Patents Represented by Law Firm Baker and Botts, L.L.P
  • Patent number: 8331383
    Abstract: A system and method includes a plurality of wireless and/or wired access points coupled to a network. The network may couple to a wide area network, such as the Internet. In one embodiment, a portable computing device (PCD) may store identification information which uniquely indicates a network provider of a plurality of possible network providers or may also or instead indicate an access or privilege level. When the access point receives the identification information from a PCD, the access point may determine the appropriate network provider for the PCD using the identification information and network access may then be provided. Thus the network system is useable by subscribers of each of the plurality of possible network providers, thereby enabling subscribers to “roam” on various wireless networks. The access information may also include an access level which indicates the user's access or privilege level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett B. Stewart, James Thompson, Kathleen E. McClelland
  • Patent number: 8330993
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprises an image data generating unit configured to convert a tone of an input value which indicates a density of a pixel by using a predetermined dither matrix and generate image data. The image forming apparatus further comprises a drive source and a gear configured to transmit a drive force from the drive source to an image carrier. The dither matrix includes a plurality of sub-matrixes arranged in a predetermined rule and a dot in each of the plurality of the sub-matrixes grows from a corresponding original point. The image forming apparatus satisfies a relation of (1) a?0.24 mm and b/a<0.78, or (2) a<0.24 mm and b/a>1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masashi Ueda, Ryuji Yamada
  • Patent number: 8328314
    Abstract: An inkjet head has a plurality of nozzles that are arranged such that distances in a first direction between respective two adjacent nozzles that are adjacent with each other in the first direction are uniform and distances in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction between the respective two adjacent nozzles are nonuniform. The storing unit stores a plurality of dot size determining values corresponding to the plurality of nozzles. Each dot size determining value is defined to determine a size of a dot to be formed by the corresponding nozzle and is determined dependently on a distance in the second direction between the corresponding nozzle and a nozzle adjacent to the corresponding nozzle in the first direction. The determining unit determines a size of a dot to be formed by each nozzle based on the pixel data and the corresponding dot size determining value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shintaro Izoe
  • Patent number: 8332439
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, generating a hierarchy of terms includes accessing a corpus comprising terms. The following is performed for one or more terms to yield parent-child relationships: one or more parent terms of a term are identified according to directional affinity; and one or more parent-child relationships are established from the parent terms and each term. A hierarchical graph is automatically generated from the parent-child relationships.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: David L. Marvit, Jawahar Jain, Stergios Stergiou, Alex Gilman, B. Thomas Adler
  • Patent number: 8331366
    Abstract: A system and method for deployment of a software image to a plurality of target devices are disclosed. A method may include communicatively coupling a root node device to a plurality of internal node devices, and communicatively coupling a plurality of leaf node devices to the root node devices and the internal node devices. The root node device may transmit a software image from the root node device to at least two of the internal node devices, and each internal node device may transmit the software image to at least one other internal node device or leaf node device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Weijia Zhang, Rizwan Ali, Richard B. Landau, David Mar
  • Patent number: 8328322
    Abstract: An inkjet recording device includes an ink cartridge receiving unit configured to receive an ink cartridge, an inkjet head configured to eject ink, an ink passage configured to transport the ink from the ink cartridge to the inkjet head, a detecting unit configured to detect a type of ink cartridge received in the ink cartridge receiving unit, a waste ink collection unit including an absorber configured to absorb the ink, a discharging unit configured to discharge the ink remaining in the ink passage at one of a first discharging rate and a second discharging rate, and a controller configured to control the discharging unit to discharge an amount of ink. The controller is configured to control the discharging unit to discharge ink at one of the first discharging rate and the second discharging rate corresponding to the type of the ink cartridge detected by the detecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masashi Ueda
  • Patent number: 8328305
    Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a detector configured to be in a first state when an amount of liquid stored in a liquid container is greater than a first threshold amount, and to be in a second state when the amount of liquid is less than or equal to the first threshold amount, an estimator configured to estimate the amount of liquid, and a determiner configured to determine that, if it is determined that the state of the detector has changed from the first state to the second state, the liquid container has become a low-amount state, and that, if it is determined that the amount of liquid estimated by the estimator has become less than or equal to the second threshold amount, which is less than the first threshold amount, the liquid container has become the low-amount state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hisaki Sakurai
  • Patent number: 8330585
    Abstract: A power supply for supplying electric power comprises a power circuit which supplies L channels of electric power (L: positive integer), a control circuit board which outputs multiple types of control signals including a digital control signal and a PWM signal, a digital-to-analog converter having M channels (M: positive integer less than L) each of which converts the digital control signal into an analog control signal, and N demodulation circuits (N=L?M) each of which generates an analog control signal by demodulating the PWM signal. The control circuit board is electrically connected to the power circuit via the M channels of the digital-to-analog converter and the N demodulation circuits. N is a positive integer not more than M.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahito Hamaya
  • Patent number: 8326927
    Abstract: A conferencing system and method includes, during the conference session, invoking an interactive voice response (IVR) routine that provides names of one or more conference participants to a user of an audio-only endpoint device responsive to a request from the user to create a sidebar session. An invitation to join the sidebar session is then communicated to each of one or more participants selected by the user, the invitation being communicated via a private media channel separate from a media stream associated with the conference session. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Aseem Asthana, Manjunath S. Bangalore, Binh Don Ha, Vineet Goel, Connie Tang
  • Patent number: 8326884
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an archival data storage system. The archival data storage system includes write once and read many (WORM) capability, data redundancy, error correction, and access control. The combination of these capabilities enable the archival storage system to be secure, error proof, and reliable. Additionally, to provide fast data access time, solid state storage devices are used in place of conventional tape drive. Solid state storage devices such as, for example, flash memory devices are fast, versatile and reliable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Quantum Corporation
    Inventor: Joe Kent Jurneke
  • Patent number: 8322462
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for magnetic field measurements to determine the proximity of a nearby target incorporating electrically conductive material includes a drill string (54) having multiple drill pipe sections (56, 57, 58, 59) connected end-to-end, with at least one of the drill pipe sections (57) being electrically conductive and isolated to provide an electrode section. A nonmagnetic drill pipe section (84) is connected in the drill string below the electrode section (57), and a hydraulic motor (62) having a rotatable drill bit sub (70) carrying a magnetic field sensing instrument package (102) is connected to a lowermost end of the drill string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur F. Kuckes
  • Patent number: 8322466
    Abstract: A hardfacing is provided to protect surfaces of drill bits and other downhole tools. The hardfacing may include tungsten carbide particles or pellets formed with an optimum weight percentage of binding material and dispersed within and bonded to a matrix deposit. The tungsten carbide particles may be formed by sintering or other appropriate techniques. The tungsten carbide particles may have generally spherical shapes, partially spherical shapes or non-spherical shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jay S. Bird
  • Patent number: 8325903
    Abstract: A telephone device is capable of receiving, during communication with a first external device, a call from a second external device. The telephone device includes a setting unit and a ring alert inhibiting unit. The setting unit is configured so as to be capable of setting the telephone device to either one of a first status, in which a user of the telephone device wants to perform communication, and a second status, in which the user does not want to perform communication, the setting unit being configured so as to be capable of setting the second status, either when communication is started with the first external device, or while the communication with the first external device is being executed. The ring alert inhibiting unit inhibits a sound of a ring alert for informing that a call has been received from the second external device when the telephone device is in the second status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takehito Ushida
  • Patent number: 8326188
    Abstract: A developer supply device carrying charged developer along a developer carrying path to a supply target, including: a carrying substrate that includes a plurality of carrying electrodes arranged along the developer carrying path and is configured to carry the developer through an electric field generated by voltage application to the plurality of carrying electrodes. The carrying substrate comprises a vertical carrying substrate provided to stand to carry the developer upward in a substantially vertical direction. The developer is supplied to the supply target around an upper end portion of the vertical carrying substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kenjiro Nishiwaki
  • Patent number: 8325204
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a display, a retrieving unit, a process display unit, a process receiving unit, a process storing unit, a thumbnail display unit, and a thumbnail designating unit. The retrieving unit retrieves image data. The process display unit displays on the display a plurality of candidate image processes to be performed on the image data. The process receiving unit receives an instruction indicating a selected image process selected from among the plurality of candidate image processes. The process storing unit stores the selected image process. The thumbnail display unit displays a thumbnail image corresponding to the image data on the display. The thumbnail designating unit designates a thumbnail image. The thumbnail display unit displays a processed thumbnail image that represents a result of the selected process performed on the image data corresponding to the designated thumbnail image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takahiko Watari, Tatsuya Sato
  • Patent number: 8322819
    Abstract: A liquid ejector includes a liquid ejection head, a discharge path, a cap, a pump, a first tank, a second tank, a first valve, and a second valve. The liquid ejection head ejects liquid through a nozzle. The cap covers the nozzle. The pump sucks the liquid from the liquid ejection head through the cap and the nozzle and conveys the liquid to a downstream end of the discharge path. The first tank communicates with the outside air, and temporarily stores the liquid in the discharge path. The second tank is detachably attached to the liquid ejector and is connected to the downstream end of the discharge path. The first valve switches the state of the first tank between open to and cut off from the outside air. The second valve switches the state of the first tank between connection to and cut off from the second tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takaichiro Umeda
  • Patent number: 8326651
    Abstract: Techniques for managing patient information accessible by mobile devices are supported. A system may include a central medical information management system that maintains information regarding ongoing treatment of patients. Medical professionals may use mobile devices to access and display the information by way of a user-friendly interface that includes multiple display modes for different types of information reporting and information capture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Medaxion, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Lee McLaren, William Dyer Rodes, II, John Malcolm Toups
  • Patent number: 8322702
    Abstract: An image recording apparatus according to one aspect comprises: a first tray disposed within an opening of a main body to allow a recording medium to be placed thereon; a second tray disposed above the first tray, the second tray having a second end portion located on a side of the opening; a conveying unit; and a recording unit. The second tray is movable between a first posture and a second posture. When the second tray is in the first posture, a top surface of the second tray in the vicinity of the second end portion is positioned at a predetermined height relative to the first tray. When the second tray moves from the first posture to the second posture, the top surface in the vicinity of the second end portion is moved toward the first tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masatoshi Izuchi, Yuji Koga, Keisuke Wakakusa, Kenji Samoto
  • Patent number: 8323355
    Abstract: Anchoring system for a cable-activated prosthetic or orthotic device includes a fastener comprising a base and a clasp-engaging member, wherein the fastener further comprises an adhesive to secure the base directly to skin of a wearer; and a clasp comprising a first end configured to engage and rotate about the clasp-engaging member and a second end configured to engage the activation cable of a prosthetic or orthotic device. Also included is a prosthetic or orthotic system that includes the anchoring system in combination with a prosthetic or orthotic device comprising an activation cable and a terminal device, wherein the activation cable comprises a first end operatively coupled to the terminal device and a second end engaged with the second end of the clasp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Shriners Hospitals For Children
    Inventor: Debra Ann Latour
  • Patent number: 8322822
    Abstract: An ink supply device includes a cartridge mounting portion to which an ink cartridge is configured to be mounted, a first detector configured to detect a first detection target portion of the ink cartridge and to output first detection information when the first detector detects the first detection target portion, a second detector configured to detect a second detection target portion of the ink cartridge and to output second detection information when the second detector detects the second detection target portion, and a controller configured to perform a first determination process of determining a type of the ink cartridge based on a temporal precedence between a time at which the first detector begins outputting the first detection information and a time at which the second detector begins outputting the second detection information during insertion of the ink cartridge into the cartridge mounting portion in an insertion direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tomohiro Kanbe