Patents by Inventor Alan MacDonald

Alan MacDonald 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).

  • Publication number: 20230291676
    Abstract: Examples provide a network testing solution using a remote-controlled testing device. A test device includes a computing device for executing network performance testing logic and a cellular device. The test device controls the cellular device via a series of commands issued to the cellular device by the computing device. The test device is placed onto or inside a vehicle. As the vehicle moves through a geographical area, the test device automatically and autonomously performs network testing operations. The test data generated during the test is periodically uploaded to a central controller. The central controller aggregates test data received from a plurality of test devices assigned to a plurality of vehicles for a given campaign. The aggregated test data is analyzed and filtered to generate performance test results. A user can dynamically set up each campaign and assign test devices and vehicles to each campaign using a graphical user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Stephan Lagerholm, Alan MacDonald, Sylvester Nowak, Ryan Colter, Timur Kochiev, Egil Gronstad, Elisabeth Mansfield
  • Patent number: 11695679
    Abstract: Examples provide a network testing solution using a remote-controlled testing device. A test device includes a computing device for executing network performance testing logic and a cellular device. The test device controls the cellular device via a series of commands issued to the cellular device by the computing device. The test device is placed onto or inside a vehicle. As the vehicle moves through a geographical area, the test device automatically and autonomously performs network testing operations. The test data generated during the test is periodically uploaded to a central controller. The central controller aggregates test data received from a plurality of test devices assigned to a plurality of vehicles for a given campaign. The aggregated test data is analyzed and filtered to generate performance test results. A user can dynamically set up each campaign and assign test devices and vehicles to each campaign using a graphical user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: T-Mobile USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephan Lagerholm, Alan MacDonald, Sylvester Nowak, Ryan Colter, Timur Kochiev, Egil Gronstad, Elisabeth Mansfield
  • Patent number: 11374665
    Abstract: Multiple Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) measurements are obtained at a sampling location for non-millimeter wave radio signals of multiple non-millimeter wave frequencies originating from an antenna site of a base station. A line-of-sight (LOS) distance, an azimuth angle, and an elevation angle between the antenna site and the sampling location are computed. A corresponding Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) measurement at the sampling location for each non-millimeter wave radio signal of the non-millimeter wave radio signals is calculated based on a radio transmission power and an antenna gain factor associated with each non-millimeter wave radio signal. A corresponding path loss exponent at the sampling location for each non-millimeter wave radio signal is then computed based at least on a difference between a corresponding RSRP measurement and the corresponding EIRP measurement, the LOS distance, and a wavelength of a corresponding non-millimeter wave frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: T-Mobile USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Ryan, Alan MacDonald, Marcellin Kibonge
  • Patent number: 9420081
    Abstract: A system and method for providing voice communications with desired characteristics based upon the intended recipient of a voice communication. An apparatus includes a list of dial strings associated with parties having desired voice communication characteristics. A dial string entered by a user and associated with an intended recipient is compared to a list of preferred dial strings to determine the characteristics of an encoded voice signal to be sent to the recipient. The apparatus can include a vocoder having different bit rate modes and a bit rate mode is selected based upon the dial string entered by a user. Dial strings can be stored at the device or on a network. The apparatus can include a mode selector to select a desired vocoder mode to generate an encoded voice signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: Jun Shen, Jack Denenberg, Alan MacDonald
  • Patent number: 8861598
    Abstract: Particular embodiments generally relate to video compression. In one embodiment, a store of reference frames is provided in memory. The reference frames may be classified based on a plurality of classifiers. The classifiers may correspond to features that are found in the reference frame. A frame to encode is then received. The frame is analyzed to determine features found in the frame. As macroblocks in the frame are encoded, a macroblock is analyzed to determine which feature may be included in the macroblock. The feature is used to determine a classifier, which is used to determine a subset of the reference frames. The subset is then searched to determine a reference frame for the macroblock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: William Mauchly, Joseph T. Friel, Alan MacDonald, Dihong Tian, Wen-Hsiung Chen, Michael A. Arnao
  • Publication number: 20140200049
    Abstract: A system and method for providing voice communications with desired characteristics based upon the intended recipient of a voice communication. An apparatus includes a list of dial strings associated with parties having desired voice communication characteristics. A dial string entered by a user and associated with an intended recipient is compared to a list of preferred dial strings to determine the characteristics of an encoded voice signal to be sent to the recipient. The apparatus can include a vocoder having different bit rate modes and a bit rate mode is selected based upon the dial string entered by a user. Dial strings can be stored at the device or on a network. The apparatus can include a mode selector to select a desired vocoder mode to generate an encoded voice signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: Jun Shen, Jack Denenberg, Alan MacDonald
  • Patent number: 8676575
    Abstract: A system and method for providing voice communications with desired characteristics based upon the intended recipient of a voice communication. An apparatus includes a list of dial strings associated with parties having desired voice communication characteristics. A dial string entered by a user and associated with an intended recipient is compared to a list of preferred dial strings to determine the characteristics of an encoded voice signal to be sent to the recipient. The apparatus can include a vocoder having different bit rate modes and a bit rate mode is selected based upon the dial string entered by a user. Dial strings can be stored at the device or on a network. The apparatus can include a mode selector to select a desired vocoder mode to generate an encoded voice signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: Jun Shen, Jack Denenberg, Alan MacDonald
  • Patent number: 8318241
    Abstract: A method of manufacture of an electrode for a fuel cell, the method comprising at least the steps of: (a) providing an electrode substrate; (b) contacting at least a part of the electrode substrate with an electroless plating solution comprising a reducing agent, a metal precursor and a suspension of particulate material; and (c) electrolessly plating the metal from the metal precursor onto the contacted part of the electrode substrate, thereby co-depositing the particulate material on the contacted part of the electrode substrate to provide the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: The Court of Edinburgh Napier University
    Inventors: William John Waugh, Alan MacDonald Davidson
  • Publication number: 20110017702
    Abstract: A method of manufacture of an electrode for a fuel cell, the method comprising at least the steps of: (a) providing an electrode substrate; (b) contacting at least a part of the electrode substrate with an electroless plating solution comprising a reducing agent, a metal precursor and a suspension of particulate material; and (c) electrolessly plating the metal from the metal precursor onto the contacted part of the electrode substrate, thereby co-depositing the particulate material on the contacted part of the electrode substrate to provide the electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: William John Waugh, Alan MacDonald Davidson
  • Publication number: 20100075653
    Abstract: A system and method for providing voice communications with desired characteristics based upon the intended recipient of a voice communication. An apparatus includes a list of dial strings associated with parties having desired voice communication characteristics. A dial string entered by a user and associated with an intended recipient is compared to a list of preferred dial strings to determine the characteristics of an encoded voice signal to be sent to the recipient. The apparatus can include a vocoder having different bit rate modes and a bit rate mode is selected based upon the dial string entered by a user. Dial strings can be stored at the device or on a network. The apparatus can include a mode selector to select a desired vocoder mode to generate an encoded voice signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Jun Shen, Jack Denenberg, Alan MacDonald
  • Patent number: 7630885
    Abstract: A system and method for providing voice communications with desired characteristics based upon the intended recipient of a voice communication. An apparatus includes a list of dial strings associated with parties having desired voice communication characteristics. A dial string entered by a user and associated with an intended recipient is compared to a list of preferred dial strings to determine the characteristics of an encoded voice signal to be sent to the recipient. The apparatus can include a vocoder having different bit rate modes and a bit rate mode is selected based upon the dial string entered by a user. Dial strings can be stored at the device or on a network. The apparatus can include a mode selector to select a desired vocoder mode to generate an encoded voice signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: Jun Shen, Jack Denenberg, Alan MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20090238278
    Abstract: Particular embodiments generally relate to video compression. In one embodiment, a store of reference frames is provided in memory. The reference frames may be classified based on a plurality of classifiers. The classifiers may correspond to features that are found in the reference frame. A frame to encode is then received. The frame is analyzed to determine features found in the frame. As macroblocks in the frame are encoded, a macroblock is analyzed to determine which feature may be included in the macroblock. The feature is used to determine a classifier, which is used to determine a subset of the reference frames. The subset is then searched to determine a reference frame for the macroblock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: William Mauchly, Joseph T. Friel, Alan MacDonald, Dihong Tian, Wen-Hsiung Chen, Michael A. Arnao
  • Publication number: 20070125611
    Abstract: An integrated shock absorber assembly which integrates a shock absorber with a jounce stop and a coil spring. At an upper end of the cylinder of the shock absorber is a bumper cap in the form a robust annular washer. A jounce stop includes a bump cushion, a cushion cup having dimpling to provide a cup abutment, and a jounce stop bracket for attachment to the motor vehicle frame. As maximum jounce is approached, the bumper cap resiliently compresses the bump cushion, and in a maximum jounce, the bumper cap strikes, metal-to-metal, the cup abutment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventors: Namir Zara, Alan MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20060148484
    Abstract: Coverage areas for wireless networks are divided into a plurality of cells that are arranged in rows. Channel frequencies are assigned to cell sectors and associated with respective antenna axes. The antenna axes of adjacent rows are alternatingly rotated, thereby reducing co-channel interference. In an example, an available bandwidth is divided into twelve channel frequencies, so that a cell cluster includes four cells. Co-channel cells associated with half the channel frequencies are assigned to cells in the first row of cells, and the remainder are assigned to cells in the second row.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Publication date: July 6, 2006
    Inventors: Ming Zhang, Alan MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20050045770
    Abstract: A pump system for loading fluid into a tank onboard a translating aircraft includes a substantially rigid tube member having a diving device on the distal end of the tube member. A strut structure may also be provided on a front face of the tube member. In use, the tube member is directed rearward relative to the translating aircraft so that splashing of fluid onto the underside of the aircraft is substantially avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Publication date: March 3, 2005
    Inventors: Lee Ramage, Alan MacDonald, Rory Parker
  • Publication number: 20050040611
    Abstract: A payload monitoring system for a vehicle includes a first spring device and a first pressure transducer. The first pressure transducer generates a first pressure signal based on a pressure of the first spring device. A controller determines a payload of the vehicle based on the first pressure signal. The controller indicates the payload to an operator. The controller signals a warning if the payload is greater than a payload threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Publication date: February 24, 2005
    Inventors: Scott Williston, Alan MacDonald, James Kowalik
  • Patent number: 5638081
    Abstract: An antenna for use in urban areas and the like, wherein the antenna is of a design that can be attached to the exterior corner of a building. The antenna is designed to be a low-profile configuration and conformal so as to maximize the aesthetic quality. The antenna also has a continuous backplane so as to create a radiation pattern that will allow substantially complete coverage of an intersection that is adjacent to the location of the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: AT&T
    Inventors: Alan MacDonald, Jake Rasweiler
  • Patent number: 5602932
    Abstract: Image analysis apparatus comprises a two dimensional array of photodetectors (80) for receiving light from pixels of a display screen (90). The intensity values generated by the photodetectors (80) in response to incident light from the pixels are stored in a memory (40). The photodetectors' spatial geometry is mapped onto the display screen's known pixel geometry. A processor (50) determines one or more performance parameters of the display screen (90) as a function of the intensity values stored in the memory (40) and of the photodetectors mapped spatial geometry (80). Calibration and correlation problems associated with prior art measurement techniques are avoided by mapping the spacing of the array of photodetectors onto the known geometry of the display pixel structure. Also, the apparatus can be conveniently incorporated into a handset and therefore does not require complicated positioning jigs in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Macdonald, Ian Miller
  • Patent number: 4340419
    Abstract: Non-phytotoxic antidotally effective amounts of compounds having the formula ##STR1## in which R is selected from the group consisting of haloalkyl having 1-4 carbon atoms and alkylamino having 1-4 carbon atoms;R.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl having 1-4 carbon atoms, haloalkyl having 1-4 carbon atoms and chloro; andR.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of haloalkyl having 1-4 carbon atoms and N-dichloroacetylethylamino protect crops from thiolcarbamate herbicidal injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1982
    Assignee: Stauffer Chemical Company
    Inventors: Alan A. MacDonald, Ferenc M. Pallos, Eugene G. Teach
  • Patent number: D383463
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: AT&T Wireless Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan MacDonald, Jake Rasweiler