Patents by Inventor James C. Gray

James C. Gray 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).

  • Patent number: 10511542
    Abstract: The techniques described herein monitor, store, and evaluate network information associated with an application to determine a connectivity option to use to communicate data. A connectivity option includes a network interface and a type of network connection. The determination is made based on power consumption information associated with available connectivity options. Consequently, a device on which the application is installed can better manage its power consumption associated with network communications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Harish Srinivasan, Javier N. Flores Assad, James C. Gray, David Richard Powell, Jr., Benjamin M. Schultz, Ryan Gregory Wood
  • Patent number: 10228930
    Abstract: Functionality is described herein for performing at least one network connectivity task on a client device with the aid of one or more assistant devices. In some implementations, a client device (such as a smartphone, desktop personal computing device, etc.) relies on an assistant device to assist it in updating its programs, including its driver programs. In other implementations, a client device relies on an assistant device in establishing a network connection with a network-accessible entity. Functionality is also described herein for performing at least one program execution task on a client device with the aid of one or more assistant devices. For instance, the client device may rely on the assistant device to assist it in executing a driver program. The driver program, in turn, enables the client device to interact with a peripheral device or some other component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Harish Srinivasan, Benjamin M. Schultz, James C. Gray, Nishad Mulye
  • Publication number: 20170220332
    Abstract: Functionality is described herein for performing at least one network connectivity task on a client device with the aid of one or more assistant devices. In some implementations, a client device (such as a smartphone, desktop personal computing device, etc.) relies on an assistant device to assist it in updating its programs, including its driver programs. In other implementations, a client device relies on an assistant device in establishing a network connection with a network-accessible entity. Functionality is also described herein for performing at least one program execution task on a client device with the aid of one or more assistant devices. For instance, the client device may rely on the assistant device to assist it in executing a driver program. The driver program, in turn, enables the client device to interact with a peripheral device or some other component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Harish Srinivasan, Benjamin M. Schultz, James C. Gray, Nishad Mulye
  • Patent number: 9280433
    Abstract: Described is a headless server appliance configured with a secondary actuation mechanism that when actuated, enters the headless server appliance into a diagnostic mode. For example, the diagnostic mode may correspond to a secondary operating system booted from a BIOS component activated by the secondary actuation mechanism. In the diagnostic mode, primitives may be communicated between a client device coupled (e.g., via a network or USB connection) to the headless server appliance, such as to provide the client device with access to the headless server appliance's hard disk. Other primitives, such as communicated via APIs, may provide the client device with access to the BIOS. The secondary operating system and/or client device may perform diagnostics and recovery operations on the headless server appliance. For example, the client device or similar source may restore or update the primary operating system image to a storage medium of the headless server appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Cesare John Saretto, James C. Gray, James M. Lyon
  • Patent number: 8225227
    Abstract: Managing a display of a user interface. In one implementation, a first user interface and an option to change the first user interface to a second user interface may be displayed. A selection of the option to change the first user interface to the second user interface may be received. In response, the second user interface may be displayed. In addition, a count of the number of times the request to change the first user interface to the second user interface is received may be kept. If the count is equal to a predetermined number, an option to set the second user interface as the default user interface may be displayed. If the option to set the second user interface as the default user interface is selected, the second user interface may then be set as the default user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Todd R. Headrick, James C. Gray
  • Publication number: 20120117370
    Abstract: Described is a headless server appliance configured with a secondary actuation mechanism that when actuated, enters the headless server appliance into a diagnostic mode. For example, the diagnostic mode may correspond to a secondary operating system booted from a BIOS component activated by the secondary actuation mechanism. In the diagnostic mode, primitives may be communicated between a client device coupled (e.g., via a network or USB connection) to the headless server appliance, such as to provide the client device with access to the headless server appliance's hard disk. Other primitives, such as communicated via APIs, may provide the client device with access to the BIOS. The secondary operating system and/or client device may perform diagnostics and recovery operations on the headless server appliance. For example, the client device or similar source may restore or update the primary operating system image to a storage medium of the headless server appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Cesare John Saretto, James C. Gray, James M. Lyon
  • Publication number: 20080184241
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for determining a schedule for performing tasks. Each of the tasks to be scheduled is registered. The schedule includes tasks to be performed for a plurality of devices using at least one shared resource. The schedule is determined for performing the tasks in accordance with resources used by each of the tasks and in accordance with usage patterns of the plurality of devices. An inquiry is made as to whether to commence performance of a task at an associated scheduled time in accordance with the schedule. A scheduler determines whether one or more resources used by said task are available. If the determining step determines that the one or more resources are not available, rescheduling the task to be performed at another time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Todd R. Headrick, James C. Gray, Lee Linden, James M. Lyon
  • Publication number: 20080178113
    Abstract: Managing a display of a user interface. In one implementation, a first user interface and an option to change the first user interface to a second user interface may be displayed. A selection of the option to change the first user interface to the second user interface may be received. In response, the second user interface may be displayed. In addition, a count of the number of times the request to change the first user interface to the second user interface is received may be kept. If the count is equal to a predetermined number, an option to set the second user interface as the default user interface may be displayed. If the option to set the second user interface as the default user interface is selected, the second user interface may then be set as the default user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Todd R. Headrick, James C. Gray
  • Publication number: 20080168310
    Abstract: Described is a headless server appliance configured with a secondary actuation mechanism that when actuated, enters the headless server appliance into a diagnostic mode. For example, the diagnostic mode may correspond to a secondary operating system booted from a BIOS component activated by the secondary actuation mechanism. In the diagnostic mode, primitives may be communicated between a client device coupled (e.g., via a network or USB connection) to the headless server appliance, such as to provide the client device with access to the headless server appliance's hard disk. Other primitives, such as communicated via APIs, may provide the client device with access to the BIOS. The secondary operating system and/or client device may perform diagnostics and recovery operations on the headless server appliance. For example, the client device or similar source may restore or update the primary operating system image to a storage medium of the headless server appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Cesare John Saretto, James C. Gray, James M. Lyon
  • Patent number: 5921945
    Abstract: An improved splint/therapeutic device for at least partially immobilizing a portion of a patient's body. The device includes a splint body fabricated of a resilient material, the splint body defining an inner surface for engaging the patient's body. The splint body also defines a preselected flexibility whereby the resilient material of the splint body biases the patient's body to a desired body position and provides a preselected degree of mobility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: James C. Gray
  • Patent number: 5836902
    Abstract: An improved splint for at least partially immobilizing a portion of the body of a patient and/or resistively exercising portions of a patient's body. The splint comprises a splint body fabricated of a elastomeric material, the splint body having an inner surface for closely engaging a portion of the patient's body. The splint is comprised of at least two interconnected ribs and the splint body is configured to fully surround the body portion. The splint defines a flexible span for opening the splint to the receive the body portion. The improved splint also includes a suitable securing means for securing the splint around the body of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventor: James C. Gray
  • Patent number: 5606745
    Abstract: A resistance exercise suit for providing a resistance to movement to exercise the wearer's muscles. The resistance exercise suit includes a body suit to which at least one resilient rib is secured for biasing a selected body portion in a preselected position such that when the wearer moves the body portion, he experiences resistance. The resilient rib is tailorable to a particular individual's needs, and specifically, the shape, length, thickness and resistance are alterable properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventor: James C. Gray
  • Patent number: 5584799
    Abstract: An improved splint/therapeutic device for at least partially limiting the mobility of a selected portion of a patient's body. The device (10) includes a splint body (12) fabricated of a resilient material, the splint body (12) defining an inner surface (18) for engaging the patient's body. The splint body (12) also defines a preselected flexibility whereby the resilient material of the splint body biases the patient's body to a desired body position and provides a preselected degree of mobility. The splint/therapeutic device (10) is secured to the patient's body with securing means such as tape, integrally formed body encircling portions (26'), or with securing straps (26) provided with hook-and-loop fasteners (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: James C. Gray
  • Patent number: 5295948
    Abstract: An improved splint/therapeutic device for at least partially limiting the mobility of a selected portion of a patient's body. The device (10) includes a splint body (12) fabricated of a resilient material, the splint body (12) defining an inner surface (18) for engaging the patient's body. The splint body (12) also defines a preselected thickness whereby the resilient material of the splint body biases the patient's body to a desired body position. The thickness may vary over the length and width of the splint body (12) and may be selectively reduced to increase mobility of the selected body part. The splint/therapeutic device (10) is secured to the patient's body with securing means such as tape, integrally formed body encircling portions (26'), or with securing straps (26) provided with hook-and-loop fasteners (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Inventor: James C. Gray
  • Patent number: 4362951
    Abstract: Disclosed is a standby power supply system appropriate to supply a set of signal amplifiers within a cable television network. The standby power supply normally operates off of utility company power and alternatively operates from a battery power supply during power failures. Circuitry is disclosed to use battery power during failure mode operation to generate a pulse width modulated alternating current of substantially constant true rms voltage and of substantially constant frequency. Circuitry is also disclosed to cycle charge the battery supply to a desired voltage and then stop the charging cycle and begin timing normal mode operation until another charging cycle. Further, isolating circuitry is disclosed to remove much of the load on the battery supply during normal mode operation. Various safety provisions including soft start provisions, a high current cut off, a low voltage cut off, and protection for the amplification stages is included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1982
    Assignee: Control Technology
    Inventors: Charles S. Turner, Donald J. McNeal, Donald G. Cheshier, James C. Gray