Patents by Inventor Christopher Stephens

Christopher Stephens 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: 9330415
    Abstract: A method for saving money through payroll withholding, including: obtaining, for a tax year, a projected tax liability of an employee and a target savings amount selected by the employee; identifying, for the tax year, multiple pay periods for the employee; calculating multiple of tax withholding amounts for the multiple pay periods based on the projected tax liability; calculating multiple savings withholding amounts for the multiple pay periods based on the target savings amount; withholding the multiple tax withholding amounts and the multiple savings withholding amounts from multiple paychecks of the employee corresponding to the multiple pay periods; sending the multiple tax withholding amounts to a tax authority for paying the projected tax liability; and disbursing the target savings amount from a financial account funded by the multiple savings withholding amounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Intuit Inc.
    Inventors: Wendy Ann Castleman, Christopher L. Battles, Ryan Michael Steckler, Christopher Stephen Riche, Kelly Rohrbach, John R. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 9305371
    Abstract: Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems are provided for defining transition zones for navigating a visualization. The visualization may be constructed from geometry of a scene and one or more texture images depicted the scene from various viewpoints. A transition zone may correspond to portions of the visualization that do not have a one-to-one correspondence with a single texture image, but are generated from textured geometry (e.g., a projection of texture imagery onto the geometry). Because a translated view may have visual error (e.g., a portion of the translated view is not correctly represented by the textured geometry), one or more transition zones, specifying translated view experiences (e.g., unrestricted view navigation, restricted view navigation, etc.), may be defined. For example, a snapback force may be applied when a current view corresponds to a transition zone having a relatively higher error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Uber Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Blaise Aguera y Arcas, Markus Unger, Donald A. Barnett, Sudipta Narayan Sinha, Eric Joel Stollnitz, Johannes Peter Kopf, Timo Pekka Pylvaenaeinen, Christopher Stephen Messer
  • Publication number: 20160086410
    Abstract: A sensing system to process at least one valuable document is described herein. The system includes a light source to generate a light beam. The system also includes at least one light pipe having one or more diverting surfaces to direct the light beam at a predetermined angle of incidence onto the valuable document. At least one reflective surface, to receive a first portion of the light beam transmitted through the valuable document and to reflect off the first portion of the light beam towards the valuable document, is included. A light detector is configured to receive at least a second portion of the light beam re-transmitted through the valuable document.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventor: Christopher Stephen Carmine
  • Publication number: 20160065684
    Abstract: A request is received at a proxy server for a web page, the request originating from a client network application of a client device. The requested web page includes multiple references to multiple images. The proxy server retrieves the requested web page. The proxy server modifies code of the retrieved web page such that the client network application will not, for each one of images, request that image until the location where that image is to be displayed is within a viewport of the client network application or within a defined distance from the viewport of the client network application. The proxy server transmits the modified web page to the client device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher Stephen Joel, Michael Sofaer, Lee Hahn Holloway, Ray Raymond Bejjani, Matthieu Philippe François Tourne, Sébastien Andreas Henry Pahl, Dane Orion Knecht
  • Publication number: 20160058268
    Abstract: The specification describes endoscopes that enable varying stiffness of an insertion portion in an endoscope assembly. In one example, an actuator operates either a spring or a flexible tube to vary stiffness of the insertion portion. In alternative examples, an elliptical wheel arrangement or screw mechanism provides a means to increase stiffness of the insertion portion of an endoscope assembly. In further examples, fluid and gas may be used inside the insertion potion to vary stiffness by varying pressure of the fluid/gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Golan Salman, Igal Shteiman, Hadar Schwarcz, Jeruham Avron, Christopher Stephen
  • Publication number: 20160026782
    Abstract: Described is a technology by which the identity of a person (e.g., a customer in a commercial transaction) is determinable without active identification effort, via biometric data is obtained without action by the person. Machine processing of the biometric data over a set of possible persons, determined from secondary proximity sensing, is used to determine or assist in determining the identity of the person.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Applicant: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Stephen Frederick Smowton, Ronnie Chaiken, Weidong Cui, Oliver H. Foehr, Jacob Rubin Lorch, David Molnar, Bryan Jeffrey Parno, Stefan Saroiu, Alastair Wolman
  • Publication number: 20150346931
    Abstract: An electronic device is provided for managing assignment of peripheral devices in a virtualization environment. The electronic device can include a user interface configured to display one or more representations of virtual desktops. The virtual desktops are associated with corresponding virtual machines. The electronic devices can also include one or more processors configured to provide to the user interface to display one or more representations of the peripheral devices based on detection that the peripheral devices are communicatively coupled to a control virtual machine of the virtualization environment. The one or more processors can be further configured to detect one or more first inputs received with respect to the one or more representations of the virtual desktops and the one or more representations of the peripheral devices; and facilitate to establish one or more associations between the peripheral devices and the virtual machines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Applicant: Citrix Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert James Moran, Zoe Carol Moran, Christopher Stephen Smyth
  • Publication number: 20150339213
    Abstract: A system for automatically testing an application system graphical user interface (GUI) includes first and second application servers communicatively connected across a communication network. The second application server retrieves a GUI page provided by the first application server as part of the application system, and identifies text elements and user input objects in an image of the retrieved GUI page. Each user input object is then associated with a text element. Test parameter values are retrieved from a database storing test parameter data, and the application system is tested. In particular, for each user input object of the GUI page, a respective test parameter value is provided that is associated in the database with a same text element as is associated with the user input object. A response of the application system is then monitored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher Stephen LEE, Michael William MONARK, Karen Lynn THOMAS, Wesley Edsel MURPHREE, Kristin Leigh BACA
  • Publication number: 20150341459
    Abstract: A request for a web page is received at a proxy server. The request originates from a client network application of a client device. The requested web page includes multiple references to multiple images. The proxy server retrieves the requested web page. The proxy server modifies code of the retrieved web page such that the client network application will not, for each one of those images, initially request those images when parsing the page. The proxy server also adds code to the retrieved web page that, when executed by the client network application, causes at least two of the images to be requested with a single request. The proxy server transmits the modified web page to the client device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher Stephen Joel, Lee Hahn Holloway, Dane Orion Knecht, Albertus Strasheim
  • Patent number: 9196235
    Abstract: A musical instrument switching system includes a) a control circuit controllable for combining and routing the analog audio, the control circuit comprising a plurality of instrument pickups for transmitting analog audio, and a controller connector for allowing connection of the control circuit to a computing device, and b) a software program, installable in the computing device, for modifying the characteristics of the musical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ernie Ball, Inc.
    Inventors: Sterling Ball, Thomas Montell, Dudley Gimpel, Robert Wolstein, Christopher Stephens
  • Publication number: 20150332130
    Abstract: A gate assembly can include a housing, a main body, at least one member, and an activation rib. The housing can define at least a portion of a card path of a payment interface. The main body can be coupled to the housing and can be movable between a closed position and an open position. The at least one member can extend from the main body such that, when the main body is in the closed position, the at least one member extends into the card path and can be oriented to inhibit an item from traveling through the card path. The activation rib can extend from the main body and can be located such that, when the main body is in the closed position, the activation rib extends into the card path. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Inventor: Christopher Stephen Carmine
  • Patent number: 9187719
    Abstract: A process for the production of a liquid detergent composition comprising the steps of: providing an aqueous solution free of perfumes through a main stream; providing a second solution comprising at least one perfume and at least one material selected from the group consisting of surfactants, organic solvents, carboxylic acids, and mixtures thereof, through a first side stream, wherein the ratio of said perfume to said at least one material is from 0.05 to 0.5; providing at least a third solution comprising at least one aesthetic component and/or finishing component, through at least one second side stream; and mixing the solutions to provide the liquid detergent composition. The second solution is mixed with the aqueous solution at a first confluence region of said main and first side streams and the at least third solution is mixed therewith at, at least one, second confluence region, said at least one second confluence region being downstream said first confluence region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Christopher Stephen Jones, Vincenzo Agostiniano, Dimitri Kristof Vanspauwen, Erwin Andre Kris Vanherle, Yves Lecointre, Sven Michielsen, Filip Veldeman
  • Patent number: 9183319
    Abstract: A request is received at a proxy server for a web page, the request originating from a client network application of a client device. The requested web page includes multiple references to multiple images. The proxy server retrieves the requested web page. The proxy server modifies code of the retrieved web page such that the client network application will not, for each one of images, request that image until the location where that image is to be displayed is within a viewport of the client network application or within a defined distance from the viewport of the client network application. The proxy server transmits the modified web page to the client device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: CLOUDFLARE, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Stephen Joel, Michael Sofaer, Lee Hahn Holloway, Ray Raymond Bejjani, Matthieu Philippe François Tourne, Sébastien Andreas Henry Pahl, Dane Orion Knecht
  • Patent number: 9172325
    Abstract: A PV panel carrier includes a plurality of elongate members joined by connecting members to form a frame. Each of the connecting members includes a support surface for supporting a portion of a PV panel thereon. Each of the connectors includes a fastening strap extending over the support surface, wherein at least two of the fastening straps are movable between an open position wherein they do not extend over the support surface and a closed position wherein they extend over the support surface to retain a PV panel in the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: LUMOS LSX, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Stephen Klinga, Scott Franklin
  • Patent number: 9152868
    Abstract: Described is a technology by which the identity of a person (e.g., a customer in a commercial transaction) is determinable without active identification effort, via biometric data is obtained without action by the person. Machine processing of the biometric data over a set of possible persons, determined from secondary proximity sensing, is used to determine or assist in determining the identity of the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Stephen Frederick Smowton, Ronnie Chaiken, Weidong Cui, Oliver H. Foehr, Jacob Rubin Lorch, David Molnar, Bryan Jeffrey Parno, Stefan Saroiu, Alastair Wolman
  • Publication number: 20150269728
    Abstract: A method for mapping coordinates between images and tracking systems includes providing (702) a calibration tool having a fixed geometric shape. The calibration tool includes first sensors associated with an imaging mode and second sensors associated with a tracking mode. The first and second sensors are distributed and mounted at known locations on the fixed geometric shape. The first sensors are located (708) in a field of view of an imaging system to determine a position of the calibration tool in image space. The second sensors are tracked (716) to determine a same position of the calibration tool in tracking space. The image space and the tracking space are mapped (722) in a common coordinate system based on artifacts of the calibration tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Inventors: Vijay Parthasarathy, Ameet Kumar Jain, Hua Xie, Francois Guy Gerard Marie Vignon, Christopher Stephen Hall
  • Publication number: 20150267997
    Abstract: A sight assembly for mounting to a weapon is provided. A holographic optical element and a light source are provided in a fixed angular configuration with respect to one another, but may be adjusted either together or individually in a horizontal or vertical direction. A mirror or lens may also be provided. An adjustment mechanism is provided where a shaft includes at least two portions wherein the two portions of the shaft of the screw have different pitch directions and/or pitch dimensions allowing for slight adjustment the assembly. The light source is typically a vertical-cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL). The wavelength of the VCSEL is controlled by controlling the current it is given. The assembly further allows for perceived image distance adjustment using parallax mismatch. Further, a chassis is provided for holding holographic elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Inventors: Fred Collin, Kurt Douglas Mills, David S. Dilworth, Rod Collin, Stephen Michael Shubeck, Christopher Stephen Hyde
  • Patent number: 9126755
    Abstract: An apparatus for at least partly inverting an object. The apparatus having a support for supporting the object, a first guide, a pivotally mounted second guide, and a first and second tracking device each positioned in fixed location relative to the support. In operation, a drive unit moves the first tracking device in a first direction along or within the first guide and continued operation of the drive unit in the first direction causes the second tracking device to enter the second guide, and further continued operation of the drive unit in the first direction causes the first tracking device to continue moving in the first guide in the first direction and causes the second tracking device to move along the second guide and to cause pivotal movement of the second guide to thereby tilt the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: WRIGHTWAY ECO PTY LTD
    Inventor: Christopher Stephen Walter
  • Publication number: 20150235337
    Abstract: A multi-chassis coordinated display system a first chassis having a first display device located on the first chassis and a master screen agent. The master screen agent is configured to receive device information from a screen sub-agent that is located in a second chassis that includes a second display device. The master screen agent uses the device information to determine a first user interface screen for a user interface and a second user interface screen for the user interface, and sends the second user interface screen to the screen sub-agent. The master screen agent may then display the first user interface screen on the first display device while the screen sub-agent displays the second user interface screen on the second display device to provide a coordinated display of the user interface on the first display device and the second display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher Stephen Petrick, Deborah C. Russell, Orin M. Ozias
  • Publication number: 20150216619
    Abstract: A system with integrated tracking includes a procedure-specific hardware component (112 or 116) disposed at or near a region of interest. A field generator (114) is configured to generate a field with a field of view covering the region of interest. A mounting device (115) is connected to the field generator and is coupled to the procedure-specific hardware. The field generator is fixedly positioned by the mounting device to permit workflow access to the region of interest without interfering with the field generator and to provide a known position of the field generator relative to the region of interest. A tracking device (110) is configured to be inserted in or near the region of interest to be tracked within the field of view of the field generator to generate tracking data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Inventors: Jochen Kruecker, Shyam Bharat, Cynthia Ming-fu Kung, Christopher Stephen Hall, Falk Uhlemann