Patents by Inventor Bernard J. Kerr

Bernard J. Kerr 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: 7356772
    Abstract: The present invention provides a user interface that includes a first column for chronologically displaying a set of messages (objects) in a conversation, and a second column for displaying a branch of messages (objects) corresponding to a message (object) selected in the first column. The user interface further includes, among other things, a list of participants to the conversation, a vertical index (time line), a list of related conversations and a conversation map that illustrates a hierarchy of the conversation. Each message (object) in the first column can have an associated indicator for indicating a quantity of predecessors and successors to the set of messages (objects), as well as an in-line reply button for replying to the set of messages. Each of the messages displayed of the second column can have one or more associated navigation buttons for navigating adjacent hierarchical levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Elizabeth A. Brownholtz, Werner Geyer, Bernard J. Kerr, David R. Millen, Michael Muller, Eric M. Wilcox, Andrew J. Witt
  • Patent number: 6983124
    Abstract: Provided are telecommunications devices and systems which incorporate and use radio frequency (RF) tag technology. Telecommunications devices in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention incorporate RF transceivers (readers) which are configured to read associated RF transponders (tags) in order to automatically dial desired telephone numbers without the need for a manual user interface. Tags in systems in accordance with this embodiment of the present invention may be attached to or incorporated with a myriad of items, including picture frames, consumer products and packaging, advertising and promotional material, electronic business cards, record-keeping systems, etc. Devices and systems in accordance with the present invention have a variety of telephony and non-telephony applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Vulcan Patents LLC
    Inventors: Oliver T. Bayley, Bernard J. Kerr, Geoffrey M. Smith, James E. Dishman, Mark A. McCabe, John M. Ananny
  • Patent number: 6717507
    Abstract: Provided are RF tags configured to access and/or control electronic media. These tags have a memory programmed to access a particular media source when polled by a RF transceiver connected with (preferably integrated with) a media player. The memory of tags may also be programmed with control parameters relating to the accessed piece of electronic media content. That is, the tags' memories may be written to with information relating to the tag user's preferences with respect to the piece of media, for example parameters such as volume or language for an audiovisual piece of media. Such preferences may be determined, for example, based on previous uses of the media. Or, the memory may register the place in the playback of the media when the tag is removed from the RF field of the RF transceiver so that playback may be resumed from that place when the tag again enters the field and is polled by the transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Interval Research Corporation
    Inventors: Oliver T. Bayley, Bernard J. Kerr, Geoffrey M. Smith, James E. Dishman, Mark A. McCabe
  • Patent number: 6611673
    Abstract: Provided are telecommunications devices and systems which incorporate and use radio frequency (RF) tag technology. Telecommunications devices in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention incorporate RF transceivers (readers) which are configured to read associated RF transponders (tags) in order to automatically dial desired telephone numbers without the need for a manual user interface. Tags in systems in accordance with this embodiment of the present invention may be attached to or incorporated with a myriad of items, including picture frames, consumer products and packaging, advertising and promotional material, electronic business cards, record-keeping systems, etc. Devices and systems in accordance with the present invention have a variety of telephony and non-telephony applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventors: Oliver T. Bayley, Bernard J. Kerr, Geoffrey M. Smith, James E. Dishman, Mark A. McCabe, John M. Ananny