Patents by Inventor Michael Downs

Michael Downs 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: 20100175027
    Abstract: Embodiments related to the non-uniform scrolling of a scrollable list displayed on a computing device display are disclosed. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a method of operating a display comprising displaying a scrollable list of items that includes a first pair of list positions separated by a first spacing on the display, and a second pair of list positions separated by a second spacing that is different than the first spacing. The method further comprises detecting a movement of a manipulator from a first location to a second location, and in response, scrolling a first list item on the display between the first pair of list positions at a first scroll distance/manipulator movement distance correspondence, and scrolling a second list item between the second pair of list positions at a second scroll distance/manipulator movement distance correspondence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony Young, Niels Van Dongen, Erika Carlson, Jeffrey N. Margolis, William Vong, Joseph Michael Downing
  • Publication number: 20090129529
    Abstract: A shipping container is constructed for shipping channeled fuel bundle assemblies. The shipping container includes an outer container, an inner container sized to fit within the outer container, and shock absorbing material disposed at least between the outer and inner containers. The inner container is shaped to house at least one pre-channeled fuel bundle assembly including a channel, a channel fastener, and an array of fuel rods supported by grid spacers between an upper tie plate and a lower tie plate. The inner container includes a lower tie plate restraint device shaped to receive the lower tie plate and a lower portion of the channel, and an upper tie plate restraint device shaped to receive the upper tie plate and an upper portion of the channel and channel fastener assembly. The lower and upper tie plate restraint devices are lockable within the inner shipping container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: David Francis Wazybok, David Grey Smith, Andrew Langston, William Williams, James Michael Downs, Christopher R. Jones
  • Publication number: 20090060111
    Abstract: A tool to slide a channel on a nuclear reactor fuel bundle assembly, the tool includes: a plate having a slot to receive a handle of the fuel bundle and a lower surface that engages an upper edge of the channel; at least one post extends up from the plate, and an arm is attached to a pivot on the post and includes a first end to receive a downward force and a second end adapted to engage the handle of the fuel bundle to apply an upward force to the handle and push down on the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: GLOBAL NUCLEAR FUEL - AMERICAS, LLC
    Inventors: David Francis Wazybok, James Michael Downs, David Gray Smith, Edward G. Apple
  • Publication number: 20080187928
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for enhancing one or more effects of exercise in a subject by administering a PPAR? agonist (e.g., GW1516) to the subject in combination with an exercise program. Also disclosed are gene expression profiles unique to the combination of agonist-induced PPAR? activation and exercise. Such profiles are useful, at least, in methods for identifying the use of performance-enhancing drugs in exercised subjects (such as, professional or athletes). Direct interactions between PPAR? and exercised-induced kinases (e.g., AMPK or its subunits, AMPK ?1 and/or AMPK ?2) also are disclosed. Such protein-protein interactions provide new targets for identification of useful compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Ronald M. Evans, Vihang A. Narkar, Yong-Xu Wang, Michael Downes, Ruth T. Yu
  • Publication number: 20080141126
    Abstract: A method designed to include a number of features which facilitate fast and accurate reading of text documents. The design of these features is based on research in the fields of visual perception, ergonomics, and usability. The method applies this research to create software which provides various assisted-reading modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Vincent Lee Johnson, Michael Downs Coon
  • Publication number: 20080032789
    Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method provides for determining a first payout to potentially be provided for a current game play of a gaming device, wherein the gaming device is operable to facilitate a wagering game and providing the first payout only upon the satisfaction of a plurality of conditions. The plurality of conditions may comprise, for example, (i) indicia indicative of the first payout being disposed along a payline of the gaming device, wherein the payline is a component of a first display area of the gaming device, and (ii) a characteristic of audio/video content associated with the current game play satisfying a requirement for providing the first payout, wherein the audio/video content is output via a second display area of the gaming device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventors: Jay WALKER, James Jorasch, Robert Tedesco, Michael Downs, Magdalena Fincham
  • Publication number: 20080015021
    Abstract: In various embodiments a casino has the flexibility to download games from a central controller to the gaming devices on the casino floor. The success of various games is periodically monitored. If a game is successful, as measured by its profitability or by some other success metric, then the game may be downloaded automatically to additional gaming devices. If a game is unsuccessful, then the game may be replaced on a gaming device with a new download. In this way, the types and quantities of different games present on a casino floor may be varied in real time based on their popularity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Jay Walker, Bruce Schneier, James Jorasch, Andrew Van Luchene, Geoffrey Gelman, Michael Downs, Dean Alderucci
  • Publication number: 20080015022
    Abstract: In various embodiments a casino has the flexibility to download games from a central controller to the gaming devices on the casino floor. The success of various games is periodically monitored. If a game is successful, as measured by its profitability or by some other success metric, then the game may be downloaded automatically to additional gaming devices. If a game is unsuccessful, then the game may be replaced on a gaming device with a new download. In this way, the types and quantities of different games present on a casino floor may be varied in real time based on their popularity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Jay Walker, Bruce Schneier, James Jorasch, Andrew Van Luchene, Geoffrey Gelman, Michael Downs, Dean Alderucci
  • Publication number: 20080015023
    Abstract: In various embodiments a casino has the flexibility to download games from a central controller to the gaming devices on the casino floor. The success of various games is periodically monitored. If a game is successful, as measured by its profitability or by some other success metric, then the game may be downloaded automatically to additional gaming devices. If a game is unsuccessful, then the game may be replaced on a gaming device with a new download. In this way, the types and quantities of different games present on a casino floor may be varied in real time based on their popularity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Jay Walker, Bruce Schneier, James Jorasch, Andrew Van Luchene, Geoffrey Gelman, Michael Downs, Dean Alderucci
  • Publication number: 20070276705
    Abstract: A method according to some embodiments of the present invention provides for a game server to receive policy requirements of a user for a gambling loss insurance policy from a terminal. The game server determines a premium amount based on the policy requirements of the user and transmits information concerning the premium amount to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventors: Jay Walker, James Jorasch, Stephen Tulley, Michael Downs
  • Publication number: 20070230684
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides for receiving a call from a caller, the call being associated with a first merchant; placing the call in a queue; determining a second merchant; and establishing a connection, the connection enabling communication between the caller and the second merchant while the call is in the queue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventors: Jay Walker, James Jorasch, Thomas Sparico, Michael Downs
  • Publication number: 20070156466
    Abstract: A method according to some embodiments of the present invention provides for a game server to receive policy requirements of a user for a gambling loss insurance policy from a terminal. The game server determines a premium amount based on the policy requirements of the user and transmits information concerning the premium amount to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Inventors: Jay WALKER, James Jorasch, Stephen Tulley, Michael Downs
  • Publication number: 20070156464
    Abstract: A method according to some embodiments of the present invention provides for a game server to receive policy requirements of a user for a gambling loss insurance policy from a terminal. The game server determines a premium amount based on the policy requirements of the user and transmits information concerning the premium amount to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Inventors: Jay Walker, James Jorasch, Stephen Tulley, Michael Downs
  • Publication number: 20070156467
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a gambling loss insurance policy automatically computes insurance premiums and processes gambling sessions covered by the gambling loss insurance policies. The players may purchase the insurance policies using various means such as coins, earned winnings, or credit cards. The gambling loss insurance system provides a high level of flexibility for the players to define specific parameters of the insurance policy. Additionally, the players may purchase the insurance policies directly from the gaming machine, a custom terminal on casino floor, or cage personnel having access to a centralized network server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Inventors: JAY WALKER, James Jorasch, Stephen Tulley, Michael Downs
  • Publication number: 20070156465
    Abstract: A method according to some embodiments of the present invention provides for a game server to receive policy requirements of a user for a gambling loss insurance policy from a terminal. The game server determines a premium amount based on the policy requirements of the user and transmits information concerning the premium amount to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Inventors: Jay WALKER, James Jorasch, Stephen Tulley, Michael Downs
  • Publication number: 20070142109
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a gambling loss insurance policy automatically computes insurance premiums and processes gambling sessions covered by the gambling loss insurance policies. The players may purchase the insurance policies using various means such as coins, earned winnings, or credit cards. The gambling loss insurance system provides a high level of flexibility for the players to define specific parameters of the insurance policy. Additionally, the players may purchase the insurance policies directly from the gaming machine, a custom terminal on casino floor, or cage personnel having access to a centralized network server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventors: Jay Walker, James Jorasch, Stephen Tulley, Michael Downs
  • Publication number: 20070142110
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a gambling loss insurance policy automatically computes insurance premiums and processes gambling sessions covered by the gambling loss insurance policies. The players may purchase the insurance policies using various means such as coins, earned winnings, or credit cards. The gambling loss insurance system provides a high level of flexibility for the players to define specific parameters of the insurance policy. Additionally, the players may purchase the insurance policies directly from the gaming machine, a custom terminal on casino floor, or cage personnel having access to a centralized network server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventors: JAY WALKER, James Jorasch, Stephen Tulley, Michael Downs
  • Publication number: 20070142111
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a gambling loss insurance policy automatically computes insurance premiums and processes gambling sessions covered by the gambling loss insurance policies. The players may purchase the insurance policies using various means such as coins, earned winnings, or credit cards. The gambling loss insurance system provides a high level of flexibility for the players to define specific parameters of the insurance policy. Additionally, the players may purchase the insurance policies directly from the gaming machine, a custom terminal on casino floor, or cage personnel having access to a centralized network server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventors: Jay Walker, James Jorasch, Stephen Tulley, Michael Downs
  • Publication number: 20070135210
    Abstract: A method according to some embodiments of the present invention provides for a game server to receive policy requirements of a user for a gambling loss insurance policy from a terminal. The game server determines a premium amount based on the policy requirements of the user and transmits information concerning the premium amount to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 14, 2007
    Inventors: Jay Walker, James Jorasch, Stephen Tulley, Michael Downs
  • Publication number: 20070012542
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for a method comprising determining sales data associated with a sales device (e.g., a vending machine) and adjusting a level of sensitivity of a currency validator based on the sales data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Publication date: January 18, 2007
    Inventors: Daniel Tedesco, Dean Alderucci, James Jorasch, Jay Walker, Michael Downs