Patents by Inventor John To

John To 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: 7888124
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for a system for maintaining hydrogen purity in an electrical power generator where the system monitors the health of the electrical generating system by calculating the time remaining until preventative maintenance is required based on hydrogen usage. The system also monitors the health of the system by detecting the occurrence of major leaks within the electrical power generator and adapting the operation of the system to maintain a desired operating environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Proton Energy Systems
    Inventor: A. John Speranza
  • Patent number: 7890276
    Abstract: A pressure relief valve monitoring system and method is disclosed. In one aspect there is an online pressure relief valve monitoring system that includes at least one acoustic sensor located about a pressure relief valve that obtains ultrasonic measurements therefrom. One or more temperature sensors located about the pressure relief valve obtain temperature measurements therefrom. A data acquisition system receives the ultrasonic measurements from the at least one acoustic sensor and the temperature measurements from the one or more temperature sensors. An online monitor monitors the measurements received by the data acquisition system for detection of a leak about the pressure relief valve. The online monitor detects the presence of the leak as a function of the ultrasonic measurements and temperature measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Lane Thomas Killion, John Wesley Grant, William Charles Jost, Michael Lee Whaley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7890480
    Abstract: A deterministic UDF processing mechanism processes user-defined functions (UDFs) using multiple hash tables. Data access patterns for a UDF are collected, and an appropriate hash table set is then determined for the UDF from the data access patterns. If a UDF accesses some similar columns and some disjoint columns, the similar columns are grouped together, and one or more hash tables are allocated to the similar columns. Disjoint columns are allocated their own hash tables. In addition, the allocation of hash tables may be adjusted based on historical access patterns collected over time. By dynamically allocating and adjusting sets of hash tables to a deterministic UDF, the performance of the UDF is greatly increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Lawrence Barsness, Daniel E. Beuch, Theresa Renee Euler, Paul Stuart Nelsestuen, John Matthew Santosuosso
  • Patent number: 7888296
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a composition comprising expandable polymeric microparticles comprising hydrophobic polymers having a backbone with labile pendant groups, the microparticles having an unexpanded volume average particle size diameter of from about 0.05 to about 5,000 microns. Labile pendant groups on the backbone are subject to hydrolysis under a change in environmental conditions that results in expansion of the microparticle. The invention is further directed to the use of the composition for modifying the permeability of subterranean formations and increasing the mobilization and/or recovery rate of hydrocarbon fluids present in the formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Nalco Company
    Inventors: John D. Morris, Kin-Tai Chang
  • Patent number: 7886985
    Abstract: This invention relates to domestic heat and power systems that allow efficient methods of operating a domestic combined heat and power (dchp) unit and to energy-efficient methods of scheduling domestic appliance operation within a household having a dchp unit. Dchp units provide heating and hot water for the home and also generate electricity for use in the home. A domestic heat and power system is provided that comprises a dchp unit, a dchp unit controller, a programmer module and an energy scheduler linked to allow communication therebetween, wherein the programmer module receives data input and generates a heating and/or hot water schedule therefrom, the dchp unit controller determines operating times of the dchp unit in accordance with the schedule and provides the operating times to the energy scheduler that then operates the domestic appliance during operating times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Microgen Engine Corporation Holding B.V.
    Inventors: Nigel Graham Moore, Heather Allderidge, Frank Ferdinandi, Christopher John Spenceley, Adrian Robin Richardson, Wayne Kenneth Aldridge, David Anthony Clark, Alan William McCarthy-Wyper
  • Patent number: 7887784
    Abstract: Racemic mixtures and enantiomerically pure forms of novel 1-[(2?-substituted)-piperazin-1?-yl]-isoquinolines are norepinephrine (NE) transporter (NET) inhibitor compounds. Compounds of the invention are considered therapeutic agents for central nervous system (CNS) diseases and disorders, without limitation, including neurodegeneration, anxiety, depression, attention deficit disorders, drug dependency, and post traumatic stress disorder. Examples of the chemical syntheses of the compounds of the invention are provided. The isoquinoline compounds of the invention competitively bind at NET at nanomolar concentrations. The isoquinoline agents of the invention bind selectively to NET over other competitive transporter targets and receptor binding sites, including those of serotonin and dopamine, amongst others. The chemical syntheses of the invention are suitable for labeling with radionuclide atoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: University of Montana
    Inventors: John M. Gerdes, David B. Bolstad, Michael R. Braden, August W. Barany
  • Patent number: 7890807
    Abstract: A method and system for identifying a configuration parameter of a “sick” computer system that is at fault for causing an undesired behavior based on analysis of configuration parameters from other computer systems is provided. In one embodiment, a troubleshooting system collects “suspect” values for “suspect” configuration parameters used by a “sick” application when the undesired behavior was exhibited by the sick computer system. The troubleshooting system then compares the suspect values to sample values of the suspect configuration parameters retrieved from sample computer systems. The troubleshooting system uses that comparison to identify one or more suspect configuration parameters that are likely at fault for causing the application to exhibit the undesired behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Chad E. Verbowski, Jiahe Helen Wang, John C. Platt, Ruyun Zhang, Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 7888415
    Abstract: A method of polymerizing poly(cyclic)olefin monomers encompassing (a) combining a monomer composition containing the poly(cyclic)olefin monomers, a non-olefinic chain transfer agent and an activator compound to faun a mixture; (b) heating the mixture; and (c) adding a polymerization catalyst containing Ni and/or Pd. The non-olefinic chain transfer agent includes one or more compounds selected from H2, alkylsilanes, alkylalkoxysilanes, alkylgermanes, alkylalkoxygermanes, alkylstannanes, and alkylalkoxystannanes. The activator is characterized as having an active hydrogen with a pKa of at least 5. The resulting poly(cyclic)olefin polymers can be used in photoresist compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Promerus LLC
    Inventors: Larry F. Rhodes, Dennis A. Barnes, Andrew Bell, Brian K. Bennett, Chun Chang, John Henry Lipian, Xiaoming Wu
  • Patent number: 7888126
    Abstract: An apparatus, process, coating, and filter for the accurate measurement of total mercury concentration in flue gas. In one aspect, the concentrations of both elemental and oxidized mercury are preserved by the apparatus for analysis. Accordingly, embodiments of the present apparatus and process can be used to determine regulatory compliance or for process control measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Perma Pure LLC
    Inventors: Tom A. Baldwin, John Ward, III, Allan Budd
  • Patent number: 7888031
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an assay for the detection of polyketide synthetase (PKS) mRNA from the red tide dinoflagellate Karenia brevis. Another aspect of the invention concerns NASBA primers and a molecular beacon that enable detection of mRNA of one of the PKS genes. In another aspect, the present invention includes an internal control RNA (IC-RNA) that enables quantitative detection of the target as well as correction for inhibition of amplification. The assay of the invention provides a rapid and specific detection of the putative toxin-producing genes of the Florida Red Tide Organism. The assay of the invention is useful for determining the virulence of red tide blooms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventor: John H. Paul, III
  • Patent number: 7889135
    Abstract: An antenna array core comprising a plurality of microwave modules, a control layer, a mounting layer, and a signal distribution layer. The control layer is capable of distributing control signals to the plurality of microwave modules. The plurality of microwave modules are attached to an upper surface of the mounting layer and the mounting layer is made from a heat conductive material capable of cooling the plurality of microwave modules. The signal distribution layer is located below the mounting layer, wherein the signal distribution layer is capable of transmitting microwave signals to the plurality of microwave modules and wherein the arrangement of the plurality of microwave modules on the mounting layer, the control layer, and the wave distribution network form a layered architecture for the antenna core. The architecture is a balance between, size, thermal control, manufacturability, cost, and performance so as to be a unique solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Bruce Larry Blaser, Peter Timothy Heisen, Richard N. Bostwick, John B. O'Connell, Stephen Lee Fahley, Julio A. Navarro, Mark Richard Davis, Harold Peter Soares, Jr., Scott A. Raby, Jimmy S. Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 7890380
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for implementing sales of products featured in a program is provided. The method includes associating an object featured in the program with the program and a product. The product corresponds to the object in the program. The method includes receiving a request relating to the object featured in the program and presenting product information associated with the product corresponding to the object in response to the request relating to the object. The method further includes generating an order for the product in response to a request to purchase the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: John Stefanik, Phillip Weeks, Charles P. Bradley, E-Lee Chang, Tuck Seng Tan, Lawrence K. Tucker
  • Patent number: 7889020
    Abstract: Disclosed is methodology and apparatus for producing an asymmetrical filter for use with implantable medical devices, and in other input filtering environments. Differing forward and reverse characteristic responses are provided by inserting a low value resistor in series with heart connecting leads so that EMI input protection may be provided without significantly reducing energy transfer from the protected device. Improved protection against voltage transients is provided with present arrangements of differentiated series impedance. Higher frequency energy is allowed out of a subject device than is allowed into such device, which allows for attenuation of undesired frequency ranges entering the filter while allowing output pulses to exit without distortion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: AVX Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph M. Hock, John L. Galvagni
  • Patent number: 7890398
    Abstract: Software aggregates and integrates credit exposure and credit data across accounting, trading and operational systems within an organization and generates views of available credit in light of the exposure and credit limits. A comprehensive model of exposure to all counterparties, across all of their divisions and subsidiaries, is assembled, enabling the creation of a hierarchical view of each counterparty that models its real-world parent-child relationships. Credit limits are set across the enterprise, supporting the organization's unique methodology and business process, and on a granular basis, incorporating factors such as external credit ratings, internal credit scores, commodity, geographic region, deal duration, and security instruments. Credit, transactions, and risk are then determined at any level in the hierarchy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Rome Corporation
    Inventors: John Miri, Jarod Belshaw, Samuel Jesse Farley, Colin Hendricks, Paul Kaisharis, Corey Heath, Mark Silhavy, Misbah Abassi, Dan Reid, Cynthia Haynie
  • Patent number: 7889590
    Abstract: A non-volatile memory system is formed of floating gate memory cells arranged in blocks as the smallest unit of memory cells that are erasable together. One feature is the storage in separate blocks of the characteristics of a large number of blocks of cells in which user data is stored. According to another feature, multiple sectors of user data are stored at one time by alternately streaming chunks of data from the sectors to multiple memory blocks. Yet another feature, for memory systems having multiple memory integrated circuit chips, provides a single system record that includes the capacity of each of the chips and assigned contiguous logical address ranges of user data blocks within the chips which the memory controller accesses when addressing a block, making it easier to manufacture a memory system with memory chips having different capacities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: SanDisk Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin M. Conley, John S. Mangan, Jeffrey G. Craig
  • Patent number: 7890411
    Abstract: A round-lot-based system for trading of securities includes a plurality of client stations for entering quotes for securities and a server process. The system receives quotes from the clients, aggregates the quotes and causes a total of all aggregated quotes to be displayed for a plurality of price levels on the client systems. The system uses a graphical user that depicts aggregated quotes in an aggregate window, and a plurality of price levels of a product traded in the market. The system also aggregates round, odd, and/or mixed lot orders into an aggregate of actual shares. The aggregate of actual shares may be placed on a book and rounded down to the nearest round lot for displaying on the round-lot-based system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: The Nasdaq OMX Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel F. Moore, John T. Hughes, Jr., Bruce E. Friedman, Peter J Martyn
  • Patent number: 7886945
    Abstract: A garment hanger comprises a header card and a clamp, the header card being preferably “free-floating” relative to the clamp to give a prospective purchaser a sense that the clamp is attached more to the garment than to the header card and that the card is thus disposable after purchase. In one embodiment, a hanger for displaying and holding an article such as a pair of gloves comprises a clothespin-like clamp comprising a pair of jaws resiliently biased about a pivot region to a closed, article-holding position, and a header defining an opening for receiving the pivot region of the clamp. Preferably, the opening in the header is larger than the pivot region of the clamp so as to provide for relative movement between the clamp and the header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Mechanix Wear, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Fitzgerald, John Caper, James Hale, Brian J. Lunniss
  • Patent number: 7886459
    Abstract: A device and method for assisting in the removal of fluid, such as water, and related moisture from a bladder of a fluid storage device, such as a personal hydration pack or reservoir, is disclosed. The device has a three-dimensional structure or profile so that, when inserted within the bladder, the bladder is held in an open configuration or position, which allows any water or fluid to drain out and allows evaporation to the atmosphere of moisture to occur through the port of the bladder used to fill the device. In one form, the device has an insertion section having portions of elongated structure having a smaller size than the opening so that the insertion section can be fed into the bladder, and the overall insertion section has a profile larger than the opening so that the bladder is held open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: John Robert Ruess
  • Patent number: D632497
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Guillermo Matias Vidal, Nicole Taylor, Matthew Todd Hupp, Brandy Nicole Lockaby, Oliver John Meinerding, Sara Elizabeth Gordon, William Richard Rempe, Jill Marie Verkamp
  • Patent number: D632564
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: H.J. Heinz Company
    Inventors: Craig Caldwell, John Marshall, William Rasile