Patents Assigned to Service
  • Patent number: 8610896
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting data in a fluid pressure signal in a conduit comprises an optical fiber loop comprises a measurement section and a delay section wherein the measurement section is disposed substantially circumferentially around at least a portion of the conduit, and wherein the measurement section changes length in response to the fluid pressure signal in the conduit. A light source injects a first optical signal in a first direction into the measurement section and a second optical signal in a second direction opposite the first direction into the delay section. An optical detector senses an interference phase shift between the first optical signal and the second optical signal and outputs a first signal related thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Spross, Paul F. Rodney, Neal G. Skinner, James H. Dudley, John L. Maida, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8607388
    Abstract: A patient-support apparatus includes a deck, a headrail, and an entertainment system. The deck has a head end, a foot end spaced from the head end, a first side extending from the head end to the foot end, and a second side spaced from the first side and extending from the head end to the foot end. The headrail is coupled to the deck and extends along the first side of the deck near the head end of the deck. The entertainment system includes a user input and a projection device coupled to the headrail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Flanagan, Christopher D. Newport
  • Patent number: 8612059
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for evaluation of events such as the startup of power generation units. In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining operational data associated with a power generation unit, the operational data corresponding to a predefined period of time; determining start and end times for a startup phase associated with the power generation unit based upon a set of predefined startup conditions corresponding to the startup phase; and generating a network page including the start and times. In another embodiment, a system includes a unit evaluation system executable in a computing device that includes logic that obtains operational data associated with a power generation unit, the operational data corresponding to a predefined period of time and logic that determines start and end times for an event phase associated with the power generation unit based upon a set of predefined conditions corresponding to the event phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Southern Company Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Antonio Chamblin, Kenneth Clifford Barnett
  • Patent number: 8608057
    Abstract: An automated banking machine operates responsive to data read from data bearing records to cause financial transfers. The machine includes a card reader that operates to read card data from user cards. The card data corresponds to financial accounts. The automated banking machine includes a cash dispenser and the machine carries out transaction functions for consumers including dispensing cash. The automated banking machine is operatively configured to securely receive card data from a card reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems, division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: Tim Crews, Judith Edwards, Anne E Konecny, Joseph A. McGinley, Robert Konecny, Charles E. Crallie
  • Patent number: 8612518
    Abstract: Systems for, and methods of, enabling selective control of resource of an electronic device having a display by a controlling electronic device having a display are disclosed. Selective control of the electronic device is implemented by the electronic device via a set of control permissions for a detected controlling device, based upon an identifier of the controlling device. A controlling device can be any electronic device having a processor, a memory, a display and a communication module. Enabling selective control of the display of an electronic device having a display, by a personal computer, enables the personal computer to operate as a dual screen personal computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Maples Corporate Services Limited
    Inventors: Chun-Ting Wu, Chen-Pang Chuang
  • Patent number: 8608070
    Abstract: Systems and methods for performing test procedures for measuring and defining the sensitivity of payment devices to ESD (electrostatic discharge) are disclosed. In some embodiments, a plurality of test equipment in a controlled environment are used to measure the peak discharge current (Ip) when a payment device is inserted into a charge/discharge device during several simulated conditions. Energy levels of the discharge currents are calculated using an energy calculation program. One or more reference current and energy levels are determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Visa International Service Association
    Inventors: Mustafa Top, Stanley Weitz, Sonia Reed
  • Patent number: 8608058
    Abstract: A banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records includes a card reader that can read identifying data from user cards. The system can authorize operation of an automated banking machine responsive to the read data. The system can provide an electronic transaction receipt to the machine user. A bank computer is operable to submit the receipt to a system address of record with the bank. The address can correspond to an e-mail address, phone number, or other address associated with an account involved in the transaction. The receipt can also include an image associated with the transaction. The system can also operate to image a check deposited at the machine, and then electronically send the image to the check maker, the payee, and/or a clearinghouse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems, division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: Jay Paul Drummond, Mark D. Smith, Michael A. Meffie, Daniel D. Wasil
  • Patent number: 8607895
    Abstract: Generally, the present invention provides drilling fluid additives for reducing or controlling lost circulation in a drilling operation. The additives comprises particles. The particles comprise one or more solids in association a wax or waxy substance. A drilling fluid comprising a drilling fluid additive of the invention is also provided, as well as a method and use of the drilling fluid additive in a drilling operation to reduce or control lost circulation. Methods for manufacturing the drilling fluid additives are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Canadian Energy Services, LP
    Inventor: Terry W Hoskins
  • Patent number: 8611521
    Abstract: An exemplary method and system are described for providing an easy to use interface for establishing multi-media audio conference calls involving a leader and a plurality of participants. A web-based interface can be used by the leader for establishing, controlling, and providing information associated with the call. Participants can also access the web-site for receiving information associated with the call and receiving status information regarding the conference call. In one embodiment, an address organizer can be used to select participants by the leader and schedule an audio conference call with the recipients having the opportunity to accept, decline, or indicate an alternative telephone number at which they can be reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Verizon Services Corp.
    Inventors: Raul Aldrey, Diego Crespo, Aravind Perumandia, Gaurav Kumar, Shamik Basu
  • Patent number: 8612305
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods, systems, devices and computer-readable media. In embodiments of the invention, a user is authenticated using an authentication process that is capable of authenticating a user using an inline authentication form that can authenticate a consumer without transferring a session maintained by a merchant. The inline authentication form is used if the components of the authentication system are capable of supporting an inline authentication form. If the components of the system cannot support an inline authentication form, a different authentication process is used. In one embodiment, an inline authentication form is presented to the user asynchronously. This inline authentication form may be presented within an iFrame embedded in a merchant's checkout page after verifying that the components to be used during the authentication can support the inline authentication form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Visa International Service Association
    Inventors: Ben Dominguez, Douglas Fisher, Julie Chan
  • Patent number: 8612170
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for using black box data to analyze vehicular accidents. The methods include obtaining information from an event data recorder associated with a vehicle and using the data obtained therefrom in determining and analyzing the vehicular accident. Attributes to be analyzed include impact severity, change in velocity, and other desired parameters. Further disclosed are methods to securely communicate the downloaded black box information to a secure location for later analysis and processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: CCC Information Services Inc.
    Inventors: Darrin A. Smith, Scott Palmer
  • Patent number: 8607882
    Abstract: A ball valve comprises a housing, a first seat surface, a second seat surface, and a ball rotatably movable within the housing. The ball contacts at least one of the first seat surface and the second seat surface to form a seal within the ball valve. The first seat surface and the second seat surface are fixed relative to each other, and pressure acting in a first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction increases the contact pressure of the first seat surface and the second seat surface with the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank David Kalb, Liam Andrew Aitken, Andrew John Webber
  • Patent number: 8610393
    Abstract: Disclosed are various systems and methods for assessing and improving the capability of a machine tool. The disclosure applies to machine tools having at least one slide configured to move along a motion axis. Various patterns of dynamic excitation commands are employed to drive the one or more slides, typically involving repetitive short distance displacements. A quantification of a measurable merit of machine tool response to the one or more patterns of dynamic excitation commands is typically derived for the machine tool. Examples of measurable merits of machine tool performance include dynamic one axis positional accuracy of the machine tool, dynamic cross-axis stability of the machine tool, and dynamic multi-axis positional accuracy of the machine tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Technical Services Y-12, LLC
    Inventors: William E. Barkman, Edwin F. Babelay, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8609395
    Abstract: The invention provides a polypeptide comprising an agonist of a MHC Class I binding native sequence having amino acid substitution(s) and enhanced immunogenicity compared to the native sequence. The invention provides DNA encoding the polypeptide, as well as vectors and cells comprising the DNA and methods comprising the administration of the polypeptide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Jeffrey Schlom, Elene Barzaga, Sam Zaremba
  • Patent number: 8607863
    Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore extending from a surface and penetrating a subterranean formation is provided. The method comprises placing a workstring in the wellbore, wherein the workstring comprises at least a first downhole tool, a signal receiver subassembly, and a conveyance between the first downhole tool and the surface. The method further comprises the signal receiver subassembly receiving a first signal generated by contact between the wellbore and the workstring and initiating a first function of the first downhole tool based on the first signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Fripp, Donald Kyle, Pete Dagenais
  • Patent number: 8609716
    Abstract: A composition comprising a substantially purified compound of the formula: in combination with at least one additional therapeutic agent, and methods of preventing or treating cancer and a condition treatable by the inhibition of vacuolar-type (H+)-ATPase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Michael R. Boyd, Kirk R. Gustafson
  • Patent number: 8608634
    Abstract: A magnetic stimulator, which may be used as a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) device, and a method for its use are disclosed. The stimulator comprises a frame and an electrically conductive coil having a partially toroidal or ovate base and an outwardly projecting extension portion. The frame may be a flexible or malleable material and may be nonconductive. The electrically conductive coil may comprise one or more windings of electrically conductive material (such as a wire) coupled to the frame. The coil is electrically connected to a power supply. The device may be placed adjacent to or in contact with the body of a subject, such as on the head of a subject. The device may be used on humans for treating certain physiological conditions, such as cardiovascular or neurophysiological conditions, or for studying the physiology of the body. This device is useful in studying or treating neurophysiological conditions associated with the deep regions of the brain, such as drug addiction and depression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Abraham Zangen, Roy A. Wise, Mark Hallett, Pedro Cavaleiro Miranda, Yiftach Roth
  • Patent number: 8609607
    Abstract: This disclosure provides modified antimicrobial agents, for example modified defensin polypeptides. Compositions including a modified arginine residue, such as an ADP-ribosylated and/or ribosylated alpha defensin polypeptide, are provided. Also provided are methods of modulating an immune response using the modified defensin polypeptides. Methods are provided for modulating an antimicrobial activity and for inhibiting a cytotoxic activity. Also disclosed are methods for treating diseases in a subject that are associated with an immune response, such as inflammatory and pulmonary diseases, using the disclosed modified defensin polypeptides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Joel Moss, Rodney L. Levine, Akihiro Wada, Toshiya Hirayama, Gregorino Paone
  • Patent number: 8612492
    Abstract: A computer implemented method of processing data containing information about relationships between contacts and a community of contact owners is provided, which includes the steps of: collecting data having contact information, contact owner information and one or more values related to the strength of a relationship between the contact and the contact owner; evaluating the strength of the relationship based on the one or more values; and storing the collected data and evaluated strength in a computer database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: West Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Hyatt, Michael Yoon, Wilbur Swan
  • Patent number: 8610895
    Abstract: A method is presented for analyzing a multiphase fluid flowing through a tubular. A sample fluid flow of multiphase fluid (a mixture of some combination of gas, liquid and solid) is separated from a primary tubular, such as with a probe which traverses the tubular. At least one property of the multiphase fluid is determined using at least one multivariate optical element (MOE) calculating device. Measured properties include the presence, proportional amount, mass or volumetric flow rate, and other data related to a constituent of the fluid, such as CO2, H2S, water, inorganic and organic gases and liquids, or group of constituents of the fluid, such as SARA, C1-C4 hydrocarbons, etc. The multiphase fluid is preferably mixed prior to analysis. Additional data can be gathered and used to calculate derivative information, such as mass and volumetric flow rates of constituents in the tubular, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Cyrus Aspi Irani, Cidar Mansilla Arce, Hendrik Kool