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).

  • Patent number: 11947447
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Rainforest QA, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Yin, Russell Howard Smith, Frederick Henry Stevens-Smith, Derek Choy, Elliot Beaudoin
  • Publication number: 20240054148
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2023
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Applicant: iDesignEDU, LLC
    Inventors: Paxton Riter, Ned Stone, Whitney Kilgore, Krista Galyen, Sam Foster, Andreas Buchmann, Derek Howard
  • Patent number: 11803573
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: iDesignEDU, LLC
    Inventors: Paxton Riter, Ned Stone, Whitney Kilgore, Krista Galyen, Sam Foster, Andreas Buchmann, Derek Howard
  • Publication number: 20230281224
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2023
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Applicant: iDesignEDU, LLC
    Inventors: Paxton RITER, Ned STONE, Whitney KILGORE, Krista GALYEN, Sam FOSTER, Andreas BUCHMANN, Derek HOWARD
  • Patent number: 11593401
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: iDesignEDU, LLC
    Inventors: Paxton Riter, Ned Stone, Whitney Kilgore, Krista Galyen, Sam Foster, Andreas Buchmann, Derek Howard
  • Patent number: 11176009
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Lee N. Helgeson, Derek Howard, Russel L. Young, George J. Romano, Mussie T. Negussie
  • Publication number: 20200117562
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Lee N. Helgeson, Derek Howard, Russel L. Young, George J. Romano, Mussie T. Negussie
  • Patent number: 10213701
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: Derek Howard
  • Publication number: 20160114749
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventor: Derek Howard
  • Patent number: 9272224
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Edward A. Nemeth, Spencer T. Banks, Derek Howard
  • Publication number: 20150251101
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Edward A. Nemeth, Spencer T. Banks, Derek Howard
  • Patent number: 8636600
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Derek Howard
  • Patent number: 8490550
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Crawford, Thomas Fitzgerald, Derek Howard, David A. Durham, James H. Shull
  • Publication number: 20130025492
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: DAVID W. CRAWFORD, THOMAS FITZGERALD, DEREK HOWARD, DAVID A. DURHAM, JAMES H. SHULL
  • Patent number: 8360893
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Derek Howard
  • Patent number: 8328651
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Derek Howard
  • Patent number: 8141495
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul E. Baker, Mark W. Sumner, Derek Howard, David A. Durham, Christopher J. Rose, David W. Crawford
  • Publication number: 20110319178
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: Disney Enterprises
    Inventor: Derek Howard
  • Publication number: 20110319179
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.,
    Inventor: Derek Howard
  • Publication number: 20110088584
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Paul E. Baker, Mark W. Sumner, Derek Howard, David A. Durham, Christopher J. Rose, David W. Crawford