Patents Assigned to Service
  • Patent number: 8102419
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for scanning of anamorphic film utilizes increased number of scans and combination of scan lines for video output generation. A progressive raster scan is made of the film and stored in a frame memory. The spacing between the scan lines is made smaller than for the conventional scanning of an anamorphic image. In the preferred embodiment, the spacing between the scan lines for a 2:1 anamorphic image equals the spacing for scanning of a non-anamorphic image. The scan lines are retrieved from the memory and combined, preferably with the two nearest neighbors of the scan line. Optionally, the combined lines are weighted, preferably with the center scan line having larger weight. Subsequent video output lines are formed by repeating the process. Progressive video output or interlace output is provided as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Deluxe Media Services LLC
    Inventors: David E. Holland, Gavin W. Schutz
  • Patent number: 8103467
    Abstract: A method for determining a primary side voltage of a distribution transformer includes determining a first current and a second current flowing through a secondary winding of the transformer at a plurality of time instants based on current meter data generated by a plurality of metered loads. The method may include determining a total current flowing to the plurality of metered loads for each of the plurality of time instants based on the first current and the second current. The method includes receiving a respective meter voltage from each of the plurality of metered loads at each of the plurality of time instants. The method includes determining a secondary side voltage of the transformer at each of the plurality of time instants based on the first, second, and total current and the respective meter voltages. The method includes determining the primary side voltage based on the secondary side voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Accenture Global Services Limited
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Taft
  • Patent number: 8099807
    Abstract: A patient support is provided having an onboard storage location for a foot section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H Heimbrock, David W Hornbach
  • Patent number: 8103716
    Abstract: Systems and methods for forwarding an item in a delivery system may comprise scanning a first address label on an item to produce scan data and converting the scan data into first address data. Furthermore, systems and methods for forwarding the item may comprise determining if an alternative address exists in a change of address database, the alternative address corresponding to the captured first address data. Moreover, systems and methods for forwarding the item may comprise forwarding the item to a location corresponding to the alternative address if it was determined that the alternative address exists in the change of address database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: John H. Boyce, David J. Payne
  • Patent number: 8103575
    Abstract: A data processing system that records detailed market information for one or more financial markets to facilitate the audit of executed trades for time, quantity, and price as being reasonable. The system receives and records data from financial markets, including the date and time trades are executed and the prices at which the financial instruments traded. The system provides users the ability to compare a particular transaction for a financial instrument to transaction data for the same and/or related financial instruments at around the same time, to determine whether the price paid for the financial instrument is reasonable for the time the trade was executed. A trade confirmation service is also provided to permit traders to verify the parameters of executed transactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: ICAP Services North America LLC
    Inventors: Hal Hinkle, Richard Raymond May
  • Patent number: 8100323
    Abstract: An automated banking machine is provided which may comprise a trusted platform (TP) including a trusted platform module (TPM) in a computer of the machine. Through use of the TP, the machine may perform cryptographic functions for use in enabling the machine to perform transaction functions for users. The machine may be operative to use the TP to securely store secret keys, or other critical information in sealed storage on a data store of the machine. The TP may also be used to measure, attest, and verify transaction function devices, hardware devices, firmware, software, and/or other components of the machine prior to enabling the machine to function in an enabled mode. The TP may also be used to establish secure communication between components of the machine. The TP may also be used to perform key transfers between the machine and a host banking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: Tim Crews, Judith Edwards, Anne E. Doland, Joseph A. McGinley, Robert Konecny, Charles E. Crallie
  • Patent number: 8101223
    Abstract: The present invention in a first aspect relates to flavor modulation in foodstuffs, beverages, orally administered pharmaceuticals, tobacco products and oral care products, using a flavor modulating substance selected from the group of substances represented by formula, edible salts thereof and edible esters thereof: formula wherein R1 and/or R2 represent the residue of primary amines, more particularly the residues of primary amines selected from amino acids, peptides, purines and pyrimidines, aralkylamines and certain branched or straight chain, hydrophilically substituted alkylamines. It has been found that these substances are capable imparting highly desirable taste attributes in the products they are incorporated in. In addition said flavor modulating substances are advantageously applied in flavor compositions, foodstuffs, orally administered pharmaceuticals, tobacco products and oral care products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Givaudan Nederland Services B.V.
    Inventors: Harry Renes, Chris Winkel, Eric Kohlen, Jan Visser, Emelie Verhoek
  • Patent number: 8103584
    Abstract: A financial account issuer facilitating transactions between accounts is disclosed. The invention provides sellers with an irrevocable method of receiving funds from a purchaser and for improving purchaser willingness to transact with an unknown party. The invention also enables the allocation of a portion or all of a charge or loyalty points to different transaction accounts issued by different issuers, or to sub-accounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred A. Bishop, Bansi L. Sharma, Tracey R. Thomas
  • Patent number: 8103582
    Abstract: A transaction account is disclosed that includes attributes of a checking or savings account in that, for example, an account holder earns interest on a positive balance in the account. The transaction account additionally includes attributes of a credit-card-type account in that the account holder owes interest on a negative balance in the account. With such an account having the positive and negative balance attributes of checking or savings accounts and of credit-card-like accounts, the account holder or customer may manage the account more efficiently than by maintaining multiple accounts. The financial institution may save costs resulting from the overhead associated with maintaining numerous accounts for the same customer. Finally, the financial institution may benefit from charging a credit-card-like transaction fee to merchants that accept the card even if the transaction results in a positive balance in the transaction account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventor: Steven Dale Zettner
  • Patent number: 8100015
    Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe including an ultrasonic transducer, a position detection device, a drive element selector which is connected to the plurality of piezoelectric elements of the ultrasonic transducer provided so as to select a required piezoelectric element, a signal detection circuit which allows the piezoelectric element selected by the drive element selector to transmit ultrasonic wave to an inspection object through an acoustic transmission medium, which receives reflection echo thereof, and which detects an electric signal of the reflection echo through, a signal processor which generates three-dimensional imaging data inside of the inspection object by processing the electric signal of the detected reflection echo, a position converting circuit which outputs an imaging-start trigger signal to a signal generator in response to a position detection signal, and a display device which displays an imaging result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Plant Systems & Service Corporation
    Inventors: Hirokazu Karasawa, Hideo Isobe
  • Patent number: 8103531
    Abstract: Insight-driven interactions with customers may be enhanced in a holistic approach. A customer relationship management (“CRM”) methodology may include: (1) evaluating a customer strategy; (2) identifying customer segments from a customer base; (3) forming an interaction strategy; (4) defining a series of experiences based on the strategy; (5) applying those interactions with customers during interactions; and (6) monitoring the results of the customer interactions. A computer aid may preferably guide a user through some of these steps. A modular, vendor-independent, centralized, rules-based engine may perform processing to deliver tailored customer experiences, relying on values for prioritized experiences identified through use of the computer aid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Accenture Global Services Limited
    Inventors: Robert E. Wollan, Tore Berg, Vincent U. Dell'Anno, Julio J. Hernandez, Alyse S. Kornfeld, Steven L. Lew, Dawn E. Palmer, Kevin N. Quiring, David A. Shapiro, David Slaw, Sajid Usman, Rodney B. Whitsett
  • Patent number: 8100188
    Abstract: A setting tool for an expandable liner hanger. A method includes the steps of: releasably securing the setting tool to the hanger, the setting tool including an expansion cone for displacing through the hanger; and conveying the setting tool and hanger into the well on a generally tubular work string while no portion of the hanger extends longitudinally between the expansion cone and the work string. A setting tool includes an expansion cone, which is displaceable through the liner hanger to expand the hanger; at least one piston positioned on one side of the expansion cone; and an anchoring device for releasably securing the setting tool to the liner hanger, the anchoring device being positioned on an opposite side of the expansion cone. The expansion cone is pressure balanced between its two sides when the expansion cone is displaced through the liner hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Brock W. Watson
  • Patent number: 8103693
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to managing and sharing data between web accessed calculators. The systems include a data store to persist calculator inputs and outputs and share them with other calculators and with customer service representatives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventors: Mason Eubank, Nikolay Eshkenazi, Neff Karl Hudson, Michael Wayne Lester
  • Patent number: 8103588
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed. The method includes receiving, at a server computer, a transaction clearing request for a transaction, and then determining, using the server computer, if the transaction satisfies a stored blocking parameter. The method further includes allowing, using the server computer, the transaction clearing request if the transaction does not satisfy the stored blocking parameter, and denying, using the server computer, the transaction clearing request if the transaction satisfies the stored blocking parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Visa International Service Association
    Inventor: Barbara Elizabeth Patterson
  • Publication number: 20120016767
    Abstract: A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Tracey R. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20120016769
    Abstract: A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Tracey R. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20120016709
    Abstract: An enhanced postal data modeling framework, in which postal data which describes characteristics of a mail sortation process is accessed, and the postal data is mapped to production management data which describes characteristics of a model production management process in an initial state and which is capable of being processed by a production management application. The production management data is input for processing by the production management application to produce forecasted production management data which predicts characteristics of the model production management process in a subsequent state, the forecasted production management data is modeled to forecasted postal data which predicts characteristics of the mail sortation process, and at least a portion of the forecasted postal data is provided to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: Accenture Global Services Limited
    Inventors: Joel Marchildon, Lisa Fu, Geofrey Owen Kelk, Brian Moran, James A. Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20120016777
    Abstract: A system and method for distributing prepaid cash alternatives and resolving exceptions related to the sale of prepaid cash alternatives such as traveler's cheques or prepaid cards. Reports of sales may be reviewed to identify exceptions, and information explaining the exceptions may be made available electronically. Sellers may be notified of exceptions by e-mail, which may include a link or address to information explaining the exceptions. The information may be provided in real time through a secure site on a network, such as the Internet. A company may contract with business partners to sell the prepaid cash alternatives to customers, and the business partners may report the sales to the company via reports. After being notified of exceptions, business partners may provide corrected information or new information to resolve the exceptions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Webb, Jennifer D. Sauvageau, Carol Breinholt, Sabina Sweat
  • Publication number: 20120014515
    Abstract: In an exemplary method, at least one telephony attribute associated with a voice call directed from a client communication subsystem to a voice network identifier is detected. Visual content that has been predefined as being associated with the at least one telephony attribute is identified. A request for the visual content is initiated in response to the detecting step. The visual content is received, in response to the initiating step, for display at the client communication subsystem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: Verizon Data Services Inc.
    Inventors: Jimena Velarde, Edwin Elberg, Luis Blando, John Valdez, Michael J. Naggar, Mona A. Goldstein, Sudhanshu Sharma, Raul Aldrey
  • Publication number: 20120016728
    Abstract: A system for and methods of processing non-traditional payment transactions on a traditional payment network is disclosed. More specifically, a payments system includes one or more payment program managers (PPMs), which are the providers of alternative payment products, in combination with one or more payment program processors (PPPs), which serve as processors for the PPMs. The PPMs and PPPs operate on a payment network, such as a traditional payment network. The payments system includes the utilization of traditional bank identification numbers (BINS) in order to process non-traditional transactions on a traditional payment network. Surrogate numbers are issued on BIN ranges to the non-traditional transactions in order to process them on the traditional payment network. Additionally, the payments system includes pricing structures that are associated with alternative payment products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: DFS Services LLC
    Inventors: Farhan Ahmad, Meeri Siljamaki