Patents Examined by Emanuel Todd Voeltz
  • Patent number: 6574726
    Abstract: A computer system architecture in which functionally compatible electronic components are located on modular printed circuit boards. Thus, a type of processor used by the system can be changed by replacing the printed circuit board incorporating the processor. Similarly a type of peripheral bus used can be changed simply by replacing the printed circuit board containing the peripheral controller. High-density connectors connect the circuit boards. Some embodiments of the invention use a single backplane. Other embodiments place peripheral slots on a second, passive backplane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Silicon Bandwidth, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanford W. Crane, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6571284
    Abstract: In order to integrate repeater management with network management in a wireless telecommunication network, a database is added to the network management center (NMC), said database including the data on the network repeaters (R1, R2, R3), which include for each repeater (R1, R2, R3) at least the identifier of the base station (BTS) corresponding to the repeater concerned; a repeater plan is made for changing repeater parameters to correspond to the changed configuration of the base stations; and each repeater is sent an update message (B1, B2, B3) containing parameters for the reconfiguring of the repeater (R1, R2, R3) to correspond to the repeater plan. The invention also relates to a network management system in which the method of the invention can be applied. In addition, the invention relates to a repeater, which can be utilized in the method and system of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Nokia Telecommunications Oy
    Inventor: Jukka Suonvieri
  • Patent number: 6571139
    Abstract: In order to set a user information such as a nickname, memo or the like easily in an electronic appliance, text data or graphic data about the appliance entered on the basis of a specified manipulation or command is written by using a part of the descriptor which can be read out by the command conforming to a specified protocol from other appliance connected mutually through a bus, and when displaying about the appliance, the nickname, memo or the like by the text data or graphic data written in the descriptor is displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Harumi Kawamura, Mari Horiguchi
  • Patent number: 6556879
    Abstract: The numerical controlling unit includes an inputting part for inputting an inputting program. The inputting program includes a NC program defining a relative feed speed and a relative rotational number between a tool and a work, and also includes additional machining information. The inputting part is connected to an analyzing part, which is adapted to recognize the NC program and the additional machining information respectively from the inputting program inputted by the inputting part. The analyzing part is connected to a distributing part, which is adapted to make distributing information for the tool based on the NC program recognized by the analyzing part. The analyzing part and the distributing part are connected to a fusing part, which is adapted to fuse the distributing information and the additional machining information into controlling information for the tool. According to the numerical controlling unit, a more accurate numerical control can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ichiro Matsumoto, Jun Fujita, Kouichi Katoh
  • Patent number: 6557038
    Abstract: A method in a data processing system for maintaining a session through a stateless protocol. A page is received from a source through the stateless protocol. Responsive to a display of the page in the data processing system, an indication is sent to the source through the connectionless protocol in response to a periodic event, wherein the indication prevents a termination of the session at the source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Craig Henry Becker, Matthew Dale McClain
  • Patent number: 6553427
    Abstract: The present invention provides an abstract, object-oriented encapsulation of the communications interface between intermediary, lower-level protocol handlers, such as TCAP server programs, and service providers, such as service application programs, that run on transaction server computers within an enhanced services platform, such as a network intelligent platform of a telecommunications carrier. The TCAP server programs exchange INAP messages with network switches through the SS7 protocol interface, forwarding the INAP messages received from network switches to service application programs, and receiving response messages from service application programs to be sent back to the network switches. The specialized INAP protocol handling software previously developed specifically for each different service application program is abstracted by the object-oriented communications interface into a set of library routines that can be shared in common by all service application programs and TCAP servers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: MCI Communications Corporation
    Inventors: Chen-Huei Chang, James Edward Patterson, Paul Thomas Schultz, Richard Charles Stilborn
  • Patent number: 6549929
    Abstract: A user interface using program scheduling information for selecting programs and determining whether to schedule an event based on the program scheduling information associated with the selected program. The event is scheduled if the program name is in a predetermined time slot of the program scheduling information. Accordingly, if the program name is not in the predetermined time slot, the interface will not schedule an event, such as a recording or a program reminder, for the selected program. Further, if the interface determines the program name resides in a different time slot within the program scheduling information, the event will be rescheduled using the new time slot associated with the selected program within the program scheduling information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary E. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 6542782
    Abstract: Systems and methods of operating the same are introduced for populating and using lookup tables with process facility control systems and models of the same. An exemplary computer system for use with a process facility having a plurality of associated processes, and includes both a memory and a processor. The memory is capable of maintaining (i) a data structure having a plurality of accessible fields and (ii) a model of at least a portion of the plurality of associated processes. The model may include a mathematical representation of at least a portion of the at least one process, defining certain relationships among inputs and outputs of the at least one process. The processor is capable of populating ones of the plurality of accessible fields of the data structure using the model iteratively with a range of possible values of the at least one measurable characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Z. Joseph Lu
  • Patent number: 6542789
    Abstract: A tool recognition and control system for electronically configuring certain systems of a work machine based upon the operating parameters associated with a particular work tool to be attached thereto, the work machine including systems operable to control the operation of a plurality of different work tools, each work tool having a set of operating parameters associated therewith which affect the operation of at least some of the systems of the work machine, the present control system identifying the particular work tool attached to the work machine based upon either a signal generated by a tool recognition system associated with the work tool when the work tool is attached to the work machine, or based upon operator selectable commands for selecting any one of a plurality of different sets of operating parameters based upon the particular work tool attached to the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Steven T. Ufheil
  • Patent number: 6529950
    Abstract: A Resource Management Framework (RMF) comprises an extensible, distributed, policy-based, object-oriented system and method for resource discovery and negotiation during the setup and control of a media session between one or more media servers and end users. The scope of the RMF framework is the management of multimedia resources used during simple, non-interactive as well as composite, complex, interactive multimedia sessions. The RMF enables iterative negotiated mapping over the requirements of an RMF-compliant application onto the offerings of one or more RMF-compliant media servers. It is an open-services architecture providing the ability to insert and apply services to enhance the suitability of offerings to requirements and vice versa, during a negotiated mapping session. Moreover, the RMF negotiated mapping algorithm itself is customizable via the use of policies (herein referred to as per-flow policies).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Leon L. Lumelsky, Nelson R. Manohar, Stephen P. Wood
  • Patent number: 6529889
    Abstract: The system of knowledge architecture transforms knowledge of an expert by capturing the knowledge as structured content; and using the structured content in a software format. Knowledge is captured by mapping the structured content into topics and questions and/or a structured document, inputting said structured content, and storing said structured content. The structured content is then prepared for use as a specialized software application, next the prepared structured content is presented to a user where interaction with a user in a software format causes the forming of a narrative end-product based upon the data structure that communicates the findings and opinions of the expert knowledge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Acappella Software, Inc.
    Inventors: David Bromberg, Stephen Roberts
  • Patent number: 6526395
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a video input unit and an audio input unit. The apparatus also includes a multi-sensor fusion/recognition unit coupled to the video input unit and the audio input unit, and a processor coupled to the multi-sensor fusion/recognition unit. The multi-sensor fusion/recognition unit decodes a combined video and audio stream containing a set of user inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Tonia G. Morris
  • Patent number: 6477504
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automating surveys over a network system causes an interface to be displayed to a particular client of the network system. This interface can be used by the particular client to define a survey. In response to the client interacting with the interface, a sequence of steps is automatically performed. The sequence of steps includes generating a survey based on information received over the network system from the particular client interacting with the interface; fielding the survey to a group of target users on the network system; gathering results of from network users participating in the survey; and providing the particular client, over said network system, with data that reflects the results of the survey.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: IX, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles B. Hamlin, LeRoy Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6466922
    Abstract: A postage meter includes a printing device which is removable by a user of the postage meter. The printing device may be an ink-jet print cartridge including an integral ink supply. When the ink supply is depleted the ink-jet print cartridge must be replaced to enable further printing to be effected. The printing device has electrical contacts which interface with corresponding electrical connections of the postage meter when the printing device is mounted in the postage meter. In order to prevent unauthorized access to the print device, access to the printing device for replacement of the printing device is provided by means of an aperture in a housing of the postage meter and the aperture is closed by a member which can only be unlocked and opened in response to input of a coded signal to the postage meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Neopost Limited
    Inventor: Cyrus Abumehdi
  • Patent number: 6456980
    Abstract: A store system for a commercial system with multiple products. The store system includes multiple register stations. Each register station includes a bar code reader that generates a first signal identifying a product selected by a customer, a register computer, and a cable that transfers the first signal to the register computer. Each register station is associated with a respective second computer that sends a second signal to the register computer. A cable transfers the first signal to the second computer. The register computer includes logic that determines a total amount due from the customer, by receiving the first and second signals. In an exemplary embodiment, the second computer interfaces to a customer card that stores discount information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: SoftCard Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Ken R. Powell
  • Patent number: 6370516
    Abstract: The invention utilizes computer apparatus to automatically generate a display or report containing the result for a plurality of investment advisor methodologies (FIG. 2) for one specific security at a time (FIG. 18a). The user is not required to input any more information than the security identification because the information required for the calculations is readily available in the data storage means (FIG. 3, box 54). In addition to the result, a descriptive analysis (FIG. 7) can be provided which illustrates the reasoning (FIG. 7, box 144) of the particular advisor (FIG. 7, box 140) in support of the result (FIG. 7, box 146). Also a report can be provided for individual ratios (FIG. 8) applied to one specific security (FIG. 8, box 166) at a time for a plurality of investment advisor methodologies (FIG. 8, box 168). Another type of display or report the system could generate is an analysis by a plurality of advisors (FIG. 26, box 262), of a particular element selected from a list of elements (FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: John P Reese
  • Patent number: 6338046
    Abstract: A system and method for determining charges for use of network service connections. The network includes nodes which facilitate the transfer of information between source and destination locations. When a connection is established with a node, a billing cell is transmitted to the node over the connection which contains billing and connection information. Data cells are transmitted over the same connection subsequent to the billing cell. A terminate billing cell or conventional means may be used to drop the connection when the connection is no longer needed. The node computes the cost of using the connection based on the billing and connection information copied from the billing cell, and may also consider the connection time and the amount of data transferred over the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Nokia Telecommunications, Oy
    Inventors: Jarmo Ilkka Saari, Timo Ilmari Taskinen, Matti Kalevi Kilkki
  • Patent number: 6304860
    Abstract: An electronic funds transfer methodology for providing access to a plurality of non-bank loan payment processors (loan servicers) through established ATM (automated teller machine) networks, thereby creating a payment system designed to allow a consumer to initiate an electronic transfer of funds from a primary bank transaction account (e.g., checking account, savings account) to a loan servicer to satisfy an outstanding consumer debt or payment obligation. Automated payment of consumer debt obligations through use of an ATM network is facilitated by a processor and associated software, which are employed to combine specific consumer loan payment data with specific depository transaction account information through an electronic ATM network for the purpose of affecting a more efficient loan payment/servicing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventors: Joseph B. Martin, Jr., D. Allen Hinkle
  • Patent number: 6298328
    Abstract: Using a general-purpose computer, the system allocates, tracks, and forecasts market data by product, geographic area, market segment, provider, and time period, in a way consistent with accepted regional market sizes. Inputs include regional market data, demographic, psychographic, and/or firmagraphic data, weighting coefficients, profiles, and ratings. The system allocates regional markets to subregions as defined by an area hierarchy. Allocation fractions are computed as ratios of subregional to regional rated buying populations. A subregional rated buying population is a weighted sum of rated buying populations for a set of market factors such as age or household income. A rated buying population for a particular market factor is the sum of rated buying populations for a set of categories such as age or income brackets. A rated buying population for a particular category is the product of the subregional population falling within that category and a propensity-to-buy rating for that category.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Telecompetition, Inc.
    Inventors: Eileen M. Healy, Gregory T. Dunn
  • Patent number: 6282521
    Abstract: For each quote entered into a computerized anonymous trading system, the system determines if it is waiting to be “hit” (would be matched with the first hit of a predetermined size) at a substantial number of trading floors, and if so, notifies the trader originating the quote. The substantial number of floors is preferably expressed as greater than a predetermined percentage of the available trading partners with whom credit has been established on a bilateral basis, and is preferably greater than 25%. In an alternate embodiment, the system provides a graphical display to the market maker originating a particular quote indicating how many trading floors are poised to hit that particular quote, and/or a numeric display indicating a price that would be Hittable by a predetermined number or percentage of available trading partners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: EBS Dealing Resources, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward R Howorka