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 Jan. 19, 2021 | Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington (19100)

83 patents granted Ranked No. 10 in patent production out of 250 metros

NO. OF PATENTS BY CLASSIFICATION

A: HUMAN NECESSITIES 11
B: PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING 15
C: CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY 1
E: FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS 1
F: MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING 4
G: PHYSICS 16
H: ELECTRICITY 33

DESIGN: 2

TOP ASSIGNEES
(NO. OF PATENTS)

Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas) 20
Toyota Motor Engineering Manufacturing North America Inc.(Plano) 5
Futurewei Technologies Inc. (Plano) 4
Lennox Industries Inc. (Richardson) 3
Advanced Neuromodulation Systems Inc. (Plano) 2
Corning Research Development Corporation (Corning, NY) 2
IBM Corp. (Armonk, NY) 2
TRAXXAS LP (McKinney) 2

UNASSIGNED 6

TOP LOCAL INVENTORS
(NO. OF PATENTS)

Adam Cole Ewing (McKinney) 2
Diana Rodriguez (Fort Worth) 2
Karyne Poissant Prevratil (Fort Worth) 2
Otto Karl Allmendinger (Rowlett) 2
Sam Allen (Maypearl) 2

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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

Device and system for rodent control and extermination
Patent No. 10893671

Inventor(s): Jon D. Nelson (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Alston Bird LLP (Local + 10 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16806683 on 03/02/2020 (323 days app to issue)

Abstract: Systems, devices, and associated methods of manufacturing are described that provide a rodent extermination system for efficient rodent population control. An example rodent extermination system includes a vacuum unit configured to generate suction and an extermination chamber. The extermination chamber defines a first end attached to and in fluid communication with the vacuum unit and a second end in fluid communication with an external environment. The system also includes at least one presence sensor and at least two electrocution plates. The at least two electrocution plates are electrified such that the rodent is electrocuted via contact with the electrocution plates, and the vacuum unit generates suction such that the rodent is moved through the extermination chamber. The vacuum unit may comprise a kill plate into which the rodent is ejected at high velocity in order to induce cervical dislocation or blunt force trauma to the rodent.

[A01M] CATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS (appliances for catching swarms or drone-catching A01K 57/00; fishing A01K 69/00-A01K 97/00; biocides, pest repellants or attractants A01N); APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUS PLANTS

Hands-free grooming apparatus and methods of use thereof
Patent No. 10893735

Inventor(s): Michael J. Krost (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Beard Stencil (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15338312 on 10/28/2016 (1544 days app to issue)

Abstract: A hands-free grooming device configured to align with a center point on a user”s chin and secure to the user”s face via tension created between the user”s face when a plurality of tabs are secured to form head and neck straps. Once secured, the grooming device enables the user to perform grooming operations without holding the grooming device in place, resulting in a consistently shaped beard with defined edges.

[A45D] HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; MANICURING OR OTHER COSMETIC TREATMENT (wigs, toupees, or the like A41G 3/00, A41G 5/00; hairdressers’ chairs A47C 1/04; hair cutting appliances, razors B26B)

Locker with illuminated indicia
Patent No. 10893759

Inventor(s): Sam Allen (Maypearl, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16751732 on 01/24/2020 (361 days app to issue)

Abstract: A locker assembly having a backlit indicia includes a pair of sidewalls and a horizontal top defining a locker enclosure. At least one shelf extends at least partially between the sidewalls and defines a storage space in the locker enclosure. An illuminated panel extending at least partially between the sidewalls includes: an at least partially translucent sheet, a plurality of powered lighting elements disposed under the sheet, and a lighting enclosure cooperating with the panel to enclose the lighting elements.

[A47F] SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS, OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS

Heart rate measurement and a photoplethysmograph (PPG) heart rate monitor
Patent No. 10893815

Inventor(s): David Patrick Magee (Allen, TX), Tarkesh Pande (Richardson, TX)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16271246 on 02/08/2019 (711 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for heart rate measurement in a photoplethysmograph (PPG) heart rate monitor device is provided that includes performing motion compensation on a PPG signal wherein a motion compensated PPG signal PPG[subscript]accX [/subscript]is generated with reference to an X-axis acceleration signal, a motion compensated PPG signal PPG[subscript]accY [/subscript]is generated with reference to a Y-axis acceleration signal, and a motion compensated PPG signal PPG[subscript]accZ [/subscript]is generated with reference to a Z-axis acceleration signal, combining PPG[subscript]accX[/subscript], PPG[subscript]accY[/subscript], and PPG[subscript]accZ [/subscript]to generate a final motion compensated PPG signal, wherein a first weight is applied PPG[subscript]accX[/subscript], a second weight is applied to PPG[subscript]accY[/subscript], and a third weight is applied to PPG[subscript]accZ[/subscript], performing a single Fourier Transform (FT) on the final motion compensated PPG signal to generate a frequency domain PPG signal; and estimating a heart rate based on the frequency domain PPG signal.

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

Optical device and method for modifying the refractive index of an optical material
Patent No. 10893936

Inventor(s): Dharmendra Jani (Keller, TX)
Assignee(s): University of Rochester (Rochester, NY)
Law Firm: Harter Secrest Emery LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16388992 on 04/19/2019 (641 days app to issue)

Abstract: An optical device comprising an optical hydrogel with select regions that have been irradiated with laser light having a pulse energy from 0.01 nJ to 50 nJ and a wavelength from 600 nm to 900 nm. The irradiated regions are characterized by a positive change in refractive index of from 0.01 to 0.06, and exhibit little or no scattering loss. The optical hydrogel is prepared with a hydrophilic monomer.

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

Microbial-relief composition
Patent No. 10894032

Inventor(s): Dominic G. Brown (McKinney, TX), James Pate (Little Rock, AR), Ronald J. Lockard (McKinney, TX)
Assignee(s): CURAZENE, LLC (McKinney, TX)
Law Firm: Chalker Flores, LLP (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14671841 on 03/27/2015 (2125 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present invention includes an antimicrobial composition comprising a safe and effective amount of a surfactant, e.g., sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, a safe and effective amount of ascorbic acid; and optionally a safe and effective amount of an excipient, e.g., magnesium stearate. The composition may further comprise a safe and effective amount of an antibiotic, a safe and effective amount of stearic acid, a dermatologically acceptable cream compound, a chlorine compound, and/or an abrasion material.

[A61K] PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL, OR TOILET PURPOSES (devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms A61J 3/00; chemical aspects of, or use of materials for deodorisation of air, for disinfection or sterilisation, or for bandages, dressings, absorbent pads or surgical articles A61L; soap compositions C11D)

Phospholipid preparations for the improvement of sleep
Patent No. 10894056

Inventor(s): Arnold W. Mech (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): ENZYMOTEC LTD (Migdal Haemeq, , IL)
Law Firm: Fox Rothschild LLP (12 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15743165 on 07/11/2016 (1653 days app to issue)

Abstract: Phospholipid preparations for the improvement of sleep and/or treatment of sleep disorders. Methods of improving sleep and/or treating sleep disorders comprising administering the same.

Method and device to treat chronic pain with burst stimulation
Patent No. 10894159

Inventor(s): Dirk De Ridder (Waverley, , NZ)
Assignee(s): ADVANCED NEUROMODULATION SYSTEMS, INC. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: The Small Patent Law Group LLC (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16226135 on 12/19/2018 (762 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present application relates to a new stimulation design which can be utilized to treat neurological conditions. The stimulation system produces a combination of burst and tonic stimulation which alters the neuronal activity of the predetermined site, thereby treating the neurological condition or disorder.

[A61N] ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY (measurement of bioelectric currents A61B; surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body A61B 18/00; anaesthetic apparatus in general A61M; incandescent lamps H01K; infra-red radiators for heating H05B) [6]

Stimulation therapy lead trial cable connector
Patent No. 10894166

Inventor(s): Aaron Raines (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16255564 on 01/23/2019 (727 days app to issue)

Abstract: A multi-lead stimulation lead connector for facilitating electrical and mechanical connectivity between one or more stimulation leads and a pulse generator, e.g., an EPG used in a test stimulation system. One or more cam lock assemblies are disposed in a housing, each cam lock assembly comprising a cam knob and a cam shaft and having a longitudinal channel defined therein for accepting a proximal end of a respective stimulation lead, the proximal end having a plurality of terminal contact electrodes. By actuating a rotational movement of the cam knob, the cam lock assembly is unlocked in a first direction for guiding the proximal end and locked in a second direction for securely holding the proximal end and effectuating electrical connectivity with a plurality of conductors encapsulated in a cable for interfacing with the EPG.

Motor-operated model vehicle
Patent No. 10894218

Inventor(s): Adam Cole Ewing (McKinney, TX), Casey Christen Jens Christensen (McKinney, TX), Jonathan Scott Wood (Plano, TX), Otto Karl Allmendinger (Rowlett, TX)
Assignee(s): TRAXXAS LP (McKinney, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15272127 on 09/21/2016 (1581 days app to issue)

Abstract: Provided are methods, apparatus and articles for vehicles, such as or relating to a skid-plate shock absorber, body mounting, chassis assembly, component securing, engine mounting, slipper clutch, and transmission housing that may be employed in the assembly, operation, and control of vehicles.

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

Vehicle seats providing access to child seat release latches
Patent No. 10894492

Inventor(s): Lauren Abro (West Bloomfield, MI)
Assignee(s): TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Dinsmore Shohl LLP (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16364750 on 03/26/2019 (665 days app to issue)

Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle seat includes a seating portion and a seat back extending from the seating portion. The seat back defines a rear facing surface and a recessed area formed in the rear facing surface. The recessed area extends from an upper surface of the seat back toward a central portion of the seat back. The recessed area defines a void between the vehicle seat and a child seat positioned proximate to the seat back.

[A47C] CHAIRS (seats specially adapted for vehicles B60N 2/00); SOFAS; BEDS (upholstery in general B68G)

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

Silicon carbide filter membrane and methods of use
Patent No. 10894233

Inventor(s): Abuagela Rashed (Denton, TX), Troy Scoggins (Decatur, TX)
Assignee(s): ENTEGRIS, INC. (Billerica, MA)
Law Firm: Entegris, Inc. (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16027896 on 07/05/2018 (929 days app to issue)

Abstract: Described are silicon carbide filters for use with liquid metals such as liquid tin, as well as methods of using such a filter to remove particles from the liquid metal, and systems and processes that use the filtered liquid metal.

[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 for image guided assembly and a fastening tool for assembly of a structure
Patent No. 10894304

Inventor(s): Grant M. Beall (Arlington, TX)
Assignee(s): Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: Timmer Law Group, PLLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16140122 on 09/24/2018 (848 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system for image guided assembly of a structure, the structure defining an interior area accessible through at least one access opening, the interior area including at least one fastener hole. The system including a first fastening tool including an arm with first and second ends; and a support plate on the first end, the support plate including at least one connection member to securely retain a fastener therein, the at least one connection member configured to facilitate alignment of the fastener with the at least one fastener hole; an image capturing device disposed on the arm first end configured to generate a captured image of the interior area; a light source associated with the arm first end, the light source configured to generate light at the first end of the arm; and a display device located outside the interior area for displaying the captured image of the interior area.

[B25B] TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING, OR HOLDING

Syncing apparatuses, process dollies, and conveyor assemblies
Patent No. 10894313

Inventor(s): Michael P. Meyer (Georgetown, KY)
Assignee(s): TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Dinsmore Shohl LLP (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15988486 on 05/24/2018 (971 days app to issue)

Abstract: A syncing apparatus for synchronizing a process dolly to a conveyor includes a mounting frame and a sync arm. The mounting frame is configured to be mounted to a frame of the process dolly. The sync arm is coupled to the mounting frame and includes a wheel and a biasing member coupled to the wheel and configured to bias the wheel to an extended position. The wheel is configured to contact a contact feature of the conveyor to synchronize the process dolly to a movement of the conveyor when biased to the extended position. Compression of the biasing member moves the wheel to a retracted position wherein the wheel is configured to traverse the contact feature of the conveyor and the process dolly is unsynchronized from the movement of the conveyor.

[B25H] WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT, e.g. FOR MARKING-OUT WORK; STORAGE MEANS FOR WORKSHOPS

Magnetic attachment for shaving cartridge
Patent No. 10894331

Inventor(s): Craig A. Provost (Newport Beach, CA), John W. Griffin (Moultonborough, NH), Robert A. Wilson (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): ShaveLogic, Inc. (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Leber IP Law (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16835670 on 03/31/2020 (294 days app to issue)

Abstract: Shaving systems are disclosed that include a replaceable shaving assembly and a cartridge connecting structure for connecting the shaving assembly to a handle. In preferred implementations, the cartridge connecting structure has a magnetic portion configured to help draw the cartridge onto the handle and retain the cartridge in place when the razor is not in contact with the skin, and a mechanical engagement that provides the necessary retention forces required to keep the system intact during shaving.

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

Process for manufacture of a thermochromic contact lens material
Patent No. 10894374

Inventor(s): Holly L. Grammer (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): Johnson Johnson Vision Care, Inc. (Jacksonville, FL)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15949649 on 04/10/2018 (1015 days app to issue)

Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is a process for manufacturing a thermochromic contact lens. The process includes (1) selecting a photoinitiator that absorbs at a first wavelength and at least one thermochromic dye that displays substantial absorption at the first wavelength when the dye is at a first temperature and exhibits at least an 80% reduction in absorbance at the first wavelength at a second temperature, (2) maintaining the reaction mixture at the second temperature and (3) providing cure light that includes the first wavelength.

[B29D] PRODUCING PARTICULAR ARTICLES FROM PLASTICS OR FROM SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE (making granules B29B 9/00; making preforms B29B 11/00) [4]

Retractable gap blocker for center console
Patent No. 10894494

Inventor(s): James D. Cunningham (Clarkston, MI)
Assignee(s): Toyota Motor Engineering Manufacturing North America, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Darrow Mustafa PC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16364954 on 03/26/2019 (665 days app to issue)

Abstract: A gap blocker assembly for a vehicle is provided. The gap blocker assembly includes a passage extending through an outer wall of a vehicle center console. A gap blocker resides in the passage and is configured to be positionable in an extended position in which the gap blocker extends from the passage past the outer wall to an exterior of the console. The gap blocker is also configured to be positionable in a retracted position in which the gap blocker does not extend past the outer wall.

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

Recovery unit for recovering vehicles
Patent No. 10894500

Inventor(s): James D. Bennett, Jr. (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): CGB Holdings, L.L.C. (Kennedale, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16909607 on 06/23/2020 (210 days app to issue)

Abstract: A recovery system for recovering wrecked vehicles in difficult-to-access locations generally includes a frame, a front plate, a rear plate with a mounting system for mounting the recovery system to an operating vehicle, a guide shaft and guide wheel, a boom assembly, a horse head assembly mounted in a cable sleeve in a pivot end of the boom assembly, a winch, and a cable running from the winch over and along the boom and through the horse head assembly. The horse head assembly generally includes a clevis, a clevis pin, a sheave wheel, and a cable guide. The clevis preferably rotates within the cable sleeve with respect to the boom assembly, the cable guide preferably pivots on top of the boom assembly, and the sheave wheel and cable guide preferably freely rotate on the clevis pin and preferably translate along the clevis pin.

[B60P] VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS (vehicles with special provisions for transporting patients or disabled persons, or their personal conveyances A61G 3/00)

Railroad virtual track block system
Patent No. 10894550

Inventor(s): Jerry Wade Specht (Overland Park, KS), Kent Robert Shue (Tonganoxie, KS), Mitchell Wayne Beard (Shawnee, KS), Ralph E. Young (Osawatomie, KS)
Assignee(s): BNSF Railway Company (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: Whitaker Chalk Swindle Schwartz (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15965680 on 04/27/2018 (998 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method of railroad track control includes partitioning a physical track block into a plurality of virtual track blocks, the physical track block defined by first and second insulated joints disposed at corresponding first and second ends of a length of railroad track. The presence of an electrical circuit discontinuity in one of the plurality of virtual track blocks; is detected and in response a corresponding virtual track block position code indicating the presence of the discontinuity in the one of the plurality of virtual track blocks is generated.

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

Dolly tongue manipulation mechanism
Patent No. 10894553

Inventor(s): Eddie Estanqueiro (Milton, , CA), Rommel B. Ceniza (Guelph, , CA)
Assignee(s): Toyota Motor Engineering Manufacturing North America, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Darrow Mustafa PC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16189012 on 11/13/2018 (798 days app to issue)

Abstract: A transport dolly includes a base and a tongue rotatably mounted to the base. At least one support is mounted to the base. A first cable guide is coupled to the at least one support. A lever is rotatable between a first orientation and a second orientation. A cable has a first portion attached to the tongue. The cable extends from the tongue to the first cable guide, then to the lever. The lever pulls on the cable when the lever is rotated from the first orientation to the second orientation, so as to decrease a distance between the cable first portion and the first cable guide, thereby rotating the tongue from a lowered orientation to a raised orientation. A spring mechanism exerts a force on the lever to prevent rotation of the lever from the second orientation to the first orientation when the tongue is raised.

[B62B] HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES (characterised by animal propulsion B62C; propulsion of sledges by driver or engine B62M)

Systems and applications of lighter-than-air (LTA) platforms
Patent No. 10894592

Inventor(s): Eric A. Frische (Addison, TX)
Assignee(s): SPACE DATA CORPORATION (Chandler, AZ)
Law Firm: Dave Law Group LLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16886870 on 05/29/2020 (235 days app to issue)

Abstract: Innovative new systems and method of operating the systems, wherein the system comprises an airborne platform comprising an unmanned balloon comprising a gas enclosure; a geographic locator or tracking system configured to determine geographical coordinates of the unmanned balloon; a payload comprising a transceiver, wherein the transceiver is capable of communicating with communication devices that are separate from the unmanned balloon; first and second flight-termination devices each configured to cause termination of a flight of the unmanned balloon; and at least two power sources each configured to provide power to at least one of the first and second flight-termination devices.

[B64B] LIGHTER-THAN-AIR AIRCRAFT (ground installations for aircraft in general B64F)

Unmanned aerial vehicles with compact storage mode
Patent No. 10894602

Inventor(s): Dakota Charles Easley (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Textron Innovations Inc. (Providence, RI)
Law Firm: Lawrence Youst PLLC (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16113519 on 08/27/2018 (876 days app to issue)

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle has a flight mode and a compact storage mode. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes an airframe having first and second wings with first and second pylons extending therebetween. A thrust array is coupled to the airframe including two propulsion assemblies coupled to each of the first and second wings. An electric power system is operably associated with the thrust array and operable to provide power to each propulsion assembly. A flight control system is operably associated with the thrust array and operable to independently control the speed of each propulsion assembly. In the flight mode, the first and second wings are substantially parallel with the vertical dimension therebetween at a maximum. In the compact storage mode, the first and second pylons are rotated relative to the first and second wings such that the vertical dimension between the first and second wings is at a minimum.

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

System and method for filling containers with fluids
Patent No. 10894620

Inventor(s): Joshua Malone (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Tinnus Enterprises LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 14976055 on 12/21/2015 (1856 days app to issue)

Abstract: An example embodiment of an apparatus includes a housing with an opening at a first end and a plurality of holes at a second end, a plurality of hollow tubes attached to the plurality of holes, a plurality of containers removably attached to the hollow tubes, and a plurality of elastic fasteners, each elastic fastener clamping each container to a corresponding hollow tube, such that when the containers are filled with fluid and detached from the corresponding hollow tubes, each elastic fastener seals each container with the fluid inside.

[B65B] MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING (bundling and pressing devices for cigars A24C 1/44; devices for tensioning and securing binders adapted to be supported by the article or articles to be bound B25B 25/00; applying closure members to bottles, jars or similar containers B67B 1/00-B67B 6/00; concurrent cleaning, filling and closing of bottles B67C 7/00; emptying bottles, jars, cans, casks, barrels or similar containers B67C 9/00)

Method and apparatus for storing and dispensing bagged ice
Patent No. 10894662

Inventor(s): Henrik Pape (Horsens, , DK)
Assignee(s): REDDY ICE TECHNOLOGY LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Haynes and Boone, LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16136826 on 09/20/2018 (852 days app to issue)

Abstract: An article storage and dispensing apparatus and method in which articles made by series production are distributed from an article supplier into a storage compartment of predetermined dimensions for storage of articles in front and rear rows of article storage positions. An article distributor in the storage compartment has a carriage, a carriage drive which is configured to drive the carriage in a reversible horizontal carriage drive direction across at least part of the width of the storage compartment, and an article support mounted on the carriage and configured to receive articles from the article supplier above the support when the carriage is in a start position. An article dispenser is associated with the article support to dispense articles selectively in opposite horizontal dispensing directions transverse to the carriage drive direction off the front and rear ends of the support to drop into front and rear article rows.

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

Optical electronics device
Patent No. 10894712

Inventor(s): Simon Joshua Jacobs (Lucas, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15975349 on 05/09/2018 (986 days app to issue)

Abstract: An optical electronics device includes first, second and third wafers. The first wafer has a semiconductor substrate with a dielectric layer on a side of the semiconductor substrate. The second wafer has a transparent substrate with an anti-reflective coating on a side of the transparent substrate. The first wafer is bonded to the second wafer at a silicon dioxide layer between the semiconductor substrate and the anti-reflective coating. The first and second wafers include a cavity extending from the dielectric layer through the semiconductor substrate and through the silicon dioxide layer to the anti-reflective coating. The third wafer includes micromechanical elements. The third wafer is bonded to the dielectric layer, and the micromechanical elements are contained within the cavity.

[B81C] PROCESSES OR APPARATUS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE MANUFACTURE OR TREATMENT OF MICROSTRUCTURAL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS (making microcapsules or microballoons B01J 13/02; processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment of piezo-electric, electrostrictive or magnetostrictive elements per se H01L 41/22) [7]

Mobile device transport parking notification and movement tracking
Patent No. 10896611

Inventor(s): David Gerard Ledet (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): OPEN INVENTION NETWORK LLC (Durham, NC)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16821960 on 03/17/2020 (308 days app to issue)

Abstract: Tracking movements of mobile devices may provide insight into parking space availability for transports deemed to be associated with those mobile devices. One example method of operation may include tracking movements of mobile devices within a predefined geographical area, identifying a first movement of a first mobile device as being limited to a predetermined threshold distance, identifying a second movement of the first mobile device as having a movement speed that is greater than a movement speed of the first movement, and designating the mobile device as being inside a transport leaving a parking spot.

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

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

Densifying a nanofiber forest
Patent No. 10894718

Inventor(s): Chi Huynh (Richardson, TX)
Assignee(s): LINTEC OF AMERICA, INC. (Richardson, TX)
Law Firm: Greenblum Bernstein, P.L.C. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15956269 on 04/18/2018 (1007 days app to issue)

Abstract: A nanofiber forest is described that has been processed to increase a number of nanofibers per unit area (referred to as ”areal density” or, equivalently, ”density”) compared to the nanofiber forest in its as-synthesized state. This increase in areal density is accomplished by physically manipulating a deformable substrate on which the nanofiber forest is disposed. At a high level, this physical manipulation begins by transferring the nanofiber forest from a growth substrate to a deformable substrate. A surface area of the deformable substrate is reduced relative to a surface area of the substrate when the nanofiber forest was attached. This reduction in area causes the nanofibers in the forest to move closer to one another, thus increasing the number of nanofibers per unit area.

[C01B] NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF (fermentation or enzyme-using processes for the preparation of elements or inorganic compounds except carbon dioxide C12P 3/00; production of non-metallic elements or inorganic compounds by electrolysis or electrophoresis C25B)

[E] FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS

Stabilizing features in a wear member assembly
Patent No. 10895064

Inventor(s): Isai Diaz (Arlington, TX), Mohamad Bilal (Little Elm, TX)
Assignee(s): Hensley Industries, Inc. (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Haynes and Boone, LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16687432 on 11/18/2019 (428 days app to issue)

Abstract: A wear member may include a front end and a rear end and a longitudinal axis extending therethrough. The rear end may have a cavity formed therein with a rear portion and a forward portion. The cavity may have two horizontal surfaces in cross-section and converging toward the longitudinal axis. The cavity may have four substantially planar surfaces that are oblique in cross-section. A first two of the four substantially planar surfaces may be disposed on a first lateral side of the two horizontal surfaces, and a second two of the four substantially planar surfaces may disposed on a second lateral side of the two horizontal surfaces. An intermediate portion may be disposed between the rear portion and the forward portion, with the intermediate portion comprising a different number of surfaces in cross-section than a number of surfaces of the rear portion and the forward portion in cross-section.

[E02F] DREDGING; SOIL-SHIFTING (winning peat E21C 49/00)

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

Systems and methods for managing freshness of fuel in a vehicle
Patent No. 10895234

Inventor(s): Heraldo F. Stefanon (Dexter, MI), Joshua D. Payne (Ann Arbor, MI)
Assignee(s): Toyota Motor Engineering Manufacturing North America, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Darrow Mustafa PC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16356241 on 03/18/2019 (673 days app to issue)

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein relate to managing the freshness of the fuel in a vehicle. One embodiment tracks a freshness level of the fuel in the vehicle as time passes; determines a fuel consumption plan based, at least in part, on a predetermined refueling schedule for the vehicle and the freshness level of the fuel in the vehicle; and activates an internal combustion engine of the vehicle automatically on one or more occasions in accordance with the fuel consumption plan to consume at least a portion of the fuel.

[F02N] STARTING OF COMBUSTION ENGINES (starting of free-piston combustion-engines F02B 71/02; starting of gas-turbine plants F02C 7/26); STARTING AIDS FOR SUCH ENGINES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR

Resilient operation of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system
Patent No. 10895396

Inventor(s): Daniel A. Castillo (Dallas, TX), Jayprakash Charavda (Irving, TX), Nguyen T. Ho (Highland Village, TX), Sunil K. Khiani (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Lennox Industries Inc. (Richardson, TX)
Law Firm: Baker Botts L.L.P. (Local + 8 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14712035 on 05/14/2015 (2077 days app to issue)

Abstract: In one embodiment, an HVAC system includes a first control unit communicatively coupled to a first plurality of HVAC units and a second control unit communicatively coupled to a second plurality of HVAC units. The first control unit may connect to the second control unit using a Wi-Fi direct protocol to create an HVAC control network. The first control unit and second control unit may each detect and connect to a Wi-Fi network comprising a wireless access point. The first and second control units may then communicate concurrently over both the HVAC control network and the Wi-Fi network. The first control unit may detect a user device over the Wi-Fi network, receive a first command from the user device over the Wi-Fi network, and communicate the first command to the second control unit over the Wi-Fi network. The first control unit may detect a communication failure in the Wi-Fi network, communicate with the user device over the HVAC network using the Wi-Fi direct protocol, receive a second command from the user device over the HVAC control network, and transmit the second command to the first plurality of HVAC units.

[F24F] AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING (removing dirt or fumes from areas where they are produced B08B 15/00; vertical ducts for carrying away waste gases from buildings E04F 17/02; tops for chimneys or ventilating shafts, terminals for flues F23L 17/02)

Method and system for compressor modulation in non-communicating mode
Patent No. 10895413

Inventor(s): Eric Berg (The Colony, TX), Umesh Gokhale (Irving, TX)
Assignee(s): Lennox Industries Inc. (Richardson, TX)
Law Firm: Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley Norton, LLP (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16261910 on 01/30/2019 (720 days app to issue)

Abstract: An HVAC system includes a pressure sensor is disposed in a suction line between a compressor and an indoor heat-exchange coil. The pressure sensor is electrically coupled to a compressor controller. An HVAC controller is electrically coupled to the compressor controller. The HVAC controller is configured to transmit a signal to the compressor controller to activate and de-activate the compressor. The compressor controller is configured to receive a signal from the HVAC controller to activate the compressor, determine a start speed of the compressor, monitor a run time of the compressor, and modulate a speed of the compressor.

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

High-speed drying unit for locker
Patent No. 10895418

Inventor(s): John Allen (Desoto, TX), Sam Allen (Maypearl, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16821699 on 03/17/2020 (308 days app to issue)

Abstract: A locker includes a pair of upstanding sidewalls and at least one compartment defined between the upstanding sidewalls. A drying compartment includes upper and lower horizontal panels, at least one of the upper and lower panels being hollow and extending at least partially between the sidewalls. A pair of compartment sidewalls are connected to the panels, at least one of the compartment sidewalls being in fluid communication with the at least one hollow upper and lower panels. A perforated rear panel is connected to the compartment sidewalls and the upper and lower panels and is in fluid communication with an interior of the drying compartment. A fan is disposed in one of the compartment sidewalls. The fan draws air from at least one hollow upper and lower panels, directs it into the interior of the drying compartment, and the air is exhausted from the compartment though the perforated rear panel.

[F26B] DRYING SOLID MATERIALS OR OBJECTS BY REMOVING LIQUID THEREFROM (drying devices for combines A01D 41/133; racks for drying fruit or vegetables A01F 25/12; drying foodstuffs A23; drying hair A45D 20/00; body-drying implements A47K 10/00; drying household articles A47L; drying gases or vapours B01D; chemical or physical processes for dewatering or like separating liquids from solids B01D 43/00; centrifugal apparatus B04; drying ceramics C04B 33/30; drying yarns or fabrics in association with some other form of treatment D06C; drying frames for laundry without heating or positive air circulation, domestic laundry-or spin-driers, wringing or hot pressing laundry D06F; furnaces, kilns, ovens F27)

P H Y S I C S

Air quality monitoring, analysis and reporting system
Patent No. 10895518

Inventor(s): Karl J. Cama (Southlake, TX)
Assignee(s): International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY (Armonk, NY)
Law Firm: Schmeiser, Olsen Watts, LLP (6 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15166490 on 05/27/2016 (1698 days app to issue)

Abstract: Tools, methods and systems for filtering air, identifying contaminants in the air being filtered, collectivizing the contaminant data from a network of filtering systems to identify the source of the contaminant, allowing for real-time mapping of the flow of contaminants in the air and predictive location mapping. Filtration systems receive, analyze, identify, track and report the presence of contaminants in the air using one or more computing systems, or specialized air filtration systems which may be either a self-contained computing systems, connected to a computing system or connected to a computing network. Messaging services provide updates, alerts and reports regarding the presence of the contaminant to the general public and/or selective alerts to medically sensitive or endangered individuals whose medical information indicates the contaminant is harmful or dangerous to particular individuals present in the surrounding area.

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

At-speed test access port operations
Patent No. 10895598

Inventor(s): Lee D. Whetsel (Parker, TX)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16689764 on 11/20/2019 (426 days app to issue)

Abstract: This disclosure describes different ways to improve the operation of a device”s 1149.1 TAP to where the TAP can perform at-speed Update Capture, Shift Capture and Back to Back Capture Shift operations. In a first embodiment of the disclosure the at-speed operations are achieved by time division multiplexing CMD signals onto the TMS input to the TAP. The CMD signals are input to a CMD circuit that operates in conjunction with a Dual Port Router to execute the at-speed operations of a circuit. In a second embodiment of the disclosure the at-speed operations are achieved by detecting the TAP”s Exit1DR state as a CMD signal that is input to the CMD circuit that operates in conjunction with a Dual Port Router to execute the at-speed operations of a circuit. In a third embodiment of the disclosure the at-speed operations are achieved by detecting the TAP”s Exit1DR and PauseDR states and in response producing Capture and Update signals that are input to a Programmable Switch that operates in conjunction with a Dual Port Router to execute the at-speed operations of a circuit. In a fourth embodiment of the disclosure the at-speed operations are achieved by detecting the TAP”s Exit1DR and PauseDR states and inputting these states to a Dual Port Router to control the at-speed operations of a circuit. Each of the embodiments may be augmented to include externally accessible Update and Capture input signals that can be selected to allow a tester to directly control the at-speed ope

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

Cable retention couplers and related methods
Patent No. 10895694

Inventor(s): Diana Rodriguez (Fort Worth, TX), Karyne Poissant Prevratil (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): Corning Research Development Corporation (Corning, NY)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16844189 on 04/09/2020 (285 days app to issue)

Abstract: A retention assembly for coupling a cable including a plurality of optical fibers to a support may include a retention anchor configured to be coupled to a support and a retention coupler configured to be coupled to a cable. The retention anchor may include a mounting plate configured to be coupled to a support and defining an entry hole extending through the mounting plate and an engagement slot extending from a periphery of the entry hole. The retention coupler may include a retention support and a retainer blade coupled to a first coupler face of the retention support via an extension. The retainer blade may be configured to be passed through the entry hole, such that the extension extends through the entry hole of the mounting plate, and the extension slides within the engagement slot of the mounting plate.

[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]

Enclosure for splicing of optical fibers
Patent No. 10895695

Inventor(s): Diana Rodriguez (Fort Worth, TX), Harley Joseph Staber (Coppell, TX), Karyne Poissant Prevratil (Fort Worth, TX), Michael Gene Thornton, Jr. (Fort Worth, TX), Richard David Morris (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): Corning Research Development Corporation (Corning, NY)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16844202 on 04/09/2020 (285 days app to issue)

Abstract: A splice enclosure for providing a space for receipt of a plurality of spliced optical fibers of a plurality of cables may include a cabinet including a rear wall, a first side wall coupled to the rear wall, and a second side wall coupled to the rear wall. The cabinet may also include a lower wall coupled to the first side wall, the second side wall, and/or the rear wall. The splice enclosure may further include a splice tray assembly, which may include a splice tray housing pivotally coupled to the cabinet, and a plurality of splice trays pivotally coupled to the splice tray housing and configured to provide a space for receipt of a plurality of spliced optical fibers of a plurality of cables. The splice tray housing may be pivotally coupled to the cabinet, such that the splice tray housing pivots.

Regulation circuit to facilitate USB cable compliance
Patent No. 10895899

Inventor(s): Deric Wayne Waters (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15856697 on 12/28/2017 (1118 days app to issue)

Abstract: A circuit includes a regulation circuit configured to intercept messages on a configuration channel of a universal serial bus (USB) cable between a USB source device and a USB sink device. The regulation circuit regulates a source capability message from the USB cable configuration channel based on a predetermined power capability of the USB cable.

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

Smart vanity mirror speaker system
Patent No. 10895977

Inventor(s): Hendra Wijaya (Arlington, TX), Marcus Pestl (Arlington, TX)
Assignee(s): Forever Gifts, Inc. (Arlington, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16842721 on 04/07/2020 (287 days app to issue)

Abstract: A smart vanity mirror speaker system may include a surface-mounted mirror that includes a mirror on one side and a screen display opposite the mirror, and a module capable of capturing, broadcasting, and recording still photos, audio, and video of a user, wherein the mirror is capable of being adjusted in height and angle. The system may include at least one light ring, a companion device/control panel, and/or an external microphone. The system includes an acoustic chamber connected to a bottom portion of the mirror, the acoustic chamber having a speaker integrated within the acoustic chamber. The acoustic chamber may include a downward-facing full-range driver on a lower end of the acoustic chamber; and a passive base isolator on an upper end of the acoustic chamber. The smart vanity mirror speaker system may pair with at least one Bluetooth-enabled device or MP3 player.

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

Computer architecture for emulating a correlithm object processing system that uses portions of a mapping table in a distributed node network
Patent No. 10896052

Inventor(s): Patrick N. Lawrence (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Bank of America Corporation (Charlotte, NC)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15936063 on 03/26/2018 (1030 days app to issue)

Abstract: A distributed node network to emulate a correlithm object processing system includes a resolution node, a first calculation node, and a second calculation node. The first and second calculation nodes determine n-dimensional distances between an input correlithm object and each of the source correlithm objects that are stored in respective portions of a correlithm object mapping table. The resolution node compares the determined n-dimensional distances from the first calculation node with the determined n-dimensional distance associated with the identified source correlithm object from the second calculation node to identify the smallest determined n-dimensional distance based on the comparison. The resolution node then identifies the target correlithm object associated with the smallest determined n-dimensional distance, and outputs the identified target correlithm object.

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

Managing virtual clustering environments according to requirements
Patent No. 10896058

Inventor(s): Joseph E. Hackett (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION (Armonk, NY)
Law Firm: Cuenot, Forsythe Kim, LLC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16399869 on 04/30/2019 (630 days app to issue)

Abstract: Managing virtual machines includes determining an operating parameter of a device during operation of the device as part of a cluster of devices while the device hosts a virtual machine and comparing, using a processor, a requirement for the virtual machine with the operating parameter. A view of the virtual machine operating within the device of the cluster can be displayed. A result of the comparison can be indicated through application of a visualization technique to an identifier representing the virtual machine within the view.

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

Triangulation method for determining target position
Patent No. 10896326

Inventor(s): Andrew James Neville (McKinney, TX), Richard C. Vera (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): Raytheon Company (Waltham, MA)
Law Firm: Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP (6 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15987791 on 05/23/2018 (972 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system and method for determining a position of a target. The method includes determining a first direction to the target from a first observing position, estimating a first approximate position of the target based on the first direction and the first observing position, determining a second direction to the target from a second observing position, and estimating a second approximate position of the target based on the second direction and the second observing position. The method further includes determining a first approximate intersection point of (i) a first finite length line between the first observing position and the first approximate position of the target, and (ii) a second finite length line between the second observing position and the second approximate position of the target.

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

Product analysis platform to perform a facial recognition analysis to provide information associated with a product to a user
Patent No. 10896420

Inventor(s): Amit Deshpande (McKinney, TX), Liju Mathews (Plano, TX), Ponnazhakan Subramanian (McKinney, TX), Satish Chikkaveerappa (McKinney, TX)
Assignee(s): Capital One Services, LLC (McLean, VA)
Law Firm: Harrity Harrity, LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16203066 on 11/28/2018 (783 days app to issue)

Abstract: A device may determine that a user has a threshold level of interest in a type of product. The device may receive an image of a face of the user, may perform a facial recognition analysis of the image, and may determine identification information of the user based on the facial recognition analysis. The device may identify account information associated with the user based on the identification information and may identify a product in an inventory that is associated with the type of product. The device may perform a preauthorization process associated with a transaction involving the product and the user based on the account information, and may perform an action associated with the transaction based on the preauthorization process.

[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]

Vehicle data sharing with interested parties
Patent No. 10896555

Inventor(s): Christopher J. Risberg (Flower Mound, TX), Felipe G. Salles (Garland, TX), Jaya Bharath R. Goluguri (McKinney, TX), Joshua C. Batie (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16370325 on 03/29/2019 (662 days app to issue)

Abstract: An example operation may include providing a value to a transport based on sensor data associated with the transport.

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

System and method for a computer user interface for exploring conversational flow with selectable details
Patent No. 10896670

Inventor(s): Jonathan E. Eisenzopf (San Franciscso, CA)
Assignee(s): discourse.ai, Inc. (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16786923 on 02/10/2020 (344 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system and method implemented on a computing device for visualizing, exploring and examining various levels of supporting information details, by the computer accessing a corpus having a plurality of digital weighted conversation models of text-based interlocutory conversations, including annotations, paths, and weights; selecting a plurality of the conversations according to at least one annotation value at least one weight threshold; and generating a graphical user interface using the selected plurality of text-based interlocutory conversations, in which interlocutor Goals are depicted starting points in a flow-graph, interlocutor Turns are depicted as intermittent points in the flow-graph, and flow pipes are depicted between each interlocutor Goal and each Turn, to illustrate one or more text-based interlocutory conversations which traversed a flow from each goal to each Turn, in which each flow pipe is rendered with a width relative to other flow pipes in the flow graph according the weights.

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

Magnetic head with current assisted magnetic recording and method of making thereof
Patent No. 10896690

Inventor(s): Anna Zheng (San Ramon, CA), Changqing Shi (San Ramon, CA), Jian-Gang Zhu (San Jose, CA), Lijie Guan (Cupertino, CA), Michael Ho (San Jose, CA), Suping Song (Fremont, CA), Supradeep Narayana (San Jose, CA), Terence Lam
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Patterson Sheridan, LLP (Local + 6 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16000103 on 06/05/2018 (959 days app to issue)

Abstract: A magnetic head includes a main pole configured to serve as a first electrode, an upper pole containing a trailing magnetic shield configured to a serve as a second electrode, and an electrically conductive portion located in a trailing gap between the main pole and the trailing magnetic shield. The electrically conductive portion is not part of a spin torque oscillator stack, and the electrically conductive portion includes at least one electrically conductive, non-magnetic material layer. The main pole and the trailing magnetic shield are electrically shorted by the electrically conductive portion across the trailing gap between the main pole and the trailing magnetic shield such that an electrically conductive path is present between the main pole and the trailing magnetic shield through the electrically conductive portion.

[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)

Memory device with an input signal management mechanism
Patent No. 10896703

Inventor(s): Scott E. Smith (Plano, TX), Vijayakrishna J. Vankayala (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): Micron Technology, Inc. (Boise, ID)
Law Firm: Perkins Coie LLP (17 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16523952 on 07/26/2019 (543 days app to issue)

Abstract: A memory device includes: a set of input pads configured to receive from a source external to the memory device one or more input signals and a chip select signal; an operation circuit electrically coupled to the input pads, operation circuit configured to perform operations corresponding to the one or more input signals when the chip select signal is enabled; and an input management circuit electrically coupled to and between the input pads and the operation circuit, the input management circuit configured to control propagation of the one or more input signals based on the chip select signal.

[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)

Topical activity monitor and identity collector system
Patent No. 10897511

Inventor(s): Matthew S. Sommer (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: The Law Office of H. Dale Langley, Jr., P.C. (Local + 217 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15988052 on 05/24/2018 (971 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for identifying respective networked devices in a social communications network, which networked devices communicate messages relevant to an article. The messages may include posts, shares, likes, votes, ranks, and other comments. A server of the social communications network maintains a respective identity (e.g., user name or handle) for each connected networked device, respectively, of the social communications network. The server includes an API for requests. The method includes receiving a search item from a data communications network, collecting articles related to the search item from each of the at least one source of articles of the data communications network, storing in a database, for each respective one of the article from the step of collecting, a respective unique identifier representing the article, comparing the search item to each respective unique identifier, respectively, of the database, to determine similarity of the respective unique identifier to the search item, compiling a result set of each respective unique identifier determined similar to the search item in the step of comparing, communicatively detecting the share count of the messages of the social communications network related to the result set, deriving a score based collectively on all of the share counts from the step of communicatively detecting, the score represents topical activity of networked devices of the social communications network for the search item, calling the API of

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

Dynamic direction control in active cable
Patent No. 10897595

Inventor(s): Anwar Sadat (Richardson, TX), Charles Michael Campbell (Wylie, TX), Mark Edward Wentroble (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16748857 on 01/22/2020 (363 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system includes a downstream facing port (DFP) coupled to a video source, an upstream facing port (UFP) coupled to a video sink, and a cable. The cable includes a first end that is connected to the DFP and a second end that is connected to the UFP. The cable is configured to carry a differential auxiliary transmission signal and detect polarity in the differential auxiliary transmission signal.

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

E L E C T R I C I T Y

Overvoltage recovery circuit and a controller and HVAC system including the same
Patent No. 10895391

Inventor(s): Jimmie Curry (Carrollton, TX)
Assignee(s): Lennox Industries Inc. (Richardson, TX)
Law Firm: Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley Norton, LLP (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16225339 on 12/19/2018 (762 days app to issue)

Abstract: An overvoltage recovery circuit (ORC), a controller for an HVAC system and an HVAC system are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the ORC includes: (1) a first supply voltage terminal connected to a first voltage supply, (2) a second supply voltage terminal connected to a second voltage supply, (3) interruption circuitry including a switch and a trip terminal connected to the second supply voltage terminal and (4) detection circuitry connected to the first supply voltage terminal and the switch of the interruption circuitry, the detection circuitry configured to operate the switch in response to an overvoltage condition at the first supply voltage terminal.

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

Detection of plunger movement in DC solenoids through current sense technique
Patent No. 10895608

Inventor(s): Manu Balakrishnan (Kerala, , IN), Navaneeth Kumar Narayanasamy (TamilNadu, , IN)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16381224 on 04/11/2019 (649 days app to issue)

Abstract: An apparatus and method of detecting movement of a plunger of the solenoid includes detecting a peak (I[subscript]PEAK[/subscript]) in a current signal applied to a coil of the solenoid. A predetermined threshold is added to the current signal applied to the coil of the solenoid to generate a level shifted signal. The level shifted signal and the peak signal are compared to detect movement of a plunger of the solenoid.

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

Contact in RF-switch
Patent No. 10896787

Inventor(s): James Douglas Huffman (McKinney, TX)
Assignee(s): Cavendish Kinetics, Inc. (San Jose, CA)
Law Firm: Withrow Terranova, P.L.L.C. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15771026 on 11/14/2016 (1527 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a mechanism for making a MEMS switch that has a robust RF-contact by avoiding currents to run through a thin sidewall in a via from the RF-contact to the underlying RF-electrode.

Unique cover for light switch toggle
Patent No. 10896793

Inventor(s): Lawrence Mezoe (Keller, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16181025 on 11/05/2018 (806 days app to issue)

Abstract: A toggle cover apparatus is used to alter the outer appearance of a light switch toggle by attaching an object to the toggle. The object has a hole with a seal attached inside of it. The seal has a hole that fits on the toggle and keeps the object attached. The object is then used to activate the switch.

Power electronics modules including an integrated cooling channel extending through an electrically-conductive substrate
Patent No. 10896865

Inventor(s): Ercan Mehmet Dede (Ann Arbor, MI), Naoya Take (Canton, MI), Shailesh N. Joshi (Ann Arbor, MI), Yanghe Liu (Ann Arbor, MI)
Assignee(s): Toyota Motor Engineering Manufacturing North America, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Dinsmore Shohl LLP (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16189502 on 11/13/2018 (798 days app to issue)

Abstract: A power electronics module includes a power electronics device, and an electrically-conductive substrate directly coupled to the power electronics device, the electrically-conductive substrate defining a plurality of channels extending through the electrically-conductive substrate, and a plurality of electrical pathways extending through the electrically-conductive substrate around the plurality of channels.

[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]

ESD guard ring with snapback protection and lateral buried layers
Patent No. 10896904

Inventor(s): David LaFonteese (Redwood City, CA), Sameer Pendharkar (Allen, TX), Seetharaman Sridhar (Richardson, TX), Sunglyong Kim (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16677044 on 11/07/2019 (439 days app to issue)

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection structure that provides snapback protections to one or more high voltage circuit components. The ESD protection structure can be integrated along a peripheral region of a high voltage circuit, such as a high side gate driver of a driver circuit. The ESD protection structure includes a bipolar transistor structure interfacing with a PN junction of a high voltage device, which is configured to discharge the ESD current during an ESD event. The bipolar transistor structure has a collector region overlapping the PN junction, a base region embedded with sufficient pinch resistance to launch the snapback protection, and an emitter region for discharging the ESD current.

Adaptive thermal overshoot and current limiting protection for MOSFETs
Patent No. 10896905

Inventor(s): Jingwei Xu (Plano, TX), Qingjie Ma (Shanghai, , CN), Wei Xu (Jiangsu, , CN), Yang Wang (Shanghai, , CN)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16751491 on 01/24/2020 (361 days app to issue)

Abstract: In a described example, an apparatus includes: a first metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) coupled between a first input terminal for receiving a supply voltage and an output terminal for coupling to a load, and having a first gate terminal; an enable terminal coupled to the first gate terminal for receiving an enable signal; a first current mirror coupled between the first input terminal and a first terminal of a first series resistor and having an input coupled to the first gate terminal; and a second MOSFET coupled between the first gate terminal and the output terminal, and having a second gate terminal coupled to the first terminal of the first series resistor, the first series resistor having a second terminal coupled to the output terminal.

[H03K] PULSE TECHNIQUE (measuring pulse characteristics G01R; modulating sinusoidal oscillations with pulses H03C; transmission of digital information H04L; discriminator circuits detecting phase difference between two signals by counting or integrating cycles of oscillation H03D 3/04; automatic control, starting, synchronisation or stabilisation of generators of electronic oscillations or pulses where the type of generator is irrelevant or unspecified H03L; coding, decoding or code conversion, in general H03M) [4]

Circuit overvoltage protection
Patent No. 10896906

Inventor(s): Karim Thomas Taghizadeh Kaschani (Freising, , DE)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15827975 on 11/30/2017 (1146 days app to issue)

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit includes a snapback ESD protection device and an ESD tail current clamp circuit. The snapback ESD protection device is configured to shunt current of an ESD event to a voltage reference. The ESD tail current clamp circuit is connected in parallel with the snapback ESD protection device. The ESD tail current clamp circuit is configured to shunt tail current of the ESD event to the voltage reference while the snapback ESD protection device is disabled.

Connect RV mount
Patent No. 10897070

Inventor(s): Aaron Jay Hamilton (Royse City, TX), Brooks Stephen Ruhman (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Wilson Electronics, LLC (St. George, UT)
Law Firm: Thorpe North Western (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16529647 on 08/01/2019 (537 days app to issue)

Abstract: A mount system mounts an accessory, such as an antenna, to a recreational vehicle (RV). The mount system comprises a telescoping mast and upper and lower mounts coupled between the mast and the RV. Upper and lower pocket mounts are mounted to the RV while upper and lower inserts are mounted to the mast. The upper and lower inserts are received in the upper and lower pocket mounts to quickly and releasably mount the mast to the RV.

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

Lensed base station antennas
Patent No. 10897089

Inventor(s): Igor E. Timofeev (Dallas, TX), Kevin E. Linehan (Rowlett, TX)
Assignee(s): CommScope, Inc. of North Carolina (Hickory, NC), Matsing PTE Ltd. (Singapore, , SG)
Law Firm: Myers Bigel, P.A. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15730883 on 10/12/2017 (1195 days app to issue)

Abstract: A lensed antenna system is provided. The lensed antenna system include a first column of radiating elements having a first longitudinal axis and a first azimuth single, and, optionally, a second column of radiating elements having a second longitudinal axis and a second azimuth angle, and a radio frequency lens. The radio frequency lens has a third longitudinal axis. The radio frequency lens is disposed such that the longitudinal axes of the first and second columns of radiating elements are aligned with the longitudinal axis of the radio frequency lens, and such that the azimuth angels of the beams produced by the columns of radiating elements are directed at the radio frequency lens. The multiple beam antenna system further includes a radome housing the columns of radiating elements and the radio frequency lens. There may be more or fewer than two columns of radiating elements.

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

Passive cell-balancing with dynamic charge control
Patent No. 10897143

Inventor(s): Jing Zou (Plano, TX), Qiong M. Li (Allen, TX), Richard Kane Stair (Knoxville, TN)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16228338 on 12/20/2018 (761 days app to issue)

Abstract: A device for charging battery cells has conductive lines to be coupled to the battery cells, a charge control circuit coupled to the conductive lines to charge the battery cells, and to determine voltages of the battery cells, and switches to balance the voltages among the battery cells. In operation, the charge control circuit charges the battery cells while determining the voltages of the battery cells, and suspends from charging the battery cells before determining the voltages of the battery cells in a second stage.

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

Direct conduction control for power factor correction circuit
Patent No. 10897193

Inventor(s): William James Long (Cork, , IE)
Assignee(s): Texas Instruments Incorporated (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16216452 on 12/11/2018 (770 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system includes a switching power supply that includes switch devices configured to provide a regulated output voltage based on an input voltage. A controller is configured to control the switch devices based on a power demand signal. A direct conduction avoidance circuit is configured to provide a direct conduction avoidance signal based on the regulated output voltage exceeding a direct conduction threshold voltage. The direct conduction avoidance signal is combined with a compensation signal to provide the power demand signal to the controller. An override circuit is configured to disable the direct conduction avoidance circuit based on the input voltage of the switching power supply being below an override threshold voltage.

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

Switch-mode power supply with frequency adjustment in discontinuous conduction mode
Patent No. 10897197

Inventor(s): Yangwei Yu (Zhejiang, , CN)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16356136 on 03/18/2019 (673 days app to issue)

Abstract: A switch-mode power supply and control circuitry that reduces variation in the switching frequency of the power supply with changes in loading. In one example, a switch-mode power supply includes an inductor, a transistor, and control circuitry. The transistor is coupled to the inductor, and configured to charge the inductor. The control circuitry is coupled to the transistor. The control circuitry is configured to turn off the transistor for a first time period. The first time period is a function of voltage across the inductor during the first time period. The control circuitry is also configured to determine whether the switch-mode power supply is operating in continuous conduction mode or discontinuous conduction mode. The control circuitry is further configured to add a predetermined fixed interval to the first time based on the switch-mode power supply operating in discontinuous conduction mode.

Clockless delay adaptation loop for random data
Patent No. 10897245

Inventor(s): Abishek Manian (San Jose, CA)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16687147 on 11/18/2019 (428 days app to issue)

Abstract: An apparatus includes a clockless delay adaptation loop configured to adapt to random data. The apparatus also includes a circuit coupled to the clockless delay adaptation loop. The clockless delay adaptation loop includes a cascaded delay line and an autocorrelation control circuit coupled to the cascaded delay line, wherein an output of the autocorrelation control circuit is used to generate a control signal for the cascaded delay line.

[H03L] AUTOMATIC CONTROL, STARTING, SYNCHRONISATION, OR STABILISATION OF GENERATORS OF ELECTRONIC OSCILLATIONS OR PULSES (of dynamo-electric generators H02P) [3]

Methods and apparatus to determine non linearity in analog-to-digital converters
Patent No. 10897262

Inventor(s): Akhilesh Kesavanunnithan (Bangalore, , IN), Henry Manoj D”Souza (Chennai, , IN), Sharat Chandra Rudrasamudram (Bangalore, , IN), Vivek Varier (Austin, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15620770 on 06/12/2017 (1317 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining non-linearity in analog-to-digital converters are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a signal interface to receive an output of an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), the output corresponding to a periodic signal transmitted to the ADC; a signal transformer to determine at least one of a harmonic phase or a harmonic amplitude corresponding to the output; and an integral non-linearity (INL) term calculator to determine the INL of the ADC based on a characteristic of the periodic signal and the at least one of the harmonic phase or the harmonic amplitude.

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

Multi-output digital to analog converter
Patent No. 10897267

Inventor(s): Muthusubramanian Venkateswaran (Bangalore, , IN), Naman Bafna (Balaghat, , IN), Rohit Narula (Bangalore, , IN)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16731280 on 12/31/2019 (385 days app to issue)

Abstract: A circuit includes a first voltage divider having a set of most significant bit (MSB) outputs each representative of a value of a MSB portion of a digital code. The circuit also includes a second voltage divider having a first upper voltage input configured to couple to a first one of a first pair of outputs of the set of MSB outputs, and a first lower voltage input configured to couple to a second one of the first pair of outputs of the set of MSB outputs. The circuit also includes a third voltage divider having a second upper voltage input configured to couple to a first one of a second pair of outputs of the set of MSB outputs, and a second lower voltage input configured to couple to a second one of the second pair of outputs of the set of MSB outputs.

Methods, circuits, systems and apparatus providing audio sensitivity enhancement in a wireless receiver, power management and other performances
Patent No. 10897278

Inventor(s): Jaiganesh Balakrishnan (Bangalore, , IN)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 14323241 on 07/03/2014 (2392 days app to issue)

Abstract: A wireless receiver ([b]10[/b]) includes a down converter module ([b]210[/b]) operable to deliver a signal having a signal bandwidth that changes over time, a dynamically controllable filter module ([b]200[/b]) having a filter bandwidth and fed by said down converter module ([b]210[/b]), and a measurement module ([b]295[/b]) operable to at least approximately measure the signal bandwidth, said dynamically controllable filter module ([b]200[/b]) responsive to said measurement module ([b]295[/b]) to dynamically adjust the filter bandwidth to more nearly match the signal bandwidth as it changes over time, whereby output from said filter module ([b]200[/b]) is noise-reduced. Other wireless receivers, electronic circuits, and processes for their operation are disclosed.

[H04B] TRANSMISSION [4]

System and method for spatial quasi-co-location (SQCL) similar angle precoding (SAP)
Patent No. 10897287

Inventor(s): Bin Liu (San Diego, CA), Pengfei Xia (San Diego, CA), Richard Stirling-Gallacher (San Diego, CA)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Slater Matsil, LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15718924 on 09/28/2017 (1209 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method includes inserting a first reference signal and a plurality of bit fields on a first channel, to produce a first signal, where the plurality of bit fields includes a first bit field indicating whether a second reference signal is transmitted on a second channel, a second bit field indicating whether the first reference signal has the same precoding as the second reference signal, a third bit field indicating whether precoding of the first reference signal is similar to precoding of the second reference signal, or a fourth bit field indicating transmission precoding differences between the first reference signal and the second reference signal. The method also includes performing precoding on the first signal, to produce a first transmission signal, performing precoding on the second channel, to produce a second transmission signal, transmitting, to a receiver, the first transmission signal and transmitting, to the receiver, the second transmission signal.

[H04B] TRANSMISSION [4]

System and method for beam indexing reference signal design for initial access
Patent No. 10897295

Inventor(s): Jialing Liu (Palatine, IL), Majid Ghanbarinejad (Rolling Meadows, IL), Qian Cheng (Aurora, IL), Weimin Xiao (Hoffman Estates, IL)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Slater Matsil, LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15486551 on 04/13/2017 (1377 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for wireless communications is provided. The method includes transmitting a first signal during a first time interval. The first signal is encoded with a first spreading sequence generated by permutating a root sequence based on a permutation parameter associated with a first index. The method further includes transmitting a second signal during a second time interval. The second signal is encoded with a second spreading sequence generated by permutating the root sequence based on a permutation parameter associated with a second index. The method further includes receiving an indication of either the first index or the second index from a user equipment (UE).

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Coordinated access to a satellite link using data profiles
Patent No. 10897305

Inventor(s): Vijay Lewis (Wylie, TX)
Assignee(s): Skylo Technologies, Inc. (Palo Alto, CA)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16396651 on 04/27/2019 (633 days app to issue)

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and systems for coordinated access to a satellite link through data profiles are disclosed. A method includes providing, by each of a plurality of hubs, a unique identifier to a network management element associated with a base station, wherein the providing includes wirelessly transmitting, by each of the hubs, the unique identifier to the base station through a wireless satellite link, receiving through the wireless satellite link, by each hub, one or more data profiles back from the network management element wherein each of the one or more data profiles correspond with one or more data sources associated with the hub, and controlling, by each hub, a timing of communication of the data for each of the one or more data sources from the hub to the base station through the wireless satellite link based on the data profile corresponding with the data source.

[H04B] TRANSMISSION [4]

Methods and apparatuses for measuring the distance to a passive intermodulation source
Patent No. 10897317

Inventor(s): XiaoHua Hou (Richardson, TX)
Assignee(s): CommScope Technologies LLC (Hickory, NC)
Law Firm: Myers Bigel, P.A. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16682115 on 11/13/2019 (433 days app to issue)

Abstract: According to methods of performing measurements to determine a distance to a passive-intermodulation (”PIM”) source, a first RF signal comprising a first frequency and a second RF signal comprising a second frequency may be applied to a device under test. A reference signal comprising a higher-order intermodulation-product of the first frequency and the second frequency may also be generated. An output signal from the device under test and the reference signal may be digitized and a calibration measurement may be applied. A phase difference between the device under test output and the reference signal may be determined. A plurality of phase differences may be determined for multiple first frequencies, and from the plurality of phase differences, a delay may be calculated, which may be multiplied by the velocity of propagation on the medium connecting the device under test to the test equipment to determine a distance to the PIM source.

[H04B] TRANSMISSION [4]

System and method for providing network support services and premises gateway support infrastructure
Patent No. 10897373

Inventor(s): Alvin R. McQuarters (Euless, TX), Amir Ansari (Plano, TX), George A. Cowgill (Farmersville, TX), Jude P. Ramayya (Richardson, TX), Ramprakash Masina (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): KIP PROD P1 LP (New York, NY)
Law Firm: Perkins Coie LLP (17 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16291856 on 03/04/2019 (687 days app to issue)

Abstract: A service management system communicates via wide area network with gateway devices located at respective user premises. The service management system remotely manages delivery of application services, which can be voice controlled, by a gateway, e.g. by selectively activating/deactivating service logic modules in the gateway. The service management system also may selectively provide secure communications and exchange of information among gateway devices and among associated endpoint devices. An exemplary service management system includes a router connected to the network and one or more computer platforms, for implementing management functions. Examples of the functions include a connection manager for controlling system communications with the gateway devices, an authentication manager for authenticating each gateway device and controlling the connection manager and a subscription manager for managing applications services and/or features offered by the gateway devices. A service manager, controlled by the subscription manager, distributes service specific configuration data to authenticated gateway devices.

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

HART FSK digital demodulator
Patent No. 10897384

Inventor(s): Hugo Cheung (Tucson, AZ), Michael Douglas Snedeker (Tucson, AZ)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15726269 on 10/05/2017 (1202 days app to issue)

Abstract: A digital demodulator for use with a Highway Addressable Remote Transducer (HART) modem is provided. Analog input signals are digitized according to a sampling clock rate to produce a discrete time signal. Filtering and edge detection allow determinations of ”mark” or ”space” data in a demodulated signal in conjunction with analyzing a detected signal period, a cycle period, count histories and/or an on/off signal period.

[H03D] DEMODULATION OR TRANSFERENCE OF MODULATION FROM ONE CARRIER TO ANOTHER (masers, lasers H01S; circuits capable of acting both as modulator and demodulator H03C, e.g. balanced modulators H03C 1/54; details applicable to both modulators and frequency-changers H03C; demodulating pulses which have been modulated with a continuously-variable signal H03K 9/00; transforming types of pulse modulation H03K 11/00; relay systems, e.g. repeater stations H04B 7/14; demodulators adapted for digitally modulated-carrier systems H04L 27/00; synchronous demodulators adapted for colour television H04N 9/66)

Power and resource efficient uplink DMRS sequences for IFDMA
Patent No. 10897385

Inventor(s): Robert Mark Harrison (Grapevine, TX)
Assignee(s): TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL) (Stockholm, , SE)
Law Firm: Christopher Weisberg, P.A. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16335580 on 09/29/2017 (1208 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method of transmitting demodulation reference signals (DMRS) over one, three or five resource blocks (RBs) with Interleaved Frequency Division Multiple Access (IFDMA) from a wireless device to a wireless network node in a wireless network wherein Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-OFDMA) is deployed in uplink, is provided. At least one of: a set of base sequences including thirty quadrature phase shifting keying, QPSK, sequences of length 6, 18 or 30 is determined, a demodulation reference signal sequence is derived from the determined set of base sequences, the demodulation reference signal sequence is multiplexed, and the multiplexed demodulation reference signal sequence is transmitted, by the wireless device, to the wireless network node.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Relay-attack resistant communications
Patent No. 10897477

Inventor(s): Khanh Tuan Le (Nesbru, , NO), Tomas Motos (Oslo, , NO)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 15200896 on 07/01/2016 (1663 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method of relay-attack resistant communications in a wireless communications system that includes a master wireless device (Master) sending a synchronization signal to a slave wireless device (Slave). The synchronization signal includes timing information including a common time reference and a timeslot duration for interlocking Master communication timeslots for Master and Slave communication timeslots so that an alternating TX and RX role pattern is provided. The Master analyzes Slave packet data received from the Slave to identify overlaps of a transmission from the Master and the slave packet data, and in a case of detecting overlap, suspends communications from Master to Slave to prevent a relay-attack.

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

System and method for global load balancing of requests for content
Patent No. 10897495

Inventor(s): Bhargavaram B. Gade (Irving, TX), Dorai Ashok S. A. (Tamil Nadu, , IN), Mahadevaswamy G. Kakoor (Bangalore, , IN), Matthew Nicholas Petach (San Jose, CA), Selvaraj Rameshwara Prathaban (Coimbastore, , IN)
Assignee(s): R2 Solutions, LLC (Frisco, TX)
Law Firm: The Noblitt Group, PLLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15633411 on 06/26/2017 (1303 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present description is directed towards systems and methods for directing a user request for content over a network to a given content server on the basis of one or more rules. Methods and systems implemented in accordance with the present description comprise receiving a request for content form a user, the request for content including a profile of the user identifying one or more characteristics associated with the user. One or more rules are retrieved for identifying a content server to which a request for content is to be delivered, the one or more rules including at least one of business rules, network rules, and user profile rules. The one or more retrieved rules are applied to the request for content to identify a content server to which the request for content is to be delivered and the request for content is delivered to the identified content server.

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

Frame synchronous packet switching for high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) video transitions
Patent No. 10897594

Inventor(s): Feng Wang (Shenzhen, , CN), Hua Long (Shenzhen, , CN), Jiong Huang (San Jose, CA), Laurence A. Thompson (Morgan Hill, CA), Le Yuan (Shenzhen, , CN), Yong Su (Shenzhen, , CN), Zhigui Wei (Shenzhen, , CN)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Schwegman Lundberg Woessner, P.A. (11 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16669139 on 10/30/2019 (447 days app to issue)

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a high-definition media interface (HDMI) source device includes an HDMI interface for transmitting video data and metadata to a sink device. The apparatus is configured to encode the metadata in an auxiliary video information (AVI) information frame (InfoFrame). The apparatus is further configured to transmit the AVI InfoFrame during a frame synchronous transmission window (FSTW) of the video data, wherein the FSTW begins during a video blanking interval (VBI) of the video data, on a first video blank pixel that immediately follows a last active video pixel of a preceding video frame or video field and ends a predetermined number of video lines after a start of the VBI.

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

Secure video visitation system
Patent No. 10897596

Inventor(s): Stephen L. 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: 16432570 on 06/05/2019 (594 days app to issue)

Abstract: Video conferencing in a controlled environment facility entails significant security concerns. These concerns are even more prevalent in a system that permits residents of such facilities to communicate via their own personal devices. Therefore, in order to alleviate these concerns and provide a secure system in which a resident is able to make video calls using their personal device, a kiosk unit is provided to which the personal device must be linked for completing a video call. When making the video call, the camera and display on the personal device are disabled, and all video data is captured and displayed by the kiosk unit. The link between the kiosk unit and the personal device facilitates the exchange of the image information for transmission to the outside party, or display to the user. By providing a fixed camera, and disabling the personal device camera, security can be maintained while permitting video calling services.

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

Inbound calls to controlled-environment facility resident telephone numbers
Patent No. 10897597

Inventor(s): James Sturges (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Securus Technologies, LLC (Carrollton, TX)
Law Firm: Fogarty LLP (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16688570 on 11/19/2019 (427 days app to issue)

Abstract: Systems and methods enabling inbound calls to controlled-environment facility resident telephone numbers employ resident-associated communications devices deployed in the facilities. An inbound and outbound calling platform assigns a telephone number to each resident and associates a routable (IP) address of each resident communications device with such telephone number. This calling platform also presents an online directory to accessing inbound callers that lists residents the caller is allowed to call, the telephone number(s) of such resident(s), and whether such residents and their communications devices are ready to receive a call. The calling platform reconfirms such information upon an inbound call being placed to a telephone number assigned to a resident and signals the resident communications device associated with the resident assigned that telephone number. A controlled-environment facility communication processing system routes the call to the resident communications device associated with the resident called and connects the call.

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

Sensor fusion based perceptually enhanced surround view
Patent No. 10897600

Inventor(s): Aishwarya Dubey (Plano, TX), Martin Fritz Mueller (San Jose, CA), Shashank Dabral (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16691218 on 11/21/2019 (425 days app to issue)

Abstract: Techniques including obtaining a first location of a vehicle, the vehicle having two or more cameras disposed about the vehicle, each camera associated with a physical camera pose, capturing, by a first camera, a first image of a first area in a first field of view, associating the first image with the first location of the vehicle when the first image was captured, moving the vehicle in a direction so that the first area is in an expected second field of view of a second camera, wherein the second camera is not capturing images, obtaining a second location of the vehicle, determining a temporal camera pose based on a first physical camera pose, a second physical camera pose, and the second location of the vehicle, and rendering a view of the first area from the expected second field of view of the second camera based on the first image.

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

Block artifact suppression in video coding
Patent No. 10897625

Inventor(s): Do-Kyoung Kwon (Allen, TX), Madhukar Budagavi (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 13869253 on 04/24/2013 (2827 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for encoding a video sequence in a video encoder is provided that includes adapting a quantization parameter of a block of pixels in a picture of the video sequence based on a transform block size of the block of pixels to determine a final quantization parameter, and quantizing transform coefficients of the block of pixels using the final quantization parameter.

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

Issuing notifications about lost devices
Patent No. 10897688

Inventor(s): Ira L. Allen (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): International Business Machines Corporation (Armonk, NY)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 16665246 on 10/28/2019 (449 days app to issue)

Abstract: In an approach for notifying a user of a location of a device, a processor receives a first location of a first device. A processor determines that the first device has been separated from a user of the first device. A processor determines a second device located at, within a first predetermined threshold, the first location. A processor sends a first notification to the second device, wherein the notification includes, at least, that the first device is located nearby.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Predictive routing for mobility
Patent No. 10897734

Inventor(s): Padmadevi Pillay-Esnault (Santa Clara, CA)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Conley Rose, P.C. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 16445522 on 06/19/2019 (580 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method of utilizing a list of predictive paths by a map-server. The method includes receiving the list of predictive paths, storing the list of predictive paths in a memory, receiving, from a first network element, a request for a location of a user device, the request related to transmitting a packet to the user device, and transmitting, to the first network element, a plurality of user locations based on the list of predictive paths, the plurality of user locations identifying where a second user device will transmit the packet when the packet is received by the second user device.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

DESIGN PATENTS

Remote control lock
Patent No. D907985

Inventor(s): Hassan Nasim Janjua (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): UNASSIGNED
Law Firm: Dunlap Bennett Ludwig, PLLC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 29701543 on 08/13/2019 (525 days app to issue)

Abstract: No Abstract Patent Class: N/A

Model vehicle side nerf bar
Patent No. D908177

Inventor(s): Adam Cole Ewing (McKinney, TX), Jory Sprowl (Honey Grove, TX), Otto Karl Allmendinger (Rowlett, TX)
Assignee(s): TRAXXAS LP (McKinney, TX)
Law Firm: No Counsel
Application No., Date, Speed: 29696361 on 06/27/2019 (572 days app to issue)

Abstract: No Abstract Patent Class: N/A

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Dallas Invents: 83 Patents Granted for Week of Jan. 19

THIS WEEK, BY THE NUMBERS Week of Jan. 19, 2021 | Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington (19100)

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