Dallas Invents is a weekly look at U.S. patents granted with a connection to the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area. Listings include assigned patents granted to local entities or those with a North Texas inventor. As of June 12, 2018, unassigned patents with a local inventor are included. 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 July 31, 2018 | Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington (19100)

79 patents granted Ranked No. 11 in patent production out of 250 metros

NO. OF PATENTS BY CLASSIFICATION

TOP LOCAL ASSIGNEES (NO. OF PATENTS)

Toyota Motor Engineering Manufacturing North America, Inc. (Plano) 6
Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano) 4
SanDisk Technologies LLC (Addison) 4
STMICROELECTRONICS, INC. (Coppell) 3
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. (Fort Worth) 2
DOSKOCIL MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC. (Arlington) 2
GEODYNAMICS, INC. (Millsap) 2

Unassigned: 8

TOP LOCAL INVENTOR (NO. OF PATENTS)

Berlin Benfield (Grapevine) 2
Brent Ross (Flower Mound) 2
Kendall Goodman (Southlake) 2
Nathan Wu (Irving) 2
Steven Ivans (Ponder) 2

SPEED: APPLICATION TO ISSUE (NO. OF DAYS)

194 days
Co-integration of tensile silicon and compressive silicon germanium
Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS, INC. (Coppell, TX)
Inventors: Nicolas Loubet (Guilderland, NY), Pierre Morin (Kessel-Lo, , BE), Yann Mignot (Slingerlands, NY)
Patent No.: 10037922

3,659 days
System and method for prioritization of rendering policies in virtual environments
Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION (Armonk, NY)
Inventor: Kulvir S. Bhogal (Fort Worth, TX, US)
Patent No.: 10037565

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Patent information is provided by Joe Chiarella, founder of patent analytics company Patent Index and publisher of The Inventiveness Index. For additional details on the patents granted below, search the USPTO Patent Full-Text and Image Database.

UTILITY PATENTS

H U M A N N E C E S S I T I E S

Pet enclosure with dual axes swivel connector
Patent No. 10034451

Inventor(s): David Link (Costa Mesa, CA), Hongkun Liang (Zhongshan, , CN)
Assignee(s): DOSKOCIL MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC. (Arlington, TX)
Law Firm: Global IP Counselors, LLP (9 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14190371 on 02/26/2014 (1616 days app to issue)

Abstract: A dual axes swivel connector for connecting various panels to assemble a pet enclosure is disclosed. The dual axes swivel connector allows panels of the enclosure to be reliably pivoted with respect to each other. The dual axes swivel connector may comprise first and second parts. The first part may be fabricated from a flexible material compared to the second part, whereas the second part may be fabricated from a more rigid material compared to the first part. The flexibility of the first part allows the first part to have a tighter fit with the wire rods. The second part has a looser fit with the wire rods but the rigidity of the second part compensates for the looser fit. When the first and second parts are interlocked, they create a tight fit which can reliably provide a hinge between the panels.

[A01K] ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; CARE OF BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS

Intelligent pet food dispenser
Patent No. 10034453

Inventor(s): Connor Neighbors (Richardson, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Baker Botts L.L.P. (Local + 8 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14878128 on 10/08/2015 (1027 days app to issue)

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for dispensing pet food includes a chamber, a transport conveyor, a blade, and an extractor. The chamber may dispense a pet found pouch to the transport conveyer. The transport conveyor may receive the pet food pouch and transport the pet food pouch to the blade wherein the blade may cut open the pet food pouch. The transport conveyor may then move the opened pet food pouch to the extractor. The transport conveyor may activate the extractor causing the extractor to lower onto the transport conveyor and extract pet food from the pet food pouch into a food tray. The transport conveyor may dispose the pet food pouch into a trash tray by releasing a trapdoor.

[A01K] ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; CARE OF BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS

Retractable leash
Patent No. 10034460

Inventor(s): Carolyn O”Brien (Roswell, GA), John C. Evans (Sandy Springs, GA)
Assignee(s): DOSKOCIL MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC. (Arlington, TX)
Law Firm: Global IP Counselors, LLP (9 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15628898 on 06/21/2017 (405 days app to issue)

Abstract: A retractable leash system includes a housing, a leash, a spool, and a brake. The spool is attached to the leash and disposed within the housing. The leash is configured to be rotationally biased so as to urge the leash into a spooled configuration. The brake includes an operating button, a compression spring, and a brake member coupled to the operating button. The brake member is associated with the compression spring and is configured to engage the spool by operation of the operating button, such that, when the brake is engaged, the spool is prevented from rotating in an unspooling direction and capable of rotating in a spooling direction.

[A01K] ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; CARE OF BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS

Reverse shoulder implants
Patent No. 10034759

Inventor(s): Sumant Krishnan (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Tornier Orthopedics Ireland Ltd. (Macroom, , IE)
Law Firm: Knobbe Martens Olson Bear LLP (12 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14432463 on 10/29/2013 (1736 days app to issue)

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a convertible prosthesis that is capable of conversion from a humeral head replacement to a reverse reconstruction without any removal of parts integrated into the patient”s bony anatomy (e.g. implant stems). A desired overall implant inclination angle may be achieved by matching various implant stems with various reverse inserts, thus permitting a resection surface to be matched with an implant stem selection while also permitting a desired overall implant inclination angle to be achieved through the selection of an appropriate insert.

[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]

Mask
Patent No. 10034994

Inventor(s): Alastair Edwin McAuley (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Fisher Paykel Healthcare Limited (Auckland, , NZ)
Law Firm: Knobbe Martens Olson Bear LLP (12 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15789268 on 10/20/2017 (284 days app to issue)

Abstract: A mask is disclosed that has a gas outlet which is quiet and provides for a diffused outlet flow of gases. The outlet is preferably a slot formed between a hollow body and cover over said hollow body. The mask also preferably extends and seals under a user”s chin in use.

[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]

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

Dedicated attachment systems for consumer products
Patent No. 10035276

Inventor(s): Craig A. Provost (Boston, MA), John W. Griffin (Moultonborough, NH), William E. Tucker (Attleboro, MA)
Assignee(s): ShaveLogic, Inc. (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Leber IP Law (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15611652 on 06/01/2017 (425 days app to issue)

Abstract: Consumer products, e.g., shaving systems and toothbrushes, are disclosed which have a replaceable portion, e.g., a shaving assembly or a toothbrush head, that is removably mounted on a handle. The consumer products described herein include keyed structures on the handle and replaceable portion, the relative placement of which creates a unique interaction between the two parts. This unique interaction may, for example, be used to provide a dedicated attachment system for each specific customer of the manufacturer of the consumer product.

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

Protection of vehicle engine fuel components
Patent No. 10035415

Inventor(s): Samuel D. Koch (Ann Arbor, MI)
Assignee(s): Toyota Motor Engineering Manufacturing North America, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Darrow Mustafa PC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15461321 on 03/16/2017 (502 days app to issue)

Abstract: Vehicle engine systems and protectors for such systems are presented. The protector can include a first end that is operatively connected to an intake manifold of the engine system. The protector can include a second end positioned between a fuel component of the engine system and a vehicle firewall. The protector can include one or more hooks that extend from an outer surface of the protector near the second end. The hooks are configured to engage the vehicle firewall during an impact collision. In one or more arrangements, the hooks can be configured to pierce through the vehicle firewall during the impact collision.

[B60K] ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES [2006.01]

Multi-level rear storage systems and methods for vehicles
Patent No. 10035464

Inventor(s): Arata Sato (Ann Arbor, MI), Sergei I Gage (Redford, 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: 15247983 on 08/26/2016 (704 days app to issue)

Abstract: A vehicle includes a rear door assembly having an open configuration that allows access to a rear storage volume and a closed configuration that inhibits access to the rear storage volume. A multi-level rear storage system is located in the rear storage volume. The multi-level storage system has a retracted configuration where a shelf member is relatively near a rear floor of the rear storage volume and an extended configuration with the shelf member spaced-apart from the rear floor thereby defining an upper rear storage volume above the shelf member and a lower rear storage volume below the shelf member.

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

Detachable curtain that secures to a boat cover
Patent No. 10035565

Inventor(s): Mary Ellen Kirwan-Waterson (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Plager Schack LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15469340 on 03/24/2017 (494 days app to issue)

Abstract: A detachable curtain coupled to a cover of a boat includes a pliable netting panel, a first sheet member coupled to the top edge of the netting panel and having a first pouch, a second sheet member coupled to the top edge of the netting panel and having a second pouch, a first set of fasteners coupled to the first sheet member and embedded within the first pouch, and a second set of fasteners coupled to the second sheet member and embedded within the second pouch. The netting panel is maneuvered to permit both the first and second sheet members to surround a portion of the boat”s cover, thereby permitting the first set of fasteners to engage with the second set of fasteners to support the netting panel in an upright position.

[B63B] SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING (arrangements of vessel ventilation, heating, cooling, or air-conditioning B63J 2/00; floating substructures as supports of dredgers or soil-shifting machines E02F 9/06) [2]

System and apparatus for applying labels to cable or conduit
Patent No. 10035618

Inventor(s): Mark D. Bennett (Bonham, TX), Stephen S. Griffin (McKinney, TX), William T. Bigbee, Jr. (Melissa, TX)
Assignee(s): Encore Wire Corporation (McKinney, TX)
Law Firm: Warren Rhoades LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15251883 on 08/30/2016 (700 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system for applying labels to cable or conduit including at least one label and a label applicator. The label applicator including at least one guide roller, at least one tamping device comprising at least one tamping pad for applying at least one label onto the moving cable or conduit, and a guide shoe assembly. The guide shoe assembly comprises a guide shoe, the guide shoe comprises a rounding member, a plurality of springs for providing flexibility to the rounding member when the moving cable or conduit passes the at least one guide shoe, a support mount for supporting the at least one guide shoe, a plurality of pivots disposed between the rounding member and the rounding member support for adjusting the set of springs, and a fitted member for providing an anchor for the at least one guide shoe to connect with the support mount.

[B65C] LABELLING OR TAGGING MACHINES, APPARATUS, OR PROCESSES (nailing or stapling in general B25C, B27F; processes for applying decalcomanias B44C 1/16; applying labels for packaging purposes B65B; labels, name-plates G09F)

Automated truck unloader for unloading/unpacking product from trailers and containers
Patent No. 10035667

Inventor(s): Tim Criswell (Arlington, TX)
Assignee(s): Daifuku Co., Ltd. (, , JP), Wynright Corporation (Elk Grove, IL)
Law Firm: Griggs Bergen LLP (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15824935 on 11/28/2017 (245 days app to issue)

Abstract: An automatic truck unloader for unloading/unpacking product, such as boxes or cases, from trailers and containers is disclosed. In one embodiment, a mobile base structure provides a support framework for a drive subassembly, conveyance subassembly, an industrial robot, a distance measurement subassembly, and a control subassembly. Under the operation of the control subassembly, an industrial robot having a suction cup-based gripper arm selectively removes boxes from the trailer and places the boxes on a powered transportation path. The control subassembly coordinates the selective articulated movement of the industrial robot and the activation of the drive subassembly based upon the distance measurement subassembly detecting objects, including boxes, within a detection space, and dimensions of the trailer provided to the control subassembly.

[B65G] TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS (packaging B65B; handling thin or filamentary materials, e.g. paper sheets or thread, B65H; cranes B66C; portable or mobile lifting or hauling appliances, e.g. hoists, B66D; devices for lifting or lowering goods for loading or unloading purposes, e.g. fork-lift trucks, B66F 9/00; emptying bottles, jars, cans, casks, barrels or similar containers, not otherwise provided for, B67C 9/00; delivering or transferring liquids B67D; filling or discharging vessels for liquefied, solidified or compressed gases F17C; pipe-line systems for fluids F17D)

Immiscible liquid separator for marine vessels
Patent No. 10035716

Inventor(s): Giles S. Sowerby (Pagosa Springs, CO), John C. Sowerby (Pagosa Springs, CO)
Assignee(s): GOSLYN GENERAL, LLC (McKinney, TX)
Law Firm: Roger N. Chauza, PC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15238885 on 08/17/2016 (713 days app to issue)

Abstract: An immiscible liquid separator for maintaining a desired liquid relationship between an oil spillover and a water spillover irrespective of a tilt angle of the separator. The use of the separator is thus well adapted for use on ships and the like. The separator includes a cylindrical weir having an open top over which separated water spills when waste liquid is drained into the separator. The separator also includes a cylindrical oil stack having an open top over which separated oil spills when waste liquid is drained into the separator. The cylindrical oil stack is located within the cylindrical water weir, thus allowing the separator to function as desired independent of the angle of tilt of the separator.

[B01D] SEPARATION (separating solids from solids by wet methods B03B, B03D, by pneumatic jigs or tables B03B, by other dry methods B07; magnetic or electrostatic separation of solid materials from solid materials or fluids, separation by high-voltage electric fields B03C; centrifuges B04B; vortex apparatus B04C; presses per se for squeezing-out liquid from liquid-containing material B30B 9/02) [5]

Remotely controlled and monitored followspot
Patent No. 10036539

Inventor(s): Dale Polansky (Duncanville, TX), Diane Miller (Grapevine, TX), Ian Clarke (Grapevine, TX)
Assignee(s): Production Resource Group, LLC (New Windsor, NY)
Law Firm: Law Office of Scott C Harris, Inc (Local + 690 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15335206 on 10/26/2016 (643 days app to issue)

Abstract: A remote follow spot system includes a remote controller that has separately movable parts that are movable in two orthogonal directions, and a display attached to one of said two separately movable parts. The display receives a video feed from a controlled light, that is controlled to move in the same directions as remote controller. The display hence shows the field of view where the light is pointing. In this way, an operator of the follow spot can control the light without physically being near the light.

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

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

Hydraulic flow restriction tube time delay system and method
Patent No. 10036230

Inventor(s): John T Hardesty (Weatherford, TX)
Assignee(s): GEODYNAMICS, INC. (Millsap, TX)
Law Firm: Patent Portfolio Builders PLLC (4 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15016009 on 02/04/2016 (908 days app to issue)

Abstract: A hydraulic time delay system and method in a wellbore tool is disclosed. The system/method includes an actuation mechanism which allows pressure to act on a functional piston in the wellbore tool. The movement of the piston is restrained by a partially or filled reservoir which is allowed to exhaust through a flow restriction element. The restriction element comprises standard metal tubing with a known inner diameter and is cut to an exact length as predicted by fluid dynamic modeling. A time delay and rate of piston movement desired for the downhole tool, between a trigger event such as pressure and a functional event, can be tuned with parameters that include the length and diameter of the tubing, reservoir fluid viscosity, porous material with permeability in the tube, and number of tubes in parallel.

[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]

Setting tool igniter system and method
Patent No. 10036236

Inventor(s): John T. Hardesty (Weatherford, TX), Johnny Joslin (Godley, TX), Robert E. Davis (Joshua, TX), Shelby L. Sullivan (Minot, ND)
Assignee(s): GEODYNAMICS, INC. (Millsap, TX)
Law Firm: Patent Portfolio Builders PLLC (4 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15848039 on 12/20/2017 (223 days app to issue)

Abstract: There is a downhole tool that includes a switch sub having a bore and a bulkhead extending along a longitudinal axis, wherein the bulkhead has a bulkhead bore that fluidly communicates with (i) the bore and (ii) an outside of the switch sub; and an igniter system located inside the bulkhead. The igniter system is configured to ignite an energetic material.

Downhole acoustic density detection
Patent No. 10036242

Inventor(s): Neal Gregory Skinner (Lewisville, TX)
Assignee(s): Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: Kilpatrick Townsend Stockton LLP (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14900752 on 06/11/2014 (1511 days app to issue)

Abstract: Fluid densities can be monitored in real-time in a wellbore, such as during downhole stimulation operations, using an acoustic pressure-sensing system. The measured acoustic signal can be used to determine pressure fluctuations of a fluid in non-laminar flow. An estimated density of the fluid can be calculated based on the pressure fluctuations of the fluid and a known flow rate of the fluid. The flow rate of the fluid can be known, such as when being held constant by surface equipment or when measured at the surface.

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

Standby energy generating system
Patent No. 10036347

Inventor(s): Raymond C. Sherry (Cleburne, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Roger N. Chauza, PC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14336238 on 07/21/2014 (1471 days app to issue)

Abstract: An energy generating system for generating thermal energy and electrical energy for a premises. The system includes an engine that drives an AC power generator to supply supplemental or standby power to the premises. The thermal energy given off by the engine is also coupled to the premises to provide heat thereto. A processor controls the various parameters of both the energy generating system and the premises to coordinate the proper heating and cooling thereof.

[F02G] HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT ENGINE PLANTS (steam engine plants, special vapour plants, plants operating on either hot gas or combustion-product gases together with other fluid F01K; gas-turbine plants F02C; jet-propulsion plants F02K); USE OF WASTE HEAT OF COMBUSTION ENGINES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR

Tortuous path control valve trim
Patent No. 10036486

Inventor(s): Jeremy Asher Glaun (Sharon, MA)
Assignee(s): Dresser, Inc. (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Paul Frank + Collins P.C. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15353823 on 11/17/2016 (621 days app to issue)

Abstract: A valve component and method for controlling fluid flow comprises a body having a first surface and a second surface. At least one tortuous flow channel extends between the first surface and the second surface. The flow channel is at least partially defined by a floor portion and a ceiling portion. The body is formed as one-piece by additive manufacturing to concurrently define the flow channel as a void space. At least one of the floor portion and ceiling portion is disposed at an acute angle relative to a plane containing a layer of material forming the body.

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

Multi-stage system for cooling a refrigerant
Patent No. 10036580

Inventor(s): Robert B. ”Dutch” Uselton (Plano, TX), Shitong Zha (Snellville, GA)
Assignee(s): Lennox Industries Inc. (Richardson, TX)
Law Firm: Baker Botts L.L.P. (Local + 8 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15407418 on 01/17/2017 (560 days app to issue)

Abstract: According to certain embodiments, a refrigeration system comprises first and second evaporators, first and second compressors, and a gas cooler. The first and second evaporators receive liquid refrigerant from a flash tank and evaporate the refrigerant to cool a first case and a second case, respectively. The second case has a higher temperature set point than the first case. The first compressor compresses the refrigerant discharged from the first evaporator. The second compressor compresses the refrigerant discharged from the first compressor, flash gas from the flash tank, and the refrigerant discharged from the second evaporator. The gas cooler comprises an air-cooled stage that cools the refrigerant discharged from the second compressor and an evaporative stage that cools the refrigerant discharged from the air-cooled stage. The gas cooler further comprises an outlet that supplies the cooled refrigerant to the flash tank through an expansion valve.

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

P H Y S I C S

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) force die with buried cavity vented to the edges
Patent No. 10036676

Inventor(s): Richard Alan Davis (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Seager, Tufte Wickhem, LLP (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15459841 on 03/15/2017 (503 days app to issue)

Abstract: A force sensor may comprise a sensing die comprising a cap and a support. Generally, a first surface of the support may comprise a buried cavity and one or more channels. The one or more channels may extend from the buried cavity towards the outer edges of the support and may ensure the force sensor is not sensitive to ambient or atmospheric pressure variation. The cap may be bonded to the first surface of the support, thereby forming a sensing diaphragm located above the buried cavity. Additionally, the force sensor may comprise an actuation element to sense a change in force from an external media. The actuation element may transmit the force to the sensing diaphragm causing it to deflect into the buried cavity. The one or more sense elements on the sensing diaphragm may provide an indication of the change in force based on the amount of deflection.

[G01L] MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE (weighing G01G) [4]

System and method to predict a usable life of a vacuum interrupter in the field
Patent No. 10036727

Inventor(s): Finley Lee Ledbetter (Argyle, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Foley Lardner LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15668994 on 08/04/2017 (361 days app to issue)

Abstract: A closed and open contact method to predict a usable life of vacuum interrupters in the field can include using computer instructions in the data storage to instruct the processor to position a calculated amp or calculated pressure on an ionic or current versus pressure calibration curve for the installed vacuum interrupter and identify trend data from a library of trend data corresponding to the installed vacuum interrupter and to the calculated pressure or calculated amp of the installed vacuum interrupter; thereby determining the anticipated life expectancy.

[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)

Methods and compositions for detecting fungi and mycotoxins
Patent No. 10036748

Inventor(s): Dennis G. Hooper (Lewisville, TX)
Assignee(s): AdvaTect Diagnostics, LLC (Carrollton, TX)
Law Firm: Barnes Thornburg, LLP (5 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15635807 on 06/28/2017 (398 days app to issue)

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of identifying a specific fungal species in patient tissue or body fluid. The method comprises the steps of extracting and recovering DNA of the fungal species from the patient tissue or body fluid, amplifying the DNA, hybridizing a probe to the DNA to specifically identify the fungal species, and specifically identifying the fungal species. The invention also relates to a method of identifying a mycotoxin in patient tissue or body fluid. The method comprises the steps of extracting and recovering the mycotoxin from the patient tissue or body fluid, contacting the mycotoxin with an antibody directed against the mycotoxin, and identifying the myocotoxin. Both of these methods can be used to determine if a patient is at risk for or has developed a disease state related to a fungal infection, and to develop an effective treatment regimen for the patient.

Dynamic repair system
Patent No. 10037023

Inventor(s): Leontin Drasovean (London, , CA)
Assignee(s): Toyota Motor Engineering Manufacturing North America, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Darrow Mustafa PC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14681169 on 04/08/2015 (1210 days app to issue)

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for dynamic repair of bypassed vehicles are disclosed. Information regarding an abnormality (for example, an incorrectly installed joint) occurring in a vehicle being assembled on an assembly line can be captured and recorded in a database. Following a bypass command, the vehicle can be flagged and released to continue down the assembly line to be repaired at a later time. When a user is ready to repair the vehicle, repair instructions specific to the abnormality can be retrieved from a database and presented to the user, and the repair procedure can be monitored to ensure that the abnormality has been repaired correctly. The vehicle can be unflagged only if all abnormalities in the vehicle have been repaired. The vehicle can be prevented from exiting the last station in the assembly line if it remains flagged.

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

Systems and methods for trajectory planning in an autonomous vehicle using different fixed durations for steering and speed parameters
Patent No. 10037037

Inventor(s): Masahiro Harada (Novi, MI), Naoki Nagasaka (Ann Arbor, MI), Nobuhide Kamata (Ann Arbor, MI)
Assignee(s): Toyota Motor Engineering Manufacturing North America, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Darrow Mustafa PC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15430311 on 02/10/2017 (536 days app to issue)

Abstract: System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to autonomously controlling a vehicle according to a trajectory plan. In one embodiment, a method includes updating, upon traveling over at least a portion of a current segment of a roadway, the trajectory plan for a subsequent segment of the roadway by setting a fixed portion of the trajectory plan to include: (i) a steering parameter to be fixed for a first duration of time and (ii) a speed parameter to be fixed for a second duration of time. The first duration of time and the second duration of time are of different lengths. The method includes computing input controls for autonomously controlling the vehicle according to the fixed portion of the trajectory plan. The method includes controlling the vehicle according to the input controls over the subsequent segment of the roadway.

[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)

Optical sensor arrangement and method for gesture detection
Patent No. 10037106

Inventor(s): David Mehrl (Plano, TX), Kerry Glover (Rockwall, TX), Sean Donnelly (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): ams AG (Unterpremstaetten, , AT)
Law Firm: McDermott Will Emery LLP (11 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15026950 on 09/30/2014 (1400 days app to issue)

Abstract: An optical sensor arrangement ([b]10[/b]) comprises at least two light sensors ([b]35, 36[/b]) for providing at least two sensor signals (S[b]1[/b], S[b]2[/b]), and an evaluation circuit ([b]12[/b]) that comprises an input ([b]16[/b]) coupled to the at least two light sensors ([b]35, 36[/b]) and is designed to evaluate the at least two sensor signals (S[b]1[/b], S[b]2[/b]) for gesture detection in an adaptive manner using previous values of the at least two sensor signals (S[b]1[/b], S[b]2[/b]).

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

Self-describing cluster association
Patent No. 10037163

Inventor(s): Abhijeet Manohar (Bangalore, , IN), Daniel Edward Tuers (Kapaa, HI), Judah Gamliel Hahn (Ofra, , IL), Nicholas Thomas (Sunnyvale, CA)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Brinks Gilson Lione (7 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14812798 on 07/29/2015 (1098 days app to issue)

Abstract: A cluster association recognition system and related method are described. The system may identify sequences of data clusters in compilations of cluster journals. The system may generate the compilations by populating the cluster journals with cluster identifications associated with host addresses identified in host read requests. Upon receipt of future read requests, the cluster sequences may be used to identify data sets that are associated with a cluster sequence in order to identify further data sets that a host is likely to request.

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

Multiple scheduling schemes for handling read requests
Patent No. 10037167

Inventor(s): ByongJun Shin (Gyeonggi-do, , KR), DongHoon Lee (Seoul, , KR), Hyuk-il Kwon (Seoul, , KR), SeungBeom Seo (Kyunggi-Do, , KR), YouMe Lee (Incheon, , KR)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Brinks Gilson Lione (7 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14851717 on 09/11/2015 (1054 days app to issue)

Abstract: A non-volatile memory system may include a controller that issues data transfer commands to have data units associated with a host read request transferred from non-volatile memory to a temporary storage area before the data is sent to a host. The controller may be configured to generate a schedule that identifies when the data transfer commands are issued. The schedule may be generated according to one of a plurality of scheduling schemes, each with a different priority in having the data units transferred to the temporary storage area. Which scheduling scheme the controller selects may depend on a queue depth of a read request queue.

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

Facilitating software-defined networking communications in a container-based networked computing environment
Patent No. 10037220

Inventor(s): Venkata S. Amulothu (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): International Business Machines Corporation (Armonk, NY)
Law Firm: Keohane D”Alessandro PLLC (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14946948 on 11/20/2015 (984 days app to issue)

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide an approach for facilitating a software-defined networking (SDN) communication in a container-based networked computing environment. In an embodiment, a SDN policy agent is created in the container-based networked computing environment. This SDN policy agent is created as a container virtual machine (VM) in the container-based networked computing environment. When a request is made by a VM to establish a SDN connection with the SDN controller for the server, the SDN controller forwards the request to the SDN policy agent. The SDN policy agent is responsible for determining whether the VM is eligible to establish the connection. If the SDN policy agent determines that the VM is eligible, the VM is allowed to become part of the SDN network.

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

Techniques for automatic generation of natural language text
Patent No. 10037317

Inventor(s): Emmanuel Vignon (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): YSEOP SA (Lyons, , FR)
Law Firm: Wolf, Greenfield Sacks, P.C. (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 13943930 on 07/17/2013 (1840 days app to issue)

Abstract: Techniques for creating a template to be used in connection with automatically generating text. Techniques include creating a template to include human language text and at least a first tag that serves as a placeholder for a text portion referring to at least one referent; and allowing a user to specify multiple options to be used in place of the first tag when generating output text using the created template, the options comprising at least a first referential expression for the at least one referent and at least a first anaphoric expression for the at least one referent.

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

Methods for editing hierarchical data
Patent No. 10037352

Inventor(s): Ronald Lee Nicol (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): THE BOSTON CONSULTING GROUP, INC. (Boston, MA)
Law Firm: DLA Piper LLP (US) (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14218110 on 03/18/2014 (1596 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods for Editing Hierarchical Data are provided. Data subsets of hierarchical data are copied. Workstreams are generated and sent to users. An edit to a first workstream from a first user and an edit to a second workstream from a second user are received. The hierarchical data in the general database is edited according to the edits made by the first user and the second user. A full organization view of persons and positions in the organization that includes the edits made by the first user and the second user is displayed.

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

Mechanisms for merging index structures in MOLAP while preserving query consistency
Patent No. 10037355

Inventor(s): Ramabrahmam Velury (San Jose, CA)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Schwegman Lundberg Woessner, P.A. (11 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14793557 on 07/07/2015 (1120 days app to issue)

Abstract: Novel methods are described herein to provide an OLAP database system that performs lock-less bulk insertion while maintaining high query performance and minimizing additional storage requirements. Aspects of the claimed subject matter include novel methods for merging two index structures while maintaining query consistency without the use of a versioning scheme by using copies of vertical segments of an index tree page; a method to prepare and merge two index structures that operates within storage constraints; and a method to execute queries concurrently while index maintenance is in progress while still producing consistent results. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a flexible index merge mechanism is provided that merges data from incremental indices to a primary data index in three phases: a load phase, a copy phase, and a replace phase.

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

Methods, systems, and computer readable mediums for performing a free-form query
Patent No. 10037368

Inventor(s): Geoffrey David Bourne (Allen, TX), Joseph Malek (Seattle, WA), Rajesh Nandyalam (Whitinsville, MA)
Assignee(s): VCE IP HOLDING COMPANY LLC (Richardson, TX)
Law Firm: Jenkins, Wilson, Taylor Hunt, P.A. (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14581228 on 12/23/2014 (1316 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable mediums for performing a free-form query are disclosed. According to one exemplary embodiment, a method for performing a free-form query includes receiving free-form information for requesting information about a computing system, converting the free-form information into at least one compatible query for querying at least one data set, querying, using the at least one compatible query, the at least one data set for the information about the computing system, and providing the information about the computing system.

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

Pre-boot authentication credential sharing system
Patent No. 10037418

Inventor(s): Minhaj Ahmed (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): Dell Products L.P. (Round Rock, TX)
Law Firm: Haynes and Boone, LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14952333 on 11/25/2015 (979 days app to issue)

Abstract: A pre-boot authentication (PBA) credential sharing system includes a secure subsystem including an off-host processing system and a secure storage. A credential management application is coupled to the off-host processing system. A data protection engine is coupled to the off-host processing system and a PBA database. The data protection engine receives a notification from the off-host processor of the enrollment of an authentication credential in the secure storage by the credential management application, and provides PBA object information for association with the authentication credential to create a PBA object that is stored in the secure storage. Subsequently, while in a pre-boot environment, the data protection engine requests the PBA object from the secure storage, retrieves storage authentication information from the PBA database using the PBA object, and performs a pre-boot authentication process using the storage authentication information.

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

System and method for prioritization of rendering policies in virtual environments
Patent No. 10037565

Inventor(s): Kulvir S. Bhogal (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION (Armonk, NY)
Law Firm: Roberts Mlotkowski Safran Cole Calderon, P.C. (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 12178896 on 07/24/2008 (3659 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system and method implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code, includes receiving one or more bids for at least one of an enhanced rendering quality and an enhanced rendering order of an object in a virtual universe (VU) and performing a bid resolution for the received one or more bids. Additionally, the method includes rendering one or more objects in the VU with the at least one of the enhanced rendering quality and the enhanced rendering order based on the bid resolution.

[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]

Augmented visualization system for hidden structures
Patent No. 10037627

Inventor(s): Dolphus James Derry, III (Forney, TX)
Assignee(s): Argis Technologies LLC (Aurora, CO)
Law Firm: Gardner Linn (7 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15235334 on 08/12/2016 (718 days app to issue)

Abstract: An augmented visualization system includes a camera operable to capture a base image of a field of view. A spatial sensor is configured to sense a position of the camera and to generate positional information corresponding to the position. A controller is in communication with the camera, the spatial sensor, and a data source having stored geospatial data. The controller is configured to determine when the geospatial data corresponds to a location in the field of view of the camera based on the positional information. The controller is also configured to generate a geospatial image in response to the controller determining that the location corresponding to the geospatial data is in the field of view. A display is in communication with the controller and is operable to display a composite image in which the geospatial image is overlaid with the base image.

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

Intelligent pathway access control
Patent No. 10037639

Inventor(s): Brandon Wilson (Plano, TX), Tyler James (Plano, TX), Will Deaton (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Schwegman Lundberg Woessner, P.A. (11 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15286054 on 10/05/2016 (664 days app to issue)

Abstract: Systems and techniques for intelligent pathway access control are described herein. A destination for an object and a reason the object is traveling to the destination may be obtained. A pathway may be established between a current location of the object and the destination using an electronic map of locations between the current location and the destination based on the reason the object is traveling to the destination. A set of access control features may be identified along the established pathway. A time window for arrival may be calculated for each access control feature of the set of access control features. The object may be allowed passage through an access control feature of the set of access control features based on a proximity of the object to the access control feature and a respective time window for arrival for the access control feature.

[G07C] TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE (identification of persons A61B 5/117; indicating or recording apparatus for measuring in general, analogous apparatus but in which the input is not a variable to be measured, e.g. a hand operation, G01D; clocks, clock mechanisms G04B, G04C; time-interval measuring G04F; counting mechanisms per se G06M)

Smart garments that identify user changes
Patent No. 10037672

Inventor(s): Diana P. Cabrera (Flower Mound, TX), Marco A. Benavides (Dallas, TX), Stephanie De La Fuente (Lewisville, TX), Subil M. Abraham (Lewisville, TX)
Assignee(s): INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION (Armonk, NY)
Law Firm: Cuenot, Forsythe Kim, LLC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15473263 on 03/29/2017 (489 days app to issue)

Abstract: Sensor data generated by at least a portion of a plurality of sensors integrated into a smart garment is received. The sensor data can indicate a level at which fabric of the smart garment is stretched when worn by a user. Based on the sensor data, at least one size change parameter indicating a change in a size of the user can be determined. Based on the size change parameter, whether a size of the smart garment is not suitable for the smart garment to be worn by the user can be determined. Responsive to determining that size of the smart garment is not suitable for the smart garment to be worn by the user, a notification can be output. The notification can indicate that the size of the smart garment is not suitable for the smart garment to be worn by the user.

[G08C] TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS FOR MEASURED VALUES, CONTROL OR SIMILAR SIGNALS (fluid pressure transmission systems F15B; mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member into a different variable G01D 5/00; mechanical control systems G05G) [4]

Systems and methods for motivating a driver according to behaviors of nearby vehicles
Patent No. 10037699

Inventor(s): Heishiro Toyoda (Ann Arbor, MI), Hiroto Hamada (Aichi, , JP)
Assignee(s): Toyota Motor Engineering Manufacturing North America, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Darrow Mustafa PC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15641840 on 07/05/2017 (391 days app to issue)

Abstract: System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to inducing awareness in a driver about a surrounding environment of a primary vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes, in response to detecting that a nearby vehicle is present within a defined range of the primary vehicle, generating a behavior characterization of the nearby vehicle according to at least sensor data from one or more sensors of the primary vehicle. The method includes indicating to the driver of the primary vehicle the behavior characterization of the nearby vehicle to inform the driver of how surrounding vehicles including the nearby vehicle are operating and to induce the driver to be engaged with the surrounding environment of the primary vehicle.

[G08G] TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS (guiding railway traffic, ensuring the safety of railway traffic B61L; radar or analogous systems, sonar systems or lidar systems specially adapted for traffic control G01S 13/91, G01S 15/88, G01S 17/88; radar or analogous systems, sonar systems or lidar systems specially adapted for anti-collision purposes G01S 13/93, G01S 15/93, G01S 17/93; control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, not being specific to a traffic environment G05D 1/00) [2]

Vision-assist devices and methods of detecting a classification of an object
Patent No. 10037712

Inventor(s): Rajiv Dayal (Santa Clara, CA)
Assignee(s): Toyota Motor Engineering Manufacturing North America, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Dinsmore Shohl LLP (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14609874 on 01/30/2015 (1278 days app to issue)

Abstract: Vision-assist devices and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a vision-assist device includes an image sensor for generating image data corresponding to a scene, a processor, and an auditory device. The processor is programmed to receive the image data from the image sensor, perform object recognition on the image data to determine a classification of a detected object that is present within the scene, and determine a confidence value with respect to the classification of the detected object. The confidence value is based on a confidence that the classification of the detected object matches an actual classification of the detected object. The processor further generates an auditory signal based on the confidence value. The audio device receives the auditory signal from the processor and produces an auditory message from the auditory signal. The auditory message is indicative of the classification of the detected object and the confidence value.

[G09B] EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS

Neon-free illuminated signage
Patent No. 10037720

Inventor(s): Darrell Brown (Garland, TX), Delbert Billingsley (Itasca, TX), Kyle Hensley (Fort Worth Texas, TX)
Assignee(s): Technographix, LLC (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15480210 on 04/05/2017 (482 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system and method for presenting a visual message by illumination. The system includes an LED light source and a transparent sheet. The transparent sheet is a transmission medium that includes a modified surface that refracts light in designated areas. The LED source illuminates the transparent sheet so that the LED illumination of the sheet achieves a visual effect of a neon filled glass tube lighting. The illumination system, however, is neon-free. The modified surface includes a disruption pattern or a printed ink layer, or the sheet includes two modified surfaces, one modified with a disruption pattern and another one modified with a printed ink layer. The LED light source includes multiple LED emitters on a circuit board. The LED light source projects light through the sheet in a direction that is parallel to a surface plane of the sheet.

[G09F] DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS

Method and apparatus for coupling up a voltage-setting transistor for a control line in a programming operation
Patent No. 10037810

Inventor(s): Anirudh Amarnath (San Jose, CA), Hemant Shukla (Edinburgh, , GB), Raul-Adrian Cernea (Santa Clara, CA), Saurabh Kumar Singh (Edinburgh, , GB), Sridhar Yadala (Bangalore, , IN)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15634006 on 06/27/2017 (399 days app to issue)

Abstract: The peak voltage at which a voltage-setting transistor is driven is reduced while the body effect of the transistor is also compensated. The voltage-setting transistor is driven at an initial level and then coupled higher by a capacitor which is connected to the control gate of the voltage-setting transistor. The amount of coupling can vary as a function of an assigned data state of a memory cell connected to the transistor by a source line and/or bit line. The capacitor may have a body which is common to a set of memory cells. The voltage can be set prior to applying a program voltage to the control gate of a memory cell to control a programming speed of the memory cell based on its assigned data state. The voltage can also be set in connection with a sensing operation.

[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)

Sense circuit having bit line clamp transistors with different threshold voltages for selectively boosting current in NAND strings
Patent No. 10038005

Inventor(s): Henry Chin (Fremont, CA), Yingda Dong (San Jose, CA), Zhengyi Zhang (Mountain View, CA)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15619791 on 06/12/2017 (414 days app to issue)

Abstract: Techniques are provided to boost current in channels of memory strings during sensing operations based on a data pattern or a pattern of physical non-uniformities, such as non-uniform channel widths. In one aspect, sense circuits are modified for memory strings which typically store meta data in a high programmed state. A bit line clamping transistor in these sense circuits can be configured with a relatively low threshold voltage, resulting in a relatively high clamping voltage which in turn causes a higher string current during sensing. The lower threshold voltage can be achieved by at least one of a shorter control gate length, a smaller oxide thickness, a lower oxide dielectric constant, or a greater source and/or drain doping concentration. In another aspect, memory strings which expected to typically store high state data are fabricated with a relatively thicker channel and/or greater doping concentration.

Three-level ferroelectric memory cell using band alignment engineering
Patent No. 10038092

Inventor(s): Christopher J Petti (Mountain View, CA), Yangyin Chen (Heverlee, , BE)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15604162 on 05/24/2017 (433 days app to issue)

Abstract: A non-volatile memory cell stores 1.5 bits of data in three polarization states. The memory cell may have two ferroelectric layers and three electrodes. The energy bands of the ferroelectric layers are adjusted by providing two of the electrodes with different work functions. The difference in the work functions may be significant, such as at least 0.4-0.6 V or more. Two of the electrodes may have equal or similar work functions. For example, the work functions may be equal within a tolerance of +/0.1 V. The memory cell can be arranged in various configurations including a FeFET (ferroelectric field effect transistor) and a FeRAM (ferroelectric random access memory). A set of memory cells can be arranged in a string such as a NAND string.

Geo-mapping system security events
Patent No. 10038708

Inventor(s): Derek Patton Pearcy (San Francisco, CA), Jessica Anne Heinrich (Tacoma, WA), Jessica Jeanne Gaskins (Boulder Creek, CA)
Assignee(s): McAfee, LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Patent Capital Group (Local + 6 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15168010 on 05/28/2016 (794 days app to issue)

Abstract: A particular security event is identified that has been detected as targeting a particular computing device included in a particular computing system. A particular grouping of assets in a plurality of asset groupings within the particular computing system is identified as including the particular computing device. A source of the particular security event is also identified and at least one of a geographic location and a grouping of assets in the plurality of asset groupings is associated with the identified source. Data is generated that is adapted to cause a presentation of a graphical representation of the particular security event on a display device, the graphical representation including a first graphical element representing the particular computing device as included in the particular grouping of assets and a second graphical element representing the source associated with the at least one of a geographic location and a grouping of assets.

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

Master security policy server
Patent No. 10038720

Inventor(s): Richard B. Singleton (Bedfordshire, , GB)
Assignee(s): McAfee, LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Patent Capital Group (Local + 6 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14572328 on 12/16/2014 (1323 days app to issue)

Abstract: A master policy server manages security polices for client computers through a network of local policy servers. Each local policy server is responsible for the security policies on a group of clients and maintains a data store containing the security policies and security information pertaining to the clients. Periodically, the master policy server and the local policy server synchronize, at which time the master policy server replicates updated policies to the local policy servers and the local policy servers upload client security statistics to the master policy server for consolidation into a global status.

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

E L E C T R I C I T Y

Computer architecture for emulating master-slave controllers for a correlithm object processing system
Patent No. 10037478

Inventor(s): Patrick N. Lawrence (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Bank of America Corporation (Charlotte, NC)
Law Firm: Baker Botts, L.L.P. (Local + 6 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15824709 on 11/28/2017 (245 days app to issue)

Abstract: A device that includes a master boss and a slave boss. The slave boss is configured to iteratively send execute and output commands to a first plurality of nodes implemented by a node engine identified in a first boss table in response to receiving an execute command from the master boss. The master boss is configured to iteratively send execute and output commands to the slave boss and a second plurality of nodes implemented by the node engine identified in a second boss table. Each node is configured to receive a first correlithm object, fetch a second correlithm object based on the first correlithm object in response to receiving an execute command, and output the second correlithm object in response to receiving an output command.

[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]

Semiconductor device with high thermal conductivity substrate and process for making the same
Patent No. 10037899

Inventor(s): Cathy Lee (Plano, TX), Edward A. Beam, III (Plano, TX), Jinqiao Xie (Allen, TX), Xing Gu (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): Qorvo US, Inc. (Greensboro, NC)
Law Firm: Withrow Terranova, P.L.L.C. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15251590 on 08/30/2016 (700 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process of forming a high thermal conductivity substrate for an Aluminum/Gallium/Indium (III)-Nitride semiconductor device. According to an exemplary process, a semiconductor precursor including a substrate structure and a buffer structure is provided. The buffer structure is formed over the substrate structure and has a first buffer surface and a second buffer surface. Herein, the second buffer surface is adjacent to the substrate structure and the first buffer surface is opposite the second buffer surface. Next, a high thermal conductivity substrate with a thermal conductivity greater than 400 W/mK is formed over the first buffer surface. A heat sink carrier is then provided over the high thermal conductivity substrate. The substrate structure is then substantially removed to provide a thermally enhanced precursor for the III-Nitride semiconductor device.

[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]

Co-integration of tensile silicon and compressive silicon germanium
Patent No. 10037922

Inventor(s): Nicolas Loubet (Guilderland, NY), Pierre Morin (Kessel-Lo, , BE), Yann Mignot (Slingerlands, NY)
Assignee(s): STMICROELECTRONICS, INC. (Coppell, TX)
Law Firm: Seed IP Law Group LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15874813 on 01/18/2018 (194 days app to issue)

Abstract: Integrated circuits are disclosed in which the strain properties of adjacent pFETs and nFETs are independently adjustable. The pFETs include compressive-strained SiGe on a silicon substrate, while the nFETs include tensile-strained silicon on a strain-relaxed SiGe substrate. Adjacent n-type and p-type FinFETs are separated by electrically insulating regions formed by a damascene process. During formation of the insulating regions, the SiGe substrate supporting the n-type devices is permitted to relax elastically, thereby limiting defect formation in the crystal lattice of the SiGe substrate.

Through-memory-level via structures for a three-dimensional memory device
Patent No. 10038006

Inventor(s): Hiroyuki Ogawa (Yokkaichi, , JP), James Kai (Santa Clara, CA), Jin Liu (Milpitas, CA), Jixin Yu (Milpitas, CA), Johann Alsmeier (San Jose, CA), Yoko Furihata (Yokkaichi, , JP)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: The Marbury Law Group PLLC (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15269294 on 09/19/2016 (680 days app to issue)

Abstract: A three dimensional NAND memory device includes word line driver devices located on or over a substrate, an alternating stack of word lines and insulating layers located over the word line driver devices, a plurality of memory stack structures extending through the alternating stack, each memory stack structure including a memory film and a vertical semiconductor channel, and through-memory-level via structures which electrically couple the word lines in a first memory block to the word line driver devices. The through-memory-level via structures extend through a through-memory-level via region located between a staircase region of the first memory block and a staircase region of another memory block.

Threshold adjustment for quantum dot array devices with metal source and drain
Patent No. 10038072

Inventor(s): John H. Zhang (Altamont, NY)
Assignee(s): STMicroelectronics, Inc. (Coppell, TX)
Law Firm: Seed IP Law Group LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14982316 on 12/29/2015 (945 days app to issue)

Abstract: Incorporation of metallic quantum dots (e.g., silver bromide (AgBr) films) into the source and drain regions of a MOSFET can assist in controlling the transistor performance by tuning the threshold voltage. If the silver bromide film is rich in bromine atoms, anion quantum dots are deposited, and the AgBr energy gap is altered so as to increase V[subscript]t[/subscript]. If the silver bromide film is rich in silver atoms, cation quantum dots are deposited, and the AgBr energy gap is altered so as to decrease V[subscript]t[/subscript]. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) of neutral quantum dots of different sizes also varies V[subscript]t[/subscript]. Use of a mass spectrometer during film deposition can assist in varying the composition of the quantum dot film. The metallic quantum dots can be incorporated into ion-doped source and drain regions. Alternatively, the metallic quantum dots can be incorporated into epitaxially doped source and drain regions.

Silicon-on-nothing transistor semiconductor structure with channel epitaxial silicon-germanium region
Patent No. 10038075

Inventor(s): Bruce Doris (Slingerlands, NY), Kangguo Cheng (Schenectady, NY), Nicolas Loubet (Guilderland, NY), Prasanna Khare (Schenectady, NY), Qing Liu (Guilderland, NY), Stephane Allegret-Maret (Grenoble, , FR)
Assignee(s): STMICROELECTRONICS, INC. (Coppell, TX)
Law Firm: Cantor Colburn LLP (7 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15437487 on 02/21/2017 (525 days app to issue)

Abstract: An improved transistor with channel epitaxial silicon and methods for fabrication thereof. In one aspect, a method for fabricating a transistor includes: forming a gate stack structure on an epitaxial silicon region, a width dimension of the epitaxial silicon region approximating a width dimension of the gate stack structure; encapsulating the epitaxial silicon region under the gate stack structure with sacrificial spacers formed on both sides of the gate stack structure and the epitaxial silicon region; forming a channel of the transistor having a width dimension that approximates that of the epitaxial silicon region and the gate stack structure, the epitaxial silicon region and the gate stack structure formed on the channel of the transistor; removing the sacrificial spacers; and growing a raised epitaxial source and drain from the silicon substrate, with portions of the raised epitaxial source and drain in contact with the epitaxial silicon region.

Energy-filtered cold electron devices and methods
Patent No. 10038084

Inventor(s): Liang-Chieh Ma (Arlington, TX), Pradeep Bhadrachalam (Arlington, TX), Seong Jin Koh (Mansfield, TX)
Assignee(s): Board of Regents, The University of Texas System (Austin, TX)
Law Firm: Nexsen Pruet, PLLC (6 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15616289 on 06/07/2017 (419 days app to issue)

Abstract: Energy-filtered cold electron devices use electron energy filtering through discrete energy levels of quantum wells or quantum dots that are formed through band bending of tunneling barrier conduction band. These devices can obtain low effective electron temperatures of less than or equal to 45K at room temperature, steep electrical current turn-on/turn-off capabilities with a steepness of less than or equal to 10 mV/decade at room temperature, subthreshold swings of less than or equal to 10 mV/decade at room temperature, and/or supply voltages of less than or equal to 0.1 V.

Systems, devices and methods of using a conductive housing for a battery contact
Patent No. 10038254

Inventor(s): Adam Mekeel Mack (Menlo Park, CA), Timothy Chang (San Jose, CA)
Assignee(s): Fossil Group, Inc. (Richardson, TX)
Law Firm: Cooley LLP (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15280210 on 09/29/2016 (670 days app to issue)

Abstract: A device includes a housing constructed from a conductive material, and an electronic circuit electrically insulated from the housing. The device also includes a power source positioned such that a first electrical contact of the power source faces the electronic circuit and a second electrical contact faces a side of the housing. The device also includes an insulating layer that includes a first aperture and a second aperture. The device also includes a first connector configured for electrically coupling the electronic circuit and the first electrical contact, and a second connector configured for electrically coupling the electronic circuit and the side of the housing via the first aperture of the insulating layer. The power source is configured for electrically coupling the second electrical contact with the side of the housing via the second aperture of the insulating layer.

[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)

Fully depleted silicon on insulator power amplifier
Patent No. 10038413

Inventor(s): Abdellatif Bellaouar (Richardson, TX), See Taur Lee (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC. (Grand Cayman, , KY)
Law Firm: Roberts Mlotkowski Safran Cole Calderon, P.C. (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15377580 on 12/13/2016 (595 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to semiconductor structures and, more particularly, to a fully depleted silicon on insulator power amplifier with unique biases and voltage standing wave ratio protection and methods of manufacture. The structure includes a pseudo-differential common source amplifier; first stage cascode devices connected to the pseudo-differential common source amplifier and protecting the pseudo-differential common source amplifier from an over stress; second stage cascode devices connected to the first stage cascode devices and providing differential outputs; and at least one loop receiving the differential outputs from the second stage cascode devices and feeding back the differential outputs to the second stage cascode devices.

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

Combined active and passive high-power RF protection circuit
Patent No. 10038477

Inventor(s): George Zohn Hutcheson (Richardson, TX), Gregory Dean McIntire (Princeton, TX)
Assignee(s): L-3 Communications Corporation (New York, NY)
Law Firm: Egan Peterman Enders Huston (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14950404 on 11/24/2015 (980 days app to issue)

Abstract: An electronic system comprising: 1) an antenna; 2) a transmission line coupled to the antenna; 3) RF electronics circuitry coupled to the transmission line that is sensitive to a high frequency EMI/RF signal on the transmission line; and 4) a protection circuit comprising passive mode circuitry operational when the electronic system is powered off and active mode circuitry operational when the electronic system is powered on.

[H02H] EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS (indicating or signalling undesired working conditions G01R, e.g. G01R 31/00, G08B; locating faults along lines G01R 31/08; emergency protective devices H01H)

Method for determining optical network utilization efficiency
Patent No. 10038496

Inventor(s): Inwoong Kim (Allen, TX), Paparao Palacharla (Richardson, TX), Qiong Zhang (Plano, TX), Tadashi Ikeuchi (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Fujitsu Limited (Kawasaki, , JP)
Law Firm: Baker Botts L.L.P. (Local + 8 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15458193 on 03/14/2017 (504 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining optical network utilization efficiency include generating a random demand set and calculating a demand fill ratio (DFR) based on the random demand set. The random demand set includes network demands for a given optical network topology that provide 100% of the wavelength slots in the optical network topology. The DFR may be calculated using different wavelength assignment algorithms, such as a first fit wavelength assignment algorithm, from the randomly generated demands in the random demand set. The DFR may be calculated without and with wavelength conversion nodes.

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

Control and data signaling in SC-FDMA communication systems
Patent No. 10038539

Inventor(s): Aris Papasakellariou (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd (, , KR)
Law Firm: The Farrell Law Firm, P.C. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14863024 on 09/23/2015 (1042 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for transmitting data, acknowledgement information and a channel quality indicator (CQI). The method includes multiplexing the CQI and the data mapping a reference signal on a middle symbol in a slot; multiplexing the acknowledgement information and the multiplexed CQI and data by puncturing the CQI or the data; and transmitting the reference signal, and the multiplexed acknowledgement information, CQI and data, wherein the reference signal is transmitted on the middle symbol in the slot, wherein the acknowledgement information is transmitted on two symbols in the slot, which are directly adjacent to the middle symbol, and wherein the CQI and the data are on symbols in the slot except for the middle symbol.

[H04B] TRANSMISSION [4]

System for aggregated machine-initiated resource distribution
Patent No. 10038607

Inventor(s): Manu Jacob Kurian (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION (Charlotte, NC)
Law Firm: Moore Van Allen PLLC (6 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15185542 on 06/17/2016 (774 days app to issue)

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system, method, or computer program product for aggregation of machine-initiated resource distribution. The invention generates a smart device portal for linkage of user associated smart devices. The portal generates code to extract data from the smart devices and control the communications disseminated from and received by the smart device from third parties. Thus, the generated portal and coded stored signal fixes the technical challenges within the current network including the need to consolidate and aggregate data across smart devices associated with the user, the need to control and manage the flow of data packets from smart devices to third parties (privacy, filtering, protection), and the need to easily track and refresh an inventory of smart devices in a manner that allows key data to remain associated with the user while the user”s inventory, device associations, and personal/business associations change over time.

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

Congestion control based on flow control
Patent No. 10038639

Inventor(s): Joseph D. Beshay (Richardson, TX)
Assignee(s): Alcatel Lucent (Boulogne-Billancourt, , FR), Nokia of America Corporation (Murray Hill, NJ)
Law Firm: Tong, Rea, Bentley Kim, LLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15268023 on 09/16/2016 (683 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present disclosure generally discloses a congestion control capability for use in communication systems (e.g., to provide congestion control over wireless links in wireless systems, over wireline links in wireline systems, and so forth). The congestion control capability may be configured to provide congestion control for a transport flow of a transport connection, sent from a transport flow sender to a transport flow receiver, based on flow control associated with the transport flow. The transport flow may traverse a flow queue of a link buffer of a link endpoint. The link endpoint may provide to the transport flow sender, via an off-band signaling channel, an indication of the saturation state of the flow queue of the transport flow. The transport flow sender may control transmission of packets of the transport flow based on the indication of the saturation state of the flow queue of the transport flow.

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

System and method for tunnel stitching transport
Patent No. 10038650

Inventor(s): Lucy Yong (Georgetown, TX), Weiguo Hao (Nanjing, , CN)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Conley Rose, P.C. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15247027 on 08/25/2016 (705 days app to issue)

Abstract: A first network element (NE) implemented as a network virtualization edge (NVE) includes a receiver configured to receive a packet comprising a destination address, a processor coupled to the receiver and configured to obtain a tunnel identifier of an overlay tunnel that communicatively couples a second NE to a third NE on an overlay path toward the destination address, add the tunnel identifier to an encapsulation header of the packet, and add an address of the second NE to an outer header of the packet, and a transmitter coupled to the processor and configured to transmit the packet to the second NE, wherein the packet is forwarded from the second NE to the third NE via the overlay tunnel identified by the tunnel identifier.

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

Controlled environment communication system
Patent No. 10038727

Inventor(s): Stephen Lee Hodge (Aubrey, TX)
Assignee(s): GLOBAL TEL*LINK CORPORATION (Reston, VA)
Law Firm: Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein and Fox P.L.L.C. (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15792364 on 10/24/2017 (280 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a communication system in a controlled environment are disclosed herein. A communication server establishes a communication session between client devices located within a controlled environment, and routes communication data between the client devices via the communication session. In some embodiments, the communication server stores the communication data as confidential communications based on profile information corresponding to the clients associated with the client devices. Further, the communication server manages access to the confidential communications based on profile information associated with the clients, and the subject matter of the confidential communications.

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

Methods and systems for automatically recognizing actions in a call center environment using video data
Patent No. 10038785

Inventor(s): Eric Michael Gross (Rochester, NY), Jinhui Yao (Pittsford, NY), Michael C. Mongeon (Walworth, NY), Rakesh S. Kulkarni (Webster, NY), Wencheng Wu (Rochester, NY)
Assignee(s): Conduent Business Services, LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Fox Rothschild LLP (12 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15479660 on 04/05/2017 (482 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system for recognizing processes performed by a call center agent during a session may receive input data from a screen recording system that includes a video signal representing a plurality of frames from a time-series video recording or video stream of a desktop of a user electronic device. The system processes the video signal to identify one or more frames of interest from the plurality of frames. Each frame of interest includes a change in a layout of the corresponding one or more screens as compared to a preceding frame in the time-series video recording. The system automatically identifies actions performed by the call center agent that represent an interaction that the call center agent had with one or more screens corresponding to the frame of interest. The system generates an event log that includes a timeline depicting a visual representation of the identified actions.

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

Palette mode in high efficiency video coding (HEVC) screen content coding (SCC)
Patent No. 10038908

Inventor(s): Haoping Yu (Carmel, IN), Meng Xu (Santa Clara, CA), Wei Wang (San Jose, CA), Zhan Ma (Fremont, CA)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Conley Rose, P.C. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15620057 on 06/12/2017 (414 days app to issue)

Abstract: An encoding apparatus and coding methods. The method includes receiving a video frame including screen content, generating a block containing an index map of colors for screen content in the video frame, wherein the block includes strings of index values, encoding one or multiple consecutive index values in a first string of index values using same escape colors index values and a run value identifying how many of the same escape color index values have been consecutively encoded, where the escape colors index values represent escape colors, and where the escape colors are colors not included in a palette corresponding to the block, sequentially encoding the escape colors corresponding to the one or multiple consecutive index values after all of the strings of index values of the block have been encoded, and transmitting the strings of index values and the escape colors in a bitstream to a decoding apparatus.

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

Sending location information from within a communication application
Patent No. 10038969

Inventor(s): Thomas Sanchez (Colleyville, TX)
Assignee(s): BlackBerry Limited (Waterloo, Ontario, , CA)
Law Firm: Fleit Gibbons Gutman Bongini Bianco P.L. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15357825 on 11/21/2016 (617 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method in a wireless communications device for transmitting current location information representing a current location of the wireless communications device entails engaging in a voice call with a communications device and, during the voice call: receiving input on a user interface of the wireless communications device; responsive to receiving the input, automatically launching an application that generates a message; obtaining, by the application, the current location information representing the current location of the wireless communications device from within the application; automatically including the current location information in the message; and transmitting the message to the communications device. The input is a press of a dedicated hotkey or a press of a combination of keys. The message is one of an email, an SMS message, a MMS message or an instant message.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

LTE cell level layer management auto optimization
Patent No. 10039013

Inventor(s): Ashwin Thomas (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): T-Mobile USA, Inc. (Bellevue, WA)
Law Firm: Han Santos, PLLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15390886 on 12/27/2016 (581 days app to issue)

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to administer a wireless telecommunication network (WTN) having a plurality of cell sites. Network data is received from a data source for a subject cell site. A baseline performance of the subject cell site is determined. Parameters to optimize for the subject cell site based on the baseline performance are identified. Load balancing is performed on the subject cell site by comparing a normalized user equipment (UE) downlink (DL) throughput at a first cellular frequency band to a second cellular frequency band. A cellular coverage of the subject cell site is adjusted based on a voice over LTE (VoLTE) drop call rate for a predetermined time period and a normalized UE DLL throughput. A layer management is performed on the subject cell site.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Method and apparatus for monitoring and adjusting multiple communication services at a venue
Patent No. 10039015

Inventor(s): Shane Michael Elliott (Fort Worth, TX), Shoubha Chakrabarty (Irving, TX), Sreekanth Bolloju (Irving, TX)
Assignee(s): ATT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P. (Atlanta, GA)
Law Firm: Guntin Gust, PLC (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15492399 on 04/20/2017 (467 days app to issue)

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, initiating first and second groups of communication sessions according to testing criteria where the first group of communication sessions is established via a local area wireless access technology utilizing the distributed antenna system and the second group of communication sessions is established via the second radio access technology utilizing the distributed antenna system, and measuring performance data for the first and second groups of communication sessions according to the testing criteria. Other embodiments are disclosed.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Method for determining location of wireless devices
Patent No. 10039073

Inventor(s): Naveen Kumar Kakani (Coppell, TX)
Assignee(s): QUALCOMM Incorporated (San Diego, CA)
Law Firm: The Marbury Law Group, PLLC (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 13964431 on 08/12/2013 (1814 days app to issue)

Abstract: To determine a location of a client device in a wireless network having at least first and second network devices, with known locations, one of the network devices transmits a message to the other network device and the other network device responds with an acknowledgement message. A client device receives the message and the acknowledgement message as well as respective times indicating actual times at which the message and the acknowledgement message were processed by one of the first and second network devices. The client device determines its location based on the times at which it received the message and the acknowledgement message and the difference between the actual processing times. This location may be refined by determining an angle between the client device and at least one of the network devices having multiple antennas and being configured for steered beam communications.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

System and method for protecting time slots
Patent No. 10039096

Inventor(s): Yunsong Yang (San Diego, CA)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Slater Matsil, LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15169186 on 05/31/2016 (791 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for prioritizing first group devices over second group devices in accessing a channel during a time slot scheduled for communications by the first group devices is provided. The method includes generating a frame comprising a Duration field containing a value set to a sum of a duration of a frame exchange including a transmission of the frame and a duration of a time extension, and transmitting the frame in the time slot.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Providing a data function in an access gateway node
Patent No. 10039109

Inventor(s): Anthony D. Bennett (Plano, TX), Srinivas Eswara (Garland, TX), Stewart H. Maxwell (Dallas, TX), Wesley R. Erhart (McKinney, TX)
Assignee(s): Apple Inc. (Cupertino, CA)
Law Firm: Meyertons, Hood, Kivlin, Kowert Goetzel, P.C. (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14688022 on 04/16/2015 (1202 days app to issue)

Abstract: An access gateway node couples a control node to an external data network, where the control node and access gateway node are for use in a wireless communications network. The access gateway node comprises a data function to route packets containing traffic data between the control node and the external data network. An interface to the control node enables exchange of control messages between the data function and a control function in the control node.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

System and method for uplink timing synchronization in conjunction with discontinuous reception
Patent No. 10039153

Inventor(s): James Earl Womack (Bedford, TX)
Assignee(s): GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP., LTD. (Dongguan, Guangdong, , CN)
Law Firm: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett Dunner, LLP (9 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15638637 on 06/30/2017 (396 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing uplink timing synchronization during DRX operation in a wireless communication system.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Frequency hopping pattern and arrangement for sounding reference signal
Patent No. RE046975 (Reissue)

Inventor(s): Esa Tiirola (Kempele, , FI), Kari Hooli (Oulu, , FI), Kari Pajukoski (Oulu, , FI)
Assignee(s): CELLULAR COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves Savitch LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14857723 on 09/17/2015 (1048 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method, an apparatus, and a computer program that includes forming frequency hopping position of the sounding reference signal is based on a hopping pattern. The hopping pattern of the sounding reference signal is configured to utilize a tree assignment for a frequency allocation of the sounding reference signal and to support at least one frequency band branch per layer. The hopping pattern of the sounding reference signal is also configured to provide consecutive sounding reference signals on widely separated frequency allocations. Patent Class: N/A

DESIGN PATENTS

Multi-purpose framing hammer
Patent No. D824234

Inventor(s): Gilbert Pacheco, III (Frisco, TX), Gilbert Pacheco, IV (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Amster, Rothstein Ebenstein, LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 29605237 on 05/24/2017 (433 days app to issue)

Abstract: No Abstract Patent Class: N/A

Connector tab for a repair such as an automotive repair
Patent No. D824240

Inventor(s): Dustin Harrier (Surprise, AZ)
Assignee(s): SERVICE KING PAINT BODY, LLC (Richardson, TX)
Law Firm: Haynes and Boone, LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 29608552 on 06/22/2017 (404 days app to issue)

Abstract: No Abstract Patent Class: N/A

Bottle
Patent No. D824262

Inventor(s): Jenny DeMarco Staab (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): Mary Kay Inc. (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 29627562 on 11/28/2017 (245 days app to issue)

Abstract: No Abstract Patent Class: N/A

Foldable tiltrotor aircraft
Patent No. D824320

Inventor(s): Berlin Benfield (Grapevine, TX), Brent Ross (Flower Mound, TX), Kendall Goodman (Southlake, TX), Nathan Wu (Irving, TX), Steven Ivans (Ponder, TX)
Assignee(s): Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: Timmer Law Group, PLLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 29628801 on 12/07/2017 (236 days app to issue)

Abstract: No Abstract Patent Class: N/A

Foldable tiltrotor aircraft
Patent No. D824321

Abstract: No Abstract Patent Class: N/A

Remote control
Patent No. D824342

Inventor(s): Gregg A. Cohen (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Washam PLLC (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 29612331 on 07/31/2017 (365 days app to issue)

Abstract: No Abstract Patent Class: N/A

Diagnostic analyzer
Patent No. D824536

Inventor(s): Christina A. Barton (Irving, TX)
Assignee(s): Abbott Laboratories (Abbott Park, IL)
Law Firm: Hanley, Flight Zimmerman, LLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 29531603 on 06/26/2015 (1131 days app to issue)

Abstract: No Abstract Patent Class: N/A

Pet leash
Patent No. D824604

Inventor(s): Colby Higgins (Quincy, MA), Douglas Marsden (Marblehead, MA), Elizabeth Delfino (Somerville, MA), Glen Walter (Boxford, MA), Ryan Donovan (Watertown, MA)
Assignee(s): DOSKOCIL MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC (Arlington, TX)
Law Firm: Global IP Counselors, LLP (9 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 29558063 on 03/15/2016 (868 days app to issue)

Abstract: No Abstract Patent Class: N/A

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North Texas has plenty to see, hear, and watch. Here are our editors' picks. Plus, you'll find more selections to "save the date."
Dallas Invents: 111 Patents Granted for Week of March 9
Dallas-Fort Worth ranked No. 9 for patents out of 250 metros. Patents granted include: 7-Eleven's object tracking system, Accenture's cost of healthcare analytics platform, American Airlines' flight number optimization system, Deere's scouting system with an autonomous ground vehicle, Mavenir Networks' system for supporting low latency applications in a cloud RAN, Roka Sports' snap-in nose pads for eyewear, The Parking Genius' sensors capable of determining direction and speed of vehicle entering or leaving a lot, and Toyota's system for monitoring suspicious activity of a vehicle.
The DEC Sets Dallas Startup Week 2021: Get Ready for 19 Tracks, 3 Summits, and Startup Alley
The hybrid event in August will take place in person at SMU and virtually. The seventh annual Dallas Startup Week powered by Capital One is Dallas-Fort Worth's largest event focused on driving entrepreneurial success, economic impact, and innovation in the region.
Dallas Invents: 117 Patents Granted for Week of April 6
Dallas-Fort Worth ranked No. 9 for patents out of 250 metros. Patents granted include: Astrapi's methods of transmitting data using polynomial-based signals, AT&T's allocation and extraction of data for augmented reality for 6G or other next-gen network, Building Materials Investment Corp.'s moisture sensing roofing systems, COEVAC's automatic smoke/carbon monoxide evacuation system, IBM's cognitive intervention for voice recognition failure, Kioma's child safety seat, SanDisk Technologies' low latency data transfer, Shavelogic's shaving systems, USAA's recommendation engine for cost of a claim, and an unassigned virus immune computer system.
Dallas Invents: 119 Patents Granted for Week of April 27
Dallas-Fort Worth ranked No. 11 for patents out of 250 metros. Patents granted include: Bank of America's authentication using blockchains, Dell's validation of data integrity through watermarking, Samsung's compensating for a movement of a sensor attached to a body of a user, SYNERGEN Technology Labs' baby monitor system sound and light delivery based on vitals,Toyota's parking meter monitoring and payment system, and Walmart's product recognition through multi-model image processing.

Dallas Invents: 79 Patents Granted for Week of July 31

Patents granted include Apple’s data function within an access gateway node; Dell’s credential sharing system including a pre-boot authentication; Daifuku’s automatic truck unloading robot; and IBM’s smart garment, such as a shirt, that identifies user changes.

THIS WEEK, BY THE NUMBERS
Week of July 31, 2018 | Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington (19100)

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Dallas Invents: 79 Patents Granted for Week of July 31

Patents granted include Apple’s data function within an access gateway node; Dell’s credential sharing system including a pre-boot authentication; Daifuku’s automatic truck unloading robot; and IBM’s smart garment, such as a shirt, that identifies user changes.

THIS WEEK, BY THE NUMBERS Week of July 31, 2018 | Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington (19100)

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

UTILITY PATENTS

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R E A D N E X T

THIS WEEK, BY THE NUMBERS
Week of July 31, 2018 | Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington (19100)

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

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Dallas Innovates, every day.