Patents by Inventor Douglas A. McDonald

Douglas A. McDonald 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: 20240093015
    Abstract: Disclosed is a polymeric composition that can include at least 95 wt. % of a polypropylene copolymer, and 50 ppm to 2000 ppm of an aryl amide containing clarifying agent, a phosphate ester salt containing clarifying agent, or a combination thereof. The polymeric composition can have a haze value of A after being extruded once and a haze value of B after being extruded 2 times, wherein the ratio of A to B is 1 to 1.35, wherein A is less than 25%, and wherein A and B are determined in accordance with ASTM D1003, at a thickness of about 40 mil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Douglas BURMASTER, Joachin AZZI, Russell MCDONALD
  • Patent number: 11342748
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improved anomaly detection for rotating machines. An example method may include determining that power generation is to be performed based on a voltage instead of a power factor; receiving a command voltage; receiving a measured voltage value from a first location in a power generation network; determining that the measured voltage value from the first location is less than the command voltage value; determining that a current value associated with a transmission line at the third location is less than a threshold current value; determining that a reactive power of a power generation component at a third location is less than a maximum reactive power of the component; and increasing, based on the determination that the reactive power of the component at the third location is less than a maximum reactive power of the component, the reactive power of the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: General Electric Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Paul Joseph Datka, Hongbiao Song, John Douglas McDonald, Viswanath Kunapuli, Alfredo Sebastian Achilles, Naresh Acharya, Yingying Wang
  • Publication number: 20220077683
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improved anomaly detection for rotating machines. An example method may include determining that power generation is to be performed based on a voltage instead of a power factor; receiving a command voltage; receiving a measured voltage value from a first location in a power generation network; determining that the measured voltage value from the first location is less than the command voltage value; determining that a current value associated with a transmission line at the third location is less than a threshold current value; determining that a reactive power of a power generation component at a third location is less than a maximum reactive power of the component; and increasing, based on the determination that the reactive power of the component at the third location is less than a maximum reactive power of the component, the reactive power of the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2020
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Inventors: Paul Joseph DATKA, Hongbiao SONG, John Douglas MCDONALD, Viswanath KUNAPULI, Alfredo Sebastian ACHILLES, Naresh ACHARYA, Yingying WANG
  • Patent number: 9905212
    Abstract: An arched top bridge upper section including a wood top section slotted to accept a string saddle that may be plastic, bone or similar material. The wood section is laminated or affixed to a lower metal section. A slot completely through the wood section exposes a top flat surface of the metal section. A piezo pickup element installed in the slot below a solid or segmented string saddle element is pressed uniformly against the metal section by string pressure on the string saddle to ensure even response on all strings. Transfer of string energy is more efficient than standard all-wood construction, resulting in greater sustain of plucked notes and a broader frequency response. An arch top guitar utilizing this bridge construction has more similar tonal and sustain characteristics to a typical flattop acoustic guitar while consistent contact with the piezo element results in even string-to-string output and response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Korg U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Douglas McDonald, William Eric Kirkland
  • Patent number: 9853448
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a coordinated distribution optimization (CDO) system. The CDO system includes a processor configured to coordinate execution of a plurality of independent electrical network applications. Each of the plurality of independent electrical network applications is configured to alter one or more operational parameters of a power grid based on one or more respective objectives and based on power grid operational data, and the execution of the plurality of independent electrical network applications is coordinated by the CDO system to block the power grid from entering an abnormal state. The CDO system further comprises a network interface configured to receive the power grid operational data from a controller of the power grid, and wherein the power grid operational data comprises current values for the one or more operational parameters of the power grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Hua Fan, Jiyuan Fan, Paul Backscheider, John Douglas McDonald
  • Publication number: 20150042540
    Abstract: A multiuse system for use with Wireless Display Tags (WDTs) includes, in one or more exemplary arrangements, techniques for automatically maintaining synchronicity between pricing data for a product and advertising, marketing or promotional data associated with that product, and for detecting the proximity and location of a customer within a category of goods displayed within a managed environment. A messaging format suitable for such low power operation among a large number of peers is also disclosed, as is a technique for integrating a plurality of smaller displays to yield a single large display. An access point capable of serving as a communications hub within such a network, while at the same time offering visual and audio surveillance capabilities, is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Anurag Goel, Mark Douglas McDonald, Sunit Saxena, Jih-Lung Wang
  • Patent number: 8870056
    Abstract: A multiuse system for use with Wireless Display Tags (WDTs) includes, in one or more exemplary arrangements, techniques for automatically maintaining synchronicity between pricing data for a product and advertising, marketing or promotional data associated with that product, and for detecting the proximity and location of a customer within a category of goods displayed within a managed environment. A messaging format suitable for such low power operation among a large number of peers is also disclosed, as is a technique for integrating a plurality of smaller displays to yield a single large display. An access point capable of serving as a communications hub within such a network, while at the same time offering visual and audio surveillance capabilities, is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Altierre Corporation
    Inventors: Anurag Goel, Mark Douglas McDonald, Sunit Saxena, Jih-lung Wang
  • Patent number: 8757871
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for characterizing the response of a particle to a parameter that characterizes an environment of the particle. A change is induced in the parameter characterizing the environment of the particle, where the change is rapid on a timescale characterizing kinetic response of the particle. The response of the particle is then imaged at a plurality of instants over the course of a period of time shorter than the timescale characterizing the kinetic response of the particle. The response may be detected by measuring a temperature jump or by measuring correlation and anticorrelation between probe parameters across pixels. More particularly, the particle may be a molecule, such as a biomolecule, and the environment, more particularly, may be a biological cell. The parameter characterizing the environment of the particle may be a temperature, and change may be induced in the temperature by heating a volume that includes the particle, either conductively or radiatively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Martin Gruebele, Simon Ebbinghaus, Apratim Dhar, J Douglas McDonald
  • Patent number: 8517265
    Abstract: A method for error free initialization of a display tag includes providing a display tag, scanning the display tag with a near field source to cause the display tag to generate identification indicia, storing the identification indicia if only a single display tag generates that identification indicia, scanning the barcode of a product to be associated with the display tag, and associating, in a database, the identification indicia of the display tag with the barcode of the product to be associated with that display tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Altierre Corporation
    Inventors: Anurag Goel, Mark Douglas McDonald, Sunit Saxena, Leonard Mark Dorfman
  • Publication number: 20130184889
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a coordinated distribution optimization (CDO) system. The CDO system includes a processor configured to coordinate execution of a plurality of independent electrical network applications. Each of the plurality of independent electrical network applications is configured to alter one or more operational parameters of a power grid based on one or more respective objectives and based on power grid operational data, and the execution of the plurality of independent electrical network applications is coordinated by the CDO system to block the power grid from entering an abnormal state. The CDO system further comprises a network interface configured to receive the power grid operational data from a controller of the power grid, and wherein the power grid operational data comprises current values for the one or more operational parameters of the power grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Hua Fan, Jiyuan Fan, Paul Backscheider, John Douglas McDonald
  • Patent number: 8313025
    Abstract: A wireless display tag, adapted to fit within the C-channel of a shelf-edge, or otherwise usable as a hang tag or small identification device, includes, depending on implementation, an active transceiver, a passive transceiver, or both, with analog and digital control portions for managing communications with a host.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Altierre Corporation
    Inventors: Sunit Saxena, Anurag Goel, Mark Douglas McDonald
  • Publication number: 20120039353
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for characterizing the response of a particle to a parameter that characterizes an environment of the particle. A change is induced in the parameter characterizing the environment of the particle, where the change is rapid on a timescale characterizing kinetic response of the particle. The response of the particle is then imaged at a plurality of instants over the course of a period of time shorter than the timescale characterizing the kinetic response of the particle. The response may be detected by measuring a temperature jump or by measuring correlation and anticorrelation between probe parameters across pixels. More particularly, the particle may be a molecule, such as a biomolecule, and the environment, more particularly, may be a biological cell. The parameter characterizing the environment of the particle may be a temperature, and change may be induced in the temperature by heating a volume that includes the particle, either conductively or radiatively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Martin Gruebele, Simon Ebbinghaus, Apratim Dhar, J. Douglas McDonald
  • Patent number: 8070062
    Abstract: A multiuse system for use with Wireless Display Tags (WDTs) includes, in one or more exemplary arrangements, techniques for automatically maintaining synchronicity between pricing data for a product and advertising, marketing or promotional data associated with that product, and for detecting the proximity and location of a customer within a category of goods displayed within a managed environment. A messaging format suitable for such low power operation among a large number of peers is also disclosed, as is a technique for integrating a plurality of smaller displays to yield a single large display. An access point capable of serving as a communications hub within such a network, while at the same time offering visual and audio surveillance capabilities, is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Altierre Corporation
    Inventors: Anurag Goel, Mark Douglas McDonald, Sunit Saxena, Jih-lung Wang
  • Patent number: 8061600
    Abstract: A low-profile Wireless Display Tag (WDT) fits within the confines of a retail store display shelf-edge C-channel. The WDT may also be used to tag high-value retail item units where it can simultaneously function as a price tag, and an anti-theft device. The invention provides for bidirectional communication between the WDT and a central database. The invention uses a low profile antenna that may be painted onto a surface within the WDT. The WDT is capable of displaying graphics or variable format alphanumeric characters and the placement of display items is user programmable. The WDT uses an RF integrated Circuit (RFIC) that combines the backscatter RF communications method, amplified backscatter RF communications method and the active RF communications method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Altierre Corporation
    Inventors: Anurag Goel, Sunit Saxena, Mark Douglas McDonald, Leonard Mark Dorfman
  • Publication number: 20110169715
    Abstract: A multiuse system for use with Wireless Display Tags (WDTs) includes, in one or more exemplary arrangements, techniques for automatically maintaining synchronicity between pricing data for a product and advertising, marketing or promotional data associated with that product, and for detecting the proximity and location of a customer within a category of goods displayed within a managed environment. A messaging format suitable for such low power operation among a large number of peers is also disclosed, as is a technique for integrating a plurality of smaller displays to yield a single large display. An access point capable of serving as a communications hub within such a network, while at the same time offering visual and audio surveillance capabilities, is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: ALTIERRE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Anurag Goel, Mark Douglas McDonald, Sunit Saxena, Jih-lung Wang
  • Publication number: 20100328353
    Abstract: A computer implemented method of displaying an image on a display of a computing device, includes the steps of: (a) displaying an image on the display of the computing device; (b) receiving a user input for drawing a mark on the image indicative of a desired operation to be performed on the image; (c) displaying the mark on the image; (d) determining an operation to be performed on the image based on the mark; and (e) preparing and displaying an image as modified or generated by the operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: SolidFX LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Douglas McDonald, Lonne R. Lyon
  • Publication number: 20100156605
    Abstract: A wireless display tag, adapted to fit within the C-channel of a shelf-edge, or otherwise usable as a hang tag or small identification device, includes, depending on implementation, an active transceiver, a passive transceiver, or both, with analog and digital control portions for managing communications with a host.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: ALTIERRE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sunit Saxena, Anurag Goel, Mark Douglas McDonald
  • Patent number: D755265
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Hunting Energy Services (International) Limited
    Inventor: Douglas McDonald Stuart
  • Patent number: D759135
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Hunting Energy Services (International) Limited
    Inventor: Douglas McDonald Stuart
  • Patent number: D778349
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: KORG INC.
    Inventors: Richard M. Lasner, William Eric Kirkland, Robert Douglas McDonald