Patents by Inventor Derek Howard
Derek Howard 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).
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Patent number: 11947447Abstract: An electronic system includes a first data retriever to communicate with a first database associated with an analytic tool, and a second data retriever to communicate with a second database associated with an electronic testing device; wherein the analytic tool is configured to store information regarding actual usage of a product in the first database; wherein the electronic testing device is configured to store product testing data for the product in the second database; wherein the first data retriever comprises a first communication interface to electronically receive the information; wherein the second data retriever comprises a second communication interface to electronically receive the product testing data; and wherein the electronic system further comprises a processing unit configured to compute a score indicating a quality of product testing for the product based on the information regarding the actual usage of the product and/or the product testing data.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2019Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: Rainforest QA, Inc.Inventors: Chris Yin, Russell Howard Smith, Frederick Henry Stevens-Smith, Derek Choy, Elliot Beaudoin
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Publication number: 20240054148Abstract: In some aspects, the disclosure is directed to methods and systems for data storage and retrieval from a computer memory. A computing device may store a first hierarchical data structure having a first sequence of sub-data structures and a second hierarchical data structure having a second sequence of sub-data structures in memory. The computing device may link the first hierarchical data structure and the second hierarchical data structure together. The computing device may link the first hierarchical data structure and the second hierarchical data structure by inserting an identifier of a sub-data structure of the second sequence in the first sequence.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2023Publication date: February 15, 2024Applicant: iDesignEDU, LLCInventors: Paxton Riter, Ned Stone, Whitney Kilgore, Krista Galyen, Sam Foster, Andreas Buchmann, Derek Howard
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Patent number: 11803573Abstract: In some aspects, the disclosure is directed to methods and systems for data storage and retrieval from a computer memory. A computing device may store a first hierarchical data structure having a first sequence of sub-data structures and a second hierarchical data structure having a second sequence of sub-data structures in memory. The computing device may link the first hierarchical data structure and the second hierarchical data structure together. The computing device may link the first hierarchical data structure and the second hierarchical data structure by inserting an identifier of a sub-data structure of the second sequence in the first sequence.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2023Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: iDesignEDU, LLCInventors: Paxton Riter, Ned Stone, Whitney Kilgore, Krista Galyen, Sam Foster, Andreas Buchmann, Derek Howard
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Publication number: 20230281224Abstract: In some aspects, the disclosure is directed to methods and systems for data storage and retrieval from a computer memory. A computing device may store a first hierarchical data structure having a first sequence of sub-data structures and a second hierarchical data structure having a second sequence of sub-data structures in memory. The computing device may link the first hierarchical data structure and the second hierarchical data structure together. The computing device may link the first hierarchical data structure and the second hierarchical data structure by inserting an identifier of a sub-data structure of the second sequence in the first sequence.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2023Publication date: September 7, 2023Applicant: iDesignEDU, LLCInventors: Paxton RITER, Ned STONE, Whitney KILGORE, Krista GALYEN, Sam FOSTER, Andreas BUCHMANN, Derek HOWARD
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Patent number: 11593401Abstract: In some aspects, the disclosure is directed to methods and systems for data storage and retrieval from a computer memory. A computing device may store a first hierarchical data structure having a first sequence of sub-data structures and a second hierarchical data structure having a second sequence of sub-data structures in memory. The computing device may link the first hierarchical data structure and the second hierarchical data structure together. The computing device may link the first hierarchical data structure and the second hierarchical data structure by inserting an identifier of a sub-data structure of the second sequence in the first sequence.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2022Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: iDesignEDU, LLCInventors: Paxton Riter, Ned Stone, Whitney Kilgore, Krista Galyen, Sam Foster, Andreas Buchmann, Derek Howard
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Patent number: 11176009Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing power up detection in a power down cycle to dynamically determine whether a failed component in a system prevents another Initial Program Load (IPL) or re-IPL, or result in a loss of resources. Predefined mandatory functions are called to collect power down/up data that prevents re-IPL, or results in the reduction of resources. A user is notified, allowing the customer to continually utilize the system, while ordering hardware to be replaced.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2018Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Lee N. Helgeson, Derek Howard, Russel L. Young, George J. Romano, Mussie T. Negussie
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Publication number: 20200117562Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing power up detection in a power down cycle to dynamically determine whether a failed component in a system prevents another Initial Program Load (IPL) or re-IPL, or result in a loss of resources. Predefined mandatory functions are called to collect power down/up data that prevents re-IPL, or results in the reduction of resources. A user is notified, allowing the customer to continually utilize the system, while ordering hardware to be replaced.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2018Publication date: April 16, 2020Inventors: Lee N. Helgeson, Derek Howard, Russel L. Young, George J. Romano, Mussie T. Negussie
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Patent number: 10213701Abstract: A ride vehicle with upright, straddle-type passenger seating that includes a passenger restraint system. This restraint system includes a lap bar assembly and a lap bar pivotal mount element pivotally supporting the lap bar assembly within the vehicle body to pivot about a rotation axis passing through the vehicle body between the seat pan and the front end of the vehicle body. The lap bar assembly may include a lap bar along with side and front leg shields that contain a passenger's legs within the vehicle. The lap bar assembly is rotatable as a unit about the rotation axis, in a forward portion of the vehicle body, from a disengaged position to an engaged position. In the disengaged position, the leg shields are moved forward away from an access to the seat pan, and, in the engaged position, the passenger's legs are blocked from lateral and forward movement.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2014Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventor: Derek Howard
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Publication number: 20160114749Abstract: A ride vehicle with upright, straddle-type passenger seating that includes a passenger restraint system. This restraint system includes a lap bar assembly and a lap bar pivotal mount element pivotally supporting the lap bar assembly within the vehicle body to pivot about a rotation axis passing through the vehicle body between the seat pan and the front end of the vehicle body. The lap bar assembly may include a lap bar along with side and front leg shields that contain a passenger's legs within the vehicle. The lap bar assembly is rotatable as a unit about the rotation axis, in a forward portion of the vehicle body, from a disengaged position to an engaged position. In the disengaged position, the leg shields are moved forward away from an access to the seat pan, and, in the engaged position, the passenger's legs are blocked from lateral and forward movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2014Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventor: Derek Howard
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Patent number: 9272224Abstract: An amusement park ride adapted to provide passengers unobstructed lines of sight in turns and increased turn velocities. The ride includes a track and a ride vehicle. The ride vehicle includes a track connector assembly coupled to the track for movement along the ride path in a direction of travel. The vehicle also includes a vehicle base mounted to the track connector assembly to move with the track connector. The vehicle includes a bridge, or cantilever support arm or boom, extending from the vehicle base. The vehicle further includes a passenger compartment with one or more passenger seats. The passenger compartment is mounted to the bridge such that the seats and any passengers seated therein are spaced apart from the base at a cantilever distance. As a result, the passenger compartment has fore or aft cantilever mounting relative to the track connector assembly and relative to the vehicle base.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2014Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventors: Edward A. Nemeth, Spencer T. Banks, Derek Howard
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Publication number: 20150251101Abstract: An amusement park ride adapted to provide passengers unobstructed lines of sight in turns and increased turn velocities. The ride includes a track and a ride vehicle. The ride vehicle includes a track connector assembly coupled to the track for movement along the ride path in a direction of travel. The vehicle also includes a vehicle base mounted to the track connector assembly to move with the track connector. The vehicle includes a bridge, or cantilever support arm or boom, extending from the vehicle base. The vehicle further includes a passenger compartment with one or more passenger seats. The passenger compartment is mounted to the bridge such that the seats and any passengers seated therein are spaced apart from the base at a cantilever distance. As a result, the passenger compartment has fore or aft cantilever mounting relative to the track connector assembly and relative to the vehicle base.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2014Publication date: September 10, 2015Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventors: Edward A. Nemeth, Spencer T. Banks, Derek Howard
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Patent number: 8636600Abstract: Ride systems providing guest compartment(s) with a roll degree of freedom through radial mount(s) are described. The guest compartment of the vehicles is attached to a track via a chassis. The guest compartment and the chassis are configured such that the guest compartment has a roll degree of freedom relative to the chassis.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2010Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Derek Howard
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Patent number: 8490550Abstract: A roller coaster with seats articulated between vertical and reclined positions. The roller coaster includes a track with a load/unload portion and a ride portion. The coaster includes a vehicle with a body supported on the track and a passenger seat positioned in the body mounted for articulation between a first position and a second position. The roller coaster includes a seat positioning mechanism coupled to the passenger seat operating while the vehicle is in the load/unload portion to articulate the seat into the first position and operating, prior to the vehicle traveling into the ride portion of the ride path, to articulate the seat into the second position. The passenger seat includes a seat back that is substantially vertical in the first position and is at an obtuse angle in the second position or horizontal position, such that a passenger has an upward point of view during the ride.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2011Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: David W. Crawford, Thomas Fitzgerald, Derek Howard, David A. Durham, James H. Shull
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Publication number: 20130025492Abstract: A roller coaster with seats articulated between vertical and reclined positions. The roller coaster includes a track with a load/unload portion and a ride portion. The coaster includes a vehicle with a body supported on the track and a passenger seat positioned in the body mounted for articulation between a first position and a second position. The roller coaster includes a seat positioning mechanism coupled to the passenger seat operating while the vehicle is in the load/unload portion to articulate the seat into the first position and operating, prior to the vehicle traveling into the ride portion of the ride path, to articulate the seat into the second position. The passenger seat includes a seat back that is substantially vertical in the first position and is at an obtuse angle in the second position or horizontal position, such that a passenger has an upward point of view during the ride.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2011Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventors: DAVID W. CRAWFORD, THOMAS FITZGERALD, DEREK HOWARD, DAVID A. DURHAM, JAMES H. SHULL
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Patent number: 8360893Abstract: A ride system provides guest compartment(s) with a roll degree of freedom through a pivoting connection. The guest compartment is attached to a track via a chassis, the chassis being attached to the track such that the guest compartment rides substantially above the track but has a roll degree of freedom relative to the chassis.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2010Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Derek Howard
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Patent number: 8328651Abstract: A ride system provides guest compartment(s) with a roll degree of freedom through a pivoting connection. The guest compartment is attached to a track via a chassis, the chassis being attached to the track such that the guest compartment rides substantially above the track but has a roll degree of freedom relative to the chassis.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2010Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Derek Howard
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Patent number: 8141495Abstract: A ride system is provided that allows selective relative positioning of vehicles in an amusement or theme park ride to simulate racing or other effects. The ride system includes a chassis that is adapted to be supported by and to travel on or along a length of track of a particular ride. A support is attached to the chassis and moves with the chassis during operation of the ride. The ride system includes first and second passenger vehicles that are spaced apart on and supported by the support. A drive assembly is linked to the support and configured to rotate the support about its central axis. During support rotation, the first and second vehicles are moved concurrently relative to the track to alter their relative positioning. The vehicles are each rotated about an axis that extends parallel to the rotation axis, and the rotation may be independent or concurrent.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2010Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Paul E. Baker, Mark W. Sumner, Derek Howard, David A. Durham, Christopher J. Rose, David W. Crawford
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Publication number: 20110319178Abstract: A ride system provides guest compartment(s) with a roll degree of freedom through a pivoting connection. The guest compartment is attached to a track via a chassis, the chassis being attached to the track such that the guest compartment rides substantially above the track but has a roll degree of freedom relative to the chassis.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: Disney EnterprisesInventor: Derek Howard
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Publication number: 20110319179Abstract: Ride systems providing guest compartment(s) with a roll degree of freedom through radial mount(s) are described. The guest compartment of the vehicles is attached to a track via a chassis. The guest compartment and the chassis are configured such that the guest compartment has a roll degree of freedom relative to the chassis.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.,Inventor: Derek Howard
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Publication number: 20110088584Abstract: A ride system is provided that allows selective relative positioning of vehicles in an amusement or theme park ride to simulate racing or other effects. The ride system includes a chassis that is adapted to be supported by and to travel on or along a length of track of a particular ride. A support is attached to the chassis and moves with the chassis during operation of the ride. The ride system includes first and second passenger vehicles that are spaced apart on and supported by the support. A drive assembly is linked to the support and configured to rotate the support about its central axis. During support rotation, the first and second vehicles are moved concurrently relative to the track to alter their relative positioning. The vehicles are each rotated about an axis that extends parallel to the rotation axis, and the rotation may be independent or concurrent.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2010Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventors: Paul E. Baker, Mark W. Sumner, Derek Howard, David A. Durham, Christopher J. Rose, David W. Crawford