Patents by Inventor Mark E. Roberts

Mark E. Roberts 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: 9550168
    Abstract: A programmable pH buffer comprises a copolymer that changes pKa at a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) in water. The copolymer comprises a thermally programmable polymer that undergoes a hydrophobic-to-hydrophilic phase change at the LCST and an electrolytic polymer that exhibits acid-base properties that are responsive to the phase change. The programmable pH buffer can be used to sequester CO2 into water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Dara Van Gough, Dale L. Huber, Bruce C. Bunker, Mark E. Roberts
  • Patent number: 9552929
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure, in one aspect, relate to composites including a carbon nanomaterial having a redox-active material, such as a polymer containing redox groups, disposed on the carbon nanomaterial, methods of making the composite, methods of storing energy, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Mark E. Roberts, Apparao M. Rao, Ramakrishna Podila, Robert Emmett
  • Patent number: 9442087
    Abstract: A sensor includes an organic thin-film transistor (OTFT) that operates under low voltage conditions in an aqueous environment. According to an example embodiment, an OTFT includes an organic channel that electrically connects source and drain electrodes, with a gate electrode separated from the channel by a dielectric layer. The channel, gate and dielectric layer are arranged to facilitate switching of the channel region to pass current between the source and drain electrodes, in response to a low voltage applied to the gate electrode, when the channel is exposed to an aqueous solution. The current that is passed is indicative of characteristics of the aqueous solution, and is used to characterize the same. For various implementations, the low voltage operation of the sensor facilitates such characterization with substantially no ionic conduction through an analyte in the aqueous solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Zhenan Bao, Mark E. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20160030920
    Abstract: A programmable pH buffer comprises a copolymer that changes pKa at a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) in water. The copolymer comprises a thermally programmable polymer that undergoes a hydrophobic-to-hydrophilic phase change at the LCST and an electrolytic polymer that exhibits acid-base properties that are responsive to the phase change. The programmable pH buffer can be used to sequester CO2 into water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Dara Van Gough, Dale L. Huber, Bruce C. Bunker, Mark E. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20150064798
    Abstract: A sensor includes an organic thin-film transistor (OTFT) that operates under low voltage conditions in an aqueous environment. According to an example embodiment, an OTFT includes an organic channel that electrically connects source and drain electrodes, with a gate electrode separated from the channel by a dielectric layer. The channel, gate and dielectric layer are arranged to facilitate switching of the channel region to pass current between the source and drain electrodes, in response to a low voltage applied to the gate electrode, when the channel is exposed to an aqueous solution. The current that is passed is indicative of characteristics of the aqueous solution, and is used to characterize the same. For various implementations, the low voltage operation of the sensor facilitates such characterization with substantially no ionic conduction through an analyte in the aqueous solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Zhenan Bao, Mark E. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20150017528
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure, in one aspect, relate to composites including a carbon nanomaterial having a redox-active material, such as a polymer containing redox groups, disposed on the carbon nanomaterial, methods of making the composite, methods of storing energy, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Mark E. Roberts, Apparao M. Rao, Ramakrishna Podila, Robert Emmett
  • Publication number: 20140229319
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing targeted marketing to goods and services provides and consumer resource management services to consumers. An example system and method for targeted marketing comprises collecting transaction data from point-of-sale (POS) terminals and using a consumer identifier in the transaction data to access stored information about the consumer. This information may be used to target offers and advertisement to the consumer. In an example system for consumer resource management, a consumer may configure a consumer account on the enterprise infrastructure via a web-site. The consumer may use the consumer account to purchase and configure gift cards that may be used for purchasing goods and services. A universal transaction identifier may be associated with the consumer account and used to purchase goods and services from more than one selected goods and services providers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Blackhawk Network, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Roberts, Jennifer K. Mathe, Khanh Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20140200997
    Abstract: A method of generating and executing offers and rewards to cardholders and/or program participants where an Offer Platform receives a request to create an offer to associate a value token with a financial institution, determines a list of available offers for qualifying cardholders, and tracks when offers are received and executed by the cardholders. The Offer Platform may work in conjunction with financial institutions and vendors to provide these services, and the determination of available offers and qualifying cardholders may be made based upon information provided by these entities regarding consumer products and goods/services.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Blackhawk Network, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Anderson, Tushar Vaish, Jaime Rodriguez, JR., Sheila Parthasarthy, Mark E. Roberts, Jennifer K. Mathe, Khanh Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8401922
    Abstract: A system, a method, an apparatus, and a computer program product are provided. The apparatus includes at least one memory including computer program code, and at least one processor. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive a request from a first user node to initiate an auction for a purchase of a product, and initiate an auction for the product. The at least one memory and the computer program code are also configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive an initial bid from a second user node. The initial bid includes a price term that is lower than or equal to an initial price term for the product. The at least one memory and the computer program code are also configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive one or more subsequent bids from the second user node or another user node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Ubungee Inc.
    Inventor: Mark E. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20130066701
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing targeted marketing to goods and services provides and consumer resource management services to consumers. An example system and method for targeted marketing comprises collecting transaction data from point-of-sale (POS) terminals and using a consumer identifier in the transaction data to access stored information about the consumer. This information may be used to target offers and advertisement to the consumer. In an example system for consumer resource management, a consumer may configure a consumer account on the enterprise infrastructure via a web-site. The consumer may use the consumer account to purchase and configure gift cards that may be used for purchasing goods and services. A universal transaction identifier may be associated with the consumer account and used to purchase goods and services from more than one selected goods and services providers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Mark E. Roberts, Jennifer K. Mathe, Khahn Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20130013430
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing targeted marketing to goods and services provides and consumer resource management services to consumers. An example system and method for targeted marketing comprises collecting transaction data from point-of-sale (POS) terminals and using a consumer identifier in the transaction data to access stored information about the consumer. This information may be used to target offers and advertisement to the consumer. In an example system for consumer resource management, a consumer may configure a consumer account on the enterprise infrastructure via a web-site. The consumer may use the consumer account to purchase and configure gift cards that may be used for purchasing goods and services. A universal transaction identifier may be associated with the consumer account and used to purchase goods and services from more than one selected goods and services providers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: BLACKHAWK NETWORK, INC.
    Inventors: Mark E. Roberts, Jennifer K. Mathe, Khanh Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20110087554
    Abstract: A system, a method, an apparatus, and a computer program product are provided. The apparatus includes at least one memory including computer program code, and at least one processor. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive a request from a first user node to initiate an auction for a purchase of a product, and initiate an auction for the product. The at least one memory and the computer program code are also configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive an initial bid from a second user node. The initial bid includes a price term that is lower than or equal to an initial price term for the product. The at least one memory and the computer program code are also configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive one or more subsequent bids from the second user node or another user node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: UBUNGEE, INC.
    Inventor: Mark E. Roberts
  • Patent number: 7863603
    Abstract: Cross-linked dielectric layers are facilitated. According to an example embodiment, an organic polymer is mixed with a reaction-stabilized cross-linking material. The organic polymer is cross-linked with the reaction-stabilized cross-linking material to form a dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Zhenan Bao, Mark E. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20100280911
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing targeted marketing to goods and services provides and consumer resource management services to consumers. An example system and method for targeted marketing comprises collecting transaction data from point-of-sale (POS) terminals and using a consumer identifier in the transaction data to access stored information about the consumer. This information may be used to target offers and advertisement to the consumer. In an example system for consumer resource management, a consumer may configure a consumer account on the enterprise infrastructure via a web-site. The consumer may use the consumer account to purchase and configure gift cards that may be used for purchasing goods and services. A universal transaction identifier may be associated with the consumer account and used to purchase goods and services from more than one selected goods and services providers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: Leverage, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Roberts, Jennifer K. Mathe, Khanh Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7203738
    Abstract: A system and method for subscribing to a distribution by a subscriber which distributes a distribution package from a source database to a destination database. The system/method includes accessing a subscriber object upon receiving a distribution package distributed by a distributor, determining a working-context stored within the subscriber object, selecting a first object included in the distribution package, obtaining from the package a relative identifier for the first object or creating the relative identifier for the first object if the relative identifier is not included with the package, appending the relative identifier to the working-context, wherein a second identifier is created for the selected object and adding the selected object with the second identifier to the destination database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Novell, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin S. McGill, Hong Zhu, Mark E. Roberts, Ty H. Ellis, Steve P. Townsend, David A. Romanek
  • Patent number: 7149751
    Abstract: A system and method for distributing objects to one or more subscribers. The system/method allows an administrator to create a distribution by allowing the administrator to select one or more objects for distribution to the subscriber(s). Once the distribution is defined, the distribution can be used any number of times and be sent to any number of subscribers without having to re-define or modify the distribution. Advantageously, the system/method automatically determines the objects that are associated with the objects selected for distribution by the administrator and automatically distributes the selected objects together with the objects that are associated with the selected objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Novell, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin S. McGill, Hong Zhu, Mark E. Roberts, Ty H. Ellis, Ted S. Haeger, Richard H. Cox, Kenneth W. Muir, David A. Romanek, Steve P. Townsend
  • Patent number: 7000017
    Abstract: A system and method for distributing objects to one or more subscribers. The system/method allows an administrator to create a distribution by allowing the administrator to select one or more objects for distribution to the subscriber(s). Once the distribution is defined, the distribution can be used any number of times and be sent to any number of subscribers without having to re-define or modify the distribution. Advantageously, the system/method automatically determines the objects that are associated with the objects selected for distribution by the administrator and automatically distributes the selected objects together with the objects that are associated with the selected objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Novell, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin S. McGill, Hong Zhu, Mark E. Roberts, Ty H. Ellis, Ted S. Haeger, Richard H. Cox, Kenneth W. Muir, David A. Romanek, Steve P. Townsend
  • Patent number: 6038657
    Abstract: Scan logic which tracks the relative age of stores with respect to a particular load (or of loads with respect to a particular store) allows at processor to hold younger stores until the completion of older loads (or to hold younger loads until completion of older stores). Embodiments of propagate-kill style lookahead scan logic or of tree-structured, hierarchically-organized scan logic constructed in accordance with the present invention provide store older and load older indications with very few gate delays, even in processor embodiments adapted to concurrently evaluate large numbers of operations. Operating in conjunction with the scan logic, address matching logic allows the processor to more precisely tailor its avoidance of load-store (or store-load) dependencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Favor, Amos Ben-Meir, Warren G. Stapleton, Jeffrey E. Trull, Mark E. Roberts
  • Patent number: 5754812
    Abstract: Scheduler logic which tracks the relative age of stores with respect to a particular load (and of loads with respect to a particular store) allows a load-store execution controller constructed in accordance with the present invention to hold younger stores until the completion of older loads (and to hold younger loads until completion of older stores). Address matching logic allows a load-store execution controller constructed in accordance with the present invention to avoid load-store (and store-load) dependencies. Propagate-kill scan chains supply the relative age indications of loads with respect to stores (and of stores with respect to loads).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Favor, Amos Ben-Meir, Warren G. Stapleton, Jeffrey E. Trull, Mark E. Roberts