Patents Represented by Attorney Brook, Cameron & Huebsch, PLLC
  • Patent number: 8139751
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods to communicate information to an employee using an electronic display area. The electronic display area may include a variety of placements in an employment area, a call center, and/or a mobile device. An employer may communicate information to the employee through any or all the display areas based on attributes of the display placement, the employee, and the employee location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: United States Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventors: Leonard J. Magsamen, Jr., Polly Hillert, Brittney Chiu, Dawn Snow
  • Patent number: 8140442
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are provided for property transactions. One device embodiment includes a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and user interface coupled to the memory and processor. The device includes program instructions storable in memory and executable by the processor to coordinate a buyer electronic indicator and a seller electronic indicator associated with a piece of property in order to culminate a transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Gary E. Heyer
  • Patent number: 8135569
    Abstract: A system and method for modeling of complete tooth, including root and crown, of a patient to facilitate orthodontic treatment are provided, wherein generic tooth modeling is combined with tooth crown modeling for a patient to yield complete tooth modeling. A generic tooth 3D model for a particular tooth is morphed with a 3D model of a patient's crown for the corresponding tooth to yield a complete 3D model for that tooth. Modeling techniques can be conducted with computer-based systems, such as systems configured for storing patient data and generic tooth data, morphing such data and/or facilitating additional orthodontic treatment applications, through the use of one or more algorithms. Adjustment of the complete tooth model for the tooth can be provided through additional patient information, such as X-ray imaging, to address variations in root shape between a generic root and an actual root shape for a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Vadim Matov, Jihua Cheng
  • Patent number: 8135390
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for displaying messages, such as advertisements, consumer promotions, and customer service announcements, on digital wireless communication devices, such as digital cellular telephones, comprising the steps of creating at least one visual advertising message, or other desirable information, in the form of an information file for display on a digital wireless communication device, valuating the at least one advertising message, transmitting the at least one advertising message to a database, wherein the database is in communication with the wireless communication device via a wireless communications network or system, such as a cellular telephone network, transmitting according to a predetermined schedule the at least one advertising message, or other desirable information, from the database via the wireless communication system to the wireless communication device, wherein the wireless communication device chosen for reception of the at least one advertising message c
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: XcellaSave, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. Cortegiano, Sean J. Grygiel
  • Patent number: 8132016
    Abstract: A first information handling system (“IHS”) receives identification information of a first user of a second IHS. The first IHS initiates a network session in response to authenticating the identification information of the first user. Within the network session, the first IHS receives identification information of a second user of the second IHS. The first IHS authenticates the identification information of the second user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventors: Christopher Scott Stewart, Pamela Ann Thibodeaux, Bonnie Rose Stewart
  • Patent number: 8131393
    Abstract: System and method for automatic construction of orthodontic reference objects, such as the occlusal plane, arch form, and the local occlusal plane for a patient's teeth are disclosed. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a computer-implemented system and method for automatic construction of orthodontic reference objects comprises receiving three dimensional data for the teeth, setting an initial direction for a normal of the occlusal plane, determining tips for selected teeth, calculating a plane that matches the determined tip, and determining a new normal for the calculated plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Vadim Matov, Fuming Wu
  • Patent number: 8129551
    Abstract: The invention relates to improved systems for recovery of alkylene oxide from feed streams containing the same in an alkylene oxide recovery column. The invention also relates to improved processes for recovery of alkylene oxide from feed streams containing the same in an alkylene oxide recovery column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Dow Technology Investments LLC
    Inventors: John F. Szul, James H. Mccain, Floyd L. Pfeffer, Harvey E. Andresen, Phillip R. Fairchild, Kent E. Newman
  • Patent number: 8130542
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods, devices, modules, and systems for reading non-volatile multilevel memory cells. One method includes receiving a request to read data stored in a first cell of a first word line, performing a read operation on an adjacent cell of a second word line in response to the request, determining whether the first cell is in a disturbed condition based on the read operation. The method includes reading data stored in the first cell in response to the read request by applying a read reference voltage to the first word line and adjusting a sensing parameter if the first cell is in the disturbed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Violante Moschiano, Giovanni Santin, Michele Incarnati
  • Patent number: 8126962
    Abstract: A data source generates a requested page for an electronic network site to include inserted tracking parameters to aid in tracking the activities of the user at the site. The site receives the generated page with the inserted tracking parameters and returns to a user the received page as the requested page with the inserted tracking parameters removed therefrom. The site appends the removed tracking parameters to the URL associated with the returned page at the query string thereof, and sends to a tracking database the appended URL. The tracking database stores the sent URL for being accessed by one or more analytical tools to analyze the tracking parameters regarding the activities of the user at the site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventors: Randal Lane Schnedler, Kevin Anthony Kossow
  • Patent number: 8126726
    Abstract: In one embodiment, acquiring a digital model of a patient's teeth, automatically detecting reference data or features based on the digital model, and automatically computing dental measurements based on said reference data or features, where the dental measurements are associated with an occlusal characteristic of the patient are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Vadim Matov, Fuming Wu, Eric Kuo, Jenghuei Gene Luong
  • Patent number: 8125826
    Abstract: Methods, devices, modules, and systems for programming memory cells can include storing charges corresponding to a data state that represents an integer number of bits in a set of memory cells. Programming memory cells can include storing a charge in a cell of the set, where the charge corresponds to a programmed state, where the programmed state represents a fractional number of bits, and where the programmed state denotes a digit of the data state as expressed by a number in base N, where N is equal to 2B, rounded up to an integer, and where B is equal to the fractional number of bits represented by the programmed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Radke
  • Patent number: 8125922
    Abstract: After a sample set of web pages (7) has been retrieved via the Internet (4) and stored in a web page data base (11) the web pages (7) are processed by a network analysis engine (15) to generate network data indicative of the interconnections between the sample web pages (7) as identified by hyperlinks included in the retrieved web pages (7). The network analysis engine (15) then utilizes the generated network data to calculate for each web page (7) a number of network metrics indicative of the extent to which the interconnections associated with a web page (7) correspond to patterns of interconnections associated with web pages (7) published in order to manipulate the ranking of a web page (7) by a search engine (3). These network metrics are then used to generate a numbers of ranked indexes of web pages (7). A user can then submit a search query to the search engine (3) together with an indication of which of the rankings should be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Searchbolt Limited
    Inventors: Malcolm P. Young, Peter E. Andras, Mark A. O'Neill, Simon P. Martin
  • Patent number: 8124445
    Abstract: Confined resistance variable memory cell structures and methods are described herein. One or more methods of forming a confined resistance variable memory cell structure includes forming a via in a memory cell structure and forming a resistance variable material in the via by performing a process that includes providing a germanium amidinate precursor and a first reactant to a process chamber having the memory cell structure therein and providing an antimony ethoxide precursor and a second reactant to the process chamber subsequent to removing excess germanium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Brenda D. Kraus, Eugene P. Marsh, Timothy A. Quick
  • Patent number: 8120137
    Abstract: Among structures, methods, devices, and systems for isolation trenches, a semiconductor device is provided that includes a substrate and an isolation trench structure. One such isolation trench structure includes a first isolation trench portion associated with a surface of the substrate and having a first pair of opposing sidewalls that are each substantially perpendicular to the surface of the substrate. A second isolation trench portion includes a second pair of sidewalls within the substrate that are each angled obliquely with respect to the surface of the substrate, where the second isolation trench portion has a separation between the second pair of sidewalls that decreases as a distance from the first isolation trench portion increases. A third isolation trench portion includes a third pair of sidewalls within the substrate that are each substantially perpendicular to the surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Smith, Xiaolong Fang
  • Patent number: 8118864
    Abstract: An endovascular graft of the present invention embodies a graft system utilizing the textile fabric of the prosthesis for drug storage and delivery. These drug-eluting devices involve treating the textile fabric with therapeutic agents to provide a method of delivery to both the outer surface of the graft and the inner surface of the graft. An endovascular graft system having a fuzz texturing on the outer periphery of the graft where the texturing includes a therapeutic agent coating applied to the texturing material is also contemplated. An expandable attachment frame further includes drug storage and delivery capabilities in the cavities formed in the V-hooks and apices. Therapeutic agents can also included in the radiopaque coating or loading to serve as a reservoir for controlled drug delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Endovascular Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Arnold M. Escano, Joanne L. Parker, Rodney Reinhardt
  • Patent number: 8121946
    Abstract: Method and system are directed to capturing consumer agreement to the terms of a transaction conducted online. The method/system uses a modular electronic signature block that may be applied to electronic versions of any standardized form. The electronic signature is implemented in a non-invasive way that does not alter or replace the contents of the electronic forms. The modular nature of the electronic signature block allows a separate electronic signature to be used for each online form, or a single electronic signature for multiple online forms. The online forms themselves are generated by populating a generic template of the standardized forms with consumer-specific data. The electronically-signed forms may thereafter be stored as data for a particular template. Such an arrangement provides a more secure, reproducible, verifiable, and unalterable means of capturing consumer consent, thereby allowing consumer transactions to be conducted entirely online.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association
    Inventors: Michael Arguello, Steven Dale Zettner, Ron DiGiacomo
  • Patent number: 8122070
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and software to provide document management system user interfaces to clients. Some embodiments include an intermediary server to provide document management system indexing data to a client in a form that is displayable within an existing client file browsing user interface, such as Windows Explorer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: United States Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventors: Nikolay B. Eshkenazi, Muqtadar Ahmed
  • Patent number: 8120480
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for electronic wireless communication in circuits for monitoring one or more activities of an individual are disclosed. One circuit board assembly embodiment includes a carrier board portion having a module contact pattern to electrically connect a module, selected from a plurality of different module types each having a contact pattern that corresponds to the module contact pattern of the carrier board portion, to a number of electrical components attached to the carrier board portion; a sensor portion for sensing one or more activities of an individual, the sensor portion electrically connected to the carrier board portion; and a communications module portion selected from the plurality of different module types, wherein the module portion has a contact pattern that corresponds to the module contact pattern and wherein the communications module portion is electrically connected to the carrier board portion via the module contact pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Healthsense, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean S. Anderson, Danny J. Vatland, Brian J. Bischoff
  • Patent number: 8120952
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes methods, devices, modules, and systems for operating memory cells. One method embodiment includes applying sensing voltages to selected access lines for sensing selected memory cells. The method also includes applying a dynamic pass voltage to unselected access lines while the sensing voltages are applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Jin-Man Han
  • Patent number: 8114925
    Abstract: A method for preparing a filler composition useful for preparing a nanocomposite polymer is provided. The method includes a first step of dispersing a water dispersible filler material in a liquid comprising water to form a dispersion and a second step of replacing at least a portion of the water of the liquid with an organic solvent. The resulting filler composition features a water concentration of the liquid of less than six percent by weight, and the average size of at least one dimension of the filler material is less than two hundred nanometers upon examination by transmission electron microscopy of a representative freeze dried sample of the dispersion of the first step. A nanocomposite polymer, particularly and epoxy resin composition, can be prepared by mixing the above-made filler composition with one or more polymer, polymer component, monomer or prepolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignees: Dow Global Technologies LLC, The Texas A&M University
    Inventors: Luyi Sun, Woong Jae Boo, Hung-Jue Sue, Maurice J. Marks, Richard F. Fibiger, Michael S. Paquette