clara, CA)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Conley Rose, P.C. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15409161 on 01/18/2017 (1490 days app to issue)

Abstract: A sender device includes a non-transitory memory storage comprising instructions and a location control policy, and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor executes the instructions to generate an email, generate a control mechanism for the email, wherein the control mechanism instructs a security server to implement the location control policy and wherein the location control policy affects a recipient device”s use of the email, and integrate the control mechanism into the email to generate an integrated email. The sender device further includes a transmitter coupled to the processor and configured to transmit the integrated email to the security server for the security server to implement the control mechanism.

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

Synchronous delivery of media content in a collaborative environment
Patent No. 10924521

Inventor(s): David A. Shamma (San Francisco, CA)
Assignee(s): Match Group, LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Patent Capital Group (Local + 6 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16408785 on 05/10/2019 (648 days app to issue)

Abstract: An apparatus and method for facilitating a synchronous display of a time-based media object (e.g., a video or audio file) with a remote device is provided. In one example, the apparatus comprises control logic for controlling the display of a media object in response to a user entered command with a first device, and communication logic for causing communication of the user entered command (e.g., play, pause, skip, etc.) and a metric (e.g., time or frame reference) associated with the media object to a second device for synchronizing the display of the media object with the first and second devices. The first and second devices may communicate via peer-to-peer communications, for example, in a collaborative or social application such as an IM application. Further, the apparatus may include various devices such as a personal computer, mobile phone device and/or mobile personal entertainment device, DVR, or the like.

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

Inter-provider file transfer system and method
Patent No. 10924530

Inventor(s): Brian Somes (Richardson, TX)
Assignee(s): Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc. (Basking Ridge, NJ)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16924563 on 07/09/2020 (222 days app to issue)

Abstract: A network device may include a memory storing instructions and processor configured to execute the instructions to receive a file transfer request that includes at least a network location corresponding to a file to be transferred; determine whether the network location is internal or external to a network to which the network device belongs; modify the network location when it is determined that the network location included in the file transfer request is external to the network; and retrieve the file to be transferred using the modified network location.

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

Method and apparatus for parsing and differently processing different portions of a request
Patent No. 10924585

Inventor(s): Allan Marks (Alpharetta, GA), Jessica Russell (Woodstock, GA), Melissa Frechen (Atlanta, GA), Patrick Harris (Brookhaven, GA)
Assignee(s): MCKESSON CORPORATION (Irving, TX)
Law Firm: Alston Bird LLP (Local + 10 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15422184 on 02/01/2017 (1476 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product modify messaging behavior based upon parsing and different processing of different portions of a request. In a method, a request is received that includes a first and second differently formatted portions. The method parses the request to separately identify the first and second portions, analyzes the second portion of the request and causes a message based at least in part upon the first portion to be transmitted to a request processor. Based upon the message including the first portion, the method receives a response from the request processor. Based upon the response from the claims processor, the method causes a response to the request to be provided. The message to the request processor or the response to request is modified or an additional message to another entity is transmitted based upon an analysis of the second portion of the request.

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

System and method for calling a service representative using an intelligent voice assistant
Patent No. 10924599

Inventor(s): Richard Daniel Graham (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): United Services Automobile Association (USAA) (San Antonio, TX)
Law Firm: Plumsea Law Group, LLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16816726 on 03/12/2020 (341 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system and method for making a call to a service provider on behalf of a user is disclosed. The system and method include using an intelligent voice assistant to call the service provider and having the intelligent voice assistant navigate an interactive voice response system to reach a representative. The system and method also include using the intelligent voice assistant to reconnect a user with a representative after an interrupted call.

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

Communication volume level change detection
Patent No. 10924608

Inventor(s): Luke Keiser (Frisco, TX), Stephen Schneider (Lake Ozark, MO)
Assignee(s): Securus Technologies, LLC (Carrollton, TX)
Law Firm: Fogarty LLP (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16532074 on 08/05/2019 (561 days app to issue)

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting volume level changes in communications are described herein. In some embodiments, a system comprises a computer system. The computer system comprises at least one processor and a memory coupled to the at least one processor. The memory stores program instructions that are executable by the at least one processor to cause the computer system to perform tasks. The tasks include recording a communication that comprises audio, and analyzing the audio of the communication. The analysis of the audio is operable to detect a change in a volume level of the audio that indicates an occurrence of a potential event of interest. The tasks also include creating and storing an information record corresponding to the communication in a second database. The information record includes an indication of the detected change in the volume level.

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

Luma-based chroma intra-prediction for video coding
Patent No. 10924732

Inventor(s): Akira Osamoto (Plano, TX), Madhukar Budagavi (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16817910 on 03/13/2020 (340 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for luma-based chroma intra-prediction in a video encoder or a video decoder is provided that includes down sampling a first reconstructed luma block of a largest coding unit (LCU), computing parameters and of a linear model using immediate top neighboring reconstructed luma samples and left neighboring reconstructed luma samples of the first reconstructed luma block and reconstructed neighboring chroma samples of a chroma block corresponding to the first reconstructed luma block, wherein the linear model is Pred[subscript]C[/subscript][x,y]=Rec[subscript]L[/subscript][x,y]+, wherein x and y are sample coordinates, Pred[subscript]C [/subscript]is predicted chroma samples, and Rec[subscript]L[/subscript] is samples of the down sampled first reconstructed luma block, and wherein the immediate top neighboring reconstructed luma samples are the only top neighboring reconstructed luma samples used, and computing samples of a first predicted chroma block from corresponding samples of the down sampled first reconstructed luma block using the linear model and the parameters.

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

System and method for using a mobile device as an input device for surveys at a live event
Patent No. 10924883

Inventor(s): Jovan Hutton Pulitzer (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): TESLA LABORATORIES, LLC (Jackson, WY)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16186293 on 11/09/2018 (830 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method is provided for interacting with audience members in an event, each of the potential attendees having available thereto a unique identifier. The method comprises creating, for an attendee, a unique ID (UID) on a mobile wireless device (MWD) by the steps of inputting to the MWD one of the unique identifiers, combining the obtained unique identifier with a UID time stamp at the time of creation of the UID; receiving with a server on a first wireless channel communications from the MWD; registering the UID at the physical location of the event; generating a visual query; displaying on the MWD response indicators; receiving at the server from the registered attendee a response, to the query over the first wireless channel; and storing in a database on the server the received response in association with the displayed query.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Group message delivery using multicast
Patent No. 10924893

Inventor(s): Niranjan B. Avula (Frisco, TX), Riyaj Uddin Ahmed (Coppell, TX), Sudhakar Reddy Patil (Flower Mound, TX)
Assignee(s): Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc. (Basking Ridge, NJ)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16385687 on 04/16/2019 (672 days app to issue)

Abstract: A device may obtain, for an account associated with a user equipment (UE) that is connected to a network, subscriber profile data that includes a group identifier for a messaging group for UEs that are eligible to utilize a group messaging service. The device may update a data structure to associate the group identifier and a UE identifier for the UE, wherein the data structure also associates the group identifier and other UE identifiers for other UEs of the messaging group. The device may receive, based on being subscribed to the group messaging service, group message data for a group message. The device may select the UE and the one or more other UEs as target recipients of the group message and may provide, using multicast, the contents of the group message to the UE and the one or more other UEs.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Near field connection for secure tractor trailer communication, and associated systems and methods
Patent No. 10924905

Inventor(s): Clifton Ellis (Weatherford, TX)
Assignee(s): PACCAR INC (Bellevue, WA)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15990476 on 05/25/2018 (998 days app to issue)

Abstract: Near field connection for secure tractor trailer communication, and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system for wireless communication between a tractor and a trailer includes a first transceiver (TRX) attached to the tractor, and a second TRX attached to the trailer. An engagement between the tractor and the trailer brings the first TRX within an operational distance to the second TRX.

[H04B] TRANSMISSION [4]

Wireless network association and authentication system
Patent No. 10924927

Inventor(s): John Michael Croft (Dallas, 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: 16289270 on 02/28/2019 (719 days app to issue)

Abstract: A wireless network association and authentication system includes an access point that is coupled to an authentication server via a first wireless network. The access point receives, from a first user device that associates with the access point, a first request for access to a second wireless network provided by the access point that is coupled to a wide area network through the first wireless network. The first request includes first authentication information. The access point provides the first request that includes the first authentication information to the authentication server via the first wireless network and receives a first authentication response from the authentication server via the first wireless network. In response to the first authentication response indicating that the first user device is authenticated, the access point provides the first user device access to the second wireless network.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

System and method for providing authenticated identity of mobile phones
Patent No. 10924928

Inventor(s): William F. Copeland (Garland, TX)
Assignee(s): Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc. (Basking Ridge, NJ)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 17019559 on 09/14/2020 (155 days app to issue)

Abstract: Systems and methods validate that subscriber identity module (SIM) number of an end device connected to a network is the same number that was activated for that device. A network device in a network obtains a SIM number and a universal identifier (UID) for the end device during an activation procedure. The network device generates a unique SIM authentication code based on the SIM number, the UID, and a master key. The network device sends the unique SIM authentication code to the end device as part of the activation procedure. After activation, the network device receives, from the end device, an authentication message that includes a first one-time password (OTP), the UID, a time value, the SIM number, and the SIM authentication code. The network device generates a second OTP based on the UID, the time value, the SIM number, and the master key and validates a pairing of the end device and the SIM number when the two OTPs match.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Method and system for qualification and placement of next generation equipment based on modeling
Patent No. 10924938

Inventor(s): Deepak Chadaga (Coppell, TX), Nimalan Kanagasabai (Grapevine, TX)
Assignee(s): Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc. (Basking Ridge, NJ)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16427632 on 05/31/2019 (627 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method, a device, and a non-transitory storage medium provide to receive from an end device, a first measurement of a signal transmitted by a wireless station and measured by the end device outside of a building; receive, from the end device, a second measurement of a signal transmitted by the wireless station and measured by the end device inside the building; calculate, based on the first measurement and the second measurement, a path loss, for a second frequency, between a future generation cell site and the building; calculate a received signal power of the future generation cell site based on the path loss; compare the received signal power to a threshold value; determine, based on the comparison, whether the building is qualified to receive future generation equipment to be placed in the building.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Unified cloud-based core network supporting multiple private cbrs networks of multiple operators with network slicing
Patent No. 10924940

Inventor(s): Solyman Ashrafi (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Ortiz Lopez, PLLC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16594012 on 10/05/2019 (500 days app to issue)

Abstract: A unified core network provides core network services to a number of telecommunications network operators. The unified core is partitioned into a number of slices with each slice being the core network for a network operator. Each network operator is then free to define services within its own partition to serve its own users. In this manner, the network operators are freed from building and maintaining a core network while simultaneously enjoying the benefit of having a core network.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Device, network, and method for utilizing a downlink discovery reference signal
Patent No. 10924984

Inventor(s): Jialing Liu (Palatine, IL), Qian Cheng (Aurora, IL), Weimin Xiao (Hoffman Estates, IL)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Slater Matsil, LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15359241 on 11/22/2016 (1547 days app to issue)

Abstract: User equipments can achieve quick channel synchronization when establishing a connection to base stations transitioning from a sleep mode to an active mode by using discovery resource signal (DRS) processing results and cell reference signal (CRS) processing results to establish channel synchronization with a CRS antenna port. More specifically, the user equipment may be notified that the CRS antenna port and DRS antenna port are quasi-co-located (QCL), and then use DRS processing results in conjunction with CRS processing results to obtain faster channel synchronization with a CRS antenna port. This may be particularly beneficial when the target BS is transitioned from a sleep mode to an active mode in order to accept a handover of the user equipment.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Allocation and logical to physical mapping of scheduling request indicator channel in wireless networks
Patent No. 10925042

Inventor(s): Pierre Bertrand (Antibes, , FR), Tarik Muharemovic (Pearland, TX), Zukang Shen (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16404299 on 05/06/2019 (652 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for allocating resources for a scheduling request indicator (SRI) is disclosed. An SRI cycle period for use by user equipment (UE) within a cell is transmitted from a NodeB in a cell to UE within the cell. The NodeB transmits a specific SRI subframe offset and an index value to the particular UE within the cell. The specific SRI subframe offset and the index value enable the UE to determine a unique combination of cyclic shift, RS orthogonal cover, data orthogonal cover, and resource block number for the UE to use as a unique physical resource for an SRI in the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH).

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Method and apparatus for transmitting/receiving channels in mobile communication system supporting massive MIMO
Patent No. 10925051

Inventor(s): Aris Papasakellariou (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (Suwon-si, , KR)
Law Firm: Jefferson IP Law, LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16658993 on 10/21/2019 (484 days app to issue)

Abstract: A channel transmission/reception method and an apparatus for transmitting/receiving channels between a base station and a mobile terminal efficiently in a mobile communication supporting massive Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) transmission are provided. The method includes determining a resource to which a Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS) addressed to a terminal is mapped within a resource block, the DMRS resource being positioned in at least one of a first resource set capable of being allocated for DMRS and a second resource set symmetric with the first resource set on a time axis, and transmitting the DMRS and DMRS allocation information to the terminal.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

System and method for beam management in high frequency multi-carrier operations with spatial quasi co-locations
Patent No. 10925062

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: 15837669 on 12/11/2017 (1163 days app to issue)

Abstract: When spatial quasi co-location is established between component carriers, beam management, e.g., beam configuration or reference signal configuration, of one component carrier may be performed based at least in part on beam management information of the other. Information specifying that component carriers or reference signals cross component carriers are spatially quasi co-located, or information about a SQCL group including spatially quasi co-located carriers, may be transmitted to a UE, e.g., using broadcast signaling, radio resource control (RRC) signaling, a media access control-control element (MAC-CE), downlink control information (DCI) signaling, or a combination thereof.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Signal booster with coaxial cable connections
Patent No. 10925115

Inventor(s): Michael James Mouser (Wylie, TX)
Assignee(s): Wilson Electronics, LLC (St. George, UT)
Law Firm: Thorpe North Western (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16688896 on 11/19/2019 (455 days app to issue)

Abstract: Technology for a repeater is disclosed. The repeater can include a first defined connection. The repeater can include a first coaxial cable connector configured to be communicatively coupled to the first defined connection. The repeater can include a repeater unit communicatively coupled to the first defined connection. The repeater can include a controller configured to adjust a gain or output power of the repeater unit that compensates for insertion losses between the first coaxial cable connector and the first defined connection.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Tamper detection
Patent No. 10925154

Inventor(s): Alan Henry Leek (Frisco, TX), Jace Hunter Hall (Farmers Branch, TX)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16263261 on 01/31/2019 (747 days app to issue)

Abstract: In described examples, an enclosure for circuitry includes a platform, a charge source, a first capacitive plate, a second capacitive plate, and a capacitive sensor. The circuitry is fixedly coupled to the platform. The first capacitive plate is also fixedly coupled to the platform, and either alone, or together with the platform, surrounds a volume containing the circuitry and the charge source, the charge source electrically coupled to and configured to charge the first capacitive plate. The second capacitive plate is fixedly coupled to the platform without touching the first capacitive plate, and either alone, or together with the platform, surrounds the first capacitive plate. The second capacitive plate is configured so that there is an electric potential difference between the first capacitive plate and the second capacitive plate. The capacitive sensor is electrically connected to the first capacitive plate and configured to determine when a capacitance between the first and second capacitive plates is changed.

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

Avionic sliding rack
Patent No. 10925178

Inventor(s): Julien Tanguay (Montreal, , CA), Mark Tentinger (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley Norton, LLP (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16374967 on 04/04/2019 (684 days app to issue)

Abstract: An example of a mounting rail system for a console of an aircraft includes a mounting rail with a track that includes two bevelled faces, a pyramidal nut configured to fit within the track, and a mounting bracket configured to be secured to the mounting rail via a fastener that attaches to the pyramidal nut. The pyramidal nut includes two bevelled faces that align with the two bevelled faces of the track.

DESIGN PATENTS

Decorative crown for a truck
Patent No. D910502

Inventor(s): Eric Norman Tucker (Denton, TX), Zachary Steven Gross (Flower Mound, TX)
Assignee(s): PACCAR Inc (Bellevue, WA)
Law Firm: Seed IP Law Group LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 29702961 on 08/22/2019 (544 days app to issue)

Abstract: No Abstract Patent Class: N/A

Compact brush
Patent No. D910585

Inventor(s): Jenny DeMarco Staab (Addison, TX)
Assignee(s): Mary Kay Inc. (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 29656832 on 07/17/2018 (945 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.

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

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The hybrid event in August will take place in person at SMU and virtually. The seventh annual Dallas Startup Week powered by Capital One is Dallas-Fort Worth's largest event focused on driving entrepreneurial success, economic impact, and innovation in the region.
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