Patents by Inventor Brian A. MacDonald
Brian A. 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).
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Patent number: 8769399Abstract: Computer-storage media, methods, and systems for formatting and surfacing a badge are provided. The badge represents a graphical region presented in visual association with a search result on a web-results page. The format of the badge is initially dictated by a template that is automatically generated. Upon collecting performance information, a website owner is granted permission to alter the template and appearance of the badge, via a publisher portal. During interaction with the publisher portal, the website owner is prompted to provide feedback in order to manage parameters of the badge, such as uploading a visual representation of a logo, trademark, or other branded element, or specifying a type of metadata to be imported to the graphical region. Accordingly, the badge operates to improve a users' ability to distinguish between search results on the web-results page and assists users in confidently deciding upon and selecting a relevant search result.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2011Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Daniel Marantz, Alec John Berntson, Darwin Kengo Yamamoto, Christina Marie Koehn, Steve Ballon, Keith Alan Regier, Brian Macdonald, Steven Tullis, Steven Macbeth, Rodney Coleman Edwards
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Publication number: 20140131544Abstract: A field installable support bracket assembly for an electrical box, wherein the electrical box is to be secured to a side surface of a first structural stud. The field installable support bracket assembly includes a stud bracket and an adjustable back bracket. The stud bracket includes a stud bracket member configured to be secured to a front surface of a second structural stud, and a stud bracket guiding rib. The adjustable back bracket includes a mounting panel configured to be secured to a back of the electrical box, and a back bracket guiding rib. The back bracket guiding rib and the stud bracket are configured to join the stud bracket to the adjustable back bracket. The field installable support bracket assembly is configured to provide support for the electrical box.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2013Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventors: Ioan-Liviu Lupsa, Michele Di Lillo, Daniel Lalancette, Brian MacDonald, Marc-Antoine Veillette
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Patent number: 8694505Abstract: Computer-implemented methods and a computing system are provided for presenting a new user interface paradigm which allows users to explore facets related to a search query term while maintaining the original state of the search query term or staying within the confines of the user defined topic. The methods and system present facets or categories of relevant topics of a user generated search query term. The user may then explore these facets in a number of embodiments while maintaining the state of the search.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2009Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Mira Lane, Javier Garcia Flynn, Paul Ray, Evan Malahy, Derrick Connell, Brian MacDonald
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Publication number: 20140025664Abstract: Computer-readable media and computerized methods are provided for identifying terms associated with one or more queries, including aspects directed to manipulating a list of terms associated with a query class by extracting terms, identifying equivalences or relevant terms, and condensing or expanding the list of terms. In embodiments, synonymous terms can be identified. An updated list of terms can be written to a storage location in association with a query or query class.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2013Publication date: January 23, 2014Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: SANAZ AHARI, Xiaoxin Yin, Farid Hosseini, Sarthak Shah, Adam Troy, Dan Fain, Brian MacDonald, Nikhil Dandekar, Michael Cameron
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Patent number: 8626784Abstract: Computer-readable media and methods for model-based searching to provide search results of relevance to a search topic are provided. A model describing a search framework for generating a plurality of search queries is provided. A number of search topics are identified and attributes are assigned to each search topic. Attribute data elements and values are provided to describe each to the assigned attributes for each search topic. The attributes inform the search framework in order to compile a plurality of search queries for the search topic. A search term is received from a user and a corresponding search topic is identified. The plurality of search queries are executed to obtain search results for the corresponding search topic. The search queries may be pre-executed and the search results cached in a computer memory for later retrieval. The search results are organized based on the model and are presented to the user.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2009Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Scott J. Beaudreau, Derrick L. Connell, James P. Dierkes, Jr., Brian MacDonald, Brian Scott Otto
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Patent number: 8572074Abstract: Computer-readable media and computerized methods for automatically organizing search results according to task groups are provided. The methods involve aggregating a gallery of entities (e.g., search queries that share a common categorization) into a query class and assigning a dictionary (e.g., list of terms that are drawn from various sources) to the query class. The task groups are identified from the list of terms within the dictionary. The process of identification includes analyzing patterns of user search behavior to select terms from the list of terms, which reflect popular user search intents, and ranking the selected terms based on predetermined parameters to produce an ordering. Based on the ordering, a set of the selected terms that are highest ranked are declared the task groups. The task groups are employed to arrange the search results on a UI display and to provide a consistent and intuitive format for refining a search.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2012Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Sanaz Ahari, Xiaoxin Yin, Farid Hosseini, Sarthak Shah, Adam Troy, Dan Fain, Brian MacDonald, Nikhil Dandekar, Michael Cameron
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Patent number: 8523506Abstract: Consistent with embodiments described herein, a one-piece staple for affixing electrical or communications wires or staples includes a body portion and at least three leg elements extending from the body portion. The first leg element and the second leg element define a first cable receiving area, and the second leg element and the third leg element define a second cable receiving area. The at least three leg elements are configured for secure insertion into a structural support element.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2010Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Inventors: Brian MacDonald, Daniel Lalancette, Mike Di Lillo
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Publication number: 20130166543Abstract: A search engine that resides on a local computer to enable query intent analysis, results ranking, and relevance processing over data of both local and remote data sources. The architecture also employs a global access component, which is a unified interface to disparate data discovery paradigms. The global access component provides access to corresponding disparate datasets of the paradigms for creating aggregation of information. A local search engine creates the aggregations of information from the disparate datasets via the global access component and processes a query against the aggregations of information to return search results.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2011Publication date: June 27, 2013Applicant: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Brian MacDonald, Mira Lane, Bhrighu Sareen, Arun D. Poondi, Gaurang Prajapati, Karthik Gopal
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Publication number: 20130007587Abstract: Computer-storage media, methods, and systems for formatting and surfacing a badge are provided. The badge represents a graphical region presented in visual association with a search result on a web-results page. The format of the badge is initially dictated by a template that is automatically generated. Upon collecting performance information, a website owner is granted permission to alter the template and appearance of the badge, via a publisher portal. During interaction with the publisher portal, the website owner is prompted to provide feedback in order to manage parameters of the badge, such as uploading a visual representation of a logo, trademark, or other branded element, or specifying a type of metadata to be imported to the graphical region. Accordingly, the badge operates to improve a users' ability to distinguish between search results on the web-results page and assists users in confidently deciding upon and selecting a relevant search result.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: DANIEL MARANTZ, ALEC JOHN BERNTSON, DARWIN KENGO YAMAMOTO, CHRISTINA MARIE KOEHN, STEVE BALLON, KEITH ALAN REGIER, BRIAN MACDONALD, STEVEN TULLIS, STEVEN MACBETH, RODNEY COLEMAN EDWARDS
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Publication number: 20120209835Abstract: Computer-readable media and computerized methods for automatically organizing search results according to task groups are provided. The methods involve aggregating a gallery of entities (e.g., search queries that share a common categorization) into a query class and assigning a dictionary (e.g., list of terms that are drawn from various sources) to the query class. The task groups are identified from the list of terms within the dictionary. The process of identification includes analyzing patterns of user search behavior to select terms from the list of terms, which reflect popular user search intents, and ranking the selected terms based on predetermined parameters to produce an ordering. Based on the ordering, a set of the selected terms that are highest ranked are declared the task groups. The task groups are employed to arrange the search results on a UI display and to provide a consistent and intuitive format for refining a search.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2012Publication date: August 16, 2012Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: Sanaz Ahari, Xiaoxin Yin, Farid Hosseini, Sarthak Shah, Adam Troy, Dan Fain, Brian MacDonald, Nikhil Dandekar, Michael Cameron
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Patent number: 8190601Abstract: Computer-readable media and computerized methods for automatically organizing search results according to task groups are provided. The methods involve aggregating a gallery of entities (e.g., search queries that share a common categorization) into a query class and assigning a dictionary (e.g., list of terms that are drawn from various sources) to the query class. The task groups are identified from the list of terms within the dictionary. The process of identification includes analyzing patterns of user search behavior to select terms from the list of terms, which reflect popular user search intents, and ranking the selected terms based on predetermined parameters to produce an ordering. Based on the ordering, a set of the selected terms that are highest ranked are declared the task groups. The task groups are employed to arrange the search results on a UI display and to provide a consistent and intuitive format for refining a search.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2009Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: Sanaz Ahari, Xiaoxin Yin, Farid Hosseini, Sarthak Shah, Adam Troy, Daniel C. Fain, Brian MacDonald, Nikhil Dandekar, Michael Cameron
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Publication number: 20110320443Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer media for enhancing search results, as well as user interfaces for performing search queries and navigating search results, are provided. A search query is received from a user. A plurality of web pages relevant to the search query are identified. At least one of the relevant web pages is identified as popular. A search result page is generated including a search result listing and a search result page header. The search result page header includes a link to the popular web page to provide the user with a quick and easy way to select a popular web page relevant to the user's search query.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: Paul Ronald Ray, Brian MacDonald, Steven W. Macbeth, Mira Lane, Laura Kern, Rodney Coleman Edwards, Steven Tullis, Sanaz Ahari, Daniel Marantz
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Publication number: 20110060752Abstract: Computer-implemented methods and a computing system are provided for presenting a new user interface paradigm which allows users to explore facets related to a search query term while maintaining the original state of the search query term or staying within the confines of the user defined topic. The methods and system present facets or categories of relevant topics of a user generated search query term. The user may then explore these facets in a number of embodiments while maintaining the state of the search.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2009Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: MIRA LANE, JAVIER GARCIA FLYNN, PAUL RAY, EVAN MALAHY, DERRICK CONNELL, BRIAN MacDONALD
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Publication number: 20110038689Abstract: Consistent with embodiments described herein, a one-piece staple for affixing electrical or communications wires or staples includes a body portion and at least three leg elements extending from the body portion. The first leg element and the second leg element define a first cable receiving area, and the second leg element and the third leg element define a second cable receiving area. The at least three leg elements are configured for secure insertion into a structural support element.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2010Publication date: February 17, 2011Applicant: THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventors: Brian MacDonald, Daniel Lalancette, Mike Di Lillo
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Publication number: 20100299343Abstract: Computer-readable media and computerized methods for automatically organizing search results according to task groups are provided. The methods involve aggregating a gallery of entities (e.g., search queries that share a common categorization) into a query class and assigning a dictionary (e.g., list of terms that are drawn from various sources) to the query class. The task groups are identified from the list of terms within the dictionary. The process of identification includes analyzing patterns of user search behavior to select terms from the list of terms, which reflect popular user search intents, and ranking the selected terms based on predetermined parameters to produce an ordering. Based on the ordering, a set of the selected terms that are highest ranked are declared the task groups. The task groups are employed to arrange the search results on a UI display and to provide a consistent and intuitive format for refining a search.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2009Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: Sanaz Ahari, Xiaoxin Yin, Farid Hosseini, Sarthak Shah, Adam Troy, Daniel C. Fain, Brian MacDonald, Nikhil Dandekar, Michael Cameron
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Publication number: 20100287175Abstract: Computer-readable media and methods for model-based searching to provide search results of relevance to a search topic are provided. A model describing a search framework for generating a plurality of search queries is provided. A number of search topics are identified and attributes are assigned to each search topic. Attribute data elements and values are provided to describe each to the assigned attributes for each search topic. The attributes inform the search framework in order to compile a plurality of search queries for the search topic. A search term is received from a user and a corresponding search topic is identified. The plurality of search queries are executed to obtain search results for the corresponding search topic. The search queries may be pre-executed and the search results cached in a computer memory for later retrieval. The search results are organized based on the model and are presented to the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2009Publication date: November 11, 2010Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: Scott J. Beaudreau, Derrick L. Connell, James P. Dierkes, JR., Brian MacDonald, Brian Scott Otto
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Publication number: 20100146012Abstract: An embodiment of the current invention is directed to presenting a preview of search results for a suggested search. A search engine query is received. One or more search results are generated. One or more suggested, search terms are generated. A search engine results page is generated, including the one or more search results and the one or more suggested, search terms. An indication is received, indicating that a preview of search results related to a selected, suggested, search term is to be displayed. A preview window including a results section and a menu-bar section is generated. One or more search results related to the selected, suggested, search term are acquired. The one or more search results are presented in the preview window. The preview window allows interaction with the one or more search results.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2008Publication date: June 10, 2010Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: Scott Beaudreau, Jamie Buckley, Deana R. Fuller, Mira Lane, Brian MacDonald, Hugh Williams
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Patent number: 7568297Abstract: An improved vertical aeration system is provided for a grain bin having a sloped hopper bottom with a discharge opening. A pyramid frame includes legs with lower ends attachable to the hopper bottom. Concave perforated walls are attached to the legs. Braces extending between the legs provide structural support for the walls. An air duct extends upwardly and centrally into the interior of the frame, to supply air into the aeration system for flow outwardly through the perforated walls.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2006Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: Woodhaven Capital Corp.Inventors: Ken Pierson, Brian Macdonald, John Penner
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Publication number: 20090042774Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel methods of treating a subject with a bone deficit disorder. The methods generally include administering to a subject in need thereof a pharmaceutically acceptable formulation comprising a parathyroid hormone (PTH) peptide analogue in a daily dose sufficient to result in an effective pharmacokinetic profile and maintained adenylate cyclase activity, while simultaneously reducing undesirable side effects.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2007Publication date: February 12, 2009Inventors: Paul Morley, Martin Stogniew, Brian MacDonald, Gene Scott Merutka, Nagesh Palepu
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Patent number: D625591Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2009Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventors: Brian MacDonald, Daniel Lalancette, Mike Di Lillo