Patents by Inventor Brian K. Elias

Brian K. Elias 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: 7617622
    Abstract: An apparatus and related method for conveying information associated with containers. The apparatus comprises a container supporting modification means which when selectively altered effectively changes the appearance of the container such that a unique visual communication is produced. The related method comprises selectively altering the modification means supported by the container thereby providing a unique visual communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventor: Brian K. Elias
  • Publication number: 20090157679
    Abstract: Disclosed methods and computer program products provide tools for analyzing documents. For example, a computer program product that is stored on a computer-readable storage medium includes instructions that, when executed, cause a computer system to perform certain steps. The steps include, for example, receiving a selection of two or more documents for comparison, the documents including numbered sections, and automatically determining matching numbered sections between the two or more documents. In one embodiment, the steps further include, in response to the determining, displaying in a graphical user interface a representation of a first set of numbered sections from a first of the documents and a representation of a second set of numbered sections from a second of the documents, and indicating, in the graphical user interface, matching numbered sections between the first set of numbered sections and the second set of numbered sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Brian K. Elias, Matthew C. Morrise
  • Publication number: 20080281860
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for analyzing documents. In one implementation, a computer implemented method is provided for analyzing a patent application and providing a visual representation. According to the method, a selection is received from a user to view claims of the patent application in a claim tree hierarchy and a computer displays the claims in the claim tree hierarchy on a display. The claim tree hierarchy visually depicts relationships between the claims. The method identifies one or more words of at least one of the claims that constitutes an element and displays, in the claim tree hierarchy, the words constituting the element in association with the claim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Brian K. Elias, Matthew C. Morrise, Om Chauhan, Ningjun Wang
  • Patent number: 6868627
    Abstract: An apparatus and related method for conveying information associated with containers. The apparatus comprises a container supporting modification means which when selectively altered effectively changes the appearance of the container such that a unique visual communication is produced. The related method comprises selectively altering the modification means supported by the container thereby providing a unique visual communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventor: Brian K. Elias
  • Publication number: 20030192211
    Abstract: An apparatus and related method for conveying information associated with containers. The apparatus comprises a container supporting modification means which when selectively altered effectively changes the appearance of the container such that a unique visual communication is produced. The related method comprises selectively altering the modification means supported by the container thereby providing a unique visual communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Brian K. Elias
  • Publication number: 20010034694
    Abstract: An online system for a collectibles marketplace is provided. The system proffers a collectibles hierarchy consisting of collectibles subject matter. The hierarchy terminates into a plurality of collectible item leaf nodes. The collectible item leaf nodes contain therein a plurality of descriptive collectibles data, including searchable data fields. User entered auction, barter and classified listings are received and associated with each of the respective collectible item leaf nodes. An identification system (eg. alpha-numeric numbering system or other identification system) for uniquely identifying and labeling hierarchical branches, collectible item leaf nodes and related user entered listings is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventor: Brian K. Elias
  • Publication number: 20010011431
    Abstract: An apparatus and related method for identifying containers. The apparatus comprises a container supporting convenient modification means which when selectively altered effectively changes the appearance of the container such that a unique visual communication is produced. The related method comprises selectively altering the modification means supported by the container thereby providing a unique visual communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventor: Brian K. Elias