Patents Represented by Attorney Manatt, Phelps and Phillips
  • Patent number: 7337127
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for targeting marketing content to an online user, includes the steps of collecting data describing the user in a user profile, comparing the user profile with a target profile and presenting the user with content based on the comparison. The user profile includes a photographic likeness of the user, as well as information derived from the user's photographic likeness. Certain content may be dynamically created for the user based on the user profile and may include the photographic likeness of the user, which may be altered to incorporate a portion of the content into the photographic likeness. In this manner, personalized advertisements for cosmetics, jewelry, clothing and other items may be created. The user profile also includes data describing the user's browsing habits and responses to context-specific survey questions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: FaceCake Marketing Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Linda M. Smith, Darren D. Lu
  • Patent number: 7287271
    Abstract: A global server includes a communications engine for establishing a communications link with a client; security means coupled to the communications engine for determining client privileges; a servlet host engine coupled to the security means for providing to the client, based on the client privileges, an applet which enables I/O with a secured service; and a keysafe for storing a key which enables access to the secured service. The global server may be coupled to multiple sites, wherein each site provides multiple services. Each site may be protected by a firewall. Accordingly, the global server stores the keys for enabling communication via the firewalls with the services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Visto Corporation
    Inventor: Mark D. Riggins
  • Patent number: 7137937
    Abstract: A collapsible resistance exercise device for compact storage and quick deployment includes a horizontally disposed base support frame and an upright frame pivotally attached to the base frame. The upright frame includes a resistance bar pivotally mounted thereon. In practice, the device is placed on a level surface with the base support frame resting on the surface. The free end of the upright frame is rotated upwardly to a vertical position where it is releasably locked into position to be free standing. One end of a pair of springs are attached to spring attachment loops disposed on the upright frame. The opposing ends of the springs are attached to spring attachment loops disposed on a resistance bar, strap or similar device. The exerciser exercises a muscle group by contacting a limb with the resistance bar and repetitively moving the resistance bar against the restoring force of the springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Inventor: Ellen Croft
  • Patent number: 7080576
    Abstract: A multi-accessory hammer is provided having an rapid release accessory change mechanism that includes a housing mounted to the butt end of a hammer and having an opening therein. A resilient means such as a spring is mounted within the housing, and an accessory locking device is mounted over the spring. One end of this locking device extends through the opening in the housing and is capable of rapidly hooking onto an accessory. The locking device also has a side arm extending along the exterior of housing and is capable of urging the locking device against the resilient means to allow unhooking of the accessory from the locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Wagic, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Leon Johnson, Idriss Mansouri-Chafik Ruiz, Skye David Barcus, Steven Simas Escobar
  • Patent number: 7039679
    Abstract: A client stores a first set of workspace data, and is coupled via a computer network to a global server. The client may be configured to synchronize portions of the first set of workspace data with the global server, which stores independently modifiable copies of the portions. The global server may also store workspace data which is not downloaded from the client, and thus stores a second set of workspace data. The global server may be configured to identify and authenticate a user seeking global server access from a remote terminal, and is configured to provide access to the first set or to the second set. Further, services may be stored anywhere in the computer network. The global server may be configured to provide the user with access to the services. The system may further include a synchronization-start module at the client site (which may be protected by a firewall) that initiates interconnection and synchronization with the global server when predetermined criteria have been satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Visto Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel J. Mendez, Mark D. Riggins, Prasad Wagle, Hong Q. Bui, Mason Ng, Sean Michael Quinlan, Christine C. Ying, Christopher R. Zuleeg, David J. Cowan, Joanna A. Aptekar-Strober, R. Stanley Bailes
  • Patent number: 6997393
    Abstract: The pop-up irrigation sprinkler includes a pressure reducing valve, a spring-biased, pop-up riser, and a valve seal of unitary construction adjacent to the lower end of the riser having a valve body, a valve plug at the lower end of the valve body sealing the inlet port while the riser is in the retracted position, and a channel within the valve plug that is in fluid communication with the upper end of the valve body. The pressure reducing valve has a flow tube mounted for limited movement within the riser and lower port of the flow tube. The lower port of the flow tube is normally open when the riser is in the extended, operative position a pressure. The normally open lower port is urged against the upper surface of the valve plug when by a surge of pressurized water. A washer is provided in the lower end of the valve plug for sealing the inlet port from inflow and outflow of water from the sprinkler while the riser is in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Russdon D. Angold, Steve S. H. Han, David E. Robertson
  • Patent number: 6983946
    Abstract: An easily assembled and disassembled combination apparatus is disclosed for the segregated storage and transport of articles. The apparatus comprises at least one vertically stackable and interlockable storage container removably mounted atop a wheeled base and fitted with an adjustable pulling handle. Constructed of reinforced plastic, the durable, fully-enclosed storage container forms the backbone of the invention's novel integrated frame. The container lid can be secured with an elastic band or locked with an inelastic, tamper-evident band. Connectable handle members and a shoulder strap enable the container to be individually moved or carried. Support members can be used to elevate one container above another when ready access to the contents of both containers is desired, or to elevate one container above the ground surface when a cabinet-style configuration is preferred. Other accessories include an insulated container liner, a container partition assembly, a parts caddy, and a wheeled support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Porta Plastic Products
    Inventors: Hugh C. Sullivan, Jeffrey M. Saarman
  • Patent number: 6975222
    Abstract: An asset securing and tracking system (30) operates in conjunction with a wireless communication network (65) for tracking a portable asset (35). The system (30) includes a tracking device (31) adapted to be attached to the portable asset (35) and communicate with the wireless communication network (65). The tracking device (31) determines the location of the asset (35) using signals from GPS satellites (55) and the terrestrial wireless communication network (65). A monitoring station (32) receives and processes a location signal regarding the geographic location of the portable asset (35) from tracking device (31) via the wireless communication network (65).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventors: Baldev Krishan, Benjamin K. Yee, Huey K. Lee
  • Patent number: 6971975
    Abstract: A compact, low profile, collapsible exercise device with storage base. The device includes a storage case, a rectangular or U-shaped frame pivotally attached to the storage case, a horizontal hinge rod assembly attached to the frame and rotatably mounted on the frame, a resistance bar, a pair of swing arms, each swing arm having a distal end attached to opposing ends of the hinge rod, and proximal ends attached to opposing ends of the resistance bar. The device includes at least two springs, each spring having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal ends of the springs are releasably attached to spring connectors on the frame. The proximal ends of the springs are attached to the respective swing arms near the proximal ends thereof. In use, an exerciser positions a part of his/her body, such as the hands, in contact with the resistance bar and applies a force sufficient to extend the springs. When the exerciser releases the force, the spring restores to its non-extended length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Ellen Croft
  • Patent number: 6820204
    Abstract: A system and method for providing users with granular control over arbitrary information that allows for selective, real-time information sharing in a communications network such as the Internet is provided. In a network including a plurality of network devices operated by a plurality of users, a real-time information exchange system for sharing user profile information between respective users includes a database management system connected to the network. The database management system, which may be distributed across the network, stores the user profile information for a plurality of registered users of the information exchange system. The user profile information includes a plurality of data elements, each data element having an associated one of the plurality of registered users. Each data element has an associated group of users to whom access to the data element has been granted, and users not included in the associated group of users are denied access to the data element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Inventors: Nimesh Desai, Sanjay Udani, James David Kimble, Jr., Thomas P. Werges, David Dean Richardson, Jeffrey A. Gustafson
  • Patent number: 6766454
    Abstract: The system includes a server coupled via a computer network to a client. Upon receiving a request for access, the server sends an authentication applet to the client. The authentication applet includes a user identification (ID) module for obtaining a user ID and a password module for obtaining a client password. The authentication applet also includes a response generator coupled to the password module for using the client password as a variable in an algorithm to compute a client response. The authentication applet further includes a communications module coupled to the response generator and to the user ID module for sending the client response and the user ID back to the server for verifying the response and authenticating the user. The client uses an applet engine to execute the applet. The server uses the user ID to retrieve user information, and uses the user information as a variable in an algorithm to generate a verification response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Visto Corporation
    Inventor: Mark D. Riggins
  • Patent number: 6705824
    Abstract: A wheelchair lift for supporting a wheelchair bound passenger and for moving the passenger between ground level and an opening in a vehicle. The wheelchair lift includes a platform and pivotal mechanism engaging the platform as well as a bridge plate for assuming a horizontal orientation to enable the passenger to proceed through the vehicle opening and a vertical orientation to act as a roll stop as the platform proceeds between the ground and the vehicle opening. The bridge plate includes a non-linear channel configured within its side which engages a pivotal mechanism which includes an upper parallelogram structure and hydraulic apparatus to move the upper parallelogram structure to move the platform. Also included is a lower parallelogram structure which is in sliding engagement with the upper parallelogram structure during at least a portion of the motion when the platform is moved between the ground and the vehicle opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Maxon Lift Corporation
    Inventors: Karapet Ablabutyan, Parkev Krmoian
  • Patent number: 6696981
    Abstract: The apparatus for managing the entry and exit of a shared vehicle, comprises: a vehicle position detector provided in the shared vehicle; a position determining device for determining whether the position of the shared vehicle is within an entrance area of a parking lot, based on the vehicle position information provided by the vehicle position detector; an arrival determining device for determining whether a main switch of the shared vehicle has been turned off within the entrance area; a return operation determining device for determining whether a user of the vehicle has conducted a return operation using a terminal for conducting rental and return operations; and a return determining device for confirming the return of the shared vehicle when the arrival determining device determines that the main switch has been turned off within the entrance area and when the return operation determining device determines that the return operation has been conducted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Koyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideki Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 6636145
    Abstract: A shared vehicle system includes a central facility, at least one vehicle distribution port facility and a plurality or fleet of vehicles, each having a vehicle subsystem. In general, the central station and port facility and the vehicle subsystems communicate in a manner to allow a user to enter information at a port facility. That information is then communicated to the central facility, where the information is processed to select a vehicle from the fleet to allocate to the user at the port facility. Selection of a vehicle for allocation to a user may be based on selecting an available or soon to be available vehicle according to various algorithms that take into account the vehicles state of charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignees: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Hiroshi Murakami, Shunji Yano, Kazuhiro Nakamura, Matthew James Barth, Michael Donovan Todd
  • Patent number: 6572360
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method pertaining the food patty production. The present invention allows high output production of food product patties at reduced machine operating speeds. This is accomplished by effectively utilizing a mold plate with multiple rows of patty cavities. Thus, more patties can be molded at slower operating speeds. This aspect of the present invention reduces normal wear and tear on machines resulting in high efficiency output. The present invention operated at reciprocating frequencies lower than those used in machines known in the industry can potentially increase output by two-fold, or more. The present invention is also designed to produce patties of uniform size, weight and texture thereby promoting consistent cooking and food safety. This is accomplished by a (1) specified operation timing sequence and (2) custom designed fill slots which serve as a conduit between a food product source and a patty cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Golden State Foods Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis Buhlke, Gary Cowart, Henry Araujo, Jack Clemens
  • Patent number: 6461097
    Abstract: A wheelchair lift for supporting a wheelchair bound passenger and for moving the passenger between ground level and an opening in a vehicle. The wheelchair lift includes a platform and pivotal mechanism engaging the platform as well as a bridge plate for assuming a horizontal orientation to enable the passenger to proceed through the vehicle opening and a vertical orientation to act as a roll stop as the platform proceeds between the ground and the vehicle opening. The bridge plate includes a non-linear channel configured within its side which engages a pivotal mechanism which includes an upper parallelogram structure and hydraulic apparatus to move the upper parallelogram structure to move the platform. Also included is a lower parallelogram structure which is in sliding engagement with the upper parallelogram structure during at least a portion of the motion when the platform is moved between the ground and the vehicle opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Maxon Lift Corporation
    Inventors: Karapet Ablabutyan, Parkev Krmoian
  • Patent number: 6253980
    Abstract: A shared vehicle system includes a central facility, at least one vehicle distribution port facility and a plurality or fleet of vehicles, each having a vehicle subsystem. In general, the central station and port facility and the vehicle subsystems communicate in a manner to allow a user to enter information at a port facility. That information is then communicated to the central facility, where the information is processed to select a vehicle from the fleet to allocate to the user at the port facility. Selection of a vehicle for allocation to a user may be based on selecting an available or soon to be available vehicle according to various algorithms that take into account the vehicles state of charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignees: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Hiroshi Murakami, Matthew James Barth, Michael Donovan Todd, Matthew Robert Smith
  • Patent number: D542054
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Smith & Hawkens, Ltd.
    Inventor: Nancy L. Knight
  • Patent number: D478523
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: W. P. Thompson & Company
    Inventor: Michael John Leck
  • Patent number: D559008
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Smith & Hawkins, Ltd.
    Inventor: Nancy L. Knight