Patents by Inventor Alan M. Vale
Alan M. Vale 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).
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Publication number: 20210281678Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for a telephony server screening voice calls. In one embodiment, the telephony server receives, form an originating device, an incoming call to be routed to a receiving device. The server answers the incoming call to establish a communication link with the originating device. The server transmits, via the communication link, a challenge audio signal containing an audio message for playback by the originating device. The server receives, via the communication link, a response from the originating device, and, in response to authenticating the response, routes the incoming call to the receiving device. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2020Publication date: September 9, 2021Inventors: Alan M. Vale, Robert Newman, Anton Makarenko
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Patent number: 7724281Abstract: A method facilitating the transfer of information from a media or data capture device to a larger device while providing valuable feedback about the transfer is described. A transfer device including a simple user interface that can be easily implemented on a media or data capture device provides feedback about the transfer operation, enabling the user to take action when necessary. For example, the user is advised if the transfer is complete or, alternatively, that the transfer has failed and needs to redone. Feedback is provided by visual signals and may also be accompanied by audible signals. All necessary transfer functionality is included on the media capture device, thereby avoiding the requirement for dedicated software on a host (or pipeline) device, such as a cellular phone. This expands the number of pipeline devices that can be utilized with particular media capture devices.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2002Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Syniverse ICX CorporationInventors: Alan M. Vale, Kurt Dammermann, Robin G. Petravic, Timothy W. Genske, William G. Swinton, Eric O. Bodnar
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Patent number: 7463904Abstract: A versatile adaptor device to connect together devices having built-in connectors or receptacles for interfacing with other devices is described. Many devices include built-in connectors, which usually consist of proprietary fittings and pinouts/lineouts. The adaptor device connects with the built-in connectors of two devices to enable communication between the two devices. Each end of the adaptor fits physically and electrically with the connectors to join both devices. The body of the adaptor is a double-ended molded plastic part that includes geometry to mate with a particular connector slot at one end and another specific connector slot at the opposing end. The adaptor device may be adapted to connect various different types of devices. For example, the adaptor accommodates connection to an array of brands and models of cellular phone devices at one end of the adaptor and an array of digital cameras at the other end of the adaptor.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2001Date of Patent: December 9, 2008Assignee: LightSurf Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Eric O. Bodnar, Robin G. Petravic, Alan M. Vale, Kurt Dammermann, Stephen J. Fricke, Steven A. Luzovich
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Publication number: 20030146977Abstract: A method facilitating the transfer of information from a media or data capture device to a larger device while providing valuable feedback about the transfer is described. A transfer device including a simple user interface that can be easily implemented on a media or data capture device provides feedback about the transfer operation, enabling the user to take action when necessary. For example, the user is advised if the transfer is complete or, alternatively, that the transfer has failed and needs to redone. Feedback is provided by visual signals and may also be accompanied by audible signals. All necessary transfer functionality is included on the media capture device, thereby avoiding the requirement for dedicated software on a host (or pipeline) device, such as a cellular phone. This expands the number of pipeline devices that can be utilized with particular media capture devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2002Publication date: August 7, 2003Applicant: LightSurf Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Alan M. Vale, Kurt Dammermann, Robin G. Petravic, Timothy W. Genske, William G. Swinton, Eric O. Bodnar
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Publication number: 20030109280Abstract: A versatile adaptor device to connect together devices having built-in connectors or receptacles for interfacing with other devices is described. Many devices include built-in connectors, which usually consist of proprietary fittings and pinouts/lineouts. The adaptor device connects with the built-in connectors of two devices to enable communication between the two devices. Each end of the adaptor fits physically and electrically with the connectors to join both devices. The body of the adaptor is a double-ended molded plastic part that includes geometry to mate with a particular connector slot at one end and another specific connector slot at the opposing end. The adaptor device may be adapted to connect various different types of devices. For example, the adaptor accommodates connection to an array of brands and models of cellular phone devices at one end of the adaptor and an array of digital cameras at the other end of the adaptor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2001Publication date: June 12, 2003Applicant: LightSurf Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Eric O. Bodnar, Robin G. Petravic, Alan M. Vale, Kurt Dammermann, Stephen J. Fricke, Steven A. Luzovich
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Publication number: 20030097410Abstract: A multi-party online collaboration system that optimizes both the participation of the collaborators and the universality of membership is described. The system satisfies the two requirements for networked collaboration by providing shareable objects and a means of notifying the collaborators whenever the state of the shared objects has changed. For an open network (i.e., the Internet), the preferred embodiment uses two open standards mechanisms: URL-addressable networks for the accessible shareable objects, and asynchronous messaging for notification of changes to the objects that do not occur in real-time. The preferred embodiment employs these two open standards systems to ensure universal access, and obviates the need for the collaborators to install/maintain proprietary client systems. The preferred embodiment monitors the state of the objects, and automatically dispatches notification messages, along with addresses (e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2001Publication date: May 22, 2003Inventors: R. Travis Atkins, Alan M. Vale, Jon A. Howell, James W. Spiers, Adam G. Freeman
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Patent number: 6343839Abstract: A component has a support with a stiff section and a flexible section. An incompressible resilient material, such as a gel, is supported on the flexible section. In one form, the component forms an armrest, with the support including upper and lower sections forming a loop. The upper section bridges between ends of the lower section and includes the flexible section, and a section of gel material is positioned on or molded onto the flexible section. In the armrest, the incompressible resilient material is sufficiently thick and resilient to comfortably support a person's forearm on the support yet further is sufficiently flowable and stretchable to at least partially move off a rib on the support and into the non-supporting areas when pressure is applied to the incompressible resilient material.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1999Date of Patent: February 5, 2002Assignees: Steelcase Development Corporation, TechnoGel GmbH & Co. KGInventors: George J. Simons, Jr., Thomas Overthun, Alan M. Vale, Thomas B. Eich, Jonathan I. Kaplan
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Patent number: 6286901Abstract: A system of nestable chairs for use in a work environment is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of chairs. Each chair includes a base, a support coupled to the base, and a seat assembly coupled to the support and adapted for pivotal movement and for vertical adjustment with respect to the base. The base of a first chair of the plurality of chairs is configured to allow for nesting within the base of a second chair of the plurality of chairs. A chair for use in a work space or the like is also disclosed. The chair includes a base having a nesting portion and a nested portion, a support coupled to the base, and a seat assembly coupled to the support and adapted for pivotal movement and for vertical adjustment with respect to the base. The nested portion of the base is configured to allow for nesting within the nesting portion of the base. The chair may also include a support in the form of a pedestal coupled to the base.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.Inventors: David J. Ritch, Mark Saffell, Steven P. Vassallo, Alan M. Vale, Kristine R. Chan-Lizardo, Robert L. Stewart
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Patent number: 6142566Abstract: A system of nestable chairs for use in a work environment is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of chairs. Each chair includes a base, a support coupled to the base, and a seat assembly coupled to the support and adapted for pivotal movement and for vertical adjustment with respect to the base. The base of a first chair of the plurality of chairs is configured to allow for nesting within the base of a second chair of the plurality of chairs. A chair for use in a work space or the like is also disclosed. The chair includes a base having a nesting portion and a nested portion, a support coupled to the base, and a seat assembly coupled to the support and adapted for pivotal movement and for vertical adjustment with respect to the base. The nested portion of the base is configured to allow for nesting within the nesting portion of the base. The chair may also include a support in the form of a pedestal coupled to the base.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1999Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.Inventors: David J. Ritch, Mark Saffell, Steven P. Vassallo, Alan M. Vale, Kristine R. Chan-Lizardo, Robert L. Stewart
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Patent number: 6062148Abstract: A counterbalance mechanism for height adjustable computer equipment supports and the like that includes a drive shaft mounted on an associated support for axial rotation. The drive shaft is operably connected with a worksurface to facilitate vertical adjustment of the same within a predetermined range. The counterbalance mechanism has a first energy storage device operably connected between the support and the drive shaft, which applies a first axial torque to the drive shaft in a first rotational direction. The first energy storage device is configured such that the first axial torque diminishes at a predetermined rate as the drive shaft rotates in the first rotational direction. A second energy storage device is operably connected between the support and the drive shaft, and applies a second axial torque to the drive shaft in a second rotational direction, opposite to the first rotational direction, thereby defining a resultant counterbalance force which facilitates vertical adjustment of the worksurface.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1998Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.Inventors: Andrew B. Hodge, Steven P. Vassallo, Alan M. Vale, Jonathan I. Kaplan, Bradley D. Youngs
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Patent number: 6030037Abstract: A system of nestable chairs for use in a work environment is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of chairs. Each chair includes a base, a support coupled to the base, and a seat assembly coupled to the support and adapted for pivotal movement and for vertical adjustment with respect to the base. The base of a first chair of the plurality of chairs is configured to allow for nesting within the base of a second chair of the plurality of chairs. A chair for use in a work space or the like is also disclosed. The chair includes a base having a nesting portion and a nested portion, a support coupled to the base, and a seat assembly coupled to the support and adapted for pivotal movement and for vertical adjustment with respect to the base. The nested portion of the base is configured to allow for nesting within the nesting portion of the base. The chair may also include a support in the form of a pedestal coupled to the base.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1998Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: David J. Ritch, Mark Saffell, Steven P. Vassallo, Alan M. Vale, Kristine R. Chan-Lizardo, Robert L. Stewart
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Patent number: D444008Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2000Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.Inventors: George J. Simons, Jr., Thomas Overthun, Thomas B. Eich, Alan M. Vale
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Patent number: D444972Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2000Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.Inventors: George J. Simons, Jr., Thomas Overthun, Thomas B. Eich, Alan M. Vale
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Patent number: D447369Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2000Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: Steelcase Development CorporationInventors: George J. Simons, Jr., Thomas Overthun, Thomas B. Eich, Alan M. Vale
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Patent number: D447653Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.Inventors: George J. Simons, Jr., Thomas Overthun, Thomas B. Eich, Alan M. Vale
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Patent number: D411928Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1998Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Assignee: Steelcase Inc.Inventors: David J. Ritch, Mark Saffell, Steven P. Vassallo, Alan M. Vale, Kristine R. Chan-Lizardo