Patents by Inventor Douglas A. Howard

Douglas A. 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).

  • Publication number: 20160066185
    Abstract: Technology is described for proximity based communications. A proximity boundary can be defined with dimensions defined, in part, by a communication range of one of a first Short Range Communication (SRC) device and a second SRC device. A security permission can be provided to enable selected data to be communicated from one or more of the first SRC device or the second SRC device. The selected data can be communicated from one or more of the first SRC device or the second SRC device using a radio frequency (RF) communication standard. An RF link can be established between the first SRC device and the second SRC device to enable selected data communications to continue between the first SRC device and the second SRC device even after one or more of the first SRC device or the second SRC device exits the proximity boundary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Douglas Howard Dobyns, Michael Scott Abrams
  • Publication number: 20160065271
    Abstract: Technology is described for proximity based communications. A proximity boundary can be defined with dimensions defined by a communication range of one of a first Short Range Communication (SRC) device and a second SRC device. The first SRC device and the second SRC device can be configured to communicate using near field magnetic induction (NFMI). A proximity signal can be communicated in the proximity boundary between the first SRC device and the second SRC device. A security permission can be provided to enable selected data to be communicated from one or more of the first SRC device or the second SRC device in the proximity boundary when the proximity signal is detected between the first SRC device and the second SRC device. The selected data can be communicated from one or more of the first SRC device or the second SRC device using a radio frequency (RF) communication standard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Douglas Howard Dobyns, Michael Scott Abrams
  • Publication number: 20160065268
    Abstract: Spatially Enabled Communication technologies are disclosed. A proximity boundary can be defined by a communication range of one or more SRC devices configured to communicate using near field magnetic induction (NFMI) using at least two antennas to provide magnetic induction diversity. A data block can be securely communicated by interspersing the data between an short range communication (SRC) device for near field magnetic induction (NFMI) communication within the proximity boundary and a radio frequency (RF) radio for RF communication. Data received on the SRC device and the RF radio can be reassembled to form the data block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Douglas Howard Dobyns, Michael Scott Abrams
  • Publication number: 20160056864
    Abstract: A system and method for close proximity communication is disclosed. The method comprises detecting a signal transmitted by a close proximity communication (CPC) device at a distance of one of greater than and less than a CPC detection perimeter with a multi-mode magnetic induction communication (MMMIC) device having at least one antenna. The type of device transmitting the detected signal is identified. The MMMIC device is enabled to communicate with the close proximity communication device at one of the distance of greater than the CPC detection perimeter and less than the CPC detection perimeter based on the type of device that is identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventor: Douglas Howard DOBYNS
  • Publication number: 20160042396
    Abstract: A system and method for wireless communication of proximity based marketing is provided. The method includes determining whether a proximity device and a mobile computing device are within a first proximity to each other, wherein the proximity device is associated with at least one of a product and a service, and communicating information indicating that the proximity device and the mobile computing device are within the first proximity to each other, when it is determined that the proximity device and the mobile computing device are within the first proximity to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Douglas Howard Dobyns
  • Publication number: 20160036494
    Abstract: A system for near field communications is provided. The system can include a near field generator configured to generate a near field detectable signal comprising information. The system can include a near field detector configured to receive the near field detectable signal and output the information. The system can include an Electro-Magnetic (EM) shield surrounding the near field generator to block EM radio frequency (RF) signals in the vicinity of the near field generator from interfering with operations of the near field generator. The EM shield does not prevent communication of the near field detectable signal between the near field generator and the near field detector. The EM shield can be configured to reduce magnetic field loss from eddy currents in the EM shield as the near field detectable signal passes through the EM shield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Douglas Howard Dobyns, Howard Bernard Dobyns, Jed Erich Woodard, Anthony Joseph Sutera
  • Publication number: 20160014582
    Abstract: A system and method for proximity based social networking is disclosed between mobile computing devices each having a short range communication (SRC) device using near field magnetic induction. The SRC devices can include at least two antennas to provide magnetic induction diversity. The method comprises defining a proximity boundary with dimensions defined by a communication range of the SRC devices. A proximity signal is communicated in the proximity boundary between the SRC devices. Information can be exchanged between the mobile computing devices based on the settings of a social networking filter module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventor: Douglas Howard DOBYNS
  • Publication number: 20150344303
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of methods and systems for hydrogen production using an electro-activated material are provided. In some exemplary embodiments, carbon can be electro-activated and used in a chemical reaction with water and a fuel, such as aluminum, to generate hydrogen. Controlling the temperature of the reaction, and the amounts of water, aluminum and electro-activated carbon can provide hydrogen on demand at a desired rate of hydrogen generation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Inventor: Douglas Howard PHILLIPS
  • Publication number: 20150327003
    Abstract: Various embodiments of an invention for pairing a plurality of wireless devices using wireless communications is disclosed. A method for pairing a plurality of devices comprises attenuating a pairing signal emitted from a wireless device within a pairing enclosure during a pairing procedure. A power level of the pairing signal that is emitted through the pairing enclosure is received at a pairing signal receiver. The pairing procedure is permitted to continue when the power level of the pairing signal is less than a predetermined power level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Inventor: Douglas Howard Dobyns
  • Patent number: 9102529
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of methods and systems for hydrogen production using an electro-activated material are provided. In some exemplary embodiments, carbon can be electro-activated and used in a chemical reaction with water and a fuel, such as aluminum, to generate hydrogen, where the by-products are electro-activated carbon, and aluminum oxide or aluminum hydroxide. Controlling the temperature of the reaction, and the amounts of aluminum and electro-activated carbon can provide hydrogen on demand at a desired rate of hydrogen generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: H2 Catalyst, LLC
    Inventor: Douglas Howard Phillips
  • Publication number: 20150050883
    Abstract: Various embodiments of an invention for pairing a plurality of wireless devices using wireless communications are disclosed. A method for pairing a wireless device comprises placing the wireless device in a pairing enclosure. The pairing enclosure includes a shielding layer to substantially attenuate a pairing signal emitted within the pairing enclosure. A pairing signal transmitted through the pairing enclosure is received at a pairing signal receiver configured to detect a power level of the pairing signal. An indication is made regarding whether the pairing procedure can begin, proceed, or be terminated based on the power level of the pairing signal detected by the paring signal receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: DOUGLAS HOWARD DOBYNS
  • Publication number: 20150044968
    Abstract: A system and method for close proximity communication is disclosed. The method comprises detecting a signal transmitted by a close proximity communication (CPC) device at a distance of one of greater than and less than a CPC detection perimeter with a multi-mode magnetic induction communication (MMMIC) device having at least one antenna. The type of device transmitting the detected signal is identified. The MMMIC device is enabled to communicate with the close proximity communication device at one of the distance of greater than the CPC detection perimeter and less than the CPC detection perimeter based on the type of device that is identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Douglas Howard Dobyns
  • Publication number: 20150045069
    Abstract: A system and method for proximity based social networking is disclosed between mobile computing devices each having a short range communication (SRC) device using near field magnetic induction. The SRC devices can include at least two antennas to provide magnetic induction diversity. The method comprises defining a proximity boundary with dimensions defined by a communication range of the SRC devices. A proximity signal is communicated in the proximity boundary between the SRC devices. Information can be exchanged between the mobile computing devices based on the settings of a social networking filter module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Douglas Howard DOBYNS
  • Patent number: 8929809
    Abstract: A system and method for close proximity communication is disclosed. The method comprises detecting a signal transmitted by a close proximity communication (CPC) device at a distance of one of greater than and less than a CPC detection perimeter with a multi-mode magnetic induction communication (MMMIC) device having at least one antenna. The type of device transmitting the detected signal is identified. The MMMIC device is enabled to communicate with the close proximity communication device at one of the distance of greater than the CPC detection perimeter and less than the CPC detection perimeter based on the type of device that is identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Radeum, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Howard Dobyns
  • Patent number: 8923475
    Abstract: A system for motion control of a cone-beam tomography recording device includes a drive system configured to position a paired radiation source and radiation detector relative to an object. The system further includes a controller configured to: initiate a trigger plan operable as a function of a constant frequency control signal, activate the paired radiation source and radiation detector in accordance with the trigger plan, drive, in response to the trigger plan, the first drive system to a steady operating state derived as a function of the constant frequency, capture a plurality of broadcast radiation signals representative of a plurality of two dimensional images of the object such that the two dimensional images are defined equidistant positions defined by the trigger plan and as a function of the constant frequency signal, and generate a three dimensional representation of the object based on the plurality of two dimensional images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignees: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft, Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus Gutfleisch, Thomas Tücking, Douglas Howard, Edward Lewis Calderon
  • Patent number: 8880100
    Abstract: A system and method for proximity based social networking is disclosed between mobile computing devices each having a short range communication (SRC) device using near field magnetic induction. The SRC devices can include at least two antennas to provide magnetic induction diversity. The method comprises defining a proximity boundary with dimensions defined by a communication range of the SRC devices. A proximity signal is communicated in the proximity boundary between the SRC devices. Information can be exchanged between the mobile computing devices based on the settings of a social networking filter module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Radium, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Howard Dobyns
  • Patent number: 8838022
    Abstract: Various embodiments of an invention for pairing a plurality of wireless devices using wireless communications are disclosed. A method for pairing a wireless device comprises placing the wireless device in a pairing enclosure. The pairing enclosure includes a shielding layer to substantially attenuate a pairing signal emitted within the pairing enclosure. A pairing signal transmitted through the pairing enclosure is received at a pairing signal receiver configured to detect a power level of the pairing signal. An indication is made regarding whether the pairing procedure can begin, proceed, or be terminated based on the power level of the pairing signal detected by the paring signal receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Radeum, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Howard Dobyns
  • Publication number: 20140154173
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of methods and systems for hydrogen production using an electro-activated material are provided. In some exemplary embodiments, carbon can be electro-activated and used in a chemical reaction with water and a fuel, such as aluminum, to generate hydrogen, where the by-products are electro-activated carbon, and aluminum oxide or aluminum hydroxide. Controlling the temperature of the reaction, and the amounts of aluminum and electro-activated carbon can provide hydrogen on demand at a desired rate of hydrogen generation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: H2 CATALYST, LLC
    Inventor: Douglas Howard Phillips
  • Patent number: 8718205
    Abstract: Low complexity methods for hard and soft bit level demapping in a receiver of QAM signals with non-square, Gray coded constellations created as per U.S. Pat. No. 8,422,579 B1. In these methods the received signal is equalized to remove channel distortion, demodulated into in-phase and quadrature phase related symbols, and these symbols converted into hard-bits or preliminary soft-bits bits via the application of bit decision rules. Further, if converted into preliminary soft-bits, they may be multiplied by a factor to account for the impact of the received signal's signal-to-noise ratio on bit reliability, thereby creating final-soft-bits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Douglas Howard Morais
  • Patent number: D746339
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: BUHLER SORTEX LTD
    Inventor: Douglas Howard Hodgkiss