Patents Represented by Attorney Shook, Hardy and Bacon
  • Patent number: 8322146
    Abstract: A transition duct assembly with a thermally free aft frame and mounting system for use in a gas turbine engine are disclosed. The aft frame is capable of adjusting to thermal gradients while the mounting system provides for at least transverse movement of the transition duct during engine assembly. The mounting system also provides a means for raising the natural frequency of the transition duct outside of the engine's dynamic excitation ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Hany Rizkalla, Stephen W. Jorgensen, Peter Stuttaford, Plazi Ricklin, David John Henriquez
  • Patent number: 8327286
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method, system, and media for intelligently presenting buttons that correspond to running windows as well as a set of application launchers that launch instances of software applications. One version of the method includes receiving an indication that an instance of a software application has been invoked by a launching mechanism, which leads to creating a windowed process in which to present the instance of the software application; determining that at least one of the application launchers was the launching mechanism; automatically removing the launcher(s) from view; and presenting a button that corresponds to the windowed process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Rebecca Jeanette Deutsch, Benjamin Alexander Betz, Stephan Hoefnagels, Chaitanya D. Sareen, Bret P. Anderson, Robert James Jarrett
  • Patent number: 8322168
    Abstract: The subject invention relates to a warp-knit fabric and methods of constructing the fabric. The fabric includes a plurality of walewise stitch-loop chains and a weftwise elastomeric thread running in successive courses and held in place by the stitch-loop chains. The fabric may include border segments that have filling yarn disposed weftwise across the stitch-loop chains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Steve Young Wall, Roger Tornero
  • Patent number: 8326842
    Abstract: A table of contents is generated for search results in response to a search query by identifying semantic concepts as topics for inclusion within the table of contents. When a search query is received, a search is performed to identify search results. The search results are compared to an ontology of topics to identify relevant topics. Additionally, search results are compared to an ontology of partial topics to identify relevant partial topics, which are named. Independent key-phrases are further generated from search results and identified as key-phrase topics. The identified topics, named partial topics, and key-phrase topics are ranked, and topics are selected for inclusion within a table of contents. A search results page is returned in response to the search query that includes search results and the generated table of contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Viswanath Vadlamani, Abhinai Srivastava, Tarek Najm, Arungunram Chandrasekaran Surendran
  • Patent number: 8326791
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are generally directed toward methods, systems, and computer-readable media for prioritizing bridge repairs using a risk-based analysis. An overall risk factor is generated for each of a plurality of bridges. The overall risk factor represents the probability of failure times the consequence on failure for the bridge. Repairs to bridges that pose a greater risk may be prioritized before repairs made to bridges posing a lower risk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: HNTB Holdings Ltd
    Inventors: Timothy Faye Howerton, Bala Sivakumar, Glen A. Herman
  • Patent number: 8326017
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for monitoring paint color across regions of a vehicle, for identifying color mismatches, and for dynamically determining the acceptability of an identified mismatch. The system includes a vehicle image acquisition array digital cameras for digitally scanning selected regions of the vehicle and an image analyzer connected to the vehicle image acquisition system. The image analyzer is programmed with standard confidence color curves and includes software programmed with an analysis algorithm to convert an image of a scanned region into a standard image format. Individual color curves are extracted from the standard format to compare the extracted color curves against the standard confidence color curves to determine whether or not the extracted color curves fall within standard confidence color curves. The standard confidence color curves may be adjusted during color testing based upon accumulated extracted color curves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Seubert, Scott Adams, Kevin Richard John Ellwood, Mark Edward Nichols
  • Patent number: 8321630
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and computer-implemented methods are provided for the hybridization of cache memory utilizing both magnetic and solid-state memory media. A solid-state cache controller apparatus can be coupled to a host computing system to maximize efficiency of the system in a manner that is transparent to the high-level applications using the system. The apparatus includes an associative memory component and a solid-state cache control component. Solid-state memory is configured to store data blocks of host read operations. If a host-read operation is requested, the controller communicates with a solid-state cache memory controller to determine whether a tag array data structure indicates a cached copy of the requested data block is available in solid-state memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Kushagra Vaid, Sompong Paul Olarig
  • Patent number: 8317324
    Abstract: System and methods for testing and/or training a subject's vision and neuro-processing abilities are provided. More specifically, the method may include testing various aspects of the subject's vision and neuro-processing abilities, such as depth perception, anticipation timing, perception speed ability, perception scan ability, etc. By using various tests, an efficient examination may be administered. In accordance with the invention, an individual may be subjected to such a method of testing and/or training at a unitary center capable of presenting such tests to the individual, receiving input from the individual, and processing the received input. Such a unitary test center may further be configurable, so that the tests administered may vary based on the needs of the individual. The received input may then, for example, be used to compute data related to the user's vision and neuro-processing abilities, both overall and for each individual test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan W. Reichow, Ryan C. Coulter
  • Patent number: 8308228
    Abstract: A seating unit that includes a linkage mechanism adapted to move the seating unit between seat-lift, closed, extended, reclined, and seat-lift positions is provided. The linkage mechanism includes a seat-mounting plate mounted to a footrest assembly, a base plate fixedly mounted to a lift assembly, a back-mounting link rotatably coupled to the seat-mounting plate, a seat-adjustment assembly with a bellcrank, and a linear actuator for automating adjustment of the linkage mechanism. In operation, a stroke in a first phase of the linear actuator generates a force on the bellcrank that translates the seat-mounting plate rearward in a consistent angle of inclination and rotates the back-mounting link from a reclined to an upright orientation. A stroke in a second phase acts to collapse the footrest assembly. A stroke in a third phase causes the lift assembly to raise and tilt the seating unit, thereby accommodating egress and ingress of an occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Gregory M. Lawson, Jason Allan Bryant
  • Patent number: 8312273
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for facilitating personalization of web content is provided, while protecting the privacy of the user data utilized to personalize the user's experience. A privacy vault may collect user data including user activity data, demographic data, and user interests submitted by a user. In one embodiment, the privacy vault operates on a user client device. The privacy vault sends the user data to a community vault that collects user data from multiple users. The community vault generates segment rules that whether a user belongs to a user segment, which expresses a user's interest. The segment rules are then communicated back to the privacy vault, which assigns one or more user segments to the user based on the user data available to the privacy vault and the segment rules. The privacy vault may communicate user segments to one or more content providers that supply personalized content that is selected based on the user segments provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Nir Nice, Melissa W. Dunn, Eric Picard, Amit Shaked, Eric Don Van Valkenburg, Alexander George Gounares, Friedman Arie, Sefy Ophir, Boaz Feldbaum, Vu A. Ha, Teresa B. Mah, Darrell Jay Cannon, Michael Joseph Toutonghi, Uri Barash, Cynthia Dwork, Ying Li
  • Patent number: 8308414
    Abstract: A medication dispenser provides automation to the steps of locating and acquiring medications to be administered to a patient. The medication dispenser includes an enclosure providing a secure environment for storing medications in multiple sized medication storage bins. The medication storage bins are hung in storage racks located within the enclosure. A robot system is also provided within the enclosure for moving bins between the storage racks and a medication dispensing area. The medication dispensing area includes doors configured to open to define an opening for passing a selected bin through the enclosure. The medication storage bin includes a bulk bin loading drawing for loading medication storage bins into the medication dispensing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Cerner Innovation, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Schifman, William A. Bedore
  • Patent number: 8303442
    Abstract: Sporting balls with enhanced visual acuity, casings for sporting balls with enhanced visual acuity, and methods for enhancing visual acuity of a soccer ball are described. In embodiments, the sporting ball has an exterior with a substantially spherical surface including a first pole opposing a second pole and an equator circumferentially intermediate the first pole and the second pole. Additionally, in embodiments a first exterior region of a first color may include a first hub section oriented at the first pole generally opposite a second hub section oriented at the second pole on the substantially spherical surface. The first hub section may have one or more first hub spokes extending spherically outwardly therefrom toward the equator, and the second hub section may have one or more second hub spokes extending spherically outwardly therefrom toward the equator. Further, in embodiments, the sporting ball may have a second exterior region of a second color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Smith, Alan W. Reichow, Karl Citek
  • Patent number: 8306969
    Abstract: Methods, systems and computer-readable media for providing a rich media themed search results webpage are provided. A search query entered by a user into an internet search engine is analyzed based on one or both of the search query terms and user data communicated to a theme configuration module to determine an appropriate rich media theme. A rich media theme is then selected and combined with a search results display, returned by the search engine, to compose a search results webpage. The rich media theme content is displayed in an ambient manner such that the search results display remains visible to the user. The rich media theme content provides, among other things, relevant images, videos, audio, advertisements, and interactive features that enhance the value of the search results webpage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Scott Beaudreau
  • Patent number: 8297702
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a two-position, at rest, seat angle adjustment assembly that locks the seat in two distinct positions. In a first position, the seat is generally horizontal, while in a second position, the seat is inclined at an angle relative to horizontal. The assembly includes left and right adjustment mechanisms, a rod, and a lever. The left and right adjustment mechanisms are mounted to the seat and the back assembly on each side thereof. Each of the mechanisms includes a housing, and a cam. The cam is received in the housing and the rod is fixably received within the cam. The lever is attached to the rod proximate the right adjustment mechanism. The lever is utilized to rotate the cams within their respective housings thereby moving the seat with respect to the back assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Massimo Costaglia
  • Patent number: 8301759
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for monitoring information passed from instances of role(s) of a service application installed on a distributed computing platform and for indexing and analyzing the information within a data store are provided. Monitoring involves a monitoring agent that is integrated within an operating system of computing devices that make up the distributed computing platform. In operation, the monitoring agent retrieves information from the role instances and converts the information into parameters that are assembled to documents. Generally, the parameters are assembled to a uniform-structured format in accordance with a schema imposed by the distributed computing platform. Accordingly, each of the documents across the platform have a common format that promotes processing and analysis without a need for reconfiguration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Pietrek, Jose Bernabeu-Auban, Christopher Marsh, Vamshidhar Kommineni, Richard E. Wilbur
  • Patent number: 8297572
    Abstract: An apparatus for insertion into a board having a slot to enable items to be hung thereon and its method of use is disclosed. The apparatus has a body; an arm that extends for a desired length from the body; and an upper and a lower leg each having an arcuate distal edge. The upper leg and lower leg extending generally longitudinally outwardly from the body in an opposite direction from the arm and are in spaced relation. The upper leg comprises an upwardly extended finger located at the distal end of the upper leg having a shoulder spaced from the longitudinal length of the upper leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Andrew C. Fox
  • Patent number: 8300042
    Abstract: An interactive video display system uses strobing light to allow easy and unencumbered interaction between a person and projected video images. A camera may be synchronized to the strobing light and the strobing light may be in an infrared spectral range. A processing system detects images of a human in the field of view of the camera and controls the display so that the projected video images are changed based on an interaction between the human and the projected video images. The system may project the video images on a surface around the person and may move the projected video images on the surface based on a movement of the person. The projected video images may include computer-generated characters and/or virtual objects that react to the movement of a person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew Bell
  • Patent number: 8294710
    Abstract: An extensible map module allows facilitates development of new map styles and presentation elements. Projection and presentation functions are at least partially separated, so that new styles or modes can be developed without impacting existing presentation element features. Similarly, new presentation elements can be developed independently from a particular mode or style implementation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Keith Robert Kinnan, Mher Hakobyan, Dereck Quan
  • Patent number: D670658
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Etienne Henri Iliffe-Moon, Adil Ali, Alexandra Lynn McGill
  • Patent number: D670780
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Carriage Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Roy Curtis Cunningham