Patents by Inventor Luis J. Smith

Luis J. Smith 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: 11972086
    Abstract: A system for automatically increasing a capacity of a virtual space in a virtual world may include a processor and a module operating on the processor for detecting an attempt by an avatar to enter a virtual space in a virtual world. The system may also include another module for determining if an allowable number of avatars is currently in the virtual space. The allowable number of avatars may be determined by at least a capacity of a server that is hosting the virtual space. Another module may be provided for increasing a capacity of the virtual space when the allowable number of avatars is currently in the virtual space. Increasing the capacity of the virtual space may include spawning a replicate new virtual space on a different server in response to the capacity of the server that is hosting the virtual space reaching the allowable number of avatars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Activision Publishing, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter F. Haggar, Brian R. Bokor, Daniel E. House, William B. Nicol, II, Andrew B. Smith, Luis J. Ostdiek
  • Patent number: 11943004
    Abstract: A method for operating a wireline communication device on a wireless communication network includes (a) receiving a downlink radio frequency (RF) electrical signal at a first connector, (b) converting the downlink RF electrical signal to a downlink access signal having a format that is compatible with the wireline communication device, and (c) providing the downlink access signal to a second connector for transporting to the wireline communication device. A method for extending a wireline communication network includes (a) receiving a downlink wireline signal at a node of the wireline communication network, (b) converting the downlink wireline signal to a downlink RF electrical signal, and (c) converting the downlink RF electrical signal to a downlink wireless signal, for transmission to one or more communication devices which are not physically connected to the wireline communication network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Cable Television Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Daryl William Malas, George J. Kakatsakis, Belal Hamzeh, Luis Alberto Campos, Eric Winkelman, Mario Di Dio, Luther E. Smith
  • Patent number: 8592075
    Abstract: The invention relates to a unique battery having a physicochemically active membrane separator/electrolyte-electrode monolith and method of making the same. The Applicant's invented battery employs a physicochemically active membrane separator/electrolyte-electrode that acts as a separator, electrolyte, and electrode, within the same monolithic structure. The chemical composition, physical arrangement of molecules, and physical geometry of the pores play a role in the sequestration and conduction of ions. In one preferred embodiment, ions are transported via the ion-hoping mechanism where the oxygens of the Al2O3 wall are available for positive ion coordination (i.e. Li+). This active membrane-electrode composite can be adjusted to a desired level of ion conductivity by manipulating the chemical composition and structure of the pore wall to either increase or decrease ion conduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: Rex E. Gerald, II, Katarina J. Ruscic, Devin N. Sears, Luis J. Smith, Robert J. Klingler, Jerome W. Rathke
  • Patent number: 8541129
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a physicochemically-active porous membrane for electrochemical cells that purports dual functions: an electronic insulator (separator) and a unidirectional ion-transporter (electrolyte). The electrochemical cell membrane is activated for the transport of ions by contiguous ion coordination sites on the interior two-dimensional surfaces of the trans-membrane unidirectional pores. One dimension of the pore surface has a macroscopic length (1 nm-1000 ?m) and is directed parallel to the direction of an electric field, which is produced between the cathode and the anode electrodes of an electrochemical cell. The membrane material is designed to have physicochemical interaction with ions. Control of the extent of the interactions between the ions and the interior pore walls of the membrane and other materials, chemicals, or structures contained within the pores provides adjustability of the ionic conductivity of the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: Rex E. Gerald, II, Katarina J. Ruscic, Devin N. Sears, Luis J. Smith, Robert J. Klingler, Jerome W. Rathke
  • Patent number: 8227105
    Abstract: The invention relates to a unique battery having a physicochemically active membrane separator/electrolyte-electrode monolith and method of making the same. The Applicant's invented battery employs a physicochemically active membrane separator/electrolyte-electrode that acts as a separator, electrolyte, and electrode, within the same monolithic structure. The chemical composition, physical arrangement of molecules, and physical geometry of the pores play a role in the sequestration and conduction of ions. In one preferred embodiment, ions are transported via the ion-hoping mechanism where the oxygens of the Al2O3 wall are available for positive ion coordination (i.e. Li+). This active membrane-electrode composite can be adjusted to a desired level of ion conductivity by manipulating the chemical composition and structure of the pore wall to either increase or decrease ion conduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Rex E. Gerald, II, Katarina J. Ruscic, Devin N. Sears, Luis J. Smith, Robert J. Klingler, Jerome W. Rathke
  • Patent number: 8119273
    Abstract: The invention relates to a unique battery having an active, porous membrane and method of making the same. More specifically the invention relates to a sealed battery system having a porous, metal oxide membrane with uniform, physicochemically functionalized ion channels capable of adjustable ionic interaction. The physicochemically-active porous membrane purports dual functions: an electronic insulator (separator) and a unidirectional ion-transporter (electrolyte). The electrochemical cell membrane is activated for the transport of ions by contiguous ion coordination sites on the interior two-dimensional surfaces of the trans-membrane unidirectional pores. The membrane material is designed to have physicochemical interaction with ions. Control of the extent of the interactions between the ions and the interior pore walls of the membrane and other materials, chemicals, or structures contained within the pores provides adjustability of the ionic conductivity of the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Energy
    Inventors: Rex E. Gerald, II, Katarina J. Ruscic, Devin N. Sears, Luis J. Smith, Robert J. Klingler, Jerome W. Rathke