Dallas Invents is a weekly look at U.S. patents granted with a connection to the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area. Listings include patents granted to local assignees and/or those with a North Texas inventor. Patent activity can be an indicator of future economic growth, as well as the development of emerging markets and talent attraction. By tracking both inventors and assignees in the region, we aim to provide a broader view of the region’s inventive activity. Listings are organized by Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC).

THIS WEEK, BY THE NUMBERS
Week of March. 6, 2018 | Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington (19100)

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

NO. OF PATENTS BY CLASSIFICATION

TOP 3 LOCAL ASSIGNEES (NO. OF PATENTS)

1. SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Plano) 9
2. Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano) 6
3. Lennox Industries Inc. (Richardson) 4

TOP LOCAL INVENTORS (NO. OF PATENTS)

Edwin A. Eaton (Grapevine) 2
John P. Rodgers (Southlake) 2
Patrick Bosshart (Plano) 2
Robert M. Boyd (Flower Mound) 2

SPEED: APPLICATION TO ISSUE (NO. OF DAYS)

193 days
Fencing system
Abstract:An improved fencing system can include an improved fence posts. Such fence posts can include features for accommodating different types of fasteners for attachment to fence components, such as fence rails. Additionally, some fence posts, such as gateposts, can be formed with one or more pieces of other fenceposts in a fencing system. Some such improved fence posts can include concrete locks.
Assignee: Master-Halco, Inc. (Dallas)
Inventors: Jason Moreno (Dallas), Jerry Short (Washougal, WA), Tim O”Brien (Belvidere, NJ)
Patent No. 9909337

2,794 days
Heat exchanger expanded overlap joint
Abstract:A furnace heat exchanger assembly includes first and second heat exchanger halves. The first heat exchanger half includes a first half of an exhaust channel and an inner joint flange half at an end thereof. The second heat exchanger half includes a second half of the exhaust channel and an outer joint flange half at an end thereof having first and second capturing tabs. The first and second heat exchanger halves are coupled together such that the first and second capturing tabs substantially overlap the inner joint flange half to form a joint flange.
Assignee: Lennox Industries Inc. (Richardson, TX, US)
Inventors: Donald N. Zimmer (Marshalltown, IA), Floyd E. Cherington (Carrollton), Randy D. Smith (Marshalltown)
Patent No. 9908205

Don’t miss Dallas Invents: Sign up for the Dallas Innovates e-newsletter. Patent information is provided by Joe Chiarella, founder of patent analytics company Patent Index and publisher of The Inventiveness Index. For additional details on the patents granted below, search the USPTO Patent Full-Text and Image Database.

UTILITY PATENTS

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

[PATENT BELOW, IMAGE VIA USPTO]

Golf club heads or other ball striking devices having distributed impact response
Patent No. 9908011

Inventor(s): Robert M. Boyd (Flower Mound, TX)
Assignee(s): Nike, Inc. (Beaverton, OR)
Law Firm: Banner Witcoff, Ltd. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14809960 on 07/27/2015 (953 days app to issue)

Abstract: A ball striking device, such as a golf club head, includes a face having a ball striking surface configured for striking a ball and a body connected to the face and extending rearwardly from the face. The body has an impact-influencing structure in the form of a channel positioned on at least one surface of the body. A majority of a force generated by impact with a ball is absorbed by the impact-influencing structure, and a majority of a response force generated by the head upon impact with the ball is generated by the impact-influencing structure. The face may have increased stiffness as compared to existing faces, and may include a stiffening structure to create the increased stiffness, such as a porous or cellular stiffening structure.

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

Golf club heads or other ball striking devices having distributed impact response
Patent No. 9908012

Inventor(s): Robert M. Boyd (Flower Mound, TX)
Assignee(s): NIKE, Inc. (Beaverton, OR)
Law Firm: Banner Witcoff, Ltd. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14809973 on 07/27/2015 (953 days app to issue)

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

Vibration powered toy
Patent No. 9908058

Inventor(s): David Anthony Norman (Greenville, TX), Douglas Michael Galletti (Allen, TX), Robert H. Mimlitch, III (Rowlett, TX)
Assignee(s): Innovation First, Inc. (Greenville, TX)
Law Firm: Much Shelist, PC (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15166652 on 05/27/2016 (648 days app to issue)

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a rotational motor situated within the housing, an eccentric load adapted to be rotated by the rotational motor, and a plurality of legs each having a leg base and a leg tip at a distal end relative to the leg base. The legs are coupled to the housing at the leg base and include at least one driving leg constructed from a flexible material and configured to cause the apparatus to move in a direction generally defined by an offset between the leg base and the leg tip as the rotational motor rotates the eccentric load.

[A63H] TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS, BUILDING BLOCKS

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

[PATENT BELOW, IMAGE VIA USPTO]

System and method for replacing air filters
Patent No. 9908072

Inventor(s): Thomas J. Wolowicz (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): Lennox Industries Inc. (Richardson, TX)
Law Firm: Baker Botts L.L.P. (Local + 8 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14876646 on 10/06/2015 (882 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system comprising a sensor coupled to a filter having a filter type. The sensor measures pressure drop across the filter and communicates with the controller. An air handler pushes air through the filter and communicates with a controller. The controller comprises an interface connection, a memory, and a microprocessor. The interface connection receives the air flow rate of the air handler and the pressure drop across the filter. The memory stores the relationship between pressure drop and air flow rate for a filter of the same filter type when the filter is clean and when the filter is exhausted. The memory also stores the relationship between pressure drop and the life of a filter of the filter type. The processor determines the remaining life of the filter using the received and stored information. The display receives information from the controller and displays the information.

[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]

System and method for inspecting a route during movement of a vehicle system over the route
Patent No. 9908543

Inventor(s): Brian Joseph McManus (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): General Electric Company (Schenectady, NY)
Law Firm: GE Global Patent Operation (6 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15485697 on 04/12/2017 (328 days app to issue)

Abstract: A sensing system includes a leading sensor, a trailing sensor, and a route examining unit. The leading sensor is onboard a first vehicle of a vehicle system that is traveling along a route. The leading sensor measures first characteristics of the route as the vehicle system moves along the route. The trailing sensor is disposed onboard a second vehicle of the vehicle system. The trailing sensor measures second characteristics of the route as the vehicle system moves along the route. The route examining unit is disposed onboard the vehicle system and receives the first characteristics of the route and the second characteristics of the route to compare the first characteristics with the second characteristics. The route examining unit also identifies a segment of the route as being damaged based on a comparison of the first characteristics with the second characteristics.

[B61L] GUIDING RAILWAY TRAFFIC; ENSURING THE SAFETY OF RAILWAY TRAFFIC (brakes or auxiliary equipment B61H, B61K; point or crossing construction E01B)

Drive-by-wire control systems and methods for steering a marine vessel
Patent No. 9908606

Inventor(s): Brad E. Taylor (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Brunswick Corporation (Mettawa, IL)
Law Firm: Andrus Intellectual Property Law, LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15190620 on 06/23/2016 (621 days app to issue)

Abstract: A drive-by-wire control system for steering a propulsion device on a marine vessel includes a steering wheel that is manually rotatable and a steering actuator that causes the propulsion device to steer based upon rotation of the steering wheel. The system further includes a resistance device that applies a resistance force against rotation of the steering wheel, and a controller that controls the resistance device to vary the resistance force based on at least one sensed condition of the system.

[B63H] MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING (propulsion of air-cushion vehicles B60V 1/14; peculiar to submarines, other than nuclear propulsion, B63G; peculiar to torpedoes F42B 19/00)

Personal electronic device mounting structures
Patent No. 9908624

Inventor(s): Alexander Gerard Saucier (Addison, TX), Timothy W. Terleski (Richardson, TX)
Assignee(s): Zodiac Seats US LLC (Gainsville, TX)
Law Firm: Kilpatrick Townsend Stockton LLP (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14377885 on 02/20/2013 (1840 days app to issue)

Abstract: Described are personal electronics device mounting structures including a base ([b]12[/b]) with an aft surface, wherein the base is configured to fit substantially within a recess ([b]42[/b]) so that the aft surface of the base ([b]12[/b]) is substantially flush with an aft surface surrounding the recess ([b]42[/b]) in a stowed position, and wherein at least a first portion of the base ([b]12[/b]) is positioned aft of the recess and at least a second portion of the base ([b]12[/b]) is positioned within the recess ([b]42[/b]) in a deployed position, and a cradle ([b]14[/b]) coupled to the base, wherein the cradle ([b]14[/b]) comprises a pair of arms ([b]22[/b]) configured to hold a personal electronics device securely in place adjacent a passenger seat back when the base ([b]12[/b]) is in the deployed position.

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

Passenger seat
Patent No. 9908628

Inventor(s): Foek (Phuc) Nguyen Tien Le (Arlington, TX)
Assignee(s): Zodiac Seats US LLC (Gainesville, TX)
Law Firm: Kilpatrck Townsend Stockton LLP (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15037363 on 11/19/2014 (1203 days app to issue)

Abstract: Described are seat units having a lower support structure with at least two leg supports, each leg support integrally formed into an arcuate shape, and an upper support structure having a seat pan and seat back integrally formed into a single component. Each leg support is coupled to at least two base frame tubes by insertion of each base frame tube through an aperture in each of the leg supports, wherein the aperture is shaped to prevent rotation of the leg support about a longitudinal axis of each of the at least two base frame tubes. Each seat support is coupled to the base frame tubes by insertion of each base frame tube through a slot in each of the upper support structure.

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

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

Method for improving quality of aquaculture pond water
Patent No. 9908799

Inventor(s): Charles J. Greenwald (Dallas, TX), Christopher Zetena (Dallas, TX), Haibo Cao (Flower Mound, TX), Jordan E. Church (Lewisville, TX), Kelly Gillespie (Richardson, TX)
Assignee(s): NCH CORPORATION (Irving, TX)
Law Firm: Ross Barnes LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14720088 on 05/22/2015 (1019 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for treating and improving the quality of pond water used in growing aquatic species for aquacultural applications by adding to the pond water active bacteria that are preferably grown on site in combination with a nitrification enhancement agent such as calcium carbonate or calcified seaweed, and an optional reaction surface area modifier such as calcified seaweed or plastic or metal particles or fragments.

[C02F] TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE (processes for making harmful chemical substances harmless, or less harmful, by effecting a chemical change in the substances A62D 3/00; separation, settling tanks or filter devices B01D; special arrangements on waterborne vessels of installations for treating water, waste water or sewage, e.g. for producing fresh water, B63J; adding materials to water to prevent corrosion C23F; treating radioactively-contaminated liquids G21F 9/04) [3]

System and method for wastewater treatment
Patent No. 9908800

Inventor(s): Alan M. Weiss (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Global Water Group, Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP (Local + 11 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 13087086 on 04/14/2011 (2518 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system that recycles waste so that the effluent coming out of the system actually equals a potable water standard with essentially no contaminated sludge. The solids in wastewater are subjected to aeration and enzymes in a digester for a period of time. The cleanest portion of the water from the digester is then clarified. Sludge, as well as scum, from the clarifier is vacuumed back to the digester. Clear water from the clarifier is delivered to a Recycling stage for filtering to remove suspended solids. When the recycling process housing reaches saturation, a back-flushing process with clean water sends all of the captured suspended solids back into the Digester.

Processes for purifying acetic and hydrating anhydride
Patent No. 9908835

Inventor(s): Mark O. Scates (Houston, TX), Ronald D. Shaver (Houston, TX), Yaw-Hwa Liu (Missouri City, TX)
Assignee(s): CELANESE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION (Irving, TX)
Law Firm: Kilpatrick Townsend Stockton LLP (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15348466 on 11/10/2016 (481 days app to issue)

Abstract: Processes for purifying acetic acid by distilling a process in a column in which acetic anhydride is formed in the lower portion of the column. The product stream withdrawn from the column comprises acetic acid, water at a concentration of no more than 0.2 wt. %, and acetic anhydride at a concentration of no more than 600 wppm. The process further comprises hydrating the acetic anhydride in the product stream to form a purified acetic acid product comprising acetic anhydride at a concentration of no more than 50 wppm.

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

Aryl ethers and uses thereof
Patent No. 9908845

Inventor(s): Bin Wang (Dallas, TX), Darryl David Dixon (Dallas, TX), Eli M. Wallace (Richardson, TX), Hanbiao Yang (Coppell, TX), James P. Rizzi (Irving, TX), John A. Josey (Dallas, TX), Jonas Grina (Coppell, TX), Paul Wehn (Dalla
Assignee(s): PELOTON THERAPEUTICS, INC. (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Wilson Sonsini Goodrich Rosati (11 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14905776 on 09/05/2014 (1278 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to HIF-2 inhibitors and methods of making and using them for treating cancer. Certain compounds were potent in HIF-2 scintillation proximity assay, luciferase assay, and VEGF ELISA assay, and led to tumor size reduction and regression in 786-O xenograft bearing mice in vivo.

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

Shingle roofing coating method and composition
Patent No. 9909031

Inventor(s): Hashem Hashemi (Irving, TX), Joseph Randall Bruns (Scurry, TX), Moises Cisneros Rached (Irving, TX)
Assignee(s): ASPHALT SCIENCES, LLC (Reno, NV)
Law Firm: Kerr IP Group, LLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14880586 on 10/12/2015 (876 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method and composition for generating a shingle roof coating is described. The method includes oxidizing an asphalt feedstock to a softening point greater than 205 F. and a penetration less than 15 dmm at 77 F. to generate an oxidized asphalt feedstock. The method then proceeds to mix an elastomeric polymer and an asphalt flux to generate a first concentrate. The first concentrate is then heated separately from the oxidized asphalt feedstock. The method then mixes the first concentrate with the oxidized asphalt feedstock and heats the combined first concentrate and the oxidized asphalt feedstock to generate the shingle roof coating. The amount of elastomeric polymer in the first concentrate is adjusted based on the type of asphalt feedstock such that the resulting shingle roof coating includes 0.5% to 6% by weight of the elastomeric polymer.

[C08L] COMPOSITIONS OF MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS (compositions based on polymerisable monomers C08F, C08G; artificial filaments or fibres D01F; textile treating compositions D06) [2]

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

[PATENT BELOW, IMAGE VIA USPTO]

Multi-piece storage tank pad with separate connectors
Patent No. 9908692

Inventor(s): Chad Edwin Corbin (Sanger, TX)
Assignee(s): ASFI Partners, L.P. (Sanger, TX)
Law Firm: Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15148800 on 05/06/2016 (669 days app to issue)

Abstract: A multi-piece storage tank pad is configured to support a storage tank used in oilfield operations. The multi-piece pad includes a plurality of pad pieces where each pad piece has a core coated with a polymeric coating. Each pad piece also defines at least two connector receiving contours. Two pad pieces of the multi-piece pad are joined by a connector. Each connector also has a core that is coated with the polymeric coating. Each connector is separate from the plurality of pad pieces, and each has a shape that corresponds to two adjacent connector receiving contours.

[E02D] FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS (specially adapted for hydraulic engineering E02B); UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES [6]

Method of altering crosslink time of delayed borate crosslinkers
Patent No. 9909056

Inventor(s): Bianca Coria (Arlington, TX)
Assignee(s): Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: McAfee Taft (6 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15323310 on 08/06/2014 (1308 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method and composition relating to treating subterranean wells and particularly relating to treating subterranean wells with crosslinked well treatment fluids is shown. The method and composition involve the use of a ulexite with a crosslinking accelerator selected from the group consisting of ammonium salts.

[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]

Toilet fastener assembly and method of use
Patent No. 9909296

Inventor(s): Dwayne A. Porter (Lockport, IL), Michael J. Schuster (Shorewood, IL)
Assignee(s): DANCO, INC. (Irving, TX)
Law Firm: Ross Barnes LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14710043 on 05/12/2015 (1029 days app to issue)

Abstract: An adjustable-length toilet fastener assembly and method for use wherein the constituent components are cooperatively configured to provide height adjustability without cutting or breaking parts of the assembly for various installation environments and floor configurations when securing a toilet to an underlying support such as a closet collar or other mounting flange. In one embodiment, a tightening tool provided as part of the subject assembly is engageable with and concealed by a low-profile decorative cap.

[E03D] WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR

Fencing system
Patent No. 9909337

Inventor(s): Jason Moreno (Dallas, TX), Jerry Short (Washougal, WA), Tim O”Brien (Belvidere, NJ)
Assignee(s): Master-Halco, Inc. (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Knobbe, Martens, Olson Bear, LLP (9 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15687372 on 08/25/2017 (193 days app to issue)

Abstract: An improved fencing system can include an improved fence posts. Such fence posts can include features for accommodating different types of fasteners for attachment to fence components, such as fence rails. Additionally, some fence posts, such as gateposts, can be formed with one or more pieces of other fenceposts in a fencing system. Some such improved fence posts can include concrete locks.

[E04H] BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL (foundations E02D) [4]

Subsurface wiping plug apparatus, method, and system
Patent No. 9909382

Inventor(s): Daniel Lee Schmidt (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: Chamberlain Hrdlicka (5 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15031569 on 12/23/2014 (1169 days app to issue)

Abstract: In some embodiments, a subsurface wiping plug apparatus includes an internal bore that extends for less than a length of the apparatus. A ported case encloses internal components of the apparatus such that each port of the case is configured to couple the internal bore to an external side of the case. A plug capsule is coupled to an end of the ported case. The plug capsule contains an internal wiping plug that is releasable by internal pressure.

Multi-actuating plugging device
Patent No. 9909384

Inventor(s): Edwin A. Eaton (Grapevine, TX), John P. Rodgers (Southlake, TX)
Assignee(s): TEAM OIL TOOLS, LP (The Woodlands, TX)
Law Firm: MH2 Technology Law Group, LLP (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14686613 on 04/14/2015 (1057 days app to issue)

Abstract: A plugging device, apparatus, and method. The plugging device includes an expandable member configured to move from a first, retracted position to a second, expanded position, a counter configured to count a number of restrictions in a conduit that the plugging device passes through, and an actuator configured to move the expandable member from the first position to the second position in response to the counter counting a predetermined number of restrictions. The expandable member in the expanded position prevents the plugging device from passing through a target restriction.

Semi-autonomous insert valve for well system
Patent No. 9909387

Inventor(s): Bruce Edward Scott (McKinney, TX), James Dan Vick, Jr. (Dallas, TX), Joseph Steven Grieco (McKinney, TX)
Assignee(s): Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: Kilpatrick Townsend Stockton LLP (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14436184 on 10/26/2012 (1957 days app to issue)

Abstract: Certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention are directed to a semi-autonomous insert valve. The semi-autonomous insert valve includes a body, a closure mechanism coupled to the body, an autonomous actuation mechanism coupled to the body, and a control system disposed in the body. The body engages an inner wall of a subsurface safety valve and causes a subsurface safety valve closure mechanism to open, allowing fluid to flow toward the surface of the wellbore. The closure mechanism selectively allows fluid to flow toward the surface of the wellbore. The autonomous actuation mechanism actuates the closure mechanism independently from a subsurface safety valve actuation mechanism that actuates the subsurface safety valve closure mechanism. The control sub-system includes one or more transceiving devices that can wirelessly communicate signals. The control sub-system closes the closure mechanism in response to losing signal communication between the transceiving devices and a signal source.

Erosion reduction in subterranean wells
Patent No. 9909396

Inventor(s): Emile E. Sevadjian (Carrollton, TX), Michael L. Fripp (Carrollton, TX), Thomas J. Frosell (Irving, TX)
Assignee(s): Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: Locke Lord LLP (Local + 12 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15332179 on 10/24/2016 (498 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system for use with a subterranean well can include a tubular string with a fluid discharge apparatus, the fluid discharge apparatus including a curved flow path which directs a fluid to flow less toward a structure external to the tubular string. A fluid discharge apparatus can include a generally tubular housing having a longitudinal axis, and at least one curved flow path which directs fluid to flow more parallel to the longitudinal axis from an interior of the housing to an exterior of the housing. A method of mitigating erosion of a structure external to a discharge port in a well can include directing a fluid to flow through a curved flow path, thereby reducing impingement of the fluid on the structure in the well.

M E C H A N I C A L E N G I N E E R I N G
LIGHTING | HEATING | WEAPONS | BLASTING

[PATENT BELOW, IMAGE VIA USPTO]

Heat exchanger expanded overlap joint
Patent No. 9908205

Inventor(s): Donald N. Zimmer (Marshalltown, IA), Floyd E. Cherington (Carrollton, TX), Randy D. Smith (Marshalltown, IA)
Assignee(s): Lennox Industries Inc. (Richardson, TX)
Law Firm: Hubbard Johnston, PLLC (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 12834547 on 07/12/2010 (2794 days app to issue)

Abstract: A furnace heat exchanger assembly includes first and second heat exchanger halves. The first heat exchanger half includes a first half of an exhaust channel and an inner joint flange half at an end thereof. The second heat exchanger half includes a second half of the exhaust channel and an outer joint flange half at an end thereof having first and second capturing tabs. The first and second heat exchanger halves are coupled together such that the first and second capturing tabs substantially overlap the inner joint flange half to form a joint flange.

[F24H] FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, IN GENERAL (heat-transfer, heat-exchange or heat-storage materials C09K 5/00; tube furnaces for thermal non-catalytic cracking C10G 9/20; devices, e.g. valves, for venting and aerating enclosures F16K 24/00; steam traps or like apparatus F16T; steam generation F22; combustion apparatus F23; domestic stoves or ranges F24B, F24C; domestic- or space-heating systems F24D; furnaces, kilns, ovens, retorts F27; heat-exchangers F28; electric heating elements or arrangements H05B)

Pulsed detonation engine
Patent No. 9909533

Inventor(s): Donald R Wilson (Arlington, TX), Frank K. Lu (Arlington, TX)
Assignee(s): BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM (Austin, TX)
Law Firm: FisherBroyles, LLP (Local + 16 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 13561074 on 07/29/2012 (2046 days app to issue)

Abstract: A pulsed detonation engine may include a detonation tube for receiving fuel and an oxidizer to be detonated therein, one or more fuel-oxidizer injectors for injecting the fuel and oxidizer into the detonation tube, one or more purge air injectors for injecting purge air into the detonation tube for purging the detonation tube, and an ignition for igniting the fuel and oxidizer in the detonation tube so as to initiate detonation thereof. The detonation tube has an upstream end, a downstream end, and an axially extended portion extending from the upstream end to the downstream end and having a perimeter. The fuel-oxidizer injectors and purge air injectors may be disposed at least along the axially extended portion. The ignition may include a plurality of igniters disposed at or near the perimeter of the axially extended portion, spaced about the perimeter, at or near the upstream end of the detonation tube.

[F02K] JET-PROPULSION PLANTS (arrangement or mounting of jet-propulsion plants in land vehicles or vehicles in general B60K; arrangement or mounting of jet-propulsion plants in waterborne vessels B63H; controlling aircraft attitude, flight direction, or altitude by jet reaction B64C; arrangement or mounting of jet-propulsion plants in aircraft B64D; plants characterised by the power of the working fluid being divided between jet propulsion and another form of propulsion, e.g. propeller, F02B, F02C; features of jet-propulsion plants common to gas-turbine plants, air intakes or fuel supply control of air-breathing jet-propulsion plants F02C)

Ice deflector for a fan housing
Patent No. 9909596

Inventor(s): Carl T. Crawford (Hickory Creek, TX), Chris McHugh (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): Lennox Industries Inc. (Richardson, TX)
Law Firm: Hubbard Johnston, PLLC (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14087535 on 11/22/2013 (1565 days app to issue)

Abstract: In various implementations, a fan system may include a housing and a fan. The fan may reside in an orifice of the housing. The fan system may include a grate disposed proximate a top surface and an ice deflector. The ice deflector may inhibit ice formation on portions of the housing, orifice, and/or fan residing in the orifice.

[F04D] NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS (engine fuel-injection pumps F02M; ion pumps H01J 41/12; electrodynamic pumps H02K 44/02)

P H Y S I C S

Protection of electronic devices used with perforating guns
Patent No. 9909408

Inventor(s): Edwin A. Eaton (Grapevine, TX), John P. Rodgers (Southlake, TX), Patrick L. Walter (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): Halliburton Energy Service, Inc. (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: Chamberlain Hrdlicka (5 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14609317 on 01/29/2015 (1132 days app to issue)

Abstract: A sensing subassembly for use with a downhole tool comprises a housing, a cavity disposed within the housing, an electronic board disposed within the cavity, a stiffening member engaging the electronic board and configured to limit flexing of the electronic board, and a spring member configured to provide an isolation mount for the electronic board within the cavity.

[G10K] SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES (sound-producing toys A63H 5/00); METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR [6]

Outdoor fan and indoor blower controller for heating, ventilation and air conditioning system and method of operation thereof
Patent No. 9909770

Inventor(s): Carlos O. Chamorro (Plano, TX), John P. Stachler (Plano, TX), Roger C. Hundt (Carrolton, TX), Stephen A. Walter (Carrolton, TX)
Assignee(s): Lennox Industries Inc. (Richardson, TX)
Law Firm: Baker Botts L.L.P. (Local + 8 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14577300 on 12/19/2014 (1173 days app to issue)

Abstract: An HVAC controller, a method of operating an HVAC controller and an HVAC system employing the controller or the method. In one embodiment, the HVAC controller includes: (1) a processor couplable to at least two refrigerant pressure sensors via separate data paths to receive input signals therefrom and further couplable to a compressor stage and a condenser fan to provide output signals thereto, and (2) memory coupled to the processor and storing a software program having program instructions capable of causing the processor to command the compressor stage or the condenser fan to turn on irrespective of a state of an input signal generated by either of the at least two refrigerant pressure sensors, and generate an error message at least partially depending upon whether or not a high pressure shutdown occurs after the processor commands the compressor stage or the fan to turn on.

[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)

Enhanced detection and automatic signature extraction of radar resonance reflections in above and below-ground man-made objects
Patent No. 9910134

Inventor(s): John L. Tomich (Coppell, TX), Raymond Samaniego (Prosper, TX)
Assignee(s): RAYTHEON COMPANY (Waltham, MA)
Law Firm: Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP (6 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14608977 on 01/29/2015 (1132 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system and method for processing radar returns to identify returns from man-made objects. In one embodiment, a plurality of radar returns is used to form a corresponding plurality of resonance maps, which are combined using an ordered statistic to form a processed resonance map. A discriminant is calculated as (a) the fourth power of the ratio of (i) the power in a first rectangle about each pixel to (ii) the power in a region outside the first rectangle and inside a second, larger rectangle, or (b) zero if the ratio is less than 1. Other processing operations including thresholding operations to suppress noise and clutter are used to improve the signal to noise ratio for detecting man-made objects.

[G01S] RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES

Housing for optical components
Patent No. 9910244

Inventor(s): Corless Wiley (Duncanville, TX), John B. Fisher (Grand Prairie, TX), Keith B. Wiley (Red Oak, TX), Tim M. Fennell (Midlothian, TX)
Assignee(s): QUALITY ASPIRATORS, INC. (Duncanville, TX)
Law Firm: Jackson Walker L.L.P. (Local + 3 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14931749 on 11/03/2015 (854 days app to issue)

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a tubular housing having an axial length L and a circumferential length C. A first canopy secured to the tubular housing around a perimeter of the first canopy, the first canopy extends for an axial length L[b]1[/b] that is less than L and for a circumferential length C[b]1[/b] that is less than C/2. The first canopy has a front sloping section and a rear sloping section that extend from the perimeter to a semicircular outer perimeter. A second canopy disposed circumferentially opposite the first canopy and secured to the tubular housing around a perimeter of the second canopy. The second canopy extends an axial length L[b]2[/b] that is less than L and a circumferential length C[b]2[/b] that is less than C/2. The second canopy has a front sloping section and a rear sloping section that extend from the perimeter to a semicircular outer perimeter.

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

Coding scheme for indirect addressing of multiple action memories
Patent No. 9910615

Inventor(s): Patrick Bosshart (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): BAREFOOT NETWORKS, INC. (Palo Alto, CA)
Law Firm: Adeli LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14968844 on 12/14/2015 (813 days app to issue)

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a method for configuring unit memories to implement first and second sets of entries, the second set of which references the first set. The method configures a first pool of unit memories to implement the first set. Each entry in the first set is located at a particular location in at least one of the memories of the first pool. The method configures a second pool of unit memories to implement the second set. Each entry in the second set includes a particular number of bits for indicating (i) an initial first-pool unit memory at which the first-set entry referenced by the second-set entry is found and (ii) a number of subsequent first-pool memories across which the first-set entry is divided. A number of bits required to identify a single first-pool memory is one fewer than the particular number of bits.

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

System for handling erratic word lines for non-volatile memory
Patent No. 9910730

Inventor(s): Chris Avila (Saratoga, CA), Nian Niles Yang (Mountain View, CA)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14918796 on 10/21/2015 (867 days app to issue)

Abstract: A non-volatile storage system identifies a word line with an open neighbor word line and determines whether data stored in non-volatile memory cells connected to the identified word line has an error condition. If the data does have an error condition, then an attempt is made to fix the data and the open neighbor word line is checked for errors. If the open neighbor word line has errors, then memory cells connected to the open neighbor word line are programmed with pseudo data.

[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)

Rebuilding process for storage array
Patent No. 9910748

Inventor(s): Weimin Pan (Spring, TX)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14986561 on 12/31/2015 (796 days app to issue)

Abstract: When a drive in a redundant array of independent disks (RAID) fails, for a first stripe unit stored in the failed drive, a RAID controller obtains from a bitmap a first indicator indicating whether the first stripe unit contains written data, wherein the bitmap contains a plurality of indicators corresponding to stripe units stored in the failed drive, and the first stripe unit belongs to a first stripe stored in the RAID system; if the first indicator indicates that the first stripe unit does not contain written data, write zeros into a first replacement stripe unit in a replacement drive, wherein the first replacement stripe unit replaces the first stripe unit in the first stripe. Without performing XOR operations for the stripe units indicated no data by the table, a time consumed for rebuilding can be significantly reduced, recovering the RAID array healthy sooner and reducing the impact on system bandwidth usage and host I/O performance impact during the rebuild process.

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

Non-volatile memory with dynamic repurpose of word line
Patent No. 9910749

Inventor(s): Bin Wu (Fremont, CA), Grishma Shah (Milpitas, CA), Jiahui Yuan (Fremont, CA), Lanlan Gu (San Jose, CA), Nian Niles Yang (Mountain View, CA), Xinde Hu (San Diego, CA)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15191150 on 06/23/2016 (621 days app to issue)

Abstract: A non-volatile memory system includes a plurality of non-volatile data memory cells arranged into groups of data memory cells, a plurality of select devices connected to the groups of data memory cells, a selection line connected to the select devices, a plurality of data word lines connected to the data memory cells, and one or more control circuits connected to the selection line and the data word lines. The one or more control circuits are configured to determine whether the select devices are corrupted. If the select devices are corrupted, then the one or more control circuits repurpose one of the word lines (e.g., the first data word line closet to the select devices) to be another selection line, thus operating the memory cells connected to the repurposed word line as select devices.

Method and system for compacting data in non-volatile memory
Patent No. 9910773

Inventor(s): Nicholas James Thomas (Dundee, , GB)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Brinks Gilson Lione (7 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15083723 on 03/29/2016 (707 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system and method for compacting data in a non-volatile memory system that may reduce the need for control data updates is described. The method may include copying valid data from a source block to a destination block, and also writing new host data to the destination block, such that the offset position in the destination block of the copied data is the same as in the source block and fewer mapping table updates are needed for the copied data. The system may include a non-volatile memory system with a coarse granularity mapping table and a fine granularity mapping table where a controller in the non-volatile memory system is configured to only update the coarse granularity mapping table for compacted data written to a new block, but is configured to update both the fine and coarse granularity mapping tables for new host data written to the new block.

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

Enhanced integrity through atomic writes in cache
Patent No. 9910777

Inventor(s): David Flynn (Sandy, UT), Nisha Talagala (Livermore, CA)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Loza Loza, LLP (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 13837628 on 03/15/2013 (1817 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system and method facilitate processing atomic storage requests. The method includes receiving, from a storage client, an atomic storage request for a first storage device that is incapable of processing atomic write operations. The method also includes processing the atomic storage request at a translation interface. The method also includes storing the atomic storage request in one or more storage operations in a second storage device capable of processing the atomic storage request.

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

Virtual address table
Patent No. 9910787

Inventor(s): John D. Leidel (McKinney, TX)
Assignee(s): Micron Technology, Inc. (Boise, ID)
Law Firm: Brooks, Cameron Huebsch, PLLC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14713121 on 05/15/2015 (1026 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present disclosure includes apparatuses and methods related to virtual address tables. An example method comprises generating an object file that comprises: an instruction comprising a number of arguments; and an address table comprising a number of indexed address elements. Each one of the number of indexed address elements can correspond to a virtual address of a respective one of the number of arguments, wherein the address table can serves as a target for the number of arguments. The method can include storing the object file in a memory.

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

Reflective memory bridge for external computing nodes
Patent No. 9910808

Inventor(s): David Fisk (Carrollton, TX)
Assignee(s): Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: Conley Rose, P.C. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14389910 on 04/30/2012 (2136 days app to issue)

Abstract: In at least some examples, a computing node includes a processor and a local memory coupled to the processor. The computing node also includes a reflective memory bridge coupled to the processor. The reflective memory bridge maps to an incoming region of the local memory assigned to at least one external computing node and maps to an outgoing region of the local memory assigned to at least one external computing node.

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

Scalable direct inter-node communication over peripheral component interconnect-express (PCIe)
Patent No. 9910816

Inventor(s): Guangyu Shi (Cupertino, CA), Norbert Egi (Santa Clara, CA)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Conley Rose, P.C. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14089377 on 11/25/2013 (1562 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method of communicating data over a Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) Non-Transparent Bridge (NTB) comprising transmitting a first posted write message to a remote processor via the NTB, wherein the first posted write message indicates an intent to transfer data to the remote processor, and receiving a second posted write message in response to the first posted write message, wherein the second posted write message indicates a destination address list for the data. Also disclosed is a method of communicating data over a PCIe NTB comprising transmitting a first posted write message to a remote processor via the NTB, wherein the first posted write message comprises a request to read data, and receiving a data transfer message comprising at least some of the data requested by the first posted write message.

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

Method and system for detection and classification of license plates
Patent No. 9911055

Inventor(s): Matthew Shreve (Tampa, FL), Orhan Bulan (Webster, NY), Vladimir Kozitsky (Rochester, NY)
Assignee(s): Conduent Business Services, LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: OL Patents (Local + 680 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15064167 on 03/08/2016 (728 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods, systems, and processor-readable media for the detection and classification of license plates. In an example embodiment, an image of a vehicle can be captured with an image-capturing unit. A license plate region can then be located in the captured image of the vehicle by extracting a set of candidate regions from the image utilizing a weak classifier. A set of candidate regions can be ranked utilizing a secondary strong classifier. The captured image can then be classified according to a confidence driven classification based on classification criteria determined by the weak classifier and the secondary strong classifier.

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

Preventing contact by locking
Patent No. 9911125

Inventor(s): Patrick B. Smith (Garland, TX), Veera Venkata Vattikuti (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION (Charlotte, NC)
Law Firm: Moore Van Allen PLLC (6 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14071246 on 11/04/2013 (1583 days app to issue)

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to systems, methods, and computer program products for preventing a customer communication by locking access to customer information. The system, method, and computer program product are configured to a) identify information relating to an event or condition that triggers a lock of customer information associated with a customer; b) lock at least a portion of the customer information associated with the customer based at least partially on the identifying; and c) generate a notification indicating that at least the portion of the customer information associated with the customer is locked based at least partially on the locking.

[G06Q] DATA PROCESSING SYSTEMS OR METHODS, SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL, SUPERVISORY OR FORECASTING PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL, SUPERVISORY OR FORECASTING PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR [2006.01]

System and method for sharing quotes in a social networking environment
Patent No. 9911139

Inventor(s): Jordan Sloan Nettleship (Plano, TX), Michael Urtso (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): STATUSQUOTE, LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: The Marbury Law Group, PLLC (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14665278 on 03/23/2015 (1079 days app to issue)

Abstract: A first computing device operated by a first user of a social networking system sends a quote attributed to a second user of the social networking system to a server device. The server device receives input from a second computing device operated by a second user indicating the consent of the second user to sharing the quote with selected other users of the social networking system. The server device shares the quote with the selected other users of the social networking system in response to receipt of the consent of the second user.

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

Computational imaging with uncalibrated pupil phase
Patent No. 9911180

Inventor(s): Caleb Knoernschild (Mckinney, TX)
Assignee(s): Raytheon Company (Waltham, MA)
Law Firm: Burns Levinson LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15090029 on 04/04/2016 (701 days app to issue)

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for improving image quality by modifying received radiation wavefronts with one or more uncalibrated variable phase plates at the pupil plane of the optical system, to produce an atmospheric-like blurred image on the focal plane with an effective increase in the sampling parameter Q. Real-time image restoration algorithms may then be applied to data sets sampled from the blurred image formed on the detector array. Numerous phase plate embodiments are provided for modifying the wavefront.

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

Method and apparatus for creating a custom track
Patent No. 9911461

Inventor(s): Michael Wayne Shore (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Rose Trading, LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Panitch Schwarze Belisario Nadel LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15285755 on 10/05/2016 (517 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method and system for creating and editing video and/or audio tracks is described. The method includes providing at least one artist, venue, and track available for selection and providing at least one clip associated with the at least one artist, venue, and track. The method also includes allowing a user to create a custom track from the at least one clip. The system includes a plurality of video cameras for recording a live performance at a plurality of positions. The system also includes at least one server for storing a plurality of video clips created from the plurality of video cameras and an application stored on the at least one server for allowing a user to access the plurality of video clips via the Internet.

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

Three dimensional non-volatile memory with shorting source line/bit line pairs
Patent No. 9911488

Inventor(s): Nima Mokhlesi (Los Gatos, CA)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15299372 on 10/20/2016 (502 days app to issue)

Abstract: A non-volatile storage system dedicates a subset of blocks to be used for shorting source lines to bit lines at periodic positions along the bit lines during certain memory operations.

Dummy voltage to reduce first read effect in memory
Patent No. 9911500

Inventor(s): Charles Kwong (Redwood City, CA), Jiahui Yuan (Fremont, CA), Liang Pang (Fremont, CA), Pao-ling Koh (Fremont, CA), Yingda Dong (San Jose, CA)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15131392 on 04/18/2016 (687 days app to issue)

Abstract: Techniques are provided for improving the accuracy of read operations of memory cells, where the threshold voltage (Vth) of a memory cell can shift depending on when the read operation occurs. In one aspect, a dummy voltage is applied to the word lines to cause a coupling up of the word lines and weak programming. This can occur when a specified amount of time has elapsed since a last program or read operation, or when a power on event is detected for the memory device. A number of read errors can also be considered. The dummy voltage is similar to a pass voltage of a program or read operation but no sensing is performed. The word line voltages are therefore provided at a consistently up-coupled level so that read operations are consistent. The coupling up occurs due to capacitive coupling between the word line and the channel.

Excitation and use of guided surface wave modes on lossy media
Patent No. 9912031

Inventor(s): James F. Corum (Morgantown, WV), Kenneth L. Corum (Plymouth, NH)
Assignee(s): CPG TECHNOLOGIES, LLC (Italy, TX)
Law Firm: Thomas Horstemeyer, LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 13789538 on 03/07/2013 (1825 days app to issue)

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for transmitting energy conveyed in the form of a guided surface-waveguide mode along the surface of a terrestrial medium by exciting a polyphase waveguide probe.

Partially synchronized multilateration or trilateration method and system for positional finding using RF
Patent No. 9913244

Inventor(s): Felix Markhovsky (Saratoga, CA), Russ Markhovsky (Dallas, TX), Truman Prevatt (Brooksville, FL)
Assignee(s): POLTE CORPORATION (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Baker Hostetler LLP (15 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14923299 on 10/26/2015 (862 days app to issue)

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a location of user equipment (UE) in a wireless system can comprise receiving reference signals via a location management unit (LMU) having two or more co-located channels, wherein the two or more co-located channels are tightly synchronized with each other and utilizing the received reference signals to calculate a location of the UE. Some systems may include multichannel synchronization with a standard deviation of less than or equal 10 ns. Some systems may include two LMUs, with each LMU having internal synchronization, or one LMU with tightly synchronized signals.

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

E L E C T R I C I T Y

[PATENT BELOW, IMAGE VIA USPTO]

Excitation and use of guided surface wave modes on lossy media
Patent No. 9910144

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments systems and methods for transmission and reception of electrical energy along a surface of a terrestrial medium. A polyphase waveguide probe that transmits electrical energy in the form of a guided surface wave along a surface of a terrestrial medium. A receive circuit is used to receive the electrical energy.

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

Epitaxial source region for uniform threshold voltage of vertical transistors in 3D memory devices
Patent No. 9911748

Inventor(s): Hiroyuki Ogawa (Yokkaichi, , JP), Kiyohiko Sakakibara (Yokkaichi, , JP), Masatoshi Nishikawa (Yokkaichi, , JP), Shuji Minagawa (Yokkaichi, , JP)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: The Marbury Law Group PLLC (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14867351 on 09/28/2015 (890 days app to issue)

Abstract: An alternating stack of insulating layers and sacrificial material layers are formed over a substrate. Memory stack structures are formed through the alternating stack. A backside trench is formed and the sacrificial material layers are replaced with electrically conductive layers. After formation of an insulating spacer in the trench, an epitaxial pedestal structure is grown from a semiconductor portion underlying the backside trench. A source region is formed by introducing dopants into the epitaxial pedestal structure and an underlying semiconductor portion during and/or after epitaxial growth. Alternatively, the backside trench can be formed concurrently with formation of memory openings. An epitaxial pedestal structure can be formed concurrently with formation of epitaxial channel portions at the bottom of each memory opening. After formation and subsequent removal of a dummy trench fill structure in the backside trench, a source region is formed by introducing dopants into the epitaxial pedestal structure.

[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]

Resistive RAM including air gaps between word lines and between vertical bit lines
Patent No. 9911790

Inventor(s): Kan Fujiwara (Yokkaichi, , JP), Michiaki Sano (Yokkaichi, , JP), Seiji Shimabukuro (Yokkaichi, , JP)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: The Marbury Law Group PLLC (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15411152 on 01/20/2017 (410 days app to issue)

Abstract: A plurality of alternating stacks laterally spaced apart by line trenches is provided over a substrate. Each alternating stack includes respective word lines and respective dielectric material layers. An alternating sequence of vertical bit lines and inter-bit-line cavities is formed within each of the line trenches. Resistive memory material layers including resistive memory elements are provided at intersection regions between the word lines and the vertical bit lines. Air gaps are formed by removing at least a predominant portion of each of the dielectric material layers selective to the word lines, the vertical bit lines, and the resistive memory material layers, thereby forming a plurality of alternating stacks of the word lines and air gaps. A dielectric isolation layer including vertically-extending voids can be formed over the plurality of alternating stacks in the inter-bit-line cavities.

Coupled multi-bands antennas in wearable wireless devices
Patent No. 9912042

Inventor(s): Hongwei Liu (San Diego, CA), Ping Shi (San Diego, CA), Wee Kian Toh (San Diego, CA)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Slater Matsil, LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14811621 on 07/28/2015 (952 days app to issue)

Abstract: A wearable wireless device is disclosed. In one embodiment the wearable wireless device includes a circuit board, a housing body housing the circuit board, the housing body having a front side and a back side, the back side configured to be closer to the user when worn than the front side, a first antenna element electrically connected to the circuit board and located at the front side of the housing body and a second antenna element electrically connected to the circuit board and located at the front side of the housing body.

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

Broadband polarization diversity antennas
Patent No. 9912077

Inventor(s): Sheng Yeng Peng (Lynnwood, WA)
Assignee(s): WavCatcher, Inc. (Grand Prairie, TX)
Law Firm: Olympic Patent Works PLLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14266290 on 04/30/2014 (1406 days app to issue)

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to broadband polarization diversity antennas. In one aspect, a polarization diversity antenna includes a baseboard with a baseboard-feed line located on a first surface. The baseboard-feed line includes a serpentine meander-line portion. The antenna also includes an antenna-array board with two or more antenna elements arranged in a series. The antenna-array board is attached to the first surface with the serpentine meander-line portion located between an edge of the antenna-array board and the baseboard. Each antenna element is connected to the serpentine meander-line portion via an antenna-feed line located on the antenna-array board. The antenna array provides two dimensional polarization broadcasting and receiving of electromagnetic radiation. In another aspect, a notch antenna is formed on an opposing second surface of the baseboard opposite the antenna-array board in order to provide three-dimensional polarization broadcasting and receiver of electromagnetic radiation.

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

Apparatus for transporting and dispensing wire or cable from a barrel pack
Patent No. 9912129

Inventor(s): David Wayne Maxey (Gunter, TX), John Lamar Rhoads, Jr. (McKinney, TX), Justin Abraham Hrbacek (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): Encore Wire Corporation (McKinney, TX)
Law Firm: Warren Rhoades LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14097732 on 12/05/2013 (1552 days app to issue)

Abstract: An apparatus for the movement of a barrel pack containing spooled wire or cable. The apparatus comprising a frame, a handle attached to the frame, a plurality of wheels rotatably attached to the frame, securing structures attached to the frame, the securing structures securing the barrel pack to the frame and a footage counting assembly attached to the handle. The footage counting assembly counts the amount of footage of wire or cable passing through the footage counting assembly.

[H02G] INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES (insulated conductors or cables with arrangements for facilitating mounting or securing H01B 7/40; distribution points incorporating switches H02B; guiding telephone cords H04M 1/15; cable ducts or mountings for telephone or telegraph exchange installations H04Q 1/06)

Methods and systems for micro machines
Patent No. 9912257

Inventor(s): Harold L. Stalford (Norman, OK)
Assignee(s): MicroZeus, LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Fish Richardson P.C. (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14512176 on 10/10/2014 (1243 days app to issue)

Abstract: A micro machine may be in or less than the micrometer domain. The micro machine may include a micro actuator and a micro shaft coupled to the micro actuator. The micro shaft is operable to be driven by the micro actuator. A tool is coupled to the micro shaft and is operable to perform work in response to at least motion of the micro shaft.

[H02N] ELECTRIC MACHINES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR

Self-sealing mounting bracket for roof mounted structures
Patent No. 9912284

Inventor(s): James A. Svec (Kearny, NY)
Assignee(s): Building Materials Investment Corporation (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP (11 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15293498 on 10/14/2016 (508 days app to issue)

Abstract: A self-sealing mounting bracket includes an outer shell that defines at least one downwardly facing chamber. A plunger is located in the downwardly facing chamber and is slidable within the chamber. The chamber is filled with sealant either at the manufacturing facility or in the field. Larger openings are formed in the top of the outer shell that align with and provide access to bolt holes in the top of the plunger. Smaller openings in the top of the outer shell are for attaching the shell to a roof with lag bolts. The mounting bracket is located on a shingled roof and lag bolts are inserted through the larger openings and threaded into the roof deck. The heads of these lag bolts pass through the larger openings and engage the plungers to press the plungers down in their chambers. This, in turn, compresses, squeezes, and extrudes sealant between the mounting bracket and the roof below forming a water tight seal. The outer shell is then firmly attached to the roof with additional lag bolts inserted through the smaller openings and their aligned bolt holes and threaded into the roof deck. Mounting hardware for items such as solar panels can then be secured to the bracket.

[H02S] Generation of electric power by conversion of infra-red radiation, visible light or ultraviolet light, e.g. using photovoltaic [PV] modules (solar heat collectors F24J 2/00; obtaining electrical energy from radioactive sources G21H 1/12; light sensitive inorganic semiconductor devices H01L 31/00; thermoelectric devices H01L 35/00; pyroelectric devices H01L 37/00; light sensitive organic semiconductor devices H01L 51/42) [2014.01]

Pulse detection amplifier
Patent No. 9912302

Inventor(s): Joshua Lund (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): SENSORS UNLIMITED, INC. (Princeton, NJ)
Law Firm: Snell Wilmer, L.L.P. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14869710 on 09/29/2015 (889 days app to issue)

Abstract: A pulse detector amplifier is disclosed. The pulse detector amplifier may have a detection switching leg that receives an input energy pulse. The pulse detector may have a mirror fast trigger including a trigger node and controlling a mirrored switching leg. The detection switching leg may trigger the trigger node in response to the input energy pulse. The pulse detector amplifier may also have a mirrored switching leg that controlled by the trigger node. The mirrored switching leg may control a voltage and/or current on the output node responsive to the input energy pulse. Thus, the pulse detector may generally include a cascode architecture, with a mirror fast trigger (which may include a FET) between the mirrored legs of the amplifier and enhancing the rapid triggering of the amplifier output. Thus the pulse detector may be power efficient, may have a small part count, and may be sensitive.

[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)

Self-activated transfer switch
Patent No. 9912371

Inventor(s): Charles Forrest Campbell (McKinney, TX)
Assignee(s): Qorvo US, Inc. (Greensboro, NC)
Law Firm: Withrow Terranova, P.L.L.C. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15082353 on 03/28/2016 (708 days app to issue)

Abstract: A self-activated transfer switch is disclosed. The self-activated transfer switch includes a transmit (TX) switch coupled between a TX port and an antenna port. A receive (RX) switch is coupled between the antenna port and an RX port, and RF-to-bias generator circuitry is coupled to the TX port and the antenna port. The RF-to-bias generator circuitry is configured to generate a bias signal to turn off the RX switch and turn on the TX switch when either of a TX signal is provided at the TX port and a jammer signal is received at the antenna port. The bias signal is generated from energy of at least one of the TX signal and the jammer signal. The TX switch is turned off and the RX switch is turned on when the bias signal is not being generated.

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

Nonlinear penalty estimation using spectral inversion in optical transport networks
Patent No. 9912435

Inventor(s): Inwoong Kim (Allen, TX), Motoyoshi Sekiya (Richardson, TX), Olga Vassilieva (Plano, TX), Paparao Palacharla (Richardson, TX)
Assignee(s): Fujitsu Limited (Kawasaki, , JP)
Law Firm: Baker Botts L.L.P. (Local + 8 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15015880 on 02/04/2016 (761 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods and systems may estimate nonlinear penalties for optical paths using spectral inversion in optical transport networks. Certain values of nonlinear transfer functions for nonlinear penalty estimation may be pre-calculated for optical paths between given nodes. When an optical path computation for using spectral inversion between a given source node and a given destination node is desired, the pre-calculated values may be concatenated for improved computational efficiency.

[H04B] TRANSMISSION [4]

Interference relationship characterization in full duplex cable network environments
Patent No. 9912464

Inventor(s): Hang Jin (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Cisco Technology, Inc. (San Jose, CA)
Law Firm: Merchant Gould P.C. (11 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15052542 on 02/24/2016 (741 days app to issue)

Abstract: An example method for characterizing interference relationships in full duplex cable network environments is provided and includes generating a global interfered list for a plurality of cable modems in the cable network and for a plurality of frequency ranges, generating a global interfering list for the plurality of cable modems and for the plurality of frequency ranges, assigning respective downstream reception frequency ranges and upstream transmission frequency ranges for the plurality of cable modems based on the global interfered list and the global interfering list, and transmitting to the cable modems corresponding assignment information comprising the respective assigned downstream reception frequency ranges and upstream transmission frequency ranges.

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

Methods and apparatus to collect distributed user information for media impressions and search terms
Patent No. 9912482

Inventor(s): Madhusudhan Reddy Alla (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): The Nielsen Company (US), LLC (New York, NY)
Law Firm: Hanley, Flight Zimmerman, LLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14959990 on 12/04/2015 (823 days app to issue)

Abstract: Disclosed examples involve obtaining encrypted identifiers identifying at least one of a device or a user of the device, sending respective ones of the encrypted identifiers to corresponding database proprietors, receiving user information corresponding to the respective ones of the encrypted identifiers from the corresponding database proprietors, and associating the user information with at least one of a search term collected at the device or a media impression logged for media presented at the device.

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

Virtual layer 2 and mechanism to make it scalable
Patent No. 9912495

Inventor(s): Guoli Yin (Ottawa, , CA), Linda Dunbar (Plano, TX), Peter Ashwood-Smith (Gatineau, , CA), Robert Sultan (Somers, NY), Susan Hares (Saline, MI), T. Benjamin Mack-Crane (Downers Grove, IL)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Conley Rose, P.C. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14880895 on 10/12/2015 (876 days app to issue)

Abstract: A network component including a receiver configured to receive a plurality of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses for a plurality of hosts in a plurality of external Layer 2 networks located at a plurality of physical locations and interconnected via a service, a logic circuit configured to map the IP addresses of the hosts in the external Layer 2 networks to a plurality of Media Access Control (MAC) addresses of a plurality of corresponding gateways in the same external Layer 2 networks, and a transmitter configured to send to the external Layer 2 networks a plurality of a plurality of IP addresses for a plurality of local hosts in a local Layer 2 network coupled to the external Layer 2 networks via the service.

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

System and method for multiple carrier transmission
Patent No. 9912504

Inventor(s): Jialing Liu (Palatine, IL), Lukasz Krzymien (Rolling Meadows, IL), Vipul Desai (Palatine, IL), Weimin Xiao (Hoffman Estates, IL)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Slater Matsil, LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14808844 on 07/24/2015 (956 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method includes transmitting, by a communications controller to a user equipment (UE), a first data block on a first carrier and transmitting, by the communications controller to the UE, a first downlink control information (DCI) to initiate a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process associated with the first data block. The method also includes retransmitting, by the communications controller to the UE, the first data block and transmitting, by the communications controller to the UE, a second DCI, where the second DCI includes a first transmission indicator and an indicator of the first carrier, and where the second DCI continues the HARQ process.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Security content over a management band
Patent No. 9912528

Inventor(s): Harvir Singh (Portland, OR), Ward Coburn (Tigard, OR)
Assignee(s): McAfee, LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Patent Capital Group (Local + 6 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14978324 on 12/22/2015 (805 days app to issue)

Abstract: There is disclosed in one example, a computing apparatus, having: first one or more logic elements comprising at least a processor and a memory to provide an operational environment; and second one or more logic elements providing an out-of-band management engine to function independently of the operational environment, and to: provide an out-of-band communication driver; determine that the operational environment has encountered an error that inhibits network communication; receive security content from a server via the out-of-band communication driver into a third-party storage area; and apply the security content to the computing apparatus. There is also disclosed a method of providing an out-of-band management engine, and one or more tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage mediums having stored instructions for providing an out-of-band management engine.

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

System for prioritized resource allocation across a distributed platform
Patent No. 9912605

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: 14986941 on 01/04/2016 (792 days app to issue)

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods, and computer program products for utilizing dynamic trait compilation and recognition to respond to requests for finite resources associated with a distributed platform are allocated across the distributed platform in a prioritized manner.

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

Data-plane stateful processing units in packet processing pipelines
Patent No. 9912610

Abstract: A synchronous packet-processing pipeline whose data paths are populated with data-plane stateful processing units (DSPUs) is provided. A DSPU is a programmable processor whose operations are synchronous with the dataflow of the packet-processing pipeline. A DSPU performs every computation with fixed latency. Each DSPU is capable of maintaining a set of states and perform its computations based on its maintained set of states. The programming of a DSPU determines how and when the DSPU updates one of its maintained states. Such programming may configure the DSPU to update the state based on its received packet data, or to change the state regardless of the received packet data.

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

Secure network enrollment
Patent No. 9912640

Inventor(s): James Thomas Row, II (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Oceus Networks Inc. (Reston, VA)
Law Firm: Knobbe, Martens, Olson Bear, LLP (9 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15616190 on 06/07/2017 (272 days app to issue)

Abstract: A UE communicates with a network gateway to access a provisioning device via a provisioning network. The provisioning device uses identification data of the UE to authenticate the UE for a primary network, and provides primary network configuration data to the UE. Using the primary network configuration data, the UE communicates with the network gateway to access the primary network. The primary network configuration data can include data to enable the UE to establish communications with one or more private networks accessible via the primary network.

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

Wearable device with receptacle to receive an audio device and method of operating same
Patent No. 9912798

Inventor(s): Alexander Sidorov (Beer Sheva, , IL), Arkady Katz (Beer Sheva, , IL)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Toler Law Group, PC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15073390 on 03/17/2016 (719 days app to issue)

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first transceiver of a wearable device. The first transceiver is configured to communicate using a first communication network having a first communication range. The apparatus further includes a second transceiver of the wearable device. The second transceiver is configured to communicate using a second communication network having a second communication range that is less than the first communication range. The apparatus also includes a receptacle of the wearable device. The receptacle is configured to receive an audio device that is configured to communicate with the second transceiver using the second communication network.

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

Call processing system for modifying inmate communication limits
Patent No. 9912821

Inventor(s): Stephen Lee Hodge (Aubrey, TX)
Assignee(s): Global Tel*Link Corporation (Reston, VA)
Law Firm: Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein Fox P.L.L.C. (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15639798 on 06/30/2017 (249 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system for customizing time limits for inmate communications in a correctional facility is disclosed. The system includes a profile subsystem that stores an inmate profile of the inmate and a communication processing subsystem comprising one or more processors configured to receive data of an inmate communication of an inmate, identify a type of communication device of the inmate and a call recipient of the inmate communication based on the data of the inmate communication, retrieve the inmate profile of the inmate form the profile subsystem, identify a plurality of behaviors of the inmate based on the inmate profile, determine a time limit based on at least one of the type of communication device, the call recipient of the inmate communication, and the plurality of behaviors of the inmate, and assign the time limit to the inmate communication of the inmate.

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

System, apparatus and method to process documents according to document processing profile
Patent No. 9912829

Inventor(s): Qinlei Fan (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): RICOH COMPANY, LTD. (Tokyo, , JP)
Law Firm: Cooper Dunham LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15042731 on 02/12/2016 (753 days app to issue)

Abstract: Tools (for example, system, apparatus, application software, a method, etc.) can be provided for processing scan images corresponding to a hardcopy document that has been scanned according to a document processing profile. For example, when such profile specifies a division size, the scan images corresponding to the scanned hardcopy document may be assembled into multiple divided image files (each no greater than the division size) and such multiple divided image files are sent to a specified scan image target as a grouping of divided image files associated with the hardcopy document.

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

Connector for in-ear systems
Patent No. 9913019

Inventor(s): Elijah Alexander Supper (Weatherford, TX)
Assignee(s): BANZAI DEFENSE GROUP, LLC (Shalimar, FL)
Law Firm: Rao DeBoer Osterrider, PLLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15489115 on 04/17/2017 (323 days app to issue)

Abstract: A connector for providing audio signals to reduce noise during transmissions. A multi-pin connector receives audio signals and a ground, power, and audio signal connector transfers the audio signals to a noise-reduction device. An audio output transfers audio signals from the multi-pin connector to an in-ear system and at, least one ear-protection device. A multi-pin signal separator in communication with the multi-pin connector, the ground, power, and audio signal connector, and the audio output can receive all or a portion of the audio signals from the multi-pin connector, the ground, power, and audio signal connector, and the audio output and can selectively pass the audio signals to at least one of: the in-ear system and the at least one ear-protection device, while accepting a plurality of pin configurations.

[H04R] LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS (producing sounds with frequency not determined by supply frequency G10K) [6]

Using geographical features to reduce in-field propagation experimentation
Patent No. 9913146

Inventor(s): Dinesh Rajan (Dallas, TX), Joseph Camp (Dallas, TX), Matthew Tonnemacher (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Southern Methodist University (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Chalker Flores, LLP (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15399940 on 01/06/2017 (424 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and method for determining cell coverage in a region with reduced in-field propagation measurements comprising: obtaining geographical features of the region; predicting the number of measurements required to accurately characterize its path loss; determining the path loss prediction accuracy of wardriving and crowdsourcing by oversampling a suburban and a downtown region from cell measurements that comprise signal strength and global positioning system coordinates; and using statistical learning to build a relationship between these geographical features and the measurements required, thereby reducing the number of measurements needed to determine path loss accuracy.

[H04B] TRANSMISSION [4]

Communication scheme for channel quality information
Patent No. 9913161

Inventor(s): Alexander Golitschek Edler von Elbwart (Darmstadt, , DE)
Assignee(s): Optis Wireless Technology, LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Nixon Vanderhye P.C. (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15441295 on 02/24/2017 (375 days app to issue)

Abstract: A user equipment (UE) includes a processor to determine channel quality information and a transmitter, coupled to the processor, that transmits first channel quality information reports reporting channel quality information determined for resource blocks at a first reporting frequency. The transmitter also transmits second channel quality information reports reporting channel quality information determined for a subset of resource blocks between transmission of the first channel quality information reports. A plurality of second channel quality information reports for the subset of resource blocks are transmitted at a second reporting frequency different from the second reporting frequency.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Methods, systems, and computer readable media for dynamically configuring customer premises equipment (CPE) in a converged network
Patent No. 9913164

Inventor(s): Ajay Padmakar Deo (Carrollton, TX)
Assignee(s): Oracle International Corporation (Redwood Shores, CA)
Law Firm: Jenkins, Wilson, Taylor Hunt, P.A. (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 13948106 on 07/22/2013 (1688 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for dynamically configuring customer premises equipment (CPE) in a converged network are disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein comprises a method performed at a mobility offload gateway that includes receiving cell site change notification message from a mobile network, determining, based on the change notification message, whether user equipment (UE) can be offloaded to a Wi-Fi network, and in response to determining that the UE can be offloaded, dynamically configuring consumer premises equipment (CPE) associated with the identified Wi-Fi network to support a predetermined quality of service (QoS) for the UE.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

System and method for basic service set association
Patent No. 9913209

Inventor(s): Bin Chen (Shenzhen, , CN), George Calcev (Hoffman Estates, IL)
Assignee(s): FUTUREWEI TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15276205 on 09/26/2016 (526 days app to issue)

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, by a station (STA) from an access point (AP), a frame including a device type indicator and comparing the device type indicator with a device type accepted by a basic service set (BSS) of the AP to produce a comparison. The method also includes determining whether to associate the STA with the AP in accordance with the comparison, associating the STA with the AP upon determining to associate the STA with the AP, and not associating the STA with the AP upon determining not to associate the STA with the AP.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Apparatus, and associated method, for facilitating radio control system operation with an ICS-capable wireless device
Patent No. 9913235

Inventor(s): Jan Hendrik Lucas Bakker (Keller, TX)
Assignee(s): BlackBerry Limited (Waterloo, Ontario, , CA)
Law Firm: Trop, Pruner Hu, P.C. (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 13669140 on 11/05/2012 (1947 days app to issue)

Abstract: An apparatus, and an associated method, for facilitating communication operations with a wireless device that is ICS or DTM capable. A message generator is provided, configured to generate a network-terminated message, the network-terminated message including a media feature tag that identifies support of ICS. When transmitted to a network node, the message is detected. And, a wireless-device-terminated message that provides for mapping of a SIP URI into a calling name presentation.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Communication system and method for multi-line, multi-device service with user capability discovery
Patent No. 9913252

Inventor(s): Anish Sharma (Richardson, TX), Jyotirmay Bareria (Richardson, TX), Vivek Basavaraj (Richardson, TX)
Assignee(s): MAVENIR SYSTEMS, INC. (Richardson, TX)
Law Firm: Ohlandt, Greeley, Ruggiero Perle, L.L.P. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14992848 on 01/11/2016 (785 days app to issue)

Abstract: Communication systems and methods suitable for use with multiple lines associated with one or more devices are disclosed. Exemplary systems and methods provide multi-line, multi-device device capability discovery that allow capability discovery of devices with shared lines.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Random access method and apparatus of UE in mobile communication system
Patent No. 9913258

Inventor(s): Boon Loong Ng (Richardson, TX)
Assignee(s): Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (Suwon-si, , KR)
Law Firm: Jefferson IP Law, LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15137636 on 04/25/2016 (680 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for performing random access and uplink transmission of a User Equipment (UE) supporting Carrier Aggregation (CA) are provided. The method includes determining whether a Scheduling Request (SR) is pending, determining, when the SR is pending, whether an uplink transmission resource is available in a current Transmission Time Interval (TTI), determining, when the uplink transmission resource is not available, whether a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resource is configured for transmission of the SR, and initiating, when the PUCCH resource is not configured, a random access process in a primary cell. The random access method and apparatus of the present invention is advantageous to reduce the waste of transmission resources.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Providing a downlink control structure in a first carrier to indicate information in a second, different carrier
Patent No. 9913276

Inventor(s): Jun Li (Richardson, TX), Neng Wang (Plano, TX), Yi Song (Plano, TX), Yuqiang Tang (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Apple Inc. (Cupertino, CA)
Law Firm: Meyertons, Hood, Kivlin, Kowert Goetzel, P.C. (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15294979 on 10/17/2016 (505 days app to issue)

Abstract: A mobile station receives a downlink control structure in a first carrier, where the downlink control structure indicates that control information for the mobile station is on a second, different carrier. The mobile station decodes the control information in the second carrier, where the control information specifies resource allocation of a wireless link for the mobile station. More specifically, according to some implementations, the control channel in the first carrier specifies the resource allocation for an extended control channel in the second carrier, where the extended control channel specifies the resource allocation for traffic data of a wireless link for the mobile station.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Push-to-talk-over-cellular (PoC)
Patent No. 9913300

Inventor(s): Anand Narayanan (Plano, TX), Arun Velayudhan (Karnataka, , IN), Basem A. Ardah (Plano, TX), Bharatram Setti (Karnataka, , IN), Brahmananda R. Vempati (Dallas, TX), Gorachand Kundu (Karnataka, , IN), Harisha M. Negalaguli (Richa
Assignee(s): Kodiak Networks, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Slater Matsil, LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 13710683 on 12/11/2012 (1911 days app to issue)

Abstract: A Push-to-Talk-over Cellular (PoC) implementation for use in a wireless communications network, wherein one or more servers interface to the wireless communications network to perform the PoC call sessions. Both the servers and the mobile units that use the PoC call sessions communicate with each other using SIP/IP (Session Initiation Protocol/Internet Protocol) control messages within the wireless communications network, and one or more of the servers switches RTP/IP (Realtime Transport Protocol/Internet Protocol), RTCP/IP (Realtime Transport Control Protocol/Internet Protocol), or MBCP/IP (Media Burst Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) voice packets for the PoC call sessions between the mobile units across the wireless communications network.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

DESIGN PATENTS

[PATENT BELOW, IMAGE VIA USPTO]

Flight safety vest for a lap child
Patent No. D812307

Inventor(s): Gregory T Nieberding (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Digital Three, Inc. (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Dentons US LLP (Local + 12 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 29613540 on 08/10/2017 (208 days app to issue)

Abstract: No Abstract Patent Class: N/A

Cosmetic spatula
Patent No. D812295

Inventor(s): Jenny DeMarco Staab (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): Mary Kay Inc. (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP (Local + 11 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 29584382 on 11/14/2016 (477 days app to issue)

Abstract: No Abstract Patent Class: N/A

Diagnostic analyzers
Patent No. D811913

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: 29587978 on 12/16/2016 (445 days app to issue)

Abstract: No Abstract Patent Class: N/A

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Dallas Invents: 81 Patents Granted for Week of March 6

Patents were granted for Nike’s golf club heads, Digital Three’s flight safety vest, Lennox’s system for replacing air filters, and more.

THIS WEEK, BY THE NUMBERS
Week of March. 6, 2018 | Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington (19100)

UTILITY PATENTS

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Dallas Invents: 81 Patents Granted for Week of March 6

Patents were granted for Nike’s golf club heads, Digital Three’s flight safety vest, Lennox’s system for replacing air filters, and more.

THIS WEEK, BY THE NUMBERS Week of March. 6, 2018 | Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington (19100)

UTILITY PATENTS

DESIGN PATENTS

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R E A D N E X T

THIS WEEK, BY THE NUMBERS
Week of March. 6, 2018 | Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington (19100)

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Dallas Innovates, every day.