Patents by Inventor Kenneth O'Connor

Kenneth O'Connor 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: 7964783
    Abstract: Systems and methods of evolving music tracks are disclosed. One example method providing a plurality of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs). Each of the ANNs uses a time signature input. The method also includes producing a rhythm from each of the plurality of ANNs. The method also includes evolving a next generation of ANNs based upon a user selection of one of the plurality of rhythms and upon the previous generation of ANNs. An example system includes a plurality of Compositional Pattern Producing Networks (CPPNs). Each of the CPPNs uses a time signature input to produce a rhythm. The system also includes logic configured to receive a selection of one or more of the CPPN, and logic configured to generate at least one evolved CPPN based upon the selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Rosario, Kenneth O. Stanley
  • Publication number: 20110083448
    Abstract: A liquid gas vaporization and measurement system, and associated method, for efficiently vaporizing a continuous sample of liquid gas, such as liquid natural gas (LNG), and accurately determining the constituent components of the gas. A constant flow of liquid gas sampled from a mass storage device is maintained in a vaporizing device. Within the vaporizing device the liquid gas is flash vaporized within heated narrow tubing. The liquid gas is converted to vapor very quickly as it enters one or more independently operating vaporizer stages within the vaporizing device. The vapor gas is provided to a measuring instrument such as a chromatograph and the individual constituent components and the BTU value of the gas are determined to an accuracy of within +/?0.5 mole percent and 1 BTU, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: MUSTANG SAMPLING LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth O. Thompson, Walter F. Grehold
  • Patent number: 7882729
    Abstract: A liquid gas vaporization and measurement system, and associated method, for efficiently vaporizing a continuous sample of liquid gas, such as liquid natural gas (LNG), and accurately determining the constituent components of the gas. A constant flow of liquid gas sampled from a mass storage device is maintained in a vaporizing device. Within the vaporizing device the liquid gas is flash vaporized within heated narrow tubing. The liquid gas is converted to vapor very quickly as it enters one or more independently operating vaporizer stages within the vaporizing device. The vapor gas is provided to a measuring instrument such as a chromatograph and the individual constituent components and the BTU value of the gas are determined to an accuracy of within +/?0.5 mole percent and 1 BTU, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Mustang Sampling, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth O. Thompson, Walter F. Gerhold
  • Publication number: 20100323775
    Abstract: Systems and methods of evolving content for computer games are disclosed. One such method comprises tracking popularity according to one or more users of at least a portion of a plurality of game content items available in a game world. The game world is associated with the game. The game world also comprises evolving an additional game content item based on the popularity of the tracked game content items. The usage of each tracked game content item determines a reproduction availability of the tracked game content item. The game world also comprises inserting the additional game content item into the game world.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth O. Stanley, Erin J. Hastings
  • Patent number: 7811542
    Abstract: A method for making carbon nanotube particulates involves providing a catalyst comprising catalytic metals, such as iron and molybdenum or metals from Group VIB or Group VIIIB elements, on a support material, such as magnesia, and contacting the catalyst with a gaseous carbon-containing feedstock, such as methane, at a sufficient temperature and for a sufficient contact time to make small-diameter carbon nanotubes having one or more walls and outer wall diameters of less than about 3 nm. Removal of the support material from the carbon nanotubes yields particulates of enmeshed carbon nanotubes that retain an approximate three-dimensional shape and size of the particulate support that was removed. The carbon nanotube particulates can comprise ropes of carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotube particulates disperse well in polymers and show high conductivity in polymers at low loadings. As electrical emitters, the carbon nanotube particulates exhibit very low “turn on” emission field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Unidym, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth O. McElrath, Yuemei Yang, Kenneth A. Smith, Xiaodong Hu
  • Publication number: 20100254886
    Abstract: A method for making carbon nanotube particulates involves providing a catalyst comprising catalytic metals, such as iron and molybdenum or metals from Group VIB or Group VIIIB elements, on a support material, such as magnesia, and contacting the catalyst with a gaseous carbon-containing feedstock, such as methane, at a sufficient temperature and for a sufficient contact time to make small-diameter carbon nanotubes having one or more walls and outer wall diameters of less than about 3 nm. Removal of the support material from the carbon nanotubes yields particulates of enmeshed carbon nanotubes that retain an approximate three-dimensional shape and size of the particulate support that was removed. The carbon nanotube particulates can comprise ropes of carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotube particulates disperse well in polymers and show high conductivity in polymers at low loadings. As electrical emitters, the carbon nanotube particulates exhibit very low “turn on” emission field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Kenneth O. McElrath, Yuemei Yang, Kenneth A. Smith, Xiaodong Hu
  • Publication number: 20100179904
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, and computer program products for modifying the terms of a loan and for providing for a shared appreciation loan program. For example, in one embodiment the amount owed on an existing HELOC is split into two portions. A qualifying borrower can defer the obligation to pay interest and payments on a portion of the HELOC in exchange for sharing up to 50% of the future appreciation in the real property that serves as the underlying security for the HELOC. This mortgage plan can provide an incentive for the borrower to remain in the home since the borrower may be able to share in the appreciation of the home even if the home never appreciates beyond the full amount owed on the home, while at the same time preserving the borrower's credit rating and reducing the borrower's monthly payment. The bank may benefit from the mortgage plan by both reducing and deferring losses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: BANK OF AMERICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas Morano, Peter Fail, Kenneth O'Rorke, Edna Marshall, Allison Cicero, Randy Shields
  • Publication number: 20100073676
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the creation of optical waveguiding devices from standard optical fibers by the creation of zones of permanently altered refractive index characteristics therein. A high intensity femtosecond laser beam is focused at a predetermined target region in the fiber so as to soften the glass material at the target region. After aligning the focal region with the target region in the fiber there will be relative movement between the focal region and the fiber, which has the effect of sweeping the focal region across the fiber in a predetermined path, so as to create a secondary waveguide path. A portion of the light traveling along the core is removed from the core along the secondary waveguide path such that the device can be utilized as an attenuator, an optical tap, or a polarimeter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Omur M. Sezerman, Kenneth O. Hill, Garland Best, Dwayne R.J. Miller, Michael Armstrong, Shujie Lin
  • Publication number: 20100032441
    Abstract: In one aspect, a waste container lid having a closure part and a cap part connected with a hinge, a releasable lock structure and at least one permanent lock structure is described. In another aspect, a waste container lid having first closure retention structure and a second closure retention structure that permits the cap to remain opened in a plurality of positions. Waste containers utilizing the caps seals are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventors: Kenneth O. Stark, Thomas J. Standley
  • Patent number: 7613569
    Abstract: A method for facilitating the avoidance of a vehicle collision with an object includes the following steps: a) providing an environment for generating training examples, b) evolving a good driver using a visual input, c) evolving a crash predictor using a visual input, and d) outputting a warning signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., The Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Rini Sherony, Risto P. Miikkulainen, Kenneth O. Stanley, Nathaniel F. Kohl
  • Publication number: 20090235809
    Abstract: Systems and methods of generating music tracks are disclosed. One such method, for generating one type of music track from another type of music track, is implemented in a computer. The method includes the steps of receiving a music track input having a first type into an artificial neural network (ANN), and producing a music track output having a second type from the ANN, based upon the music track input having the first type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth O. Stanley, Michael Rosario, Amy Kathryn Hoover
  • Publication number: 20090203656
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and procedure for reducing immediate serum glucose levels without resort to drugs. Specifically, the invention discloses a regular regimen comprising modest exercise, daily nutritional supplements and a series of specific, time sensitive steps, which, when followed will optimize the effects of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: Kenneth O. Russel
  • Patent number: 7565231
    Abstract: A method for facilitating the avoidance of a vehicle collision with an object includes the following steps: a) providing a neural network, b) evolving a good driver, c) evolving a crash predictor, and d) outputting a graded warning signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignees: The Board of Regents, The University of Texas System, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Rini Sherony, Risto P. Miikkulainen, Kenneth O. Stanley, Nathaniel F. Kohl
  • Patent number: 7559843
    Abstract: A method for providing real-time machine learning to agents used in video games is disclosed. Initially, adjusted fitnesses of a set of agents within a population are determined. An agent having a relatively low adjusted fitness is then removed from the population. Subsequently, a parent agent is probabilistically selected from the population to generate an offspring agent. Finally, the removed agent is replaced by the offspring agent, maintaining a continuous real-time replacement cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Kenneth O. Stanley, Risto Miikkulainen
  • Patent number: 7550146
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel glycoconjugates such as glycopeptides, as well as convergent methods for the synthesis thereof. An exemplary preparative approach is exemplified by the synthesis of the mucin motif commonly found on epithelial tumor cell surfaces. The present invention further provides compositions and methods of treating cancer using the glycoconjugates of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Sloan-Kettering Institute For Cancer Research
    Inventors: Samuel J. Danishefsky, Dalibor Sames, Samuel Hintermann, Peter Glunz, Govindaswami Ragupathi, Philip O. Livingston, Kenneth O. Lloyd, Valery Kudryashov
  • Publication number: 20090151427
    Abstract: A liquid gas vaporization and measurement system, and associated method, for efficiently vaporizing a continuous sample of liquid gas, such as liquid natural gas (LNG), and accurately determining the constituent components of the gas. A constant flow of liquid gas sampled from a mass storage device is maintained in a vaporizing device. Within the vaporizing device the liquid gas is flash vaporized within heated narrow tubing. The liquid gas is converted to vapor very quickly as it enters one or more independently operating vaporizer stages within the vaporizing device. The vapor gas is provided to a measuring instrument such as a chromatograph and the individual constituent components and the BTU value of the gas are determined to an accuracy of within +/?0.5 mole percent and 1 BTU, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: MUSTANG SAMPLING LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth O. Thompson, Walter F. Gerhold
  • Publication number: 20090145206
    Abstract: A liquid gas vaporization and measurement system, and associated method, for efficiently vaporizing a continuous sample of liquid gas, such as liquid natural gas (LNG), and accurately determining the constituent components of the gas. A constant flow of liquid gas sampled from a mass storage device is maintained in a vaporizing device. Within the vaporizing device the liquid gas is flash vaporized within heated narrow tubing. The liquid gas is converted to vapor very quickly as it enters one or more independently operating vaporizer stages within the vaporizing device. The vapor gas is provided to a measuring instrument such as a chromatograph and the individual constituent components and the BTU value of the gas are determined to an accuracy of within +/?0.5 mole percent and 1 BTU, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: Mustang Sampling LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth O. Thompson, Walter F. Gerhold
  • Publication number: 20090052990
    Abstract: According to the present invention, an irrigation system pipe system 10 for aerating and watering a tract of land includes a first irrigation pipe section 14 having first and second isolated flow channels 34, 36, extending between the inlet and outlet ends 14a, 14b of the pipe section 14, the second flow channel 36 having a plurality of openings formed therethrough; a second irrigation pipe section 14? having first and second Isolated flow channels 34?, 36?, extending between the inlet and outlet ends 14a?, 14b? of the pipe section 14?, the second flow channel 36? having a plurality of openings 38 formed therethrough; and coupling means 16 for interconnecting the first and second irrigation pipe sections 14, 14? so that water flowing through the first flow channels 34,34? and through the second flow channels 36, 36? can flow between the first and second flow channels of the first and second irrigation pipe sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Kenneth O. Richardson
  • Patent number: 7488875
    Abstract: A carbon nanotube material that comprises carbon nanotubes, a magnesia support and a catalyst metal can be purified by contacting it with a mixture comprising carbon dioxide and water. At least some of the magnesia support is reacted to form water-soluble compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Unidym, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Bahr, Yuemei Yang, Kenneth O. McElrath, Martin P. Grosboll, Aurelie Mayeux
  • Patent number: D591859
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Kenneth O. Stark, Thomas J. Standley