Patents by Inventor Michael Bell

Michael Bell 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: 20150163665
    Abstract: An access point that implements operating modes in which beacons may be selectively disabled. Beacons may be disabled when no device is actively associated through the access point. Beacons may be enabled in response to one or more triggers, which may include events such as a client forming an association through the access point following a probe request message identifying the access point. In addition, active beaconing may be triggered by user input or may occur during periodic brief intervals that allow client devices to discover the network identifier for the access point. Selective control of beaconing may lead to more effective wireless communication, particularly in areas where users congregate with computers implementing soft APs for personal networks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: David A. Roberts, Hui Shen, Christopher D. Gual, Anirban Banerjee, Yi Lu, John W. Archer, Michael Bell, Xiong Jiang, Anirudh Anirudh
  • Publication number: 20150134326
    Abstract: There is provided a mechanism for synchronising a plurality of dynamic language models residing in a plurality of devices associated with a single user, each device comprising a dynamic language model. The mechanism is configured to: receive text data representing text that has been input by a user into one or more of the plurality of devices; train at least one language model on the text data; and provide the at least one language model for synchronising the devices. There is also provided a system comprising the mechanism and a plurality of devices, and a method for synchronising a plurality of dynamic language models residing in a plurality of devices associated with a single user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Michael Bell, Joe Freeman, Emanuel George Hategan, Benjamin Medlock
  • Publication number: 20150127743
    Abstract: Processing data in a communications system comprising a plurality of servers is provided. First data received from a communications device is directed to a given server in the plurality of servers. A server identifier identifying the given server is transmitted to the communications device. Subsequent data is received from the communications device. The subsequent data comprises the server identifier and a further parameter. The given server is selected on the basis of at least the server identifier and some of the subsequent data received from the communications device is directed to the given server. In the event of a need to redirect subsequent data to a server other than the given server, a different server is selected on the basis of at least the further parameter and further of the subsequent data received from the communications device is directed to the selected different server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: David DRYSDALE, Michael BELL
  • Patent number: 8966012
    Abstract: Processing data in a communications system comprising a plurality of servers is provided. First data received from a communications device is directed to a given server in the plurality of servers. A server identifier identifying the given server is transmitted to the communications device. Subsequent data is received from the communications device. The subsequent data comprises the server identifier and a further parameter. The given server is selected on the basis of at least the server identifier and some of the subsequent data received from the communications device is directed to the given server. In the event of a need to redirect subsequent data to a server other than the given server, a different server is selected on the basis of at least the further parameter and further of the subsequent data received from the communications device is directed to the selected different server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Metaswitch Networks Ltd
    Inventors: David Drysdale, Michael Bell
  • Patent number: 8958405
    Abstract: An access point that implements operating modes in which beacons may be selectively disabled. Beacons may be disabled when no device is actively associated through the access point. Beacons may be enabled in response to one or more triggers, which may include events such as a client forming an association through the access point following a probe request message identifying the access point. In addition, active beaconing may be triggered by user input or may occur during periodic brief intervals that allow client devices to discover the network identifier for the access point. Selective control of beaconing may lead to more effective wireless communication, particularly in areas where users congregate with computers implementing soft APs for personal networks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Roberts, Hui Shen, Christopher D. Gual, Anirban Banerjee, Yi Lu, John W. Archer, Michael Bell, Xiong Jiang, Anirudh Anirudh
  • Patent number: 8944684
    Abstract: A bag construction for use to distribute flowable material is provided. The bag construction generally includes a first and second panel sections and one or more side gusset panel sections. An internal gusset member may be positioned inside the bag construction, between the first and second panel sections. A tape is disposed inside the bag construction and secures portions of end edges to other sections. In preferred embodiments, a bag construction includes an openable and reclosable closure arrangement and an anti-tamper arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ampac Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Gary Michael Bell
  • Publication number: 20150021039
    Abstract: An umbilical comprising an outer sheath, a core enclosed by the outer sheath and comprising a plurality of helically wound umbilical components, and a tape wound between the outer sheath and the core, wherein the tape comprises a plurality of rigid elements adapted to press into or against the outer sheath and the core when subject to loading. By combining a plurality of rigid elements with a tape, the present invention is able to increase the friction between the core and its outer sheath as part of an existing manufacturing step of adding a final tape or band around the core prior to adding the outer sheath. This particular assists steel tube umbilicals being vertically laid using VLS at deep water depths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Bell
  • Patent number: 8862414
    Abstract: An apparatus and method providing for detecting and responding to high voltage electrolysis within an electric vehicle battery enclosure to limit possible excessive thermal condition of the battery cells and modules. The present invention includes embodiments directed towards detection algorithms and apparatus for promoting the use of voltage, current, humidity, temperature, and pressure sensors for the purpose of detecting high voltage electrolysis. Additionally, the present invention includes response processes and structures to address high-voltage electrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Francisco LePort, Weston Arthur Hermann, Michael Bell
  • Publication number: 20140199985
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for changing one or more functional or operational aspects of a wireless device, such as upon the occurrence of a certain event. In one embodiment, the event comprises detecting that the wireless device is within range of one or more other devices. In another variant, the event comprises the wireless device associating with a certain access point. In this manner, various aspects of device functionality may be enabled or restricted (device “policies”). This policy enforcement capability is useful for a variety of reasons, including for example to disable noise and/or light emanating from wireless devices (such as at a movie theater), for preventing wireless devices from communicating with other wireless devices (such as in academic settings), and for forcing certain electronic devices to enter “sleep mode” when entering a sensitive area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Vitali Lovich, Michael Bell
  • Patent number: 8676182
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for changing one or more functional or operational aspects of a wireless device, such as upon the occurrence of a certain event. In one embodiment, the event comprises detecting that the wireless device is within range of one or more other devices. In another variant, the event comprises the wireless device associating with a certain access point. In this manner, various aspects of device functionality may be enabled or restricted (device “policies”). This policy enforcement capability is useful for a variety of reasons, including for example to disable noise and/or light emanating from wireless devices (such as at a movie theater), for preventing wireless devices from communicating with other wireless devices (such as in academic settings), and for forcing certain electronic devices to enter “sleep mode” when entering a sensitive area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Bell, Vitali Lovich
  • Patent number: 8561573
    Abstract: The present invention is a plastic litter box odor device that is an active recovery system that includes a removable hood that includes an interior perimeter pathway, an interlocking connection that removably attaches the removable hood to the device, a carbon container that is refillable and serves as a filter media to the device and an odorless exhaust vent that is an outlet point where odors are expelled away out of the device and a removable litter tray that is removably attached to the removable hood and contains cat litter used in combination with the device. The device also includes an air passage that includes odors emitted from the cat litter contained in the removable litter tray within the removable hood, a fan motor that is disposed within the removable hood and a motion sensor switch that senses incoming airflow and odors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Dean Michael Bell
  • Publication number: 20130258672
    Abstract: A light fixture that allows for customization and easy adjustability of various properties of the distributed light. The light fixture includes a threaded ring that engages with threads of a heat sink to support and retain a lens and/or reflector within the fixture. Because the threaded ring retains the lens and reflector within the fixture, unscrewing the threaded ring allows the lens and/or the reflector to be replaced without having to remove the entire fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: ABL IP HOLDING LLC
    Inventor: Larry Michael Bell
  • Publication number: 20130258685
    Abstract: Retrofit light fixtures suitable for installation without tools. One or more spring bands deform as the fixture is forced through a ceiling opening and resume their preloaded shape to hold the fixture in place. Some embodiments may be installed in round ceiling openings and may utilize LED light sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: ABL IP Holding LLC
    Inventors: David Wiley Clifton, Larry Michael Bell, Glen Andrew Kruse, Douglas Dewayne Grove, Yan Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20130247830
    Abstract: The present invention is a plastic litter box odor device that is an active recovery system that includes a removable hood that includes an interior perimeter pathway, an interlocking connection that removably attaches the removable hood to the device, a carbon container that is refillable and serves as a filter media to the device and an odorless exhaust vent that is an outlet point where odors are expelled away out of the device and a removable litter tray that is removably attached to the removable hood and contains cat litter used in combination with the device. The device also includes an air passage that includes odors emitted from the cat litter contained in the removable litter tray within the removable hood, a fan motor that is disposed within the removable hood and a motion sensor switch that senses incoming airflow and odors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventor: Dean Michael Bell
  • Publication number: 20130231998
    Abstract: The invention is a novel, effective, and affordable way of advertising (the “System”, or the “Invention”) through the use, at least in part, of periodic giveaways offered by Businesses to Consumers. The Invention provides a system and means for enabling a business entity (“Business”) to promote its name, products, special offers, and other information relative to the business to the consumers who utilize the invention (“Consumer”). Both the Businesses and the Consumers who utilize the invention must provide certain information about themselves (“Register”). The information provided by the Businesses and Consumers who Register is stored in a Business Information Data Base (BIDB) and Consumer Information Data Base (CIDB) respectively. The information stored in the databases of the System is then usable to perform data mining and analysis to determine specific metrics advantageous to the Business, the Consumer, the Service Provider, or other entities or persons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Bell
  • Publication number: 20130227058
    Abstract: Processing data in a communications system comprising a plurality of servers is provided. First data received from a communications device is directed to a given server in the plurality of servers. A server identifier identifying the given server is transmitted to the communications device. Subsequent data is received from the communications device. The subsequent data comprises the server identifier and a further parameter. The given server is selected on the basis of at least the server identifier and some of the subsequent data received from the communications device is directed to the given server. In the event of a need to redirect subsequent data to a server other than the given server, a different server is selected on the basis of at least the further parameter and further of the subsequent data received from the communications device is directed to the selected different server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: METASWITCH NETWORKS LTD.
    Inventors: David Drysdale, Michael Bell
  • Publication number: 20130101106
    Abstract: A method of processing data in relation to a teleconference service in a telecommunications network is provided. The teleconference service is able to handle a multi-party teleconference for three or more teleconference participants. First, second and third teleconference participation identifiers are received from first, second and third teleconference participants respectively. The first, second and third teleconference participation identifiers are correlated to determine that the first, second and third teleconference participants are participants in a given multi-party teleconference. Data is transmitted for enabling the establishment of a data communications session which is established separately from the teleconference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: METASWITCH NETWORKS LTD.
    Inventors: Chris Mairs, Liz Rice, Philip Pearl, Felix Palmer, David Drysdale, Shaun Crampton, Michael Bell
  • Patent number: RE44195
    Abstract: A multiparameter light is disclosed, which incorporates an LED (light emitting diode) tracking ring surrounding a main output lens. The LED tracking ring is capable of additive color mixing and in turn can simulate the color of the main projected light projecting from the main output aperture or output lens of the multiparameter light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Barco Lighting Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard S. Belliveau, Michael Bell, David Dahly, David Karl Peck
  • Patent number: D716151
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventors: Gary Michael Bell, Steven Epstein
  • Patent number: D722890
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Gary Michael Bell