Patents by Inventor John Sampson

John Sampson 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: 9152722
    Abstract: A method of gathering information relevant to the interests of a user includes receiving activity history associated with the user from a network data source, where the activity history includes a description of a user action initiated by the user, generating a first metadata item based upon the activity history; and storing the first metadata item as user profile information associated with the user in a user profile database. Generating the first metadata item may include extracting text from the activity history and generating the first metadata item based upon the text. The activity history may include a description of a user action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: YAHOO! INC.
    Inventors: Saurabh Sahni, Ian Kennedy, Pankaj Kothari, Todd Sampson, Emanuel Miller, John Sampson, Chris Goffinet, Steve Ho, Raymund Ramos, Mani Kumar
  • Patent number: 9107454
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the inclusion of additives in a filter element comprising a non-woven sheet material or paper as the filter material to increase the selective removal of semi-volatile compounds and to improve the taste characteristics of the smoke drawn through the filter element. The increased selective removal of semi-volatile compounds from the smoke being drawn through the filter element is provided by polyethylene glycol. TEC and/or triacetin are additives which have been found to improve the taste characteristics of smoke drawn through the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED
    Inventors: David Rushforth, John Sampson
  • Publication number: 20150132306
    Abstract: We have constructed bispecific antibody engaging molecules which have one arm that specifically engages a tumor cell which expresses the human EGFRvIII mutant protein on its surface, and a second arm that specifically engages T cell activation ligand CD3. The engaging molecules are highly cytotoxic and antigen-specific. These are promising therapeutic agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Darell Bigner, Chien-Tsun Kuan, John Sampson, Bryan Choi, Ira H. Pastan
  • Patent number: 9030063
    Abstract: An integrated drive system assembly is provided that combines an electric motor, a power inverter assembly and a gearbox into a single, multi-piece enclosure. Combining these components into a single enclosure reduces weight, reduces drive system complexity, reduces system volume, simplifies assembly integration into an electric vehicle, reduces manufacturing cost, allows the flexible and lengthy electrical cables between the power inverter and the electric motor to be replaced with short, low loss, rigid bus bars, and simplifies component cooling by allowing the use of a common thermal management system, i.e., a mutual thermal management system. The common thermal management system includes a liquid coolant loop that is thermally coupled to the electric motor, the power inverter assembly and the gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Dore Rawlinson, Nicholas John Sampson, Nicholas Robert Kalayjian, Vincent George Johnston, David Fred Nelson, Gary Allen Pinkley, Wulfer Adrijan de Bruijn, Benjamin David Dettmann, Nicolas Verzeni, Michael Raj Kubba, Edwin M. Pearce, Jr., Jim Robbins
  • Publication number: 20150107613
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in filters for use in smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos. The improvements, particularly but not exclusively, relate to filter capabilities and to the manufacture of such filters. In one example, a filter for a smoking article comprises randomly oriented discrete short length fibres of absorbent having adsorbent particles dispersed therein. The invention also provides a filter for a smoking article comprising various other filter arrangements including absorbent and/or adsorbent materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED
    Inventors: David Lewis, Andrew Davis, John Richardson, John Major, John Sampson
  • Publication number: 20150090282
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in filters for use in smoking articles such as cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos. The improvements, particularly but not exclusively, relate to filter capabilities and to the manufacture of such filters. In one example, a filter for a smoking article comprises a first fibrous filter material having an average fibre denier in the range 7 to 9 and a second fibrous filter material having an average fibre denier of below 7. The application also describes a filter for a smoking article comprising various other filter arrangements including absorbent and/or adsorbent materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED
    Inventors: David Lewis, Andrew Davis, John Richardson, John Major, John Sampson
  • Publication number: 20140332014
    Abstract: A smoking article filter (20) comprises a recess (25) to receive a filter insert unit (30). The filter insert unit (30) is secured to the filter (20) once inserted. The filter (20) and the filter insert unit (30) may comprise additives such as flavourants, colourants or sorbents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED
    Inventors: Graham Penrose, Michael Malthouse, David Wake, Gary Fulcher, Michael Simpson, Aaron Brookbank, Gordon Grierson, Jon Hindley, John Sampson, Rabya Khan-Dar, Karl Kaljura, Nelson Ong, John Richardson, John Major, Richard Young
  • Publication number: 20140141948
    Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to an exercise apparatus having a frame comprising a first end, a second end and two generally horizontal frame members extending from the first end to the second end, a carriage supported by the horizontal frame members, the carriage being configured to translate along at least a portion of a length of the horizontal frame members and having a planar support surface, a first set of springs supported by the carriage, the first set of springs being configured to extend toward at least the first end of the frame, and a convertible platform positioned adjacent to at least one of the first and second ends of the frame. A vertical height of the convertible platform is adjustable from a first, platform or carriate height position to at least a second, chair position relative to a ground surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: ROCKIT BODY PILATES, LLC
    Inventors: Judith Miriam ARONSON, Joshua Lev TARGOWNIK, Nicholas John SAMPSON, Spencer Lee MACKAY, Robert LaVenture FLETCHER
  • Patent number: 8511738
    Abstract: A dual hinged door assembly for a vehicle is provided, the assembly including an upper door portion and a lower door portion. The upper door portion, which may include a window, pivots about a primary axis formed by its juncture with a structural member in the roof. The lower door portion, which may include a window, pivots about a secondary axis formed by its juncture with the upper door portion. Primary and secondary drive systems may be used to provide independent powered motion of the upper and lower door portions. Each drive system may include a powered strut, e.g., a hydraulic strut, and a non-powered strut, e.g., a gas strut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Lee Brown, Franz von Holzhausen, Peter Dore Rawlinson, Nicholas John Sampson, Michael James Eckert, David Lemire, Axel Boris Vollmer
  • Patent number: 8511739
    Abstract: A control system for use with a vehicle's dual hinged door assembly is provided, the control system including a door switch, upper and lower door portions, primary and secondary door drive systems and a controller. The upper door portion pivots about a primary axis formed by its juncture with a structural member in the roof while the lower door portion pivots about a secondary axis formed by its juncture with the upper door portion. Primary and secondary drive systems provide independent powered motion of the upper and lower door portions. The controller monitors door switch activation and determines whether activation corresponds to a door open or door closed command; performs preset door opening and closing sequences using the drive systems; and modifies the preset door opening and closing sequences based on data from proximity sensors, pinch sensors, latch sensors, drive system motor speed and the current draw by the drive systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Lee Brown, Franz von Holzhausen, Peter Dore Rawlinson, Nicholas John Sampson, Michael James Eckert, David Lemire, Axel Boris Vollmer
  • Publication number: 20130137561
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a filter element for inclusion in a smoking article, the method comprising applying an additive to filter material, the additive being solid at room temperature and the method involving heating the additive so that it melts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED
    Inventors: John Sampson, David Rushforth
  • Patent number: 8449015
    Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of a vehicle's dual hinged door assembly is provided, where the dual hinged door assembly includes a first door portion hingeably coupled to a structural member within the vehicle's roof such that it pivots about a primary axis formed by its juncture with the structural roof member, a second door portion hingeably coupled to the first door portion such that it pivots about a secondary axis formed by its juncture with the first door portion, a primary drive system providing powered motion for the first door portion about the primary axis, a secondary drive system providing powered motion for the second door portion about the secondary axis, and a controller coupled to the drive systems that provides independent motion control of the first and second door portions via the primary and secondary drive systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Lee Brown, Franz von Holzhausen, Peter Dore Rawlinson, Nicholas John Sampson, Michael James Eckert, David Lemire, Axel Boris Vollmer
  • Publication number: 20130097940
    Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of a vehicle's dual hinged door assembly is provided, where the dual hinged door assembly includes a first door portion hingeably coupled to a structural member within the vehicle's roof such that it pivots about a primary axis formed by its juncture with the structural roof member, a second door portion hingeably coupled to the first door portion such that it pivots about a secondary axis formed by its juncture with the first door portion, a primary drive system providing powered motion for the first door portion about the primary axis, a secondary drive system providing powered motion for the second door portion about the secondary axis, and a controller coupled to the drive systems that provides independent motion control of the first and second door portions via the primary and secondary drive systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Lee Brown, Franz von Holzhausen, Peter Dore Rawlinson, Nicholas John Sampson, Michael James Eckert, David Lemire, Axel Boris Vollmer
  • Publication number: 20130099523
    Abstract: A dual hinged door assembly for a vehicle is provided, the assembly including an upper door portion and a lower door portion. The upper door portion, which may include a window, pivots about a primary axis formed by its juncture with a structural member in the roof. The lower door portion, which may include a window, pivots about a secondary axis formed by its juncture with the upper door portion. Primary and secondary drive systems may be used to provide independent powered motion of the upper and lower door portions. Each drive system may include a powered strut, e.g., a hydraulic strut, and a non-powered strut, e.g., a gas strut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Lee Brown, Franz von Holzhausen, Peter Dore Rawlinson, Nicholas John Sampson, Michael James Eckert, David Lemire, Axel Boris Vollmer
  • Publication number: 20130099524
    Abstract: A control system for use with a vehicle's dual hinged door assembly is provided, the control system including a door switch, upper and lower door portions, primary and secondary door drive systems and a controller. The upper door portion pivots about a primary axis formed by its juncture with a structural member in the roof while the lower door portion pivots about a secondary axis formed by its juncture with the upper door portion. Primary and secondary drive systems provide independent powered motion of the upper and lower door portions. The controller monitors door switch activation and determines whether activation corresponds to a door open or door closed command; performs preset door opening and closing sequences using the drive systems; and modifies the preset door opening and closing sequences based on data from proximity sensors, pinch sensors, latch sensors, drive system motor speed and the current draw by the drive systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Lee Brown, Franz von Holzhausen, Peter Dore Rawlinson, Nicholas John Sampson, Michael James Eckert, David Lemire, Axel Boris Vollmer
  • Publication number: 20130025611
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the inclusion of additives in a filter element comprising a non-woven sheet material or paper as the filter material to increase the selective removal of semi-volatile compounds and to improve the taste characteristics of the smoke drawn through the filter element. The increased selective removal of semi-volatile compounds from the smoke being drawn through the filter element is provided by polyethylene glycol. TEC and/or triacetin are additives which have been found to improve the taste characteristics of smoke drawn through the filter element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED
    Inventors: David Rushforth, John Sampson
  • Publication number: 20130007132
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to identifying network resources or other topics that are of interest to members of multiple online communities to which a user belongs. Online communities include blogs, websites, games, e-commerce systems, messaging systems, wikis, etc. For each online community, click activity or other client behaviors are tracked and analyzed to determine statistical metrics about community activity, such as which articles, links, services, or other network resources are popular in the online community. At least some of the tracking or analysis can be performed by clients that access the online communities, by a server of each online community, and/or by a central tracking system. The results for each community may be further analyzed relative to each other. The results are provided for all communities with which a given user is associated. For example, a list of the most popular links in the user's selected online communities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: YAHOO! INC..
    Inventors: Todd Sampson, John Sampson, Steve Ho, Eric Marcoullier, Neil Scott Rafer
  • Patent number: 8312108
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to identifying network resources or other topics that are of interest to members of multiple online communities to which a user belongs. Online communities include blogs, websites, games, e-commerce systems, messaging systems, wikis, etc. For each online community, click activity or other client behaviors are tracked and analyzed to determine statistical metrics about community activity, such as which articles, links, services, or other network resources are popular in the online community. At least some of the tracking or analysis can be performed by clients that access the online communities, by a server of each online community, and/or by a central tracking system. The results for each community may be further analyzed relative to each other. The results are provided for all communities with which a given user is associated. For example, a list of the most popular links in the user's selected online communities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Yahoo! Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Sampson, John Sampson, Steve Ho, Eric Marcoullier, Neil Scott Rafer
  • Patent number: 8286086
    Abstract: A system and method are directed towards enabling control of widgets using on-widget data controls. A visitor may enter selective personal information and determine what information is made available on a social networking webpage. A visitor to a social networking website may select to not have their information displayed at a social networking website, while still being displayed at another social networking website. A visitor's information may be displayed within a reader roll, an association listing, a visitor comment page, or the like. An owner of a social networking website may also select not to have a visitor's information displayed on the website. In one embodiment, selecting not to display information may be performed by ‘mousing’ over the information and selecting a display option. Social networking websites may look to a centralized registration system to determine whether to display the visitor information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Yahoo! Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Sampson, Eric Marcoullier, John Sampson, Steve Ho, Neil Scott Rafer
  • Patent number: D673393
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Franz von Holzhausen, Radu Ioan Muntean, Matthew John Sampson