Patents by Inventor Thomas Gray

Thomas 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: 10067634
    Abstract: Approaches enable three-dimensional (3D) display and interaction with interfaces (such as a webpage, an application, etc.) when the device is operating in a 3D view mode. For example, interface elements can be highlighted, emphasized, animated, or otherwise altered in appearance, and/or arrangement in the renderings of those interfaces based at least in part on an orientation of the device or a position of a user using the device. Further, the 3D view mode can provide for an animated 3D departure and appearance of elements as the device navigates from a current page to a new page. Further still, approaches provide for the ability to specify 3D attributes (such as the appearance, action, etc.) of the interface elements. In this way, a developer of such interfaces can use information (e.g., tags, CSS, JavaScript, etc.) to specify a 3D appearance change to be applied to at least one interface element when the 3D view mode is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Charley Ames, Dennis Pilarinos, Peter Frank Hill, Sasha Mikhael Perez, Timothy Thomas Gray
  • Publication number: 20180196782
    Abstract: Systems and methods for presenting a user interface in a first mode and a second mode based on detection of a touch gesture is described herein. In some embodiments, a first user interface may be presented on an electronic device's display. The first user interface may include a list of items, which may be formatted such that they are optimally viewable from a first distance away from the display. In response to detecting a touch gesture, such as a scrolling gesture, a second user interface may be presented including the list of items, which may be formatted such that they are optimally viewed from a second distance. For example, the first user interface may be optimally viewable from a distance of approximately seven to ten feet from the display. As another example, the second user interface may optimally viewable from a distance of approximately one to three feet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Applicant: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Thomas Gray, Thomas Irvine Nelson, Jae Pum Park, Shilpan Bhagat
  • Publication number: 20180191349
    Abstract: A balanced, charge-recycling repeater link is disclosed. The link includes a first set of segments operating in a first voltage domain and a second set of segments operating in a second voltage domain. The link is configured to transmit a first signal over at least one segment in the first set of segments and at least one other segment in the second set of segments. Each segment of the link includes at least one active circuit element configured to charge or discharge one or more corresponding interconnects within the link and a level shifter configured to shift the level of a signal on a last interconnect of the segment from the first voltage domain to the second voltage domain or the second voltage domain to the first voltage domain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: John Michael Wilson, John W. Poulton, Matthew Rudolph Fojtik, Carl Thomas Gray
  • Patent number: 9990176
    Abstract: Methods and devices for determining whether a local version of content is stored on an electronic device associated with a user account on a backend system are described herein. In a non-limiting embodiment, the backend system may track and monitor the content stored on the electronic device using the associated user account. If an individual speaks an utterance requesting a particular content item, the backend system may determine, prior to sending the content to the electronic device, whether a local version is stored within the electronic device's memory. If so, the backend system may instruct the electronic device to output the local version, thereby reducing the amount of bandwidth consumed. The backend system may further be capable of predictively generating and then caching certain audio data to the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Thomas Gray
  • Publication number: 20180115648
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for managing voicemail in a communication session between a sending communication device and a receiving communication device are provided. It is determined at the receiving communication device that a voicemail is to be created. The voicemail based on content received via the sending communication device. The voicemail is recorded. The voicemail is caused to be stored at resources associated with the sending communication device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas Gray, Jianqi (Jerry) Yin
  • Patent number: 9954527
    Abstract: A balanced, charge-recycling repeater link is disclosed. The link includes a first set of segments operating in a first voltage domain and a second set of segments operating in a second voltage domain. The link is configured to transmit a first signal over at least one segment in the first set of segments and at least one other segment in the second set of segments. Each segment of the link includes at least one active circuit element configured to charge or discharge one or more corresponding interconnects within the link and a level shifter configured to shift the level of a signal on a last interconnect of the segment from the first voltage domain to the second voltage domain or the second voltage domain to the first voltage domain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: NVIDIA Corporation
    Inventors: John Michael Wilson, John W. Poulton, Matthew Rudolph Fojtik, Carl Thomas Gray
  • Patent number: 9927949
    Abstract: A computing device can utilize a recognition mode wherein an interface utilizes graphical elements, such as virtual fireflies or other such elements, to indicate objects that are recognized or identified. As objects are recognized, fireflies perform one or more specified actions to indicate recognition. A ribbon or other user-selectable icon is displayed indicates a specific action that the device can perform with respect to the respective object. As additional objects are recognized, additional ribbons are created and older ribbons can be moved off screen and stored for subsequent retrieval or search. The fireflies disperse when the objects are no longer represented in captured sensor data, and can be animated to move towards representations of new objects as features of those objects are identified as potential object features, in order to communicate a level of recognition for a current scene or environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Thomas Gray, Marc Anthony Salazar, Steven Michael Sommer, Charles Eugene Cummins, Sean Anthony Rooney, Bryan Todd Agnetta, Jae Pum Park, Richard Leigh Mains, Suzan Marashi
  • Patent number: 9905033
    Abstract: A computing device can include a recognition mode interface utilizing graphical elements, such as virtual fireflies, to indicate recognized or identified objects. The fireflies can be animated to move across a display, and the fireflies can create bounding boxes around visual representations of objects as the objects are recognized. In some cases, the object might be of a type that has specific meaning or information to be conveyed to a user. In such cases, the fireflies might be displayed with a particular size, shape, or color to convey that information. The fireflies also can be configured to form shapes or patterns in order to convey other types of information to a user, such as where audio is being recognized, light is sufficient for image capture, and the like. Other types of information can be conveyed as well via altering characteristics of the fireflies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Thomas Gray, Charles Eugene Cummins, Angela Kathleen Warren, Marc Anthony Salazar, Suzan Marashi, Steven Michael Sommer, Russell Edward Glaser, Forrest Elliott, Tito Pagan
  • Patent number: 9897254
    Abstract: A drip pan apparatus for use in a helicopter includes a drip pan and a frame having a plurality of frame sides and a plurality of frame corners that define an inwardly-facing peripheral surface. A first frame angle is formed between a first inwardly-facing surface and a second inwardly-facing surface. The first frame angle is an acute angle. The drip pan has an outwardly-facing peripheral surface. The outwardly-facing peripheral surface defines a plurality of sides, including a first side and a second side, to cooperate with the inwardly-facing peripheral surface of the frame. A first angle is formed between the first side and the second side. The first angle is an acute angle. A method of installing a drip pan includes modifying at least a portion of a skirt on the helicopter and then securing the frame to one or both of the modified skirt and the helicopter structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Phoenix Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Gray Wilson
  • Patent number: 9860383
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for managing voicemail in a communication session between a sending communication device and a receiving communication device are provided. It is determined at the receiving communication device that a voicemail is to be created. The voicemail based on content received via the sending communication device. The voicemail is recorded. The voicemail is caused to be stored at resources associated with the sending communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Mitel Networks Corporation
    Inventors: John Albert, Jianqi (Jerry) Yin, Kavita Jain, Liang Zhou, Thomas Gray
  • Patent number: 9843626
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus of controlling at least one application on an electronic device. Interfacing occurs between a context object and the at least one application. Context data is retrieved from the context object. At least one of the following further occurs: the context object is updated with new context data derived from interactions with the at least one application; the behavior of the at least one application is modulated based on the context data; and at least one data field in the application is populated with the context data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Mitel Networks Corporation
    Inventors: Trung (Tim) Trinh, Thomas A. Gray
  • Patent number: 9841879
    Abstract: A computing device can include a recognition mode interface utilizing graphical elements, such as virtual fireflies, to indicate recognized or identified objects. The fireflies can be animated to move across a display, and the fireflies can create bounding boxes around visual representations of objects as the objects are recognized. In some cases, the object might be of a type that has specific meaning or information to be conveyed to a user. In such cases, the fireflies might be displayed with a particular size, shape, or color to convey that information. The fireflies also can be configured to form shapes or patterns in order to convey other types of information to a user, such as where audio is being recognized, light is sufficient for image capture, and the like. Other types of information can be conveyed as well via altering characteristics of the fireflies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy Thomas Gray, Forrest Elliott
  • Publication number: 20170328672
    Abstract: A stock assembly for a firearm, the stock assembly comprising a buffer catch comprising a movable buffer catch body; a receiver extension comprising a buffer tube; the buffer tube comprising a buffer tube body and a tubular passage within the buffer tube body; the buffer tube body comprising a buffer catch receptacle extending through a wall of the buffer tube body extending along a longitudinal axis of the buffer tube; the buffer catch receptacle configured to receive the buffer catch body therein; the buffer catch body configured to move within the buffer catch receptacle from a home position to a depressed position; and, in the depressed position, the buffer catch body blocks at least a portion of the tubular passage of the buffer tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Inventors: David A. Hewes, Thomas A. Gray, Stephen P. Troy, JR.
  • Patent number: 9798443
    Abstract: A set of application icons can be displayed on an interface (e.g., a home screen) of a computing device. The icons can include a center icon and at least one of a subset of application icons to the left or to the right of the center application icon. Displayed below the icons can be a portion of an application window. The application window can be associated with the center application icon and can display content associated with the center application icon. The user can utilize a fingertip or object to select an area of a display screen associated with the application window and the user can perform an input motion from the area to a region associated with the set of application icons to animate a departure of the icons and an expansion of the application window to display additional content. Further, the input motion can enable at least one additional function associated with the application window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Thomas Gray
  • Publication number: 20170302727
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus of controlling at least one application on an electronic device. Interfacing occurs between a context object and the at least one application. Context data is retrieved from the context object. At least one of the following further occurs: the context object is updated with new context data derived from interactions with the at least one application; the behaviour of the at least one application is modulated based on the context data; and at least one data field in the application is populated with the context data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Applicant: Mitel Networks Corporation
    Inventors: TRUNG (TIM) TRINH, Thomas A. GRAY
  • Publication number: 20170279355
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling a modified buck converter circuit. A pull-up switching mechanism that is coupled to an upstream terminal of an inductor within a modified buck converter circuit is enabled. A load current at the output of the modified buck regulator circuit is measured. A capacitor current associated with a capacitor that is coupled to a downstream terminal of the inductor is continuously sensed and the pull-up switching mechanism is disabled when the capacitor current is greater than a sum of the load current and an enabling current value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventors: Sudhir Shrikantha Kudva, William J. Dally, Thomas Hastings Greer, III, Carl Thomas Gray
  • Patent number: 9721031
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for anchoring bookmarks to individual words for precise positioning within electronic documents. The bookmarks may be anchored based on user input selecting particular words, based on gaze tracking identifying most recently read words, or based on estimated reading speed. The bookmarks may be a link used to navigate within the document, may be used as an anchor for a new layout after content reflow or may be automatically saved when the e-reader turns off the display to provide the user with a most recently read passage. If a bookmark isn't anchored to specific words by the user, the device may anchor the bookmark to the beginning of a sentence or a paragraph including the recently read words determined using gaze tracking or estimated reading speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Stanton Todd Marcum, Michael Patrick Bacus, Timothy Thomas Gray
  • Publication number: 20170180556
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for managing voicemail in a communication session between a sending communication device and a receiving communication device are provided. It is determined at the receiving communication device that a voicemail is to be created. The voicemail based on content received via the sending communication device. The voicemail is recorded. The voicemail is caused to be stored at resources associated with the sending communication device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventors: John Albert, Jianqi (Jerry) Yin, Kavita Jain, Liang Zhou, Thomas A. Gray
  • Publication number: 20170157534
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing a contaminant from a liquid includes a tension element extending along a length of the liquid and may be near a bottom of the liquid. A plurality of buoyant strips having a polymer defining an open-cell foam are attached to the tension element and extend to a surface of the liquid, with at least a portion of the strips floating on the surface. The polymer may include ethylene alkyl acrylate copolymer (e.g., 100% EMA copolymer).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas Gray Curtis, JR., Scott C. Smith
  • Patent number: 9671941
    Abstract: A computing device can utilize a recognition mode wherein an interface utilizes graphical elements, such as virtual fireflies, to indicate recognized or identified objects. Fireflies can be displayed near an input element to indicate that a recognition mode is available. When a user selects the input element, the fireflies can appear to emanate from the input element and disperse across the display screen. As objects are recognized, fireflies can create bounding boxes around those objects, or otherwise appear proximate those objects, to indicate recognition. The fireflies can again disperse as the objects fall out of view, and can begin moving towards new objects as features of those objects are identified as potential object features. A subsequent selection of the input element to exit recognition mode can cause the fireflies to appear to retreat to their original location in, or near, the input element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Thomas Gray, Charles Eugene Cummins, Russell Edward Glaser, Tito Pagan, Steven Michael Sommer, Brian Peter Kralyevich, Angela Kathleen Warren, Marc Anthony Salazar, Suzan Marashi