Patents by Inventor Floyd Smith

Floyd Smith 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: 8959564
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for creating an overlay application for use within a broadcast communications system are disclosed. A method in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention comprises collecting image data from a computer network, generating at least one selectable area within the image data, associating a function with the at least one selectable area, and selectively displaying the image data on a monitor simultaneously with a broadcast data stream, wherein selection of the at least one selectable area executes the associated function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Thompson, Edgar C. Camacho, Manohar S. Gandla, Surya P. Dasi, Floyd Smith
  • Publication number: 20120019724
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for creating an overlay application for use within a broadcast communications system are disclosed. A method in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention comprises collecting image data from a computer network, generating at least one selectable area within the image data, associating a function with the at least one selectable area, and selectively displaying the image data on a monitor simultaneously with a broadcast data stream, wherein selection of the at least one selectable area executes the associated function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Thompson, Edgar C. Camacho, Manohar S. Gandla, Surya P. Dasi, Floyd Smith
  • Publication number: 20060100558
    Abstract: A heated massage ball apparatus has a ball that may be heated retained within a grip that allows for the ball to rotate freely therewithin. The ball may be heated, for example, in a microwave oven, and may be substantially hollow and filled with a liquid that retains heat. The grip is pliable enough to allow the forced insertion or ejection of the ball past its widest circumference. An opening in the bottom of the base may facilitate the removal of the ball from the base, whereby the user inserts a finger therein to force the ball out of the grip. A heating base can accept the grip and ball and provide heat to the ball, such as a heated conductor that extends through the bottom opening in the grip and heats the ball by direct contact and thermal conduction. An electrical circuit may be included that provides on/off and temperature controls, a heating element, a temperature-sensing means, a thermostat, and a display for indicating a target and current ball temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Publication date: May 11, 2006
    Inventor: Floyd Smith