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 Aug. 29, 2017 | Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington (19100)

87 patents granted Ranked no. 9 in patent production out of 250 metros

NO. OF PATENTS BY CLASSIFICATION

TOP 3 LOCAL ASSIGNEES (NO. OF PATENTS)

1. SanDisk Technologies LLC, Plano (11)

2. Futurewei Technologies Inc. Plano (6)

3. ST Microelectronics Coppell (5)

TOP LOCAL INVENTOR (NO. OF PATENTS)

Richard D. Hanner, Sr., McKinney (2)

SPEED: APPLICATION TO ISSUE (NO. OF DAYS)

197 days
Floating staircase word lines and process in a 3D non-volatile memory having vertical bit lines, patent no. 9748172
SanDisk Technologies LLC, Plano

3,046 days
Compositions and methods for treating multiple sclerosis, patent no. 9740819
Revalesio Corp, Tacoma, WA (Inventor, Anthony B. Wood, Dallas)

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Patent information is provided by Joe Chiarella, founder of patent analytics company Patent Index and publisher of The Inventiveness Index.

For additional details on the patents granted below, search the USPTO Patent Full-Text and Image Database.

UTILITY PATENTS

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

[PATENT NO. 9743688 IMAGE VIA USPTO]

Emulsion/colloid mediated flavor encapsulation and delivery with tobacco-derived lipids
Patent No. 9743688

Inventor(s): Tapashi Sengupta (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): Philip Morris USA Inc. (Richmond, VA)
Law Firm: Buchanan Ingersoll Rooney PC (8 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 13071931 on 03/25/2011 (2349 days app to issue)

Abstract: Flavorants are emulsified in tobacco-derived lipids and encapsulated with biopolymers and polysaccharides. The emulsions include oil-in-water emulsions, oil-in-water-in-oil emulsions, water-in oil emulsions, or water-in-oil-in-water emulsions, and optionally include ethanol and/or propylene glycol in an oil phase.

[A24B] MANUFACTURE OR PREPARATION OF TOBACCO FOR SMOKING OR CHEWING; TOBACCO; SNUFF

Sunscreen compositions and methods of their use
Patent No. 9744111

Inventor(s): Greg Norman (Addison, TX)
Assignee(s): Mary Kay Inc. (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP (Local + 11 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14796395 on 07/10/2015 (781 days app to issue)

Abstract: Described herein are compositions useful for protecting the skin from the sun. The compositions comprise cosmetic ingredients such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, butyloctyl salicylate, and a dermatologically acceptable vehicle. The compositions may further comprise additional ingredients such as cyclopentasiloxane, neopentyl glycol diheptanoate, butylene glycol, caprylyl methicone, PEG-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, glycerin, polyglyceryl-6 polyricinoleate, lauric acid, aluminum hydroxide, potassium sorbate, and citric acid.

[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)

Method of reducing facial flushing associated with systemic use of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors
Patent No. 9744168

Inventor(s): Arthur Clapp (Colleyville, TX), Philippe Andres (Peymeinade, FR), Warren J. Scherer (Pittsburgh, PA)
Assignee(s): GALDERMA LABORATORIES, INC. (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: Hoffmann Baron, LLP (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14344099 on 10/12/2012 (1782 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of reducing cutaneous facial flushing caused by systemic use of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors by topical facial dermatological application of an effective dose of a composition comprising at least one alpha adrenergic receptor agonist.

Uses of BT lipopeptides as therapeutics for obesity and related diseases
Patent No. 9744211

Inventor(s): Yiwei Jiang (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): MYGALAXY Limited Company (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: Fish Richardson P.C. (Local + 12 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14652712 on 12/17/2013 (1351 days app to issue)

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and uses for treating or preventing obesity and related diseases in patients.

[PATENT IMAGE VIA USPTO]

Golf club head or other ball striking device having impact-influencing body features
Patent No. 9744412

Inventor(s): Joshua M. Boggs (Aledo, TX)
Assignee(s): KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION (Phoenix, AZ)
Law Firm: Banner Witcoff, Ltd. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14593799 on 01/09/2015 (963 days app to issue)

Abstract: A ball striking device, such as a golf club head, has a face with a striking surface configured for striking a ball and an elongated channel extending across a portion of the sole in a heel to toe direction. The channel is recessed from adjacent surfaces of the sole. The channel may have a width defined in a front to rear direction and a depth of recession from the adjacent surfaces of the sole, wherein the channel comprises a center portion extending across a center of the sole, a heel portion extending from a heel end of the center portion toward the heel, and a toe portion extending from a toe end of the center portion toward the toe. The channel may have a wall thickness that is greater in the center portion of the channel than in at least one of the heel and toe portions.

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

Compositions and methods for treating multiple sclerosis
Patent No. 9745567

Inventor(s): Anthony B. Wood (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): REVALESIO CORPORATION (Tacoma, WA)
Law Firm: Knobbe, Martens, Olson Bear, LLP (9 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 12430728 on 04/27/2009 (3046 days app to issue)

Abstract: Provided are electrokinetically-altered fluids (gas-enriched electrokinetic fluids) comprising an ionic aqueous solution of charge-stabilized oxygen-containing nanostructures in an amount sufficient to provide modulation of at least one of cellular membrane potential and cellular membrane conductivity, and therapeutic compositions and methods for use in treating inflammatory neurodegenerative condition or disease or at least one symptom thereof. The electrokinetically-altered fluids or therapeutic compositions and methods include electrokinetically-altered ioinic aqueous fluids optionally in combination with other therapeutic agents. Particular aspects provide for regulating or modulating intracellular signal transduction associated with said inflammatory responses by modulation of at least one of cellular membranes, membrane potential, membrane proteins such as membrane receptors, including but not limited to G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCR), and intercellular junctions (e.g., tight junctions, gap junctions, zona adherins and desmasomes). Other embodiments include particular routes of administration or formulations for the electrokinetically-altered fluids (e.g., electrokinetically-altered gas-enriched fluids and solutions) and therapeutic compositions.

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

[PATENT NO. 9744485 IMAGE VIA USPTO]

Fluid treatment system
Patent No. 9744485

Inventor(s): David Jack Burns (Mineral Wells, TX), Jeremy Michael Stevens (Fort Worth, TX), Timothy L. Holmes (Kingwood, TX)
Assignee(s): PecoFacet (US), Inc. (Mineral Wells, TX)
Law Firm: Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren P.C. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14335247 on 07/18/2014 (1138 days app to issue)

Abstract: There is disclosed a liquid filter system that includes a liquid filter apparatus configured to self-clean without removal of the filter apparatus from the filter system. The filter apparatus uses both a filter media for filtering solids as well as a spin motion imparted to fluid being filtered so that centrifugal force can remove solids from the liquid being filtered. The liquid filter system also includes a gas pulse nozzle in fluid communication with the liquid filter apparatus and is configured to flow gas into the filter media to expel water and debris trapped in the filter media without removing the filter media from the filter system.

[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]

Water injector nozzle
Patent No. 9744540

Inventor(s): Peter Kip Merrill (Raynham, MA), Robert William Teele (Norwood, MA)
Assignee(s): Dresser, Inc. (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Paul Frank + Collins P.C. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14691774 on 04/21/2015 (861 days app to issue)

Abstract: A water injector assembly includes an injector body having a substantially hollow interior. The injector body defines an inlet opening defined within an outer radial surface of the injector body at a first axial location along the injector body. The injector body defines a flowpath opening in fluid communication with the inlet opening such that the flowpath opening is configured to receive the fluid from the inlet opening. The injector body defines an outlet opening defined within the injector body at a second axial location along the injector body. The outlet opening is in fluid communication with the flowpath opening, such that the outlet opening receives the fluid from the flowpath opening. The second axial location of the outlet opening is different than the first axial location of the inlet opening.

[B05B] SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES (spray-mixers with nozzles B01F 5/20; processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces by spraying B05D) [2]

Hole punching pliers and method of using same
Patent No. 9744581

Inventor(s): Patricia Bullard (Southlake, TX)
Assignee(s): Wubbers LLC (Lubbock, TX)
Law Firm: Carstens Cahoon, LLP (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14062187 on 10/24/2013 (1405 days app to issue)

Abstract: Disclosed are pliers and related methods for punching a hole in a non-flat material without distorting the material. Such pliers may comprise a first member having a first handle and a first jaw, and a second member having a second handle and a second jaw. The first and second members are attached at a connection point to permit pivoting in response to a squeezing force on the handles. The first jaw comprises a punch tip to be received by the second jaw, where the punch tip may have an angled distal end truncating a cross-section of the punch tip. The second jaw comprises a shaped edge facing the punch tip and extending along a length of the second jaw, the shaped edge having substantially the same shape as the non-flat material and comprising an opening having substantially the same shape as the cross-section of the punch tip and to receive the tip therein.

[B21D] WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL (working or processing of wire B21F)

Method of making inkjet print heads by filling residual slotted recesses and related devices
Patent No. 9744766

Inventor(s): Kenneth J. Stewart (Coppell, TX)
Assignee(s): STMICROELECTRONICS, INC. (Coppell, TX)
Law Firm: Slater Matsil, LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14985984 on 12/31/2015 (607 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method of making an inkjet print head may include forming, by sawing with a rotary saw blade, continuous slotted recesses in a first surface of a wafer. The continuous slotted recesses may be arranged in parallel, spaced apart relation, and each continuous slotted recess may extend continuously across the first surface. The method may further include forming discontinuous slotted recesses in a second surface of the wafer to be aligned and coupled in communication with the continuous slotted recesses to define alternating through-wafer channels and slotted recess portions. The method may further include selectively filling the residual slotted recess portions to define through-wafer ink channels.

[B41J] TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS (composing B41B; printing on special surfaces B41F; laundry marking B41K; erasers, rubbers or erasing devices B43L 19/00; fluid media for correction of typographical errors by coating C09D 10/00; recording the results of measuring G01; recognition or presentation of data, marking record carriers in digital fashion, e.g. by punching, G06K; franking or ticket-printing and issuing apparatus G07B; electric keyboard switches, in general H01H 13/70, H03K 17/94; coding in connection with keyboards or like devices, in general H03M 11/00; receivers or transmitters for transmission of digital information H04L; transmission or reproduction of documents, or the like, e.g. facsimile transmission, H04N 1/00; printing mechanisms specially adapted for apparatus, e.g. cash registers, weighing machines, producing records of their own performance, see the relevant subclasses)

Deployment of high-pressure iron from marine vessel to offshore rig
Patent No. 9745027

Inventor(s): Larry Edwin Guffee (Frisco, TX)
Assignee(s): Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: Baker Botts L.L.P. (Local + 8 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15103134 on 01/22/2014 (1315 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system and method for the deployment of a conduit system to convey fluids from a marine vessel to an offshore rig are provided. In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a conduit connected to a marine vessel, the conduit comprising: a plurality of sections of tubing; a plurality of flexible joints connecting the sections of tubing; and a buoyancy device at least partially surrounding at least one of the sections of tubing and having a density less than the density of seawater.

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

Urea decomposition and improved SCR NOx reduction on industrial and small utility boilers
Patent No. 9746177

Inventor(s): James M. Valentine (Fairfield, CT), Jeffrey Michael Broderick (Ridgefield, CT), Kathryn V. O”Leary (Southbury, CT), R. Gifford Broderick (Wilton, CT), Scott H. Lindemann (Oxford, CT)
Assignee(s): PEERLESS MFG. CO. (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Andrews Kurth Kenyon LLP (5 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14077978 on 11/12/2013 (1386 days app to issue)

Abstract: A lean burn combustion source includes a first side stream comprising an inlet and an outlet, both positioned downstream of a furnace and upstream of a particulate control device, and a second side stream comprising: an inlet positioned downstream of the particulate control device and upstream of the catalyst, a heat exchanger section passing through the first side stream, whereby heat from hot exhaust gas flowing through the first side stream is transferred to hot exhaust gas flowing through the second side stream, an injector positioned in the second side stream injecting aqueous based reagent into the hot exhaust gas flowing through the second side stream such that the aqueous based reagent decomposes to ammonia gas, and an outlet in fluid communication with a reagent distribution device positioned in the primary exhaust gas stream downstream of the particulate control device and upstream of the catalyst.

In-pocket currency bundler
Patent No. 9747741

Inventor(s): Jun Sheng (Lewisville, TX)
Assignee(s): Toshiba International Corporation (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: Baker Botts L.L.P. (Local + 8 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14661645 on 03/18/2015 (895 days app to issue)

Abstract: Presently disclosed embodiments are directed to systems and methods for bundling smaller stacks of bank notes into larger sized bundles that are efficient for transportation. The system may include an in-line bundler disposed along pockets of a currency processor for receiving stacks of bank notes directly from the pocket. That way, the smaller stacks of bank notes do not have to be removed from the currency processor and transported to a separate bundler machine. Instead, the currency processor features a desired number of bundler machines disposed in-line with the corresponding pockets where the bank notes are initially received and stacked. This arrangement may enable efficient stacking and bundling of bank notes sorted via the currency processor.

[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)

[PATENT IMAGE VIA USPTO]

Method and system for predicting availability of parking spot in parking area
Patent No. 9747797

Inventor(s): Anirban Mondal (Bangalore, , IN), Rahul Ghosh (Bangalore, , IN)
Assignee(s): Conduent Business Services, LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Jones Robb PLLC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15080660 on 03/25/2016 (522 days app to issue)

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments illustrate methods and systems for predicting an availability of a parking spot in a parking area. The method includes generating a first signature for each of one or more first users. The first signature is generated based on at least a first set of data received from at least one or more first sensors in a first user-computing device associated with each of the one or more first users. The method further includes generating a second signature for each of the one or more first vehicles, based on at least a second set of data received from one or more second sensors in a first vehicle-computing device associated with each of the one or more first vehicles. Further, the method includes determining a likelihood of the availability of the one or more parking spots based on at least the first signature and the second signature.

[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

[PATENT NO. 9745344 IMAGE VIA USPTO]

NPR-B agonists
Patent No. 9745344

Inventor(s): Mark R. Hellberg (Arlington, TX)
Assignee(s): Shire Orphan Therapies GmbH (Berlin, , DE)
Law Firm: Proskauer Rose LLP (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14824353 on 08/12/2015 (748 days app to issue)

Abstract: Disclosed are novel compounds having NPR-B agonistic activity. Preferred compounds are linear peptides containing 8-13 conventional or non-conventional L- or D-amino acid residues connected to one another via peptide bonds.

[C07K] PEPTIDES (peptides containing ﬂ-lactam rings C07D; cyclic dipeptides not having in their molecule any other peptide link than those which form their ring, e.g. piperazine-2,5-diones, C07D; ergot alkaloids of the cyclic peptide type C07D 519/02; single cell proteins, enzymes C12N; genetic engineering processes for obtaining peptides C12N 15/00) [4]

Composition and method for making a cavitated bio-based film
Patent No. 9745435

Inventor(s): Brad Dewayne Rodgers (Frisco, TX), Deepali Palta (Dallas, TX), Kenneth Scott Laverdure (Plano, TX), Robert Nolan Cotton (McKinney, TX)
Assignee(s): Frito-Lay North America, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Carstens Cahoon, LLP (Local)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14994866 on 01/13/2016 (594 days app to issue)

Abstract: Composition and method for making a multi-layer bio-based film having one or more cavitated layers. In one aspect, the multilayer flexible film has polylactic acid, an inorganic filler, and a cavitation stabilizer making up at least one film layer. In one aspect, the barrier web has a cavitated bio-based film layer. In another aspect, the print web has a cavitated bio-based film layer.

[C08K] USE OF INORGANIC OR NON-MACROMOLECULAR ORGANIC SUBSTANCES AS COMPOUNDING INGREDIENTS (paints, inks, varnishes, dyes, polishes, adhesives C09) [2]

Aqueous lubricant composition
Patent No. 9745533

Inventor(s): D. Craig Woodward (Plano, TX), Justin Lee Batson (Mansfield, TX)
Assignee(s): Church Dwight Co., Inc. (Princeton, NJ)
Law Firm: Church Dwight Co., Inc. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14773036 on 03/14/2014 (1264 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an aqueous lubricant composition comprising hyaluronic acid, organic acid, salts and water, and has a pH of between 5.5 and 7.0 and an osmolality between about 150 and 1,500 mOsm/kg. The lubricant surprisingly has long-lasting lubricity and low osmolality as compared to conventional lubricants on the market.

[C10M] LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS (well drilling compositions C09K 8/02); USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION (mould release, i.e. separating, agents for metals B22C 3/00, for plastics or substances in a plastic state, in general B29C 33/56, for glass C03B 40/02; textile lubricating compositions D06M 11/00, D06M 13/00, D06M 15/00; immersion oils for microscopy G02B 21/33) [4]

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

[PATENT NO. 9744697 IMAGE VIA USPTO]

Adjustable locator retaining wall block and mold apparatus
Patent No. 9744697

Inventor(s): William H. Karau (Southlake, TX)
Assignee(s): PAVESTONE, LLC (Atlanta, GA)
Law Firm: Jackson Walker LLP (Local + 3 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15074830 on 03/18/2016 (529 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system of retaining wall blocks, a method of assembling a retaining wall block assembly, and a mold for manufacturing retaining wall blocks having adjustable engagement configurations.

[E04B] GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS (border constructions of openings in walls, floors, or ceilings E06B 1/00)

Safety hatch system
Patent No. 9745777

Inventor(s): Richard J. Whiting (Flower Mound, TX), Timothy Edward Rainey (Lewisville, TX)
Assignee(s): SafePro, L.P. (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14579748 on 12/22/2014 (981 days app to issue)

Abstract: In one embodiment, an electronically controlled hatch system for safe ingress, egress, hazard detection, and methods thereof are provided to reduce or eliminate hazards to personnel, including protection of people above and below a scuttle hatch, access port, skylight or elevated deck. Said hatch system reduces the risk of falls while ascending or descending a ladder through an access port. In certain embodiments, severe weather, hazard, security, and other safety information are detected and transmitted to a central control unit for processing and regulating the opening and closing of a hatch covering the access port and/or raising and lowering a safety railing system based on said information and/or user input. Said hatch system may include an actuator and guides for automatically locking/unlocking and opening/closing a hatch, an actuator and guides for automatically raising/lowering a railing system, safety monitoring detectors/apparatuses, and a centralized controller.

[E06B] FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES, OR LIKE ENCLOSURES, IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES (shades or blinds for greenhouses A01G 9/22; curtains A47H; lids for car boots or bonnets B62D 25/10; sky-lights E04B 7/18; sunshades, awnings E04F 10/00)

Movable barrier seal assembly
Patent No. 9745798

Inventor(s): Charles A. Haba (Massillon, OH), Danny L. Preising, Jr. (Massillon, OH)
Assignee(s): Overhead Door Corporation (Lewisville, TX)
Law Firm: Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 13150937 on 06/01/2011 (2281 days app to issue)

Abstract: A seal assembly for an upward acting door that is positionable between an open and closed position. The seal assembly contains a base member having a first and second flexible sealing member extending therefrom for sealing engagement with the door. The base member is mounted adjacent the door to facilitate sliding engagement between the door and the first and second seal members as the door is moved between the open and closed positions.

Centralizer assembly and method for attaching to a tubular
Patent No. 9745803

Inventor(s): Eugene Edward Miller (Weatherford, TX), Ira Eugene Hining (Mineral Wells, TX), Jean Buytaert (Mineral Wells, TX)
Assignee(s): ANTELOPE OIL TOOL MFG. CO. (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: MH2 Technology Law Group, LLP (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14502799 on 09/30/2014 (1064 days app to issue)

Abstract: A centralizer, method, and centralizer assembly. For example, the centralizer assembly includes a first stop collar fixed in place on a tubular, and a first end collar that is sized to slide axially over the first stop collar. The centralizer assembly also includes a first retainer coupled with the first end collar. The first retainer prevents the first stop collar from sliding past the first stop collar in at least one axial direction. The assembly also includes a plurality of ribs coupled with the first end collar and configured to engage a surrounding tubular in which the tubular is disposed.

[E21B] EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING (mining, quarrying E21C; making shafts, driving galleries or tunnels E21D); OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS [5]

Downhole screen tracer retention
Patent No. 9745835

Inventor(s): Gregory Scott Cunningham (Grapevine, TX), James Jun Kang (Dallas, TX), Ryan Michael Novelen (Grand Prairie, TX), Stephen Michael Greci (Little Elm, TX)
Assignee(s): HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: Kilpatrick Townsend Stockton LLP (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14398155 on 10/31/2013 (1398 days app to issue)

Abstract: A screen assembly can include a tracer retaining mechanism for retaining a tracer in an annular area defined between a screen portion and a base pipe. The tracer retaining mechanism can be coupled to the screen portion, the base pipe, or the tracer. The tracer retaining mechanism can allow fluid flow in and out of the annular area.

Time delayed secondary retention mechanism for safety joint in a wellbore
Patent No. 9745836

Inventor(s): Paul David Ringgenberg (Frisco, TX), Reid Elliott Zevenbergen (Carrollton, TX), Russell S. Haake (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC. (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: Kilpatrick Townsend Stockton LLP (14 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14408046 on 07/25/2012 (1861 days app to issue)

Abstract: Certain aspects and features of the present invention are directed to a safety joint that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The safety joint can include a body configured to be disposed in the wellbore, a primary retention mechanism, a secondary retention mechanism, and a time delay mechanism. The primary retention mechanism can be coupled to the body and can prevent the actuation of the safety joint. The secondary retention mechanism can be coupled to the body and can prevent the actuation of the safety joint in response to the primary retention mechanism allowing the actuation of the safety joint. The time delay mechanism can generate a time delay between the primary retention mechanism allowing the actuation of the safety joint and the secondary retention mechanism preventing the actuation of the safety joint.

Check valve for well stimulation
Patent No. 9745824

Inventor(s): Jan Veit (Plano, TX), Jean-Marc Lopez (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. (Houston, TX)
Law Firm: McDermott Will Emery LLP (11 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 13888946 on 05/07/2013 (1575 days app to issue)

Abstract: Disclosed are check valve assemblies operable to inject treatment fluids during stimulation operations. One check valve assembly includes a valve body defining an inlet, one or more discharge ports, and a cylindrical passageway that fluidly communicates the inlet with the one or more discharge ports, the valve body further providing a cylindrical section in which the one or more discharge ports are defined, a valve cap disposed about an exterior of the cylindrical section and defining an opening that fluidly communicates with the cylindrical passageway, and a spherical piston disposed within the passageway and movable between a closed configuration, where the spherical piston prevents fluid communication between the inlet and the one or more discharge ports, and an open configuration, where fluid communication is allowed between the inlet and the one or more discharge ports.

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

Manifold including mounting plate for fluid end block of reciprocating pump assembly
Patent No. 9745968

Inventor(s): Chad Cobb (Joshua, TX), Ed Kotapish (Willow Park, TX)
Assignee(s): S.P.M. FLOW CONTROL, INC. (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: Haynes and Boone LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14679151 on 04/06/2015 (876 days app to issue)

Abstract: In one aspect, a fluid end portion of a reciprocating pump assembly includes a fluid end block and an inlet manifold connected thereto. The manifold includes an opening formed therethrough and including a slot portion to facilitate the connection between the inlet manifold and the fluid end block. In another aspect, a method of connecting an inlet manifold to a fluid end block includes inserting fasteners into respective openings in the fluid end block, and effecting relative movement between the inlet manifold and the fluid end block so that the fasteners pass within respective slot portions formed through a mounting plate of the inlet manifold. In yet another aspect, a manifold is adapted to be connected to a fluid end block and includes an elongated member and a mounting plate connected thereto. The mounting plate includes openings formed therethrough, the openings including respective slot portions spaced in a parallel relation.

[F04B] POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS (engine fuel-injection pumps F02M; machines for liquids, or pumps, of rotary-piston or oscillating-piston type F04C; non-positive-displacement pumps F04D; pumping of fluid by direct contact of another fluid or by using inertia of fluid to be pumped F04F; crankshafts, crossheads, connecting-rods F16C; flywheels F16F; gearings for interconverting rotary motion and reciprocating motion in general F16H; pistons, piston-rods, cylinders, in general F16J; ion pumps H01J 41/12; electrodynamic pumps H02K 44/02)

Valve positioner communication method utilizing two-dimensional graphical display
Patent No. 9746101

Inventor(s): Anatoly Podpaly (Sharon, MA), Justin Scott Shriver (Newton, MA)
Assignee(s): Dresser, Inc. (Addison, TX)
Law Firm: Paul Frank + Collins P.C. (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14719537 on 05/22/2015 (830 days app to issue)

Abstract: A valve positioning system for controlling a valve and exchanging information related to the valve is provided. The valve positioning system includes a valve positioner in operative association with the valve such that the valve positioner receives status information related to the valve. The valve positioner includes a graphical display that displays a graphical representation based on the status information. By displaying the graphical representation, the valve positioner optically transmits the status information to a computing device that is in a line of sight with the graphical display of the valve positioner.

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

Suction lighting system
Patent No. 9746164

Inventor(s): Huang Ming (Beijing, , CN), Ji Pan (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): olighto, Inc. (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Kirby B. Drake Klemchuk LLP (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15019823 on 02/09/2016 (567 days app to issue)

Abstract: A lighting system includes a first light device having a housing; a suction means secured to a first end of the housing, the suction means being configured to removably secure the housing to a transparent structure; a light carried within the housing; and a power source conductively coupled to the light. The method includes securing the housing to the transparent structure; and directing light through the transparent structure with the light.

[F21L] LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF, BEING PORTABLE OR SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR TRANSPORTATION [7]

Drive mechanism and system for remotely operating a turret
Patent No. 9746270

Inventor(s): Craig Matthew Rose (Mansfield, TX), Ronald Eugene Janka (Grapevine, TX)
Assignee(s): LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION (Bethesda, MD)
Law Firm: Beusse Wolter Sanks Maire, PLLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14296381 on 06/04/2014 (1182 days app to issue)

Abstract: An unmanned turret having a turret ring gear and first and second electrical force-producing devices with the unmanned turret being rotatably mounted to a vehicle chassis, the turret drive mechanism including at least one ring gear independent of the turret ring gear, at least one manually-operable input component rotatably coupled to the at least one ring gear, the at least one input component accessible within the vehicle chassis, and at least one output component mechanically coupled to at least one of the first and second electrical force-producing devices of the unmanned turret to cause rotation of the at least one of the first and second electrical force-producing device. Another turret drive mechanism and an unmanned turret are also disclosed.

[F41A] FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE [5]

P H Y S I C S

[PATENT NO. 9744978 IMAGE VIA USPTO]

Railway track geometry defect modeling for predicting deterioration, derailment risk, and optimal repair
Patent No. 9744978

Inventor(s): Dhaivat P. Parikh (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION (Armonk, NY)
Law Firm: Cantor Colburn LLP (7 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 13906883 on 05/31/2013 (1551 days app to issue)

Abstract: Geo-defect repair modeling is provided. A method includes logically dividing a railroad network according to spatial and temporal dimensions with respect to historical data collected. The spatial dimensions include line segments of a specified length and the temporal dimensions include inspection run data for inspections performed for each of the line segments over a period of time. The method also includes creating a track deterioration model from the historical data, identifying geo-defects occurring at each inspection run from the track deterioration model, calculating a track deterioration condition from the track deterioration model by analyzing quantified changes in the geo-defects measured at each inspection run, and calculating a derailment risk based on track conditions determined from the inspection run data and the track deterioration condition. The method further includes determining a repair decision for each of the geo-defects based on the derailment risk and costs associated with previous comparable repairs.

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

Enhanced optical detection and ranging
Patent No. 9746323

Inventor(s): Michael I. Jones (Azle, TX), Rhande P. Wood (Weatherford, TX)
Assignee(s): Lockheed Martin Corporation (Bethesda, MD)
Law Firm: Baker Botts L.L.P. (Local + 8 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14341157 on 07/25/2014 (1131 days app to issue)

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes, for each field of view of a plurality of fields of view forming a field of regard, positioning a rotating disk in a first position corresponding to a first section of a plurality of sections. Each section of the plurality of sections may have a different focal length. The method further includes receiving a first image representing a first field of view, analyzing the first image, adjusting the plurality of mirrors based on the analysis, positioning the rotating disk in a second position corresponding to a second section, and receiving a second image representing the first field of view captured while the rotating disk was in the second position. The method further includes generating a range image of the field of view using at least the first image and the second image, and determining a range to a target using the range image.

[G01C] MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY (measuring liquid level G01F; radio navigation, determining distance or velocity by use of propagation effects, e.g. Doppler effect, propagation time, of radio waves, analogous arrangements using other waves G01S)

Method and system for scheduling vehicles along routes in a transportation system
Patent No. 9746332

Inventor(s): Ankit Kumar (Mumbai, , IN), Koyel Mukherjee (Bangalore, , IN), Narayanan Unny Edakunni (Bangalore, , IN), Pallavi Manohar (Thane, , IN), Sharmistha Jat (Pune, , IN)
Assignee(s): Conduent Business Services, LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Jones Robb PLLC (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14837070 on 08/27/2015 (733 days app to issue)

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments illustrate methods and systems for scheduling one or more first vehicles along a route in a transportation system. The method includes determining one or more demands pertaining to a commutation along a route, where the route comprises at least one pair of stations such that there is a unique path between the pair of stations. The method further includes determining a set of constraints associated with the transportation system. The set of constraints are based on at least a count of second vehicles plying on one or more routes in the transportation system at a time instance, a capacity of a first vehicle, and a performance metric of the transportation system. Further, the method includes determining a count of first vehicles, for plying along the route at the time instance, based on at least the set of constraints.

Stationary marine vibratory source for seismic surveys
Patent No. 9746569

Inventor(s): John Sallas (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): CGG SERVICES SAS (Massy, , FR)
Law Firm: Patent Portfolio Builders PLLC (4 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14138859 on 12/23/2013 (1345 days app to issue)

Abstract: A seismic data acquisition system is configured to collect seismic data. The system includes a marine source array configured to be attached to a fixed structure floating at the water surface and including vibratory source elements; and a controller configured to control the vibratory source elements so that a beam formed by the source array is steerable.

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

Multi-layer microprismatic retroreflective sheeting and method of manufacturing the same
Patent No. 9746591

Inventor(s): Drew Buoni (Fort Worth, TX), Jutao Lu (Fort Worth, TX), Siyao Lu (Fort Worth, TX), Wenyu Lu (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): Aura Optical Systems, LP (Fort Worth, TX)
Law Firm: Parker Justiss, P.C. (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14200373 on 03/07/2014 (1271 days app to issue)

Abstract: A multi-layer microprismatic retroreflective film and a method of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, the film includes: (1) a prism layer including an acrylic polymeric material and containing microprisms, (2) a strengthening layer including a polymeric material different from the acrylic polymeric material and (3) a buffer section including acrylic polymeric material located between the microprisms of the prism layer and the strengthening layer.

[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]

Touch screen display with tactile feedback using transparent actuator assemblies
Patent No. 9746968

Inventor(s): David Gerard Ledet (Allen, TX), Russell C. McKown (Richardson, TX)
Assignee(s): Open Invention Network LLC (Durham, NC)
Law Firm: Haynes and Boone, LLP (Local + 13 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 13293686 on 11/10/2011 (2119 days app to issue)

Abstract: The present invention provides a module or system and a method that includes: 1) a transparent screen assembly containing an actuator layer lying between two layers of transparent multiple line electrodes, where one electrode layer of forms lines in the x-direction layer and the other electrode layer forms lines in the y-direction; and 2) a controller that is connected to these electrodes. The system and method of the present invention provides: 1) multiple touch sensing on or near a surface of the transparent screen and 2) simultaneous high resolution tactile feedback across the same surface.

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

Touch-sensitive interface and method using orthogonal signaling
Patent No. 9746970

Inventor(s): Anand Dabak (Plano, TX), William R. Krenik (Garland, TX)
Assignee(s): Intel Corporation (Santa Clara, CA)
Law Firm: International IP Law Group, P.L.L.C. (11 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14072080 on 11/05/2013 (1393 days app to issue)

Abstract: A touch screen system includes a capacitive touch screen ([b]1[/b]) including a plurality of row conductors ([b]7[/b]-[b]1, 2[/b] [i]. . . n[/i]) and a column conductor ([b]5[/b]-[b]1[/b]). A plurality of contemporaneous orthogonal excitation signals (S[subscript]1[/subscript](t), S[subscript]2 [/subscript](t) . . . S[subscript]n[/subscript](t)) are simultaneously driven onto the row conductors, respectively. The capacitively coupled signals on the column conductor may be influenced by a touch ([b]10[/b]) on the capacitive touch screen. Receiver circuitry ([b]50[/b]) includes a sense amplifier ([b]21[/b]-[b]1[/b]) coupled to generate an amplifier output signal (r[subscript]1[/subscript](t)) in response to signals capacitively coupled onto the column conductor. WHT-based circuitry ([b]35[/b]) determines amounts of signal contribution capacitively coupled by each of the excitation signals, respectively, to the amplifier output signal.

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

Collaborative data based device maintenance
Patent No. 9746998

Inventor(s): Emil Dides (Coppell, TX)
Assignee(s): eBay Inc. (San Jose, CA)
Law Firm: Schwegman Lundberg Woessner, P.A. (9 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14588258 on 12/31/2014 (972 days app to issue)

Abstract: Systems and methods for collaborative data based device maintenance are provided. In example embodiments, an indication of a malfunction of a user product of a user is received. In response to receiving the indication of the malfunction, a component of the user product corresponding to the malfunction is identified. User data of another user that includes data associated with the user product is accessed. An item listing associated with the component is identified based, in part, on the user data of another user. User data of the user is accessed . An order parameter for an order corresponding to the item listing is determined based on the user data of the user and the another user. A recommendation to place the order corresponding to the item listing using the determined order parameter is presented.

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

Flexible instruction execution in a processor pipeline
Patent No. 9747109

Inventor(s): David Albert Carlson (Haslet, TX)
Assignee(s): Cavium, Inc. (San Jose, CA)
Law Firm: Occhiuti Rohlicek LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14514596 on 10/15/2014 (1049 days app to issue)

Abstract: Executing instructions in a processor includes analyzing operations to be performed by instructions, including: determining a latency associated with a first operation to be performed by a first instruction, determining a second operation to be performed by a second instruction, where a result of the second operation depends on a result of the first operation, and assigning a value to the second instruction corresponding to the determined latency associated with the first operation. One or more instructions are selected to be issued together in the same clock cycle of the processor from among instructions whose operations have been analyzed, the selected instructions occurring consecutively according to a program order. A start of execution of the second instruction is delayed by a particular number of clock cycles after the clock cycle in which the second instruction is issued according to the value assigned to the second instruction.

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

Method and system for improving error correction in data storage
Patent No. 9747157

Inventor(s): James M. Higgins (Chandler, AZ), Mark Dancho (Chandler, AZ), Robert W. Ellis (Phoenix, AZ)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Morgan, Lewis Bockius LLP (13 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14076165 on 11/08/2013 (1390 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method of operation of a data storage system includes: monitoring a data interface bus, the monitoring by a non-volatile memory controller; activating a zero bit counter for detecting a ratio of 1”s to 0”s on the data interface bus; and adjusting a threshold voltage (V[subscript]th[/subscript]), based on the ratio of the 1”s to the 0”s from the zero bit counter, by the non-volatile memory controller.

[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)

Storage module and method for identifying hot and cold data
Patent No. 9747202

Inventor(s): Adir Moshe HaCohen (Sunnyvale, CA), Alon Marcu (Tel Mond, , IL), Amir Shaharabany (Kochav Yair, , IL), Hadas Oshinsky (Kfar Saba, , IL)
Assignee(s): Sandisk Technologies LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Brinks Gilson Lione (7 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 13829235 on 03/14/2013 (1629 days app to issue)

Abstract: A storage module and method for identifying hot and cold data are provided. The storage module can be removable from a host or can be embedded in a host. In one embodiment, a request to store data in a logical block address (LBA) of a memory of the storage module is received. A physical block associated with the LBA is determined, and it is also determined whether the physical block stores hot or cold data. A last-known open block is then selected, wherein the last-known open block is either hot or cold depending on whether the physical block stores hot or cold data. If space is available in the last-known open block, the data is written to the last-known open block.

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

Date and time processing
Patent No. 9747280

Inventor(s): Athena Ann Smyros (Richardson, TX), Constantine John Smyros (Richardson, TX)
Assignee(s): Intelligent Language, LLC (Richardson, TX)
Law Firm: Slater Matsil, LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14465075 on 08/21/2014 (1104 days app to issue)

Abstract: For language elements that indicate or suggest time, such as adverbs, these also contain date and time information that can be used to quantify time for a single piece of text or for an entire repository. This quantification of time can then be used by many applications, such as a mobile device that needs to know when to execute a command or when an investigator is trying to piece together a chain of events from different documents.

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

Personality-relevant search services
Patent No. 9747348

Inventor(s): Karl J. Cama (Southlake, TX)
Assignee(s): INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION (Armonk, NY)
Law Firm: Garg Law Firm, PLLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14939035 on 11/12/2015 (656 days app to issue)

Abstract: For a search query submitted by a user, a result set including a plurality of pages is obtained. A first and a second personality score of a first and a second page, respectively, is determined using a value of a personality trait of the user and a weight associated with the value, and at least one of (i) a personality score of a site from which a first page is obtained based on a personality analysis of another content on the site, and (ii) a personality score of an author of the first page based on a personality analysis of another content published by the author. The first page is ordered ahead of the second page when the first personality score exceeding the second personality score, even when the first page and the second page are equally relevant to the search query.

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

Multi-mode multi-corner clocktree synthesis
Patent No. 9747397

Inventor(s): Kirk Schlotman (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): Mentor Graphics Corporation (Wilsonville, OR)
Law Firm: Klarquist Sparkman, LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15076991 on 03/22/2016 (525 days app to issue)

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for building a clock tree for an integrated circuit design is provided. The clock tree may include a clock tree root node and a plurality of clock tree nodes that couple to sink pins for circuit elements of the integrated circuit design. The clock tree nodes may be arranged to distribute the clock signal to the sink pins. In synthesizing the clock tree, the sink pins may be clustered into one or more clusters. Clock tree nodes may be placed for the clock tree to distribute the clock signal to the one or more clusters. Timing information is determined to measure the clock signal delay from the root to the sink pins in the one or more clusters based on the placed one or more clock tree nodes. Different sets of timing information may be determined based on different sets of clock tree timing variation parameters. For example, the clock tree timing variation parameters includes timing information for multiple process corners and/or multiple modes of operation.

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

Steganography detection
Patent No. 9747461

Inventor(s): Richard D. Hanner, Sr. (McKinney, TX)
Assignee(s): Bank of America Corporation (Charlotte, NC)
Law Firm: Banner Witcoff, Ltd. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15421638 on 02/01/2017 (209 days app to issue)

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting potential steganography use to hide content in computer files transmitted via electronic communications are provided. An electronic communication associated with a computer file may be identified. The communication and the computer file may be analyzed to determine whether the computer file potentially includes hidden content. To determine whether the computer file potentially includes hidden content, a set of steganographic criteria may be analyzed. If at least a portion of the steganographic criteria are satisfied, then it may be determined that the computer file potentially includes hidden content. If at least a portion of the steganographic criteria are not satisfied, then it may be determined that the computer file does not potentially include hidden content. If the computer file is determined to potentially include hidden content, an individual may be notified of the communication associated with the computer file.

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

Steganography detection
Patent No. 9747462

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

Selecting organizational transportation proposals based on commuter pledges and cost-benefit computation
Patent No. 9747567

Inventor(s): Gregorio Convertino (Martina Franca, , IT), Jutta K. Willamowski (Grenoble, , FR), Maria Antonietta Grasso (Grenoble, , FR), Stefania Castellani (Meylan, , FR)
Assignee(s): Conduent Business Services, LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Fay Sharpe LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14153481 on 01/13/2014 (1324 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for planning a transportation service includes sending transportation proposal to a plurality of organizations. The proposal includes one or more initial options, each including a set of variable parameters. Each organization can generate a modified option and make a commitment conditional on selected ones of the parameters. Each organization sends respective modified options to commuters of that organization who may specify their own pledges for at least one of the modified options, conditional on the organization-selected values for the variable parameters and optionally on commuter-selected values for the variable parameters. A cost-benefit function is computed for each of a set of revised options for the transportation service, each of the revised options being based on a combination of the variable parameters for which pledges which cover the combination have been received and one or more of the revised options is identified, based on the computed cost-benefit function.

[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]

Readying customer data based on geo-location
Patent No. 9747595

Inventor(s): Eddie James Lucero (Little Elm, TX)
Assignee(s): Intuit Inc. (Mountain View, CA)
Law Firm: Osha Liang LLP (4 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 13601624 on 08/31/2012 (1824 days app to issue)

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention involves a method for readying client financial data. The method comprises receiving a proximity distance; identifying a location of a mobile device of a financial professional (FP); identifying a location of a first client of the FP within the proximity distance from the location of the mobile device; downloading, by the mobile device and in response to identifying the first client, a first financial data item corresponding to the first client; and displaying, to the FP by the mobile device, the first financial data item.

Third-party provider method and system
Patent No. 9747608

Inventor(s): Kermit D. Lopez (Dallas, TX), Luis M. Ortiz (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): Rateze Remote Mgmt LLC (Wilmington, DE)
Law Firm: Meyertons, Hood, Kivlin, Kowert Goetzel, P.C. (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 13427310 on 03/22/2012 (1986 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing negotiable economic credits through, or at the request of, a hand held device in association with a third-party provider communicative with the hand held device and/or a point of sale. At least one negotiable economic credit can be transferred from a third-party provider communicative with the hand held device to the hand held device and/or point of sale. The negotiable economic credit can be stored within a memory of the hand held device and/or point of sale for retrieval and processing at a point of sale associated with a retail establishment and/or by a hand held device. The negotiable economic credit can be associated with a security module for protecting the privacy of the negotiable economic credit. A user profile can be compiled for utilization during the retrieval of the negotiable economic credit.

Name pronunciation recommendation
Patent No. 9747891

Inventor(s): Kulvir S. Bhogal (Fort Worth, TX)
Assignee(s): INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION (Armonk, NY)
Law Firm: Cantor Colburn LLP (7 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15157544 on 05/18/2016 (468 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for recommending the pronunciation of a name includes providing a plurality of audio records wherein the audio records include a set of audio records identifying the pronunciation of a common name. The method also includes analyzing the set of audio records identifying the pronunciation to determine the most frequent common pronunciation of the common name in the set of audio records. Once determined, the most frequent common pronunciation of the common name is presented to an end user.

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

Device soft-start management for enumeration problems with USB hosts
Patent No. 9747958

Inventor(s): Anand Venkitachalam (Bangalore, , IN), Bhavin Odedara (Bangalore, , IN), Jayanth Mysore Thimmaiah (Bangalore, , IN), Srinivasa Rao Sabbineni (Bangalore, , IN)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Brinks Gilson Lione (7 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14928005 on 10/30/2015 (669 days app to issue)

Abstract: An electronic device may receive a supply voltage from another external device, and detect when a level of the supply voltage drops below a threshold. In response, a controller of the electronic device may deactivate an interface configured for communication with the other electronic device. The controller may manage time periods and time period counters to determine when the check whether to reactivate the interface or conclude that the other external device is non-compliant.

Non-volatile memory with customized control of injection type of disturb during read operations
Patent No. 9747992

Inventor(s): Hong-Yan Chen (Sunnyvale, CA), Yingda Dong (Los Altos, CA)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15172671 on 06/03/2016 (452 days app to issue)

Abstract: A non-volatile memory system includes one or more control circuits configured to read memory cells. The reading of the programmed memory cells includes applying one or more voltages to perform boosting of a channel region associated with unselected memory cells, allowing the boosting of the channel region for a portion of time while applying the one or more voltages, preventing/interrupting the boosting of the channel region while applying the one or more voltages for a duration of time based on position of a memory cell selected for verification, applying a compare signal to the memory cell selected for reading, and performing a sensing operation for the memory cell selected for reading in response to the compare signal.

Bad column management with bit information in non-volatile memory systems
Patent No. 9748001

Inventor(s): Aldo Bottelli (San Jose, CA), Frank Tsai (Mountain View, CA), Kwang-ho Kim (Pleasanton, CA), Yan Li (Milpitas, CA)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14244726 on 04/03/2014 (1244 days app to issue)

Abstract: Column based defect management techniques are presented. Each column of the memory has an associated isolation latch or register whose value indicates whether the column is defective, but in addition to this information, for columns marked as defective, additional information is used to indicate whether the column as a whole is to be treated as defective, or whether just individual bits of the column are defective. The defective elements can then be re-mapped to a redundant element at either the appropriate bit or column level based on the data. When a column is bad, but only on the bit level, the good bits can still be used for data, although this may be done at a penalty of under programming for some bits, as is described further below. A self contained Built In Self Test (BIST) flow constructed to collect the bit information through a set of column tests is also described. Based on this information, the bad bits can be extracted and re-grouped into bytes by the controller or on the memory to more efficiently use the column redundancy area.

Memory cells including vertically oriented adjustable resistance structures
Patent No. 9748479

Inventor(s): Christopher J. Petti (Mountain View, CA), Juan P. Saenz (Menlo Park, CA)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15420595 on 01/31/2017 (210 days app to issue)

Abstract: A memory cell is provided that includes a vertically-oriented adjustable resistance material layer, a control terminal disposed adjacent the vertically-oriented adjustable resistance material layer and coupled to a word line, and a reversible resistance-switching element disposed on the vertically-oriented adjustable resistance material layer. The control terminal is configured to adjust a resistance of the vertically-oriented adjustable resistance material layer.

Technical component provisioning using metadata structural hierarchy
Patent No. 9749195

Inventor(s): Sean David Peterson (Arlington, TX)
Assignee(s): Accenture Global Services Limited (Dublin, , IE)
Law Firm: Brinks Gilson Lione (7 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14832516 on 08/21/2015 (739 days app to issue)

Abstract: Determining placement options for technical components of a specified service is a difficult technical challenge. A metadata architecture addresses, in part, the technical challenge by defining a complex metadata collection and attachment mechanism. In one implementation, the metadata architecture defines metadata domains and obtains descriptive metadata for those domains, e.g., metadata for the technical components from multiple disparate sources and across multiple different characteristics of the technical components. The metadata architecture is linked to the technical components and the metadata architecture injects specific metadata subsets into, e.g., a placement pipeline that determines where the technical components may be placed in the extensive provider/platform/service space.

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

Methods and apparatus to credit background applications
Patent No. 9749209

Inventor(s): Achilleas Papakostas (Dallas, TX), Cary Pillers (Sachse, TX)
Assignee(s): The Nielsen Company (US), LLC (New York, NY)
Law Firm: Hanley, Flight Zimmerman, LLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14503017 on 09/30/2014 (1064 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed which credit background applications. Examples disclosed herein set a threshold for bandwidth activity based on the bandwidth pattern. Examples disclosed herein compare a bandwidth usage of the application executing in the background to the threshold for bandwidth activity. Examples disclosed herein determine a state of the application executing in the background as one of active or inactive based on the comparing, and generate a log file comprising an identification of the application, a timestamp, and the state of the application.

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

Linear path protection in a centralized controller environment
Patent No. 9749223

Inventor(s): Don O”Connor (McKinney, TX)
Assignee(s): Fujitsu Limited (Kawasaki, , JP)
Law Firm: Baker Botts L.L.P. (Local + 8 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14333183 on 07/16/2014 (1140 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method and system for protection switching distributes responsibility for action between a central controller and network elements at endpoints of a linear point-to-point network path. The central controller may be configured to support protection switching by network elements at endpoints of a linear point-to-point path, such that the network elements perform protection switching independently and without direct involvement and/or dependency of the central controller. Simultaneously, the central controller may remain aware of network element actions, events, and states with regard to protection switching, by receiving corresponding notifications from the network elements.

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

System and method of cyber threat structure mapping and application to cyber threat mitigation
Patent No. 9749343

Inventor(s): John P. Watters (Dallas, TX), Matthew Keane (Dallas, TX)
Assignee(s): FireEye, Inc. (Milpitas, CA)
Law Firm: Conley Rose, P.C. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14244884 on 04/03/2014 (1244 days app to issue)

Abstract: A security system comprising a computer, a memory, a data store comprising a cyber threat intent dictionary and a technology dictionary; and an application stored in the memory. When executed by the computer, the application generates a report that comprises an identification of a cyber threat intent and the identification of a cyber threat technology, wherein the cyber threat intent is selected from a plurality of cyber threat intents listed in the cyber threat intent dictionary and wherein the cyber threat technology is selected from the technology dictionary. The application also populates values in a cyber threat progression vector, where the cyber threat progression vector comprises elements that each corresponds to an action in a chain of actions associated with a cybercrime, where the values correspond to one of present or not present. The vector is used to manage the cyber risk of an enterprise or organization.

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

URL parameter insertion and addition in adaptive streaming
Patent No. 9749375

Inventor(s): Xin Wang (Rancho Palos Verdes, CA)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Conley Rose, P.C. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14157306 on 01/16/2014 (1321 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method implemented by a client device for media content streaming, the method comprising inserting one or more query parameters in a query string portion of a uniform resource locator (URL), wherein the query string portion follows a path portion of the URL, sending a media request comprising the URL to a streaming server, and receiving one or more segments of a media content from the streaming server in response to the media request.

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

Media asset streaming over network to devices
Patent No. 9749380

Inventor(s): Koji Yoden (Hyogo, , JP)
Assignee(s): Kojicast, LLC (Dallas, TX)
Law Firm: Toler Law Group, PC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14689020 on 04/16/2015 (866 days app to issue)

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

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

Systems for media policy decision and control and methods for use therewith
Patent No. 9749382

Inventor(s): Michael Archer (Cambridge, , CA), Michael Gallant (Kitchener, , CA), Roxsan Payette (Ville Lorraine, , CA)
Assignee(s): NetScout Systems Texas, LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Locke Lord LLP (Local + 12 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14453378 on 08/06/2014 (1119 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system includes a policy repository configured to store a plurality of plurality of media-centric policies. A media policy decision point receives media session data corresponding to one of the plurality of media sessions; determines a plurality of media-specific and non-media specific attributes, based on the media session data; and evaluates a plurality of media-centric policies to determine a proper subset of the plurality of media-centric policies that apply to the one of the plurality of media sessions. A media policy enforcement point enforces the proper subset of the plurality of media-centric policies to control the one of the plurality of media sessions.

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

Method and system for fast access to advanced visualization of medical scans using a dedicated web portal
Patent No. 9749389

Inventor(s): Kovey Kovalan (Richardson, TX)
Assignee(s): AI VISUALIZE, INC. (Austin, TX)
Law Firm: Delio, Peterson Curcio, LLC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15255775 on 09/02/2016 (361 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system for viewing at a client device a series of three-dimensional virtual views over the Internet of a volume visualization dataset contained on centralized databases employs a transmitter for securely sending volume visualization dataset from a remote location to the centralized database, more than one central data storage medium containing the volume visualization dataset, and a plurality of servers in communication with the centralized databases to create virtual views based on client requests. A resource manager load balances the servers, a security device controls communications between the client device and server and the resource manager and central storage medium. Physically secured sites house the components. A web application accepts at the remote location user requests for a virtual view of the volume visualization dataset, transmits the request to the servers, receives the resulting virtual view from the servers, and displays the resulting virtual view to the remote user.

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

Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling a power converter
Patent No. 9746502

Inventor(s): Palanivel Subramaniam (Richardson, TX), Raghothama Reddy (Plano, TX), Ravi Gautam (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY (Schenectady, NY)
Law Firm: GE Global Patent Operation (5 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14615069 on 02/05/2015 (936 days app to issue)

Abstract: Systems and methods of monitoring a power system power converter are provided herein. The system includes a plurality of parallel-coupled power converters comprising a power converter input and a power converter output, the power converter output configured to be coupled to a load, each power converter of the plurality of parallel-coupled power converters comprising a power converter controller. The power converter controller is configured to compare an output current of a corresponding power converter to a predetermined output current threshold, monitor the output current for a predetermined time duration when the output current is below the predetermined output current threshold, and shut down the corresponding power converter when the output current is below the predetermined output current threshold for the predetermined time duration.

[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]

E L E C T R I C I T Y

[PATENT NO. 9747246 IMAGE VIA USPTO]

Electronic device for communicating between a microcontroller unit (MCU) and a host processor and related methods
Patent No. 9747246

Inventor(s): Brian Deng (Richardson, TX)
Assignee(s): STMicroelectronics, Inc. (Coppell, TX)
Law Firm: Slater Matsil, LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14625196 on 02/18/2015 (923 days app to issue)

Abstract: An electronic device may include system and serial peripheral interface (SPI) clocks, and a host interface each switchable between active and inactive states, a serial controller coupled to the system clock, and a memory. A slave controller may generate a request active signal based upon a transaction request from a host and causing each of the system clock, SPI clock, and host interface into the active state, store request data in the memory, and switch the host interface to the inactive state based upon the request data being stored. The serial controller may process the request based upon the request active signal, and generate a request complete signal based upon the request being processed. The slave controller may switch the system clock to the inactive state based upon the request complete signal. The SPI clock may be switched to the inactive state based upon the request complete signal.

[H05K] PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS (details of instruments or comparable details of other apparatus not otherwise provided for G12B; thin-film or thick-film circuits H01L 27/01, H01L 27/13; non-printed means for electric connections to or between printed circuits H01R; casings for, or constructional details of, particular types of apparatus, see the relevant subclasses; processes involving only a single technical art, e.g. heating, spraying, for which provision exists elsewhere, see the relevant classes)

System and methods for management of mobile field assets via wireless handheld devices
Patent No. 9747565

Inventor(s): Frank A. Barbosa (Carrollton, TX)
Assignee(s): Intellectual Ventures II LLC (Wilmington, DE)
Law Firm: Schwabe, Williamson Wyatt (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15071003 on 03/15/2016 (532 days app to issue)

Abstract: Communication from enterprise servers to handheld devices in the field supports dispatch, data synchronization, logistics and personnel. Bi-directional data delivery from enterprise-based servers over wireless data networks is enabled using wireless capabilities resident in handheld personal computing devices. Real time communications facilitates real-time access to remote programs, assistance and/or information related to the field operations and asset (personnel and inventory) resource management. Management is facilitated for at least one of: construction industry project analysis, HVAC system analysis, project management, equipment readiness inspection, troubleshooting, inventory tracking, inventory ordering, sales (e.g., providing cost estimates to customers), customer invoicing, conducting legal investigations, field data collection, and multi-user remote function coordination.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Floating staircase word lines and process in a 3D non-volatile memory having vertical bit lines
Patent No. 9748172

Inventor(s): Seje Takaki (Mie, , JP)
Assignee(s): SanDisk Technologies LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Vierra Magen Marcus LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15430965 on 02/13/2017 (197 days app to issue)

Abstract: A 3D nonvolatile memory has memory elements arranged in a three-dimensional pattern with a plurality of memory layers stacked over a semiconductor substrate. It has a 2D array of vertical bit lines and a plurality of staircase word lines. Each staircase word line has a series of alternating segments and risers and traverses the plurality of memory layers with a segment in each memory layer. The plurality of staircase word lines have their segments lined up to form a 2D array of stacks of segments. Riser for a pair of segments from each adjacent stacks at different memory layers is provided by a conductive sidewall layer of a stairwell disposed between the adjacent stacks. Multiple insulated conductive sidewall layers provide multiple risers for the adjacent stacks. Layer-by-layer stairwell excavation and sidewall processes between adjacent stacks create risers for different pairs of segments between stacks to form the staircase word lines.

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

Three-dimensional memory device having multi-layer diffusion barrier stack and method of making thereof
Patent No. 9748174

Inventor(s): Fumitaka Amano (Yokkaichi, , JP)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: The Marbury Law Group PLLC (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15215006 on 07/20/2016 (405 days app to issue)

Abstract: An alternating stack of insulating layers and spacer material layers is formed over a substrate. Memory stack structures are formed through the alternating stack. The spacer material layers are removed to form backside recesses. The backside recesses are sequentially filled with a continuous layer stack including a first continuous metallic nitride layer, a continuous tungsten layer, a second continuous metallic nitride layer, and a continuous metal fill layer. The continuous layer stack is patterned to form electrically conductive layers. Each electrically conductive layer includes a liner stack of a first metallic nitride liner, a tungsten liner, and a second metallic nitride liner. The liner stack is a diffusion barrier for high diffusivity species such as fluorine and boron.

Three-dimensional memory device with select transistor having charge trapping gate dielectric layer and methods of making and operating thereof
Patent No. 9748266

Inventor(s): Ashish Baraskar (Santa Clara, CA), Ching-Huang Lu (Fremont, CA), Liang Pang (Milpitas, CA), Matthias Baenninger (Palo Alto, CA), Yanli Zhang (San Jose, CA), Yingda Dong (San Jose, CA)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: The Marbury Law Group PLLC (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15215080 on 07/20/2016 (405 days app to issue)

Abstract: A gate dielectric layer including a tunneling gate dielectric layer, a charge trapping gate dielectric layer, and a cap gate dielectric layer is formed on a horizontal semiconductor channel. An alternating stack of insulating layers and spacer material layers is formed over the gate dielectric layer. The spacer material layers are formed as, or are subsequently replaced with, electrically conducive layers. Memory stack structures are formed through the alternating stack and the gate dielectric layer. Electrical charges can be injected into the charge trapping gate dielectric layer from the horizontal semiconductor channel to program the threshold voltage of a select field effect transistor employing a bottommost electrically conductive layer as a select gate electrode. The programmable threshold voltage can be advantageously employed to provide enhanced electrical isolation among word lines.

Three dimensional NAND device with channel contacting conductive source line and method of making thereof
Patent No. 9748267

Inventor(s): Go Shoji (Yokkaichi, , JP), Jayavel Pachamuthu (San Jose, CA), Jiahui Yuan (Fremont, CA), Johann Alsmeier (San Jose, CA), Yanli Zhang (San Jose, CA), Yingda Dong (San Jose, CA)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: The Marbury Law Group PLLC (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15256114 on 09/02/2016 (361 days app to issue)

Abstract: A NAND memory cell region of a NAND device includes a conductive source line that extends substantially parallel to a major surface of a substrate, a first semiconductor channel that extends substantially perpendicular to a major surface of the substrate, and a second semiconductor channel that extends substantially perpendicular to the major surface of the substrate. At least one of a bottom portion and a side portion of the first semiconductor channel contacts the conductive source line and at least one of a bottom portion and a side portion of the second semiconductor channel contacts the conductive source line.

Process for integrated circuit fabrication including a uniform depth tungsten recess technique
Patent No. 9748351

Inventor(s): Chun-Chen Yeh (Clifton Park, NY), Qing Liu (Watervliet, NY), Ruilong Xie (Schenectady, NY)
Assignee(s): STMICROELECTRONICS, INC. (Coppell, TX)
Law Firm: Cantor Colburn LLP (7 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15273777 on 09/23/2016 (340 days app to issue)

Abstract: Dummy gates are removed from a pre-metal layer to produce a first opening (with a first length) and a second opening (with a second length longer than the first length). Work function metal for a metal gate electrode is provided in the first and second openings. Tungsten is deposited to fill the first opening and conformally line the second opening, thus leaving a third opening. The thickness of the tungsten layer substantially equals the length of the first opening. The third opening is filled with an insulating material. The tungsten is then recessed in both the first and second openings using a dry etch to substantially a same depth from a top surface of the pre-metal layer to complete the metal gate electrode. Openings left following the recess operation are then filled with a dielectric material forming a cap on the gate stack which includes the metal gate electrode.

Multi-channel gate-all-around FET
Patent No. 9748352

Inventor(s): Chun-chen Yeh (Clifton Park, NY), Qing Liu (Irvine, CA), Ruilong Xie (Schenectady, NY), Xiuyu Cai (Niskayuna, NY)
Assignee(s): STMicroelectronics, Inc (Coppell, TX)
Law Firm: Seed IP Law Group LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14984688 on 12/30/2015 (608 days app to issue)

Abstract: A high performance GAA FET is described in which vertically stacked silicon nanowires carry substantially the same drive current as the fin in a conventional FinFET transistor, but at a lower operating voltage, and with greater reliability. One problem that occurs in existing nanowire GAA FETs is that, when a metal is used to form the wraparound gate, a short circuit can develop between the source and drain regions and the metal gate portion that underlies the channel. The vertically stacked nanowire device described herein, however, avoids such short circuits by forming insulating barriers in contact with the source and drain regions, prior to forming the gate. Through the use of sacrificial films, the fabrication process is almost fully self-aligned, such that only one lithography mask layer is needed, which significantly reduces manufacturing costs.

Threshold adjustment for quantum dot array devices with metal source and drain
Patent No. 9748356

Inventor(s): John H. Zhang (Fishkill, NY)
Assignee(s): STMicroelectronics, Inc. (Coppell, TX)
Law Firm: Seed IP Law Group LLP (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 13931234 on 06/28/2013 (1523 days app to issue)

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

Lateral bipolar junction transistor (BJT) on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate
Patent No. 9748369

Inventor(s): Qing Liu (Irvine, CA)
Assignee(s): STMicroelectronics, Inc. (Coppell, TX)
Law Firm: Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15258412 on 09/07/2016 (356 days app to issue)

Abstract: A bipolar transistor is supported by a substrate including a semiconductor layer overlying an insulating layer. A transistor base is formed by a base region in the semiconductor layer that is doped with a first conductivity type dopant at a first dopant concentration. The transistor emitter and collector are formed by regions doped with a second conductivity type dopant and located adjacent opposite sides of the base region. An extrinsic base includes an epitaxial semiconductor layer in contact with a top surface of the base region. The epitaxial semiconductor layer is doped with the first conductivity type dopant at a second dopant concentration greater than the first dopant concentration. Sidewall spacers on each side of the extrinsic base include an oxide liner on a side of the epitaxial semiconductor layer and the top surface of the base region.

Power semiconductor devices incorporating single crystalline aluminum nitride substrate
Patent No. 9748409

Inventor(s): Jinqiao Xie (Allen, TX)
Assignee(s): HexaTech, Inc. (Morrisville, NC)
Law Firm: Womble Carlyle Sandridge Rice LLP (15 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14208760 on 03/13/2014 (1265 days app to issue)

Abstract: The invention provides a power semiconductor device including an aluminum nitride single crystalline substrate, wherein the dislocation density of the substrate is less than about 10[superscript]5 [/superscript]cm[superscript]2 [/superscript]and the Full Width Half Maximum (FWHM) of the double axis rocking curve for the (002) and (102) crystallographic planes is less than about 200 arcsec; and a power semiconductor structure comprising at least one doped Al[subscript]x[/subscript]Ga[subscript]1x[/subscript]N layer overlying the aluminum nitride single crystalline substrate.

Interleaved layered decoder for low-density parity check codes
Patent No. 9748973

Inventor(s): Xinmiao Zhang (Seattle, WA)
Assignee(s): SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Toler Law Group, PC (1 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14258843 on 04/22/2014 (1225 days app to issue)

Abstract: A controller is configured to access information to generate data blocks. The controller includes a data block interleaver and a low-density parity check (LDPC) decoder. The data block interleaver is configured to interleave the data blocks to generate interleaved data blocks. The LDPC decoder is configured to decode the interleaved data blocks.

[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]

Automated radio frequency testing management system
Patent No. 9749064

Inventor(s): Carlos Jimenez (Keller, TX), Clark Humphrey (Fort Worth, TX), Gregory Frenzel (Fort Worth, TX), Ken Nguyen (Fort Worth, TX), Robert Ripperden (Fort Worth, TX), Scott Wittrock (Flower Mound, TX)
Assignee(s): FedEx Supply Chain Logistics Electronics, Inc. (Forth Worth, TX)
Law Firm: McGuireWoods LLP (Local + 8 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14838470 on 08/28/2015 (732 days app to issue)

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include an automated RF testing management system that is configured to control a plurality of RF testing units, each having multiple test ports for performing RF testing of various electronic devices. Advantages of the disclosed embodiments include cost savings, increase productivity, and ease of configuration and maintenance.

[H04B] TRANSMISSION [4]

10 gigabit per second capable passive optical network system with flexible nominal upstream bitrate
Patent No. 9749078

Inventor(s): Denis Andreyevich Khotimsky (Westborough, MA), Dezhi Zhang (Shanghai, , CN), Liquan Yuan (Shanghai, , CN)
Assignee(s): ZTE (USA), Inc. (Richardson, TX)
Law Firm: Brooks Kushman P.C. (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14438830 on 10/25/2013 (1404 days app to issue)

Abstract: Techniques, apparatus and systems are described for accommodating the optical network units (ONUs) having different nominal upstream bitrates on the same passive optical network (PON) system by making the specified burst preamble and the bandwidth map allocation record format invariant with respect to the nominal upstream bitrate of a target ONU. The disclosed techniques, apparatus and systems allow seamless evolution of the lower-bitrate services to higher-bitrate services offered to an end-user without need to upgrade the central office equipment. In addition they can avoid the adverse consequences of inadvertently connecting a high-upstream-bitrate ONU to a lower-upstream-bitrate network.

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

System and method for transmitting beamformed reference/control signals
Patent No. 9749103

Inventor(s): Bin Liu (San Diego, CA), Jian Wang (Beijing, , CN), 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: 14815571 on 07/31/2015 (760 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for operating a transmission point with reduced interference includes determining a beamformed signal configuration specified in accordance with configuration information of neighboring TPs, wherein the beamformed signal configuration indicates multiplexed beamformed signals in a spatial domain and at least one of a time domain and a frequency domain, and transmitting beamformed signals in accordance with the beamformed signal configuration, wherein the beamformed signals comprises at least one of beamformed reference signals and beamformed control signals.

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

Software defined networking (SDN) specific topology information discovery
Patent No. 9749214

Inventor(s): Lin Han (San Jose, CA)
Assignee(s): Futurewei Technologies, Inc. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Conley Rose, P.C. (3 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14191121 on 02/26/2014 (1280 days app to issue)

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mechanism for discovering SDN specific topology information in a SDN interconnection network. SDN specific topology information may comprise SDN IDs, SDN member router ID lists, and SDN address lists. A SDNC associated with a local SDN domain in the SDN interconnection network may determine a set of routers and/or links in the local SDN domain for link advertisement and may associate the set of routers with the local SDN domain. The SDNC may further determine a set of border routers in the local SDN domain for broadcasting the link advertisements and SDN specific topology information to other interconnected SDN domains. The SDNC may receive link advertisement and SDN specific topology information from other interconnected SDN domains and may compute a best path through each router and/or link across the SDN domains.

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

Methods and systems for multiple channel authentication
Patent No. 9749463

Inventor(s): Minya Liang (McKinney, TX)
Assignee(s): United Services Automobile Association (USAA) (San Antonio, TX)
Law Firm: Perkins Coie LLP (17 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15299064 on 10/20/2016 (313 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods and systems for multiple channel authentication are described. In one embodiment, a request for a combined voice and data call is initiated from within a mobile application. The request may include authentication information and contextual information relating to a current exchange between the mobile application and an organization. The user may be authenticated with the authentication information and the combined voice and data call may be routed to a representative based on the contextual information to continue the exchange.

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

Solution to enforce time and usage threshold for monitoring
Patent No. 9749477

Inventor(s): Devaki Chandramouli (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): NOKIA SOLUTIONS AND NETWORKS OY (Espoo, , FI)
Law Firm: Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP (13 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14761829 on 01/18/2013 (1684 days app to issue)

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for enforcing time and usage limits are provided. One method includes allocating a usage allowance and time allowance for a group subscription to a network, and receiving a notification when a minimum threshold is reached for either the usage allowance or the time allowance within a certain duration. The method may further include determining a remainder of the usage allowance and a remainder of the time allowance by querying at least one policy and charging enforcement function, and reallocating the usage allowance and the time allowance based on the determined remainder of the usage allowance and the determined remainder of the time allowance.

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

User equipment assisted indoor small cell location determination
Patent No. 9749810

Inventor(s): Hongyan Lei (Plano, TX)
Assignee(s): ATT MOBILITY II LLC (Atlanta, GA)
Law Firm: Amin, Turocy Watson, LLP (2 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 15051154 on 02/23/2016 (553 days app to issue)

Abstract: Performing user equipment (UE) assisted indoor small cell location determination is presented herein. A method can include in response to sending, by an access point device, a request directed to a mobile device to obtain mobile device location data representing a user equipment location of the mobile device, receiving, by the access point device, the mobile device location data from the mobile device; and based on the mobile device location data, determining, by the access point device, access point location data representing an access point location of the access point device. In an example, the mobile device location data can include coordinates of the mobile device comprising latitude of the mobile device and longitude of the mobile device, and a time stamp representing a time of generation of the coordinates. In another example, the mobile device location data can include an altitude of the mobile device.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Method for avoiding collisions between open discovery and cellular resource
Patent No. 9749833

Inventor(s): Anthony C K Soong (Plano, TX), Hossein Bagheri (Arlington Heights, IL), Philippe Sartori (Algonquin, IL), Vipul Desai (Palantine, IL)
Assignee(s): FUTUREWEI TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Slater Matsil, LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14508822 on 10/07/2014 (1057 days app to issue)

Abstract: A device is configured to perform a method of wireless communication in a wireless communication network. The method includes receiving, from a communications controller, a device-to-device (D2D) subframe configuration to communicate with one or more second wireless devices, the subframe configuration indicating one or more subframes in which to transmit a D2D signal or receive one or more D2D signals. The method also includes receiving, from the communications controller, scheduling information to transmit a first signal to the communications controller on a subframe indicated by the D2D subframe configuration. The method further includes prioritizing the transmission of the first signal over a transmission of the D2D signal or a reception of the one or more D2D signals, and transmitting the first signal.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Device, network, and method of cell discovery
Patent No. 9749938

Inventor(s): Jialing Liu (Palatine, 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: 14611070 on 01/30/2015 (942 days app to issue)

Abstract: System and method embodiments are provided for network cell discovery. In an embodiment, a method in a mobile device includes receiving, at the mobile device, at least one parameter from a first network component, wherein the at least one parameter is associated with a discovery signal (DS) generated by and transmitted from a second network component, wherein the parameter specifies a time period between successive transmissions of the DS, an offset within the time period, and a duration of each transmission of the DS; receiving, at the mobile device, according to the time period and the offset, the DS from the second network component; and suspending reception on a first carrier radio resource during a gap in successive transmissions on the first carrier radio resource and receiving a signal on a second carrier radio resource during the gap, wherein the gap is determined according to the parameter.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

System and method for sharing a control channel for carrier aggregation
Patent No. 9750006

Inventor(s): Sean Michael McBeath (Keller, TX)
Assignee(s): GOLDEN VALLEY HOLDINGS LIMITED (Apia, , WS)
Law Firm: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett Dunner, L.L.P. (7 non-local offices)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14833927 on 08/24/2015 (736 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for processing a control channel at a user agent (UA) to identify at least one of an uplink and a downlink resource allocated by a resource grant within a multi-carrier communication system wherein resource grants are specified by control channel element (CCE) subset candidates wherein the carriers used for data transmission and reception are configured carriers, the method comprising the steps of receiving activation signals specifying active and deactivated carriers from among the configured carriers, for active carriers (i) identifying a number of CCE subset candidates to decode and (ii) decoding up to the identified number of CCE subset candidates in an attempt to identify the resource grant; and for deactivated carriers, ignoring CCE subset candidates associated with the deactivated carriers.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

System and method for multiple channel bandwidth modes coexistence
Patent No. 9750018

Inventor(s): Bin Chen (Schaumburg, IL), George Calcev (Hoffman Estates, IL), Lin Cai (Schaumburg, IL), Lukasz Krzymien (Rolling Meadows, IL)
Assignee(s): FUTUREWEI TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (Plano, TX)
Law Firm: Slater Matsil, LLP (Local + 1 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 13717618 on 12/17/2012 (1716 days app to issue)

Abstract: A method for transmitting a transmission to a station in a wireless network includes transmitting a preamble of the transmission to the station using a first channel with a first bandwidth, the preamble including a first indicator indicating a second channel with a second bandwidth, the second bandwidth greater than the first bandwidth, and transmitting a data portion of the transmission to the station using the second channel with the second bandwidth.

[H04W] WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS [2009.01]

Dual faced ATCA backplane
Patent No. 9750135

Inventor(s): Brian Haarberg (Richardson, TX), Daniel Gray (Richardson, TX), John P. Curtin (Richardson, TX), Ryan L. Pipkin (Prosper, TX), William Kelly (Mesquite, TX), Yen W. Chang (Wylie, TX)
Assignee(s): NetScout Systems Texas, LLC (Westford, MA)
Law Firm: Locke Lord LLP (Local + 12 other metros)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14105558 on 12/13/2013 (1355 days app to issue)

Abstract: A system compatible for use with ATCA includes a chassis comprising a first and a second plurality of slots for receiving circuit boards. The chassis further includes a midplane having a front surface and a back surface. The midplane extends between the first plurality of slots and the second plurality of slots. The midplane has a first plurality of connectors affixed to the front surface and has a second plurality of connectors affixed to the back surface. Each connector is arranged to accept a circuit board. The midplane forms an interconnection scheme such that one of the first plurality of slots is directly connected to one of the second plurality of slots. The one of the first plurality of slots and the one of the second plurality of slots extend in opposite directions from their respective connections on the midplane.

DESIGN PATENTS

[PATENT NO. D795718 IMAGE VIA USPTO]

Fitness monitor
Patent No. D795718

Inventor(s): Dennis Matthew Puhalla (Oakland, CA), Diana Chang (San Francisco, CA), Ishmael Kwame Adams (Chicago, IL), Keith Alsberg (Evanston, IL), Scott Harold Wilson (Chicago, IL), Timoth
Application No., Date, Speed: 29550472 on 01/04/2016 (603) days app to issue
Assignee(s): Fossil Group, Inc. (Richardson, TX)
Law Firm: Cooley LLP (13 non-local offices)

Patent Class: N/A

REISSUE

Fiber optic local convergence points for multiple dwelling units
Patent No. RE046525 (Reissue)

Inventor(s): Terry Dean Cox (Fort Worth, TX), Thomas Shaw Liggett (Keller, TX)
Assignee(s): Corning Optical Communications LLC (Hickory, NC)
Law Firm: LeClairRyan, a Professional Corporation (no location found)
Application No., Date, Speed: 14028338 on 09/16/2013 (1443 days app to issue)

Abstract: There are provided fiber optic local convergence points (”LCPs”) adapted for use with multiple dwelling units (”MDUs”) that facilitate relatively easy installation and/or optical connectivity to a relatively large number of subscribers. The LCP includes a housing mounted to a surface, such as a wall, and a cable assembly with a connector end to be optically connected to a distribution cable and a splitter end to be located within the housing. The splitter end includes at least one splitter and a plurality of subscriber receptacles to which subscriber cables may be optically connected. The splitter end of the cable assembly of the LCP may also include a splice tray assembly and/or a fiber optic routing guide. Furthermore, a fiber distribution terminal (”FDT”) may be provided along the subscriber cable to facilitate installation of the fiber optic network within the MDU.

Patent Class: N/A

Dallas Invents: 87 Patents Granted for Week of Aug. 29

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Dallas Invents: 87 Patents Granted for Week of Aug. 29

Check out this week's ranking for inventive activity in Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington. Patents were granted to Phillip Morris, Intel, Lockheed Martin, Fujitsu, eBay, Bank of America, Fossil Group, Pavestone, AI Visualize, and more.

THIS WEEK, BY THE NUMBERS Week of Aug. 29, 2017 | Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington (19100)

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Week of Aug. 29, 2017 | Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington (19100)