Patents by Inventor Michael Combs

Michael Combs 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: 12639767
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamically scheduling a claim review are provided. A request to display an instance of a claim review is received, the request generated by a user in a plurality of users associated with a first or second entity. The instance of the claim review includes claims by a plurality of claimants, each claim associated with both the first and second entity. Responsive to the request, a customizable template specifying an order and subset of the claims in the instance of the claim review is applied. Each claim is accessed, in electronic form, from one or more data stores, to acquire a summary of the respective claim. A customizable user interface is displayed, including a completion status for the claim review, the summary of each claim, a first affordance for updating the completion status, and a second affordance for updating a criterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2026
    Assignee: CORVEL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael Combs
  • Patent number: 12417090
    Abstract: Techniques are described for providing a software-based platform used to collect and analyze data artifacts generated during software development processes and to display results of the analyses as actionable information. The software development observability platform is a software-based agent (also referred to as an “artifact collector”) capable of capturing output from a wide variety of software development tools including compilers, test frameworks, code coverage and type checker tools, and the like. The artifact collector stores the data in an event data format and forwards the data to a data intake and query system or other destination for further analysis. In some examples, the software development observability platform further includes graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and other analysis tools that enable users to obtain insights into their software development processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2025
    Assignee: SPLUNK Inc.
    Inventors: David Shanley, Mikhael Zharov, Jacob Davis, Matthew Hanson, Thomas Beardsley Bender, Jackson Tsoi, Chieu Pham, James Harris, Michael Combs, Pei Hsien Chu
  • Publication number: 20250231762
    Abstract: Techniques are described for providing a software-based platform used to collect and analyze data artifacts generated during software development processes and to display results of the analyses as actionable information. The software development observability platform is a software-based agent (also referred to as an “artifact collector”) capable of capturing output from a wide variety of software development tools including compilers, test frameworks, code coverage and type checker tools, and the like. The artifact collector stores the data in an event data format and forwards the data to a data intake and query system or other destination for further analysis. In some examples, the software development observability platform further includes graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and other analysis tools that enable users to obtain insights into their software development processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2025
    Publication date: July 17, 2025
    Applicant: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David SHANLEY, Mikhael ZHAROV, Jacob DAVIS, Matthew HANSON, Thomas Beardsley BENDER, Jackson TSOI, Chieu PHAM, James HARRIS, Michael COMBS, Pei Hsien CHU
  • Patent number: 12351703
    Abstract: A polymer composition containing cellulose acetate in combination with one or more plasticizers and one or more biodegradable fillers. The biodegradable fillers can include monosaccharides, polysaccharides, esters thereof, and mixtures thereof. The polymer composition is formulated so as to have properties similar to petroleum-based polymers for producing, for example, single-use biodegradable articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2025
    Assignee: Acetate International LLC
    Inventors: Michael Combs, Narsi Devanathan
  • Patent number: 12262735
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a degradable cellulose ester. The cellulose ester may be formed into tow for use in cigarette filters or into articles, such as molded articles. A basic material, an enzymatic material, or combinations thereof is included in the cellulose ester in order to degrade the cellulose ester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2025
    Assignee: Acetate International LLC
    Inventors: Michael Combs, Amber Miller, Cody Parker
  • Publication number: 20240392112
    Abstract: A polymer composition is disclosed formed from a cellulose ester polymer, a plasticizer, and at least one strength adjuvant. The strength adjuvant can comprise filler particles. The filler particles are added to the polymer composition in relatively great amounts, such as in amounts greater than 30% by weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2024
    Publication date: November 28, 2024
    Inventors: Guodong Deng, Rongfu Li, Jonathan Caterino, Christopher McGrady, Michael Combs
  • Publication number: 20240392578
    Abstract: A multi-layered, engineered-wood composite shake or shingle siding with weather-tight connections, edge-to-edge, between adjacent shakes or shingle siding planks or pieces. One or more water drainage grooves or channels may be machined or cut into the faces of underlap and/or overlap portions. A shake generally is delineated by a pressed-in groove or a machine-cut gap (e.g., “keyway”). For a shake near the end of a panel, a false keyway or partial keyway may be cut or machined into the end, thereby giving the appearance of a keyway when two ends are fitted together to form a lap joint. The number of shakes on a panel may vary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2024
    Publication date: November 28, 2024
    Inventors: G. PAUL MERRICK, TOMMY R. WYATT, MATT VRAZEL, DAVID L. STACKHOUSE, ERIC BILLINGS, JAMES WHITLEY, MICHAEL COMBS
  • Patent number: 12012503
    Abstract: A polymer composition containing cellulose acetate in combination with one or more impact modifiers is described. The polymer composition can also contain a plasticizer and a bio-based polymer in addition to the cellulose acetate. The polymer composition is formulated so as to have properties similar to petroleum-based polymers for producing, for example, single-use biodegradable articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: TICONA LLC.
    Inventors: Christopher McGrady, Rongfu Li, Michael Combs, Xiaowei Zhang, Suresh Subramonian
  • Patent number: 11970260
    Abstract: Provided is a radar and communications enhanced sail for a sailboat, sail ship, or sail drone. The sail includes a first sail section comprising an active communication system, a second sail section comprising a passive communication system, or a combination thereof. The active communication system includes an antenna array (transceiver) and a software-defined radio (SDR), while the passive communication system comprises a reflective panel or sections and/or array of reflector panels or sections. The active system utilizes its SDR and transceiver to communicate back and forth with an onshore SDR and transceiver to provide information as necessary. The passive system receives a radar signal via the reflective material on the sail and reflects the signal back at the radar, which produces a radar cross section indicating that there is an object (in this case the sailboat) in the ocean.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: The United States of America, as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Corey Bergsrud, Katherine Grace Pfeiffer, Edward Zipperle, Michael Combs
  • Publication number: 20240026130
    Abstract: A polymer composition is disclosed formed from at least one bio-based polymer and at least one odor masking agent. The odor masking agent is designed to control odors by masking the odors during melt processing of the composition without significantly interfering with the optical and/or mechanical characteristics of the composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Inventors: Michael Combs, Rongfu Li, Ronald Hughes, Chongwen Huang, Xiaowei Zhang, Christopher McGrady
  • Publication number: 20240026122
    Abstract: A polymer composition comprising a cellulose ester polymer combined with at least one salt additive. The salt additive can be combined with the cellulose ester polymer in order to decrease the melt flow rate of the polymer and improve melt processing of the polymer for forming molded articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Inventors: Rongfu Li, Michael Combs, Ronald Hughes, Susan Blankenship
  • Publication number: 20230407055
    Abstract: A polymer composition comprising a cellulose ester polymer in combination with a property enhancing agent. The property enhancing agent is combined with the cellulose ester polymer in an amount sufficient to improve at least one physical property. For instance, in one aspect, the melt processing characteristics of the polymer composition can be improved. Alternatively or in addition, molded articles made from the polymer composition can have improved surface characteristics. The property enhancing agent can be an acidic species, such as a diprotic, organic acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: Michael Combs, Ronald Hughes, Rongfu Li, Chongwen Huang, Xiaowei Zhang, Christopher McGrady
  • Patent number: 11827772
    Abstract: A polymer composition containing cellulose acetate in combination with one or more bloom resistant or bio-based plasticizers and optionally one or more bio-based polymers is described. The polymer composition is formulated so as to have properties similar to petroleum-based polymers for producing, for example, single-use biodegradable articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventors: Christopher McGrady, Rongfu Li, Michael Combs, Xiaowei Zhang, Suresh Subramonian
  • Patent number: 11814507
    Abstract: Provided herein are cellulose acetate tow bands having less than 0.1 wt. % titanium dioxide, wherein the content of titanium dioxide is measured by ashing and/or by titanium particle count density. Also provided herein is a method of measuring the titanium dioxide content of cellulose acetate tow by ashing. Also provided herein is a method for measuring the color of cellulose acetate tow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: ACETATE INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Susan Blankenship, Dirk Amtower, Michael Combs, Christopher M. Bundren, Karen Zazzara
  • Publication number: 20230323094
    Abstract: A polymer composition containing a cellulose ester polymer in combination with one or more plasticizers. One of the plasticizers can be polyethylene glycol. The polyethylene glycol plasticizer can have a number average molecular weight that has been found to improve one or more properties of the composition or of articles made from the composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2023
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventors: Rongfu Li, Michael Combs, Xiaowei Zhang, Chongwen Huang, Christopher McGrady
  • Publication number: 20230323093
    Abstract: A polymer composition containing a cellulose ester polymer in combination with one or more plasticizers. The plasticizer can comprise a polyethylene glycol and/or triacetin. The polyethylene glycol plasticizer can have a number average molecular weight that has been found to improve one or more properties of the composition or of articles made from the composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2023
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventors: Ronald Hughes, Rongfu Li, Michael Combs
  • Publication number: 20230312885
    Abstract: A polymer composition comprising a cellulose ester polymer in combination with a chain scission agent. The chain scission agent reacts with the cellulose ester polymer and decreases the intrinsic viscosity of the polymer. In this manner, the flow properties of the cellulose ester polymer can be dramatically improved. For instance, the melt flow rate of the polymer can increase making the polymer more amenable to molding processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Rongfu Li, Michael Combs, Ronald Hughes
  • Patent number: 11774419
    Abstract: Provided herein are cellulose acetate tow bands having less than 0.1 wt. % titanium dioxide, wherein the content of titanium dioxide is measured by ashing and/or by titanium particle count density. Also provided herein is a method of measuring the titanium dioxide content of cellulose acetate tow by ashing. Also provided herein is a method for measuring the color of cellulose acetate tow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: ACETATE INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Susan Blankenship, Dirk Amtower, Michael Combs, Christopher M. Bundren, Karen Zazzara
  • Publication number: 20230287201
    Abstract: A polymer composition containing the reaction product of a cellulose ester polymer and a reactive flow aid. The reactive flow aid can be a polyester oligomer and can be chemically associated with the cellulose ester polymer by being melt blended with the polymer in the presence of a catalyst, such as an acid species. The polymer composition of the present disclosure has excellent flow properties and is well suited for producing molded articles, such as injection molded articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventor: Michael Combs
  • Patent number: 11723401
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a degradable cellulose ester. The cellulose ester may be formed into tow for use in cigarette filters or into articles, such as molded articles. A basic material, an enzymatic material, or combinations thereof is included in the cellulose ester in order to degrade the cellulose ester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: ACETATE INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Combs, Amber Miller, Cody Parker