Dallas Invents: 74 Patents Granted for Week of May 1

Patents granted include Toyota’s system for wearable smart device communications, Tesla Laboratories’ method for creation of unique identification for use in gathering survey data from a mobile device at a live event, and Match.com’s matching process system.

Toyota Patent No. 9958275, Illustration USPTO

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 May 1, 2018 | Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington (19100) 

74 patents granted    Ranked No. 12 in patent production out of 250 metros


NO. OF PATENTS BY CLASSIFICATION


TOP LOCAL ASSIGNEES (NO. OF PATENTS)

SanDisk Technologies LLC (Plano) 11
Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano) 8
Toyota Motor Engineering Manufacturing North America Inc. (Plano) 6


TOP LOCAL INVENTOR (NO. OF PATENTS) 

Garrett S. Boyd (Godley) 2
Joseph Michael Karigan (Carrollton) 2
Mitchell A. Boyd (Haslet) 2
Owen Ransom Clark (Dallas) 2
Thomas Joseph Martin (Mansfield) 2


SPEED: APPLICATION TO ISSUE (NO. OF DAYS) 

200 days
Modular communications systems and methods
Patent No. 9961301
Assignee: Telepresence Technologies, LLC (Plano)
Inventor: Peter McDuffie White (McKinney)

2,401 days
DNA hypermethylation diagnostic biomarkers for colorectal cancer
Patent No. 9957570
Assignee(s): Baylor Research Institute (Dallas), The Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD)
Inventors: Ajay Goel (Dallas), Clement Boland (Dallas), Stephen Meltzer (Lutherville, MD), Yuriko Mori (Baltimore, MD)


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

Adaptive pivoting and impact reduction tip assembly for walking aids
Patent No. 9955760 

Inventor(s): Dale Bourland Jordan (Birmingham, AL), James Dale Jordan (Grapevine, TX), Shyh Min Chen (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): 3C AUTOMATION, INC. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Averill Green (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15654251 on 07/19/2017 (286 days app to issue)

Abstract: An adaptive ambulatory support includes a shock absorbing and pivoting tip assembly attached to the staff of a walking aid, such as a cane, crutch or walker. The shock absorbing and pivoting tip assembly includes a shock absorber sandwiched between a lower portion and an upper portion. The shock absorber may be a bendable spring or elastic material. The tip assembly enables the shaft of the walking aid to dynamically pivot without the loss of adherence of the lower portion to the floor surface and simultaneous provides the adaptive shock absorbing capability in any angle during ambulation.

[A45B] WALKING STICKS (walking aids, e.g. sticks, for blind persons A61H 3/06); UMBRELLAS; LADIES’ OR LIKE FANS (cane or umbrella stands or holders A47G 25/12)


Surgical burs with localized auxiliary flutes
Patent No. 9955981 

Inventor(s): Donald E. Stearns (Fort Worth, TX), John W. Kulas (Euless, TX)
Assignee(s): Medtronic Xomed, Inc (Jacksonville, FL)
Law Firm: Harness Dickey (8 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14674002 on 03/31/2015 (1127 days app to issue)

Abstract: A surgical bur including primary flutes and auxiliary flutes. The primary flutes include (i) first clearance surfaces, and (ii) first rake surfaces with first cutting edges. The primary flutes extend from a proximal end of the surgical bur to a distal end of the surgical bur. The auxiliary flutes are localized in central regions or distal regions of the surgical bur. The auxiliary flutes include (i) second clearance surfaces, and (ii) second rake surfaces with second cutting edges. At least one of the auxiliary flutes is located between a pair of adjacent ones of the primary flutes.

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


Telescoping device with saline irrigation line
Patent No. 9956029 

Inventor(s): Himanshu K. Bhatt (Keller, TX)
Assignee(s): Medtronic Advanced Energy LLC (Minneapolis, MN)
Law Firm: Christopher Weisberg, P.A. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14688723 on 04/16/2015 (1111 days app to issue)

Abstract: An electrosurgical device includes a first shaft defining a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therethrough. A fluid delivery tube is disposed within the lumen, the fluid delivery tube defining a proximal end a distal end. An electrically conductive treatment element is in electrical communication with and coupled to the distal end of the first shaft, the electrically conductive treatment element includes a conductive fluid conduit in fluid communication with and affixed within a portion of the fluid delivery tube. A second shaft is in electrical communication with the first shaft, the first shaft being slideably disposed within the second shaft and movable from a first position in which the electrically conductive treatment element is proximate to the distal end of the second shaft to a second position in which the electrically conductive treatment element is advanced a distance away from the distal end of the second shaft.

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


Method and apparatus for treating an ocular disorder
Patent No. 9956116 

Inventor(s): David G. Godfrey (Dallas, TX), Davinder S. Grover (Dallas, TX), Ronald L. Fellman (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): INNOVATIVE GLAUCOMA SOLUTIONS, LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Winstead PC (Local + 2 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14376235 on 10/27/2012 (2012 days app to issue)

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

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


Combined medical device with sliding frontal attachment and retractable needle
Patent No. 9956352 

Inventor(s): Mark Small (Heavener, OK), Ni Zhu (Plano, TX), Thomas J Shaw (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): Retractable Technologies, Inc. (Little Elm, TX)
Law Firm: Ross Barnes LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14020465 on 09/06/2013 (1698 days app to issue)

Abstract: A medical device having a frontal attachment and a connector housing having at least a body part of an associated medical apparatus, the frontal attachment slidably engaging the connector housing and having a forwardly projecting, rearwardly biased needle and a needle retraction assembly, and the connector housing having a needle retraction cavity laterally offset from the needle in a first position, the needle retraction cavity being selectively movable relative to the frontal attachment following use to reposition the needle retraction cavity into alignment with the needle to permit retraction.

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


Perfluoroalkyl functionalized polyacrylamide for alcohol resistant-aqueous film-forming foam (AR-AFFF) formulation
Patent No. 9956447 

Inventor(s): Ming Li (Mansfield, TX), Thomas Joseph Martin (Mansfield, TX)
Assignee(s): TYCO FIRE SECURITY GMBH (, , CH)
Law Firm: Perkins Coie LLP (17 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14430905 on 09/25/2013 (1679 days app to issue)

Abstract: New high molecular weight fluoropolymers (fluoropolymer surfactants) are provided that are useful in compositions for use as fire extinguishing concentrates. The fluoropolymers contain C[subscript]4[/subscript]-C[subscript]6 [/subscript]perfluoroalkyl groups, and substantially lack perfluoroalkyl groups containing more than 6 fluorine-substituted carbon atoms.

[A62D] CHEMICAL MEANS FOR EXTINGUISHING FIRES; PROCESSES FOR MAKING HARMFUL CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES HARMLESS, OR LESS HARMFUL, BY EFFECTING A CHEMICAL CHANGE; COMPOSITION OF MATERIALS FOR COVERINGS OR CLOTHING FOR PROTECTING AGAINST HARMFUL CHEMICAL AGENTS; COMPOSITION OF MATERIALS FOR TRANSPARENT PARTS OF GAS-MASKS, RESPIRATORS, BREATHING BAGS OR HELMETS; COMPOSITION OF CHEMICAL MATERIALS FOR USE IN BREATHING APPARATUS


Perfluoroalkyl composition with reduced chain length
Patent No. 9956448 

Inventor(s): Thomas Joseph Martin (Mansfield, TX)
Assignee(s): TYCO FIRE PRODUCTS LP (Lansdale, PA)
Law Firm: Perkins Coie LLP (17 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14776057 on 03/14/2014 (1509 days app to issue)

Abstract: Novel fluorosurfactants are provided that contain perfluoroalkyl groups no longer than perfluorohexyl (C[subscript]6[/subscript]). The surfactants are useful in the preparation of aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) and alcohol-resistant film-forming foams (AR-AFFF) for firefighting. Unexpectedly, these compounds have activity in AFFF and AR-AFFF applications that is comparable and even superior to conventional surfactants that contain perfluoroalkyl groups that are perfluorooctyl (C[subscript]8[/subscript]) and longer. Also provided are methods of making the novel surfactants, as well as foam concentrates, methods of making foam and methods of fighting fires using foam containing the novel surfactants.

[A62D] CHEMICAL MEANS FOR EXTINGUISHING FIRES; PROCESSES FOR MAKING HARMFUL CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES HARMLESS, OR LESS HARMFUL, BY EFFECTING A CHEMICAL CHANGE; COMPOSITION OF MATERIALS FOR COVERINGS OR CLOTHING FOR PROTECTING AGAINST HARMFUL CHEMICAL AGENTS; COMPOSITION OF MATERIALS FOR TRANSPARENT PARTS OF GAS-MASKS, RESPIRATORS, BREATHING BAGS OR HELMETS; COMPOSITION OF CHEMICAL MATERIALS FOR USE IN BREATHING APPARATUS


Golf club assembly and golf club with aerodynamic features
Patent No. 9956459 

Inventor(s): Robert M. Boyd (Flower Mound, TX)
Assignee(s): NIKE, Inc. (Beaverton, OR)
Law Firm: Banner Witcoff, Ltd. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15155520 on 05/16/2016 (715 days app to issue)

Abstract: A golf club head includes a body member having a ball striking face, a crown, a toe, a heel, a sole, a back and a hosel region, located at the intersection of the ball striking face, the heel, the crown and the sole. The body member may have a first cross-section having a first airfoil-shaped surface in the heel. The first cross-section may be oriented at approximately 90 from the centerline of the club head. The body member may have a second cross-section having a second airfoil-shaped surface. The second cross-section may be oriented at approximately 45 or at approximately 70. The airfoil-shaped surfaces may be defined by spline points or by equations. A golf club including the golf club head is also provided.

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


Golf club head having a stress reducing feature and shaft connection system socket
Patent No. 9956460 

Inventor(s): Alexander Theodore Berger (Richardson, TX), Justin Honea (Rowlett, TX), Michael Scott Burnett (McKinney, TX)
Assignee(s): TAYLOR MADE GOLF COMPANY, INC (Carlsbad, CA)
Law Firm: Gallagher Dawsey Co., LPA (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15499146 on 04/27/2017 (369 days app to issue)

Abstract: A golf club incorporating a stress reducing feature and a shaft connection system socket. The location and size of the stress reducing feature and the shaft connection system socket, and their relationship to one another, selectively increase deflection of the face and provide stability of the shaft connection system.

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


Golf clubs and golf club heads
Patent No. 9956463 

Inventor(s): David N. Franklin (Granbury, TX)
Assignee(s): NIKE, Inc. (Beaverton, OR)
Law Firm: Banner Witcoff, Ltd. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14290393 on 05/29/2014 (1433 days app to issue)

Abstract: Ball striking devices, such as golf clubs, have a head that includes a face member including a face having a striking surface configured for striking a ball and a rear side located behind the face, a rear member connected to the rear side of the face member, a first connection member connecting the face member to the rear member, and a resilient material separating the rear member from the face member. The first connection member is directly engaged with the rear member, and the club head further includes a first spacer separating the first connection member from the face member. The first spacer is flexible, and the first connection member indirectly engages the face member by compressing the first spacer against the face member. The resilient material engages the rear member and the face member and is configured to transfer momentum between the face member and the rear member.

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


Methods and compositions to treat type-1 and type-2 diabetes
Patent No. 9957287 

Inventor(s): Shengyi Sun (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): CORNELL UNIVERSITY (Ithaca, NY)
Law Firm: Scully Scott Murphy Presser (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15604201 on 05/24/2017 (342 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to novel methods of treating type-1 or type-2 diabetes by inactivating TLR2 and TLR4 genes together in cells capable of producing insulin and/or regenerating cells, and providing the cells to a subject in need thereof.

[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)


 

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

Rotary head extruder
Patent No. 9955712 

Inventor(s): Jorge C. Morales-Alvarez (Plano, TX), V. N. Mohan Rao (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Frito-Lay North America, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Carstens Cahoon, LLP (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15581205 on 04/28/2017 (368 days app to issue)

Abstract: An improved rotary head extruder incorporates an auger system comprising more than one auger to create asymmetrical, substantially cylindrical extruded products having a density within the range of about 3.0 to about 6.0 lbs./cu ft. A wide variety of fine particles such as flour and powder can be successfully introduced into and conveyed within a rotary head extruder to the die assembly, where the materials are cooked to form hard, dense extruded collets with randomly asymmetrical shapes. A transition piece at the downstream end of the augers allows for continuous, uniform flow to the die assembly, where cooking takes place. Using the equipment described, raw materials other than the typically used corn meal are produced, while maintaining the desired bulk density, texture, and crunch of random extruded products.

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


Structured packing with enhanced fluid-flow interface
Patent No. 9956540 

Inventor(s): Casey F. Bowles (Coppell, TX), Phillip Bradley Fleming (Keller, TX)
Assignee(s): GTC Technology US LLC (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: Winstead PC (Local + 2 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15086602 on 03/31/2016 (761 days app to issue)

Abstract: A structured packing sheet includes a top interface region, a first turning region, a central region, a second turning region, and a bottom interface region. The central region includes a plurality of corrugations extending thereacross in a linear fashion and arranged generally parallel to each other. The plurality of corrugations are arranged at a first angle with respect to a vertical axis. The top interface region and the bottom interface region include the plurality of corrugations extending thereacross in a linear fashion. The plurality of corrugations are arranged at a second angle with respect to the vertical axis. The second angle is smaller than the first angle. The first turning region and the second turning region include the plurality of corrugations extending thereacross. The plurality of corrugations have a plurality of breaks in the first turning region and the second turning region.

[B01F] MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING, DISPERSING (mixing paints B44D 3/06)


Vehicle display screen safety and privacy system
Patent No. 9956854 

Inventor(s): Suhas E. Chelian (San Jose, CA)
Assignee(s): TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Snell Wilmer (7 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15208530 on 07/12/2016 (658 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system for improving safety while providing privacy for a vehicle. The system includes a display screen located within the vehicle, configured to alternate between a displaying state and a non-displaying state. The system includes a window configured to alternate between an opaque state and a transparent state. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to determine whether the display screen is powered on. The ECU is configured to alternate the display screen between the displaying state and the non-displaying state at a predetermined frequency when the display screen is powered on. The ECU is configured to alternate the window between the opaque state and the transparent state at the predetermined frequency, the display screen being in the displaying state when the window is in the opaque state and the display screen being in the non-displaying state when the window is in the transparent state.

[B60R] VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR (fire prevention, containment or extinguishing specially adapted for vehicles A62C 3/07)


Audible notification systems and methods for autonomous vehicles
Patent No. 9956910 

Inventor(s): John-Michael McNew (Ann Arbor, MI)
Assignee(s): Toyota Motor Engineering Manufacturing North America, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Dinsmore Shohl LLP (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15212557 on 07/18/2016 (652 days app to issue)

Abstract: An object detection and notification system includes an object detection system including logic that detects presence of a target object within a sensing range of a sensor and determines a direction of the target object relative to the autonomous vehicle. A notification system includes logic that provides a sound cue using a speaker to an occupant of the autonomous vehicle that is indicative of location of the target object relative to the autonomous vehicle.

[B60Q] ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL [4]


Systems and methods for improving gear shifts
Patent No. 9956948 

Inventor(s): Benjamin M. Geller (Hermosa Beach, CA)
Assignee(s): TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Snell Wilmer (7 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15005739 on 01/25/2016 (827 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system includes an engine, a motor and a transmission coupled to the engine and the motor and that can be shifted from a first gear ratio to a second gear ratio. The system also includes an ECU that may receive or generate a shift command corresponding to an instruction for the transmission to shift from the first gear ratio to the second gear ratio and may determine a target engine speed corresponding to a desired speed of the engine when the transmission shifts from the first gear ratio to the second gear ratio. The ECU may control the motor to adjust the motor torque such that the motor torque causes the engine speed to become close or equal to the target engine speed and may cause the transmission to shift to the second gear ratio when the engine speed is within a threshold of the target engine speed.

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


Cargo bed extension assembly including cover for a tailgate
Patent No. 9956996 

Inventor(s): Logan R. Astrike (Dexter, MI)
Assignee(s): Toyota Motor Engineering Manufacturing North America, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Darrow Mustafa PC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15203559 on 07/06/2016 (664 days app to issue)

Abstract: A cargo bed extension assembly includes a tailgate structured to be movable between a raised configuration and a lowered configuration. The tailgate includes a cavity formed therein. An extension mechanism is positioned within in the cavity. The extension mechanism includes an extension member coupled to the tailgate so as to be movable between a stowed configuration and an extended configuration, and so as to enable rotation of the extension member from the extended configuration to a raised configuration. The mechanism also includes a cover portion coupled to the extension member so as to be movable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration in which the cover portion covers at least a portion of the bed.

[B62D] MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS (steering, or guiding on a desired track, of agricultural machines or implements A01B 69/00; wheels, castors, axles, increasing wheel adhesion B60B; vehicle tyres, tyre inflation or tyre changing B60C; connections between vehicles of a train or the like B60D; vehicles for use on rail and road, amphibious or convertible vehicles B60F; suspension arrangements B60G; heating, cooling, ventilating or other air treating devices B60H; windows, windscreens, non-fixed roofs, doors or similar devices, protective coverings for vehicles not in use B60J; propulsion plant arrangements, auxiliary drives, transmissions, controls, instrumentation or dashboards B60K; electric equipment or propulsion of electrically-propelled vehicles B60L; power supply for electrically-propelled vehicles B60M; passenger accommodation not otherwise provided for B60N; adaptations for load transportation or to carry special loads or objects B60P; arrangement of signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor, for vehicles in general B60Q; vehicles, vehicle fittings or vehicle parts, not otherwise provided for B60R; servicing, cleaning, repairing, supporting, lifting, or manoeuvring, not otherwise provided for B60S; brake arrangements, brake control systems or parts thereof B60T; air-cushion vehicles B60V; motorcycles, accessories therefor B62J, B62K; testing of vehicles G01M)


Structural composite materials with high strain capability
Patent No. 9957379 

Inventor(s): Daniel H. Hecht (Fort Worth, TX), William R. Garver (Cedar Hill, TX)
Assignee(s): Lockheed Martin Corporation (Bethesda, MD)
Law Firm: Reising Ethington P.C. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 13342566 on 01/03/2012 (2310 days app to issue)

Abstract: Composite materials are provided that include nanostructures bound together by a binder material in a manner that provides the composite material with high strain capability and toughness. The nanostructures and binder material form a matrix material in which long fiber reinforcements may be embedded to form a structural composite material. The nanostructures may have relatively low aspect ratios, preventing entanglement during processing. The nanostructures can be arranged in an interconnected network to form a high free-volume skeletal structure within the matrix material that allows the nanostructures to flex and return to their original shapes. As applied to ceramic matrix composite (CMC) materials, this tough, flexible matrix material allows for full bonding of the matrix material with the fiber reinforcements so that CMC materials can realize the full potential of the reinforcing fibers and possess superior inter-laminar strength.

[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

Processes for producing acetic acid
Patent No. 9957216 

Inventor(s): Mark O. Scates (Houston, TX), Ronald D. Shaver (Houston, TX), Yaw-Hwa Liu (Missouri City, TX)
Assignee(s): CELANESE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION (Irving, TX)
Law Firm: Kilpatrick Townsend Stockton LLP (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15348338 on 11/10/2016 (537 days app to issue)

Abstract: Process for producing acetic acid are disclosed in which a vapor sidedraw is withdrawn from the second column in the primary purification train. The vapor sidedraw comprises acetic acid and lithium-containing compounds at a concentration of no more than 100 wppb. A bottoms stream that is enriched in lithium-containing compounds, such as lithium acetate, or lithium acetate dihydrate, is also withdrawn from the second column. Advantageously, the vapor sidedraw, or a condensed portion thereof, is directly fed to a metal-exchanged ion exchange resin having acid cation exchange sites to produce purified acetic acid. This prevents displacement of the metals in the ion exchange resin.

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


Process for the preparation of intermediates useful in the preparation of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) inhibitors
Patent No. 9957279 

Inventor(s): Kirshna R. Yalamareddy (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): LAURUS LABS LIMITED (Hyderabad, , IN)
Law Firm: Blank Rome LLP (4 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15583722 on 05/01/2017 (365 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a process for preparation of 9-halo-3-(2-haloacetyl)-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[c,g]chromen-8(9H)-one of Formula I, which is an intermediate in the preparation of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) inhibitors.

[C07D] HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS (macromolecular compounds C08) [2]


Process for preparing low sulfur dispersant polymers
Patent No. 9957342 

Inventor(s): Michael G Duckworth (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Evonik Oil Additives GmbH (Darmstadt, , DE)
Law Firm: Oblon, McClelland, Maier Neustadt, L.L.P. (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14440232 on 10/08/2013 (1666 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing grafted polyalkyl(meth)acrylates (PAMAs) containing dispersant repeating units in the polymer backbone as well as in the grafted layer, which polymers are characterized by a low sulfur content, the products available by this process and their use as an additive to fuels, especially to middle distillates and blends thereof. The present invention further relates to a composition comprising the grafted polyalkyl(meth)acrylates prepared by the process according to the present invention and the use of said composition as an additive component to fuels, especially to middle distillates and blends thereof, and for improving the cold flow properties of fuel oil and fuel oil compositions, especially to middle distillate fuels and blends thereof.

[C08F] MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS OBTAINED BY REACTIONS ONLY INVOLVING CARBON-TO-CARBON UNSATURATED BONDS (production of liquid hydrocarbon mixtures from lower carbon number hydrocarbons, e.g. by oligomerisation, C10G 50/00; fermentation or enzyme-using processes to synthesise a desired chemical compound or composition or to separate optical isomers from a racemic mixture C12P; graft polymerisation of monomers containing carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds on to fibres, threads, yarns, fabrics or fibrous goods made from such materials D06M 14/00) [2]


DNA hypermethylation diagnostic biomarkers for colorectal cancer
Patent No. 9957570 

Inventor(s): Ajay Goel (Dallas, TX), Clement Boland (Dallas, TX), Stephen Meltzer (Lutherville, MD), Yuriko Mori (Baltimore, MD)
Assignee(s): Baylor Research Institute (Dallas, TX), The Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD)
Law Firm: Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 13876568 on 10/04/2011 (2401 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of cancer. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of biomarkers to detect colorectal cancer. In one aspect, the present invention provides methods for qualifying colorectal cancer status including, but not limited to, diagnosis, prognosis, and risk stratification, in patients. In one embodiment, a method for diagnosing colorectal cancer (CRC) in a patient comprises the steps of (a) collecting a sample from the patient; (b) measuring the methylation levels of one or more biomarkers in the sample collected from the patient; and (c) comparing the methylation levels of the one or more biomarkers with predefined methylation levels of the same biomarkers that correlate to a patient having CRC and predefined methylation levels of the same biomarkers that correlate to a patient not having CRC, wherein a correlation to one of the predefined methylation levels provides the diagnosis.

[C12Q] MEASURING OR TESTING PROCESSES INVOLVING ENZYMES OR MICROORGANISMS (immunoassay G01N 33/53); COMPOSITIONS OR TEST PAPERS THEREFOR; PROCESSES OF PREPARING SUCH COMPOSITIONS; CONDITION-RESPONSIVE CONTROL IN MICROBIOLOGICAL OR ENZYMOLOGICAL PROCESSES [3]


 

F I X E D  C O N S T R U C T I O N S

Method and system for reduction of irrigation runoff
Patent No. 9955636 

Inventor(s): Fouad H. Jaber (Richardson, TX)
Assignee(s): The Texas AM University System (College Station, TX)
Law Firm: Winstead PC (Local + 2 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15215239 on 07/20/2016 (650 days app to issue)

Abstract: An irrigation mitigation runoff system that includes an irrigation system having at least one water outlet and a sensor that detects flow of water through a boundary. A controller is operatively coupled to the irrigation system and the sensor. Responsive to the sensor detecting flow of water through the boundary above a pre-defined threshold, the controller signals the irrigation system to pause irrigation.

[E02B] HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING (ship-lifting E02C; dredging E02F)


Frictional support of seal bore protector
Patent No. 9957760 

Inventor(s): Anton Kelley Arnt (Dallas, TX), Joseph Michael Karigan (Carrollton, TX), Owen Ransom Clark (Dallas, TX), Travis David Watters (Flower Mound, TX)
Assignee(s): Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: McGuireWoods LLP (Local + 9 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15503341 on 09/08/2015 (966 days app to issue)

Abstract: A seal bore protector for protecting a seal bore of a rotating control device (RCD) is provided. The seal bore protector includes a cylindrical body, a throughbore extending through the cylindrical body, and a sealing element disposed around an external surface of the cylindrical body. The sealing element includes a first sealing ring, a second sealing ring, and a sealed area between the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring. The sealed area is fluidly coupled with a port when the seal bore protector is installed in the rotating control device.

[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]


Pressure staging for wellhead stack assembly
Patent No. 9957774 

Inventor(s): Joseph Michael Karigan (Carrollton, TX), Owen Ransom Clark (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC. (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: Kilpatrick Townsend Stockton LLP (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14914943 on 12/16/2013 (1597 days app to issue)

Abstract: A wellhead stack assembly is provided that includes pressure restriction devices. The pressure restriction devices are staged such that each pressure restriction device is coupled to another pressure restriction device for cascading pressure differentials across the pressure restriction devices. Each pressure restriction device includes an active element positionable about a drill pipe for controlling a gap between the drill pipe and the active element.

[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]


Latch for a ball and sleeve plunger
Patent No. 9957784 

Inventor(s): Garrett S. Boyd (Godley, TX), Mitchell A. Boyd (Haslet, TX)
Assignee(s): Flowco Production Solutions, LLC (Spring, TX)
Law Firm: Whitaker Chalk Swindle Schwartz PLLC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15400222 on 01/06/2017 (480 days app to issue)

Abstract: An improved latch structure for a two piece ball and sleeve bypass plunger comprises a single retaining ring installed in a groove formed in the inside diameter of the sleeve portion of the bypass plunger. The cross section profiles of the groove and the associated retaining ring are smaller in the radial direction. The depth of the groove in the sleeve is substantially reduced to provide increased wall thickness and robustness of the sleeve along the diameter of the sleeve, thereby extending the useful life of the bypass plunger.

[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]


Unitary body bypass plunger and valve cage
Patent No. 9957785 

Inventor(s): Garrett S. Boyd (Godley, TX), Mitchell A. Boyd (Haslet, TX)
Assignee(s): Flowco Production Solutions, LLC (Spring, TX)
Law Firm: Whitaker Chalk Swindle Schwartz PLLC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15631636 on 06/23/2017 (312 days app to issue)

Abstract: A bypass plunger combines a unitary or one-piece hollow body-and-valve cage, retains a dart valve within the valve cage portion of the hollow body using a threaded retaining nut secured by crimple detents. A series of helical grooves surround the central portion of the outer surface of the hollow body of the plunger to control spin during descent. A canted-coil-spring disposed within the retaining nut functions as a clutch. The valve cage includes ports that may be configured to control flow through the plunger during ascent. Other embodiments include clutch assemblies using canted-coil springs with split bobbins, and valve stems surfaced to achieve specific functions.

[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]


Steam injection tool
Patent No. 9957788 

Inventor(s): Austin Lee Wright (Dallas, TX), Ryan Wesley McChesney (Carrollton, TX), Stephen Michael Greci (Little Elm, TX), Uriel Arias (Lewisville, TX)
Assignee(s): HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC. (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: Kilpatrick Townsend Stockton LLP (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14441259 on 05/30/2014 (1432 days app to issue)

Abstract: Fluid injection tools for use in a wellbore can be configured on-site prior to run-in and can be opened or closed on demand when positioned in the well. A fluid injection tool can be used to provide steam to a wellbore annulus during a steam assisted gravity drainage procedure. Nozzles in the tool through which the steam escapes can be individually plugged to enable fine-tuning of steam output to match a desired steam output for that particular tool”s location within the wellbore. A sliding side door can be actuated, such as by a shifting tool inserted within the inner diameter of the fluid injection tool, to enable or disable steam output from the fluid injection tool.

[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]


 

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

 

Mounting hardware
Patent No. 9957998 

Inventor(s): Ian A. Hill (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Oz-Post International, LLC (Richardson, TX)
Law Firm: Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15338104 on 10/28/2016 (550 days app to issue)

Abstract: A hardware apparatus includes a washer/nut member and a cap. The washer/nut member includes a plurality of outer surfaces disposed in a hexagonal shape, an inner cylindrical surface disposed radially internal to the plurality of outer surfaces, an intermediate cylindrical surface disposed radially between the plurality of outer surfaces and the inner cylindrical surface, and an annular surface disposed radially between the inner cylindrical surface and the intermediate cylindrical surface. The cap is disposed within the intermediate cylindrical surface, and the inner cylindrical surface is configured to contact a shaft portion of a bolt and the annular surface is configured to contact a head portion of the bolt.

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


 

P H Y S I C S

System and method for wearable smart device communications
Patent No. 9958275 

Inventor(s): Christopher P. Lee (Campbell, CA), Suhas E. Chelian (San Jose, CA)
Assignee(s): TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Snell Wilmer (7 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15169476 on 05/31/2016 (700 days app to issue)

Abstract: A wearable smart device includes an outer casing wearable by a user and defining at least one cavity and having a neck portion, a first end portion designed to rest on a first shoulder of the user, and a second end portion designed to rest on a second shoulder of the user. The wearable smart device also includes a wireless communication port at least partially positioned within the cavity and designed to communicate with a remote device. The wireless communication port includes a dedicated short range communication (DSRC) port, a near field communication (NFC) port, an infrared communication port and/or an ultrasound communication port. A processor is positioned within the cavity, coupled to the wireless communication port and designed to transmit one or more signals to the remote device and/or receive one or more signals from the remote device via the wireless communication port.

[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)


Methods for quantitating water using ionic liquid salts
Patent No. 9958422 

Inventor(s): Daniel W. Armstrong (Arlington, TX)
Assignee(s): Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC (St. Louis, MO)
Law Firm: Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14920043 on 10/22/2015 (922 days app to issue)

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods and devices for quantitating, separating and/or detecting water in a liquid, gas or solid sample comprising one or more chemicals, the method comprising: providing the liquid, gas or solid sample comprising water and the one or more chemicals; and exposing said liquid, gas or solid sample to at least one solid support including at least one dicationic and/or tricationic species of Formula I or II adsorbed, absorbed or immobilized on the solid support.

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


Fiber optic enclosure for retrofitting pedestals in the field
Patent No. 9958628 

Inventor(s): John D. Moser (Wylie, TX)
Assignee(s): CommScope Technologies LLC (Hickory, NC)
Law Firm: Merchant Gould P.C. (12 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15262713 on 09/12/2016 (596 days app to issue)

Abstract: A telecommunications device includes a module that mounts within an interior of a housing. The housing has a door that latches closed. The module includes a module frame having a bulkhead that divides the interior of the housing into first and second regions. Fiber optic adapters are mounted to the bulkhead. First ports of the adapters are accessible at the first region of the housing interior and second ports are accessible at the second region of the housing interior. The module includes a removable cover for restricting access to the first region. The removable cover including a latch catch that interlocks with the door latch to secure the door in the closed position. The module includes a tray mounted to the module frame within the first region of the housing.

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


Matching process system and method
Patent No. 9959023 

Inventor(s): Jonathan Badeen (North Hollywood, CA), Sean Rad (Los Angeles, CA)
Assignee(s): Match.Com, L.L.C. (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Baker Botts, L.L.P. (Local + 6 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15016662 on 02/05/2016 (816 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for profile matching includes receiving a plurality of user profiles, each user profile comprising traits of a respective user. The method includes receiving a preference indication for a first user profile of the plurality of user profiles. The method also includes determining a potential match user profile of the plurality of user profiles based on the preference indication for the first user profile. The method also includes presenting the potential match user profile to a second user.

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


Storage error management
Patent No. 9959059 

Inventor(s): Evan Orme (Lindon, UT), James G. Peterson (San Jose, CA)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14530525 on 10/31/2014 (1278 days app to issue)

Abstract: A storage controller identifies a storage division comprising unreadable data. In response, the storage controller relocates readable data (if any) from the identified storage division. The storage controller may be further configured to associate the unreadable data with a logical address, and to record persistent metadata to indicate that the logical address is mapped to unreadable, corrupt data. The storage controller may clear the corruption indicator from the logical address. The logical address may be cleared in response to determining that the unreadable data is invalid and/or available from another source.

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


Memory block allocation by block health
Patent No. 9959067 

Inventor(s): Jianmin Huang (San Carlos, CA), Niles Yang (Mountain View, CA), Swati Bakshi (Dublin, CA)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Stoel Rives LLP (6 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14613718 on 02/04/2015 (1182 days app to issue)

Abstract: An individual block health metric value calculated for each of a plurality of blocks from a combination of factors including at least program-erase cycle count and error rate is used to order the plurality of blocks in order of block health metric values in an ordered list. Subsequently, a block may be selected for use according to a position of the block in the ordered list.

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


Method and system for managing data in non-volatile memory
Patent No. 9959071 

Inventor(s): Joseph Meza (Aliso Viejo, CA), Nicholas James Thomas (Dundee, , GB)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Brinks Gilson Lione (7 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15087104 on 03/31/2016 (761 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing data storage in a non-volatile memory system are disclosed. The method may include receiving data, determining a data classification for the received data from a predetermined plurality of data classifications, writing the received data to an open block having only data of a same data classification as the determined data classification and, upon completely programming the open block, associating an epoch indicator where the epoch indicator defines a time period within which the block was created. When a block reclaim trigger is detected, only data within a same data classification and epoch may be reclaimed. An incrementing epoch indicator identifies a predetermined time granularity and is assigned to data such that earlier data and newer data are distinguishable. A system to implement the method may include a non-volatile memory and a controller configured to track and apply epoch and data-type classification information for data.

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


Systems and methods of compressing data
Patent No. 9959072 

Inventor(s): Alon Marcu (Tel-Mond, , IL), Tal Rostoker (Kfar Vradim, , IL)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Patterson + Sheridan, LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14502554 on 09/30/2014 (1309 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method includes, in response to a first write command corresponding to first data and a first context which is identifiable with a first identifier and to a second write command corresponding to second data and a second context identifiable with a second identifier, determining whether the first identifier of the first context matches the second identifier of the second context. The method also includes, if the first identifier of the first context is determined to match the second identifier of the second context, forming a compression group of data including the first data and the second data, and generating compressed data corresponding to the compression group of data.

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


Multi-die rolling status mode for non-volatile storage
Patent No. 9959078 

Inventor(s): Aaron Olbrich (Milpitas, CA), Chang Siau (Saratoga, CA), Gopinath Balakrishnan (Santa Clara, CA), Grishma Shah (San Jose, CA), Jack Frayer (Boulder Creek, CA), Robert Ellis (Phoenix, AZ), Vidyabhushan Mohan (Milpitas, CA,
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14929004 on 10/30/2015 (914 days app to issue)

Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing performance and reducing power consumption of a non-volatile memory system while the system acquires status information from a plurality of memory die are described. The non-volatile memory system may include a plurality of memory die and a system controller for controlling operations performed by each memory die of the plurality of memory die (e.g., read operations, write operations, or erase operations). The system controller may transmit or broadcast a first status command to each memory die of the plurality of memory die and in response simultaneously or concurrently receive one or more sets of status information from each memory die of the plurality of memory die. The status information may include ready/busy status information (e.g., indicating that a memory die is able to receive new data), programming loop count information, and erase loop count information.

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


SVN interface system for heterogeneous development environments
Patent No. 9959097 

Inventor(s): Manu Kurian (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Bank of America Corporation (Charlotte, NC)
Law Firm: Banner Witcoff, Ltd. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15065196 on 03/09/2016 (783 days app to issue)

Abstract: A computing system may interface with different software versioning (SVN) systems via distinct interfaces. The computing system may receive, via one of the interfaces, and from a development platform of one of the SVN systems, a request to transmit draft code to a production platform of the SVN system. The computing system may identify, based on the SVN system, a set of requirements for the draft code from amongst requirement sets stored in memory. Responsive to determining that the draft code conforms to the requirements, the computing system may transmit the draft code to the production platform via the interface.

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


Generating and using an enhanced initialization vector
Patent No. 9959216 

Inventor(s): Sebastien A. Jean (San Jose, CA)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Brinks Gilson Lione (7 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14022779 on 09/10/2013 (1694 days app to issue)

Abstract: Embodiments for generating and using an enhanced initialization vector are disclosed. In one embodiment, data and a record identifier to which the data is to be written are received. An initialization vector for encrypting the data is then generated. The initialization vector is based on the record identifier and a value that changes every time that the record identifier is to be written to. The value can be generated, for example, by a counter that increments every time the record identifier is to be written to or by a random number generator that generates a random number every time the record identifier is to be written to. In some embodiments, the generated initialization vector is also based on a second value, such as, for example, a value that is shared by other storage modules or a value that is unique to the storage module.

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


System and method for massively parallel processor database
Patent No. 9959332 

Inventor(s): Kamini Jagtiani (Sunnyvale, CA), Le Cai (Cupertino, CA), Qingqing Zhou (Santa Clara, CA)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14601679 on 01/21/2015 (1196 days app to issue)

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes determining a number of initial servers in a massively parallel processing (MPP) database cluster and determining an initial bucket configuration of the MPP database cluster, where the initial bucket configuration has a number of initial buckets. The method also includes adding a number of additional servers to the MPP database cluster to produce a number of updated servers, where the updated servers include the initial servers and the additional servers and creating an updated bucket configuration in accordance with the number of initial servers, the initial bucket configuration, and the number of additional servers, where the updated bucket configuration has a number of updated buckets. Additionally, the method includes redistributing data of the MPP cluster in accordance with the updated bucket configuration.

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


Patient video monitoring systems and methods for thermal detection of liquids
Patent No. 9959471 

Inventor(s): Derek del Carpio (Corinth, TX), Kenneth W. Chapman (Lewisville, TX), Steven Gail Johnson (Highland Village, TX)
Assignee(s): CareView Communications, Inc. (Lewisville, TX)
Law Firm: Meister Seelig Fein LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15332283 on 10/24/2016 (554 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system for monitoring a patient in a patient area having one or more detection zones, the system comprising one or more cameras, a user interface, and a computing system configured to receive a chronological series of frames from the one or more cameras, identify liquid candidates by comparing a current frame with a plurality of previous frames of the chronological series, determine locations of the liquid candidates, identify thermal signatures of the liquid candidates, determine types of liquids of the liquid candidates based on the locations and thermal signatures of the liquid candidates, and generate an alert with the user interface corresponding to the determined types of liquids.

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


Utilizing a dynamic data source to affect business rule management
Patent No. 9959502 

Inventor(s): Charlet N. Givens (Dallas, TX), Romelia H. Flores (Keller, TX), Shiju Mathai (Carrollton, TX)
Assignee(s): International Business Machines Corporation (Armonk, NY)
Law Firm: CRGO Law (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 13621258 on 09/16/2012 (2053 days app to issue)

Abstract: Dynamic data discovery can identify variables or changes in a business environment which can impact existing business rules and can match identified triggers. A business rule associated with a business rule management system can be identified. The business rule management system can be a component of an enterprise organization. The rule can be an operation, a definition, and a constraint associated with the organization. The organization can be a person, a process, a product, a service, or a computing device. Relevant information can be determined from a dynamic data associated with a data source. The determination can be made through the use of semantic analysis. A business pattern associated with the rule can be semantically matched with a dynamic pattern associated with the information. The pattern can be a semantic pattern of the information. A new business rule can be automatically generated from the dynamic data analysis.

[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]


Method of determining the position of an object using projections of markers or struts
Patent No. 9959683 

Inventor(s): Alexander Alexandrovich Morenko (Sarov, , RU), Alexander Cherkashin (Dallas, TX), Dmitry Alexandrovich Sivachev (Sarov, , RU), Konstantin Evgenevich Mikheev (Sarov, , RU), Mikhail Samchukov (Dallas, TX), Petr Stanislavovich Vvedens
Assignee(s): AMEI Technologies, Inc. (Wilmington, DE), Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Baker McKenzie LLP (Local + 5 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14777417 on 03/15/2013 (1873 days app to issue)

Abstract: A 3-D model of a body part is created by using an object comprising markers, fixation members, and struts. The method involves first and second roentgenograms of the body part and the object disposed between an x-ray source and an x-ray imager. It then determines first and second sets of distances between projections of the markers or the struts, and determines first and second 3-D positions of the x-ray source and of the object with respect to the x-ray imager using predetermined distances between the markers or struts and the first and second sets of distances between their projections. The method then aligns the first and second 3-D object projections in a 3-D reference frame using the 3-D positions of the markers or struts with respect to the x-ray imager in the two orientations. The method creates the 3-D model of the object based on the 3-D object projections.

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


System and method for creation of unique identification for use in gathering survey data from a mobile device at a live event
Patent No. 9959689 

Inventor(s): Jovan Hutton Pulitzer (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): TESLA LABORATORIES LLC (Jackson, WY)
Law Firm: Howison Arnott, LLP (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15146464 on 05/04/2016 (727 days app to issue)

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

[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]


Transparent display overlay systems for vehicle instrument cluster assemblies
Patent No. 9959838 

Inventor(s): Katsumi Nagata (Ann Arbor, MI)
Assignee(s): Toyota Motor Engineering Manufacturing North America, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Dinsmore Shohl LLP (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14220392 on 03/20/2014 (1503 days app to issue)

Abstract: An instrument cluster assembly for a vehicle includes a vehicle instrument that is viewable by an occupant of the vehicle. A transparent protective cover covers the vehicle instrument such that the vehicle instrument is viewable by the occupant through the transparent protective cover. A transparent display overlay system includes an overlay display comprising a transparent display layer connected to the transparent protective cover by an optical adhesive layer. A display controller displays an image on the transparent display layer based on vehicle information. The vehicle instrument is viewable by the occupant through the transparent protective cover and the transparent display layer adjacent the image.

[G09G] ARRANGEMENTS OR CIRCUITS FOR CONTROL OF INDICATING DEVICES USING STATIC MEANS TO PRESENT VARIABLE INFORMATION (arrangements for transferring data between digital computers and displays G06F 3/14; static indicating arrangements comprising an association of a number of separate sources or light control cells G09F 9/00; static indicating arrangements comprising integral associations of a number of light sources H01J, H01K, H01L, H05B 33/12; scanning, transmission or reproduction of documents or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission, details thereof H04N 1/00) [5]


Voltage generator to compensate for process corner and temperature variations
Patent No. 9959915 

Inventor(s): Amul Desai (Milpitas, CA), Hao Nguyen (San Jose, CA), Man Mui (Fremont, CA), Ohwon Kwon (Pleasanton, CA)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Stoel Rives, LLP (5 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15151617 on 05/11/2016 (720 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system, a circuit, and method for process and temperature compensation in an integrated circuit. For example, the system includes a bus, a data latch, and a voltage generator. The data latch includes a plurality of transistors coupled to the bus. The voltage generator includes a tracking transistor with one or more physical characteristics that substantially match one or more respective physical characteristicse.g., gate width and gate length dimensionsof at least one of the plurality of transistors in the data latch. The voltage generator is configured to adjust a pre-charged voltage on the bus based on an electrical characteristic of the tracking transistor.

[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)


Grouping memory cells into sub-blocks for program speed uniformity
Patent No. 9959932 

Inventor(s): James Kai (Santa Clara, CA), Johann Alsmeier (San Jose, CA), Yingda Dong (San Jose, CA), Zhengyi Zhang (Mountain View, CA)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15437718 on 02/21/2017 (434 days app to issue)

Abstract: A three-dimensional stacked memory device is configured to provide uniform programming speeds of different sets of memory strings formed in memory holes. In a process for removing sacrificial material from word line layers, a block oxide layer in the memory holes is etched away relatively more when the memory hole is relatively closer to an edge of the word line layers where an etchant is introduced. A thinner block oxide layer is associated with a faster programming speed. To compensate, memory strings at the edges of the word line layers are programmed together, separate from the programming of interior memory strings. A program operation can use a higher initial program voltage for programming the interior memory strings compared to the edge memory strings.

[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)


Balanced load execution with locally distributed forwarding information base in information centric networks
Patent No. 9960999 

Inventor(s): Asit Chakraborti (Pleasanton, CA), Aytac Azgin (Santa Clara, CA), Guo-Qiang Wang (Santa Clara, CA), Ravishankar Ravindran (San Ramon, CA)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Conley Rose, P.C. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14822606 on 08/10/2015 (995 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method implemented in a content node configured to operate in an information centric network (ICN) comprising allocating each of a plurality of memory spaces coupled to a processor exclusively to a particular thread from a plurality of threads allocated in the processor, wherein the processor is in a content node; assigning each of a plurality of namespaces at a defined level exclusively to one of the particular threads from the plurality of threads based on an assignment algorithm; and partitioning entries from a Forwarding Information Base (FIB) table, wherein the entries map content names to ports on the content node, wherein each entry is partitioned in a FIB sub-table to the memory space allocated to the one of the particular threads associated with the namespace corresponding to the content name contained within the entry.

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


Media asset streaming over network to devices
Patent No. 9961122 

Inventor(s): Koji Yoden (Hyogo, , JP)
Assignee(s): Kojicast, LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Toler Law Group, PC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15644730 on 07/07/2017 (298 days app to issue)

Abstract: Streaming of a media asset from a cloud server computer to a media playback device is disclosed. In an embodiment, a list of media assets stored in the cloud server computer is sent over network from the cloud server computer to a portable device. In another embodiment, the list is transferred via close-range communication to the portable device from the media playback device which received the list from the cloud server computer over network. In the embodiments, a media asset is started streaming over network from the cloud server computer to the media playback device responsive to selection of one of the listed media assets at the portable device. In some embodiments, streaming is redirected from the portable device to the media playback device responsive to a user”s operation or in case of disconnection.

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


System, method and apparatus for authenticating calls
Patent No. 9961197 

Inventor(s): Karthikeyan Sadhasivam (Richardson, TX), Rajesh Mohan (Richardson, TX), Satyam Tyagi (Richardson, TX), Srikrishna Kurapati (Richardson, TX)
Assignee(s): Avaya Inc. (Baking Ridge, NJ)
Law Firm: Sheridan Ross P.C. (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14594973 on 01/12/2015 (1205 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for authenticating calls that is a robust Anti-vishing solution. The present invention can identify Caller ID spoofing, verify dialed number to detect man-in-the middle and verify called party against dialed digits to detect impersonation. This solution can handle calls coming from any phone any where with little impact on user experience. Two separate solutions are tailored for smart phones (communication devices capable of running application software) and traditional phones to reduce the impact to user experience while providing robust verification.

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


System and method for WiFi authentication and selection
Patent No. 9961615 

Inventor(s): Zhixian Xiang (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): FUTUREWEI TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Slater Matsil, LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15211361 on 07/15/2016 (655 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method embodiment for network authentication includes selecting, by a user equipment (UE), an access network for establishing a network connection and receiving one or more network authentication status indications for a network associated with the access network. The method further includes implementing a network authentication and selection policy in accordance with the one or more network authentication status indications.

[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

Device employable in different circuit configurations using parallel wiring harnesses, a HVAC system employing the device and a method of manufacturing a HVAC unit
Patent No. 9958174 

Inventor(s): Randall L. Lisbona (Coppell, TX)
Assignee(s): Lennox Industries Inc. (Richardson, TX)
Law Firm: Winstead PC (Local + 2 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15340300 on 11/01/2016 (546 days app to issue)

Abstract: A HVAC unit manufacturing method and a HVAC system are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the HVAC system includes: a controller having control board terminals, a parallel wiring harness having a first and a second connection header, the first connection header coupled to the control board terminals, and a switch having terminals. The terminals of the switch including: a pair of functional terminals configured to indicate a status of the switch and a pair of jumpered terminals independent of the pair of functional terminals and internally connected together within the switch, wherein designated combinations of the terminals indicate a circuit configuration for employing the switch in the HVAC system with each of the terminals having a particular design that dictates a specific corresponding connection header be used for each of the designated combinations, wherein a single one of the designated combinations of the terminals corresponds to the second connection header.

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


ECC and RAID-type decoding
Patent No. 9959168 

Inventor(s): Eran Sharon (Rishon Lezion, , IL), Idan Alrod (Herzliya, , IL), Stella Achtenberg (Netanya, , IL)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Toler Law Group, PC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15177822 on 06/09/2016 (691 days app to issue)

Abstract: A device includes a memory and a controller. The controller is configured to read codewords of a data structure from the memory. The codewords include a number of undecodable codewords that are undecodable at an error correction coding (ECC) decoder according to a first correction scheme. The controller includes a stripe generator and a stripe decoder. The stripe generator is configured, in response to the number of undecodable codewords exceeding an erasure correction capacity of a stripe correction scheme, to generate trial data for a stripe of the data structure, the trial data including at least one element that corresponds to erased data and at least another element that is associated with an undecodable codeword and that corresponds to valid data of the stripe. The stripe decoder is configured to initiate a stripe decode operation of the trial data.

[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]


Three-dimensional memory device with partially discrete charge storage regions and method of making thereof
Patent No. 9960180 

Inventor(s): Fei Zhou (San Jose, CA), Keerti Shukla (Milpitas, CA), Peng Zhang (Cupertino, CA), Raghuveer Makala (Campbell, CA), Rahul Sharangpani (Fremont, CA), Yanli Zhang (San Jose, CA)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: The Marbury Law Group PLLC (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15470453 on 03/27/2017 (400 days app to issue)

Abstract: Memory openings can be formed through an alternating stack of insulating layers and sacrificial material layers. Memory stack structures including charge storage elements can be formed in the memory openings. Inter-level charge leakage in a three-dimensional memory device including a charge trapping layer can be minimized by employing a thin continuous charge trapping material layer within each memory opening. After removal of the sacrificial material layers and formation of backside recesses, discrete charge trapping material portions can be formed by selective growth of a charge trapping material from physically exposed surfaces of each thin continuous charge trapping material layer. The discrete charge trapping material portions can function as primary charge storage regions, and inter-level charge leakage can be minimized by the small thickness of the thin continuous charge trapping material layer.

[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]


Three-dimensional memory device having contact via structures in overlapped terrace region and method of making thereof
Patent No. 9960181 

Inventor(s): Masahiro Wada (Yokkaichi, , JP), Zhixin Cui (Yokkaichi, , JP)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: The Marbury Law Group PLLC (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15488924 on 04/17/2017 (379 days app to issue)

Abstract: Contact areas for three-dimensional memory devices including multiple vertically stacked tier structures can be reduced by overlapping stepped terraces of the tier structures. Sacrificial via structures laterally surrounded by a respective insulating spacer can be formed through an overlying tier structure in the stepped terrace region thereof. After formation of memory stack structures, the sacrificial via structures can be removed to provide first upper via cavities. An isotropic etch can be performed to extend the first upper via cavities to top surfaces of underlying first electrically conductive layers in an underlying tier structure while forming second upper via cavities extending to second electrically conductive layers in the overlying tier structure. First contact via structures extending through the terrace region of the overlying tier structure can provide electrical contact to the first electrically conductive layers, and second contact via structure can be formed in the second upper via cavities.

[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]


Horizontal nanosheet FETs and methods of manufacturing the same
Patent No. 9960232 

Inventor(s): Mark Rodder (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (Suwon-si, , KR)
Law Firm: Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP (6 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15340775 on 11/01/2016 (546 days app to issue)

Abstract: A horizontal nanosheet field effect transistor (hNS FET) including source and drain electrodes, a gate electrode between the source and drain electrodes, a first spacer separating the source electrode from the gate electrode, a second spacer separating the drain electrode from the gate electrode, and a channel region under the gate electrode and extending between the source electrode and the drain electrode. The source electrode and the drain electrode each include an extension region. The extension region of the source electrode is under at least a portion of the first spacer and the extension region of the drain electrode is under at least a portion of the second spacer. The hNS FET also includes at least one layer of crystalline barrier material having a first thickness at the extension regions of the source and drain electrodes and a second thickness less than the first thickness at the channel region.

[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]


Site preparation for guided surface wave transmission in a lossy media
Patent No. 9960470 

Inventor(s): Basil F. Pinzone, Jr. (Newbury, OH), James D. Lilly (Silver Spring, MD), James F. Corum (Morgantown, WV), Kenneth L. Corum (Plymouth, NH), Stephen W. Wilson (Red Oak, TX)
Assignee(s): CPG TECHNOLOGIES, LLC (Italy, TX)
Law Firm: Thomas | Horstemeyer, LLP (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14848413 on 09/09/2015 (965 days app to issue)

Abstract: Aspects of a guided surface waveguide probe site and the preparation thereof are described. In various embodiments, the guided surface waveguide probe site may include a propagation interface including a first region and a second region, and a guided surface waveguide probe configured to launch a guided surface wave along the propagation interface. In one aspect of the embodiments, at least a portion of the first region may be prepared to more efficiently launch or propagate the guided surface wave. Among embodiments, the portion of the first region, which may be composed of the Earth, may be treated or mixed with salt, gypsum, sand, or gravel, for example, among other compositions of matter. In other embodiments, the portion of the first region may be covered, insulated, irrigated, or temperature-controlled, for example. By preparing the site, a guided surface wave may be more efficiently launched and/or propagated.

[H01P] WAVEGUIDES; RESONATORS, LINES OR OTHER DEVICES OF THE WAVEGUIDE TYPE (operating at optical frequencies G02B)


Apparatus and method for an active-switched inverter using multiple frequencies
Patent No. 9960708 

Inventor(s): Dianbo Fu (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Zilka-Kotab, PC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15136836 on 04/22/2016 (739 days app to issue)

Abstract: An inverter apparatus and method are provided for converting direct current to alternating current. The inverter circuit includes a first switch sub-circuit configured for electrical communication with a power source and switching at a first frequency. The inverter circuit further includes a second switch sub-circuit in electrical communication with the first switch sub-circuit. The second switch sub-circuit is configured for electrical communication with a load and switching at a second frequency different from the first frequency.

[H02M] APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF (conversion of current or voltage specially adapted for use in electronic time-pieces with no moving parts G04G 19/02; systems for regulating electric or magnetic variables in general, e.g. using transformers, reactors or choke coils, combination of such systems with static converters G05F; for digital computers G06F 1/00; transformers H01F; connection or control of one converter with regard to conjoint operation with a similar or other source of supply H02J; dynamo-electric converters H02K 47/00; controlling transformers, reactors or choke coils, control or regulation of electric motors, generators or dynamo-electric converters H02P; pulse generators H03K) [5]


Optical line terminal communication method and device with data structure
Patent No. 9960879 

Inventor(s): Bo Gao (Wuhan, , CN), Frank Effenberger (Colts Neck, NJ), Yuanqiu Luo (Cranbury, NJ)
Assignee(s): FUTUREWEI TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15397410 on 01/03/2017 (483 days app to issue)

Abstract: An optical line terminal (OLT) coupled to a plurality of optical network units (ONUs) through a passive optical network (PON). The OLT includes a transceiver configured to communicate via a management channel of a communication network with a plurality of OLTs. The communication includes sending or receiving a notification, wherein the notification includes the following: a source OLT identifier associated with a source OLT sending the notification, wherein the source OLT is configured to communicate over a first channel at a first wavelength of the PON; a destination OLT identifier associated with a destination OLT receiving the notification, wherein the destination OLT is configured to communicate over a second channel at a second wavelength of the PON; and an ONU identifier associated with a first ONU associated with the notification.

[H04B] TRANSMISSION [4]


System and method for modulation and coding scheme adaptation and power control in a relay network
Patent No. 9960881 

Inventor(s): James Womack (Bedford, TX), Yi Song (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): BlackBerry Limited (Waterloo, Ontario, , CA)
Law Firm: Conley Rose, P.C. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15582052 on 04/28/2017 (368 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for determining a Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) and power control includes determining an error rate of a communication channel between the UA and at least one of the base station and the RN. When the error rate is below a first threshold, the method includes at least one of increasing the MCS, and reducing a transmission power of the UA. When the error rate is above a second threshold, the method includes at least one of decreasing the MCS, and increasing a transmission power of the UA.

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


System and method for channel state information feedback in wireless communications systems
Patent No. 9960884 

Inventor(s): David Jean-Marie Mazzarese (Beijing, , CN), Jianguo Wang (Beijing, , CN), Mattias Frenne (Uppsala, , SE), Yang Tang (San Diego, CA), Yongxing Zhou (Beijing, , CN)
Assignee(s): FUTUREWEI TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Slater Matsil, LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14595736 on 01/13/2015 (1204 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system and method for channel state information feedback in wireless communications systems are provided. A method for reporting channel information includes determining, at a user equipment, a channel information type for first channel information to be reported to a communications controller, determining the first channel information conditioned on previously reported channel information and on the channel information type, and reporting the first channel information, the channel information type, or a combination thereof, to the communications controller.

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


Full duplex transmission method for high speed backplane system
Patent No. 9960899 

Inventor(s): Hiroshi Takatori (Sacramento, CA)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Conley Rose, P.C. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15143251 on 04/29/2016 (732 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system for a backplane serializer/deserializer (SerDes) including first and second integrated circuits (IC). The first and second ICs include transmitters and receivers coupled to each other through first and second bidirectional links. A first receiver is configured to receive first data at a data rate on a first channel supported by both the first bidirectional link and the second bidirectional link. A second receiver is configured to receive second data at the data rate on a second channel supported by both the first bidirectional link and the second bidirectional link. The backplane SerDes is configured to transfer the first and second data in full duplex mode by employing two-bit pulse-amplitude modulation (PAM-4) to reduce signaling speed of the first and second bidirectional links without reducing throughput of a lane pair including the first and second channels.

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


Message quarantine
Patent No. 9961090 

Inventor(s): David John Wesley Gruver (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): Bank of America Corporation (Charlotte, NC)
Law Firm: Banner Witcoff, Ltd. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14743325 on 06/18/2015 (1048 days app to issue)

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media configured to receive a search query and identify one or more messages matching at least a portion of the search query are provided. The identified one or more messages may be displayed, in some examples, and user input may be received identified at least one message of the identified one or more messages for further processing, such as quarantine. In some examples, the at least one message may be transmitted to an account search server which may search a plurality of user accounts, such as email accounts. The account search server may identify one or more occurrences of the at least one message in one or more accounts of the plurality of accounts and may remove the occurrence of the at least one message from the account and transfer the at least one message to a quarantine location.

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


Detection of stack pivoting
Patent No. 9961102 

Inventor(s): Lixin Lu (San Jose, CA), Lu Deng (Santa Clara, CA), Xiaoning Li (Hillsboro, OR)
Assignee(s): McAfee, LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Patent Capital Group (Local + 6 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14495108 on 09/24/2014 (1315 days app to issue)

Abstract: Particular embodiments described herein provide for an electronic device that can be configured to receive a function call for a function, determine a current stack pointer value for the function call, and determine if the current stack pointer value is within a pre-defined range. The electronic device can include a stack pivoting logging module to log a plurality of function calls. The electronic device can also include a stack pivoting detection module to analyze the log of the plurality of function calls to determine, for each of the plurality of function calls, if the current stack pointer value is within a pre-defined range.

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


Derived intent collision detection for use in a multi-intent matrix
Patent No. 9961200 

Inventor(s): Emad Noorizadeh (Plano, TX), Viju Kothuvatiparambil (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Bank of America Corporation (Charlotte, NC)
Law Firm: Weiss Arons LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15471630 on 03/28/2017 (399 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for utilizing a multi-intent matrix is provided. The method may be used to avoid a derived intent collision while determining correct intent of a human-voice-telephone query. The method may include receiving a telephone call at the voice response system. The method may include responding to the telephone call at the voice response system. The response may include prompting a human caller to utter a reason for the telephone call. The human caller may be associated with the telephone call. The method may include receiving a human-voice-telephone-query-utterance at the voice response system. The method may include translating the human-voice-telephone-query-utterance into a text string. The translating may occur at the voice response system or a translation module. The method may include analyzing the text string utilizing a group of parameters. The method may include re-analyzing the text string utilizing a group of parameters set to custom values.

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


Modular communications systems and methods therefore
Patent No. 9961301 

Inventor(s): Peter McDuffie White (McKinney, TX)
Assignee(s): Telepresence Technologies, LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Slater Matsil, LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15783901 on 10/13/2017 (200 days app to issue)

Abstract: In a system and method for video communications, a user in an observation zone views a display image rendered on a vertically oriented screen through a two-way mirror in front of the screen. The two-way mirror is vertically angled at substantially 45 degrees, and reflects a part of a side wall in the observation zone. The backdrop for the light-emitting portion of the display image is provided by the reflection that is superimposed by the two-way mirror onto the non-light-emitting portion of the display image. The backdrop provides the light-emitting portion of the display image with a depth relationship that is observable when the user views the display image along a line of vision that extends straight through the two-way mirror to the screen behind the two-way mirror. A camera embedded in the side wall captures video of the user that is reflected by the two-way mirror from the observation zone back into the camera.

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


Storing and accessing segments of recorded programs
Patent No. 9961396 

Inventor(s): Mary C. McCarthy (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): ATT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P. (Atlanta, GA)
Law Firm: Jackson Walker L.L.P. (Local + 3 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14673576 on 03/30/2015 (1128 days app to issue)

Abstract: An apparatus for recording multimedia content transmitted over a network including a reception interface for receiving the multimedia content from the network, a user input interface for receiving user inputs, and a storage resource including executable instructions including a recording module for recording the multimedia content in accordance with the user inputs. The user inputs also include a multimedia selection signal for indicating the multimedia content to be recorded, and a segmenting signal for indicating a size of at least one of a plurality of segments in which the multimedia content is recorded.

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


System and method for a multi view learning approach to anomaly detection and root cause analysis
Patent No. 9961571 

Inventor(s): Kai Yang (Bridgewater, NJ), Ruilin Liu (Hillsborough, NJ), Yanjia Sun (Downingtown, PA)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Slater Matsil, LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14864360 on 09/24/2015 (950 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system and method for detecting anomalies in a communication network includes detecting first outliers in a first set of quality indicators for a cellular group, detecting second outliers in a second set of performance indicators for the cellular group, correlating the first outliers and the second outliers to produce an anomaly candidate, determining a confidence threshold for the anomaly candidate, and indicating a network anomaly in response to the confidence threshold exceeding a predetermined threshold.

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


Reactivating cells to improve positioning accuracy
Patent No. 9961660 

Inventor(s): Manivannan Thyagarajan (Coppell, TX)
Assignee(s): Nokia Solutions and Networks Oy (Espoo, , FI)
Law Firm: Harrington Smith (6 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14419950 on 08/08/2012 (2092 days app to issue)

Abstract: A network access node (eNodeB for example) changing status from active to deactivated sends a message to a location server indicating the changed status. The location server collects from uplink messages indications of which of a plurality of cells have a deactivated status and stores this information in its local memory. Then the location server utilizes the stored indications to ensure that all cells in a list provided to a user equipment for location assistance will have an active status. In various embodiments: the message is sent only when the status is changed for energy saving purposes; a list of cells included in a location request message may have some deactivated cells so the location server sends a message to the eNodeB to activate deactivated cells in the list which is done prior to providing the list to a user equipment; and a partial-activation for a probing/beacon mode is disclosed.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]


Portable power and signal distribution system for a controllable system including multiple devices
Patent No. 9961743 

Inventor(s): James Bornhorst (DeSoto, TX), John Covington (Carrollton, TX)
Assignee(s): Production Resource Group LLC (New Windsor, NY)
Law Firm: Law Office of Scott C Harris, Inc (Local + 688 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14557738 on 12/02/2014 (1246 days app to issue)

Abstract: A power supply assembly which can drive a number of different devices at different voltages. A rack holds a number of breaker modules, and each breaker module can connect to one or many breakout boxes. The breakout boxes are keyed to the breaker modules, so that the breaker boxes will not be energized with power unless they are the proper voltage and/or configuration to receive that power. The coil of a contactor in the breaker module is powered by a key wire that is connected through specified pins in the breakout box. Therefore, no power is ever provided to the breakout box unless it is of the proper voltage configuration. In addition, feeder power to the power supply assembly is provided over bolted connections, without any wire connections between the power feed and the circuit breaker.

[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)


DESIGN PATENTS

Wok
Patent No. D816392 

Inventor(s): Daniel S. Keating (Colorado Springs, CO)
Assignee(s): TUESDAY MORNING PARTNERS, LTD. (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Haynes and Boone LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 29540131 on 09/21/2015 (953 days app to issue)

Abstract: No Abstract Patent Class: N/A


Abdominal exercise wheel
Patent No. D816783 

Inventor(s): Reuben A. Miller (McKinney, TX), Shane Hernandez (McKinney, TX)
Assignee(s): XYSTUS, LLC (Carrollton, TX)
Law Firm: Carstens Cahoon, LLC (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 29568724 on 06/21/2016 (679 days app to issue)

Abstract: No Abstract Patent Class: N/A


Windmill ceiling fan
Patent No. D816826 

Inventor(s): Aaron M. Johnson (Albuquerque, NM)
Assignee(s): Quorum International, Inc. (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: Whitaker Chalk Swindle Schwartz PLLC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 29581669 on 10/20/2016 (558 days app to issue)

Abstract: No Abstract Patent Class: N/A

 


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  • Dallas-Fort Worth ranked No. 9 for patents out of 250 metros. Patents granted include: 7-Eleven's object tracking system, Accenture's cost of healthcare analytics platform, American Airlines' flight number optimization system, Deere's scouting system with an autonomous ground vehicle, Mavenir Networks' system for supporting low latency applications in a cloud RAN, Roka Sports' snap-in nose pads for eyewear, The Parking Genius' sensors capable of determining direction and speed of vehicle entering or leaving a lot, and Toyota's system for monitoring suspicious activity of a vehicle.

  • Dallas-Fort Worth ranked No. 9 for patents out of 250 metros. Patents granted include: Astrapi's methods of transmitting data using polynomial-based signals, AT&T's allocation and extraction of data for augmented reality for 6G or other next-gen network, Building Materials Investment Corp.'s moisture sensing roofing systems, COEVAC's automatic smoke/carbon monoxide evacuation system, IBM's cognitive intervention for voice recognition failure, Kioma's child safety seat, SanDisk Technologies' low latency data transfer, Shavelogic's shaving systems, USAA's recommendation engine for cost of a claim, and an unassigned virus immune computer system.