Patents by Inventor Alain Michaud

Alain Michaud has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9280494
    Abstract: A method on a computing system for associating an output of a coupled peripheral device to an input of the peripheral device is provided. A computing system configured to be coupled to a peripheral device comprising an input and an associated output is provided. The computing system comprises an input logical layer configured to receive descriptor configuration information from the peripheral device and build interface sets including attributes of the input of the peripheral device and the associated output. The input logical layer uses the interface sets to select and set attributes of the output of the peripheral device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Slezak, Alain Michaud
  • Patent number: 8793786
    Abstract: Computer-readable media, computerized methods, and computer systems for alerting a user that an operating system has entered a secure mode is provided. Initially, inputs are received at an operating system residing in a default mode. Typically, the default mode allows applications running on the operating system to access the inputs. If the inputs are identified as a call to perform a protected operation, the operating system is transitioned from the default mode to the secure mode. Typically, the secure mode restricts the applications from intercepting the inputs. The transition to the secure mode is automatically communicated to the user via an indicator device. Generally, automatic communication includes providing a message from the operating system to the indicator device over a secure pathway that triggers the indicator device to generate a user-perceivable output. Accordingly, the operating system exerts exclusive control over the operation of the indicator device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Firdosh K. Bhesania, Alain Michaud, Nathan C. Sherman, Hirofumi Yamamoto, Yashabh Sethi, Steve Wright
  • Publication number: 20140105375
    Abstract: A communication system for communication sessions, such as voice calls, conference calls, and instant messaging chat sessions, includes a plurality of communication devices and one or more servers configured to provide data communication among the plurality of communication devices. Data contexts having chronological user-generated content are established and maintained between different communication devices. An indication of current user-generated content of a data context is sent from a calling/initiating party to one or more receiving parties when a communication session is initiated. The indication of current user-generated content can then be used by the one or more receiving parties to determine whether the communication session is to be accepted and, if accepted, to quickly become familiar with the subject of the communication session.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Tim (Trung) Trinh, Alain Michaud
  • Patent number: 8675854
    Abstract: A system and method for merging multi-modal communications are disclosed. The multi-modal communications can be synchronous, asynchronous and semi-synchronous. By way of a non-limiting example, at least two devices operating with varied modalities can be connected to a conferencing appliance. The conferencing appliance can integrate the differing modalities from the at least two devices by executing at least one of turn taking, conference identification, participant identification, ordering of interjections, modulation of meaning, expectation of shared awareness, floor domination and combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Mitel Networks Corporation
    Inventors: Alain Michaud, Trung (Tim) Trinh, Tom Gray
  • Publication number: 20130339553
    Abstract: A method on a computing system for associating an output of a coupled peripheral device to an input of the peripheral device is provided. A computing system configured to be coupled to a peripheral device comprising an input and an associated output is provided. The computing system comprises an input logical layer configured to receive descriptor configuration information from the peripheral device and build interface sets including attributes of the input of the peripheral device and the associated output. The input logical layer uses the interface sets to select and set attributes of the output of the peripheral device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Mark Slezak, Alain Michaud, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130294595
    Abstract: A system and method for merging multi-modal communications are disclosed. The multi-modal communications can be synchronous, asynchronous and semi-synchronous. By way of a non-limiting example, at least two devices operating with varied modalities can be connected to a conferencing appliance. The conferencing appliance can integrate the differing modalities from the at least two devices by executing at least one of turn taking, conference identification, participant identification, ordering of interjections, modulation of meaning, expectation of shared awareness, floor domination and combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Alain Michaud, Trung (Tim) Trinh, Tom Gray
  • Publication number: 20120311038
    Abstract: A system and method for seamless exchange and interaction of multimedia content between communication devices are disclosed. The method can include the discovery and identification of devices within proximity of a sending device. The found devices can be authenticated through unique identifiers established during registration. The sender can seamlessly establish a connection with the found devices using the connection requirements. The sending device can share or serve as a remote control to redirect, navigate or draw content, with a simple action or a gesture command, to the found device. The shared multimedia content, can either reside on the sender's mobile device or on a remote server within a connected network. Contextual telephony integration such as pulling in personal contacts from a device to a conference call can be provided. White boarding techniques facilitated among multiple users within a conference and a WiFi® end point or access point are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Trung (Tim) Trinh, Alain Michaud
  • Publication number: 20120306622
    Abstract: A system and method for seamless exchange and interaction of multimedia content between communication devices in a network are disclosed. The method can include the discovery and identification of devices within proximity of a sending device. The found devices can be authenticated through unique identifiers established during registration. Connection requirements can be determined based on the identifiers associated with the found devices and the sending device. In turn, the sender can establish a connection with the found devices using the connection requirements. The sending device can share or serve as a remote control to redirect and navigate the content, with a simple action or a gesture command, to the found device. The shared multimedia content, can either reside on the sender's mobile device or on a remote server within a connected network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Trung (Tim) Trinh, Alain Michaud
  • Publication number: 20120024596
    Abstract: A cable clamp for securing a wire or cable in an electrical outlet box having an interior, an exterior and one or more openings therebetween is provided. The cable clamp includes a body and one or more retaining devices that define one or more apertures. The body is adapted to mount in one of the one or more openings in the electrical outlet box and each of the one or more apertures is adapted to provide a passage for a wire or cable between the interior and exterior of the electrical outlet box. The one or more retaining devices are connected to the body and each of the one or more retaining devices is adapted to secure a wire or cable in one of the one or more apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Mike DiLillo, Alain Michaud
  • Patent number: 8023965
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for locating a mobile communication device are provided. A data set is received, the data set comprising strengths of signals received at the mobile communication device from a plurality of wireless access points. The data set further comprises identifiers of wireless access points from which each signal was received. Scaled signal strengths are determined from the strengths of signals. The scaled signal strengths are compared with a record of signal strengths of wireless access points at given locations. Based on the comparing, a location of the mobile communication device is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Mitel Networks Corporation
    Inventor: Alain Michaud
  • Publication number: 20110192941
    Abstract: A multi-purpose universal support is disclosed that can be configured to support multiple pipes, pipe junctions, vertical strut channels, horizontal strut channels, and thread rods. The disclosed support system allows for quicker installation, easy height adjustments, and a fewer supports than previously known supports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Lalancette, Alain Michaud, Adrian Paunescu, Dominic England, William Smith
  • Patent number: 7770851
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a retaining element for securing at least one elongate member to an installation surface in conjunction with a fastener. The retaining element includes a first portion and at least one second portion. The first portion secures the retaining element to the installation surface. The at least one second portion engages the elongate member. Also, the second portion defines a single continuous arch formed by a plurality of engagement surfaces disposed on a bottom side of the second portion. The engagement surfaces define a portion of the perimeter of at least two substantially overlapping shapes, such as ellipses, having different dimensions. In this way, upon installation the elongate member directly engages and is secured to both the installation surface and at least one of the engagement surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Alain Michaud
  • Publication number: 20100089640
    Abstract: A cable clamp for securing a wire or cable in an electrical outlet box having an interior, an exterior and one or more openings therebetween is provided. The cable clamp includes a body and one or more retaining devices that define one or more apertures. The body is adapted to mount in one of the one or more openings in the electrical outlet box and each of the one or more apertures is adapted to provide a passage for a wire or cable between the interior and exterior of the electrical outlet box. The one or more retaining devices are connected to the body and each of the one or more retaining devices is adapted to secure a wire or cable in one of the one or more apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Mike DiLillo, Alain Michaud
  • Patent number: 7677503
    Abstract: A bracket for electrical outlet boxes that includes: a first end section, a middle section and a second end section, wherein each section has a substantially planar surface, a first side, a second side, a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the middle section is offset from and substantially parallel to the first and second end sections; first and second offset portions connecting the middle section to the first and second end sections; first and second opposing ends extending upwardly and substantially perpendicular to the first and second end sections; a first tab and a second tab extending in opposing relation to each other from the first side of the first and second ends; a first leg and a second leg extending downwardly from the second side of the first and second end sections; and a bendable member extending from the first side of the middle section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Alain Michaud, Michael DiLillo
  • Publication number: 20100031320
    Abstract: Computer-readable media, computerized methods, and computer systems for alerting a user that an operating system has entered a secure mode is provided. Initially, inputs are received at an operating system residing in a default mode. Typically, the default mode allows applications running on the operating system to access the inputs. If the inputs are identified as a call to perform a protected operation, the operating system is transitioned from the default mode to the secure mode. Typically, the secure mode restricts the applications from intercepting the inputs. The transition to the secure mode is automatically communicated to the user via an indicator device. Generally, automatic communication includes providing a message from the operating system to the indicator device over a secure pathway that triggers the indicator device to generate a user-perceivable output. Accordingly, the operating system exerts exclusive control over the operation of the indicator device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: FIRDOSH K. BHESANIA, ALAIN MICHAUD, NATHAN C. SHERMAN, HIROFUMI YAMAMOTO, YASHABH SETHI, STEVE WRIGHT
  • Publication number: 20090319694
    Abstract: A method on a computing system for associating an output of a coupled peripheral device to an input of the peripheral device is provided. The method comprises receiving a descriptor configuration input from the coupled peripheral device describing attributes of the peripheral device and an association between the input of the peripheral device and the output of the peripheral device; providing peripheral device classes of associated input attributes including associated output attributes of the peripheral device; and informing an instantiated application of attributes of the peripheral device through classes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark Slezak, Alain Michaud
  • Patent number: 7621775
    Abstract: A meter socket base assembly including a mounting block, one or more connectors, one or more meter jaws and, optionally, one or more support blocks. The mounting block has first and second ends, first and second sides, a top, a bottom and a longitudinal axis between the first and second ends and includes a base, first and second walls defining a channel and, optionally, first and second coupling mechanisms. Recessed portions and indentations on the top of the side walls receive connectors at different orientations. Coupling mechanisms can be formed on the exterior sides of the mounting block for attaching support blocks. The meter jaws are attached to the top of the side walls and configured to receive the blade contacts of watthour meters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Alain Michaud, Yves Boucheri, Michelle DiLillo, Steve Levesque
  • Publication number: 20090280827
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for locating a mobile communication device are provided. A data set is received, the data set comprising strengths of signals received at the mobile communication device from a plurality of wireless access points. The data set further comprises identifiers of wireless access points from which each signal was received. Scaled signal strengths are determined from the strengths of signals. The scaled signal strengths are compared with a record of signal strengths of wireless access points at given locations. Based on the comparing, a location of the mobile communication device is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Alain Michaud
  • Patent number: 7500643
    Abstract: A cable connector having a generally tubular shape with a frontal portion and a rear portion is provided. The frontal portion is on a plane perpendicular to an axis with an undivided annular structure having an outer semi-conic wing that secures the cable connector to a knock-out opening prior to a cable insertion therein and an inner receptacle structure for receiving a cable in a direction that is parallel to the axis. A rear grasping portion separated into a pivoting rigid latch segment with a tightening handle for clasping against a fixed slot segment with a releasing handle for grasping the inserted cable is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Yvan Léone, Alain Michaud
  • Patent number: D649434
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Lalancette, Alain Michaud, Adrian Paunescu, Dominic England, William Smith