Patents by Inventor C. Hughes

C. Hughes 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: 7903579
    Abstract: A method and system for automatically resolving a voice transmission problem in real time in a communication system. Service oriented architecture (SOA)-based reporter services report voice transmission characteristic measurements. An enterprise service bus aggregates the measurements into a combination of measurements. An analyzer that is a SOA service provider determines that the combination of measurements indicates a voice transmission problem. The voice transmission problem determination includes identifying a match between the combination of measurements and a pattern of predefined conditions stored in a database. The database associates the pattern with one or more corrective actions. Using the database, the analyzer identifies the one or more corrective actions that are associated with the pattern of predefined conditions. SOA-based fixer services execute the corrective action(s) to resolve the voice transmission problem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Hughes, Andrew Liam Massey, William H. Tworek
  • Publication number: 20110049281
    Abstract: A device for shredding poultry carcasses, includes a frame supporting a comminuting unit and a drive unit. The comminuting unit includes a drum mounted on a rotatable shaft, the drum having a generally cylindrical surface and an array of cutting points affixed to the drum, protruding from the surface, and a stationary comb having an array of teeth separated by spaces, and extending close to the drum surface so that the points pass between the teeth as the drum rotates. The drive unit turns the drum to reduce the carcasses to a compostable mass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: CONTAINER DESIGN SERVICES CORPORATION
    Inventors: C. Hugh Stevenson, Malcom Newall, Kevin LaPaire
  • Patent number: 7883403
    Abstract: A gaming device operable upon a wager by at least one player includes: (i) a display device; (ii) first and second entities displayed on the display device, the first entity representing the player; (iii) at least one input device configured to enable the player to choose an offensive play and a defensive play fore the first entity; (iv) wherein the display device is countered to display the offensive and defensive plays being countered by a defensive and offensive play, respectively, for the second entity; and (v) a processor configured to determine an outcome for the player based on at least one of (a) a comparison of the offensive play for the first entity to the defensive play for the second player, and (b) a comparison of the defensive play for the first entity to the offensive play for the second entity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Michael N. Low, Michael P. Khamis, Dwayne A. Davis, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Andrea C. Hughs-Baird
  • Publication number: 20110024532
    Abstract: An apparatus for shredding animal carcasses has a pair of counter-rotating shafts, each of which supports a stack of alternating pug tooth elements and untoothed spacers of about the same thickness so that the pug tooth elements intermesh. Each pug tooth element has a base circle and a tooth with a forward rake, which tooth extends substantially beyond the base circle of the element. Carcasses are fed into the apparatus while the shafts are rotated by a drive mechanism, producing a shredded material which may be composted above ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: CONTAINER DESIGN CORPORATION
    Inventors: C. Hugh Stevenson, Malcolm Newall, Kevin LaPaire
  • Patent number: 7846015
    Abstract: A gaming device, wherein a player's skill at an action or event determines the player's success or failure in the round. The game is readily adaptable to becoming a pseudo-skill game that would be required in most gaming jurisdictions. In one pseudo-skill embodiment, the skill game is converted to a game employing skill, but which is controlled by a set number of successful outcomes. That is, the player keeps playing until the player's skill produces the set number of successful outcomes. In another pseudo-skill embodiment, the game only appears to the player as involving skill. Instead, the gaming device randomly determines when and how many times to produce a successful outcome and increase the player's award.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Mark W. Bansemer, James G. Nolz, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Andrea C. Hughs-Baird
  • Patent number: 7839417
    Abstract: A virtual coatings application system has several features to enhance the realism of simulated spray painting. The system generally includes a display screen on which is defined a virtual surface (such as a truck door) that is intended to be virtually painted or coated by the user. Alternatively, the system includes a head-mounted display unit that displays a virtual spray painting environment in which the virtual surface is defined. The user operates an instrumented spray gun controller that outputs one or more signals representing data as to the status of the controls on the spray gun controller. The system also has a motion tracking system that tracks the position and orientation of the spray gun controller with respect to the virtual surface. Simulation software generates virtual spray pattern data in response to at least the data from the spray gun controller and the position and orientation data received from the tracking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: University of Northern Iowa Research Foundation
    Inventors: Jason M. Ebensberger, Michael J. Bolick, Jeremiah G. Treloar, Richard J. Klein, II, Eric C. Peterson, Chad J. Zalkin, James B. Fisher, Leslie C. Hughes
  • Patent number: 7839416
    Abstract: A virtual coatings application system has several features to enhance the realism of simulated spray painting. The system generally includes a display screen on which is defined a virtual surface (such as a truck door) that is intended to be virtually painted or coated by the user. The user operates an instrumented spray gun controller that outputs one or more signals representing data as to the status of the controls on the spray gun controller. The system also has a motion tracking system that tracks the position and orientation of the spray gun controller with respect to the virtual surface defined on the display screen. Simulation software generates virtual spray pattern data in response to at least the data from the spray gun controller and the position and orientation data received from the tracking system. Virtual spray pattern images are displayed in real time on the display screen in accordance with the accumulation of virtual spray pattern data at each location on the virtual surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: University of Northern Iowa Research Foundation
    Inventors: Jason M. Ebensberger, Michael J. Bolick, Jeremiah G. Treloar, Richard J. Klein, II, Eric C. Peterson, Chad J. Zalkin, James B. Fisher, Leslie C. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20100277185
    Abstract: A soil moisture probe includes a capacitance-type probe and a detection circuit. The probe includes two spaced electrodes on the same side of a printed circuit board (PCB). The electrodes are placed on an inner layer of a multi-layer PCB and the detection circuit may be placed on an outer layer. The PCB also includes a ground plane. The detection circuit generates a sawtooth or triangular wave which is converted to a DC voltage representative of the moisture content of a soil sample into which the probe is inserted. The unique circuit uses the capacitance of the probe as part of a low-pass filter that distorts an oscillator-generated square wave into a saw-tooth or triangular wave. A resistance component of the low-pass filter is adjustable, allowing tuning of the probe and the circuit as needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: Spectrum Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Hughes
  • Patent number: 7819744
    Abstract: A gaming device with a bonus scheme which includes at least one input value; a plurality of selections and at least one modifier associated with a selection. The gaming device enables a player to apply input values to desired selections and depending upon which modifiers are associated with the selections, the player can gain a relatively high or low output value. This type of bonus scheme adds excitement to bonus rounds and increases player entertainment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Andrea C. Hughs-Baird
  • Publication number: 20100236337
    Abstract: A flow rate meter that includes a container of known and fixed volume. Electrodes, or sensors, are placed inside the container at several different heights. An electronic circuit uses the electrodes, or sensors, to measure the time it takes this container of known and fixed volume to fill a certain distance with water or water-based solution. The electronic circuit calculates the flow rate in engineering units from this elapsed time by knowing the volume of the container between the fixed electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: INNOQUEST, INC.
    Inventor: William C. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20100228113
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an extended wear biomedical electrode assembly, comprising at least two conductive gel pads spaced apart from each other, electrodes in contact with the gel pads, a support construction disposed substantially laterally with respect to the gel pads, surrounding the gel pads, filling space between neighboring gel pads, and overlapping an lower, outer perimeter of each of the gel pads. A smooth, even skin-contacting surface and a mechanical decoupling of the connector from the skin improve user comfort.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Solosko, Brett Ryan, Robert Alfred Feuersanger, Steven C. Hugh
  • Publication number: 20100198044
    Abstract: A biomedical electrode patch having improved resistance to capacitive coupling to extraneous electric fields. The patch includes a conductive shield and a contact portion formed on an upper surface thereof. The contact portion extends through the film layer and contacts an electrode formed of a material suitable for conducting electrical signals from a patient. Conductive traces formed on the lower surface of the tab extend to contact pads. A nonconductive layer is printed over the traces and can have a shield formed thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Stacy Gehman, Earl Herleikson, Steven C. Hugh, Thomas Lyster, Thomas Solosko
  • Publication number: 20100186850
    Abstract: A multiple sump fuel sampler with catch can that includes an upper fuel sampling and testing reservoir with integral lower catch can reservoir arranged such that a self-closing valve is placed between the upper sampling reservoir and the lower catch can. This self-closing valve can be easily opened and closed by a user to allow fuel in the upper sampling reservoir to drain down into the lower catch can reservoir. Embodiments of the invention include a means of spill-free dumping of fuel accumulated in the lower catch can reservoir via an integral no-drip pour spout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: INNOQUEST, INC.
    Inventor: William C. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20100163258
    Abstract: A system for automatically controlling the position and level of an earthmoving implement on an earthmoving machine. The system includes at least one hydraulic actuator adapted to raise and lower the earthmoving implement, a device for delivering a pressurized fluid to and receiving pressurized fluid from the actuator, and an electronic control circuit that includes electronic sensors for sensing the absolute orientation of the machine and the position of the actuator, and a controller for receiving outputs of the sensors, calculating an amount of the pressurized fluid that must be delivered to or received from the actuator to achieve a desired position for the earthmoving implement, and control the delivering-receiving device to deliver or receive the amount of the pressurized fluid to achieve the desired position for the earthmoving implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: PURDUE RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Edward C. Hughes, IV, Christopher Alan Williamson, Joshua D. Zimmerman, Monika Marianne Ivantysynova
  • Publication number: 20100162593
    Abstract: A displacement-controlled hydraulic system for installation on a multi-function machine, and multi-function machines equipped with the hydraulic system and having devices for propelling the machine, at least a first implement, and multiple actuators that perform multiple functions of the machine. The multiple actuators include first actuators that control the first implement and second actuators that control the propelling devices. The hydraulic system comprises multiple pumps for controlling the first actuators and optionally the second actuators, and valves that enable at least one of the pumps to sequentially control two of the multiple actuators and a corresponding two functions of the multiple functions performed thereby. None of the pumps sequentially controls the second actuators in combination with any of the first actuators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: PURDUE RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Edward C. Hughes, IV, Christopher Alan Williamson, Joshua D. Zimmerman, Monika Marianne Ivantysynova
  • Publication number: 20100162885
    Abstract: A system and method for performing a floating function in an earthmoving implement of an earthmoving machine without physically connecting chambers within a hydraulic actuator that is adapted to raise and lower the earthmoving implement. The system includes a device for delivering a pressurized fluid to and receiving pressurized fluid from the actuator, a valve for compensating for differences in volume between chambers of the actuator, and an electronic control circuit that includes electronic sensors for sensing the pressures in the chambers of the actuator, and a controller for receiving outputs of the sensors. The controller calculates an amount of the pressurized fluid that, when delivered to or received from the actuator, achieves a substantially constant pressures in the chambers of the actuator and enables the earthmoving implement to float regardless of motion of the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: PURDUE RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Edward C. Hughes, IV, Christopher Alan Williamson, Joshua D. Zimmerman, Monika Marianne Ivantysynova
  • Publication number: 20100155991
    Abstract: A bushing can include a shoulder, a ring, and a ground shield. The ring can be arranged circumferentially around a first outside diameter of the bushing, wherein the ring includes a channel. The ground shield can include a semiconductive rubber collar that forms part of an outer surface of the bushing and extends circumferentially under a portion of the ring. The insulative portion can be adjacent to the ring and disposed over a portion of the ground shield. A method of manufacturing the bushing can include placing the ring and the ground shield into a mold, the ground shield including holes therein, and injecting insulative material into the mold to create an insulative layer within a cavity formed by the ring and the ground shield, the holes in the ground shield allowing some of the insulating material to flow therethrough to create the insulative portion adjacent the ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: Cooper Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: David C. Hughes, Marie Way, Mark Kadow
  • Publication number: 20100105469
    Abstract: A gaming device with a bonus scheme which includes at least one input value; a plurality of selections and at least one modifier associated with a selection. The gaming device enables a player to apply input values to desired selections and depending upon which modifiers are associated with the selections, the player can gain a relatively high or low output value. This type of bonus scheme adds excitement to bonus rounds and increases player entertainment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: IGT
    Inventor: Andrea C. Hughs-Baird
  • Publication number: 20100081913
    Abstract: An ECG monitoring device comprises an integral handheld device including a ECG electronic module and an electrode patch having a plurality of electrodes which contact a subject by conductive hydrogel. A release liner covers and protects the hydrogel prior to use and is removed to expose the hydrogel. A second release liner is removed to expose a pressure sensitive adhesive by means of which the device is attached to a subject. The first and second release liners may be parts of a single release liner layer. After use the electrode patch is disposable and the ECG electronic module is detached from the patch for reuse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Brett Cross, Shannon Fong, Stacy E. Gehman, Kim J. Hansen, Earl C. Herleikson, Steven C. Hugh, Thomas D. Lyster, Thomas A. Solosko
  • Patent number: 7686303
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gaming device having a game that may be implemented in a primary or bonus game. More specifically, the present invention provides a processor controlled gaming device that presents a plurality of masked value choices to the player, provides a time period in which the player can elect to accept a masked choice and reveals and provides a value associated with the choice to the player if the player accepts in time. If the player does not accept in time or decides not to accept the choice, the gaming device, in one preferred embodiment, reveals the value the player could have accepted when the time period lapses or times out. When the player has successfully accepted a predefined number of masked choices, the game adds or multiplies the values yielded by the choices to form an award for the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Joseph E. Kaminkow, Andrea C. Hughs-Baird