Patents by Inventor Alan Ward
Alan Ward 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: 20090063301Abstract: Improved approaches to electronically deliver digital assets to appropriate electronic devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a user can purchase access rights to one or more digital assets from an online digital asset store, and then the one or more digital assets can be electronically delivered to one or more electronic devices associated with the user. Advantageously, different types of digital assets can be delivered to different electronic devices of the user, whereby limited resources of the different electronic devices can be used in a more intelligent manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2007Publication date: March 5, 2009Inventors: Alan Ward, Colin Meldrum, Payam Mirrashidi, Patrice Gautier, Jeffrey L. Robbin
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Publication number: 20080300098Abstract: A damped planetary transmission comprising an input member, an inertial member connected to the input member, a planetary gear assembly connected to the input member, the planetary gear assembly comprising a carrier member that is directly and fixedly connected to the input member, a brake member engaged with a ring gear of the planetary gear assembly, the planetary gear assembly connected to an output member, a one-way clutch operationally disposed between the input member and the output member, and a vibration isolator directly connected for torque flow between the input member and the one-way clutch.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2008Publication date: December 4, 2008Inventors: Alexander SERKH, Peter Alan WARD
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Publication number: 20080274844Abstract: The present invention is directed to a false activation reducing centrifugal activation system. The system is an activation system that may be used to activate a wide variety of functionalities in a wide variety of devices. The functional elements to the system are a device housing, a power supply module, and one or more activation modules that are activated by a particular motion of the housing, such as when the device housing is able to at least partially spin or rotate about one or more axis' of rotation. The disclosed activation modules include a centrifugally activated electronic system that allows a device's functionality to be turned on or off by moving the device's housing in a particular fashion. In this way, a device equipped with the disclosed centrifugally activated electronic system does not need to have a manual ON/OFF switch or fragile mechanical switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2008Publication date: November 6, 2008Applicant: EMD3Inventor: Thomas Alan Ward
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Publication number: 20080134032Abstract: Systems, graphical user interfaces and methods for upgrading from one or more digital media assets to a set of digital media assets over a network are described. A potential purchaser can be notified of available upgrade opportunities that are available for purchase. The potential purchaser can elect to pursue an upgrade opportunity so as to purchase a set of digital media assets. Upon upgrading to the set of digital media assets, the digital media assets within the set of digital media assets are made available to the purchaser. According to one aspect, a graphical user interface facilitates presenting and requesting upgrade opportunities. According to another aspect, equivalency rules and/or eligibility rules can be used to control which sets of digital media assets are available for upgrade by respective potential purchasers.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2008Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventors: Tracy Pirnack, Patrice Gautier, Debra Ameerally, Hiro Mitsuji, Alan Ward, George Campbell, Darren Lew, Sam Gharabally
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Publication number: 20080120609Abstract: Systems and methods for upgrading from one or more digital media assets to a set of digital media assets over a network are described. A potential purchaser can be notified of available upgrade opportunities that are available for purchase. The potential purchaser can elect to pursue an upgrade opportunity so as to purchase a set of digital media assets. Upon upgrading to the set of digital media assets, the digital media assets within the set of digital media assets are made available to the purchaser. Typically, on upgrading from one or more of the digital media assets in the set of digital media assets to the entire set of digital media assets, the purchaser pays a lower cost than would be otherwise charged if the purchaser were to purchase the set of digital media assets in a non-upgrade manner. The cost associated with an upgrade opportunity can be based on prior purchases of digital media assets in the set of digital media assets.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2007Publication date: May 22, 2008Inventors: Patrick Gates, Richard Wagner, Damen Law, Sam Gharabsty, Tracy Pirnack, Patrice Gautier, Debra Ameerally, Hiro Mitsuji, Alan Ward
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Publication number: 20080120199Abstract: Systems and methods for upgrading from one or more digital media assets to a set of digital media assets over a network are described. A potential purchaser can be notified of available upgrade opportunities that are available for purchase. The potential purchaser can elect to pursue an upgrade opportunity so as to purchase a set of digital media assets. Upon upgrading to the set of digital media assets, the digital media assets within the set of digital media assets are made available to the purchaser. Typically, on upgrading from one or more of the digital media assets in the set of digital media assets to the entire set of digital media assets, the purchaser pays a lower cost than would be otherwise charged if the purchaser were to purchase the set of digital media assets in a non-upgrade manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2006Publication date: May 22, 2008Inventors: Tracy Pirnack, Patrice Gautier, Debra Ameerally, Hiro Mitsuji, Alan Ward
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Patent number: 7321179Abstract: The present invention comprises a U-bolt connector for connecting pairs of stator coil headers 2 with ball headers 6 comprising, a U-bolt 16, top capping pieces 18,20, bottom capping pieces 20, 21, a variable piece 24, and a tightening mechanism 26. The top capping pieces 18,20 secure one ball connector in the pair of stator coil headers and the bottom capping pieces 20, 21 secure another ball connector in the pair of stator coil headers, while the variable piece 24 is disposed between the top capping pieces and the bottom capping pieces. The U-bolt 16 embraces the top capping pieces 18,20, the bottom capping pieces 20, 21 and the variable piece 24, where the tightening mechanism 26 holds the U-bolt tightly to the top capping pieces, the bottom capping pieces and the variable piece and is located at the end of the U-bolt.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2005Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Siemens Power Generation, Inc.Inventors: Robert Alan Ward, Anthony Dean Renda
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Publication number: 20080013119Abstract: A method for generating transposed image data for use in an imaging apparatus having access to a memory includes (a) generating a set of data blocks corresponding to at least a portion of image data representing an image to be printed; (b) performing a combined format and transpose operation on the set of data blocks; and (c) storing a result of the combined format and transpose operation in the memory.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2006Publication date: January 17, 2008Inventors: Christopher Wilson Case, David A. Crutchfield, James Alan Ward
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Publication number: 20070208583Abstract: Computing the popularity of a source of serial online content based upon a number of subscriptions to the source of serial online content is disclosed. In some embodiments, upon receiving an indication that a subscription to a source of serial online content has been requested, a popularity score for the source of serial online content is computed based at least in part on a decayed count of subscriptions to the source of serial online content over a prescribed time period. In some embodiments, the computation of the popularity score includes time decaying the count of subscriptions by multiplying by a decay factor at prescribed time intervals. In some embodiments, the popularity scores of a plurality of sources of serial online content are sorted and ranked, to generate, for example, a listing of the most popular sources of serial online content.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2006Publication date: September 6, 2007Inventor: Alan Ward
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Publication number: 20070166687Abstract: Improved graphical user interfaces and techniques for providing remote media content to users are disclosed. According to one aspect, an application window display on a display device can expose a user not only to local media content but also to remote media content that is associated with the local media content. The local media content is stored locally, while the remote media content is stored remotely and available from a remote media server. According to another aspect, the remote media content to be displayed can be determined in a manner that is dependent on a user interaction with the local media content. According to still a further aspect, the manner by which the remote media content is displayed can be dependent on the availability of remote media content at the remote media server.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2006Publication date: July 19, 2007Inventors: Chris Bell, Alan Ward, Colin Meldrum, Timothy Benjamin Martin
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Patent number: 7190473Abstract: A stand-alone printing apparatus for transferring one or more digital photographs captured by a digital device to a printable medium. The printing apparatus includes an input member for receiving the digital photographs from a source and image processing for generating an image corresponding to each of the digital photographs. A graphical user interface with video display is integrated within the printing apparatus and includes a plurality of different states in which to preview the digital photograph images, select photographs for printing, and preview a printed page of selected photographs.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2000Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Inventors: Sherry Anderson Cook, Joseph Wade Luciano, John Anthony Moore, Brandon Lynn Satanek, James Alan Ward
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Publication number: 20070028109Abstract: In accordance with a broad aspect, a method is provided to securely configure a computing device. A configuration indication is received into the computing device, including receiving a digital signature generated based on the configuration indication. Generation of the digital signature accounts for a unique identifier nominally associated with the computing device. The received configuration indication is verified to be authentic including processing the unique identifier, the received configuration indication and the received digital signature. The computing device is operated or interoperated with in accordance with the received configuration indication. In one example, a service interoperates with the computing device. The configuration indication and digital signature are provided from the computing device to the service, and the service interoperates with the computing device in accordance with the configuration indication and the digital signature.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2005Publication date: February 1, 2007Inventors: Christopher Wysocki, Alan Ward
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Publication number: 20070028120Abstract: Improved techniques to update software in electronic devices that are already in use are disclosed. In one embodiment, software can be updated in a secure and controlled manner using cryptography. The authenticity of the updated software as well as its appropriateness for the particular electronic device can be confirmed prior to update. The software can also be updated on a per module basis. In one embodiment, a server hosts software updates for various electronic devices, and supplies the appropriate software update to the electronic devices via a data network.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2005Publication date: February 1, 2007Inventors: Christopher Wysocki, Alan Ward
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Patent number: 7088020Abstract: A header (10) for use with an inner-cooled half coil (13) in a stator phase winding of an electrical generator. The half coil may include a stack of cooling tubes (16,18) with a first stack of conductive strands (20, 22, 24, 26) adjacent a first side of the stack of cooling tubes and a second stack of conductive strands (20, 22, 24, 26) adjacent a second side of the stack of cooling tubes. A header (10) is conductively bonded (92) by brazing to each strand of the first stack of conductive strands (20, 22, 24, 26) and to each strand of the second stack of conductive strands (20, 22, 24, 26) for consolidating the first and second stacks of conductive strands. A means (34, 36) for allowing a coolant to flow through the header (10) may be provided to allow coolant to flow through the stack of cooling tubes (16, 18).Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2003Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Siemens Power Generation, Inc.Inventors: Henry Mason Holly, III, Rex Joel Baker, Kenneth E. Larson, Jeffrey Neal Lankford, Donnie R. Hartman, Bradley Graves Bardsdale, David E. Hulsey, Thomas M. Majernik, Greyson L. Mellon, Robert Alan Ward, Curtis E. Bass
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Publication number: 20060061068Abstract: A vibration damper gasket is provided for a vibration damper gasket mounting an airbag inflator within an airbag module such that the airbag inflator may serve as a vibration damper for the vehicle. The vibration damper gaskets include a mounting ring sized and designed to fit about the edge of an airbag inflator flange. The mounting ring generally includes upper and lower retention arms and an adapter groove positioned between the retention arms for receiving the edge of the airbag inflator flange. The mounting ring also has a compression column provided on an outside surface of the mounting ring to allow the gasket to be compression-mounted within a vehicle. The vibration damper gaskets of the invention additionally include at least one inflator ground extending along an inside surface of the mounting ring from at least an upper contact surface of the upper retention arm continuously across the adapter groove to a lower contact surface of the lower retention arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2004Publication date: March 23, 2006Inventors: Krista Nash, Alan Ward, Mark Bunker, Jeff Morley, Merle Ricks
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Patent number: 6948939Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention is an MLB assembly 6 that is made up of two circular terminal conductor ends 2, 4. Multiple fins 10 radially extend from each of the two circular terminal conductor ends 2, 4, and each fin on each of the two circular terminal conductor ends has a matching fin on the other of the two circular terminal ends. Multiple flexible connectors 8 are attached to the fins 10 that electrically connects the terminal conductors 2, 4. The flexible connectors 8 also allow for a difference of movement between the two circular terminal ends. Current flowing through the MBL assembly 16 is evenly distributed 18 through the plurality of flexible connectors.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2004Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Assignee: Siemens Westinghouse Power CorporationInventors: Viktor Kogan, Sean Woosley, Robert Alan Ward
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Publication number: 20050125783Abstract: In some embodiments, a code generating system comprises a compiler that receives source code written in a high-level programming language and generates object code and intermediate code. In addition, the code generating system comprises a linker that receives the object code and the intermediate code and sends the intermediate code to a code optimizer that is coupled to the compiler. In some embodiments, the intermediate code generated by the compiler is stored in a magnetic storage device before being sent to the linker. In other embodiments, the intermediate code is stored in non-volatile memory before being set to the linker.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2003Publication date: June 9, 2005Applicant: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Reid Tatge, Alan Davis, Alan Ward
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Patent number: 6845858Abstract: A concrete chute is extruded in two sections for permitting a light weight chute to be constructed wherein the sections are welded together and reinforced with a bottom stiffener for ensuring stability of the chute. A liner is designed to be installed from a distal or front end of the chute for facilitating the insertion and removal of the liner. The liner fits within an extruded slide disposed along the edges of the chute and is secured to the distal end of the chute by a liner retainer to ensure that concrete does not seep between the liner and the chute. An extruded pin retainer is provided that is positioned on a proximal end of the chute for enabling attachment of the chute to a cement truck or to the distal end of an adjacent chute during use in dispensing concrete from the truck.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2004Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Assignee: Summit Manufacturing CorporationInventors: David Wayne McVay, Alan Ward Zemen
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Patent number: 6817697Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for formatting hardware for a printhead, for use in a printing device. The systems and methods of the present invention can support the formatting function with hardware formatting logic. This hardware formatting logic can support multiple printhead platforms. The hardware formatting logic of the present invention can perform bit shifting, resolution reduction, bit per pixel reduction, data masking for shingling, and input data sourcing. The present invention can also include a system processor further including an embedded ARM processor which can fetch and execute instructions and/or firmware. These instructions can direct the embedded processor to configure a format block included within the system processor. The format block can be configured by the system processor via one or more control registers.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2003Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.Inventors: John Bates, David Allen Crutchfield, James Alan Ward
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Publication number: 20040207879Abstract: Error diffusion is performed upon input image data. In one aspect, multiple error diffusion processing elements perform error diffusion on a selected pixel in parallel. In another aspect, the error diffusion logic is integrally formed with a fast local memory in the same electronic device, such as an ASIC. The error data produced by the error diffusion logic for a pixel is buffered in the fast local memory until it is to be used by the error diffusion logic on other pixels. In still another aspect, a first-in-first-out (FIFO) buffer regulates or buffers the color image data between the output of a color conversion system, such as a colorant lookup table, and the input an error diffusion processing element. In yet another aspect, the error diffusion logic has tagging logic that produces and stores an indicator, either in the output data stream itself or in a separate area, to indicate whether a raster contains printable data.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2003Publication date: October 21, 2004Inventors: James Ray Bailey, Curt Paul Breswick, David Allen Crutchfield, Ronald Edward Garnett, Bob Thai Pham, James Alan Ward