Patents Assigned to Service
  • Patent number: 8490867
    Abstract: An automated banking machine operated responsive to data bearing records includes a card reader that is operative to read data from user cards including financial account identifying data, and to cause financial transfers responsive at least in part to the card data corresponding to stored data for a financial account authorized to conduct a transaction with the machine. The machine includes a plurality of hardware devices and a terminal processor. The terminal processor is operative to cause a hardware device to process sheets in carrying out transactions involving financial transfers. A device processor in a hardware device is operative to communicate certain condition data associated with the hardware device to a portable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: Mike P. Ryan, Kenneth Turocy, William D. Beskitt, Eric Toepke, David A. Peters, Songtao Ma, Damon J. Blackford, Joe Altier, Thomas A. VanKirk, Robert W. Barnett
  • Patent number: 8490686
    Abstract: A method of mitigating perforating effects produced by well perforating can include causing a shock model to predict perforating effects for a proposed perforating string, optimizing a compliance curve of at least one proposed coupler, thereby mitigating the perforating effects for the proposed perforating string, and providing at least one actual coupler having substantially the same compliance curve as the proposed coupler. A well system can comprise a perforating string including at least one perforating gun and multiple couplers, each of the couplers having a compliance curve, and at least two of the compliance curves being different from each other. A method of mitigating perforating effects produced by well perforating can include interconnecting multiple couplers spaced apart in a perforating string, each of the couplers having a compliance curve, and selecting the compliance curves based on predictions by a shock model of shock generated by the perforating string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Rodgers, Marco Serra, Timothy S. Glenn, John D. Burleson
  • Patent number: 8495676
    Abstract: Changes to spot blocks to be broadcast via terrestrial stations can cause paid spots to be removed from corresponding spot blocks on a streaming station. If the streaming station has other spot blocks that are under-filled, the bumped spots can be automatically placed in under-filled spot blocks, allowing the bumped to be placed in an under-filled spot block faster than if human intervention was required. A media traffic system can keep track of the bumped spots, and in response to a request by a media automation system, provide a list of potential spots available for inclusion in the under-filled spot blocks. The automation system selects desired spots for placement in under-filled spot blocks, and notifies the traffic system about which potential spots have been placed. The traffic system removes the spots from its list of available spots to prevent selected spots from being included in future responses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Clear Channel Management Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Lee Littlejohn, David C Jellison, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8490956
    Abstract: A fixture assembly for retaining a workpiece during a coining process includes a mounting block. The workpiece includes an airfoil portion, a platform, and feet extending from the platform opposite the airfoil portion configured to engage a retention slot in a gas turbine engine, each foot defining a substantially arcuate engagement surface. The mounting block includes a first portion having a slot defined therein between opposite first and second lateral edges and having an exposed front face, first and second retaining structures positioned adjacent to the first and second lateral edges, respectively. Each of the first and second retaining structures overhangs the slot and defines an engagement surface facing the slot, such that during engagement of the workpiece the substantially arcuate engagement surfaces of the feet contact the engagement surfaces of the first and second retaining structures to provide a pivotable engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Services PTE Ltd.
    Inventors: Nathan D. Korn, Mohamed Salleh Najib
  • Patent number: 8490868
    Abstract: An automated banking machine operates to cause financial transfers responsive at least in part to data read from data bearing records. The automated banking machine includes a card reader operative to read card data from user cards corresponding to financial accounts. The automated banking machine includes a display and a printer to produce records of financial transactions carried out with the machine. The automated banking machine may also include a client device that is operative to cause the display, card reader and other devices in the machine to operate in response to communications through the client device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark Kropf, Brian McClain, Robert Konecny, James Meek, Nick Billett, Balaji Devarasetty, Kenneth W. Zahorec
  • Patent number: 8494135
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing contact management services. Systems and methods may maintain one or more address books. Contacts may be added to the address book from one or more sources. Systems and method may receive a command to add a party to the address book. Contact-related information associated with the party may obtained and added to the address book. A user may be notified of an incoming call placed by a calling party and destined to a communication device associated with the user. Systems and methods may receive a command, responsive to the notification, to add the calling party to an address book associated with the user. An address book may be updated to reflect changes in the contact-related information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Verizon Data Services LLC
    Inventors: Mahesh Rajagopalan, Ruchir Rodrigues, Shadman Zafar, Shamik Basu, Aravind Perumandla, Anil Solleti
  • Patent number: 8490690
    Abstract: A method of selectively controlling flow through a well screen can include installing the well screen in a wellbore, and then exposing the well screen to an aqueous fluid, thereby permitting flow through the well screen. A well screen assembly can include a well screen and an acid containing structure which dissolves in response to contact with an aqueous fluid, whereby flow through the well screen is selectively permitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Lopez
  • Patent number: 8491721
    Abstract: A sealed storage vessel containing volatile organic vapor over a bottom sludge layer is cleaned by (a) determining the level of free oil in the vessel and then using (b) either a two-stage or one-stage treatment regime, adding a cleaning agent thereto. If the free oil is greater than 2 volume percent the two-stage regime is used where an oil release agent is initially mixed with the sludge to separate the oil from solids in the sludge. The separated oil floats on the surface of water and is removed without substantially exposing the vessel's interior to the atmosphere, leaving within the vessel a mixture of water, solids, and trace amounts of hydrocarbons. Next, a predetermined amount of an emulsifying agent is added to substantially emulsify the trace hydrocarbons, so the level of volatile organic compounds remaining in the interior of the vessel is no greater than 5,000 ppmv, measured as methane, at least one hour after adding the emulsifying agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: International Technologies and Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Pilar Ortega, William Farone
  • Patent number: 8495634
    Abstract: In a method for the management of tasks in a decentralized data network with a plurality of nodes for carrying out the tasks, resources are distributed based on a mapping rule, in particular a hash function. A task that is to be suspended is distributed by dividing the process image of the task into segments and by distributing the segments over the nodes using the mapping rule. Thus, a distributed swap space is created so that tasks can also be carried out on nodes whose swap space is not sufficient on its own. The method can be used in embedded systems with a limited storage capacity and/or in a voltage distribution system, wherein the nodes are, for example, switching units in the voltage distribution system. The method can also be used in any other technical systems such as, for example, a power generation system, an automation system and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Atos IT Solutions and Services GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian Dippl, Christoph Gerdes, Gerd Völksen
  • Patent number: 8492152
    Abstract: Apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to draw a formation fluid sample into a sampling port included in a down hole tool or tool body, to vaporize some part of the fluid sample to substantially fill an injection port with a gas phase, to differentiate gas components in the gas phase to provide differentiated gas components along a concentration gradient in a receiving section, to detect the differentiated gas components with a detector, and to determine a fingerprint of the differentiated gas components. A reaction section and a vacuum section may be used for waste consumption and/or absorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Jones, Michael T. Pelletier
  • Patent number: 8490702
    Abstract: A tool assembly and method for completing a well are provided. The tool includes debris relief features that enable use in solids-laden environments, for example in the presence of sand. Forward and reverse circulation pathways to the isolated interval are present to allow clearing of debris from the wellbore annulus while the sealing device remains set against the wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: NCS Oilfield Services Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Marty Stromquist, Donald Getzlaf, Robert Nipper
  • Patent number: 8490831
    Abstract: A squirting toy is comprised of a cylindrical housing and a piston that slides within to force water into or out of the housing via a hole therein. The housing is encased within a shell creating a water impervious volume sufficient for the toy to float in water. The shell is soft, so that the gun is not a safety hazard when left floating in a swimming pool. The squirting toy can further include bellows that can provide safety benefits as well as other benefits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Easebon Services Limited
    Inventors: Veronica Pui Chung Wong, Boguslaw Orlowski
  • Patent number: 8490701
    Abstract: A method of controlling a blowout comprises: releasing at least a first tubing string into a portion of a well system, wherein the step of releasing comprises activating a release table; and causing or allowing a blowout preventer to close. The methods further comprise: compressing at least a portion of a second tubing string and a third tubing string together, wherein the step of compressing comprises activating a crimping device; cutting through the wall of at least a third tubing string, wherein the step of cutting comprises activating a cutting device, and wherein the step of cutting is performed after the step of compressing; and releasing at least the second tubing string and the third tubing string into a portion of a well system, wherein the step of releasing comprises activating a release table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas O. Roane, Andrew D. Penno, Patrick P. Bourgneuf
  • Patent number: 8493444
    Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods of detecting a blocked aperture in an image device. In certain embodiments, the system and method is used in mail processing of letters and flats. In certain embodiments, the image sensor captures an image of the front of an item. If the aperture of the image sensor is obstructed, a void will appear on the image of the item. The system can detect the void and increment an alarm count until a pre-defined threshold is reached wherein the system signals an alarm so that the blockage can be removed and the affected items can be re-introduced for correct processing. In another embodiment, images obtained when the aperture is expected to be clear of any items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Simon Franklin Reidel, Anthony Everett Sileo
  • Patent number: 8491707
    Abstract: A fluid storage tank including an entrained air removal mechanism is provided. The entrained air removal mechanism assists in consolidating small air bubbles entrained within the fluid into larger bubbles such that the air bubbles have sufficient buoyancy to escape the fluid flow. The entrained air removal mechanism may be in the form of a plurality of saw toothed slots communicating different chambers within the fluid storage tank. The fluid storage tank can also be configured to direct fluid flow towards the sidewalls of the fluid storage tank as the fluid transitions from one chamber to another to promote heat transfer out of the fluid storage tank and to avoid the fluid within the tank acting as a thermal insulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Helgesen Design Services, LLC
    Inventor: Bruce E. Knuth
  • Patent number: 8490692
    Abstract: A device comprises: a torsion lock sleeve, wherein the torsion lock sleeve comprises a crenellated second end, wherein the torsion lock sleeve is tubular in shape, and wherein at least a portion of the inner circumference of the torsion lock sleeve engages at least one ridge, wherein the ridge inhibits or prohibits rotational movement of the torsion lock sleeve; and a release nut, wherein the release nut comprises a crenellated first end, and wherein the first end of the release nut is capable of engaging the second end of the torsion lock sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur Stautzenberger, Brock Watson
  • Patent number: 8492607
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the destruction of chemical weapons. In particular, the present invention relates to methods for treating hydrolysates of chemical agents. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for heating solids resulting from precipitation of organophosphorus compounds to make them un-recombinable. In another embodiment, the invention relates to solidification of hydrolysate into a solid with or without the presence of an oxidizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Perma-Fix Environmental Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Sally McQuaid, David Badger, Louis F. Centofanti
  • Patent number: 8494263
    Abstract: An image processing system provides faster than real-time skin detection and localization. The system uses the highly optimized architecture of a graphics processing unit to quickly and efficiently detect and locate skin in an image. By performing skin detection and localization on the graphics processing unit, the image processing system frees the main system processor to perform other important tasks, including running general purpose applications. The speed with which the image processing system detects and localizes skin also facilitates subsequent processing steps such as face detection and motion tracking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Accenture Global Services Limited
    Inventors: Kelly L Dempski, Manoj Seshadrinathan
  • Patent number: 8490687
    Abstract: A method of operating a valve can include installing an electrical actuator in a flow passage extending longitudinally through the valve, and operating a closure assembly in response to electrical power being supplied to the electrical actuator. An outer safety valve can include a closure assembly which selectively permits and prevents flow through a longitudinal flow passage, and at least one electrical connector which electrically connects to an insert safety valve positioned in the flow passage. A method of operating an outer safety valve in a subterranean well can include installing an insert safety valve in the safety valve, and operating the insert safety valve with electrical current flowing from the safety valve to the insert safety valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce E. Scott, John J. Goiffon
  • Patent number: 8494938
    Abstract: Systems and methods for processing insurance claims using a claims card are provided. In accordance with some embodiments, a notice of loss is received. The notice of loss can contain information regarding the insured property, policy information, member information, witness names and contact information, witness statements, police report numbers, date of loss, time of loss, nature of the loss, and/or other information. A determination of liability coverage can then be made by accessing a membership database to retrieve the insurance policy. If the loss is determined to be covered by, or at least within the coverage of, the insurance policy, a claims card can be activated, delivered, or given to an insured accident victim under conditions where liability coverage, claims record, and the liability issues for the accident are sufficiently clear that to indicate that the insurance company will be paying for loss related items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventor: Joseph A. Kazenas