Patents by Inventor Keith Curtis

Keith Curtis 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: 20080238750
    Abstract: An intelligent power control peripheral (IPCP) may facilitate communications among individual peripherals independent from a digital processor. The IPCP is a “Meta-Peripheral” that may incorporate a configurable inter-peripheral module communications network with digital pulse width modulation (PWM) generators and timing logic therefore, at least one ADC, analog comparators and at least one DAC that may be configured to provide an automatic power control structure that may also provide automatic digital processor/DSP task and workload scheduling for applications such as switch mode power supply (SMPS), brushed motor, etc. This Meta-Peripheral may further use a configurable control fabric in combination with the aforementioned specialized peripherals for the utmost in control configuration flexibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Bryan Kris, Keith Curtis
  • Patent number: 7366546
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sports channel that includes sports content to a user on a mobile device. Sports content associated with the sports channel is automatically delivered and stored on a mobile electronic device for access by a user. Using the device, users can quickly access the sports information they are interested in without having to type in information to specifically download the content to the device. The sports channel is directed at providing a quicker and less cumbersome way of accessing sports information as compared to having to access a web site or a telephone service. Several different modes for categorically displaying different types of sports information is provided. Some example modes include: a games mode; a standings mode; and a news mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Joel K. Grossman, Albert W. Tan, Paul J. VanderSpek, Yingli Wang, Keith Curtis
  • Publication number: 20060035628
    Abstract: The present invention provides a weather channel that provides a user of a mobile electronic device simple access to weather information, such as local weather, national and international weather, user selected cities, as well as weather alerts and messages. The user may customize the weather content they receive on their devices. Users are able to view weather information based on their preferences. While using the weather channel, users automatically receive broadcast weather information, including local weather information (current temperature, forecast information, sunset, sunrise, humidity, UV index, and the like); selected city information, national and international weather, and weather alerts and messages that are easy to navigate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Publication date: February 16, 2006
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Roger Miller, Albert Tan, Dane Howard, Paul VanderSpek, James Cooley, Keith Curtis
  • Publication number: 20060026088
    Abstract: The present invention provides a stocks channel and a news channel to a user on a mobile device. Stocks based content associated with a stocks channel and news content associated with the news channel is automatically delivered and stored on a mobile electronic device for access by a user. Using the device, users can quickly access the stock and news information without having to type in information, or specifically request the information to be downloaded to the device. The stock channel and the news channel provides a quicker and less cumbersome way of accessing stock and news information than having to access a web site, a television, a radio station, or a telephone service.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Publication date: February 2, 2006
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Joel Grossman, Kent Skinner, Albert Tan, Yingli Wang, Roger Miller, Paul VanderSpek, Keith Curtis, Dane Howard, James Cooley
  • Publication number: 20050266793
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sports channel that includes sports content to a user on a mobile device. Sports content associated with the sports channel is automatically delivered and stored on a mobile electronic device for access by a user. Using the device, users can quickly access the sports information they are interested in without having to type in information to specifically download the content to the device. The sports channel is directed at providing a quicker and less cumbersome way of accessing sports information as compared to having to access a web site or a telephone service. Several different modes for categorically displaying different types of sports information is provided. Some example modes include: a games mode; a standings mode; and a news mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Publication date: December 1, 2005
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Joel Grossman, Albert Tan, Paul VanderSpek, Yingli Wang, Keith Curtis
  • Patent number: 6900146
    Abstract: The present invention contemplates a method of forming a textile laminate or composite fabric from a plurality of woven fabric layers, with the method contemplating use of a three-dimensional image transfer device to facilitate efficient and commercially viable use of the method. Herein is disclosed a method of forming an imaged textile laminate or composite compound fabric, the fabric having a first textile fabric layer comprising a plurality of interwoven warp and weft yarns and at least one other textile fabric layer, the lamination of the fabric layers and imaging of the construct occurring on a three-dimensional image transfer device. The image transfer device has a foraminous, image-forming surface comprising a regular pattern of three-dimensional surface elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel Keith Black, Charles Keith Curtis, Shane James Moran
  • Publication number: 20050041667
    Abstract: The present invention provides a calendar channel that provides a user of a mobile electronic device simple access to calendar information. The user may customize the calendar content they receive on their devices. While using the calendar channel, users automatically receive broadcast calendar information, including event and appointment information. Example modes include: appointments view, event view, and month view. The appointment view mode is organized to display appointment information on the electronic device. The event view mode is arranged to display event information that is organized according to a day list format. The month view mode displays the days of the month. The calendar channel is synchronized and customized by the user from a single user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Publication date: February 24, 2005
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Roger Miller, Burdette Holtgrewe, Albert Tan, Dane Howard, Paul VanderSpek, James Cooley, Keith Curtis
  • Patent number: 6701591
    Abstract: In the present invention, a hydroentangled and three-dimensionally patterned fibrous material is formed from a fibrous matrix to produce a nonwoven fabric of pronounced open area and enhanced physical properties, including abrasive, and particularly wet abrasive, performance. A three-dimensional pattern utilized on the forming surface results in the nonwoven fabric having a diaphanous gauze-like or cheesecloth-like presentation. A method of making a nonwoven material embodying the principles of the present invention contemplates the use of staple length fibers to facilitate economical fabric formation. Formation of the fibrous nonwoven fabric on a three-dimensional, image transfer device by hydroentangling imparts desired physical properties to the fabric such as the controlled placement of the fiber population relative to the desired three-dimensional pattern of the imaging device. This nonwoven fabric may be natural or colored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David Collins, Charles Keith Curtis, Jerry Parker
  • Patent number: 6606771
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of imaging a woven textile fabric by positioning the fabric on a three-dimensional image transfer device, and subjecting the fabric to treatment with high pressure liquid streams. A regular pattern defined by the image transfer device is thereby durably imparted to the fabric. The use of a three-dimensional image transfer device facilitates efficient commercially viable use of the method, while avoiding the creation of repeating defects which can occur when imaging fabrics on wire mesh screens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Keith Curtis, Kenneth Daniels, Kay Goodson
  • Publication number: 20030153231
    Abstract: The present invention contemplates a method of forming a textile laminate or composite fabric from a plurality of woven fabric layers, with the method contemplating use of a three-dimensional image transfer device to facilitate efficient and commercially viable use of the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Samuel Keith Black, Charles Keith Curtis, Shane James Moran
  • Publication number: 20030104745
    Abstract: The present invention is directed a nonwoven fabric which is imparted with a three-dimensional image or pattern during the fabrication stage. The three-dimensional image or pattern imparted into the structure of the nonwoven fabric results in a lofty material with particulate capturing recesses or “pockets” which act to entrap and entrain dust. The three-dimensional image or pattern also results in a number of fibrous ends and loops which extend beyond the surface of the recesses or “pockets”, which in turn, improve the nonwoven fabrics ability to effectively collect particulates from the surface of the article to be cleaned or dusted. In conjunction, the recesses and the extended fibrous surface act to effectively remove fine particulates such as dust from articles such as furniture and flooring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Applicant: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Keith Curtis
  • Patent number: 6564436
    Abstract: The present invention contemplates a method of forming a textile laminate or composite fabric from a plurality of woven fabric layers, with the method contemplating use of a three-dimensional image transfer device to facilitate efficient and commercially viable use of the method. Herein is disclosed a method of forming an imaged textile laminate or composite compound fabric, the fabric having a first textile fabric layer comprising a plurality of interwoven warp and weft yarns and at least one other textile fabric layer, the lamination of the fabric layers and imaging of the construct occurring on a three-dimensional image transfer device. The image transfer device has a foraminous, image-forming surface comprising a regular pattern of three-dimensional surface elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel Keith Black, Charles Keith Curtis, Shane James Moran
  • Publication number: 20030079324
    Abstract: In the present invention, a hydroentangled and three-dimensionally patterned fibrous material is formed from a fibrous matrix to produce a nonwoven fabric of pronounced open area and enhanced physical properties, including abrasive, and particularly wet abrasive, performance. A three-dimensional pattern utilized on the forming surface results in the nonwoven fabric having a diaphanous gauze-like or cheesecloth-like presentation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: David Collins, Charles Keith Curtis, Jerry Parker
  • Publication number: 20030009862
    Abstract: The present invention contemplates a method of forming a textile laminate or composite fabric from a plurality of woven fabric layers, with the method contemplating use of a three-dimensional image transfer device to facilitate efficient and commercially viable use of the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Samuel Keith Black, Charles Keith Curtis, Shane James Moran
  • Patent number: 6502288
    Abstract: A method of forming durable nonwoven fabrics by hydroentanglement includes providing a precursor web comprising a fibrous matrix of staple length fibers and/or substantially continuous filaments. The precursor web is subjected to hydroentanglement on a three-dimensional image transfer device to create a patterned and imaged fabric. Enhanced imaging is achieved by advancing the precursor web onto the movable imaging surface of the image transfer device at a rate substantially equal to the rate at which the image surface moves relative to one or more associated hydroentangling manifolds. Treatment with a polymeric binder composition enhances the integrity of the fabric, permitting it to exhibit desired physical characteristics, including strength, durability, softness, and drapeability. Mechanical compaction of the imaged and patterned fabric, such as by sanforizing, enhances the desired physical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel K. Black, Charles Keith Curtis, Cheryl L. Carlson
  • Publication number: 20020170073
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining a channel state of a set top box, comprises: a sensing stage capable to detect light intensity from various positions on a display and generating output signals based on light intensity detected from each of the various positions; a comparison stage communicatively coupled to the sensing stage and capable to generate digital values by comparison of each generated output signals with a threshold value; and an interface communicatively coupled to the sensing stage and capable to generate a feedback signal based upon the digital values to indicate a channel state of the set top box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Douglas Miller, Keith Curtis
  • Patent number: 6462621
    Abstract: An amplifier may be configured as a general purpose operational amplifier having external gain determining components or as a programmable gain amplifier having self-contained gain determining components and fixed step amplification selection. Configuration and control of the operational amplifier may be performed with a digital processor such as a microcontroller. The configurable amplifier may be packaged in an integrated circuit package. The configurable amplifier and a processor may be fabricated on a single integrated circuit or in a multi-chip integrated circuit package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Microchip Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael Charles, Miguel Moreno, Keith Curtis
  • Publication number: 20020050037
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of imaging a woven textile fabric by positioning the fabric on a three-dimensional image transfer device, and subjecting the fabric to treatment with high pressure liquid streams. A regular pattern defined by the image transfer device is thereby durably imparted to the fabric. The use of a three-dimensional image transfer device facilitates efficient commercially viable use of the method, while avoiding the creation of repeating defects which can occur when imaging fabrics on wire mesh screens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventors: Charles Keith Curtis, Kenneth Daniels, Kay Goodson
  • Publication number: 20020007540
    Abstract: A method of forming durable nonwoven fabrics by hydroentanglement includes providing a precursor web comprising a fibrous matrix of staple length fibers and/or substantially continuous filaments. The precursor web is subjected to hydroentanglement on a three-dimensional image transfer device to create a patterned and imaged fabric. Enhanced imaging is achieved by advancing the precursor web onto the movable imaging surface of the image transfer device at a rate substantially equal to the rate at which the image surface moves relative to one or more associated hydroentangling manifolds. Treatment with a polymeric binder composition enhances the integrity of the fabric, permitting it to exhibit desired physical characteristics, including strength, durability, softness, and drapeability. Mechanical compaction of the imaged and patterned fabric, such as by sanforizing, enhances the desired physical properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: Samuel K. Black, Charles Keith Curtis, Cheryl L. Carlson
  • Patent number: D465337
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Curtis, Michael Putnam