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 Dec. 19, 2017 | Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington (19100)

44 patents granted Ranked No. 15 in patent production out of 250 metros

NO. OF PATENTS BY CLASSIFICATION

TOP 5 LOCAL ASSIGNEES (NO. OF PATENTS)

Futurewei Technologies Inc. (Plano, TX, US) 4
SanDisk Technologies LLC (Plano) 4
Frito-Lay North America Inc. (Plano) 3
STMicroelectronics Inc. (Coppell) 3
Conduent Business Services LLC (Dallas) 2

TOP LOCAL INVENTOR (NO. OF PATENTS)

Vincent Charles Graffagnino (Prosper) 2

SPEED: APPLICATION TO ISSUE (NO. OF DAYS)

158 days
Cover adaptable to foldable vehicle seats
Patent No. 9845033
4 Knines, LLC (Richardson)

2,481 days
Digital camera user interface for video trimming
Patent No. 9848158
Monument Peak Ventures LLC (Plano)

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

Magnolia extract containing compositions
Patent No. 9844503

Inventor(s): David Gan (Southlake, TX), Jim Faller (Williamsville, NY), Lisa Mangos (Katy, TX), Michelle Hines (Hickory Creek, TX)
Assignee(s): Mary Kay Inc. (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP (Local + 11 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14289262 on 05/28/2014 (1301 days app to issue)

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition and method for its use that includes [i]Magnolia [/i]bark extract, [i]vitis vinifera [/i]extract, tocopherol or tocopherol acetate, and hydrogenated lecithin, lecithin, or dextrin.

[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)

Hyoscyamine dosage form
Patent No. 9844538

Inventor(s): David Brown (Colleyville, TX), Himanshu Patel (North Richland Hills, TX), Juan Carlos Menendez (Bedford, TX), Ralph Brown (Southlake, TX), Somphet Peter Suphasawud (Fort Worth, TX), Viswanathan Srinivasan (The Woodlands, TX,
Assignee(s): Sovereign Pharmaceuticals, LLC (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: Abel Law Group, LLP (4 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15088537 on 04/01/2016 (627 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method of alleviating or treating a condition which can be alleviated or treated by administering hyoscyamine comprises administering to a subject in need thereof a pharmaceutical dosage form which comprises at least one of hyoscyamine and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The dosage form comprises two or more hyoscyamine formulations, at least one of the formulations being an immediate release formulation and at least one other one being a controlled release formulation.

Microporous zirconium silicate for the treatment of hyperkalemia
Patent No. 9844567

Inventor(s): Alvaro F. Guillem (Lantana, TX), Donald Jeffrey Keyser (Southlake, TX)
Assignee(s): ZS PHARMA, INC. (Coppell, TX)
Law Firm: Arent Fox LLP (5 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14321659 on 07/01/2014 (1267 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel microporous zirconium silicate compositions that are formulated to remove toxins, e.g. potassium ions, from the gastrointestinal tract at an elevated rate without causing undesirable side effects. The preferred formulations are designed avoid increase in pH of urine in patients and/or avoid potential entry of particles into the bloodstream of the patient. Also disclosed is a method for preparing high purity crystals of UZSi-9 exhibiting an enhanced level of potassium exchange capacity. These compositions are particularly useful in the therapeutic treatment of hyperkalemia.

Multi-reel nudge skill-based redemption game
Patent No. 9846985

Inventor(s): Robert Weatherby (Celina, TX)
Assignee(s): EPIC TECH, LLC (Lavonia, GA)
Law Firm: Nelson Mullins Riley Scarborough LLP (5 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14315153 on 06/25/2014 (1273 days app to issue)

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a multi-reel skill-based redemption game. An indication of a user desire to participate in the skill-based redemption game is received. The user”s account balance is decreased, and simulated reels are spun. Adjustment arrows are displayed for a subset of the plurality of simulated reels. The player selects a simulated reel and a direction of adjustment for the simulated reel. If the player”s adjustment creates a winning pattern, the user is rewarded with an increased account balance. The user may also be provided a bonus amount for achieving a number of consecutive wins.

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

Potato cultivar FL 2395
Patent No. 9844191

Inventor(s): Robert W. Hoopes (Rhinelander, WI)
Assignee(s): Frito-Lay North America, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Cochran Freund Young LLC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15378753 on 12/14/2016 (370 days app to issue)

Abstract: A potato cultivar designated FL 2395 is disclosed. The invention relates to tubers of potato cultivar FL 2395, to seeds of potato cultivar FL 2395, to plants and plant parts of potato cultivar FL 2395, to food products produced from potato cultivar FL 2395, and to methods for producing a potato plant by crossing potato cultivar FL 2395 with itself or with another potato variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a transgenic potato plant and to the transgenic potato plants and parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to potato plants and plant parts derived from potato cultivar FL 2395, to methods for producing other potato plants or plant parts derived from potato cultivar FL 2395 and to the potato plants and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid potato tubers, seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing potato cultivar FL 2395 with another potato cultivar.

[A01H] NEW PLANTS OR PROCESSES FOR OBTAINING THEM; PLANT REPRODUCTION BY TISSUE CULTURE TECHNIQUES [5]

Potato cultivar FL 2385
Patent No. 9844192

Abstract: A potato cultivar designated FL 2385 is disclosed. The invention relates to tubers of potato cultivar FL 2385, to seeds of potato cultivar FL 2385, to plants and plant parts of potato cultivar FL 2385, to food products produced from potato cultivar FL 2385, and to methods for producing a potato plant by crossing potato cultivar FL 2385 with itself or with another potato variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a transgenic potato plant and to the transgenic potato plants and parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to potato plants and plant parts derived from potato cultivar FL 2385, to methods for producing other potato plants or plant parts derived from potato cultivar FL 2385 and to the potato plants and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid potato tubers, seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing potato cultivar FL 2385 with another potato cultivar.

[A01H] NEW PLANTS OR PROCESSES FOR OBTAINING THEM; PLANT REPRODUCTION BY TISSUE CULTURE TECHNIQUES [5]

Potato cultivar FL 2360
Patent No. 9844193

Abstract: A potato cultivar designated FL 2360 is disclosed. The invention relates to tubers of potato cultivar FL 2360, to seeds of potato cultivar FL 2360, to plants and plant parts of potato cultivar FL 2360, to food products produced from potato cultivar FL 2360, and to methods for producing a potato plant by crossing potato cultivar FL 2360 with itself or with another potato variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a transgenic potato plant and to the transgenic potato plants and parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to potato plants and plant parts derived from potato cultivar FL 2360, to methods for producing other potato plants or plant parts derived from potato cultivar FL 2360 and to the potato plants and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid potato tubers, seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing potato cultivar FL 2360 with another potato cultivar.

[A01H] NEW PLANTS OR PROCESSES FOR OBTAINING THEM; PLANT REPRODUCTION BY TISSUE CULTURE TECHNIQUES [5]

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

[PATENT BELOW, IMAGE VIA USPTO]

Pivoting razors
Patent No. 9844887

Inventor(s): Craig A. Provost (Boston, MA), John W. Griffin (Moultonborough, NH), William E. Tucker (Attleboro, MA)
Assignee(s): ShaveLogic, Inc. (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Leber IP Law (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15044028 on 02/15/2016 (673 days app to issue)

Abstract: Replaceable shaving assemblies are disclosed that include a blade unit, an interface element configured to removably connect the blade unit to a handle, on which the blade unit is pivotably mounted, and an elastomeric element disposed between the blade unit and interface element. Shaving systems including such shaving assemblies are also disclosed, as are methods of using such shaving systems.

[B26B] HAND-HELD CUTTING TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR (for harvesting A01D; for horticulture, for forestry A01G; for butchering or meat treatment A22; for manufacturing or repairing footwear A43D; nail clippers or cutters A45D 29/02; kitchen equipment A47J; for surgical purposes A61B 17/00; for metal B23D; cutting by abrasive fluid jets B24C 5/02; plier-like tools with cutting edges B25B 7/22; pincers B25C 11/02; handles for hand implements, in general B25G; guillotine-type cutters B26D; for erasing B43L 19/00; for textile materials D06H)

Cover adaptable to foldable vehicle seats
Patent No. 9845033

Inventor(s): James Umlauf (Phoenix, AZ)
Assignee(s): 4 Knines, LLC (Richardson, TX)
Law Firm: Kirton McConkie (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15650438 on 07/14/2017 (158 days app to issue)

Abstract: A seat cover for a vehicle may include a lower or bench portion sized and configured to extend over a horizontally-oriented top of a bench of a vehicle seat. The lower portion may include a first section and a second section separated by a slit. The seat cover for the vehicle may also include an upper or backrest portion coupled to the lower portion. The upper portion may be sized and configured to extend upwardly over a backrest of the vehicle seat.

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

Nanolevel dispersion of nanoparticles in hydrophobic materials
Patent No. 9845381

Inventor(s): Iosif Daniel Rosca (Saint Hubert, , CA), Martin Salameh (Laval, , CA), Suong Van Hoa (Brossard, , CA)
Assignee(s): BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC. (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: Lightfoot Alford PLLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14204475 on 03/11/2014 (1379 days app to issue)

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of dispersing nanoparticles into a destination material includes providing a plurality of nanoparticles suspended in a carrier, adding a solvent to the plurality of nanoparticles suspended in a carrier, removing at least some of the carrier to yield the plurality of nanoparticles suspended in the solvent, mixing the nanoparticles suspended in the solvent with a destination material, and removing at least some of the solvent from the mixture of nanoparticles suspended in the solvent and the destination material.

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

Roofing material
Patent No. 9845602

Inventor(s): Margie A. Beerer (Ennis, TX), Matti Kiik (Richardson, TX), Paul G. Wilson (Waxahachie, TX)
Assignee(s): BUILDING MATERIALS INVESTMENT CORPORATION (Wilmington, DE)
Law Firm: Baker Botts L.L.P. (Local + 8 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14606666 on 01/27/2015 (1057 days app to issue)

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

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

T E X T I L E S & P A P E R

Fabrication and application of nanofiber ribbons and sheets and twisted and non-twisted nanofiber yarns
Patent No. 9845554

Inventor(s): Ali E. Aliev (Dallas, TX), Anvar A. Zakhidov (McKinney, TX), Chris Williams (Dallas, TX), Ray H. Baughman (Dallas, TX), Sergey Li (Dallas, TX), Shaoli Fang (Richardson, TX)
Assignee(s): Board of Regents, The University of Texas System (Austin, TX)
Law Firm: Dickinson Wright PLLC (6 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15055395 on 02/26/2016 (662 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present invention is directed to nanofiber yarns, ribbons, and sheets; to methods of making said yarns, ribbons, and sheets; and to applications of said yarns, ribbons, and sheets. In some embodiments, the nanotube yarns, ribbons, and sheets comprise carbon nanotubes. Particularly, such carbon nanotube yarns of the present invention provide unique properties and property combinations such as extreme toughness, resistance to failure at knots, high electrical and thermal conductivities, high absorption of energy that occurs reversibly, up to 13% strain-to-failure compared with the few percent strain-to-failure of other fibers with similar toughness, very high resistance to creep, retention of strength even when heated in air at 450 C. for one hour, and very high radiation and UV resistance, even when irradiated in air. Furthermore these nanotube yarns can be spun as one micron diameter yarns and plied at will to make two-fold, four-fold, and higher fold yarns. Additional embodiments provide for the spinning of nanofiber sheets having arbitrarily large widths. In still additional embodiments, the present invention is directed to applications and devices that utilize and/or comprise the nanofiber yarns, ribbons, and sheets of the present invention.

[D01F] CHEMICAL FEATURES IN THE MANUFACTURE OF MAN-MADE FILAMENTS, THREADS, FIBRES, BRISTLES OR RIBBONS; APPARATUS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF CARBON FILAMENTS [2]

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

[PATENT BELOW, IMAGE VIA USPTO]

Pressure responsive downhole tool having a selectively activatable pressure relief valve and related methods
Patent No. 9845660

Inventor(s): Paul David Ringgenberg (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: Haynes and Boone, LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14438555 on 12/27/2012 (1818 days app to issue)

Abstract: A pressure responsive downhole tool comprises a power piston pressure relief valve that is selectively activated and deactivated to allow pressure-related operations to be conducted. The pressure relief valve will not open until the power piston is activated, which also requires the operating element (ball valve, for example) to be opened, thereby avoided situations in which the ball valve is inadvertently placed in the Lock Open position.

[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]

Exercising a well tool
Patent No. 9845661

Inventor(s): James Dan Vick, Jr. (Dallas, TX), Jimmie Robert Williamson (Carrollton, TX)
Assignee(s): Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: Parker Justiss, P.C. (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14302029 on 06/11/2014 (1287 days app to issue)

Abstract: An exercise tool assembly for operating a downhole tool auxiliary to a primary actuator system of the downhole tool includes a cylinder mandrel configured to be received in the central bore of the downhole tool. A piston mandrel is in and sealed with the cylinder mandrel. The exercise tool assembly is configured to couple to an actuator sleeve of the downhole tool and to couple to the downhole tool at a location apart from the actuator sleeve. The piston mandrel is responsive to a change in pressure in the central bore to translate relative to the cylinder mandrel and translate the coupling with the actuator sleeve relative to the coupling at the location apart from the actuator sleeve.

Limited entry phased perforating gun system and method
Patent No. 9845666

Inventor(s): James A. Rollins (Lipan, TX), John T. Hardesty (Weatherford, TX)
Assignee(s): GEODYNAMICS, INC. (Millap, TX)
Law Firm: Carstens Cahoon, LLP (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14732184 on 06/05/2015 (928 days app to issue)

Abstract: A limited entry perforating phased gun system and method for accurate perforation in a deviated/horizontal wellbore is disclosed. The system/method includes a gun string assembly (GSA) deployed in a wellbore with shaped charge clusters. The charges are spaced and angled such that, when perforated, they intersect at a preferred fracturing plane. Upon fracturing, the fractures initiate at least principal stress location in a preferred fracturing plane perpendicular to the wellbore from an upward and downward location of the wellbore. Thereafter, the fractures connect radially about the wellbore in the preferred fracturing plane. The fracture treatment in the preferred fracturing plane creates minimal tortuosity paths for longer extension of fractures that enables efficient oil and gas flow rates during production.

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

[PATENT BELOW, IMAGE VIA USPTO]

Stacking brackets and systems for rooftop HVAC units
Patent No. 9845971

Inventor(s): Corrine Anne Hudson (Dallas, TX), David Michael Wynnick (Lewisville, TX), Timothy Grant Weigel (McKinney, TX)
Assignee(s): Lennox Industries Inc. (Richardson, TX)
Law Firm: Hubbard Johnston, PLLC (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15264556 on 09/13/2016 (462 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system for securing at least two heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units stacked on each other for transportation includes corner brackets on at least the four corners of the lower unit and between the units. Each corner bracket has a banding channel, a plank-receiving channel, and a plurality of protrusions on a top side. The brackets are banded in place using the banding channels. On each longitudinal side, planks are used to extend between corner brackets to help control the loads and to distribute the loads. The corner brackets may be made from a synthetic material and the planks from wood or wood-like material. Other aspects are disclosed.

[F16M] FRAMES, CASINGS, OR BEDS, OF ENGINES OR OTHER MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO AN ENGINE, MACHINE, OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS OR SUPPORTS

P H Y S I C S

[PATENT BELOW, IMAGE VIA USPTO]

Transport communication pairing
Patent No. 9846047

Inventor(s): David Gerard Ledet (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): Open Invention Network LLC (Durham, NC)
Law Firm: Haynes and Boone, LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15603152 on 05/23/2017 (210 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method, apparatus and non-transitory computer readable storage medium, in one embodiment, associating at least one wireless device and at least one user, requesting audio information from at least one remote source by the at least one wireless device, receiving the audio information from the remote source, broadcasting an audio identifier to the at least one wireless device, using the audio information, authenticating the association between the at least one wireless device and at least one transport, based on the audio information, determining at least one characteristic of the at least one user based on at least one of at least one user search history and at least one user preference selection and determining at least one probable route of the at least one transport based on the at least one characteristic and at least one of at least one route history and at least one input destination.

[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)

Storage system and method for grouping blocks based on deterministic data patterns
Patent No. 9846554

Inventor(s): Joanna Lai (San Jose, CA), Nian Niles Yang (Mountain View, CA)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Brinks Gilson Lione (7 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15228910 on 08/04/2016 (502 days app to issue)

Abstract: A storage system and method for generating block allocation groups based on deterministic data patterns are provided. A storage system is provided comprising a memory comprising a plurality of blocks and a controller. The controller is configured to infer characteristics of the memory from data patterns of data stored in the plurality of blocks; and group the plurality of blocks based on the inferred characteristics of the memory.

[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)

Attribute category enhanced search
Patent No. 9846729

Inventor(s): Farid Khafizov (Plano, TX), Margarita Khafizova (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Open Invention Network LLC (Durham, NC)
Law Firm: Haynes and Boone, LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15166760 on 05/27/2016 (571 days app to issue)

Abstract: Performing a user initiated search query is disclosed and comprises receiving user input comprising description details of at least one desired object, retrieving a plurality of objects from a database sharing one or more of the description details of the user input, constructing a tree data structure based on the description details of the plurality of objects, the tree data structure comprising one or more attributes related to each of the plurality of objects retrieved, displaying visual images associated with the retrieved plurality of objects, the visual images matching at least one of the attributes related to the plurality of objects, and receiving a user selection of one or more of the visual images.

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

Image capture system for property damage assessment
Patent No. 9846915

Inventor(s): Edgar A. Bernal (Webster, NY), Matthew Adam Shreve (Webster, NY), Peter Paul (Penfield, NY), Pramod Sankar Kompalli (Telangana, , IN), Richard L. Howe (Webster, NY), Valerie J. Raburn (South Haven, MI)
Assignee(s): Conduent Business Services, LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Fox Rothschild LLP (12 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15079144 on 03/24/2016 (635 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system for capturing property damage images includes an imaging device and a knowledge base of property damage incident types. The knowledge base also includes, for each category, one or more image acquisition parameters that are associated with the category. A processor receives a property damage incident type for a property damage claim that is associated with a property that reportedly experienced an incident, retrieves from the knowledge base one or more image acquisition parameters that are associated with the received incident type, and uses the one or more applicable image acquisition parameters to automatically cause the imaging device to capture digital images of the property using the retrieved one or more image acquisition parameters.

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

Voice and video watermark for exfiltration prevention
Patent No. 9848003

Inventor(s): Chandrasekhar Manchenella (Richardson, TX)
Assignee(s): Avaya Inc. (Santa Clara, CA)
Law Firm: Sheridan Ross P.C. (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14312450 on 06/23/2014 (1275 days app to issue)

Abstract: A legitimate voice or video communication application modifies data in a communication session to produce a watermark. The watermark is a piece of information that is part of a communication session that is not readily observable, but can be verified later on. The purpose of a watermark is to verify that the communication session is a legitimate communication session and does not pose a security breach. The video or audio communication session is monitored for a watermark. In response to determining that the communication session contains the watermark, the communication session is allowed continue. In response to determining that the communication session does not contain the watermark, the communication session is identified as a potential security breach. If the communication session is identified as a potential security breach, the communication session can be dropped and a user can be notified of the potential security breach.

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

Digital camera user interface for video trimming
Patent No. 9848158

Inventor(s): Alison Rose Boncha (San Francisco, CA), Keith Stoll Karn (Avon, NY), Noah Joseph Stupak (Rochester, NY), Theresa Kathryn Guarrera (Tonawanda, NY)
Assignee(s): MONUMENT PEAK VENTURES, LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Ascenda Law Group, PC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 13100461 on 05/04/2011 (2421 days app to issue)

Abstract: A digital video camera comprising: user controls enabling a user to select between at least an up input, a down input, a left input, a right input, and a confirmation input; and a program memory storing instructions to implement a method for trimming a digital video sequence. The method includes: selecting a digital video sequence; initiating a trimming operation; accepting user input to select a start frame and an end frame for a trimmed digital video sequence, wherein the up input and the down input are used to select between a start frame selection mode and an end frame selection mode, and the left input and the right input are used to scroll through the frames of the selected digital video sequence; and trimming the selected video sequence to include the frames between the selected start frame and the selected end frame.

[G11B] INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER (recording measured values in a way that does not require playback through a transducer G01D 9/00; recording or playback apparatus using mechanically marked tape, e.g. punched paper tape, or using unit records, e.g. punched or magnetically marked cards G06K; transferring data from one type of record carrier to another G06K 1/18; circuits for coupling output of reproducer to radio receiver H04B 1/20; gramophone pick-ups or like acoustic electromechanical transducers or circuits therefor H04R)

Method, apparatus and system for bearing circuit switched domain service data over radio bearer
Patent No. 9848429

Inventor(s): Jiancheng Du (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. (Shenzhen, , CN)
Law Firm: Leydig, Voit Mayer, Ltd. (6 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 13273820 on 10/14/2011 (2258 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for bearing CS-domain service data over radio bearer is disclosed. The method includes: letting CS-domain service data be borne over a radio high-speed packet data access channel according to a channel mapping relation between CS-domain service data and the radio high-speed packet data access channel. An apparatus and a system are also provided herein.

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

E L E C T R I C I T Y

System and method for video-based determination of queue configuration parameters
Patent No. 9846811

Inventor(s): Edgar A. Bernal (Webster, NY), Qun Li (Webster, NY), Robert P. Loce (Webster, NY)
Assignee(s): CONDUENT BUSINESS SERVICES, LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Fay Sharpe LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14261013 on 04/24/2014 (1335 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for automatically determining a dynamic queue configuration includes acquiring a series of frames from an image source surveying a queue area. The method includes detecting at least one subject in a frame. The method includes tracking locations of each detected subject across the series of frames. The method includes generating calibrated tracking data by mapping the tracking locations to a predefined coordinate system. The method includes localizing a queue configuration descriptor based on the tracking data.

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

Plug-in power contactor and system including the same
Patent No. 9847198

Inventor(s): David Michael Geier (Punta Gorda, FL), James Michael McCormick (Bradenton, FL), Patrick Wellington Mills (Bradenton, FL)
Assignee(s): LABINAL, LLC (Denton, TX)
Law Firm: Rankin, Hill Clark LLP (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14488736 on 09/17/2014 (1189 days app to issue)

Abstract: A power contactor that includes a number of inputs for a number of power sources, a number of outputs for a number of loads, a number of separable contacts for each pair of the number of inputs and the number of outputs, and an electromagnetic coil. The power contactor also includes a control circuit structured to control the electromagnetic coil to cause the number of separable contacts to open or close, and a plurality of plug-in pins. Each of the plug-in pins is for a corresponding one of the number of inputs and the number of outputs, and is structured to plug into a backplane socket. The power contactor also includes an electrically insulating housing electrically insulating each of the plug-in pins from the other the plug-in pins.

[H01H] ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES (contact cables H01B 7/10; electrolytic self-interrupters H01G 9/18; emergency protective circuit arrangements H02H; switching by electronic means without contact-making H03K 17/00)

Buried etch stop layer for damascene bit line formation
Patent No. 9847249

Inventor(s): Katsuo Yamada (Yokkaichi, , JP), Noritaka Fukuo (Yokkaichi, , JP), Takuya Futase (Nagoya, , JP), Tomoyasu Kakegawa (Yokkaichi, , JP), Yuji Takahashi (Yokkaichi, , JP)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Foley Lardner LLP (13 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14533846 on 11/05/2014 (1140 days app to issue)

Abstract: A stack of layers is formed that includes first, second, and third dielectric layers. Contact plugs are then formed extending through the stack. Then a fourth dielectric layer is formed over the stack and contact plugs and trenches are formed through the fourth and third dielectric layers, extending to the second dielectric layer and exposing contact plugs.

[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]

Method to co-integrate SiGe and Si channels for finFET devices
Patent No. 9847260

Inventor(s): Nicolas Loubet (Guilderland, NY), Prasanna Khare (Schenectady, NY), Qing Liu (Irvine, CA)
Assignee(s): STMICROELECTRONICS, INC. (Coppell, TX)
Law Firm: Seed IP Law Group LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14969393 on 12/15/2015 (735 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for co-integrating finFETs of two semiconductor material types, e.g., Si and SiGe, on a bulk substrate is described. Fins for finFETs may be formed in an epitaxial layer of a first semiconductor type, and covered with an insulator. A portion of the fins may be removed to form voids in the insulator, and the voids may be filled by epitaxially growing a semiconductor material of a second type in the voids. The co-integrated finFETs may be formed at a same device level.

Voltage slew rate throttling for reduction of anomalous charging current
Patent No. 9847662

Inventor(s): Charles N. Gibson (San Jose, CA), Kenneth B. Delpapa (Natick, MA)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Morgan, Lewis Bockius LLP (13 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14630564 on 02/24/2015 (1029 days app to issue)

Abstract: Systems, methods and/or devices are used to reduce anomalous charging current by selectively shunting biasing current away from a control terminal of a controlled device that conducts the charging current during a charging mode. In some embodiments, a power-control circuit includes: (1) a controlled device with a first terminal coupled to a power-supply node, a second terminal to provide a first output voltage, and a control terminal; (2) a current source to provide a biasing current to the control terminal of the controlled device during a charging mode; and (3) a selective current shunt to shunt a portion of the biasing current away from the control terminal of the controlled device in response to a determination that a charging current through the first and second terminals of the controlled device satisfies a threshold during the charging mode.

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

Amplifier with automatic gain control
Patent No. 9847765

Inventor(s): Brian L. Dillaman (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): RAYTHEON COMPANY (Waltham, MA)
Law Firm: Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP (6 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15238654 on 08/16/2016 (490 days app to issue)

Abstract: A low noise amplifying system with adjustable gain. The low noise amplifier includes a plurality of gain stages, including a first stage and a last stage each having fixed gain, and an intermediate stage having adjustable gain. The intermediate stage is an inverting gain stage that includes a field effect transistor connected from the output to the input, to provide negative feedback, reducing the gain as a control voltage (applied to the gate of the field effect transistor) is adjusted to decrease the channel resistance of the field effect transistor. A control circuit measures the input and output signal power of the amplifying system and adjusts the gain of one or more intermediate stages to trade off linearity against noise figure.

[H03G] CONTROL OF AMPLIFICATION (impedance networks, e.g. attenuators, H03H; control of transmission in lines H04B 3/04)

System and method for DFT-S-OFDM PAPR reduction
Patent No. 9847897

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: 15376809 on 12/13/2016 (371 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for reducing a peak to average power ratio (PAPR) of an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signal. A first signal in the frequency domain is processed to generate a second signal by performing a modular permutation on the first signal according to a modular permutation index, and/or by performing a cyclic shift on the first signal according to a cyclic shift parameter. The second signal is then mapped to a number of tones, and transformed into a time-domain signal for transmission. The modular permutation index and/or the cyclic shift parameter are selected so that the signal for transmission has a PAPR that satisfies a predefined PAPR criteria.

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

OFDM packets time synchronisation
Patent No. 9847901

Inventor(s): Achraf Dhayni (Vallauris, , FR)
Assignee(s): OPTIS CIRCUIT TECHNOLOGY, LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: The Danamraj Law Group, P.C. (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14767960 on 11/25/2013 (1485 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method and an apparatus determine a time of start of series of OFDM symbols forming an OFDM packet, wherein one or more symbols of the OFDM signal includes a plurality of copies of a short training sequence made of a plurality of time-domain samples. The method includes determining a coarse time index, determining a fine time index, and determining the time of start of each OFDM symbols based on the fine time index. The coarse time-domain sample of the coarse time index is within a coarse estimation error interval, and the time-domain samples of the coarse estimation error interval are converted into frequency domain samples. A metric value is determined for each frequency domain samples, and the fine time index is the time index corresponding to one of the coarse estimation error interval having its associated frequency domain sample having the lowest metric value.

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

Device, network, and method for communications with spatial-specific sensing
Patent No. 9847962

Inventor(s): Jialing Liu (Palatine, 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: 14810299 on 07/27/2015 (876 days app to issue)

Abstract: A device, network, and method for communications with spatial-specific sensing is provided. In an embodiment, a method in a first communication node for providing contention-based transmission from the first communication node in a network to a second communication node includes determining, by the first communication node, a transmission direction, the transmission direction characterized by a digital beamforming direction and an analog beamsteering direction; performing, by the first communication node, spatial-specific carrier sensing in accordance with a sensing direction associated with the transmission direction; determining, by the first communication node, a channel status of a channel along the sensing direction according to the spatial-specific carrier sensing; and transmitting, by the first communication node, a transmission along the transmission direction.

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

Single-SSID and dual-SSID enhancements
Patent No. 9847988

Inventor(s): George A. Vlantis (Sunnyvale, CA), Liwen Chu (San Ramon, CA)
Assignee(s): STMICROELECTRONICS, INC. (Coppell, TX)
Law Firm: Seed IP Law Group LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14949293 on 11/23/2015 (757 days app to issue)

Abstract: A wireless local area network system establishes a PASSPOINT connection between a mobile station and a hotspot using an enhanced single SSID method or an enhanced dual SSID method. In the dual SSID method, an access point associates and authenticates a mobile device to a secondary SSID of the access point during enrollment and provisioning. After enrollment, the access point authenticates the mobile station to a primary SSID of the access point using the credential that the mobile station received from an online sign-up (”OSU”) server in connection with the secondary SSID. In the single SSID method, an access point performs two levels of authentication. During authentication, communications are limited to an 802.1x controlled port running on the mobile station and access point. After a first authentication, communications between the OSU server and the mobile station are unblocked. After the second authentication, all traffic from the mobile station is unblocked.

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

Set-top box with interactive portal and system and method for use of same
Patent No. 9848211

Inventor(s): Thomas R. Miller (Plano, TX), Vanessa Ogle (Fairview, TX), William C. Fang (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Enseo, Inc. (Richardson, TX)
Law Firm: Griggs Bergen LLP (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15625416 on 06/16/2017 (186 days app to issue)

Abstract: A set-top box with an interactive portal and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the set-top box, the set-top box is deployed to provide an interactive portal in a hospitality establishment having multiple rooms, such as a hotel. The set-top box is associated with a room and includes a housing that secures a television input, a television output, a processor, a transceiver, and memory therein in an interconnected bus architecture. The set-top box generates a default interactive portal as well as a guest-specific interactive portal, which is generated from a guest configuration profile having information including guest identification, a guest channel preference presentation, and a guest service preference presentation with guest account information. The guest configuration profile may also enable the creation of a local area wireless network with substantially the same behavior as the guest”s home wireless network.

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

Multi-view video streaming with fast and smooth view switch
Patent No. 9848212

Inventor(s): Dong-Qing Zhang (Branchburg, NJ), Hong Heather Yu (West Windsor, NJ), Hongbing Li (Skillman, NJ), Miao Zhao (Santa Clara, CA)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Schwegman Lundberg Woessner, P.A. (10 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14796522 on 07/10/2015 (893 days app to issue)

Abstract: A video server comprises memory to store video content obtained from multiple camera views; one or more streaming components configured to stream video content to a client application; and one or more frame feeder components. A frame feeder component is configured to access first video content corresponding to a first camera view and provide the first video content to a streaming component; access, in response to a request received at the video server to stream second video content corresponding to a second camera view, intermediate video content corresponding to one or more camera views intermediate to the first and second camera views; and access the second video content, and provide the intermediate video content and the second intermediate video to the streaming component.

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

Portable mobile subscription
Patent No. 9848284

Inventor(s): Prasad Golla (Bridgewater, NJ)
Assignee(s): STMICROELECTRONICS, INC. (Coppell, TX)
Law Firm: Seed IP Law Group LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14839761 on 08/28/2015 (844 days app to issue)

Abstract: A network services provider grants a subscription to a user for use of mobile network services to communicate voice, data, and text information with a specific mobile device. Mobile devices store one or more subscriptions, each of which may be activated. An activated subscription stored in the mobile device is now made portable. The user wants to pass the portable subscription from a first mobile device to a second mobile device. The user forms a first communicative relationship between the first mobile device and a second mobile device and receives from the second mobile device identification information associated with the second mobile device. The first mobile device passes the identification information to the network services provider and receives a confirmation. The user forms a second communicative relationship between the first mobile device and the second mobile device, and the second mobile device confirms activation of the portable subscription.