Patents by Inventor Robert French

Robert French 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: 20080301054
    Abstract: A system for selling digital media, comprising: a content server for providing a master source of digital content to the system; a retail server for maintaining a local cache of popular content, and for packaging content; a license server for maintaining licenses for each piece of digital content wherein the license server issues new licenses to the retail server at the time of sale and issues subsequent licenses to a consumer for extending content usage; a plug-in for accessing digital content in a single click; and a media tablet for providing a consumer interface for exploring the digital content of the system, the media tablet comprising an interface for connection by a portable device for content transfer; means for accepting payment; and means for interacting with the retail server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: TRANS WORLD NEW YORK LLC
    Inventors: Stephen A. Russell, Eric Dahlen, Robert French, Christopher Huber
  • Publication number: 20080249872
    Abstract: A system for sampling content and presenting targeted marketing and advertising content, comprising: a sample/advertising server; a retail server receiving sample content from the sample server; media sample tablets for receiving sample content and targeted advertising content for display to a user; and means for collecting data from users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Stephen A. RUSSELL, Eric Dahlen, Robert French, Christopher Huber
  • Patent number: 7368499
    Abstract: An aqueous coating composition comprising a dispersion in an aqueous medium of (i) an acrylic addition polymer, (ii) an acrylic addition polymer having an acid value lower than that of polymer (i), and (iii) a base. The composition may also comprise a cross-linker, such as a polyisocyanate or a melamine resin. Also disclosed are methods for making such aqueous coating compositions and aqueous coating compositions made by such methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: David Robert Fenn, Andrew Robert French, Joan Cromie
  • Patent number: 7266672
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for retiming in a network of multiple context processing elements in a network of multiple context processing elements are provided. A programmable delay element is configured to programmably delay signals between a number of multiple context processing elements of an array without requiring a multiple context processing element to implement the delay. The output of a first multiple context processing element is coupled to a first multiplexer and to the input of a number of serially connected delay registers. The output of each of the serially connected registers is coupled to the input of a second multiplexer. The output of the second multiplexer is coupled to the input of the first multiplexer, and the output of the first multiplexer is coupled to a second multiple context processing element. The first and second multiplexers are provided with at least one set of data representative of at least one configuration memory context of a multiple context processing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Ethan Mirsky, Robert French, Ian Eslick
  • Patent number: 7188192
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing local control of processing elements in a network of multiple context processing elements (MCPEs). A MCPE stores configuration memory contexts and maintains data of a current configuration. State information is received from at least one other MCPE. A configuration control signal is generated in response to the state information and current configuration data. A MCPE is selected in response to the configuration control signal to control the MCPE. Each MCPE in the networked array has an assigned physical and virtual identification. Data comprising control data, configuration data, an address mask, and a destination identification is transmitted to a MCPE. The transmitted address mask is applied to either a physical or a virtual identification, and to a destination identification. The masked physical or virtual identification is compared to the masked destination identification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Ethan Mirsky, Robert French, Ian Eslick
  • Publication number: 20070023549
    Abstract: The invention provides low-cost, non-thermal methods to transform and beneficiate bulk materials, including low rank coals such as peat, lignite, brown coal, subbituminous coal, other carbonaceous solids or derived feedstock. High pressure compaction and comminution processes are linked to transform the solid materials by eliminating interstitial, capillary, pores, or other voids that are present in the materials and that may contain liquid, air or gases that are detrimental to the quality and performance of the bulk materials, thereby beneficiating the bulk products to provide premium feedstock for industrial or commercial uses, such as electric power generation, gasification, liquefaction, and carbon activation. The handling characteristics, dust mitigation aspects and combustion emissions of the products may also be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Publication date: February 1, 2007
    Inventors: Robert French, Robert Reeves
  • Patent number: 6990566
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for configuration of multiple context processing elements (MCPEs) are described. The method and an apparatus is capable of selectively transmitting data over a bidirectional shared bus network including a plurality of channels between pairs of MCPEs in the networked array. The method and an apparatus then selectively transmits a sideband bit indicating a direction in which the data is transmitted in the shared bus network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Ethan Mirsky, Robert French, Ian Eslick
  • Publication number: 20050147124
    Abstract: A method and system for processing a data flow in a multi-channel, multi-service environment is described. In one embodiment, a socket is dynamically allocated, the socket including a dynamically allocated service. Further, the server processes the data flow based upon the type of data being processed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Publication date: July 7, 2005
    Inventors: Viresh Rustagi, Robert French, Gareld Banta
  • Publication number: 20050039386
    Abstract: The ash content of raw coals, lignite, and other carbonaceous materials is reduced by leaching the high-ash material with an aqueous acidic waste product produced by a Fischer-Tropsch reaction. The acidic aqueous waste is mixed with coal and process conditions are described. The claim takes advantage of using otherwise uneconomic coal, lignite or other carbonaceous material by upgrading the material to a suitable feedstock for combustion in a power plant or gasifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Publication date: February 24, 2005
    Applicant: GTL Energy
    Inventors: Robert French, Robert Reeves
  • Publication number: 20040236815
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for configuration of multiple context processing elements (MCPEs) are described. According to one aspect of the invention, the structure that joins the MCPE cores into a complete array in one embodiment is actually a set of several mesh-like interconnect structures. Each interconnect structure forms a network, and each network is independent in that it uses different paths, but the networks join at MCPE input switches. The network structure of one embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a local area broadcast network (level 1), a switched interconnect network (level 2), a shared bus network (level 3), and a broadcast network. In one embodiment, the level 3 network is used to carry configuration data for the MCPEs while the broadcast network is used to carry configuration data for the level 3 network drivers and switches. In one embodiment, the level 3 network is bidirectional and dynamically routable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Applicant: BROADCOM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ethan Mirsky, Robert French, Ian Eslick
  • Publication number: 20040205321
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing local control of processing elements in a network of multiple context processing elements (MCPEs). A MCPE stores configuration memory contexts and maintains data of a current configuration. State information is received from at least one other MCPE. A configuration control signal is generated in response to the state information and current configuration data. A MCPE is selected in response to the configuration control signal to control the MCPE. Each MCPE in the networked array has an assigned physical and virtual identification. Data comprising control data, configuration data, an address mask, and a destination identification is transmitted to a MCPE. The transmitted address mask is applied to either a physical or a virtual identification, and to a destination identification. The masked physical or virtual identification is compared to the masked destination identification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Applicant: BROADCOM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ethan Mirsky, Robert French, Ian Eslick
  • Patent number: 6751722
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing local control of processing elements in a network of multiple context processing elements (MCPEs). A MCPE stores configuration memory contexts and maintains data of a current configuration. State information is received from at least one other MCPE. A configuration control signal is generated in response to the state information and current configuration data. A MCPE is selected in response to the configuration control signal to control the MCPE. Each MCPE in the networked array has an assigned physical and virtual identification. Data comprising control data, configuration data, an address mask, and a destination identification is transmitted to a MCPE. The transmitted address mask is applied to either a physical or a virtual identification, and to a destination identification. The masked physical or virtual identification is compared to the masked destination identification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Ethan Mirsky, Robert French, Ian Eslick
  • Patent number: 6745317
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for configuration of multiple context processing elements (MCPEs)are described. According to one aspect of the invention, the structure that joins the MCPE cores into a complete array in one embodiment is actually a set of several mesh-like interconnect structures. Each interconnect structure forms a network, and each network is independent in that it uses different paths, but the networks join at MCPE input switches. The network structure of one embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a local area broadcast network (level 1), a switched interconnect network (level 2), a shared bus network (level 3), and a broadcast network. In one embodiment, the level 3 network is used to carry configuration data for the MCPEs while the broadcast network is used to carry configuration data for the level 3 network drivers and switches. In one embodiment, the level 3 network is bidirectional and dynamically routable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Ethan Mirsky, Robert French, Ian Eslick
  • Publication number: 20040039112
    Abstract: There is disclosed a three component coating composition comprising: (i) a first component containing at least one acrylic polyol having a carboxyl group content of 0.035 to 2.0 moles/kg, said acrylic polymer being dissolved in volatile organic solvent, (ii) a second component containing a polyisocyanate, and (iii) a third component containing water, at least one of said components also including a base, the base being present in an amount capable of neutralising 0.035 to 0.2 moles of carboxyl groups per kilogram of polyol, the composition being essentially free from other hydrophilizing groups or components. There is also disclosed a method of preparing a coating composition, which comprises mixing the first component, second component and third component shortly before application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: David Robert Fenn, Andrew Robert French
  • Patent number: 6664302
    Abstract: The invention provides a method by which low-rank coal may be processed to provide a high-energy feedstock for coal gasification and synthesis gas production. Preliminary coal, preparation, which may include washing and drying, is followed by wax-impregnation to produce a high-energy, low-moisture, stable feedstock. The wax is preferably obtained from an on-site Fischer-Tropsch reactor that also produces diesel fuel and naptha.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: GTL Energy
    Inventors: Robert French, Robert A. Reeves, Charles B. Benham
  • Publication number: 20030192235
    Abstract: The invention provides a method by which low-rank coal may be processed to provide a high-energy feedstock for coal gasification and synthesis gas production. Preliminary coal, preparation, which may include washing and drying, is followed by wax-impregnation to produce a high-energy, low-moisture, stable feedstock. The wax is preferably obtained from an on-site Fischer-Tropsch reactor that also produces diesel fuel and naptha.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Robert French, Robert A. Reeves, Charles B. Benham
  • Publication number: 20030163668
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing local control of processing elements in a network of multiple context processing elements (MCPEs). A MCPE stores configuration memory contexts and maintains data of a current configuration. State information is received from at least one other MCPE. A configuration control signal is generated in response to the state information and current configuration data. A MCPE is selected in response to the configuration control signal to control the MCPE. Each MCPE in the networked array has an assigned physical and virtual identification. Data comprising control data, configuration data, an address mask, and a destination identification is transmitted to a MCPE. The transmitted address mask is applied to either a physical or a virtual identification, and to a destination identification. The masked physical or virtual identification is compared to the masked destination identification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: Ethan Mirsky, Robert French, Ian Eslick
  • Publication number: 20030126403
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for retiming in a network of multiple context processing elements in a network of multiple context processing elements are provided. A programmable delay element is configured to programmably delay signals between a number of multiple context processing elements of an array without requiring a multiple context processing element to implement the delay. The output of a first multiple context processing element is coupled to a first multiplexer and to the input of a number of serially connected delay registers. The output of each of the serially connected registers is coupled to the input of a second multiplexer. The output of the second multiplexer is coupled to the input of the first multiplexer, and the output of the first multiplexer is coupled to a second multiple context processing element. The first and second multiplexers are provided with at least one set of data representative of at least one configuration memory context of a multiple context processing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Ethan Mirsky, Robert French, Ian Eslick
  • Patent number: 6553479
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing local control of processing elements in a network of multiple context processing element are provided. A multiple context processing element is configured to store a number of configuration memory contexts. This multiple context processing element maintains data of a current configuration. State information is received from at least one other multiple context processing element. At least one configuration control signal is generated in responses to the state information and the data of a current configuration. One of multiple configuration memory contexts is selected in response to the configuration control signal, the selected configuration memory context controlling the multiple context processing element. Each multiple context processing element in the networked array of multiple context processing elements has an assigned physical and virtual identification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Ethan Mirsky, Robert French, Ian Eslick
  • Patent number: 6526498
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for retiming in a network of multiple context processing elements are provided. A programmable delay element is configured to programmably delay signals between a number of multiple context processing elements of an array without requiring a multiple context processing element to implement the delay. The output of a first multiple context processing element is coupled to a first multiplexer and to the input of a number of serially connected delay registers. The output of each of the serially connected delay registers is coupled to the input of a second multiplexer. The output of the second multiplexer is coupled to the input of the first multiplexer, and the output of the first multiplexer is coupled to a second multiple context processing element. The first and second multiplexers are provided with at least one set of data representative of at least one configuration memory context of a multiple context processing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Ethan Mirsky, Robert French, Ian Eslick