Patents Assigned to Service
  • Smartcard transaction method and system using facial scan recognition
    Patent number: 7523860
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for registering biometric information for use in a smartcard-reader system. The method comprises the steps of contacting an authorized sample receiver and submitting a biometric to a sensor to facilitates the sensor in obtaining a biometric sample. The method also includes providing user information and smartcard information to the smartcard-reader system to facilitate associating the biometric sample with the user and smartcard information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Bonalle, Glen Salow
  • Low-density cement compositions, density-reducing additives, and methods of use
    Patent number: 7524369
    Abstract: Methods of using density-reducing additives comprising low-density particulates in subterranean cementing operations are provided. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of cementing comprising: providing a cement composition comprising a cement component, a base fluid, and a density-reducing additive comprising particulates that comprise an agglomerating material; placing the cement composition in a location to be cemented; and allowing the cement composition to set therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Caveny, Michael J. Szymanski, Richard F. Vargo, Jr., Rickey L. Morgan, John G. Heaton, David L. Bolado
  • Cover for optical fibers and/or optical devices
    Patent number: 7526154
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for controlling a light emission from an end of an optical fiber by utilizing a cover that blocks the light emission at the fiber end, a detector situated between the fiber end and the cover that detects the blocked emission, and a signaling device, such as an LED, associated with the detector that illuminates in response to the detection of the blocked emission. The apparatus and methods may further provide for the filtering out of light from the emission that is not used for communications. The apparatus and methods may also provide for the attenuation of the power of the emission before the emission reaches the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Verizon Services Corp.
    Inventor: Dimitrios Kokkinos
  • Shunt regulation apparatus, systems, and methods
    Patent number: 7525264
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus and a system, as well as a method and an article, may include receiving shunt current in one or more conductors according to a sensed component of power distributed by the conductors through one or more transformers coupled to the conductors and determined by an inductance associated with the transformers and a capacitance associated with the conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl Dodge
  • Cross correlation tool for automated portfolio descriptive statistics
    Patent number: 7526442
    Abstract: The cross correlation tool is used to quickly understand and describe the composition of an asset portfolio and the response of a user selected variable versus other variables in the portfolio. The tool is also used to quickly identify unexpectedly high or low correlation between two attribute variables and the response variable. Identification of unexpected correlations improves understanding of the portfolio data and the decisions regarding a potential purchase of the portfolio. Attribute variables are of two types, continuous and categorical. The cross correlations are computed between all variables of interest and their bin or level and presented in a two dimensional matrix for easy identification of trends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: GE Corporate Financial Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Thomas Edgar, Christopher Donald Johnson
  • Method and apparatus for spot repair of pipe
    Patent number: 7523764
    Abstract: The invention comprises a fluid inflatable bladder with at least one electrical heating component comprised of carbon fibers. Also subject of the invention is an interior surface pipe repair material placement, transport and installation device for in situ pipe repair comprising an cylindrically shaped electrically resistive heatable bladder having an inflatable annulus with fixed diameter cone ends wherein the cone ends and the deflated bladder are dimensioned to fit within an interior of a pipe. The tapered cone ends facilitates maneuvering of the bladder within the pipe, and a middle segment of the bladder may be inflated to expand in a radial direction to press a repair material to the interior pipe surface. The invention includes fluid conveying components connectable to the inflatable annulus; and electrical power connector components connectable to resistive heating elements of the bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Energy Maintenance Services Group I, LLC
    Inventors: William Lepola, John Perry Nixon
  • Internal shock absorber plunger
    Patent number: 7523783
    Abstract: A plunger mechanism has an internal shock absorber apparatus that operates to absorb shock during plunger fall and rise, thereby promoting a more reliable plunger lift system. The present apparatus can be used in well applications with or without a bumper spring. With the added reliability of the present system, well applications could be implemented such that fewer restrictions are encountered by a plunger at the well bottom. In addition, added reliability can help reduce plunger damage, whereby plunger life can be extended. Similarly, the present apparatus can minimize damage and extend the life of well components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Production Control Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce M. Victor
  • Fabrication of self-assembled dendron monolayers
    Patent number: 7524998
    Abstract: A dendron (2) comprising a focal point (4) and a plurality of fluorinated end groups (9) is disclosed, including one having a thiol, a silane, a carboxylic acid, a phosphonate or another moiety at the focal point suitable for chemisorption to a substrate (3). A self-assembled monolayer comprising a plurality of dendrons bonded to a substrate and a device comprising the self-assembled monolayer are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignees: Seiko Epson Corporation, Cambridge University Technical Service, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Fukushima, Satoshi Nebashi, Masaya Ishida, Wilhelm J S Huck, Andrew B Holmes, Christine K Luscombe
  • Method of using humic acid grafted fluid loss control additives in cementing operations
    Patent number: 7523784
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the cement compositions comprise water, a cement, and a fluid loss control additive, the fluid loss control additive comprising a graft copolymer. The graft copolymer comprises a backbone and at least four grafted monomers selected from the group consisting of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, acrylamide, acrylic acid, vinylphosphonic acid, diallyldimethylammonium chloride, and salts thereof. The backbone of the graft copolymer comprises a humic acid salt. Methods of cementing using exemplary embodiments of the cement compositions are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Sam Lewis, Jiten Chatterji, Bobby King, D. Chad Brenneis
  • ATM with security sensing system for cash dispenser customer interface gate
    Patent number: 7523857
    Abstract: An automated banking machine operates in response to data read from user cards and dispenses cash to authorized users. The machine includes at least one processor which controls various banking machine devices and operates the machine in response to inputs by customers. A sensor is in operative connection with a gate that controls access through a currency dispensing opening. The at least one processor operates to analyze signals from the sensor and to determine if the gate movement corresponds to a suspect condition. If the at least one processor determines that there is a suspect condition, the machine executes one or more protective actions to minimize the risk of improper activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventor: H. Thomas Graef
  • Subgenomic replicons of the flavivirus dengue
    Patent number: 7524508
    Abstract: The present invention discloses the construction of dengue virus subgenomic replicons containing large deletions in the structural region (C-preM-E) of the genome, which replicons are useful as vaccines to protect against dengue virus infection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: The United states of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Xiaowu Pang, Andrew I. Dayton, Mingjie Zhang
  • Reverse out valve for well treatment operations
    Patent number: 7523787
    Abstract: A reverse out valve (100) comprises an outer housing (120) and a mandrel (144) that form a bypass region (130) therebetween. The mandrel (144) includes a central flow path (164) with a valve seat (152) positioned therein and first and second side wall ports (148, 150). A valve element (168) is positioned in the central flow path (164). The valve element (168) and the valve seat (152) having a one way valve configuration that prevents downhole fluid flow and allows uphole fluid flow. The mandrel (144) is axially movable relative to the outer housing (120) between first and second positions. In the first position, a bypass passageway (184) is formed between the first and second side wall ports (148, 150) via the bypass region (130) thereby allowing bypass flow around the valve element (168) and the valve seat (152). In the second position, bypass flow is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: William Mark Richards, Andrew Penno
  • Convertible game assembly
    Patent number: 7523942
    Abstract: A convertible game assembly comprises a convertible frame having at least one adjustable joint separating a back frame portion and a front frame portion. The front frame portion is configured to pivot upward and backward about the adjustable joint to convert the frame from an open to a closed configuration. The assembly further includes an elevated back target piece coupled to the back frame portion and a front target piece coupled to the front frame portion. The frame is positionable in an open configuration to allow a game player to throw projectiles toward the back target piece, with the open configuration defining a first player position. Additionally, the frame is positionable in a closed configuration to allow a game player to kick projectiles toward the front target piece, with the closed configuration defining a second player position closer to the back frame portion than the first player position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: SOP Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Safari Chung
  • Cash dispensing automated banking machine with flexible display
    Patent number: 7523856
    Abstract: An ATM includes a user interface having a display device. The display device includes a flexible display panel. The display panel can be flexed to limit the displayed information to only the field of view of the current ATM user. The curvature of the display panel can be changed by a moving device to correspond to the settings assigned to the current ATM user responsive to identifying input received from the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Diebold Self-Service Systems
    Inventors: James Block, Natarajan Ramachandran, Ashok Modi, Jeff Hill, Ray Motz, Klaus Steinbach
  • Data distribution system and method
    Publication number: 20090106393
    Abstract: There is described a method of distributing rights-managed media data items to users, wherein each media data item has associated rights information, including a time-limited availability attribute. The method comprises, for each media data item: in a seeding phase; storing the media data item; receiving requests for the media data item from a plurality of users; determining the availability of the requested media data item based on the associated rights information; transmitting the requested media data item to the plurality of users: and storing information identifying the media data item, the associated rights information for the media data item and a list of users who have received the media data item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: Siemens Business Services Ltd.
    Inventors: Ian David Parr, Robert James Garfoot, Neil Walker
  • LABEL AND EXP FIELD BASED MPLS NETWORK DEVICE
    Publication number: 20090103555
    Abstract: A network device receives a label-switched-path (LSP) labeled data packet, maps the LSP labeled data packet to an input queue, maps a data packet in the input queue to an output queue based on a received LSP label value and a received exp label value, and transmits the LSP labeled data packet from the output queue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: Verizon Services Organization Inc.
    Inventor: Nabil N. Bitar
  • Automated banking machine operated responsive to data bearing records with improved resistance to fraud
    Publication number: 20090101705
    Abstract: An automated banking machine is controlled responsive to data read from data bearing records. The automated banking machine includes a card reader, a keypad, a cash dispenser, a cash outlet, a deposit accepting opening and other transaction locations that may be susceptible to the installation of fraud devices. An anti-fraud sensing system is operative in the machine to sense the probable installation of unauthorized devices on the machine. Such unauthorized devices may include for example, fraudulent card reading devices, fraudulent keypad input intercepting devices, cash outlet trap devices, deposit input diversion devices or other fraud devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: Diebold Self-Service Systems division of Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: Randall Jenkins, Songtao Ma, Natarajan Ramachandran, Jeffery M. Enright, Dale H. Blackson
  • SURFACE INSTRUMENTATION CONFIGURATION FOR DRILLING RIG OPERATION
    Publication number: 20090101327
    Abstract: One embodiment includes an apparatus comprising a surface slip to support drill tubing and having a communications instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Vimal V. Shah, Donald G. Kyle
  • APPARATUS, METHOD AND COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM FOR CALCULATING THROUGHPUT REQUIREMENTS OF A NETWORK
    Publication number: 20090103448
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer-readable storage medium are provided for calculating an estimated throughput requirement of a network, such as to facilitate selecting the minimum bandwidth, maximum bandwidth or some other appropriate bandwidth for providing network services to a customer accessing that network. In this regard, a method of calculating a throughput requirement of a network includes receiving a bandwidth requirement. The method also includes calculating a data link-layer frame rate requirement based on the bandwidth requirement and a frame size, where the calculated frame rate requirement is limited by a line rate for transmission of data packets across a core network. In addition, the method includes calculating a data link-layer throughput requirement based on the calculated frame rate requirement and the frame size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicants: Verizon Services Organization, Inc., Verizon Business Network Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michelle A. Waggener, Michael U. Bencheck, Scott Ray Kotrla, Matthew William Turlington, Christopher Nicholas DelRegno, Richard C. Schell
  • Storage and Dispensing System
    Publication number: 20090101646
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a liquid storage and dispensing system includes a closure configured with a spout that is releasably coupled to a body. The body has a base integrally formed with a front region, a back region, and two side regions that form a cavity for storage of a substance. For placement of a product label, the front region is relatively flatter than the two side regions and the back region, and the front region slopes inwardly from the base such that the front region faces upwardly when the base is placed on a horizontal surface. Each of the two side regions includes an indentation proximate the opening and aligned with a longitudinal axis passing through the center of body. The indentations form a handle for grasping the body while dispensing the substance. The front region and the indentations form a volume in the upper portion of the body that is less than the lower portion of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: WhiteWave Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Paul, Edmund L. Farmer