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 Oct. 3, 2017 | Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington (19100)

68 patents granted Ranked No. 13 in patent production out of 250 metros

NO. OF PATENTS BY CLASSIFICATION

TOP 3 LOCAL ASSIGNEES (NO. OF PATENTS)

SanDisk Technologies LLC (Plano) 12
Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano) 5Nuvectra Corporation (Plano) 3
Nuvectra Corporation (Plano) 3

TOP LOCAL INVENTORS (NO. OF PATENTS)

Andrew James Zahasky (North Richland Hills) 2
Carlos Alexander Fenny (Fort Worth) 2
Rohn Lee Olson (Hurst) 2
Satish Gundabathula (Irving) 2
Sivakumar Chaturvedi (Allen) 2

SPEED: APPLICATION TO ISSUE (NO. OF DAYS)

130 days
Faster state transitioning for continuous adjustable 3Deeps filter spectacles using multi-layered variable tint materials
Visual Effect Innovations LLC (Plano)

4,725 days
Providing a proxy server feature at an endpoint
Assignee: Cisco Technology Inc. (San Jose), Inventor: Henry Chen (Plano)

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

[PATENT BELOW, IMAGE VIA USPTO]

Conveyor oven
Patent No. 9775358

Inventor(s): Philip R. McKee (Frisco)
Assignee(s): OVENTION, INC. (Milwaukee, WI)
Law Firm: Amster, Rothstein Ebenstein LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14830966 on 08/20/2015 (775 days app to issue)

Abstract: A conveyor oven is disclosed. The conveyor oven includes a housing, a conveyor belt, a first and second doors, and a heat source. The housing includes a cavity and a first and second openings. The conveyor belt is configured to receive and transport food items in and out of the cavity through the first and second openings. The conveyor belt includes a loading section and an unloading section for food. The first and second doors cover first and second openings, respectively, in order to prevent heat within the cavity from escaping through the first and second openings during operation. Configured to provide different cooking times and thermal profiles to various types of food items, the heat source provides heat to the cavity for heating up any food item placed on a portion of the conveyor belt located within the cavity.

[A21B] BAKERS’ OVENS; MACHINES OR EQUIPMENT FOR BAKING (domestic baking equipment A47J 37/00; combustion apparatus F23; domestic stoves or ranges being wholly or partly ovens F24B, F24C)

Apparatus with unencapsulated reinforcement
Patent No. 9775984

Inventor(s): James Finely (St. Anthony, MN), Jesse Geroy (Ham Lake, MN)
Assignee(s): NUVECTRA CORPORATION (Plano)
Law Firm: Haynes and Boone, LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14813457 on 07/30/2015 (796 days app to issue)

Abstract: In various examples, a therapy delivery element for at least partial implantation in a patient includes an elongate body. The elongate body includes a substantially tubular braided structure that extends from proximate a proximal end to proximate a distal end of the elongate body. A substantially tubular structure is coaxially disposed with respect to the braided structure. The tubular structure is attached to the braided structure proximate a distal braid end. At least a majority of the braided structure proximal from the distal braid end is unattached to the tubular structure.

[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]

Braided lead with embedded fixation structures
Patent No. 9775985

Inventor(s): James Finley (St. Anthony, MN), John M. Swoyer (Blaine, MN)
Assignee(s): NUVECTRA CORPORATION (Plano)
Law Firm: Haynes and Boone, LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15186887 on 06/20/2016 (470 days app to issue)

Abstract: In some examples, a method of making a therapy delivery element configured for at least partial insertion in a living body includes braiding a plurality of fibers to form an elongated braided structure with a lumen. At least one reinforcing structure is weaved into the fibers of the braided structure. A portion of the reinforcing structure is extended from the braided structure to form at least one fixation structure. At least one of the braided structure or the reinforcing structure can be attached to at least one of an electrode assembly or a connector assembly.

Method and system of quick neurostimulation electrode configuration and positioning
Patent No. 9776007

Inventor(s): Norbert Kaula (Arvada, CO), Scott Drees (Dallas), Seth Kaufman (Louisville, CO), Yohannes Iyassu (Denver, CO)
Assignee(s): NUVECTRA CORPORATION (Plano)
Law Firm: Haynes and Boone, LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14989878 on 01/07/2016 (635 days app to issue)

Abstract: A model of an implantable lead is provided via a graphical user interface. The implantable lead is configured to deliver electrical stimulation to a patient via a plurality of electrodes located on the implantable lead. The graphical user interface also provides a plurality of predefined electrode activation patterns that include a coarse pattern and a refined pattern. The coarse pattern corresponds to a first group of electrodes located in a first region of the implantable lead. The refined pattern corresponds to a second group of electrodes located in a second region of the implantable lead. The second region is smaller than, and is a subsection of, the first region. A coarse testing process is performed by selectively activating the first group of electrodes belonging to the coarse pattern. Thereafter, a refined testing process is performed by selectively activating the second group of electrodes belonging to the refined pattern.

Golf club head having trip step feature
Patent No. 9776053

Inventor(s): Marc Schmidt (Dallas), Michael Scott Burnett (McKinney)
Assignee(s): TAYLOR MADE GOLF COMPANY, INC. (Carlsbad, CA)
Law Firm: Gallagher Dawsey Co., LPA (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14330205 on 07/14/2014 (1177 days app to issue)

Abstract: A golf club incorporating a trip step feature located on the crown section. The benefits associated with the reduction in aerodynamic drag force associated with the trip step may be applied to drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids. A portion of the trip step is located between a crown apex and the back of the club head and may be continuous or discontinuous. The trip step enables a reduction in the aerodynamic drag force exerted on the golf club.

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

Heeling apparatus
Patent No. 9776067

Inventor(s): Roger R. Adams (The Colony)
Assignee(s): Heeling Sports Limited (Carrollton)
Law Firm: Locke Lord LLP (Local + 12 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14991553 on 01/08/2016 (634 days app to issue)

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

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

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

[PATENT BELOW, IMAGE VIA USPTO]

Landing gear including a composite strut tube and methods for assembling the same
Patent No. 9776711

Inventor(s): William E. Luce (Colleyville)
Assignee(s): GOODRICH CORPORATION (Charlotte, NC)
Law Firm: Snell Wilmer L.L.P. (4 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14818976 on 08/05/2015 (790 days app to issue)

Abstract: A landing gear is provided. The landing gear includes a composite strut tube having a first lug and a second lug thereon. A first brace is coupled to the composite strut tube with a first two-force member via the first lug and a second brace is coupled to the composite strut tube with a second two-force member via the second lug. A method for assembling the landing gear is also provided.

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

Fluoroalkylsilanated mesoporous metal oxide particles and methods of preparation thereof
Patent No. 9777161

Inventor(s): Raymond Campos (Dallas)
Assignee(s): The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force (Washington, DC)
Law Firm: AFMCLO/JAZ (Local + 4262 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14255992 on 04/18/2014 (1264 days app to issue)

Abstract: Treated, mesoporous aggregates comprising a plurality of coated particles that comprise an inorganic oxide core having a surface area of about 50 to about 500 square meters per gram and a shell or coating consisting of an array of fluoroalkyl molecular chains covalently bonded to the core at a density of at least one chain per square nanometer. The aggregates are formed by the chemical attachment of fluoroalkyl-alkylsilanes after exposure to an alkylamine and followed by an extraction to remove any unbound organic material. The dense packing of molecular chains in the fluoroalkyl shell combined with a mesoporous structure imparts a very low surface energy, a very high specific surface area, and surface texture over a wide range of length scales. Such features are highly desirable for the creation of, for example, superhydrophobic and superoleophobic surfaces, separation media, and release films.

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

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

[PATENT BELOW, IMAGE VIA USPTO]

Processes for producing an acetic acid product having low butyl acetate content
Patent No. 9776942

Inventor(s): Mark O. Scates (Houston), Yaw-Hwa Liu (Missouri City)
Assignee(s): CELANESE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION (Irving)
Law Firm: Kilpatrick Townsend Stockton LLP (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15042588 on 02/12/2016 (599 days app to issue)

Abstract: A process for producing an acetic acid product having low butyl acetate content via a carbonylation reaction. The carbonylation reaction is carried out at a temperature from 100 to 300 C., a hydrogen partial pressure from 0.3 to 2 atm, and a metal catalyst concentration from 100 to 3000 wppm, based on the weight of the reaction medium. The butyl acetate concentration in the acetic acid product may be controlled by removing acetaldehyde from a stream derived from the reaction medium and/or by adjusting at least one of reaction temperature, hydrogen partial pressure, and metal catalyst concentration.

[C07C] ACYCLIC OR CARBOCYCLIC COMPOUNDS (macromolecular compounds C08; production of organic compounds by electrolysis or electrophoresis C25B 3/00, C25B 7/00)

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

[PATENT BELOW, IMAGE VIA USPTO]

System for improving fluid collection from a well and method of construction
Patent No. 9777467

Inventor(s): James Ditto (Mineral Wells)
Assignee(s): DIRECTED TECHNOLOGIES DRILLING, INC. (Bellefonte, PA)
Law Firm: Lane Powell PC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14298800 on 06/06/2014 (1215 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system for a water supply well that incorporates a vertical well with one or more horizontally drilled collectors extending therefrom. All of the horizontally drilled collectors may be constructed using horizontal directional drilling techniques with the main drilling equipment positioned on the ground surface and thereby defining a surface port for accessing the horizontal collector. The horizontal collector may be cleaned and maintained through the surface port without requiring access through the vertical well.

[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]

Seamless multi-panel door
Patent No. 9777530

Inventor(s): Charles A. Haba (Massillon, OH), Dwayne J. Kornish (Navarre, OH)
Assignee(s): Overhead Door Corporation (Lewisville)
Law Firm: Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14725652 on 05/29/2015 (858 days app to issue)

Abstract: A panel of a sectional door includes a panel frame and a sheet of material that is coupled to the panel frame. The panel frame includes a top frame member, a bottom frame member, a first side frame member and a second side frame member. The frame members include a rear surface and a front surface, and the front surface includes a ledge. The sheet of material is coupled to the front surface such that a bottom edge of the sheet rests on the ledge and a front surface of the sheet is unobstructed by the panel frame.

[E05D] HINGES OR OTHER SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS, OR WINGS (pivotal connections in general F16C 11/00)

Well tractor
Patent No. 9777545

Inventor(s): Wesley Neil Ludwig (Fort Worth)
Assignee(s): Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. (Houston)
Law Firm: Parker Justiss, P.C. (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14406889 on 06/14/2012 (1937 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for operating a well tractor is presented. The method involves running a well tractor coupled to a wireline into a wellbore and supplying an amount of electric power to the well tractor to operate the well tractor at a first speed to urge the wireline through the wellbore at a first force. A variable gear ratio transmission of the well tractor is adjusted and an amount of electric power is supplied to the well tractor to operate the well tractor at a second speed different than the first speed to urge the wireline through the wellbore at a second force different than the first force based on adjusting the variable gear ratio transmission.

Isolation device containing a dissolvable anode and electrolytic compound
Patent No. 9777549

Inventor(s): Michael L. Fripp (Carrollton), Zachary R. Murphree (Carrollton), Zachary W. Walton (Carrollton)
Assignee(s): Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. (Houston)
Law Firm: McGuire Woods LLP (Local + 8 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14154596 on 01/14/2014 (1358 days app to issue)

Abstract: A wellbore isolation device comprising: a first material, wherein the first material: (A) is a metal or a metal alloy; and (B) partially dissolves when an electrically conductive path exists between the first material and a second material and at least a portion of the first and second materials are in contact with an electrolyte; and an electrolytic compound, wherein the electrolytic compound dissolves in a fluid located within the wellbore to form free ions that are electrically conductive. A method of removing the wellbore isolation device comprises: placing the wellbore isolation device into the wellbore; and allowing at least a portion of the first material to dissolve.

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]

Reversible heat pump with cycle enhancements
Patent No. 9777950

Inventor(s): Robert B. Uselton (Plano)
Assignee(s): Lennox Industries Inc. (Richardson)
Law Firm: Frost Brown Todd LLC (Local + 4 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14242846 on 04/01/2014 (1281 days app to issue)

Abstract: A cycle enhancement apparatus is provided. The apparatus has a first side entrance line and exit line, both connected to a first side of a refrigerant line, and a second side entrance line and exit line, both connected to a second side of the refrigerant line. One-way valves prevent flow through the first side entrance line toward the first side, through the first side exit line away from the first side, through the second side entrance line toward the second side, and through the second side exit line away from the second side. The apparatus has a cycle enhancement line. The cycle enhancement line has an entrance portion, connected to the first side entrance line and the second side entrance line, an exit portion, connected to the first side exit line and the second side exit line, and a cycle enhancement between the entrance portion and the exit portion.

[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)

Methods and systems for providing protection from projectiles
Patent No. 9777999

Inventor(s): George Glen Daniel Cole (Allen)
Assignee(s): CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC. (San Jose, CA)
Law Firm: Polsinelli PC (Local + 15 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14814039 on 07/30/2015 (796 days app to issue)

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein relate to shielding electronic devices with respect to, among other things, projectiles. In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises a plurality of projectile-resistant panels corresponding to exterior surfaces of an electronic device. The apparatus wraps the electronic device, wherein each of the plurality of projectile-resistant panels covers a solid surface of the exterior surfaces of the electronic device and does not cover a perforated surface of the exterior surfaces of the electronic device. In further examples, the apparatus further comprises at least one fabric sheet forming a plurality of pockets in which to receive the plurality of projectile-resistant panels; and an articulation located between a pair of adjacent pockets of the plurality of pockets. The articulation facilitates the apparatus wrapping the electronic device by enabling rotation, relative to one another and about the articulation, between a first projectile-resistant panel and a second projectile-resistant panel.

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

Explosive device and mini depth charge grenade
Patent No. 9778006

Inventor(s): David L. Hunn (Kennedale), Jonathan H. Record (Grand Prairie), Kenneth W. Havens (Crowley), Toby D. Thomas (Southlake)
Assignee(s): LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION (Bethesda, MD)
Law Firm: Beusse Wolter Sanks Maire, PLLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15166521 on 05/27/2016 (494 days app to issue)

Abstract: An explosive device contains a water-reactive material that ignites upon exposure to water. The water-reactive material ignites a water-activated fuse that has a predetermined burn rate and length. The predetermined burn rate and length allows the device to sink to a desired depth before exploding. Hence, the device explodes after a desired period of time and/or at a desired depth. Defense against underwater swimmers is an advantageous feature of embodiments of the disclosure. The device can use a forty millimeter (40 mm) form factor, which permits launch of the device from convention grenade launchers.

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

P H Y S I C S

[PATENT BELOW, IMAGE VIA USPTO]

Instantaneous frequency modulation acquisition scheme for seismic sources
Patent No. 9778385

Inventor(s): John Sallas (Plano)
Assignee(s): CGG SERVICES SAS (Massy, , FR)
Law Firm: Patent Portfolio Builders PLLC (4 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14894560 on 06/25/2014 (1196 days app to issue)

Abstract: Computing device, computer software and methods for generating sweep signals corresponding to plural sources that generate seismic waves. The method includes selecting a nominal sweep signal (S[b]0[/b]); applying a perturbation (P) to the nominal sweep signal (S[b]0[/b]); and calculating the sweep signals (Sn) by varying the perturbation (P), each sweep signal corresponding to a seismic source.

[G01V] GEOPHYSICS; GRAVITATIONAL MEASUREMENTS; DETECTING MASSES OR OBJECTS; TAGS (means for indicating the location of accidentally buried, e.g. snow-buried, persons A63B 29/02) [6]

System and method for precision interleaving of data writes in a non-volatile memory
Patent No. 9778855

Inventor(s): Alan Welsh Sinclair (Falkirk, , GB)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Plano)
Law Firm: Brinks Gilson Lione (7 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14928845 on 10/30/2015 (704 days app to issue)

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing programming schedules of programming host data and maintenance operations in a non-volatile memory are disclosed. A method includes determining multiple integer interleave ratios of host data writes to relocation writes of previously programmed data when non-integer interleave situations are determined for a previously programmed source block selected for a maintenance operation. The method may include writing the host data and relocating previously programmed data in groups of operations having these determined integer interleave ratios. A memory system may include non-volatile memory and a controller configured to identify non-integer interleave situations and then break up the host data and relocation data writes into multiple interleave groups each having a different integer interleave ratio such that a whole number of write operations for the interleave groups may be carried out to achieve more precise control and efficiency in maintenance operations.

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

System and method for folding partial blocks into multi-level cell memory blocks
Patent No. 9778863

Inventor(s): Dinesh Agarwal (Bangalore, , IN), Sourabh Sankule (Bangalore, , IN), Vijay Sivasankaran (Bangalore, , IN), Vimal Kumar Jain (Bangalore, , IN)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Plano)
Law Firm: Brinks Gilson Lione (7 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14701158 on 04/30/2015 (887 days app to issue)

Abstract: A solution for combining a portion of data from a block of single level cells to a block of multi-level cells. The solution includes identifying word lines with only valid data and word lines with non-valid data in a selected block of single level cells, copying data from word lines with valid data to a destination block of multi-level cells and copying data from word lines in the selected block of single level cells with non-valid data to a separate compaction block of single level cells. The system includes a first controller module configured to scan for word lines with only valid data and pass a bitmap identifying valid and invalid word lines to a second controller module. The second controller module is configured to perform on-chip combining of data from valid word lines, and copy data from invalid data word lines to a compaction block of single level cells.

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

Method and system for limiting write command execution
Patent No. 9778878

Inventor(s): James M. Higgins (Chandler, AZ), John G. Hodgdon (Chandler, AZ), Ryan R. Jones (Mesa, AZ)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Plano)
Law Firm: Brinks Gilson Lione (7 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14883540 on 10/14/2015 (720 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods, systems and/or devices are used for limiting write command execution in a storage device comprising a set of non-volatile memory devices. In one aspect, the method includes (1) accessing in a holding queue host-specified write commands specified by a host system, each of the host-specified write commands specifying a number of pages to be written to the set of non-volatile memory devices; (2) in accordance with a determination that throttling is enabled: (3) determining a limit number of pages for a current throttle period in accordance with a throttle rate, the throttle rate being a maximum write rate for executing host-specified write commands; and (4) during the current throttle period, moving from the holding queue to a pending queue, for execution by the set of non-volatile memory devices, host-specified write commands whose total specified number of pages does not exceed the limit number of pages.

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

Apparatuses and methods for timing domain crossing
Patent No. 9778903

Inventor(s): Brian Huber (Allen), Gary Howe (Plano)
Assignee(s): Micron Technology, Inc. (Boise, ID)
Law Firm: Dorsey Whitney LLP (6 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14573215 on 12/17/2014 (1021 days app to issue)

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for a timing domain transfer circuit are disclosed. Disclosed embodiments may be configured to receive an event from one timing domain, output the event to another timing domain, and further configured to mark the event as transferred. An example method includes receiving an Event In based in a first timing domain at a first latch and receiving an intermediate event from the first latch by a second latch. The event is transferred to a second timing domain by the second latch and the first latch is reset based on feedback.

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

System and method for massively parallel processing database
Patent No. 9779128

Inventor(s): Guogen Zhang (San Jose, CA), Le Cai (Cupertino, CA)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano)
Law Firm: Slater Matsil, LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14249558 on 04/10/2014 (1272 days app to issue)

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of performing point-in-time recovery (PITR) in a massively parallel processing (MPP) database includes receiving, by a data node from a coordinator, a PITR recovery request and reading a log record of the MPP database. The method also includes determining a type of the log record and updating a transaction table when the type of the log record is an abort transaction or a commit transaction.

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

Method for non-kinetic performance assessment
Patent No. 9779191

Inventor(s): John N. Carbone (Garland)
Assignee(s): Raytheon Company (Waltham, MA)
Law Firm: Schwegman Lundberg Woessner, P.A. (9 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14185029 on 02/20/2014 (1321 days app to issue)

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus and method for assessing non-kinetic weapon performance for negating missile threats are generally described herein. In some embodiments, vulnerabilities of missile threats and techniques for negating the threats are identified. A probability of negation associated with an effectiveness of each of the techniques against the vulnerabilities is calculated. The calculated probability of negation of each technique against each vulnerability are conditioned at a plurality of times associated with a plurality of asymmetric missile defense (AMD) layer elements to produce temporal level probabilities of negation. Each temporal level probabilities of negation are conditioned based on a probability of validation of deployment and a probability of verification of mitigation to produce a battle damage assessment probability of negation. A terminal phase probability of impact failure without any intervention is calculated by combining the battle damage assessment probability of negation for each of plurality of AMD layers.

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

Method and system for partial occlusion handling in vehicle tracking using deformable parts model
Patent No. 9779331

Inventor(s): Aaron Michael Burry (Ontario, NY), Orhan Bulan (Henrietta, NY), Yusuf Oguzhan Artan (Demetevler/Ankara, , TR)
Assignee(s): Conduent Business Services, LLC (Dallas)
Law Firm: Fay Sharpe LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14632237 on 02/26/2015 (950 days app to issue)

Abstract: Provided is a method and system of tracking partially occluded objects using an elastic deformation model. According to an exemplary method and system, partially occluded vehicles are detected and tracked in a scene including side-by-side drive-thru lanes. A method for updating an event sequence includes acquiring video data of a queue area from at least one image source; searching the frames for subjects located at least near a region of interest (ROI) of defined start points in the video data; tracking a movement of each detected subject through the queue area over a subsequent series of frames; using the tracking, determining if a location of the a tracked subject reaches a predefined merge point where multiple queues in the queue area converge into a single queue lane; in response to the tracked subject reaching the predefined merge point, computing an observed sequence of where the tracked subject places among other subjects approaching an end-event point; and, updating a sequence of end-events to match the observed sequence of subjects in the single queue lane.

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

Method and system for implementing workflows and managing staff and engagements
Patent No. 9779386

Inventor(s): Kenneth Koskay (Southlake), Stephanie Black (Grapevine)
Assignee(s): Thomson Reuters Global Resources (Baar, , CH)
Law Firm: Duncan Galloway Egan Greenwald, PLLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 13170120 on 06/27/2011 (2290 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present invention relates to software and a method of use for implementing workflows and managing engagements and staff. More particularly, the present invention relates to a software module tracking data of staff, engagements and workflows and a method of using such data in the management of staff and assignment of tasks. Information concerning employees is input into a database by the manager and the employees, and is tracked therein. The information concerning an employee includes an employee”s availability, ability and experience. Workflow/Task information is input into the database when either a client makes a request for service of the business, or a workflow/task internal to the business is needed to be performed. Task information includes the nature of the work and deadlines. Task information is compared to the employee information. A list is automatically generated naming the employees best suited to the mandate of the task. The manager then chooses a name from the top of the list and assigns the task to that employee.

[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]

System and method for dynamic management of affiliate links for online marketing
Patent No. 9779425

Inventor(s): Alexei Stoliartchouk (Kensington, CA), Baxter Box (Dallas), Forrest Jordan (Dallas)
Assignee(s): REWARDSTYLE, INC. (Dallas)
Law Firm: Jackson Walker LLP (Local + 3 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 13731383 on 12/31/2012 (1737 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method and system is provided for facilitating affiliate link generation. A publisher enables the system by identifying a webpage on an affiliate web site. The system performs an initial assessment of the page to extract webpage information, which is compared to information stored in a database. If the extracted information matches stored information, a record of the webpage is displayed and an affiliate link is dynamically generated for immediate use. If the extracted information does not match stored information, a new record of the webpage is created. If the webpage contains product-specific data, a product-specific record is stored. If the webpage does not contain product-specific data, a non-product record is stored. An affiliate link is then dynamically created. The new record of the product and dynamically created affiliate link is added to the database for immediate use.

Systems and methods for generating vehicle insurance policy data based on empirical vehicle related data
Patent No. 9779458

Inventor(s): Christopher E. Gay (Dallas)
Assignee(s): STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY (Bloomington, IL)
Law Firm: Marshall, Gerstein Borun LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14203349 on 03/10/2014 (1303 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a computer implemented system and method for automatically generating insurance policy related data. The system and method may determine a vehicle operator and generate empirical vehicle operator identity data. The system and method may further acquire empirical vehicle operation data related to the actual vehicle operator, and correlate the empirical vehicle operator identity data and the empirical vehicle operation data to generate vehicle insurance policy related data. The system and method may further include processing one or more insurance options, including underwriting and pricing, based at least in part on the vehicle insurance policy related data.

Dynamically providing to a person feedback pertaining to utterances spoken or sung by the person
Patent No. 9779761

Inventor(s): Alan D. Emery (North Richland Hills), Janki Y. Vora (Dallas), Mathews Thomas (Flower Mound)
Assignee(s): INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION (Armonk, NY)
Law Firm: Cuenot, Forsythe Kim, LLC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15134442 on 04/21/2016 (530 days app to issue)

Abstract: Arrangements described herein relate to receiving, in real time, utterances spoken or sung by a first person when the utterances are spoken or sung and comparing, in real time, the detected utterances spoken or sung by the first person to at least a stored sample of utterances spoken or sung by the first person. Based, at least in part, on the comparing the detected utterances spoken or sung by the first person to at least the stored sample of utterances spoken or sung by the first person, a key indicator that indicates at least one characteristic of the detected utterances spoken or sung by the first person can be generated. Feedback indicating the at least one characteristic of the detected utterances spoken or sung by the first person can be communicated to the first person or a second person.

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

Secure erase of non-volatile memory
Patent No. 9779823

Inventor(s): Jacob B. Schmier (Gilbert, AZ), James M. Higgins (Chandler, AZ), Robert W. Ellis (Phoenix, AZ)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Plano)
Law Firm: Brinks, Gilson Lione (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15195931 on 06/28/2016 (462 days app to issue)

Abstract: In a non-volatile memory system, a fast bulk secure erase method for erasing data includes, in response to a secure erase command: applying charge to a portion of non-volatile memory in the non-volatile memory system, and performing an erase operation sufficient to remove charge from the portion of non-volatile memory to below an erase threshold. The applied charge is sufficient to program memory cells in the portion of non-volatile memory to above a pre-erase program threshold.

[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)

Pulsed control line biasing in memory
Patent No. 9779832

Inventor(s): Deepanshu Dutta (Fremont, CA), Jong Yuh (Pleasanton, CA), Muhammad Masuduzzaman (Milpitas, CA)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Plano)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15371462 on 12/07/2016 (300 days app to issue)

Abstract: In one aspect, a voltage is provided as a rectangular waveform in which the duty cycle is varied to provide different effective voltages. These voltages may be applied to various control lines in a memory device such as a word line, bit line and/or source line, in a program, verify, read or erase operation. In some cases, the duty cycle is a function of programming data of a memory cell such as an assigned data state or a programming speed category. The duty cycle could also be a function of a programming phase or other criterion. The duty cycle can be varied by modifying the duration and separation of the pulses of the waveform or by pulse counting, in which a specified number of pulses are passed in a time period.

Discovering and grouping application endpoints in a network environment
Patent No. 9781004

Inventor(s): Sachin Waman Danait (Plano)
Assignee(s): CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC. (San Jose, CA)
Law Firm: Polsinelli PC (Local + 15 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14516354 on 10/16/2014 (1083 days app to issue)

Abstract: An example method for discovering and grouping application endpoints in a network environment is provided and includes discovering endpoints communicating in a network environment, calculating affinity between the discovered endpoints, and grouping the endpoints into separate endpoint groups (EPGs) according to the calculated affinity, each EPG comprising a logical grouping of similar endpoints for applying common forwarding and policy logic according to logical application boundaries. In specific embodiments, the affinity includes a weighted average of network affinity, compute affinity and user specified affinity.

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

Managed peer-to-peer sharing in cellular networks
Patent No. 9781199

Inventor(s): Khiem Le (Coppell), Noun Choi (Flower Mound)
Assignee(s): BlackBerry Limited (Waterloo, Ontario, , CA)
Law Firm: Fish Richardson P.C. (Local + 12 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14979906 on 12/28/2015 (645 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus are provided for performing peer-to-peer (P2P) data sharing operations between user equipment (UE) devices in a wireless-enabled communications environment. A first client node comprises content data and operates in a server peer mode to provide content data. A second client node submits a request to a P2P application server (P2P AS) for the content data. In response, the P2P AS provides the address of the first client node to the second client node. The second client node then uses the provided address to submit a request to the first client node to provide the content data. The first client node accepts the request and then provides the content data to the second client node.

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

Location based content aggregation and distribution systems and methods
Patent No. 9781216

Inventor(s): Brian F. Roberts (Dallas), Donald H. Relyea (Dallas), Kristopher T. Frazier (Frisco)
Assignee(s): Facebook, Inc. (Menlo Park, CA)
Law Firm: Baker Botts L.L.P. (Local + 8 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15140217 on 04/27/2016 (524 days app to issue)

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a content posting from a device associated with a first user, the content posting including data representative of a content instance and an associated geographic location; determining that a second user is associated with the geographic location; and enabling communications associated with the content instance between a client device associated with the first user and a client device associated with the second user.

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

System and method for peer-to-peer media routing using a third party instant messaging system for signaling
Patent No. 9781258

Inventor(s): Satish Gundabathula (Irving), Sivakumar Chaturvedi (Allen)
Assignee(s): Damaka, Inc. (Richardson)
Law Firm: Munck Wilson Mandala LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14691834 on 04/21/2015 (896 days app to issue)

Abstract: An improved system and method are disclosed for peer-to-peer communications. In one example, the method enables an endpoint to engage in a call with another endpoint using a third party instant message system to carry instant messages containing signaling information and a route that is external to the third party instant message system for both signaling and media information.

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

Providing a proxy server feature at an endpoint
Patent No. 9781274

Inventor(s): Henry Chen (Plano)
Assignee(s): Cisco Technology, Inc. (San Jose, CA)
Law Firm: Baker Botts L.L.P. (Local + 8 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 10973146 on 10/26/2004 (4725 days app to issue)

Abstract: Providing a proxy server feature includes initiating the proxy server feature at an endpoint of a number of endpoints. Registration information comprising addresses for the endpoints is received and then stored in a routing table at the endpoint. The endpoint locates a callee endpoint using the routing table in order to establish a session with the callee endpoint.

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

Faster state transitioning for continuous adjustable 3Deeps filter spectacles using multi-layered variable tint materials
Patent No. 9781408

Inventor(s): Kenneth Martin Jacobs (New York, NY), Ronald Steven Karpf (Corvallis, OR)
Assignee(s): VISUAL EFFECT INNOVATIONS, LLC (Plano)
Law Firm: Ascenda Law Group, PC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15606850 on 05/26/2017 (130 days app to issue)

Abstract: An electrically controlled spectacle includes a spectacle frame and optoelectronic lenses housed in the frame. The lenses include a left lens and a right lens, each of the optoelectrical lenses having a plurality of states, wherein the state of the left lens is independent of the state of the right lens. The electrically controlled spectacle also includes a control unit housed in the frame, the control unit being adapted to control the state of each of the lenses independently.

[G02C] SPECTACLES; SUNGLASSES OR GOGGLES INSOFAR AS THEY HAVE THE SAME FEATURES AS SPECTACLES; CONTACT LENSES

Kinematic optical device mount
Patent No. RE046564 (Reissue)

Inventor(s): Emmanuel Fierro (Plano), Lyale F. Marr (Richardson), Robert K. Bratton (McKinney)
Assignee(s): Raytheon Company (Waltham, MA)
Law Firm: Renner, Otto, Boisselle Sklar, LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14885092 on 10/16/2015 (718 days app to issue)

Abstract: An optical mount is used for mounting an optical element, such as a beam splitter or a mirror, to a housing. The optical mount includes a pair of optical element retainer clamps that secure a first side of the optical element at respective first securement points on one of the major surfaces of the optical element, and also engage a first edge. A whiffletree retainer clamp secures a second side of the optical element at a second securement point on the one of its major surfaces. The whiffletree retainer clamp couples a whiffletree retainer to the housing, with the whiffletree retainer engaging a second edge along the second side of the device. The whiffletree retainer is positionally adjustable, for example able to pivot. Pivot pads may be used in at least some of the engagements to secure the optical element. The pivot pads may be segments of ball bearings. Patent Class: N/A

E L E C T R I C I T Y

[PATENT BELOW, IMAGE VIA USPTO]

Privacy-preserving evidence in ALPR applications
Patent No. 9779284

Inventor(s): Herve Poirier (Meylan, , FR), Jean-Luc Meunier (St. Nazaire les Eymes, , FR), Saghar Estehghari (La Tronche, , FR)
Assignee(s): Conduent Business Services, LLC (Dallas)
Law Firm: Fay Sharpe LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14108477 on 12/17/2013 (1386 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system and method for preserving privacy of evidence are provided. In the method, an encrypted first image is generated by encrypting a first image acquired at a first location with a symmetric cryptographic key that is based on first information such as a license plate number extracted from the first image and first metadata associated with the first image, such as a time at which the first image was acquired. When a link is established between a second image and the first image, for example, through visual signature matching, the symmetric cryptographic key can be reconstructed, without having access to the first image, but based instead on the first metadata and information extracted from the second image. The reconstructed symmetric cryptographic key can then be used for decryption of the encrypted image to establish evidence that the license plate number was indeed extracted from the first image.

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

Image raster rotation
Patent No. 9779482

Inventor(s): Gilles Ries (Saint-Jean de Moirans, , FR)
Assignee(s): OPTIS CIRCUIT TECHNOLOGY, LLC (Plano)
Law Firm: The Danamraj Law Group, P.C. (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14782013 on 04/14/2014 (1268 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method allows changing an image raster direction from an application raster direction to a screen raster direction, in-flight while pixel values of an image are transferred successively from an application output memory to a display unit. A single buffer memory array is implemented between the application output memory and the display unit. Two writing orders for cells of the buffer memory array are used in turn, each being combined with a different reading order for the cells. The method can be hardware-implemented, and is adapted for burst-handling of the pixel values.

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

Method of fabricating 3D NAND
Patent No. 9779948

Inventor(s): Ashish Baraskar (Santa Clara, CA), Ching-Huang Lu (Fremont, CA), Yanli Zhang (San Jose, CA), Zhenyu Lu (Fremont, CA)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Plano)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15185866 on 06/17/2016 (473 days app to issue)

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of fabricating a source side select (SGS) transistor in 3D memory. The threshold voltage of the SGS transistor accurately meets a target threshold voltage. The SGS transistor has a semiconductor body that resides in a memory hole formed in a stack of alternating layers of two materials. During fabrication, a sacrificial layer may be removed to create recesses between dielectric layers in a stack. The sacrificial layer may be removed by introducing an etchant into slits formed in the stack. Thus, the recess may expose sidewalls of the body of the SGS transistor. An impurity may be introduced into this recess, by way of a slit, in order to dope the source side select transistor. This allows for precise control over the doping profile, which in turn provides for precise control over the threshold voltage of the SGS transistor.

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

Methods for forming air gaps in shallow trench isolation trenches for NAND memory
Patent No. 9779983

Inventor(s): Oshi Wakamatsu (Yokkaichi, , JP), Yasuhiro Domae (Yokkaichi, , JP)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Plano)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14723490 on 05/28/2015 (859 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method of forming a shallow trench isolation trench in a semiconductor substrate is described. The method includes forming a trench in a region of the substrate, forming a first dielectric material in the trench, forming a second dielectric material above the first dielectric material, forming a first air gap in the first dielectric material in the trench, and forming a second air gap in the second dielectric material above the first air gap.

Hermetic package with improved RF stability and performance
Patent No. 9780010

Inventor(s): Bo Zhao (Allen), Raj Santhakumar (Richardson)
Assignee(s): Qorvo US, Inc. (Greensboro, NC)
Law Firm: Withrow Terranova, P.L.L.C. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15378575 on 12/14/2016 (293 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hermetic package with improved RF stability and performance. The package includes a carrier, a bottom dielectric ring over the carrier, a bottom metal layer over the bottom dielectric ring, a top dielectric ring over the bottom metal layer, a top metal layer over the top dielectric ring, an exterior plated layer, and multiple top vias. Herein, the bottom metal layer includes signal sections and at least one ground section, which is electrically isolated from the signal sections. The exterior plated layer covers at least a portion of a first exterior sidewall of the bottom ring structure and electrically couples the carrier to the at least one ground section. The multiple top vias extend through the top dielectric ring and electrically couple the top metal layer to the at least one ground section.

Three-dimensional memory device containing annular etch-stop spacer and method of making thereof
Patent No. 9780034

Inventor(s): Kota Funayama (Yokkaichi, , JP), Masanori Tsutsumi (Yokkaichi, , JP), Ryoichi Ehara (Yokkaichi, , JP), Tadashi Nakamura (Yokkaichi, , JP), Tong Zhang (Palo Alto, CA), Youko Furihata (Yokkaichi, , JP), Zhenyu Lu (Milpitas, CA)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Plano)
Law Firm: The Marbury Law Group PLLC (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15183195 on 06/15/2016 (475 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method of forming a monolithic three-dimensional memory device includes forming a first alternating stack over a substrate, forming an insulating cap layer, forming a first memory opening through the insulating cap layer and the first alternating stack, forming a sacrificial pillar structure in the first memory opening, forming a second alternating stack, forming a second memory opening, forming an inter-stack memory opening, forming a memory film and a first semiconductor channel layer in the inter-stack memory opening, anisotropically etching a horizontal bottom portion of the memory film and the first semiconductor channel layer to expose the substrate at the bottom of the inter-stack memory opening such that damage to portions of the first semiconductor channel layer and the memory film located adjacent to the insulating cap layer is reduced or avoided, and forming a second semiconductor channel layer in contact with the exposed substrate in the inter-stack memory opening.

Ultrathin semiconductor channel three-dimensional memory devices
Patent No. 9780108

Inventor(s): Jayavel Pachamuthu (San Jose, CA), Johann Alsmeier (San Jose, CA), Masaaki Higashitani (Cupertino, CA), Peter Rabkin (Cupertino, CA)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Plano)
Law Firm: The Marbury Law Group PLLC (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14886507 on 10/19/2015 (715 days app to issue)

Abstract: An alternating stack of insulating layers and sacrificial material layers is formed over a substrate. Memory openings are formed through the alternating stack to the substrate. After formation of memory film layers, a sacrificial cover material layer can be employed to protect the tunneling dielectric layer during formation of a bottom opening in the memory film layers. An amorphous semiconductor material layer can be deposited and optionally annealed in an ambient including argon and/or deuterium to form a semiconductor channel layer having a thickness less than 5 nm and surface roughness less than 10% of the thickness. Alternately or additionally, at least one interfacial layer can be employed on either side of the amorphous semiconductor material layer to reduce surface roughness of the semiconductor channel. The ultrathin channel can have enhanced mobility due to quantum confinement effects.

Methods and apparatus for three-dimensional NAND non-volatile memory devices with side source line and mechanical support
Patent No. 9780112

Inventor(s): Chun Ge (San Jose, CA), Jin Liu (Fremont, CA), Johann Alsmeier (San Jose, CA)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Plano)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14922365 on 10/26/2015 (708 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method of fabricating a monolithic three dimensional memory structure is provided. The method includes forming a stack of alternating word line and dielectric layers above a substrate, forming a source line above the substrate, forming a memory hole extending through the alternating word line and dielectric layers and the source line, and forming a mechanical support element on the substrate adjacent to the memory hole.

Molybdenum-containing conductive layers for control gate electrodes in a memory structure
Patent No. 9780182

Inventor(s): George Matamis (Danville, CA), Johann Alsmeier (San Jose, CA), Raghuveer S. Makala (Campbell, CA), Sateesh Koka (Milpitas, CA), Somesh Peri (San Jose, CA), Yao-Sheng Lee (Tampa, FL)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Plano)
Law Firm: The Marbury Law Group PLLC (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14751689 on 06/26/2015 (830 days app to issue)

Abstract: A memory film and a semiconductor channel can be formed within each memory opening that extends through a stack including an alternating plurality of insulator layers and sacrificial material layers. After formation of backside recesses through removal of the sacrificial material layers selective to the insulator layers, a metallic barrier material portion can be formed in each backside recess. A molybdenum-containing portion can be formed in each backside recess. Each backside recess can be filled with a molybdenum-containing portion alone, or can be filled with a combination of a molybdenum-containing portion and a metallic material portion including a material other than molybdenum.

Multi-beam antenna with modular luneburg lens and method of lens manufacture
Patent No. 9780457

Inventor(s): Eddie Ray Bradley (Allen), Igor E. Timofeev (Dallas), Michael F. Bonczyk (Anna), William H. Burnett (Plano)
Assignee(s): CommScope Technologies LLC (Hickory, NC)
Law Firm: Myers Bigel, P.A. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14244369 on 04/03/2014 (1279 days app to issue)

Abstract: A multiple beam antenna system is described. The system may include a mounting structure, a first wireless access antenna, a second wireless access antenna, and a radio frequency lens. The first and second wireless access antennas may be mounted to the mounting structure. Columns of radiating elements of the first and second wireless access antennas may be aligned with the radio frequency lens. The radio frequency lens may be modular in a longitudinal or radial direction, or in both directions. The radio frequency lens may include a plurality of compartments arranged to form a first cylinder made up of concentric, coaxial cylinders and a plurality of dielectric materials in at least some of the plurality of compartments.

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

Methods and apparatus for antenna having dual polarized radiating elements with enhanced heat dissipation
Patent No. 9780458

Inventor(s): Jayna J. Shah (Plano), Robert S. Isom (Allen)
Assignee(s): Raytheon Company (Waltham, MA)
Law Firm: Daly, Crowley, Mofford Durkee, LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14881582 on 10/13/2015 (721 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a dual polarized thumbtack radiator having enhanced dissipation. In embodiments, a power divider resistor for a balun is coupled directly to ground plane blocks that provide a RF shield. An attachment mechanism, such as a screw secures the thumbtack assembly to an aperture plate and provides thermal and electrical connection.

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

Tracking and use of tracked bit values for encoding and decoding data in unreliable memory
Patent No. 9780809

Inventor(s): Abhijeet Manohar (Bangalore, , IN), Daniel Tuers (Kapaa, HI), Sujeeth Joseph (Bangalore, , IN)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Plano)
Law Firm: Brinks Gilson Lione (7 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14701130 on 04/30/2015 (887 days app to issue)

Abstract: A non-volatile memory system may include a tracking module that tracks logic values of bits to be stored in memory elements identified as unreliable. A record of the logic values may be generated. During decoding of the data, a log likelihood ratio module may use the record to assign log likelihood ratio values for the decoding.

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

Multiple-wavelength passive optical network (PON) power saving
Patent No. 9780906

Inventor(s): Dekun Liu (Wuhan, , CN), Jianhe Gao (Wuhan, , CN), Yuanqiu Luo (Cranbury, NJ)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano)
Law Firm: Conley Rose, P.C. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14873381 on 10/02/2015 (732 days app to issue)

Abstract: An optical line terminal (OLT) comprising a processor configured to process a first power consumption data associated with a first optical network unit (ONU) for a plurality of wavelength channels in a multiple-wavelength passive optical network (PON), and select a first target wavelength channel from the plurality of wavelength channels based on the first power consumption data in order to reduce power consumption at the first ONU, and a transmitter coupled to the processor and configured to transmit to the first ONU a tuning control message instructing the first ONU to tune to the first target wavelength channel.

[H04J] MULTIPLEX COMMUNICATION (peculiar to transmission of digital information H04L 5/00; systems for the simultaneous or sequential transmission of more than one television signal H04N 7/08; in exchanges H04Q 11/00)

Memory-efficient matrix-based optical path computation
Patent No. 9780907

Inventor(s): Martin Bouda (Richardson)
Assignee(s): Fujitsu Limited (Kawasaki, , JP)
Law Firm: Baker Botts L.L.P. (Local + 8 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14596007 on 01/13/2015 (994 days app to issue)

Abstract: A matrix M indicating a minimum number of all optical paths between pairs of nodes may be generated in one embodiment using an algorithm for transitive closure. In various embodiments, different algorithms and methods may be used to generate matrix M. Once a convergent matrix M has been generated that attains transitive closure, any corresponding reachability matrix RM^a may be obtained from matrix M in a computationally efficient manner. Matrix M may be used to determine groups of potential regenerator placements and obtain end-to-end optical paths by selecting desired sequences of regenerators.

System and method for a federated evolved packet core service bus
Patent No. 9780963

Inventor(s): Kaippallimalil Mathew John (Richardson), Khosrow Tony Saboorian (Plano)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano)
Law Firm: Slater Matsil, LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14801150 on 07/16/2015 (810 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system and method of provides services including a federated service bus between distributed and evolved packet core (EPC) and a radio access network (RAN), wherein the federated service bus provides information based on a parent-child relationship between the EPC and RAN on a per-federated service basis. The information can include loading and location information.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

System and method for alerting a list of multiple recipients of a user”s request for assistance
Patent No. 9781063

Inventor(s): Jerry Crawford (Dallas)
Assignee(s): ATT Mobility II LLC (Atlanta, GA)
Law Firm: Chiesa Shahinian Giantomasi PC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14508630 on 10/07/2014 (1092 days app to issue)

Abstract: A request for assistance from a user employing a first user device is received. The request is converted into a plurality of formatted requests. Each formatted request is formatted for receipt by a respective recipient in the list of recipients. Each of the plurality of formatted requests is broadcasted to each respective recipient in the list of recipients. A location of the first user device is provided to each recipient in the list of recipients. An assistance response to the request is received. The assistance response is sent by a particular recipient in the list of recipients. A message is broadcasted to each recipient in the list of recipients, other than the particular recipient, indicating that the particular recipient provided the assistance response. Upon receiving an update message from the particular recipient, the update message is broadcasted to each recipient in the list of recipients other than the particular recipient.

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

System and method for providing enterprise voice call continuity
Patent No. 9781173

Inventor(s): Satish Gundabathula (Irving), Sivakumar Chaturvedi (Allen)
Assignee(s): DAMAKA, INC. (Richardson)
Law Firm: Munck Wilson Mandala LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15166516 on 05/27/2016 (494 days app to issue)

Abstract: An improved system and method are disclosed for providing voice call continuity in an enterprise network. For example, an enterprise public branch exchange (PBX) may be configured with a pilot number that is used to provide VCC services when called by a client. Digit collection via DMTF signaling or other means may be used to collect destination information from the client. The enterprise network may use the collected digits to establish a communication session with another device that corresponds to the destination information.

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

Cease and desist call flagging
Patent No. 9781241

Inventor(s): Feng Tang (Plano), Patrick B. Smith (Garland)
Assignee(s): Bank of America Corporation (Charlotte, NC)
Law Firm: Moore Van Allen PLLC (6 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14482900 on 09/10/2014 (1119 days app to issue)

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to systems, methods, and computer program products for providing cease and desist call flagging. The system, method, and computer program product are configured to provide a user interface for reporting cease and desist requests associated with a plurality of customers; receive, via user input into the user interface, a cease and desist request associated with a customer having at least one account maintained by an entity, wherein the cease and desist request specifies at least one rule to be implemented when contacting the customer; and automatically terminate contact to the customer on behalf of the entity based at least partially on the at least one rule specified in the cease and desist request.

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

Training-based backplane crosstalk cancellation
Patent No. 9781254

Inventor(s): Kofi Dankwa Anim-Appiah (Morgan Hill, CA)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano)
Law Firm: Zilka-Kotab, PC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15410696 on 01/19/2017 (257 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system, computer readable medium, and method are provided for training a serial communication link to perform crosstalk cancellation. The method includes the steps of, for each crosstalk channel of one or more crosstalk channels, transmitting a training sequence over a crosstalk channel, estimating a phase offset associated with the crosstalk channel, and selecting a set of symbol response coefficients. The method further includes steps for configuring the serial communication link to perform crosstalk cancellation utilizing the selected set of symbol response coefficients and, for each crosstalk channel, updating the selected set of symbol response coefficients every number of Baud durations corresponding to the crosstalk channel.

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

System and method for case-based routing for a contact
Patent No. 9781270

Inventor(s): Charlotte Toerck (Richardson)
Assignee(s): GENESYS TELECOMMUNICATIONS LABORATORIES, INC. (Daly City, CA)
Law Firm: Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP (5 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14450190 on 08/01/2014 (1159 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system and method for case-based routing as opposed to atomic interaction routing. A processor opens a case in a customer database. The case is associated with a workflow that has steps anticipated to be executed for the case. The processor identifies first and second steps of the workflow, and further identifies an agent with skills for handling the first and second steps. The processor generates a task for handling at least the first step of the workflow, and transmits instructions to route the task to the identified agent.

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

Combined parallel and pipelined video encoder
Patent No. 9781439

Inventor(s): Valerie Pierson (Saint Martin D”heres, , FR), Vincent Migeotte (Saint-Egreve, , FR)
Assignee(s): OPTIS CIRCUIT TECHNOLOGY, LLC (Plano)
Law Firm: The Danamraj Law Group, P.C. (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14761821 on 01/28/2014 (1344 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method of encoding video data including a sequence of digital image frames, in a pipelined processing system is provided. The method includes dividing each frame in the sequence into a plurality of sections, each section including a horizontal band across a frame. The method further includes subdividing each section into a plurality of macroblocks, and encoding a representation of each macroblock in each section to form an output stream. The sections of each frame are processed during adjacent steps in a pipeline of the pipelined processing system.

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

Geographically based access management for internet of things device data
Patent No. 9781602

Inventor(s): Brian Christopher Peck (Flower Mound)
Assignee(s): CA, Inc. (New York, NY)
Law Firm: Gilliam IP PLLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15086352 on 03/31/2016 (551 days app to issue)

Abstract: The proliferation of IOT devices has led to an increase in sensitive, cloud-stored data. To provide further protection, IOT device data may be secured by geographically based access controls as a supplement to or in place of traditional password protection. A geographically based access control restricts data accessibility to designated geographical areas. In this manner, a requesting device may not access geo-fence protected IOT device data unless the requesting device is located within a designated geographical area. Geo-fence parameters utilized for creation of a geo-fence policy may be pre-specified or generated based on operating conditions. For example, a user may provide location data, such as an address or geographical coordinate, and a radial distance from the location for which data access is permissible. Additionally, geo-fence parameters can be automatically determined based on criteria such as an IOT device type or data usage characteristics.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

System and method for intuitive packet buffering and adaptive paging
Patent No. 9781624

Inventor(s): Ravi Danda (Irving), Veena Murthy (Allen)
Assignee(s): MAVENIR SYSTEMS, INC. (Richardson)
Law Firm: Ohlandt, Greeley, Ruggiero Perle, L.L.P. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14529901 on 10/31/2014 (1068 days app to issue)

Abstract: The solution introduces a flexible mechanism to avoid paging a delay-tolerant UE prematurely by buffering its high frequency, low priority data for a time duration set according to the UE”s current and historic activity data, thereby increasing radio resource and network efficiency, and reducing UE batter drainage. A method of managing frequent low priority downlink data transmissions comprises receiving a downlink data packet intended for a UE, buffering the received downlink data packet in response to a determination that the received downlink data packet is low priority, and the UE is delay-tolerant, starting a timer, the timer being set in response in response to the UE currently being in an idle state, the timer being set according to a next anticipated activity time for the UE, and transmitting the downlink data packet to the UE upon the expiration of the timer.

Method and apparatus for modifying call admission control thresholds
Patent No. 9781656

Inventor(s): Kamakshi Sridhar (Plano)
Assignee(s): Alcatel Lucent (Boulogne-Billancourt, , FR)
Law Firm: Davidson Sheehan LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 13218523 on 08/26/2011 (2230 days app to issue)

Abstract: Embodiments of the claimed subject matter provide a method and apparatus for modifying call admission control thresholds. One embodiment of a method includes modifying one or more call admission control thresholds provided to base stations by a radio access network in response to a mismatch between a wireless access capacity of the base stations and a backhaul capacity between the base stations and the radio access network.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

System and method for determining geolocation of wireless access point or wireless device
Patent No. 9781699

Inventor(s): Mark Gerard (McKinney), Robert W. Peterson (Plano)
Assignee(s): Open Invention Network, LLC (Durham, NC)
Law Firm: Haynes and Boone, LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15445653 on 02/28/2017 (217 days app to issue)

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

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

System and method for uplink data scheduling for grant free transmission
Patent No. 9781744

Inventor(s): Mazin Ali Al-Shalash (Frisco), Nathan Edward Tenny (Poway, CA)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano)
Law Firm: Slater Matsil, LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15280443 on 09/29/2016 (369 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method and system provide determining whether to pursue grant free transmission in accordance with a size of at least one packet in a first buffer of at least one buffer and determining a size of a grant free transport block (GFTB) in accordance with a configuration of radio resources available for grant free transmission in instances where grant free transmission is to be utilized. The method also includes populating the GFTB with first data from at least one of the buffers to produce a populated GFTB and transferring the GFTB from a media access control (MAC) layer to a physical layer (PHY).

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Method to address infrequent transmission
Patent No. 9781770

Inventor(s): Devaki Chandramouli (Plano)
Assignee(s): NOKIA SOLUTIONS AND NETWORKS OY (Espoo, , FI)
Law Firm: Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP (13 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14396152 on 04/23/2012 (1989 days app to issue)

Abstract: Communication systems, such as an evolved packet system, may benefit from methods for addressing infrequent transmissions. In particular, certain communication systems in which machine type communication devices are deployed may benefit from a machine type communication feature for infrequent transmission. A method for providing such a feature can include negotiating at least one characteristic of a bearer. The method can also include deactivating the bearer based on the at least one characteristic.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

DESIGN PATENTS

[PATENT BELOW, IMAGE VIA USPTO]

Tagine
Patent No. D798649

Inventor(s): Daniel S. Keating (Colorado Springs, CO)
Assignee(s): TUESDAY MORNING PARTNERS, LTD. (Dallas)
Law Firm: Haynes and Boone, LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 29540136 on 09/21/2015 (743 days app to issue)

Abstract: No Abstract Patent Class: N/A

Simulated bolted hardware
Patent No. D798701

Inventor(s): Ian A. Hill (Plano)
Assignee(s): Oz-Post International, LLC (Richardson)
Law Firm: Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 29584197 on 11/11/2016 (326 days app to issue)

Abstract: No Abstract Patent Class: N/A

Closed wing aircraft
Patent No. D798794

Inventor(s): Andrew James Zahasky (North Richland Hills), Carlos Alexander Fenny (Fort Worth), Rohn Lee Olson (Hurst)
Assignee(s): BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC. (Fort Worth)
Law Firm: Chalker Flores, LLP (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 29564548 on 05/13/2016 (508 days app to issue)

Abstract: No Abstract Patent Class: N/A

Ring wing and spokes for a closed wing aircraft
Patent No. D798795

Abstract: No Abstract Patent Class: N/A

Dallas Invents: 68 Patents Granted for Week of Oct. 3

Patents granted range from the “secure erase of non-volatile memory” assigned to SanDisk Technologies to a “golf club head having trip step feature” secured by Taylor Made Golf Company.

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Week of Oct. 3, 2017 | Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington (19100)

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Dallas Invents: 68 Patents Granted for Week of Oct. 3

Patents granted range from the “secure erase of non-volatile memory” assigned to SanDisk Technologies to a “golf club head having trip step feature” secured by Taylor Made Golf Company.

THIS WEEK, BY THE NUMBERS Week of Oct. 3, 2017 | Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington (19100)

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THIS WEEK, BY THE NUMBERS
Week of Oct. 3, 2017 | Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington (19100)