Patents by Inventor Bruce Ramsay
Bruce Ramsay has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20240060099Abstract: A method of producing polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) copolymers comprising both short-chain-length (scl) and medium-chain-length (mcl) subunits, wherein some of the mcl subunits bear reactive vinyl groups, is provided. The method comprises providing cells comprising (i) a PHA synthase (phaC) gene encoding a particular class I poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate) polymerase, and (ii) a phaJ gene encoding a particular (R)-specific enoyl-CoA hydratase, and cultivating said cells in a growth medium comprising an alkenoic acid. In one example, cells grown in the presence of a mixture of decanoic acid and undecen-10-enoic acid yielded a copolymer comprising units of 3-hydroxybutyrate (94.73 mol %), 3-hydroxyhexanoate (1.51 mol %), 3-hydroxyoctanoate (2.33 mol %), 3-hydroxydecanoate (0.69 mol %) and 3-hydroxyhept-6-enoate (0.73 mol %). The presence of acrylic acid as a 13-oxidation inhibitor in the growth medium led to an increase in both the mcl-PHA subunit content and vinyl subunit content.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2021Publication date: February 22, 2024Inventors: Bruce RAMSAY, Juliana RAMSAY, Araceli FLORES-SANCHEZ
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Publication number: 20240004964Abstract: Many areas of investigation require searching through data that may be of interest. In a first method step, a digital content element is provided. The digital content element may have any suitable format or data structure of interest to a searching entity. The digital content element may be a particular data file that is of interest to a searching entity. In a second step, the digital content element is compared with a first set of data provided by a combination of a second set of data and a third set of data. The first set of data is a collection of known digital content elements that are of interest to a searching entity, for example contraband digital content elements or digital content elements owned by or represented by the searching entity. In a third method step, the digital content element is identified as known if the digital content element is detected within the first set of data.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2023Publication date: January 4, 2024Inventors: William Johnston Buchanan, Owen Chin Wai Lo, Philip Penrose, Richard Macfarlane, Ian Stevenson, Bruce Ramsay
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Publication number: 20230419287Abstract: Disclosed embodiments provide a framework for generating machine-readable labels for augmenting existing communications sessions between users and automated bot agents. During a communications session facilitated between a user and an automated bot through a point-of-sale terminal, the automated bot may automatically, and in real-time, process any communications as these communications are exchanged to determine whether to facilitate an alternative communications channel. If so, the automated bot generates a machine-readable label that can be presented through the point-of-sale terminal. When the machine-readable label is scanned using a computing device, the automated bot facilitates an alternative communications session between the user and the automated bot through the computing device while the original communications session is ongoing.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2023Publication date: December 28, 2023Applicant: LIVEPERSON, INC.Inventor: Bruce Ramsay, JR.
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Patent number: 11848010Abstract: Systems for analyzing and categorizing audio content that has been transcribed into text are provided. The systems include at least one machine that has a central processing unit, random access memory, a correlation module, a feature abstraction module, and at least one database. The correlation module is configured to receive written transcripts (each of which has been generated from audio content) and derive a correlation between each written transcript and one or more attributes. The feature abstraction module is configured to receive instructions that identify specific words within the written transcripts; replace the specific words with surrogate words; and associate correlative meanings with each of the surrogate words. The database is configured to receive, record, and make accessible to the feature abstraction module a table of specific words, each of which is associated with corresponding surrogate words and correlative meanings associated with each of the surrogate words.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2021Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Inventors: Walter Bachtiger, Bruce Ramsay
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Patent number: 11762959Abstract: Many areas of investigation require searching through data that may be of interest. In a first method step, a digital content element is provided. The digital content element may have any suitable format or data structure of interest to a searching entity. The digital content element may be a particular data file that is of interest to a searching entity. In a second step, the digital content element is compared with a first set of data provided by a combination of a second set of data and a third set of data. The first set of data is a collection of known digital content elements that are of interest to a searching entity, for example contraband digital content elements or digital content elements owned by or represented by the searching entity. In a third method step, the digital content element is identified as known if the digital content element is detected within the first set of data.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2018Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: CYACOMB LIMITEDInventors: William Johnston Buchanan, Owen Chin Wai Lo, Philip Penrose, Richard MacFarlane, Ian Stevenson, Bruce Ramsay
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Patent number: 11601403Abstract: A management request is received by a system for carrying out one or more data management operations (including, but not limited to, adding data, merging data or searching for data). The management request is received from a requesting entity. The system comprises a representation database, which comprises at least one secure element. The at least one secure element is a representation of at least one dataset containing confidential data elements stored in at least one database owned or operated by a third party entity. The management request is processed by performing at least one operation, for example by a processing component in the system, on the representation database. In a third step, a processing result is provided, which comprises any suitable information or data content. The processing result is dependent on the contents of the management request.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2018Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: CYACOMB LIMITEDInventors: William Johnston Buchanan, Owen Chin Wai Lo, Philip Penrose, Richard Macfarlane, Ian Stevenson, Bruce Ramsay
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Publication number: 20210294878Abstract: Many areas of investigation require searching through data that may be of interest. In a first method step, a digital content element is provided. The digital content element may have any suitable format or data structure of interest to a searching entity. The digital content element may be a particular data file that is of interest to a searching entity. In a second step, the digital content element is compared with a first set of data provided by a combination of a second set of data and a third set of data. The first set of data is a collection of known digital content elements that are of interest to a searching entity, for example contraband digital content elements or digital content elements owned by or represented by the searching entity. In a third method step, the digital content element is identified as known if the digital content element is detected within the first set of data.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2018Publication date: September 23, 2021Inventors: William Johnston BUCHANAN, Owen Chin Wai LO, Philip PENROSE, Richard MACFARLANE, Ian STEVENSON, Bruce RAMSAY
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Patent number: 11120199Abstract: Systems for transcribing, redacting, and scoring audio content are disclosed. The systems include at least one machine that has a central processing unit, random access memory, a transcription module, a redaction module, and at least one database in communication with the machine. The transcription module is configured to receive a plurality of audio files generated by a plurality of different sources, execute speech-to-text transcriptions based on such audio content, and generate written transcripts of such transcriptions. The redaction module is configured to identify personally identifiable information included in the written transcripts and anonymize such personally identifiable information to create anonymized written transcripts. The database is configured to receive, record, and make accessible for searching and review the anonymized written transcripts generated by the redaction module.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2019Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Inventors: Walter Bachtiger, Bruce Ramsay
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Publication number: 20200092260Abstract: A management request is received by a system for carrying out one or more data management operations (including, but not limited to, adding data, merging data or searching for data). The management request is received from a requesting entity. The system comprises a representation database, which comprises at least one secure element. The at least one secure element is a representation of at least one dataset containing confidential data elements stored in at least one database owned or operated by a third party entity. The management request is processed by performing at least one operation, for example by a processing component in the system, on the representation database. In a third step, a processing result is provided, which comprises any suitable information or data content. The processing result is dependent on the contents of the management request.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2018Publication date: March 19, 2020Inventors: William Johnston BUCHANAN, Owen Chin Wai LO, Philip PENROSE, Richard MACFARLANE, Ian STEVENSON, Bruce RAMSAY
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Patent number: 8273852Abstract: A method is provided for producing medium chain length poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate) (MCL-PHA) with a selected ratio of monomers. A method of controlling the ratio of monomers in MCL-PHA is also provided which includes fermenting naturally occurring microorganisms with a fatty acid substrate, a food source and an additive. The methods provided do not sacrifice cell growth and maintenance and provide high yields of MCL-PHAs. MCL-PHAs are provided that are copolymers of Cn and Cn?2 monomers, where (n is 6-18).Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2010Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Queen's University at KingstonInventors: Xuan Jiang, Zhiyong Sun, Juliana Ramsay, Bruce A. Ramsay
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Publication number: 20110166318Abstract: A method is provided for producing medium chain length poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate) (MCL-PHA) with a selected ratio of monomers. A method of controlling the ratio of monomers in MCL-PHA is also provided which includes fermenting naturally occurring microorganisms with a fatty acid substrate, a food source and an additive. The methods provided do not sacrifice cell growth and maintenance and provide high yields of MCL-PHAs. MCL-PHAs are provided that are copolymers of Cn and Cn-2 monomers, where (n is 6-18).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2010Publication date: July 7, 2011Inventors: Xuan Jiang, Zhiyong Sun, Juliana Ramsay, Bruce A. Ramsay
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Patent number: 6844380Abstract: There is provided a method of preparing a thermoplastic starch and synthetic polymer blend, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a starch suspension comprising starch, water and a plasticizer, preferably glycerol; (b) obtaining a thermoplastic starch from the starch suspension by causing gelatinization and plasticization of said starch suspension by exerting heat and pressure on said starch suspension in a first extrusion unit; (c) evaporating and venting off residual water from said thermoplastic starch to obtain a substantially moisture-free thermoplastic starch; (d) obtaining a melt of a synthetic polymer or polymer blend in a second extrusion unit; and (e) combining the melt obtained from step (d) with the substantially moisture-free thermoplastic starch. Also provided are compositions of matter comprising immiscible blends of thermoplastic starches, polymers, and compatibilizers.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2002Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: Polyvalor, Societe en CommanditeInventors: Basil D. Favis, Francisco Rodriguez, Bruce A. Ramsay
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Patent number: 6605657Abstract: There is provided a method of preparing a thermoplastic starch and synthetic polymer blend, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a starch suspension comprising starch, water and a plasticizer, preferably glycerol; (b) obtaining a thermoplastic starch from the starch suspension by causing gelatinization and plasticization of said starch suspension by exerting heat and pressure on said starch suspension in a first extrusion unit; (c) evaporating and venting off residual water from said thermoplastic starch to obtain a substantially moisture-free thermoplastic starch; (d) obtaining a melt of a synthetic polymer or polymer blend in a second extrusion unit; and (e) combining the melt obtained from step (d) with the substantially moisture-free thermoplastic starch. Also provided are compositions of matter comprising immiscible blends of thermoplastic starches, polymers, and compatibilizers.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1999Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Polyvalor Societe en CommanditeInventors: Basil D. Favis, Francisco Rodriguez, Bruce A. Ramsay
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Publication number: 20030119949Abstract: There is provided a method of preparing a thermoplastic starch and synthetic polymer blend, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a starch suspension comprising starch, water and a plasticizer, preferably glycerol; (b) obtaining a thermoplastic starch from the starch suspension by causing gelatinization and plasticization of said starch suspension by exerting heat and pressure on said starch suspension in a first extrusion unit; (c) evaporating and venting off residual water from said thermoplastic starch to obtain a substantially moisture-free thermoplastic starch; (d) obtaining a melt of a synthetic polymer or polymer blend in a second extrusion unit; and (e) combining the melt obtained from step (d) with the substantially moisture-free thermoplastic starch. Also provided are compositions of matter comprising immiscible blends of thermoplastic starches, polymers, and compatibilizers.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2002Publication date: June 26, 2003Inventors: Basil D. Favis, Francisco Rodriguez, Bruce A. Ramsay
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Patent number: 6030533Abstract: An apparatus and method for the treatment of contaminated water by biodegradation is provided. In particular, the apparatus and method are suited for the biodegradation of volatile organic compounds (VOC's) such as trichloroethylene and related compounds or benzene and related compounds. The process employs an immobilized soil bioreactor (ISBR) having a headspace re-circulation system.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1998Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Inventors: Dimitar Karamanev, Stephane Pierre, Chantal Lafontaine, Bruce Ramsay
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Patent number: 5817697Abstract: The pharmaceutical use of nitroglycerin, which is also designated as glycerol trinitrate or, chemically, as 1,2,3-propanetriol trinitrate, in a transdermal application form prevents undesired labour in pregnant mammals. The pharmaceutical use prevents premature labour.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1997Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: Schwarz Pharma AGInventors: Hans-Michael Wolff, Dietrich Schacht, Martin Feelisch, Bruce Ramsay, John Francis Martin, Christoph Christopher Lees, Adam Julian De Belder
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Patent number: 5110980Abstract: Hypochlorite digestion of bacterial biomass to recover intracellular poly-.beta.-hydroxylalkanoic acid (PHA) has not been used on a large scale since it has been widely reported to severely degrade the polymer. The process of the invention proposes to optimize the initial biomass concentration, the digestion time and pH of the hypochlorite solution to minimize degradation. Consequently, PHA of up to 95% purity with an average molecular weight of 600,000 can be recovered from biomass initially containing PHA having a molecular weight of 1,200,000. By incorporating a pretreatment step with an anionic surfactant solution, PHA of 99% purity with a molecular weight of 1.20.times.10.sup.6 was obtained from biomass containing 57% PHA by weight with an initial molecular weight of 1.25.times.10.sup.6.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1989Date of Patent: May 5, 1992Assignee: Ecole PolytechniqueInventors: Bruce A. Ramsay, Juliana Ramsay, Eric Berger, Claude Chavarie, Gerhart Braunegg