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: 7448948
    Abstract: A gaming device including a plurality of award values and a plurality of modifier values. A characteristic is associated with at least one award value position and at least one modifier value position. The gaming device provides an award to a player associated with at least one award value position and at least one modifier value position, wherein the award includes an additional award when the award value position and the modifier value position contain the same or related characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Andrea C. Hughs-Baird, Megan N. Schlegel
  • Publication number: 20080210251
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing comb and brush includes a handle portion and a head portion. The handle portion includes a container and a compressible chamber. The container may be formed from or consists of a collapsible substrate such as a bag and/or bladder, and is operative to store a liquid. The compressible chamber is operative to receive the liquid from the collapsible substrate for delivery to a plurality of nozzles. The head portion includes the plurality of teeth aligned in a row, a plurality of nozzles located, for example, between the teeth and a common delivery channel. The common delivery channel may be operably coupled to the compressible chamber and the plurality of nozzles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: Diane L. Dallianis
    Inventors: Diane L. Dallianis, William C. Hughes
  • Patent number: 7377237
    Abstract: A cooling system for a hybrid power system that includes an engine employs an engine cooling circuit to deliver coolant to the engine, the engine cooling circuit including a radiator and a main fan to draw air through the radiator. When the hybrid power system further includes an inverter, then the inverter is cooled via an inverter cooling circuit that is formulated as one portion of the cooling system to deliver coolant to the inverter, the inverter cooling circuit including a heat exchanger located such that the main fan draws air through the heat exchanger when the main fan is active. The cooling system also includes a secondary fan to selectively draw air though the heat exchanger during operation of an inverter cooling circuit coolant pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Cummins Power Generation Inc.
    Inventors: Allen B. Carney, John C. Hughes, Kevin J. Keene, Deborah A. Klinkert, Bradley D. Padget
  • Publication number: 20080060589
    Abstract: A cooling system for a hybrid power system that includes an engine employs an engine cooling circuit to deliver coolant to the engine, the engine cooling circuit including a radiator and a main fan to draw air through the radiator. When the hybrid power system further includes an inverter, then the inverter is cooled via an inverter cooling circuit that is formulated as one portion of the cooling system to deliver coolant to the inverter, the inverter cooling circuit including a heat exchanger located such that the main fan draws air through the heat exchanger when the main fan is active. The cooling system also includes a secondary fan to selectively draw air though the heat exchanger during operation of an inverter cooling circuit coolant pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: Cummins Power Generation Inc.
    Inventors: Allen B. Carney, John C. Hughes, Kevin J. Keene, Deborah A. Klinkert, Bradley D. Padget
  • Patent number: 7306518
    Abstract: A gaming device having a game which displays an award distributor and a sequence of groups to a player. A processor causes the award distributor to indicate an award. Furthermore, the gaming device enables the player to pick one of the groups in the sequence. The processor reveals at least one element associated with the picked group in the sequence. A multiplier provided to the player changes based on the number of elements revealed in the sequence. The processor provides an activation award to the player, which equals the indicated award multiplied by the multiplier. The player continues to play the game until all of the groups are picked in the sequence. In another embodiment, at least one risk symbol is associated with the award distributor wherein the risk symbols modify one or more game components in the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Andrea C. Hughs-Baird, Joseph E. Kaminkow, Anthony J. Baerlocher
  • Publication number: 20070209586
    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: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Jason M. Ebensberger, Michael J. Bolick, Jeremiah G. Treloar, Richard J. Klein, Eric C. Peterson, Chad J. Zalkin, James B. Fisher, Leslie C. Hughes
  • Patent number: 7258585
    Abstract: A latching mechanism for joining separable insulated connectors employs a plurality of finger contacts to create an interference fit with an electrode probe of an elbow connector. The electrode probe enters a cylindrical grouping of the plurality of finger contacts and a projection causes an interference fit between the finger contacts and the electrode probe. The finger contacts latch the connectors together and require a removal force greater than the latching force required to latch the connectors. The latching mechanism provides a multi-point current path between an elbow connector and a power transmission or distribution apparatus and provides operator feedback to indicate the latching of the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: David C. Hughes, Frank J. Muench
  • Patent number: 7245453
    Abstract: Methods and systems for sensing a position of a transducer head with respect to a storage medium. One method includes generating a read signal from a servo track stored on a magnetic storage medium. The servo track includes servo frames of magnetic flux transitions forming detectable servo marks, the servo marks forming a tone field of repeating servo marks oriented at a first azimuth angle and a mid-frame synchronization mark incorporated within the tone field, wherein the tone field provides a metric reference for dimensional measurements between features within the servo frame(s). The number of servo marks in the tone field of each servo frame along a longitudinal direction of the servo track before the mid-frame synchronization mark and after the mid-frame synchronization mark varies with lateral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Quantum Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Koski, Timothy C. Hughes
  • Patent number: 7210997
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming device which includes an award indicator which includes rotating objects. At least one award value and preferably other symbols are displayed on the faces of the objects. The gaming device provides players with certain award values displayed by the objects after the objects have stopped rotating. This type of gaming device provides players with increased entertainment and enjoyment when playing gaming devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Andrea C. Hughs-Baird, James M. Gray, Michael S. Hoy, Joseph E. Kaminkow, Daniel J. Waller
  • Patent number: 7182689
    Abstract: A gaming device having a bonus round with multiple selection groups. The bonus round does not end upon an “end-bonus” selection; rather, the bonus round ends upon the selection of a predetermined number of selections from the last or final selection group. In one embodiment, the number of selections is determined from a selection group preceding the final selection group. Prior to determining the number of final selection group picks, the game provides the player with at least one selection group in which the player selects award indicators until selecting an indicator that advances the player to the next selection group. Player excitement and enjoyment is enhanced because the present invention provides the player with multiple opportunities to achieve game credits and because the player is guaranteed to have at least one opportunity to select from the final selection group. In one embodiment, the final selection group has larger values than the previous selection groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Andrea C. Hughs-Baird, Paulina Glavich, Bayard S. Webb, Anthony J. Baerlocher
  • Patent number: 7183779
    Abstract: A device for measuring one or more different properties of soil or a soil-related substance is provided. The device includes a probe that is inserted into the soil or soil-related substance. The probe includes a tip. The tip is electrically insulative and defines apertures. Electrodes are fitted into the apertures. The tip and electrodes are machined together to have a desired shape that is suitable for insertion into a sample. A printed circuit board (“PCB”) is located inside the probe. The electrodes are soldered directly to the PCB in one embodiment. A temperature sensing element is also located in the tip, near the electrodes, and is connected electrically to the PCB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Spectrum Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Hughes
  • Patent number: 7175524
    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: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Mark W. Bansemer, James G. Nolz, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Andrea C. Hughs-Baird
  • Patent number: 7160142
    Abstract: A grounding clamp provides a direct connection to ground between a power transmission or power distribution apparatus and a nearby ground plane. As a grounding clamp is being attached to the mating interface of a power transmission or power distribution apparatus, the angled gripping surfaces permit an operator to ground the spade from a distance of live-line tool's length from the frontplate of the power apparatus and apply the requisite pressure to the mating interface, providing an easier to attach grounding clamp and a more secure ground connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: David C. Hughes, Brian T. Steinbrecher
  • Patent number: 7158338
    Abstract: Methods and systems for sensing a position of a transducer head with respect to a storage medium. One method includes generating a read signal from a servo track stored on a magnetic storage medium. The servo track includes servo frames of magnetic flux transitions forming detectable servo marks, the servo marks forming a tone field of repeating servo marks oriented at a first azimuth angle and a mid-frame synchronization mark incorporated within the tone field, wherein the tone field provides a metric reference for dimensional measurements between features within the servo frame(s). The number of servo marks in the tone field of each servo frame along a longitudinal direction of the servo track before the mid-frame synchronization mark and after the mid-frame synchronization mark varies with lateral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Quantum Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Koski, Timothy C. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20060266007
    Abstract: A method comprises providing a container having a first container portion and a second container portion, placing an inflatable life raft within the container, placing a transmitter mechanism adjacent the container, and automatically detecting whether a tamper condition has occurred. The tamper condition comprises at least one of the following: removal of the life raft from the container; an increase in distance between the first and second container portions; and a change in position of at least a portion of the life raft relative to one of the portions of the container. The transmitter mechanism is adapted and configured to transmit a signal upon the detection of the tamper condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Publication date: November 30, 2006
    Applicant: Vane Line Bunkering, Inc.
    Inventors: C. Hughes, Frank Hornig, Kevin Brophy
  • Patent number: 7134889
    Abstract: A separable insulated connector provides a current path for high-energy distribution between a power transmission or power distribution apparatus and an elbow connector. As gases and conductive particles exit the separable insulated connector during loadbreak switching, the gases and particles are re-directed away from a mating electrode probe and diverted along a path non-parallel to the electrode probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: David C. Hughes, Paul M. Roscizewski
  • Patent number: 7122684
    Abstract: The invention provides a multi-step process for preparing 1,2-diamino compounds of formula wherein R1, R1?, R2, R2?, R3 and R4 have the meaning given in the specification and pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts thereof, from 1,2-epoxides of formula wherein R1, R1?, R2 and R2? have the meaning given in the specification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Roche Colorado Corporation
    Inventors: Jack D. Brown, Peter J. Harrington, Robert C. Hughes
  • Patent number: 7052586
    Abstract: We make particulates, especially magnetic Fe—Co alloys having high magnetic permeability, of controlled dimensions, especially those having a narrow thickness size distribution centered around a median or target thickness in the range of about 0.1–1.0 ?m, using electrodeposition typically on a smooth (polished) titanium cathode. Our preferred continuous process uses a rotating drum cathode inside a fixed anode to grow flakes and to produce them automatically by inherent instability in the deposited film. The drum preferably rotates about a substantially vertical axis. The particulates shed (slough off) into the electrolyte (because of mismatch between the cathode surface and the plated metal or alloy at the molecular level) where they are separated in a magnetic separator or other suitable device. If the flakes are soft iron or iron-cobalt alloys, the drum generally is titanium or titanium alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Glen L. Rasmussen, Micheal E. Dickson, Robert J. Miller, Mary J. Nelson, Jonathan C. Hughes, Diane C. Rawlings
  • Patent number: 7022287
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an electrochemical device for detecting single particles, and methods for using such a device to achieve high sensitivity for detecting particles such as bacteria, viruses, aggregates, immuno-complexes, molecules, or ionic species. The device provides for affinity-based electrochemical detection of particles with single-particle sensitivity. The disclosed device and methods are based on microelectrodes with surface-attached, affinity ligands (e.g., antibodies, combinatorial peptides, glycolipids) that bind selectively to some target particle species. The electrodes electrolyze chemical species present in the particle-containing solution, and particle interaction with a sensor element modulates its electrolytic activity. The devices may be used individually, employed as sensors, used in arrays for a single specific type of particle or for a range of particle types, or configured into arrays of sensors having both these attributes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Sandia National Laboratories
    Inventors: Joseph Schoeniger, Albert W. Flounders, Robert C. Hughes, Antonio J. Ricco, Karl Wally, Stanley H. Kravitz, Richard P. Janek
  • Patent number: 6986709
    Abstract: The present invention includes a gaming device which includes a plurality of game functions for a single game and a probability associated with each game function. After a predetermined event occurs, the processor uses the probabilities to generate a particular game function for a player to use. Preferably, the predetermined event is a game triggering event. The processor can generate different game functions for a single game from predetermined event to predetermined event. This type of gaming device increases the interest and entertainment of gaming device players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Andrea C. Hughs-Baird, Ryan William Cuddy, Brian Daniel Swift