Patents by Inventor Michael Sprague

Michael Sprague 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: 9043866
    Abstract: Systems and methods may be provided for masking data on public networks. At a publishing node, the system may monitor data input fields in a webpage, and intercept and encode content, such as text, images, and video input at the data input fields, prior to the content being posted online on a public service provider's website. A policy may be defined to control which users are permitted access to a key to decode the encoded content. The policy may defer to a third party policy node in determining key access. An account for a controlling entity, such as a guardian or employer, may be configured to control the encoding status of posts made by another. The controlling entity may control who has key access to decode posts made by the other account. The guardian account may be configured to have preemptive rights over posting decisions made by the minor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Wave Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Steven Sprague, Michael Sprague
  • Patent number: 9015857
    Abstract: Systems and methods may be provided for masking data on public networks, such as social networking sites. At a publishing node, the system may monitor data input fields in a webpage, and intercept and encode content, such as text, images, and video input at the data input fields, prior to the content being posted online on a public service provider's website. A privacy agent may process input field content to try to detect encoding markers in the input field content, which define portions of the content that are to be encoded. A third party key server may be used to store decoding keys. A URI reference to the decoding key may be used to access the decoding key by a node attempting to view the decoded version of the input field content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Wave Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Steven Sprague, Michael Sprague
  • Patent number: 8996636
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for answer-based routing of Diameter request messages are disclosed. According to one method, a Diameter request message is received from a first Diameter node at a. A copy of at least a portion of the Diameter request message is cached at the DSR and the Diameter request message is routed to a second Diameter node. The DSR determines whether a predetermined condition associated with an answer to the first Diameter request message exists. In response to determining that the predetermined condition exists, the cached portion of the Diameter request message is retrieved, a Diameter request that includes the cached portion of the Diameter request message is generated, and the generated Diameter request message is routed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Tekelec, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Alan Craig, Mark Edward Kanode, Thomas Matthew McCann, David Michael Sprague, Donald Eugene Wallace, Peter Joseph Marsico
  • Publication number: 20150089568
    Abstract: Device identification scoring systems and methods may be provided that can increase the reliability and security of communications between devices and service providers. Users may select and configure additional identification factors that are unique and convenient for them. These factors, along with additional environmental variables, feed into a trust score computation that weights the trustworthiness of the device context requesting communication with a service provider. Service providers rely on the trust score rather than enforce a specific identification routine themselves. A combination of identification factors selected by the user can be aggregated together to produce a trust score high enough to gain access to a given online service provider. A threshold of identification risk may be required to access a service or account provided by the online service provider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: Wave Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Michael Sprague, Steven Sprague, Robert Thibadeau
  • Publication number: 20150007873
    Abstract: A photovoltaic module employing an array of photovoltaic cells disposed between two optically transparent substrates such as to define a closed-loop peripheral area of the module that does not contain a photovoltaic cell. The module is sealed with a peripheral seal along the perimeter; and is devoid of a structural element affixed to an optically transparent substrate and adapted to mount the module to a supporting structure. The two substrates may be bonded together with the use of adhesive material and, optionally, the peripheral seal can include the adhesive material. The module optionally includes diffraction grating element(s) adjoining respectively corresponding PV-cell(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Wayne Beckerman, Jose E. Castillo-Aguilella, Paul S. Hauser, Michael Sprague
  • Publication number: 20140348176
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for performing enhanced service routing are disclosed. One method includes receiving, at a Diameter application executing on a message processor associated with a DSR, a Diameter message that requires a service. The method also includes determining, using service routing data, at least one service provider for performing the service associated with the Diameter message, wherein the service routing data is based on service capability information provided by a plurality of service providers and sending the Diameter message or a portion of the Diameter message to the at least one service provider for performing the service.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: David Michael Sprague, Seetharaman Khadri, Komal G. Khungar, Jeffrey Alan Craig, Srikanth Nanjund Rao
  • Publication number: 20140316519
    Abstract: A tissue retraction system for a bioprosthetic cardiac valve base configured for attachment to a separate leaflet set includes a plurality of retraction shields releasably attached to the valve base. The retraction shields are configured to restrain tissue within a surgical site. The retraction shields may be flexible and transparent. Shield extenders can be attached to the retraction shields and used to further secure the retraction shields to a device for providing tissue retraction during a surgical procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: VALVEXCHANGE, INC.
    Inventors: Ivan Veseley, Todd D. Campbell, Christopher Michael Sprague, Dean Carpenter
  • Patent number: 8853525
    Abstract: A photovoltaic module employing an array of photovoltaic cells disposed between two optically transparent substrates such as to define a closed-loop peripheral area of the module that does not contain a photovoltaic cell. The module is sealed with a peripheral seal along the perimeter; and is devoid of a structural element affixed to an optically transparent substrate and adapted to mount the module to a supporting structure. The two substrates may be bonded together with the use of adhesive material and, optionally, the peripheral seal can include the adhesive material. The module optionally includes diffraction grating element(s) adjoining respectively corresponding PV-cell(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Prism Solar Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Beckerman, Jose E. Castillo-Aguilella, Paul S. Hauser, Michael Sprague
  • Patent number: 8799391
    Abstract: According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a method for routing Diameter messages. The method includes steps occurring at a Diameter signaling router (DSR) comprising a plurality of Diameter message processors. The method also includes receiving, by a first of the plurality of Diameter message processors and from a first Diameter node, a Diameter message, wherein the Diameter message is received via a first Diameter connection. The method further includes determining, by the first Diameter message processor, a next-hop Diameter node for the Diameter message. The method further includes communicating, by the first of the plurality of Diameter message processors and to a second of the plurality of Diameter message processors, the Diameter message. The method further includes communicating, by the second Diameter message processor and to the next-hop Diameter node, the Diameter message, wherein the Diameter message is communicated via a second Diameter connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Tekelec, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Alan Craig, Mark Edward Kanode, Kedar Kashinath Karmarkar, David Michael Sprague, Mahesh Tomar, Donald Eugene Wallace
  • Patent number: 8750328
    Abstract: Methods and systems for transmitting user part messages between signaling system seven (SS7) signaling points over an internet protocol (IP) network include receiving, at a signal transfer point, a first SS7 user part message. The first SS7 user part message can be received from a first SS7 signaling point, such as a service switching point (SSP). The first SS7 signaling point is encapsulated in a first IP packet. The first IP packet is transmitted to a second SS7 signaling point over an IP network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Tekelec Global, Inc.
    Inventors: David Michael Sprague, Dan Alan Brendes, Venkataramaiah Ravishankar, Paul Andrew Miller
  • Publication number: 20140074975
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for answer-based routing of Diameter request messages are disclosed. According to one method, a Diameter request message is received from a first Diameter node at a. A copy of at least a portion of the Diameter request message is cached at the DSR and the Diameter request message is routed to a second Diameter node. The DSR determines whether a predetermined condition associated with an answer to the first Diameter request message exists. In response to determining that the predetermined condition exists, the cached portion of the Diameter request message is retrieved, a Diameter request that includes the cached portion of the Diameter request message is generated, and the generated Diameter request message is routed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Tekelec, Inc.Morrisville
    Inventors: Jeffrey Alan Craig, Mark Edward Kanode, Thomas Matthew McCann, David Michael Sprague, Donald Eugene Wallace, Peter Joseph Marsico
  • Publication number: 20130346549
    Abstract: According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a method for routing Diameter messages. The method includes steps occurring at a Diameter signaling router (DSR) comprising a plurality of Diameter message processors. The method also includes receiving, by a first of the plurality of Diameter message processors and from a first Diameter node, a Diameter message, wherein the Diameter message is received via a first Diameter connection. The method further includes determining, by the first Diameter message processor, a next-hop Diameter node for the Diameter message. The method further includes communicating, by the first of the plurality of Diameter message processors and to a second of the plurality of Diameter message processors, the Diameter message. The method further includes communicating, by the second Diameter message processor and to the next-hop Diameter node, the Diameter message, wherein the Diameter message is communicated via a second Diameter connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Jeffrey Alan Craig, Mark Edward Kanode, Kedar Kashinath Karmarkar, David Michael Sprague, Mahesh Tomar, Donald Eugene Wallace
  • Patent number: 8615237
    Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer readable media for PCRF node selection. According to one aspect, a system for PCRF node selection is provided. The system includes a first PCRF selection node for receiving a first request message for which PCRF node selection is required. The first PCRF selection node determines whether to select the PCRF or to delegate selection of the PCRF. In response to a determination to delegate the selection of the PCRF, the first PCRF selection node generates and sends a second request message related to the first request message. The system further includes a second PCRF node for, in response to receiving the second request message from the first PCRF selection node, determining whether to select the PCRF or to delegate selection of the PCRF. In response to determining to select the PCRF, the second PCRF selection node selects the PCRF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Tekelec, Inc.
    Inventors: Uri Baniel, Kenneth Charles Jackson, Tarek Abou-Assali, Michael Mercurio, David Michael Sprague
  • Publication number: 20130329740
    Abstract: According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a method for routing Diameter messages. The method includes steps occurring at a Diameter signaling router (DSR) comprising a plurality of Diameter message processors. The method includes receiving a Diameter request message. The method further includes generating a hop-by-hop identifier for identifying a first Diameter message processor of the plurality of Diameter message processors. The method further includes incorporating the hop-by-hop identifier into the Diameter request message. The method further includes routing the Diameter request message to a first Diameter node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Donald Eugene Wallace, David Michael Sprague, Jonathan James Palmer, Thomas Michael Wagner, Jeffrey Alan Craig
  • Patent number: 8601073
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for source peer capacity-based Diameter load sharing are disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a method for source peer capacity-based Diameter load sharing. A network element for processing Diameter messages received from a Diameter peer requests information regarding a Diameter message capacity requirement of the Diameter peer, receives information regarding the Diameter message capacity requirement of the Diameter peer, and uses the received information to load share the processing. In one embodiment, the network element is a Diameter signaling router having multiple message processors for processing Diameter messages, and the information regarding the Diameter message capacity requirement of the Diameter peer is used to load share Diameter message processing and/or Diameter connections among the multiple message processors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Tekelec, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Alan Craig, Mark Edward Kanode, David Michael Sprague, Donald E. Wallace, Peter Joseph Marsico
  • Patent number: 8578050
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for providing local application routing at a Diameter node are disclosed. In one example, the method includes receiving, at an ingress Diameter message processor associated with a Diameter signaling router (DSR), a Diameter message from a first Diameter node. The method further includes accessing, using the ingress Diameter message processor, Diameter peer routing information to determine an egress Diameter message processor among a plurality of egress Diameter message processors within the DSR and associated with a second Diameter node that is a peer of the DSR and to which the Diameter message is to be forwarded. The method also includes forwarding the Diameter message to the determined egress Diameter message processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Tekelec, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Alan Craig, Mark Edward Kanode, Kedar Kashinath Karmarkar, David Michael Sprague, Mahesh Tomar, Donald E. Wallace
  • Patent number: 8527598
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for answer-based routing of Diameter request messages are disclosed. According to one method, a Diameter request message is received from a first Diameter node at a. A copy of at least a portion of the Diameter request message is cached at the DSR and the Diameter request message is routed to a second Diameter node. The DSR determines whether a predetermined condition associated with an answer to the first Diameter request message exists. In response to determining that the predetermined condition exists, the cached portion of the Diameter request message is retrieved, a Diameter request that includes the cached portion of the Diameter request message is generated, and the generated Diameter request message is routed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Tekelec, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Alan Craig, Mark Edward Kanode, Thomas M. McCann, David Michael Sprague, Donald E. Wallace, Peter Joseph Marsico
  • Patent number: 8498202
    Abstract: According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a method for providing Diameter network management information in a communications network. The method includes steps occurring at a Diameter signaling router (DSR). The method also includes determining whether successful Diameter communications are available with a first Diameter application. The method further includes in response to determining that successful Diameter communications are not available with the first Diameter application, generating a first Diameter network management message (DNMM) indicating that successful Diameter communications are not available with the first Diameter application. The method also includes sending the first DNMM to a second Diameter node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Tekelec, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Edward Kanode, Kedar Kashinath Karmarkar, Thomas M. McCann, David Michael Sprague, Mahesh Tomar, Donald E. Wallace, Peter Joseph Marsico
  • Patent number: 8483233
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for providing local application routing at a Diameter node are disclosed. One method includes receiving, at an ingress Diameter message processor associated with a Diameter signaling router (DSR), a Diameter message from a peer Diameter element. At the ingress Diameter message processor, application routing data is accessed to determine whether processing of the Diameter message by a Diameter application is required. In response to determining that Diameter application processing is required, the Diameter message is forwarded to a Diameter message processor hosting a Diameter application identified by the application routing data for processing. In response to determining that Diameter application processing is not required, the Diameter message is forwarded to an egress Diameter message processor associated with the DSR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Tekelec, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Alan Craig, Mark Edward Kanode, Kedar Kashinath Karmarkar, Thomas Matthew McCann, David Michael Sprague, Mahesh Tomar, Donald E. Wallace
  • Patent number: 8478828
    Abstract: According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a method for routing Diameter messages. The method includes steps occurring at a Diameter signaling router (DSR) comprising a plurality of Diameter message processors. The method also includes receiving, by a first of the plurality of Diameter message processors and from a first Diameter node, a Diameter message, wherein the Diameter message is received via a first Diameter connection. The method further includes determining, by the first Diameter message processor, a next-hop Diameter node for the Diameter message. The method further includes communicating, by the first of the plurality of Diameter message processors and to a second of the plurality of Diameter message processors, the Diameter message. The method further includes communicating, by the second Diameter message processor and to the next-hop Diameter node, the Diameter message, wherein the Diameter message is communicated via a second Diameter connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Tekelec, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Alan Craig, Mark Edward Kanode, Kedar Kashinath Karmarkar, David Michael Sprague, Mahesh Tomar, Donald E. Wallace