Patents by Inventor KEVIN A. LI

KEVIN A. LI 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).

  • Publication number: 20200365974
    Abstract: Various antenna designs are presented that can be used to provide for wireless communication in electronic devices, such as wearable electronic devices. Various embodiments provide antenna structures and designs that can support multiple frequency bands in a relatively compact space. Various embodiments utilize a ring antenna forming a portion of an outer perimeter of the housing, the ring antenna including a plurality of connections coupled the PCB, the plurality of connections. The plurality of connections include at least one feed connection coupled to at least one signal source on the PCB, respectively, and at least one ground connection coupled to a ground point on the PCB. In some embodiments, the connections may be inductively or capacitively loaded. The ring antenna may include a single feed connection or multiple feed connections respectively coupled to different signal sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2020
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventors: Yonghua Wei, Faton Tefiku, Christos Kinezos Ioannou, Kevin Li
  • Patent number: 10823835
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products determine electromagnetic reflective characteristics of ambient environments. A wireless communications device sends a cellular impulse and receives reflections of the cellular impulse. The cellular impulse and the reflections of the cellular impulse may be compared to determine the electromagnetic reflective characteristics of an ambient environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Raymond Miller, II, Kevin A. Li, Troy C. Meuninck, James H. Pratt, Horst J. Schroeter, Behzad Shahraray
  • Patent number: 10810299
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products authenticate users for access to devices, applications, and services. Skills of a user are learned over time, such that an electronic model of random subject matter may be generated. The user is prompted to interpret the random subject matter, such as with an electronic drawing. The user's interpretation is then compared to the electronic model of the random subject matter. If the user's interpretation matches the electronic model, the user may be authenticated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Kevin A. Li, Troy C. Meuninck, Robert Raymond Miller, II, James H. Pratt, Horst J. Schroeter, Behzad Shahraray
  • Patent number: 10806362
    Abstract: Multiple circuits in a computing device can share one or more conductive elements. The use of the conductive element can vary by circuit, such as an antenna radiator for a radio frequency (RF) circuit or an electrode for an electrocardiography (ECG) circuit. The circuitry sharing a conductive element can utilize signals obtained over different frequency ranges. Those ranges can be used to select decoupling circuitry, or elements, that can enable the respective circuits to obtain signals over a respective frequency range, excluding signals over one or more other frequency ranges corresponding to other circuitry sharing the circuit. Such an approach allows for concurrent independent operation of the circuitry sharing a conductive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Fitbit, Inc.
    Inventors: Yonghua Wei, Faton Tefiku, Kevin Li, Man-Chi Liu, Lindsey Michelle Sunden, Peter W. Richards, Dennis Jacob McCray, Christos Kinezos Ioannou, Kyung Nim Noh
  • Patent number: 10797383
    Abstract: A band latch mechanism that is configured to connect a wristband to a fitness tracker is provided. The band latch mechanism may be configured to be inserted into a cavity of a housing of the fitness tracker and configured so that any metallic body of the band latch mechanism does not contact metallic surfaces of the cavity in order to prevent an electrical ground from being positioned within a keep-out zone of an antenna of the fitness tracker. A housing with integrated antenna structures is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Fitbit, Inc.
    Inventors: Nan Xu, Christos Kinezos Ioannou, Kevin Li, Chadwick John Harber, Eric John Fairbanks, Jonah Avram Becker
  • Patent number: 10691265
    Abstract: A supplemental surface area allows gesture recognition on outer surfaces of mobile devices. Inputs may be made without visual observance of display devices. Gesture control on outer surfaces permits socially acceptable, inconspicuous interactions without overt manipulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Kevin Li
  • Publication number: 20200194905
    Abstract: Various antenna designs are presented that can be used to provide for wireless communication in electronic devices, such as wearable electronic devices. Various embodiments provide antenna structures and designs that can support multiple frequency bands in a relatively compact space. Various embodiments utilize a slot and patch antenna design to support multiple frequency bands. Other embodiments utilize a slot and inverted “F” antenna (IFA) assembly, hybrid slot antenna assembly, or external slot antenna assembly. A split ring antenna assembly can also be used, where individual segments of the ring antenna can support specific frequency bands. Other embodiments utilize a dielectrically loaded planar inverted “F” antenna (PIFA) assembly to support various frequency bands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventors: Yonghua Wei, Faton Tefiku, Christos Kinezos Ioannou, Kevin Li
  • Publication number: 20200192425
    Abstract: Various antenna designs are presented that can be used to provide for wireless communication in electronic devices, such as wearable electronic devices. Various embodiments provide antenna structures and designs that can support multiple frequency bands in a relatively compact space. Various embodiments utilize a primary conductive ring embedded in the walls of the housing as antennas for various forms of wireless communication. The conductive ring includes a plurality of conductive elements separated from each other by portions of the housing, the plurality of conductive elements coupled respectively to the one or more signal sources on the PCB. Embodiments may additionally utilize a ground extension element positioned a distance away from the primary conductive ring in an opposite direction from the display module, in which the ground extension element is coupled to a ground connection of the PCB and boosting the antenna signal strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventors: Yonghua Wei, Faton Tefiku, Christos Kinezos Ioannou, Kevin Li
  • Publication number: 20200192424
    Abstract: Various antenna designs are presented that can be used to provide for wireless communication in electronic devices, such as wearable electronic devices. Various embodiments provide antenna structures and designs that can support multiple frequency bands in a relatively compact space. Various embodiments utilize a slot and patch antenna design to support multiple frequency bands. Other embodiments utilize a slot and inverted “F” antenna (IFA) assembly, hybrid slot antenna assembly, or external slot antenna assembly. A split ring antenna assembly can also be used, where individual segments of the ring antenna can support specific frequency bands. Other embodiments utilize a dielectrically loaded planar inverted “F” antenna (PIFA) assembly to support various frequency bands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventors: Yonghua Wei, Faton Tefiku, Christos Kinezos Ioannou, Kevin Li
  • Publication number: 20200166689
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products illuminate display devices. An image is injected into a waveguide. The image propagates at total internal reflectance within the waveguide. A frustrator withdraws a frustrated image from the waveguide, and the frustrated image may be displayed to a viewer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Publication date: May 28, 2020
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Kevin A. Li
  • Publication number: 20200129540
    Abstract: A heparin structure with increased anticoagulant activity and method of making the same are disclosed. A heparin sample is provided and treated with a heparan sulfate sulfotransferase in an enzymatic reaction to add sulfuryl groups from a sulfuryl group source to the heparin sample, resulting in a heparin structure having above about 8% more 3-O-sulfo groups relative to wild-type bovine intestinal heparin. The added sulfuryl groups modify the heparin structure and increase the sample's binding to antithrombin III and its anticoagulant activity to be more similar and a viable alternative to porcine intestinal heparin. The modified heparin exhibits an anti-FXa activity and an anti-FIIa activity greater than about 180 U/mg, and a ratio of the anti-FXa activity to the anti-FIIa activity of about 0.9 to about 1.1, consistent with U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) heparin activity specifications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Applicant: RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Li Fu, Kevin Li, Daisuke Mori, Makoto Hirakane, Jonathan S. Dordick, Robert J. Linhardt
  • Patent number: 10637129
    Abstract: A wearable computing device can include a monopole-excited slot antenna formed by a gap between a housing (such as a highly conductive housing) and a bracket (such as a highly conductive bracket) within the highly conductive housing and by a back cavity between the highly conductive bracket and the PCB. The antenna configuration can include a monopole antenna electrically coupled to a printed circuit board and a slot antenna that is excited through coupled electromagnetic fields. The highly conductive bracket is positioned near a display window of the device, mostly below and partially enclosing a battery. The highly conductive bracket is positioned above the printed circuit board. This configuration allows for a relatively small dead band in the display window, a larger battery, compact and mechanically simple configuration, and superior water resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Fitbit, Inc.
    Inventors: Yonghua Wei, Kevin Li, Patrick James Markan, Allen Yu-Li Wang, Teemu Taneli Raafael Kaiponen, Christos Kinezos Ioannou
  • Patent number: 10591661
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products illuminate display devices. An image is injected into a waveguide. The image propagates at total internal reflectance within the waveguide. A frustrator withdraws a frustrated image from the waveguide, and the frustrated image may be displayed to a viewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventor: Kevin A. Li
  • Publication number: 20200015701
    Abstract: Multiple circuits in a computing device can share one or more conductive elements. The use of the conductive element can vary by circuit, such as an antenna radiator for a radio frequency (RF) circuit or an electrode for an electrocardiography (ECG) circuit. The circuitry sharing a conductive element can utilize signals obtained over different frequency ranges. Those ranges can be used to select decoupling circuitry, or elements, that can enable the respective circuits to obtain signals over a respective frequency range, excluding signals over one or more other frequency ranges corresponding to other circuitry sharing the circuit. Such an approach allows for concurrent independent operation of the circuitry sharing a conductive element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Inventors: Yonghua WEI, Faton TEFIKU, Kevin LI, Man-Chi LIU, Lindsey Michelle SUNDEN, Peter W. RICHARDS, Dennis Jacob McCRAY, Christos Kinezos IOANNOU, Kyung Nim NOH
  • Publication number: 20200014098
    Abstract: A band latch mechanism that is configured to connect a wristband to a fitness tracker is provided. The band latch mechanism may be configured to be inserted into a cavity of a housing of the fitness tracker and configured so that any metallic body of the band latch mechanism does not contact metallic surfaces of the cavity in order to prevent an electrical ground from being positioned within a keep-out zone of an antenna of the fitness tracker. A housing with integrated antenna structures is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: Nan Xu, Christos Kinezos Ioannou, Kevin Li, Chadwick John Harber, Eric John Fairbanks, Jonah Avram Becker
  • Publication number: 20190339375
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products determine electromagnetic reflective characteristics of ambient environments. A wireless communications device sends a cellular impulse and receives reflections of the cellular impulse. The cellular impulse and the reflections of the cellular impulse may be compared to determine the electromagnetic reflective characteristics of an ambient environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Raymond Miller, II, Kevin A. Li, Troy C. Meuninck, James H. Pratt, Horst J. Schroeter, Behzad Shahraray
  • Publication number: 20190298088
    Abstract: A system for making a custom pillow using selected ones of several, different, interchangeable components, the selection based on a potential user's answers to questions that identify the user's needs and preferences in regard to pillow characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Applicant: PLUTO BRAND, INC.
    Inventors: KEVIN LI, SUSANA SAELIU
  • Patent number: 10418693
    Abstract: A band latch mechanism that is configured to connect a wristband to a fitness tracker is provided. The band latch mechanism may be configured to be inserted into a cavity of a housing of the fitness tracker and configured so that any metallic body of the band latch mechanism does not contact metallic surfaces of the cavity in order to prevent an electrical ground from being positioned within a keep-out zone of an antenna of the fitness tracker. A housing with integrated antenna structures is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Fitbit, Inc.
    Inventors: Nan Xu, Christos Kinezos Ioannou, Kevin Li, Chadwick John Harber, Eric John Fairbanks, Jonah Avram Becker
  • Publication number: 20190278801
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products help users recall memories and search for content of those memories. When a user cannot recall a memory, the user is prompted with questions to help recall the memory. As the user answers the questions, a virtual recollection of the memory is synthesized from the answers to the questions. When the user is satisfied with the virtual recollection of the memory, a database of content may be searched for the virtual recollection of the memory. Video data, for example, may be retrieved that matches the virtual recollection of the memory. The video data is thus historical data documenting past events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Publication date: September 12, 2019
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Kevin A. Li, Troy C. Meuninck, Robert Raymond Miller, II, James H. Pratt, Horst J. Schroeter, Behzad Shahraray
  • Patent number: 10393868
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products determine electromagnetic reflective characteristics of ambient environments. A wireless communications device sends a cellular impulse and receives reflections of the cellular impulse. The cellular impulse and the reflections of the cellular impulse may be compared to determine the electromagnetic reflective characteristics of an ambient environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Raymond Miller, II, Kevin A. Li, Troy C. Meuninck, James H. Pratt, Horst J. Schroeter, Behzad Shahraray