Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Hickman Stephens & Coleman, LLP
  • Patent number: 6199046
    Abstract: A currency converter consisting of a source of exchange rate information with either an object performing the role of currency selection, exchange rate information retrieval, and price display, or objects undertaking currency selection and exchange rate information retrieval and price display. Prices embedded within the document or environment are displayed in the default or selected currency. The appropriate currency for price display is selected by using methods such as a menu used by the user, or by reading system information to choose the currency. The exchange rate information is retrieved from the source of exchange rate information and is then passed to any other price display object or objects, and optionally, any other currency selection and exchange rate retrieval objects or currency selection, exchange rate information retrieval, and price display objects in the document or environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Adsura Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Erich Siegfried Heinzle, Rolf von Behrens
  • Patent number: 6134539
    Abstract: A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a business opportunity to understand and solve optimally. Mistakes are noted and remedial educational material presented dynamically to build the necessary skills that a user requires for success in the business endeavor. The system utilizes an artificial intelligence engine driving individualized and dynamic feedback with synchronized video and graphics used to simulate real-world environment and interactions. Multiple "correct" answers are integrated into the learning system to allow individualized learning experiences in which navigation through the system is at a pace controlled by the learner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: AC Properties B.V.
    Inventors: Martha Torrey O'Connor, Benoit Patrick Bertrand, Eren Tolga Rosenfeld
  • Patent number: 6127990
    Abstract: A virtual computer monitor is described which enables instantaneous and intuitive visual access to large amounts of visual data by providing the user with a large display projected virtually in front of the user. The user wears a head-mounted display containing a head-tracker, which together allow the user to position an instantaneous viewport provided by the head-mounted display at any position within the large virtual display by turning to look in the desired direction. The instantaneous viewport further includes a mouse pointer, which may be positioned by turning the user's head, and which may be further positioned using a mouse or analogous control device. A particular advantage of the virtual computer monitor is intuitive access to enlarged computer output for visually-impaired individuals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Vega Vista, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur L. Zwern
  • Patent number: 6125358
    Abstract: A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a business opportunity to understand and solve optimally. Mistakes are noted and remedial educational material presented dynamically to build the necessary skills that a user requires for success in the business endeavor. The system utilizes an artificial intelligence engine driving individualized and dynamic feedback with synchronized video and graphics used to simulate real-world environment and interactions. Multiple "correct" answers are integrated into the learning system to allow individualized learning experiences in which navigation through the system is at a pace controlled by the learner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: AC Properties B.V.
    Inventors: John Reader Hubbell, Mark Stewart Nichols
  • Patent number: 6101489
    Abstract: A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a business opportunity to understand and solve optimally. Mistakes are noted and remedial educational material presented dynamically to build the necessary skills that a user requires for success in the business endeavor. The system utilizes an artificial intelligence engine driving individualized and dynamic feedback with synchronized video and graphics used to simulate real-world environment and interactions. Multiple "correct" answers are integrated into the learning system to allow individualized learning experiences in which navigation through the system is at a pace controlled by the learner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: AC Properties, B.V.
    Inventors: Eric Jeffrey Lannert, Timothy John Gobran, Karen Therese Smith, Michael James Willow, Jonathan Christian Conant, Scott Michael Murphy
  • Patent number: 6100627
    Abstract: A Field Emitter Device (FED) having a substantially reducing atmosphere is described. The atmosphere in a FED can be maintained substantially free of oxidizing gases and includes a partial pressure of hydrogen between about 1.times.10.sup.-7 millibar (mbar) and 1.times.10.sup.-3 mbar. In one embodiment, a non-evaporable getter material previously charged with hydrogen gas is placed inside the FED before the FED is sealed. The non-evaporable getter material can be charged by exposure to hydrogen gas at a pressure between about 1.times.10.sup.-4 and about 2 bar. Subsequently, the components forming the FED are sealed, and the FED is evacuated and hermetically sealed to the outside atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: SAES Getters S.p.A.
    Inventors: Corrado Carretti, Bruno Ferrario
  • Patent number: 6100141
    Abstract: A method for forming a dual-thickness gate oxide layer starts with forming and patterning a pad oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer on a substrate. The substrate contains pre-determined regions for accommodating the internal circuit and the ESD protection circuit respectively. A field oxide layer for separating the active regions of the internal circuit and the ESD protection circuit is formed by performing an oxidation process. A thick gate oxide layer is formed on the active region of the ESD protection circuit by oxidation after the pad oxide and the silicon nitride thereover are removed. Similarly, a thin gate oxide layer is formed on the active region of the internal circuit by oxidation after the pad oxide and the silicon nitride thereover are removed. A patterned conducting layer is then formed on the substrate as gates. An implantation process is performed to form the source/drain regions within the region of the internal circuit. Next, spacers that surround the gates are formed on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventor: Chen-Chung Hsu
  • Patent number: 6084556
    Abstract: A virtual computer monitor is described which enables instantaneous and intuitive visual access to large amounts of visual data by providing the user with a large display projected virtually in front of the user. The user wears a head-mounted display containing a head-tracker, which together allow the user to position an instantaneous viewport provided by the head-mounted display at any position within the large virtual display by turning to look in the desired direction. The instantaneous viewport further includes a mouse pointer, which may be positioned by turning the user's head, and which may be further positioned using a mouse or analogous control device. A particular advantage of the virtual computer monitor is intuitive access to enlarged computer output for visually-impaired individuals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Vega Vista, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur L. Zwern
  • Patent number: 6085184
    Abstract: A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a business opportunity to understand and solve optimally. Mistakes are noted and remedial educational material presented dynamically to build the necessary skills that a user requires for success in the business endeavor. The system utilizes an artificial intelligence engine driving individualized and dynamic feedback with synchronized video and graphics used to simulate real-world environment and interactions. Multiple "correct" answers are integrated into the learning system to allow individualized learning experiences in which navigation through the system is at a pace controlled by the learner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: AC Properties B.V.
    Inventors: Benoit Patrick Bertrand, Mark Stewart Nichols
  • Patent number: 6076734
    Abstract: The present invention teaches a variety of methods and systems for providing computer/human interfaces. According to one method, the user interfaces with an electronic device such as a computer system by engaging a sensor with desired regions of an encoded physical medium. The encoded physical medium is preferably chosen to provide intuitive meaning to the user, and is thus an improved metaphor for interfacing with the computer system. Suitable examples of the encoded physical medium include a data-linked book, magazine, globe, or article of clothing. Some or all of the selected regions have had certain information encoded therein, information suitable for interfacing and controlling the computer system. When the user engages the sensor with a region having certain encoded information, the certain encoded information is interpreted and an appropriate action taken. For example, the sensor or the computer system may provide suitable feedback to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Interval Research Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Dougherty, S. Joy Mountford, Jesse L. Dorogusker, James H. Boyden, Philip A. van Allen, Daniel E. Cummings, Brygg A. Ullmer
  • Patent number: 6073127
    Abstract: A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a business opportunity to understand and solve optimally. Mistakes are noted and remedial educational material presented dynamically to build the necessary skills that a user requires for success in the business endeavor. The system utilizes an artificial intelligence engine driving individualized and dynamic feedback with synchronized video and graphics used to simulate real-world environment and interactions. Multiple "correct" answers are integrated into the learning system to allow individualized learning experiences in which navigation through the system is at a pace controlled by the learner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: AC Properties B.V.
    Inventors: Eric Jeffrey Lannert, Joseph Michael Ciancaglini, Olivia Ruth Burgess
  • Patent number: 6068685
    Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing system includes a getter-based gas purifier coupled in flow communication with a gas distribution network for a semiconductor fabrication facility. The gas distribution network supplies purified gas to at least one wafer processing chamber in the semiconductor fabrication facility. The gas purifier includes a getter column having a metallic vessel with an inlet, an outlet, and a containment wall extending between the inlet and the outlet. Getter material which purifies gas flowing therethrough by sorbing impurities therefrom is disposed in the vessel. A first temperature sensor is disposed in a top portion of the getter material. The first temperature sensor is located in a melt zone to detect rapidly the onset of an exothermic reaction which indicates the presence of excess impurities in the incoming gas to be purified. A second temperature sensor is disposed in a bottom portion of the getter material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: SAES Pure Gas, Inc.
    Inventors: D'Arcy H. Lorimer, Charles H. Applegarth
  • Patent number: 6067537
    Abstract: A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a business opportunity to understand and solve optimally. Mistakes are noted and remedial educational material presented dynamically to build the necessary skills that a user requires for success in the business endeavor. The system utilizes an artificial intelligence engine driving individualized and dynamic feedback with synchronized video and graphics used to simulate real-world environment and interactions. Multiple "correct" answers are integrated into the learning system to allow individualized learning experiences in which navigation through the system is at a pace controlled by the learner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: AC Properties B.V.
    Inventors: Martha Torrey O'Connor, Eren Tolga Rosenfeld, Alexander Zorba
  • Patent number: 6067538
    Abstract: A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a business opportunity to understand and solve optimally. Mistakes are noted and remedial educational material presented dynamically to build the necessary skills that a user requires for success in the business endeavor. The system utilizes an artificial intelligence engine driving individualized and dynamic feedback with synchronized video and graphics used to simulate real-world environment and interactions. Multiple "correct" answers are integrated into the learning system to allow individualized learning experiences in which navigation through the system is at a pace controlled by the learner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: AC Properties B.V.
    Inventors: Alexander Zorba, Martha Torrey O'Connor, Eren Tolga Rosenfeld
  • Patent number: 6064998
    Abstract: A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a business opportunity to understand and solve optimally. Mistakes are noted and remedial educational material presented dynamically to build the necessary skills that a user requires for success in the business endeavor. The system utilizes an artificial intelligence engine driving individualized and dynamic feedback with synchronized video and graphics used to simulate real-world environment and interactions. Multiple "correct" answers are integrated into the learning system to allow individualized learning experiences in which navigation through the system is at a pace controlled by the learner. A robust business model provides support for realistic activities and provides examples with process sensitive help that guides a student to intuitively develop the appropriate next step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: AC Properties, B.V.
    Inventors: Maureen Therese Zabloudil, Kerry Russell Wills
  • Patent number: 6057598
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus capable of efficiently combining a logic circuit die with a memory circuit die in a single integrated circuit device capable of supporting memory intensive applications, such as 3-dimensional graphics rendering, encryption and signal processing. The logic circuit die is produced independently with a logic circuit fabrication process that optimizes the logic circuit's performance and reduces costs, and the memory circuit die, which may contain a large memory circuit, can be produced independently with a memory circuit fabrication process that optimizes the memory circuit's performance and reduces costs. The circuit dies are attached directly together in a flip-chip fashion to create a unitary integrated circuit assembly having a high-performance, low impedance, wide-word interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: VLSI Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Payne, Herbert Reiter
  • Patent number: 6042231
    Abstract: The methods and systems of the present invention enable a user to perform eye exercises and training that may aid in relieving eye fatigue and eye strain. In general, the present invention teaches providing movement between associated images having a plurality of objects. When a viewer focuses on a central focal point interposed between the viewer's eyes and the associated images, the viewer perceives, in addition to the associated images, a merged image (also possibly having a plurality of objects) derived from the associated images. Then, by performing one of a number of suitable movements with the associated objects, the viewer's eyes are exercised. For example, by increasing the separation between the associated images along a horizontal axis while the viewer attempts to maintain the perception of the merged image, the viewer's eyes are exercised in such a manner that eye fatigue and eye strain may be relieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Vega Vista, Inc.
    Inventor: Sina Fateh
  • Patent number: 6034724
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for eliminating a line-crawling phenomenon caused by nonuniformity in photosensitive characteristics of light-receiving pixels disposed in a color imaging device. A pixel signal (S) output from a color imaging device (2) is converted by a sample-and-hold circuit (4) and an A/D converter (6) into pixel data (P) so as to be stored in an image memory (8). An arithmetic unit (12) multiplies luminance data formed on the basis of each pixel data (P) by a line-crawling correction coefficient (LC) stored in a nonvolatile memory (10), for example, so as to form and output luminance data (V) which is substantially equivalent to that obtained when the light-receiving pixels have a uniform photosensitive characteristic. The line-crawling correction coefficient (LC) has been determined beforehand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Chinon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideo Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6032141
    Abstract: A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a business opportunity to understand and solve optimally. Mistakes are noted and remedial educational material presented dynamically to build the necessary skills that a user requires for success in the business endeavor. The system utilizes an artificial intelligence engine driving individualized and dynamic feedback with synchronized video and graphics used to simulate real-world environment and interactions. Multiple "correct" answers are integrated into the learning system to allow individualized learning experiences in which navigation through the system is at a pace controlled by the learner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: AC Properties B.V.
    Inventors: Martha Torrey O'Connor, Eren Tolga Rosenfeld
  • Patent number: 6027986
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing non-evaporable getter materials having high porosity and improved gas absorption rates. The process includes mixing together a metallic getter element, a getter alloy and a solid organic compound, all three components being in the form of powders having specific particle sizes. The mixture is subjected to a compression of less than about 1000 kg/cm.sup.2 and is sintered at a temperature between about 900.degree. C. and about 1200.degree. C. for a period between about 5 minutes and about 60 minutes. The getter material thus obtained is used to produce getter bodies shaped as pellets, sheets or discs having better mechanical strength than similar bodies of other getter material having comparable porosity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: SAES Getters S.p.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Conte, Sergio Carella