Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Geoff L. Sutcliffe
  • Patent number: 6636320
    Abstract: Flow separation detectors and, more particularly feedback sensor arrangements consisting of optical fiber tufts adapted to provide for the measurement of surface aerodynamic flow phenomena through the effects birefringence or transmitted light, and especially with regard to aerodynamic flow separation which is encountered over a surface. Also facilitated is the detection of aerodynamic flow separation with a concurrent detection of encountered mechanical strain and stresses on the surface structure being monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Todd G. Wetzel, Edward R. Furlong
  • Patent number: 6573907
    Abstract: Interactive interfaces to video information provide a displayed view of a quasi-object called a root image. The root image consists of a plurality of basic frames selected from the video information, arranged such that their respective x and y directions are aligned with the x and y directions in the root image and the z direction in the root image corresponds to time, such that base frames are spaced apart in the z direction of the root image in accordance with their time separation. The displayed view of the root image changes in accordance with a designated viewing position, as if the root image were a three-dimensional object. The user can manipulate the displayed image by designating different viewing positions, selecting portions of the video information for playback and by special effects, such as cutting open the quasi-object for a better view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Obvious Technology
    Inventor: Nabil Madrane
  • Patent number: 6557006
    Abstract: A system and method for displaying an interactive electronic representation (“IER”) of a corresponding static media object is provided by associating a unique identification tag with a static media object. The unique identification tag is also associated with the IER, which is stored in a computer database. An application program for retrieving the IER embodying aspects of the present invention may receive the unique identification tag and, based upon the unique identification tag, locate and display the corresponding IER. A user of the application program may then interact with the IER by selecting portions of the IER. When a portion of the IER is selected, additional information regarding the selected portion of the IER may be displayed to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventors: Garland Todd Headrick, Kristofer Derek Hutchinson, James Edwin Harris, III, Stephen Andrew Hyser, Peeter Todd Mannik
  • Patent number: 6546093
    Abstract: A system and method downloads data and reconfigures the data into a database. A telephone user purchases a specific number of lines and specific services (i.e., call waiting) from a telephone company. The telephone company then programs a switch associated with that user so that the user receives the services purchased. The telephone company also inserts the user's purchases into a database used for generating the user's bills. Discrepancies can occur between the data in the switch and the data in the billing database. Billing correction is performed by downloading all of the data within a switch, reconfiguring the data into a database and then comparing the switch database against the billing database to detect billing errors. To facilitate ease of this billing correction process, the switch database is transmitted to the billing correction center via a network instead of the traditional method of using direct tape copies of the switch being physically transported to the billing correction center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: Steve W. Klose, Leonard R. Fowler
  • Patent number: 6538767
    Abstract: A printing system and method applies images to an object, such as a golf ball, through the use of one or more print heads. The object is mounted in a manipulator assembly that rotates the object as the image is transferred to the object. The print head is also movable with respect to the object so that it is at a desired distance from the object as it prints from one end of the object to the other. A plurality of print heads may be provided with each print head applying a different color to the object. These print heads may be arranged in a vertical fashion with the object traveling in a vertical direction between the print heads or the object may be mounted on a rotatable table with the print heads situated about the perimeter of the table. Images to be applied to the object are broken down into their constituent colors with the image data for each color being provided to a separate print head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Designer Image Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan E. Over, Fred Martin
  • Patent number: 6535889
    Abstract: A system and method for displaying an interactive electronic representation (“IER”) of a conventional static media object, such as an electronic publication containing a digital image, is provided by associating a unique identification tag with a static media object. The unique identification tag is also associated with the IER, which is stored in a computer database. An application program for retrieving the IER embodying aspects of the present invention may receive the unique identification tag and, based upon the unique identification tag, locate and display the corresponding IER. A user of the application program may then interact with the IER by selecting portions of the IER. When a portion of the IER is selected, additional information regarding the selected portion of the IER may be displayed to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventors: Garland Todd Headrick, Kristopher Derek Hutchinson, Robert Bruno Mignone, James Edwin Harris, III, Peeter Todd Mannik, Stephen Andrew Hyser
  • Patent number: 6505843
    Abstract: A device for transporting a container includes a frame and a boom coupled to the frame for maintaining a container in an upright position during movement of the device. The device prevents contents of the container from spilling during transport. The device is collapsible so that it can be easily and compactly stored when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventor: Dale Williams
  • Patent number: 6501950
    Abstract: A system and method capture data from an SS7 network and pair each invoke message with its corresponding response message. Each message is stored in a daily file as well as in a table dedicated for that particular message type. A separate file is also maintained on each MIN and holds the most current registration information for each MIN. The system and method support four different types of queries: a MIN/ESN query, an active roamer query, a switch-to-switch query, and a transaction statistics query. The MIN/ESN query provides roaming activity on a specific MIN or ESN while the active roamer query provides information on all roamers in a serving market. The switch-to-switch query reveals messaging at one switch or between two switches. The statistics query provides data to a provider on all of its subscribers roaming in foreign networks or on all phones within its own network. The system has a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for displaying information on each message in an easy and convenient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas C. Smith, John W. Morton, Jefferey T. Seymour, Gregory S. Visser, David L. Henseler
  • Patent number: 6455119
    Abstract: A multi-ply label structure is especially, although not necessarily, adapted for affixation to a vessel. The multi-ply label is intended to protect a game piece, coupon, or other material from moisture and other detrimental external environments before affixation to the vessel. As a result, the bottle can be immersed in water for an extended period without destroying the integrity of the label structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Dittler Brothers Incorporated
    Inventors: James J. Carides, James T. Pittman, Benny R. Rich, George W. Hall, IV, Terry D. Futral
  • Patent number: 6452339
    Abstract: A photocontroller diagnostic system including a photocontroller with a sensor for determining the presence of daylight, and a relay, responsive to the sensor, for de-energizing a lamp during periods of daylight. The diagnostic subsystem is responsive to the photocontroller, and includes a microprocessor programmed to verify the operability of the relay and/or the sensor and programmed to transmit a signal representative of the operability of the relay or the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Acuity Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph F. Morrissey, Jeff Walters
  • Patent number: 6452340
    Abstract: A starting aid for a luminaires includes a trigger circuit for supplying a trigger voltage pulse to a lamp in response to the presence of a line voltage signal supplied by a photodetector, a feedback circuit for detecting the lamp voltage and means, responsive to the line voltage signal and the feedback circuit, for comparing the voltage on the lamp to a nominal voltage level for disabling the trigger circuit and terminating the trigger voltage pulse in the presence of a lamp cycling or lamp out condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Acuity Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph F. Morrissey, Jr., Jeff Walters
  • Patent number: 6449362
    Abstract: An apparatus for isolating ADSL signals from POTS signals includes a single low pass filter for filtering the POTS signals for all POTS terminal devices within a customer's premises. The low pass filter is mounted within a line isolation device (LID) connected between a telephone jack and an ADSL transceiver. The customer's wiring is altered so that the ADSL and POTS signals are supplied to blue (B) and yellow (Y) lines, rather than the typical connection to the red (R) and green (G) lines, and the LID returns filtered POTS signals on the R and G lines. The telephone jacks within the premises remain connected to the R and G lines and receive the filtered POTS signals from the LID. Instead of reconnecting incoming signals to the R and G lines upon removal of the ADSL transceiver, a jack is preferably used which automatically shorts the B and Y lines to the R and G lines, respectively, upon removal of the LID from one of the telephone jacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: Gary Tennyson, D. A. Wilmont
  • Patent number: 6419378
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a roadway luminaire is provided which includes the steps of molding a two part upper housing from a composite material and applying a reflective substance directly to an inner surface of a domed portion of the housing to create a reflector. The luminaire further includes a lower housing hingedly attached to the upper housing which supports a lens therein and is pivotable into an open position and latched to the upper housing in a closed position. Means are provided for mounting the luminaire to a pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Acuity Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Wedell, Timothy D. Cathey, Margaret A. Self, John DeCandia, Greg Marik, Thomas A.. Zimmerman, Edward B. Bilson, R. W. Kauffman (Rick)
  • Patent number: 6415027
    Abstract: When a subscriber calls into its Internet Service Provider (ISP), a central office receiving the call is triggered to perform a Local Number Portability (LNP) query. This LNP query is sent to an Intelligent Traffic Routing and Control (INTRAC) unit resident on a Service Control Point (SCP) which determines whether the call is to an ISP. If the call is to an ISP, the INTRAC unit polls a Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) server to determine whether resources are available. The RADIUS server tracks the resources of the ISP and of other ISPs and informs the SCP of the available resources. The SCP then inserts the Local Routing Number (LRN) of the preferred resource into a reply that is sent to the central office. If resources are not available, the call is terminated before signaling occurs with any switch associated with the ISP. On the other hand, when resources are available, the subscriber can be directed to the preferred resource for the subscriber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventor: Dale W. Malik
  • Patent number: 6400948
    Abstract: A radiotelephone system having DCCH channels includes an over-the-air activation teleservice sub-system (OTAF) for programming mobile stations (MS) with Intelligent Roaming (IR) information. Each MS includes a history list containing the most recently used DCCHs. The IR information sent to a MS includes data for setting the number of entries in the history list, data for setting the content of the history list entries, and a data for setting the power level threshold. The number of entries in each MS can be optimally set according to the number of DCCHs in a network with networks having a greater number of DCCHs being able to place a greater number of entries in the history list of their subscribing MSs. The content of the history list, moreover, may be optimally set for a network and for a particular cell or group of cells in a network. Thus, for instance, an MS entering a new network can be programmed to have the DCCHs of the new network. The power level threshold is used by the MS to detect suitable DCCHs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen T. Hardin
  • Patent number: 6298231
    Abstract: A communication network includes a messaging system connected to a mobile switching center in a cellular network. When calls to a wireless device go unanswered, the messaging system answers the calls and records a message for that device. The messaging system sets a message waiting indicator (MWI) flag in a home location register (HLR) associated with the wireless device. When the wireless device then establishes communications with the mobile switching center, the mobile switching center transmits a MWI signal to the wireless device. The wireless device, after receiving the MWI signal, automatically establishes communications with the messaging system in order to retrieve the messages. The messages are digitized and compressed and are transmitted to the wireless device over a voice channel with DTMF signaling. The wireless device mutes the handset of the wireless device so that communications with the messaging system go entirely unnoticed by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Ready Com, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Heinz
  • Patent number: 6272991
    Abstract: A multi-ply promotional label having a detachable game piece according to the present invention includes peripheral and perforation geometry that reduces the likelihood of intentional or inadvertent premature viewing of game indicia on the detachable piece. The label, moreover, may include multiple detachable game pieces. Deleterious effects of increased tensile stress along perforations due to the presence of multiple detachable game pieces or other factors are overcome by applying an adhesive to removably couple a preselected region of a downwardly facing aspect of a detachable game piece to an underlying base ply. The upward face of the same base ply may be printed to increase the available printable area in order, for example, to further instruct players on game procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Dittler Brothers Incorporated
    Inventors: Benny R. Rich, Mark D. Davis
  • Patent number: D465854
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Compass Group USA, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Marshall, John Eric Marshall, John Woloshyn
  • Patent number: D470599
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Compass Group USA, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Marshall, John Eric Marshall, John Woloshyn
  • Patent number: D480432
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventor: Steven L. Newman