Patents by Inventor William R. Sears
William R. Sears 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).
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Patent number: 11954095Abstract: A set of transaction handling computing elements comprise a network core that receive and process transaction requests into an append-only immutable chain of data blocks, wherein a data block is a collection of transactions, and wherein an Unspent Transaction Output (UTXO) data structure supporting the immutable chain of data blocks is an output from a finalized transaction. Typically, the UTXO data structure consists essentially of an address and a value. In this approach, at least one UTXO data structure is configured to include information either in addition to or in lieu of the address and value, thereby defining a Transaction Output (TXO). A TXO may have a variety of types, and one type includes an attribute that encodes data. In response to receipt of a request to process a transaction, the set of transaction handling computing elements are executed to process the transaction into a block using at least the information in the TXO.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2023Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: Akamai Technologies, Inc.Inventors: William R. Sears, Leen K. Al Shenibr, David C. Carver
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Publication number: 20240064104Abstract: A method of congestion control implemented by a sender over a network link that includes a router having a queue. During a first state, information is received from a receiver. The information comprises an estimated maximum bandwidth for the link, a one-way transit time for traffic over the link, and an indication whether the network link is congested. In response to the link being congested, the sender transitions to a second state. While in the second state, a sending rate of packets in reduced, in part to attempt to drain the queue of data packets contributed by the sender. The sender transitions to a third state when the sender estimates that the queue has been drained of the data packets contributed. During the third state, the sending rate is increased until either the sender transitions back to the first state, or receives a new indication that the link is congested.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2023Publication date: February 22, 2024Applicant: Akamai Technologies, Inc.Inventors: William R. Sears, Martin K. Lohner
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Patent number: 11805061Abstract: A method of congestion control implemented by a sender over a network link that includes a router having a queue. During a first state, information is received from a receiver. The information comprises an estimated maximum bandwidth for the link, a one-way transit time for traffic over the link, and an indication whether the network link is congested. In response to the link being congested, the sender transitions to a second state. While in the second state, a sending rate of packets in reduced, in part to attempt to drain the queue of data packets contributed by the sender. The sender transitions to a third state when the sender estimates that the queue has been drained of the data packets contributed. During the third state, the sending rate is increased until either the sender transitions back to the first state, or receives a new indication that the link is congested.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2021Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: Akamai Technologies, Inc.Inventors: William R. Sears, Martin K. Lohner
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Patent number: 11720453Abstract: A method operative in association with a set of transaction handling computing elements that comprise a network core that receive and process transaction requests into an append-only immutable chain of data blocks, wherein a data block is a collection of transactions, and wherein presence of a transaction recorded within a data block is verifiable via a cryptographic hash, and wherein Unspent Transaction Output (UTXO) data structures supporting the immutable chain of data blocks are maintained in a UTXO database, wherein a UXTO is an output from a finalized transaction that contains a value. The technique herein includes periodically snapshotting a given portion of the UTXO database to generate a hash. The hash of the snapshot is recorded within the immutable chain of data blocks, and preferably within a given block header. In responsive to a receipt of a recovery request, and to facilitate recovery of the system to a provably-known state, a consensus algorithm is executed over the UXTO snapshot.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2020Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: Akamai Technologies, Inc.Inventors: William R. Sears, Leen AlShenibr, Samuel Erb
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Publication number: 20230200857Abstract: An implantable, modular spine stabilization system that allows for multi-level treatment of the spine by providing either rigid fixation or dynamic stabilization at different levels to be treated is provided. This modular spine stabilization system may be configured to span multiple spine levels, and have a curvature that closely matches the curvature of the spine over those multiple levels to be treated. Further, the modular spine stabilization system allows adjustment of the curvature of the overall system such that the system may be adapted for a patient for a customized fit. Instruments are also provided for the assembly and/or implantation of the modular spine stabilization system. The associated instruments may include instruments for adjusting the curvature of the system to the patient, and for implanting the curved system into the patient. The instruments may be configured for implantation of the system in a minimally invasive surgery.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2023Publication date: June 29, 2023Inventors: Stephan Eckhof, Markus Salvermoser, Rudolph Bertagnoli, William R. Sears
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Patent number: 11687522Abstract: Transaction handling computing elements comprise a network core that processes transaction requests into a blockchain, wherein a data block is a collection of transactions, and wherein an Unspent Transaction Output (UTXO) supporting the blockchain is an output from a finalized transaction. The elements interoperate with a transaction signing mechanism that associates a set of addresses on the blockchain with a delegate address, the delegate address having a set of signing public keys corresponding to one or more signing private keys used to sign UTXOs. In association with a new transaction being processed by the set of transaction handling components, a signing public key for an associated UXTO is located by following an address chain that includes an address in the set of addresses together with the delegate address. The signing public key is retrieved from a location associated with the delegate address and then used to sign (unlock) the associated UXTO.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2020Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: Akamai Technologies, Inc.Inventors: William R. Sears, David C. Carver, Leen AlShenibr, Daniel Franke
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Publication number: 20230146439Abstract: A set of transaction handling computing elements comprise a network core that receive and process transaction requests into an append-only immutable chain of data blocks, wherein a data block is a collection of transactions, and wherein an Unspent Transaction Output (UTXO) data structure supporting the immutable chain of data blocks is an output from a finalized transaction. Typically, the UTXO data structure consists essentially of an address and a value. In this approach, at least one UTXO data structure is configured to include information either in addition to or in lieu of the address and value, thereby defining a Transaction Output (TXO). A TXO may have a variety of types, and one type includes an attribute that encodes data. In response to receipt of a request to process a transaction, the set of transaction handling computing elements are executed to process the transaction into a block using at least the information in the TXO.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2023Publication date: May 11, 2023Applicant: Akamai Technologies, Inc.Inventors: William R. Sears, Leen K. Al Shenibr, David C. Carver
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Publication number: 20230098185Abstract: A set of transaction handling computing elements comprise a network core that receive and process transaction requests into an append-only immutable chain of data blocks, wherein a data block is a collection of transactions, and wherein an Unspent Transaction Output (UTXO) data structure supporting the immutable chain of data blocks is an output from a finalized transaction. Typically, the UTXO data structure consists essentially of an address and a value. In this approach, at least one UTXO data structure is configured to include information either in addition to or in lieu of the address and value, thereby defining a Transaction Output (TXO). A TXO may have a variety of types, and one type includes an attribute that encodes data. In response to receipt of a request to process a transaction, the set of transaction handling computing elements are executed to process the transaction into a block using at least the information in the TXO.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2022Publication date: March 30, 2023Applicant: Akamai Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David C. Carver, Leen Al Shenibr, William R. Sears, Vladimir Shtokman
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Patent number: 11583318Abstract: An implantable, modular spine stabilization system that allows for multi-level treatment of the spine by providing either rigid fixation or dynamic stabilization at different levels to be treated is provided. This modular spine stabilization system may be configured to span multiple spine levels, and have a curvature that closely matches the curvature of the spine over those multiple levels to be treated. Further, the modular spine stabilization system allows adjustment of the curvature of the overall system such that the system may be adapted for a patient for a customized fit. Instruments are also provided for the assembly and/or implantation of the modular spine stabilization system. The associated instruments may include instruments for adjusting the curvature of the system to the patient, and for implanting the curved system into the patient. The instruments may be configured for implantation of the system in a minimally invasive surgery.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2019Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: Paradigm Spine, LLCInventors: Stephan Eckhof, Markus Salvermoser, Rudolph Bertagnoli, William R. Sears
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Patent number: 11544252Abstract: A set of transaction handling computing elements comprise a network core that receive and process transaction requests into an append-only immutable chain of data blocks, wherein a data block is a collection of transactions, and wherein an Unspent Transaction Output (UTXO) data structure supporting the immutable chain of data blocks is an output from a finalized transaction. Typically, the UTXO data structure consists essentially of an address and a value. In this approach, at least one UTXO data structure is configured to include information either in addition to or in lieu of the address and value, thereby defining a Transaction Output (TXO). A TXO may have a variety of types, and one type includes an attribute that encodes data. In response to receipt of a request to process a transaction, the set of transaction handling computing elements are executed to process the transaction into a block using at least the information in the TXO.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2020Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: Akamai Technologies, Inc.Inventors: William R. Sears, Leen K. Al Shenibr, David C. Carver
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Patent number: 11520777Abstract: A set of transaction handling computing elements comprise a network core that receive and process transaction requests into an append-only immutable chain of data blocks, wherein a data block is a collection of transactions, and wherein an Unspent Transaction Output (UTXO) data structure supporting the immutable chain of data blocks is an output from a finalized transaction. Typically, the UTXO data structure consists essentially of an address and a value. In this approach, at least one UTXO data structure is configured to include information either in addition to or in lieu of the address and value, thereby defining a Transaction Output (TXO). A TXO may have a variety of types, and one type includes an attribute that encodes data. In response to receipt of a request to process a transaction, the set of transaction handling computing elements are executed to process the transaction into a block using at least the information in the TXO.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2020Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: Akamai Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David C. Carver, Leen Al Shenibr, William R. Sears, Vladimir Shtokman
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Publication number: 20220237594Abstract: A payment network comprises ledger services, and associated wallet services. To provide wallet services resiliency, multiple active wallet replicas are used to enable the system (i) to rely on collision detection and blockchain idempotency to produce a single correct outcome, and (2) to implement various collision avoidance techniques. Using a ledger services idempotency feature, multiple actors form independent valid intents and know that no more than one intent will get finalized on the ledger. In a variant embodiment, replicas implement processing delays and utilize so-called “intent” messages. By adding the delays, decision logic is biased logic towards one intent. The intent messages are used to intercede before a wallet handles a same original upstream message and forms a different intent. Seeing the replica's intent, the wallet can adopt the same intent and proceed with downstream processing. After adopting intent, preferably a wallet also informs its replicas of its intent.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2022Publication date: July 28, 2022Applicant: Akamai Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David C. Carver, William R. Sears, Talmai Oliveira
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Publication number: 20210334176Abstract: A method operative in association with a set of transaction handling computing elements that comprise a network core that receive and process transaction requests into an append-only immutable chain of data blocks, wherein a data block is a collection of transactions, and wherein presence of a transaction recorded within a data block is verifiable via a cryptographic hash, and wherein Unspent Transaction Output (UTXO) data structures supporting the immutable chain of data blocks are maintained in a UTXO database, wherein a UXTO is an output from a finalized transaction that contains a value. The technique herein includes periodically snapshotting a given portion of the UTXO database to generate a hash. The hash of the snapshot is recorded within the immutable chain of data blocks, and preferably within a given block header. In responsive to a receipt of a recovery request, and to facilitate recovery of the system to a provably-known state, a consensus algorithm is executed over the UXTO snapshot.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2020Publication date: October 28, 2021Applicant: Akamai Technologies, Inc.Inventors: William R. Sears, Leen AlShenibr, Samuel Erb
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Publication number: 20210243128Abstract: A method of congestion control implemented by a sender over a network link that includes a router having a queue. During a first state, information is received from a receiver. The information comprises an estimated maximum bandwidth for the link, a one-way transit time for traffic over the link, and an indication whether the network link is congested. In response to the link being congested, the sender transitions to a second state. While in the second state, a sending rate of packets in reduced, in part to attempt to drain the queue of data packets contributed by the sender. The sender transitions to a third state when the sender estimates that the queue has been drained of the data packets contributed. During the third state, the sending rate is increased until either the sender transitions back to the first state, or receives a new indication that the link is congested.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2021Publication date: August 5, 2021Applicant: Akamai Technologies, Inc.Inventors: William R. Sears, Martin K. Lohner
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Publication number: 20210182277Abstract: A set of transaction handling computing elements comprise a network core that receive and process transaction requests into an append-only immutable chain of data blocks, wherein a data block is a collection of transactions, and wherein an Unspent Transaction Output (UTXO) data structure supporting the immutable chain of data blocks is an output from a finalized transaction. Typically, the UTXO data structure consists essentially of an address and a value. In this approach, at least one UTXO data structure is configured to include information either in addition to or in lieu of the address and value, thereby defining a Transaction Output (TXO). A TXO may have a variety of types, and one type includes an attribute that encodes data. In response to receipt of a request to process a transaction, the set of transaction handling computing elements are executed to process the transaction into a block using at least the information in the TXO.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2020Publication date: June 17, 2021Applicant: Akamai Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David C. Carver, Leen Al Shenibr, William R. Sears, Vladimir Shtokman
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Publication number: 20210182895Abstract: A set of transaction handling computing elements comprise a network core that receive and process transaction requests into an append-only immutable chain of data blocks, wherein a data block is a collection of transactions, and wherein an Unspent Transaction Output (UTXO) data structure supporting the immutable chain of data blocks is an output from a finalized transaction. Typically, the UTXO data structure consists essentially of an address and a value. In this approach, at least one UTXO data structure is configured to include information either in addition to or in lieu of the address and value, thereby defining a Transaction Output (TXO). A TXO may have a variety of types, and one type includes an attribute that encodes data. In response to receipt of a request to process a transaction, the set of transaction handling computing elements are executed to process the transaction into a block using at least the information in the TXO.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2020Publication date: June 17, 2021Applicant: Akamai Technologies, Inc.Inventors: William R. Sears, Leen K. Al Shenibr, David C. Carver
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Publication number: 20210182837Abstract: Transaction handling computing elements comprise a network core that processes transaction requests into a blockchain, wherein a data block is a collection of transactions, and wherein an Unspent Transaction Output (UTXO) supporting the blockchain is an output from a finalized transaction. The elements interoperate with a transaction signing mechanism that associates a set of addresses on the blockchain with a delegate address, the delegate address having a set of signing public keys corresponding to one or more signing private keys used to sign UTXOs. In association with a new transaction being processed by the set of transaction handling components, a signing public key for an associated UXTO is located by following an address chain that includes an address in the set of addresses together with the delegate address. The signing public key is retrieved from a location associated with the delegate address and then used to sign (unlock) the associated UXTO.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2020Publication date: June 17, 2021Applicant: Akamai Technologies Inc.Inventors: William R. Sears, David C. Carver, Leen AlShenibr, Daniel Franke
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Patent number: 10986027Abstract: A method of congestion control implemented by a sender over a network link that includes a router having a queue. During a first state, information is received from a receiver. The information comprises an estimated maximum bandwidth for the link, a one-way transit time for traffic over the link, and an indication whether the link is congested. In response to the link being congested, the sender transitions to a second state. While in the second state, a sending rate of packets is reduced, in part to attempt to drain the queue of data packets contributed by the sender. The sender transitions to a third state when the sender estimates that the queue has been drained of the data packets contributed. During the third state, the sending rate is increased until either the sender transitions back to the first state, or receives a new indication that the link is congested.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2019Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: Akamai Technologies, Inc.Inventors: William R. Sears, Martin K. Lohner
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Publication number: 20200214743Abstract: An implantable, modular spine stabilization system that allows for multi-level treatment of the spine by providing either rigid fixation or dynamic stabilization at different levels to be treated is provided. This modular spine stabilization system may be configured to span multiple spine levels, and have a curvature that closely matches the curvature of the spine over those multiple levels to be treated. Further, the modular spine stabilization system allows adjustment of the curvature of the overall system such that the system may be adapted for a patient for a customized fit. Instruments are also provided for the assembly and/or implantation of the modular spine stabilization system. The associated instruments may include instruments for adjusting the curvature of the system to the patient, and for implanting the curved system into the patient. The instruments may be configured for implantation of the system in a minimally invasive surgery.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2019Publication date: July 9, 2020Inventors: Stephan ECKHOF, Markus Salvermoser, Rudolph Bertagnoli, William R. Sears
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Patent number: 10226354Abstract: A prosthesis for a vertebral column has an upper part (10) for attachment to an upper vertebrae, a lower part (12) for attachment to a lower vertebrae and a middle part (11) located between the upper and the lower parts, wherein the upper part has a lower surface portion with a first radius of curvature, the middle part has an upper surface portion with a second radius of curvature and a lower surface with a third radius of curvature and the lower part has an upper surface with a fourth radius of curvature. The center of the radius of curvature for at least two surfaces is offset rearwardly with respect to a central vertical axis (13) through the upper and lower vertebrae and/or the upper and lower parts. Also defined is device for linking bones, in the form of a band with attachment portions having a number of filaments that provide zones conducive to cellular growth as well as a method of modelling a prosthesis and a process for analyzing performance of a prosthesis.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2016Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: NuVasive, Inc.Inventors: Peter Francis McCombe, William R. Sears