Patents by Inventor Michael A. Robinson

Michael A. Robinson 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: 8467735
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for analysis of electronic components such as radio transceivers (for example, WLAN, Bluetooth, cellular, GPS). In one embodiment, a “black box” is diagnosed in its final device application and layout, using a series of software test routines or suites. The test suites provide simultaneous monitoring of multiple non-overlapping status indicators. Each test suite can be selectively enabled or disabled, and may also provide runtime modification of one or more parameters, and or intelligent testing of system operation. In another embodiment, multiple black box modules within a single form factor device are simultaneously run; the interference levels between the black box modules (as well as other parameters) are independently measured, displayed and logged to the user. Exemplary embodiments are described in reference to a Bluetooth module and WLAN module operating within a spatially restricted device (such as a desktop/laptop computer, “smartphone”, Bluetooth mouse and keyboard).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Jason Giles, Camille Chen, Lei Li, Michael A. Robinson
  • Publication number: 20130150433
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods for the study, diagnosis, and treatment of traits, diseases and conditions that respond to the modulation of HBV gene expression and/or activity, and/or modulate a HBV gene expression pathway. Specifically, the invention relates to double-stranded nucleic acid molecules including small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules that are capable of mediating or that mediate RNA interference (RNAi) against HBV gene expression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: Steve Bartz, Duncan Brown, Michael Robinson
  • Patent number: 8417187
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for compensating for the effects of interference between multiple wireless communication apparatus. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a first wireless communication apparatus operating in a first band and a second wireless communication apparatus operating at least partly in the first band, where the second wireless communication apparatus operates according to a different communication protocol than the first wireless communication apparatus. Interference is compensated for between the first wireless communication apparatus and the second wireless communication apparatus by selecting and operating according to one of a plurality of operational protocols. In another embodiment, the first wireless communication apparatus and the second wireless communication apparatus operate in a closed-loop relationship to cooperatively compensate for communication interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Camille Chen, Michael A. Robinson, Marco Pontil, Michael J. Giles
  • Publication number: 20130064118
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enhancing network capacity in a network comprising multiple wireless communication that overlap at least partly in frequency spectrum. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a portable device such as a laptop or smartphone having both a WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi) interface and a PAN (e.g., Bluetooth) interface which each operate with approximately the same frequency range. One variant places the WLAN interface into a power-saving mode as a default, thereby mitigating interference with the PAN interface in cases where the WLAN interface is not in active use. In another variant, an aggressive PAN management algorithm is used to enforce network policy on the PAN interface, thereby mitigating interference between the PAN interface and the WLAN interfaces of other devices in the network (as well as the parent device). AP-based variants are also described. Methods of operation and doing business utilizing the aforementioned apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Michael A. Robinson, Camille Chen, Jaime Tolentino
  • Publication number: 20130004261
    Abstract: A first element (10) adapted to selectively engage a second element (20), wherein the first element comprises a coating (12) and at least an engaging portion (14) of the first element is coated in said coating, wherein the coating is formed by vapour deposition to provide a thermo-chemically stable layer for temperatures up to 800° C. The coating (12) may comprise one or more of a nitride, oxide or carbide of titanium, chromium or aluminium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventors: Glen PATTINSON, Michael ROBINSON
  • Publication number: 20120323843
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to recommending data sources. In aspects, a request to provide recommendations of data enrichments for a database is received at a recommendation engine. The recommendation engine may perform static and dynamic analysis of data associated with the database and may further refine recommendations based on policies. The recommendation engine may then provide the recommendations, if any, of data enrichments to allow a software developer, for example, to indicate whether the data enrichments are to be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Anthony Nino Bice, David Michael Robinson, Hariharan Sivaramakrishnan
  • Publication number: 20120294588
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying an anti-copy protection signal for use with switchable head recorders, such as Video Hi-Fi recorders, is described. A high frequency pulsed signal is added to an original signal. The pulses interfere with the compensator circuitry such that the switching of the record head cannot adequately be masked on recording of a signal. On playback, the switching of the recording heads can subsequently be heard. In Video Hi-Fi recorders, the effect of the high frequency signals also interferes with the compressor-expander circuits to worsen the sound of the head switching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: DCS COPY PROTECTION LIMITED
    Inventors: David John Michael Robinson, Baolin Tan
  • Publication number: 20120297498
    Abstract: The cotton variety ST 4145LLB2 is disclosed. The invention relates to seeds, plants, plant cells, plant tissue, harvested products and cotton lint as well as to hybrid cotton plants and seeds obtained by repeatedly crossing plants of variety ST 4145LLB2 with other plants. The invention also relates to plants and varieties produced by the method of essential derivation from plants of ST 4145LLB2 and to plants of ST 4145LLB2 reproduced by vegetative methods, including but not limited to tissue culture of regenerable cells or tissue from ST 4145LLB2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Albert Balducchi, Michael Robinson, Randy Wood
  • Patent number: 8296290
    Abstract: A system and method for propagating classification decisions is provided. Text marked within one or more unclassified documents that is determined to be responsive to a predetermined issue is received from a user. The unclassified documents are selected from a corpus. A search query is generated from the responsive text. Same result documents are identified by applying inclusive search parameters to the query, applying the search query to the corpus, and identifying the documents that satisfy the query. Similar result documents are identified by adjusting a breadth of the query by applying less inclusive search parameters and identifying documents from the corpus that satisfy the query. A responsive classification code is automatically assigned to each same result document for classification as responsive documents. The similar documents are provided to the user. A responsive classification decision is received from the user for classification as the responsive documents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: FTI Consulting, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Michael Robinson, Manfred J. Gabriel
  • Patent number: 8284721
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selectively switching one or more antennas in a multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) antenna array so as to mitigate interference with another RF interface within the same space-constrained device, based on radio frequency isolation. In one embodiment, the MIMO interface comprises a WLAN interface having a 2×2 or 3×3 array of antennae which are placed in a wireless device in an asymmetric fashion with respect to the antenna of the second interface, and the other interface comprises a PAN (e.g., Bluetooth) interface operating in an overlapping frequency band (e.g., ISM band). When both interfaces are operating, interference is mitigated through selectively switching off one or more of the MIMO antennae, and using the remaining antenna(e) having the best isolation from the Bluetooth antennae.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Camille Chen, Michael A. Robinson, Michael J. Giles
  • Publication number: 20120235788
    Abstract: Power delivery systems and methods for delivering power from a vehicle to a vehicle door. The system includes a supporting device having a first portion fixedly mounted to a main frame and a second portion attached to a door. The second portion being movable about a hinge axis portion that connects the first portion to the second portion. An energy transmitting source is connected to a power frequency generator. The power frequency generator is connected to a power source and configured to couple an oscillating signal to the energy transmitting source. The energy transmitting source is mounted on the hinge axis portion of the supporting device. An energy receiving device is magnetically coupled to the energy transmitting source to receive a power signal from the energy transmitting source. The energy receiving device is mounted on the second portion of the supporting device at a fixed distance from the energy transmitting source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Control Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Konstantin Lakirovich, Michael Robinson
  • Patent number: 8263792
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for the acid hydrolysis of carbohydrates in or from biomass, using a solvent system including an aqueous ether, where the ether form a majority of the system, which affords high yields to the platform chemicals such as 2-furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF). The later can also undergo a domino reaction to chemicals including levulinic acid, particularly with oxygenated anions and greater water content. A total dissolution and reaction of biomass occurs under a range of relatively mild conditions (combined Severity range ˜2.2-2.6). Lignin and lignin derived products can be easily separated by precipitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventor: J. Michael Robinson
  • Patent number: 8265017
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enhancing network capacity in a network comprising multiple wireless communication that overlap at least partly in frequency spectrum. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a portable device such as a laptop or smartphone having both a WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi) interface and a PAN (e.g., Bluetooth) interface which each operate with approximately the same frequency range. One variant places the WLAN interface into a power-saving mode as a default, thereby mitigating interference with the PAN interface in cases where the WLAN interface is not in active use. In another variant, an aggressive PAN management algorithm is used to enforce network policy on the PAN interface, thereby mitigating interference between the PAN interface and the WLAN interfaces of other devices in the network (as well as the parent device). AP-based variants are also described. Methods of operation and doing business utilizing the aforementioned apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Robinson, Camille Chen, Jaime Tolentino
  • Publication number: 20120206291
    Abstract: A method for determining beamformer scattering parameters for a plurality of phased array radar antenna subarrays that each include a radiating (e.g., dipole) component and a beamformer component provides for obtaining for the plurality of phased array radar antenna subarrays a plurality of electromagnetic measurements at a plurality of ports. Analogous electromagnetic measurements are obtained for a reference subarray including a radiating component but absent a beamformer component. The plurality of phased array radar antenna subarray electromagnetic measurements and the reference subarray electromagnetic measurements provide a plurality of beamformer scattering parameter values for the plurality of phased array radar antenna subarrays that may be used in modeling and calibrating a phased array radar apparatus that may be assembled from the plurality of phased array radar antenna subarrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: SRC, INC.
    Inventors: Harvey K. Schuman, Anthony M. Davis, Donald M. McPherson, Michael Robinson, David R. Hagenmayer, John G. Wiley
  • Patent number: 8240210
    Abstract: A method for integrating a measurement device for use in measuring a machine component includes providing a coordinate measuring device, such as a coordinate measuring machine (CMM), and integrating with a plurality of nondestructive examination (NDE) capabilities with a plurality of coordinate measuring device capabilities to form an inspection probe. The method further includes integrating the NDE inspection probe with the coordinate measuring device such that the inspection probe substantially simultaneously measures a plurality of NDE measurements and external/internal geometry and defects of machine component, which are linked to actual component dimensional information provided by CMM. The inspection data can be simultaneously linked to and/or displayed together with a CAD model to enable a direct comparison between the inspection data and the nominal requirements carried on the CAD model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Yanyan Wu, Dean Michael Robinson, Shridhar Nath, Nicholas Joseph Kray
  • Patent number: 8229776
    Abstract: The present invention represents a unique methodology for evaluating subsystem technology in a system-of-subsystems environment. According to typical inventive practice, the technology to be evaluated and the requirements for effecting the technology are defined, the requirements relating to both a subsystem encompassing the technology and a system overarching the subsystem. The technology and the requirements are modeled, the modeling including establishing plural submodels of the subsystem wherein the submodels are considered as characterized by plural linkages between them and as constituting a model of the overarching system. Sensitivity analysis and trade space exploration are performed, the performance including determination of plural design variables of the submodels, plural relationships between the design variables, and respective sensitivities of response variables to the design variables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: David C. Woodward, Sara E. Wallace, Michael Robinson, Chris J. Dafis
  • Publication number: 20120182570
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for providing access to content via messaging services, such as email, voicemail, instant messaging, text messaging, or other similar messaging services. A content server is provided that includes a user interface, a web server and a file. The web server includes a web page for accessing the file. A user provides user information associated with a messaging address via the user interface, and the content server then sends a message including the web address of the web page to the messaging address. The user may then retrieve the message at a client computer, and may then download the file to the client computer by entering the web address into a web browser on the client computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Michael ROBINSON, Josef Coetsee
  • Patent number: 8188346
    Abstract: The cotton variety ST 4498B2RF is disclosed. The invention relates to seeds, plants, plant cells, plant tissue, harvested products and cotton lint as well as to hybrid cotton plants and seeds obtained by repeatedly crossing plants of variety ST 4498B2RF with other plants. The invention also relates to plants and varieties produced by the method of essential derivation from plants of ST 4498B2RF and to plants of ST 4498B2RF reproduced by vegetative methods, including but not limited to tissue culture of regenerable cells or tissue from ST 4498B2RF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Bayer CropScience LP
    Inventors: Michael Robinson, Randy Wood
  • Publication number: 20120131064
    Abstract: A method of storing data in a memory device of a computer system, including creating electronic record of an asset, automatically associating a predefined data structure with the electronic record that controls organization and display of metadata describing the asset, the data structure providing data fields for the metadata that are associated with the electronic record, receiving the metadata describing the asset from a remote computer, populating the predefined data structure with the metadata, and generating a first graphical user interface corresponding to the electronic record with a plurality of active tabs that provide a visual representation of the data structure associated to the electronic record, the active tabs, respectively associated with predefined displays including the data fields provided by the predefined data structure, enabling a user to navigate through different displays corresponding to the data fields provided in the data structure to view the metadata describing the asset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: EZSHIELD, INC.
    Inventors: John Browning, Michael Robinson, Pradip Sitaram
  • Publication number: 20120116940
    Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a method includes receiving first financial information associated with a first loan system, wherein the first financial information is in a first format associated with the first loan system and converting, by a processor, the first financial information to a common format. The method also includes receiving second financial information associated with a second loan system, wherein the second financial information is in a second format associated with the first loan system; converting, by a processor, the second financial information to the common format; and communicating the first financial information and the second financial information to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Diane Courie Carleton, Gordon Bruce Rains, Sean Michael Robinson, Twila Dawn East, Heather Leigh Holeman, Matthew John Rossi, Juanita Long Sheppard