Patents by Inventor Michael Ellis

Michael Ellis 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: 20200199148
    Abstract: The present invention provides compounds, pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, and methods of using the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Publication date: June 25, 2020
    Inventors: Kurt Armbrust, Fedor Romanov Michailidis, Karin Irmgard Worm, John Michael Ellis
  • Patent number: 10653016
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a facial-interface cushion for a head-mounted display may include (1) positioning a foam layer between a recessed mold member and an insertion mold member of a mold assembly, with the foam layer overlapping at least a portion of a mold channel extending along an arcuate path, the foam layer including a reticulated foam material, (2) forcing the insertion mold member against the foam layer in a direction toward the recessed mold member such that at least a portion of the foam layer is forced into the mold channel toward a channel bottom surface, forming a shaped foam element having a curved surface within the mold channel, (3) heating the shaped foam element to soften the shaped foam element and form the facial-interface cushion, and (4) removing the facial-interface cushion from the mold assembly. Various other facial-interface cushions, systems, and methods for head-mounted displays are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Patrick Sullivan, Shane Michael Ellis
  • Publication number: 20200121203
    Abstract: Modular personal networks (MPNs) are disclosed that include multiple devices that may be worn, carried, or used in close proximity to a user. The devices communicate wirelessly. Devices include security circuitry that prevents them from being used in a different MPN once the user has configured them. Devices not designed for use within an MPN can be included in the network using a bridge device. Devices can be integrated into items of jewelry, such as earrings, rings, pendants, and bracelets. One item of jewelry, such as a bracelet, can support multiple replaceable modules with variable functions. Functions of the MPN can include communications, entertainment, medical monitoring, sports monitoring, personal organization, and games. Multiple users each with his or her own MPN can use them to collaborate in creation of music. An MPN can be used for mobile recognition and logging of wildlife.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Inventors: Michael ELLIS, Caron SCHWARTZ
  • Patent number: 10596531
    Abstract: A modular continuous mixer includes a rigid casing having an inlet adjacent to an annular inlet end thereof and an outlet adjacent an opposing annular outlet end thereof. The casing further includes a cylindrical exterior casing wall that, together with the ends, define a volume therein. The ends each include a plurality of concentric rings of mixing pins projecting into the volume. One or more rotor disks are rotationally fixed within the casing between distal ends of the opposing pins. Each rotor disk includes a plurality of the concentric rings of mixing pins projecting from both sides thereof toward the inlet and outlet ends. A drive shaft is rotatably mounted in the casing and fixed through the center of each rotor disk. Additional casing extensions can be mounted between the inlet and outlet ends of the casing to facilitate further mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Inventor: Michael A. Ellis
  • Patent number: 10576385
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to fabricating a lanyard that includes the assembly of a strap sheet, a fabric strip sheet, and a stopper column. The strap sheet is wrapped around the stopper column and the ends of the strap sheet are adhered to itself to form a closed loop of the lanyard. The inner surface of the strap sheet is attached to the stopper column and the ends of the strap sheet are further attached to the fabric strip sheet to form the assembly. The assembly is cut to obtain multiple lanyards that include a portion of the strap sheet (e.g., a strap), a portion of the fabric strip sheet (e.g., a fabric strip), and a portion of the stopper column (e.g., a stopper). One end of each lanyard can be worn by an individual whereas a second end of the lanyard can be coupled to another structure, such as a handheld controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yi-Yaun Chen, Shane Michael Ellis
  • Patent number: 10561936
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a controller lanyard assembly that minimizes accidental damage to a controller. The controller includes a removable front cover that, when removed, exposes a receptacle that includes a cavity that receives a portion of the lanyard. The cavity of the receptacle is further connected through a channel located on an external surface of the controller. A first portion of the lanyard can reside within the cavity and a second portion of the lanyard can exit through the channel of the controller. The receptacle can further include detents that protrude into the channel, thereby preventing the first portion of the lanyard from exiting the cavity of the receptacle. Altogether, the first portion of the lanyard is coupled to the controller while the second portion of the lanyard is worn by the individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yi-Yaun Chen, Shane Michael Ellis
  • Publication number: 20200033601
    Abstract: A haptic skull cap provides different types of haptic feedback to a user, which can be advantageous for providing a more immersive virtual reality experience. The haptic skull cap includes a fabric cap worn by a user. Physically attached to the fabric cap is a linear actuator that provides a focal impact to a user's forehead. Additionally, vibrational motors are physically attached to the fabric cap, where each vibration motor provides vibrational feedback to a different location of the user's head. The haptic skull cap can be worn by a user in conjunction with a head mounted display. Therefore, each type of haptic feedback provided by the haptic skull cap can be synchronized with the visual data stream provided by the head mounted display which further enhances the overall virtual reality experience for a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Lesley Ribble Magrath, Adam Hewko, Robin Michael Miller, Jared I. Drinkwater, Michael Roy Bland, Shane Michael Ellis, Paul Michael Zornes, Bradley Morris Johnson, John R. Dombey, Khaled Boulos, Jason Higgins
  • Patent number: 10545349
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a facial-interface cushion for a head-mounted display may include (1) positioning a foam layer between a recessed mold member and an insertion mold member of a mold assembly, with a first end portion of the foam layer overlapping a second end portion of the foam layer, (2) forcing the insertion mold member against the foam layer in a direction toward the recessed mold member, thereby forming a shaped foam element including a first end portion that is compressed against a second end portion between the insertion mold member and the recessed mold member, and (3) heating the shaped foam element to form a facial-interface cushion by softening the shaped foam element and bonding the first end portion of the shaped foam element to the second end portion of the shaped foam element. Various other facial-interface cushions, systems, and methods for head-mounted displays are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Patrick Sullivan, Shane Michael Ellis, Quintin Morris
  • Patent number: 10524675
    Abstract: Modular personal networks (MPNs) are disclosed that include multiple devices that may be worn, carried, or used in close proximity to a user. The devices communicate wirelessly. Devices include security circuitry that prevents them from being used in a different MPN once the user has configured them. Devices not designed for use within an MPN can be included in the network using a bridge device. Devices can be integrated into items of jewelry, such as earrings, rings, pendants, and bracelets. One item of jewelry, such as a bracelet, can support multiple replaceable modules with variable functions. Functions of the MPN can include communications, entertainment, medical monitoring, sports monitoring, personal organization, and games. Multiple users each with his or her own MPN can use them to collaborate in creation of music. An MPN can be used for mobile recognition and logging of wildlife.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: adidas AG
    Inventors: Michael Ellis, Caron Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20200005572
    Abstract: A system and method for using a portable device to communicate with a vehicle to authorize one or more vehicle operations. The portable device may authorize the vehicle to unlock/lock doors, start the vehicle engine, or mobilize the vehicle, or a combination thereof. The vehicle may include a vehicle transmitter system with one or more transmitters disposed at various locations on the vehicle, and the portable device may be configured to monitor a communication strength between the portable device and the one or more transmitters of the transmitter system. Based on the monitored signal strength, the portable device may determine location information about itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventors: J. Michael Ellis, Eric Smith, Aaron Day, Kurt Dykema, Warren E. Guthrie, Brent Bouws, David L. Klamer, Kent D. Pilcher
  • Patent number: 10508108
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to tricyclic compounds of formula (I) which are inhibitors of one or more mutant IDH enzymes (I); wherein A is —C(R1)? or —N?; and X is selected from the group consisting of: (II-i), and (II-ii). The present invention is also directed to uses of the tricyclic compounds described herein in the potential treatment or prevention of cancers in which one or more mutant IDH enzymes are involved. The present invention is also directed to compositions comprising these compounds. The present invention is also directed to uses of these compositions in the potential prevention or treatment of such cancers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.
    Inventors: Christian Fischer, Stephane L. Bogen, Matthew L. Childers, Francesc Xavier Fradera Llinas, J. Michael Ellis, Sara Esposite, Dawn M. Hoffman, Chunhui Huang, Solomon D. Kattar, Alexander J. Kim, John W. Lampe, Michelle R. Machacek, Daniel R. McMasters, Dann L. Parker, Jr., Michael H. Reutershan, Nunzio Sciammetta, Pengcheng P. Shao, David L. Sloman, Wanying Sun, Feroze Ujjainwalla, Zhicai Wu, Yang Yu, Craig R. Gibeau
  • Publication number: 20190352044
    Abstract: A shipping container having a housing for holding merchandise and having a top that may be opened to allow access to the inside of the housing. A topper contained within the housing is positioned within the housing to present a surface when the lid is opened. A device coupled to the topper is operable to lift the topper and reveal merchandise contained in the housing. The device operable to lift the topper may be a tab, notch or other mechanism coupled to the topper so as to allow the topper to be rotated, slid or lifted away to reveal the merchandise. The surface of the topper preferably has a receptacle for releasably holding information about the merchandise. The shipping container provides a pleasant and upscale experience to the buyer and may be used as a display container for the merchandise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Cole Johnston, Meredith Burner, Michael Ellis Rogers, SR.
  • Patent number: 10442819
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to tricyclic compounds of formula (I) which are inhibitors of one or more mutant IDH enzymes: (I). The present invention is also directed to uses of the tricyclic compounds described herein in the potential treatment or prevention of cancers in which one or more mutant IDH enzymes are involved. The present invention is also directed to compositions comprising these compounds. The present invention is also directed to uses of these compositions in the potential prevention or treatment of such cancers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.
    Inventors: Christian Fischer, Stephane L. Bogen, Matthew L. Childers, Francesc Xavier Fradera Llinas, J. Michael Ellis, Sara Esposite, Qingmei Hong, Chunhui Huang, Alexander J. Kim, John W. Lampe, Michelle R. Machacek, Daniel R. McMasters, Ryan D. Otte, Dann L. Parker, Jr., Michael Reutershan, Nunzio Sciammetta, Pengcheng P. Shao, David L. Sloman, Feroze Ujjainwalla, Catherine White, Zhicai Wu, Yang Yu, Kake Zhao, Craig Gibeau, Tesfaye Biftu, Purakkattle Biju, Lei Chen, Joshua Close, Peter H. Fuller, Xianhai Huang, Min K. Park, Valdimir Simov, David J. Witter, Hongjun Zhang
  • Patent number: 10410447
    Abstract: A system and method for using a portable device to communicate with a vehicle to authorize one or more vehicle operations. The portable device may authorize the vehicle to unlock/lock doors, start the vehicle engine, or mobilize the vehicle, or a combination thereof. The vehicle may include a vehicle transmitter system with one or more transmitters disposed at various locations on the vehicle, and the portable device may be configured to monitor a communication strength between the portable device and the one or more transmitters of the transmitter system. Based on the monitored signal strength, the portable device may determine location information about itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: J. Michael Ellis, Eric Smith, Aaron Day, Kurt Dykema, Warren E. Guthrie, Brent Bouws, David L. Klamer, Kent D. Pilcher
  • Patent number: 10391547
    Abstract: A mold for casting a titanium-containing article includes calcium aluminate and silicon carbide, and the silicon carbide is graded in the mold such that it is in different portions of the mold in different amounts, with the highest concentration of silicon carbide being located between a bulk of the mold and a surface of the mold that opens to a mold cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Bernard Patrick Bewlay, Joan McKiever, Brian Michael Ellis, Nicholas Vincent McLasky
  • Patent number: 10380226
    Abstract: Described herein are techniques for identifying and displaying key excerpts of a digital work and related key excerpts of other digital works. Key excerpts are identified by evaluating (a) the number of interactions by human readers within each of the key excerpts and (b) the number of reviews that reference each of the key excerpts. Related excerpts from other books can be identified by comparing the key excerpts of the other books. Excerpts can be displayed by subject, and links are provided to move from one subject to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter Manching Tseng, Abhishek Patnia, Adam Joseph Iser, Christopher Michael Ellis, Alice Chu
  • Publication number: 20190243145
    Abstract: A head-mounted-display assembly may include a knitted layer formed of a plurality of fibers and extending in three dimensions. The knitted layer may include (1) a first region having a first degree of at least one physical property, (2) a second region having a second degree of the at least one physical property, and (3) a transition region extending between the first region and the second region. The transition region of the knitted layer may progressively change in degree of the at least one physical property proceeding from the first region toward the second region. Various other apparatuses, systems, and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Inventors: Shane Michael Ellis, Joseph Patrick Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20190216782
    Abstract: The invention relates to substituted bicyclic compounds, which are useful for inhibition of BET protein function by binding to bromodomains, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, and use of the compounds and compositions in therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventors: Shuang Liu, John Frederick Quinn, Bryan Cordell Duffy, Ruifang Wang, May Xiaowu Jiang, Gregory Scott Martin, He Zhao, Michael Ellis, Gregory Steven Wagner, Peter Ronald Young
  • Publication number: 20190145774
    Abstract: Systems and methods for electronically providing fitness activity feedback to a user are disclosed. The method may include collecting performance data, generating comparison data by comparing the respective performance and including identifying comparison performance data representative of performance differences, and displaying the comparison data and the comparison performance data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventor: Michael ELLIS
  • Patent number: D853383
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Andrew Dallmeyer, Shane Michael Ellis, Peter Wesley Bristol, Mauricio Romano