Patents by Inventor J. Sommers

J. Sommers 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: 20240154896
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for smartswitch service chaining are disclosed. One example method occurs at a smartswitch controller implemented using at least one processor, the method comprising: receiving service chain configuration information indicating a service chain involving services performed using data processing units (DPUs) in at least one smartswitch; generating, using the service chain configuration information, one or more switching rules for causing traffic at the at least one smartswitch to be directed to one or more of the DPUs associated with the service chain; and providing the one or more switching rules to the at least one smartswitch or a management entity for implementing the one or more switching rules at the at least one smartswitch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2022
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Inventors: Christian Paul Sommers, Peter J. Marsico
  • Publication number: 20240146599
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for test system agent deployment in a smartswitch computing environment are disclosed. One example method occurs at a test system, the method comprising: obtaining test information indicating a smartswitch or a data processing unit (DPU) of the smartswitch for testing in a smartswitch computing environment or at least one test system agent deployment factor, wherein the smartswitch includes a switch processor and DPUs; determining, using the test information and topology information about the smartswitch computing environment, at least one location for deploying at least one test system agent; and providing placement information indicating the at least one location for deploying the at least one test system agent to a target system or to a test system agent controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Christian Paul Sommers, Peter J. Marsico
  • Publication number: 20240120086
    Abstract: A portable communication apparatus including a wireless transceiver, a video display screen, a camera, a speaker and a microphone, some or all mounted in a case having a first portion and a second portion. The video display screen is mounted to the second portion with a viewable region of the video display screen facing away from the second portion. The first and second portions are pivotably attached to one another at a first case end. When the first and second portions are in a closed configuration they form an enclosed chamber in which the video display screen is positioned. When the first and second portions are in an opened configuration the first portion is positioned beneath the second portion. A hanger is mounted to the second portion near a second case end that is opposite the first case end to hang the case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2022
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Inventors: Dennis A. Kopp, Darren J. Sommer
  • Patent number: 11532961
    Abstract: A number of illustrative variations may include a rotor core for an electric motor comprising permanent magnets wherein the rotor core comprises lobes of the core material that magnets may be attached to.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignees: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation, Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher J. Sommer
  • Patent number: 11123772
    Abstract: Differences in x-ray absorption coefficients and ash content are used to process coal waste and concentrate rare earth elements (REE) found in coal seams. A method for processing the coal waste includes receiving, by a detector, at least one collimated x-ray beam from an x-ray source that has been passed through a sample of coal waste; determining measurements of at least one x-ray absorption characteristic of the sample based on the received at least one collimated x-ray beam; and identifying a first region in the sample having a concentration of rare earth elements based on the measured x-ray absorption characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Mineral Separation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Roos, Edward J. Sommer, Jr., Charles D. Roos, Ricky Q. Honaker, Aaron Noble
  • Patent number: 10627366
    Abstract: Embodiments of fluid distribution manifolds, cartridges, and microfluidic systems are described herein. Fluid distribution manifolds may include an insert member and a manifold base and may define a substantially closed channel within the manifold when the insert member is press-fit into the base. Cartridges described herein may allow for simultaneous electrical and fluidic interconnection with an electrical multiplex board and may be held in place using magnetic attraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald F. Renzi, Gregory J. Sommer, Anup K. Singh, Anson V. Hatch, Mark R. Claudnic, Ying-Chih Wang, James L. Van De Vreugde
  • Publication number: 20200099264
    Abstract: A number of illustrative variations may include a rotor core for an electric motor comprising permanent magnets wherein the rotor core comprises lobes of the core material that magnets may be attached to.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Publication date: March 26, 2020
    Inventor: Christopher J. Sommer
  • Publication number: 20190358677
    Abstract: Differences in x-ray absorption coefficients and ash content are used to process coal waste and concentrate rare earth elements (REE) found in coal seams. A method for processing the coal waste includes receiving, by a detector, at least one collimated x-ray beam from an x-ray source that has been passed through a sample of coal waste; determining measurements of at least one x-ray absorption characteristic of the sample based on the received at least one collimated x-ray beam; and identifying a first region in the sample having a concentration of rare earth elements based on the measured x-ray absorption characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Applicant: Mineral Separation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Roos, Edward J. Sommer, JR., Charles D. Roos, Ricky Q. Honaker, Aaron Noble
  • Patent number: 10384202
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward devices, systems, and method for conducting nucleic acid purification and quantification using sedimentation. In one example, a method includes generating complexes which bind to a plurality of beads in a fluid sample, individual ones of the complexes comprising a nucleic acid molecule such as DNA or RNA and a labeling agent. The plurality of beads including the complexes may be transported through a density media, wherein the density media has a density lower than a density of the beads and higher than a density of the fluid sample, and wherein the transporting occurs, at least in part, by sedimentation. Signal may be detected from the labeling agents of the complexes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Chung-Yan Koh, Ulrich Y. Schaff, Gregory J. Sommer
  • Patent number: 10357156
    Abstract: A telemedicine cart includes a body with casters mounted underneath, a monitor mounted to the body, and a power supply connection coupled to the monitor. The body includes a cabinet with a hinged door for access to the interior of the cabinet when opened. A screen on the monitor has a portrait orientation and is disposed above the cabinet, in a vertical plane perpendicular to the bottom of the cabinet. The screen is longer than it is wide. The screen is longer than a height of the cabinet beneath the screen. A video of a vertically upright person displayed on the screen, will appear to be at or near an average standing height of adults to a user in front of the screen, and will appear to be life-sized or near life-sized to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Telepresence Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Darren J. Sommer, Peter McDuffie White
  • Publication number: 20190210015
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward devices, systems, and method for conducting nucleic acid purification and quantification using sedimentation. In one example, a method includes generating complexes which bind to a plurality of beads in a fluid sample, individual ones of the complexes comprising a nucleic acid molecule such as DNA or RNA and a labeling agent. The plurality of beads including the complexes may be transported through a density media, wherein the density media has a density lower than a density of the beads and higher than a density of the fluid sample, and wherein the transporting occurs, at least in part, by sedimentation. Signal may be detected from the labeling agents of the complexes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventors: Chung-Yan Koh, Ulrich Y. Schaff, Gregory J. Sommer
  • Patent number: 10164488
    Abstract: A brushless motor includes a stator disposed along an axis and a rotor disposed radially inward from the stator. The rotor includes a core, a plurality of first magnets and a plurality of second magnets configured to have opposite poles relative to the plurality of first magnets. The plurality of first and second magnets may each have a substantially rectangular cross-section and are in contact with a substantially flat surface carried by the core that faces radially outward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mohammed R. Islam, Kenneth P. Webber, Delynn M. Streng, Christopher J. Sommer
  • Publication number: 20180192875
    Abstract: A telemedicine cart includes a body with casters mounted underneath, a monitor mounted to the body, and a power supply connection coupled to the monitor. The body includes a cabinet with a hinged door for access to the interior of the cabinet when opened. A screen on the monitor has a portrait orientation and is disposed above the cabinet, in a vertical plane perpendicular to the bottom of the cabinet. The screen is longer than it is wide. The screen is longer than a height of the cabinet beneath the screen. A video of a vertically upright person displayed on the screen, will appear to be at or near an average standing height of adults to a user in front of the screen, and will appear to be life-sized or near life-sized to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Inventors: Darren J. Sommer, Peter McDuffie White
  • Publication number: 20180065118
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward devices, systems, and method for conducting nucleic acid purification and quantification using sedimentation. In one example, a method includes generating complexes which bind to a plurality of beads in a fluid sample, individual ones of the complexes comprising a nucleic acid molecule such as DNA or RNA and a labeling agent. The plurality of beads including the complexes may be transported through a density media, wherein the density media has a density lower than a density of the beads and higher than a density of the fluid sample, and wherein the transporting occurs, at least in part, by sedimentation. Signal may be detected from the labeling agents of the complexes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Chung-Yan Koh, Ulrich Y. Schaff, Gregory J. Sommer
  • Patent number: 9877421
    Abstract: Systems and methods for tilling ground material are provided. According to one embodiment, a tiller system is provided comprising two coiled conical blades that penetrate ground material to provide both forward propulsion and tillage of the ground material. An operator of the tiller system can adjust the angle at which the coiled conical blades penetrate the ground material to achieve an optimal balance of forward propulsion, stability, and tillage of the ground material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Green Heron Tools, LLC
    Inventors: Elizabeth Brensinger, Ann Adams, Robert L. Wrye, Aaron M. Yoder, H. J. Sommer
  • Patent number: 9795961
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward devices, systems, and method for conducting nucleic acid purification and quantification using sedimentation. In one example, a method includes generating complexes which bind to a plurality of beads in a fluid sample, individual ones of the complexes comprising a nucleic acid molecule such as DNA or RNA and a labeling agent. The plurality of beads including the complexes may be transported through a density media, wherein the density media has a density lower than a density of the beads and higher than a density of the fluid sample, and wherein the transporting occurs, at least in part, by sedimentation. Signal may be detected from the labeling agents of the complexes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Chung-Yan Koh, Ulrich Y. Schaff, Gregory J. Sommer
  • Publication number: 20170122904
    Abstract: Embodiments of fluid distribution manifolds, cartridges, and microfluidic systems are described herein. Fluid distribution manifolds may include an insert member and a manifold base and may define a substantially closed channel within the manifold when the insert member is press-fit into the base. Cartridges described herein may allow for simultaneous electrical and fluidic interconnection with an electrical multiplex board and may be held in place using magnetic attraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Ronald F. Renzi, Gregory J. Sommer, Anup K. Singh, Anson V. Hatch, Mark R. Claudnic, Ying-Chih Wang, James L. Van De Vreugde
  • Patent number: 9579649
    Abstract: Embodiments of fluid distribution manifolds, cartridges, and microfluidic systems are described herein. Fluid distribution manifolds may include an insert member and a manifold base and may define a substantially closed channel within the manifold when the insert member is press-fit into the base. Cartridges described herein may allow for simultaneous electrical and fluidic interconnection with an electrical multiplex board and may be held in place using magnetic attraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald F. Renzi, Gregory J. Sommer, Anup K. Singh, Anson V. Hatch, Mark R. Claudnic, Ying-Chih Wang, James L. Van de Vreugde
  • Patent number: 9409357
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide devices, systems, and methods for microscale isoelectric fractionation. Analytes in a sample may be isolated according to their isoelectric point within a fractionation microchannel. A microfluidic device according to an embodiment of the invention includes a substrate at least partially defining a fractionation microchannel. The fractionation microchannel has at least one cross-sectional dimension equal to or less than 1 mm. A plurality of membranes of different pHs are disposed in the microchannel. Analytes having an isoelectric point between the pH of the membranes may be collected in a region of the fractionation channel between the first and second membranes through isoelectric fractionation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Sommer, Anson V. Hatch, Ying-Chih Wang, Anup K. Singh
  • Patent number: 9304129
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward devices, systems, and method for conducting assays using sedimentation. In one example, a method includes layering a mixture on a density medium, subjecting sedimentation particles in the mixture to sedimentation forces to cause the sedimentation particles to move to a detection area through a density medium, and detecting a target analyte in a detection region of the sedimentation channel. In some examples, the sedimentation particles and labeling agent may have like charges to reduce non-specific binding of labeling agent and sedimentation particles. In some examples, the density medium is provided with a separation layer for stabilizing the assay during storage and operation. In some examples, the sedimentation channel may be provided with a generally flat sedimentation chamber for dispersing the particle pellet over a larger surface area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Ulrich Y. Schaff, Chung-Yan Koh, Gregory J. Sommer