Patents by Inventor David A. Foster

David A. Foster 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).

  • Method and system to identify a preferred domain of a plurality of domains
    Patent number: 8688623
    Abstract: There is provided methods and systems to identify a preferred domain of a plurality of domains corresponding to a query. First, the system receives the query. Second, the system accesses demand information corresponding to the query, the demand information including navigation information associated with the query. Third, the system accesses supply information corresponding to the query, the supply information including a count of data items in each of the plurality of domains that match the query. Fourth, the system identifies the preferred domain based on the demand information and the supply information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Seema Shah, Adam Nash, Raghav Gupta, Aditya Arora, Benjamin David Foster, Srikanth Subramaniam, Suhail Ansari, Xavier Stonestreet, Vijay Raman, Jean-Michel Leon
  • SELLER CONFIGURABLE MERCHANDISING IN AN ELECTRONIC MARKETPLACE
    Publication number: 20140081773
    Abstract: A method and a system for merchandising in a network-based marketplace. Sellers enter item information that identities items to be transacted in a network-based marketplace. Sellers also identify referring items and promoted items and generate associations between them. In response to a buyer's request for the item information on a referring item, the network-based marketplace presents the item information for promoted items in addition to the item information for the referring item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin David Foster, Anne Chang Raimondi, Meredith Elizabeth Mortimer, Tia Diann Yansen, Michael Charles Dearing, Andrew Leigh Sandler
  • FORWARD-PRESSED FINGER REST FOR SLIDE-ACTION STOCK
    Publication number: 20140007763
    Abstract: A slide-action stock for a semi-automatic firearm. The side-action stock includes a handle provided with an integral finger rest. The finger rest forms a cradle for the user's trigger finger. In use, the user grasps the handle with one hand while pressing the dorsal side of their index finger firmly against the cradle. When intending to fire a round of ammunition, the user pushes the receiver forward with their other hand so that the trigger collides with the stabilized index finger. Recoil force quickly separates the trigger from the user's finger against the cradle. The user pushes the receiver forward to repeat the firing cycle. A firing mode selector can be selectively engaged to restrict longitudinal movement of the trigger relative to the handle, thereby returning the firearm to normal semi-automatic functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: David Foster
  • Passive security enforcement
    Patent number: 8590021
    Abstract: Technology is described for enabling passive enforcement of security at computing systems. A component of a computing system can passively authenticate or authorize a user based on observations of the user's interactions with the computing system. The technology may increase or decrease an authentication or authorization level based on the observations. The level can indicate what level of access the user should be granted. When the user or a component of the computing device initiates a request, an application or service can determine whether the level is sufficient to satisfy the request. If the level is insufficient, the application or service can prompt the user for credentials so that the user is actively authenticated. The technology may enable computing systems to “trust” authentication so that two proximate devices can share authentication levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Steeves, Kim Cameron, Todd L. Carpenter, David Foster, Quentin S. Miller
  • High dynamic range display systems
    Patent number: 8542408
    Abstract: A display system and method of producing images with high dynamic range are provided. The display system employs multiple light valves for projecting a portion of the image onto another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: David Foster Lieb, Andrew Ian Russell
  • Method and system to enable navigation of data items
    Patent number: 8521712
    Abstract: There are provided methods and systems to enable navigation of data items based on aspect-value pairs extracted from the data items. First, a system receives a query, Second, the system identifies a plurality of data items found by the query. Third, the system identifies an aspect of at least one of the plurality of data items, Fourth, the system identifies a value of a plurality of values corresponding to the aspect. Fifth, the system receives a request to navigate to a set of data items within the plurality of data items, the request comprising the aspect and a requested value of the plurality of value. Each one of the set of data items has the aspect and the value. Sixth, the system presents, in a user interface, information about each one of the set of data items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: eBay, Inc.
    Inventors: Seema Shah, Adam Nash, Raghav Gupta, Aditya Arora, Benjamin David Foster, Srikanth Subramaniam, Suhail Ansari, Xavier Stonestreet, Vijay Raman, Jean-Michel Leon
  • Method and system for analyzing three-dimensional linkages
    Patent number: 8504337
    Abstract: A method for analyzing a mechanical system is disclosed. The method includes, using a computer program product, importing from an engineering design software program data related to a mechanical assembly. The method further includes, using the computer program product, selecting two or more points and one or more connections associated with the mechanical assembly. The method additionally includes based on the selected two or more points, the selected one or more connections, and the imported data, determining one or more three-dimensional model solutions. The method also includes presenting the one or more three-dimensional model solutions to a user, and selecting one of the presented three-dimensional model solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David Foster, Rammagy Yoeu
  • Reaction Body for Wave Energy Apparatus
    Publication number: 20130160444
    Abstract: A subsurface reaction body arranged for use in apparatus for converting wave motion in a body of water to useful energy is provided. The subsurface reaction body is arranged to be selectively filled with air to a maximum buoyancy configuration and to be filled with water to a minimum buoyancy configuration. The subsurface reaction body has an arrangement of chambers therein to inhibit free flow of water through the reaction body and to define at least one further preset buoyancy configuration between the respective maximum and minimum configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: MARINE POWER SYSTEMS LTD
    Inventors: Graham David Foster, Gareth Ian Stockman, John Christopher Chapman
  • TIME MANAGED READ AND WRITE ACCESS TO A DATA STORAGE DEVICE
    Publication number: 20130145112
    Abstract: Time managed read and write access to a data storage device. As a part of time managed read and write access to a data storage device, a request for read and/or write access to the data storage device is accessed and it is determined whether the request for read and/or write access to the data storage device is to be granted. Based on the determination, read and/or write access to the data storage device is either allowed or blocked. If read and/or write access is allowed, read and/or write access is terminated after passage of a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David Foster, Ricardo Lopez-Barquilla
  • METHOD OF FORMING A COMPONENT OF COMPLEX SHAPE FROM SHEET MATERIAL
    Publication number: 20130125606
    Abstract: Method of forming a component of complex shape from an Al-alloy sheet or a Mg-alloy sheet. The method includes the steps of: a) heating the sheet to a temperature below the solution heat treatment (SHT) temperature for the alloy; b) forming the heated sheet between heated dies into or towards the complex shape; c) heating the sheet to at least its SHT temperature and substantially maintaining that temperature until SHT has been completed; and d) quenching the solution heat treated sheet between cold dies and at the same time completing the forming into the complex shape or maintaining that shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: IMPERIAL INNOVATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Jianguo Lin, Daniel Balint, Lilang Wang, Trevor Anthony Dean, Alistair David Foster
  • Engine mounting arrangement
    Patent number: 8443612
    Abstract: An engine mounting apparatus having a yoke carrier block and a main mount block, the yoke carrier block being connectable to the main mount block, the main mount block being connected to the engine by at least one engine attachment link for transferring loads from an engine in a normal load path during normal operation of the engine mounting arrangement, characterized in that the yoke carrier block is connected to a further engine attachment link independently of the main mount block, the further engine attachment link being unloaded during normal operation of the engine mounting arrangement and arranged to transfer loads from the engine in the event of a failure of one or more components in the normal load path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventor: Lawrence David Foster
  • MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE HOUSING
    Publication number: 20130106353
    Abstract: A portable electronic device carrier includes a charging system. The carrier is configured to at least partially house a portable electronic device such as a cell phone, PDA or the like. The carrier may comprise a pouch or have other configurations. The charging system comprises at least one battery. The battery may be configured to be charged by an external source via at least one external port or connector, or a source associated with the carrier, such as at least one photovoltaic cell. The charging port may comprise contacts which are engaged by an interface of the portable electronic device. In accordance with the invention, a portable electronic device is charged using a portable charging system associated with a carrier for the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: David A. Foster
  • Portable electronic device carrier with charging system
    Patent number: 8432124
    Abstract: A portable electronic device carrier supports and protects a portable electronic device while providing power to the device. The carrier is configured to house various portable electronic devices such as smart phones, cell phones, PDAs, tablets or the like. The carrier may comprise a foldable structure comprising two flaps or panels. One or more solar panels, batteries or both may provide power to a portable electronic device via a charging port that engages an interface of the portable electronic device. The carrier may include one or more retractable legs which support its panels relative to one another such that the portable electronic device may be held at various positions or angles which are well suited for different tasks. The carrier may include memory devices and various other ports to enhance the capabilities of the portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: A&D Concepts, LLC
    Inventor: David A. Foster
  • FLEXIBLE IMPACT PROTECTIVE CASES, METHODS OF MAKING AND METHODS OF USING
    Publication number: 20130092562
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are protective cases for sensitive devices, including devices with screen interfaces, which cases provide protection from front, back and edge impacts, including torsional impacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: G-Form, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel M. Wyner, Richard B. Fox, Richard L. Garrard, Thomas Cafaro, Ami Newsham, David Foster
  • Method and system to transform unstructured information
    Patent number: 8396892
    Abstract: There is provided methods and systems to transform unstructured information into structured information. First, the system accesses a rule specifying a condition for assigning data to the data item, the condition based on the content of the data item, the assigned data to provide structure to the data item. Second, based on a detecting that the condition has been met, the system applies the rule to assign the assigned data to the data item. Third, the system stores, in a database, the data item and the assigned data as the data item structured information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Josh Loftus, Venkat Sundaranatha, Louis Marcel Gino Monier, Jean-Michel Leon, Aditya Arora, Benjamin David Foster, Seema Shah
  • Pulse width modulation algorithm
    Patent number: 8379064
    Abstract: In display systems employing spatial light modulators, the OFF-state light from OFF-state pixels of the spatial light modulator can be captured and directed back to the pixels of the spatial light modulator so as to recycle the OFF-state light in the display system. Bitplanes derived from the desired image to be produced are calibrated to include the recycled off-state light to properly produce the desired image using the display system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Andrew Ian Russell, David Foster Lieb, Rajeev Ramanath
  • IMAGE INTENSITY-BASED COLOR SEQUENCE REALLOCATION FOR SEQUENTIAL COLOR IMAGE DISPLAY
    Publication number: 20120320078
    Abstract: System and method for image-based color sequence reallocation in sequential color display systems. A method comprises generating a color signal from an image to be displayed, wherein the color signal contains light intensity information, computing percentages of the color sequence to be allocated to each color in a set of colors in a sequential color display system, wherein the computing is based on the light intensity information, allocating the color sequence based on the computed percentages, and displaying the image using the color sequence. The allocation of the color sequence based on the image allows for the elimination of color intensities that are greater than needed in displaying the image. Portions of the color sequence formerly used to display the eliminated color intensities may be used to display colors with usable intensities, thereby increasing the brightness of images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Andrew Ian Russell, David Foster Lieb, Jeffrey Matthew Kempf
  • IDENTIFYING AN ITEM BASED ON DATA ASSOCIATED WITH THE ITEM
    Publication number: 20120310946
    Abstract: There are provided methods and systems to identify an item based on data associated with the item. Information is received that is descriptive of an item to be listed on an information storage and retrieval platform. The information is associated with an aspect-value pair, which is an aspect of the item and a value of the aspect. An expression of an interest of a user in the item is received. The expression is associated with the aspect-value pair. In response to the associating of the expression with the aspect-value pair, the item is identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Josh Loftus, Venkat Sundaranatha, Louis Marcel Gino Monier, Jean-Michel Leon, Aditya Arora, Benjamin David Foster, Seema Shah
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM TO IDENTIFY A PREFERRED DOMAIN OF A PLURALITY OF DOMAINS
    Publication number: 20120290550
    Abstract: There is provided methods and systems to identify a preferred domain of a plurality of domains corresponding to a query. First, the system receives the query. Second, the system accesses demand information corresponding to the query, the demand information including navigation information associated with the query. Third, the system accesses supply information corresponding to the query, the supply information including a count of data items in each of the plurality of domains that match the query. Fourth, the system identifies the preferred domain based on the demand information and the supply information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Seema Shah, Adam Nash, Raghav Gupta, Aditya Arora, Benjamin David Foster, Srikanth Subramaniam, Suhail Ansari, Xavier Stonestreet, Vijay Raman, Jean-Michel Leon
  • Adaptive pulse-width modulated sequences for sequential color display systems
    Patent number: 8305387
    Abstract: Adaptive pulse-width modulated sequences for sequential color display systems and methods. A method for displaying an image comprises receiving the image, computing a duty cycle for the image, generating a color sequence based on the computed duty cycle, and displaying the image using the color sequence. The generating comprises assigning a color cycle order to display time blocks in the color sequence, and assigning bitplane states for each display time block in the color sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Andrew Ian Russell, David Foster Lieb, Jeffrey Matthew Kempf