Patents by Inventor David Howell

David Howell 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: 8225232
    Abstract: The subject invention relates to systems and methods that enable dynamic programming and execution of an electronic communications dialog. In one aspect, a configurable messaging system is provided. The system includes a configuration file to describe interface options of a computerized dialog session, wherein the configuration file specifies interface activities and state transitions between the interface options within the configuration file. A state controller executes the interface options during communications activities with the dialog session. The configuration file can also describe prompt elements to solicit information from users or applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Sridhar Sundararaman, Srinivasa Reddy Manda, David A. Howell, James M. Lyon
  • Patent number: 8206519
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making an aluminum alloy product having a gauge below 200 ?m. It also relates to an aluminum alloy product having a gauge below the same value and to containers for food packaging application made from the aluminum alloy product. The invention is process of manufacturing an aluminum alloy comprising the following steps: continuous casting an aluminum alloy melt of the following composition, (in weight %): Fe 1.0-1.8, Si 0.3-0.8, Mn up to 0.25, other elements less than or equal to 0.05 each and less than or equal to 0.15 in total, balance aluminum, cold rolling the cast product without an interanneal step to a gauge below 200 ?m and final annealing the cold rolled product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Novelis, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew David Howells, Hoellrigl Guenther, Armelle Daniélou, Florence Lauret
  • Patent number: 8146015
    Abstract: The subject invention relates to systems and methods that enable dynamic programming and execution of an electronic communications dialog. In one aspect, a configurable messaging system is provided. The system includes a configuration file to describe interface options of a computerized dialog session, wherein the configuration file specifies interface activities and state transitions between the interface options within the configuration file. A state controller executes the interface options during communications activities with the dialog session. The configuration file can also describe prompt elements to solicit information from users or applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Sridhar Sundararaman, Srinivasa Reddy Manda, David A. Howell, James M. Lyon
  • Patent number: 8137310
    Abstract: A syringe hub comprises a hub body which is engagable with a syringe body, a needle held by the hub body, a movable bung element within a flow passage of the hub body, and at least one fixed engagement element which extends laterally to the longitudinal extent of the flow passage and which is non-releasably engagable with the bung element to block a flow path defined by the hub body and the needle. The movable bung element including a cap element which extends laterally to the longitudinal extent of the flow passage and a splayable engagement element which extends from the cap element. The splayable engagement element includes a plurality of legs. A syringe which has a syringe body and the said syringe hub is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: David Howell Jenkins
  • Patent number: 8131529
    Abstract: Method and system to configure a common set of electronic components using software in order to simulate different electronic, mechanical and/or electro-mechanical instruments or instrument functions. For each instrument function or traditional mode of operation to be simulated, software models are created which when directed to the electronic components, cause the electronic components to respond to input in the same manner that the actual, traditional physical instrument would respond to satisfy the same test requirement input. The software models are preferably stored in a model repository which is searchable to enable a user to select the instrument function or traditional mode of operation to be simulated with the corresponding model being provided to the electronic components. Once the model, i.e., a function for each synthetic element, is downloaded and the electronic components configured according to the model functions, testing of the assemblies or other UUTs can begin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Testing Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Spinner, Eli Levi, William Harold Leippe, Emery Korpi, Michael Lai, James Kuveikis, Richard E. Chalmers, Richard Engel, Peter F. Britch, William Biagiotti, David Howell
  • Publication number: 20120011533
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to determine audience viewing of recorded programs are disclosed. An example method disclosed herein comprises processing first bus information obtained by monitoring a bus of a time shifting device to determine a record time corresponding to when the time-shifting device stored data associated with first media content being recorded for later presentation, processing second bus information obtained by monitoring the bus of the time shifting device to determine a playback time corresponding to when the time-shifting device later retrieved the data to present the recorded first media content, and estimating a possible distribution time corresponding to when the first media content was initially distributed to the time-shifting device based on a difference between the playback time and the record time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: David Howell Wright, Joseph Milavsky, Morris Lee, William A. Feininger, Charles Conklin, Vasiliki Koutsopanagos, Arun Ramaswamy
  • Patent number: 8090083
    Abstract: A system and/or methodology that unifies a telephonic communication component and/or system with a data (e.g., messaging) server component and/or system. The system can facilitate telephonically accessing rich information in the server (e.g., messaging server). This rich information can include email content, calendar content, contacts information, or the like. Moreover, with access to an application programming interface, the invention can add functionality to initiate email communications as well as to accept or cancel meetings. Furthermore, the invention can synchronize messages of disparate formats. By way of example a user can set an “Out of Office” (OOF) status on both an email systems and telephone voicemail system from one location in one action. In another aspect, it will be appreciated that any message or data component can be analyzed, transformed, matched and/or communicated from one system to another (e.g., server to telephone) in accordance with the subject invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David T. Fong, David A. Howell
  • Patent number: 8065697
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to determine audience viewing of recorded programs are disclosed. An example method disclosed herein comprises displaying a previously recorded program on a display, determining a possible original broadcast time corresponding to the previously recorded program, determining program identifying information corresponding to the previously recorded program, and processing the possible original broadcast time information and the program identifying information to compare the previously recorded program with a known broadcast program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: The Nielsen Company (US), LLC
    Inventors: David Howell Wright, Joseph Milavsky, Morris Lee, William A. Feininger, Charles Conklin, Vasiliki Koutsopanagos, Arun Ramaswamy
  • Patent number: 8019162
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting on-screen media sources are disclosed. An example method includes monitoring a region of interest of a video signal for a first image, comparing the first image to a stored image, and confirming the media device change when the stored image differs from the first image and is associated with a secondary criterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: The Nielsen Company (US), LLC
    Inventors: Min Zhang, David Howell Wright, Scott Cooper, Regina Dykstra, Arun Ramaswamy, Daniel Nelson
  • Publication number: 20110216889
    Abstract: A system that concurrently provides multiple user interface (UI) mechanisms that facilitate control of an application state machine (e.g., unified message system). More particularly, the invention can create two relatively distinct user experiences, one via dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) navigation and another through speech recognition navigation of a unified message system. In accordance therewith, one single underlying state machine can be used. Navigation and flow control (e.g., state transitions) in the state machine can be leveraged by multiple UI mechanisms that actively co-exist. The invention introduces speech recognition features together with other input mechanisms to drive the UI of an application state machine (e.g., unified messaging system). The speech recognition UI can be designed to provide a natural navigation through the application independent of a DTMF UI.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Howell, David T. Fong
  • Patent number: 7983247
    Abstract: A method and system for collecting and communicating contextual information relating to a VoIP conversation is provided. Structured hierarchies are utilized for efficient communications of various amounts and types of contextual information relating to a VoIP conversation. Information identifying at least one structured hierarchy, which will be used to carry the contextual information, is transmitted during establishment of a conversation between two VoIP enhanced devices. The structured hierarchy is selected from a set of predefined and declared structured hierarchies. Subsequently transmitted contextual information exchanged between two VoIP enhanced devices is represented in accordance with the identified structural hierarchy. VoIP clients, network infrastructure, and various service providers can collect the contextual information based on the identified structured hierarchy, update the contextual information by adding, deleting and/or modifying the contextual data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David A Howell, David Milstein, Kuansan Wang, Linda Criddle, Michael D Malueg, Philip A Chou, Scott C Forbes, Timothy M Moore
  • Patent number: 7978218
    Abstract: Video processing arrangement including a host computer having a monitor, a video asset coupled to the computer for generating video signals and an interface for connecting the video asset to the computer to enable the display of video signals on the monitor. The video asset includes various primary elements including a primary composite video module for producing different types of a primary video signal and outputting the primary video signal via output channels, a stroke generator module for generating a stroke XYZ video signal and outputting the stroke video signal via output channels and a real time capture module for capturing video signals in a plurality of different modes. The video asset also includes a common distributed time base module for generating and distributing clock signals to all of the primary elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Testing Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: William Biagiotti, David Howell, Peter F. Britch
  • Publication number: 20110165015
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of making an aluminium alloy product having a gauge below 200 ?m. It also relates to an aluminium alloy product having a gauge below the same value and to containers for food packaging applications made from the aluminium alloy product. The invention is a process of manufacturing an aluminium alloy comprising the following steps: continuous casting an aluminium alloy melt of the following composition, (in weight %): Fe 1.0-1.8, Si 0.3-0.8, Mn up to 0.25, other elements less than or equal to 0.05 each and less than or equal to 0.15 in total, balance aluminium, cold rolling the cast product without an interanneal step to a gauge below 200 ?m and final annealing the cold rolled product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: Andrew David Howells, Guenther Hoellrigl, Armelle Daniélou, Florence Lauret
  • Publication number: 20110126222
    Abstract: Portable multi-purpose audience measurement systems, apparatus and methods are disclosed. An example method disclosed herein comprises collecting demographic data of a user, including a phone number for a mobile device, via a website associated with an information gathering entity, sending a message to the mobile device, the sent message, when responded to, resulting in downloading of a metering software module to the mobile device, receiving, from the mobile device and at a system associated with the information gathering entity, information indicative of events associated with use of the mobile device, and associating the received information with the demographic data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: David Howell Wright, Arun Ramaswamy, Dan Nelson, Glen Vilches
  • Publication number: 20110088052
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to determine audience viewing of video-on-demand programs are disclosed. An example method disclosed herein to monitor presentation of video-on-demand content comprises obtaining server metering data determined using a server metering device in communication with a video-on-demand server, the video-on-demand server to provide the video-on-demand content specifically to a first subscriber site among a plurality of subscriber sites, obtaining subscriber metering data corresponding to media content presented at the first subscriber site, the subscriber metering data determined using a site metering device different from the server metering device, and combining the subscriber metering data and the server metering data to monitor the video-on-demand content provided specifically to the first subscriber site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Arun Ramaswamy, David Howell Wright, William A. Feininger
  • Patent number: 7912186
    Abstract: A system that concurrently provides multiple user interface (UI) mechanisms that facilitate control of an application state machine (e.g., unified message system). More particularly, the invention can create two relatively distinct user experiences, one via dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) navigation and another through speech recognition navigation of a unified message system. In accordance therewith, one single underlying state machine can be used. Navigation and flow control (e.g., state transitions) in the state machine can be leveraged by multiple UI mechanisms that actively co-exist. The invention introduces speech recognition features together with other input mechanisms to drive the UI of an application state machine (e.g., unified messaging system). The speech recognition UI can be designed to provide a natural navigation through the application independent of a DTMF UI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David A Howell, David T Fong
  • Publication number: 20110029379
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to collect publicly available metadata to determine media creation product usage are disclosed. Some example methods include collecting metadata from a plurality of digital media files, identifying product types used to generate the digital media files based on the metadata, determining which of the identified product types is used to generate a largest number of the digital media files, and generating a report identifying the product types used to generate the largest number of the digital media files.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Jan Besehanic, David Howell Wright
  • Publication number: 20100318030
    Abstract: A syringe hub comprises a hub body which is engagable with a syringe body, a needle held by the hub body, a movable bung element within a flow passage of the hub body, and at least one fixed engagement element which extends laterally to the longitudinal extent of the flow passage and which is non-releasably engagable with the bung element to block a flow path defined by the hub body and the needle. The movable bung element including a cap element which extends laterally to the longitudinal extent of the flow passage and a splayable engagement element which extends from the cap element. The splayable engagement element includes a plurality of legs. A syringe which has a syringe body and the said syringe hub is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: David Howell Jenkins
  • Patent number: 7813821
    Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for determining a player rating for at least one tennis player enhances the tennis playing experience of by matching tennis players of comparable tennis skills. The methodology comprises assigning numerical player ratings generally corresponding to each player's individual tennis skill level. A competitive threshold is established, corresponding to a minimum number of games that a player must win in a match between players having the same player rating. A player is considered to be competitive within a rating level, regardless of whether the player wins or loses matches, provided the player wins at least the minimum number of games that corresponds to the established competitive threshold. Adjustments are made to a player's rating only if/when the player has a sustained record of “non-competitive” matches with similarly rated players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: David Howell
  • Publication number: 20100246955
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for identifying primary media content in a post-production media content presentation are disclosed. An example computer-implemented method to detect primary media content included in a secondary media content presentation disclosed herein comprises determining a first image corresponding to the secondary media content presentation, the first image comprising a plurality of image subregions, each image subregion representative of an inter-frame variation associated with a corresponding subregion of the secondary media content presentation, selecting a region of the first image comprising a plurality of connected image subregions of the first image together exhibiting a first type of inter-frame variation, and when a shape of the selected region of the first image corresponds to a predefined shape, processing a region of the first captured image corresponding to the selected region of the first synthetic image to identify the primary media content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: David Howell Wright, Ronan Heffernan, Michael McLean, Kevin Keqiang Deng, Paul Bulson