Patents by Inventor Michael Waites

Michael Waites 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: 20240133184
    Abstract: A foot traction panel assembly includes a panel body having an exposed top surface, opposing sides, and opposing ends. The panel body defines a number of slots extending between the opposing sides and opposing ends. A number of removable spiked inserts are adapted for being custom arranged adjacent selected slots of the panel body. Each of the spiked inserts has a base and a series of spaced apart rigid spikes attached to the base. The spikes are configured to extend vertically above the top surface of the panel body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2024
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Applicant: Traxion LLC
    Inventors: Michael Waites, George B. Waites, JR.
  • Patent number: 11640987
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for forming vertical field-effect-transistor (vFET). In some embodiments, a method includes providing a device structure including a plurality of pillars extending from a base layer, forming a capping layer over the device structure, and forming a drain in an upper section of each of the plurality of pillars by performing an angled implant to each of the plurality of pillars. The angled implant may be delivered at a non-zero angle of inclination relative to a perpendicular extending from a top surface of the base layer. The method may further include etching the device structure to remove the capping layer from along a lower section of each of the plurality of pillars, wherein the capping layer remains along the upper section of each of the plurality of pillars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Michael Waite
  • Publication number: 20220389718
    Abstract: A foot traction panel assembly includes a panel body having an exposed top surface, opposing sides, and opposing ends. The panel body defines a number of slots extending between the opposing sides and opposing ends. A number of removable spiked inserts are adapted for being custom arranged adjacent selected slots of the panel body. Each of the spiked inserts has a base and a series of spaced apart rigid spikes attached to the base. The spikes are configured to extend vertically above the top surface of the panel body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2022
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Applicant: Traxion LLC
    Inventors: Michael Waites, George B. Waites, JR.
  • Patent number: 11498006
    Abstract: A system, a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method to adjust twitch response and collision determination to a player's skill level is provided. Gameplay information of a computer-implemented game is accessed. The gameplay information including input information indicating one or more attributes of gameplay input provided by the player. A gameplay skill level of the player of the player is estimated based on the one or more gameplay input attributes. Based on the estimated gameplay skill level of the player, respective values of one or more gameplay parameters that determine on-screen behavior of virtual in-game objects are modified, thereby a gameplay difficulty level is modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: John Carlton Ware, Christopher Vance Haire, John vanSuchtelen, Michael Waite, Alexandros Ntoulas, Jeffrey Zakrzewski, Oliver Attila Tabay, Yuko Yamazaki, Paul Yih Yarng Chong, Sudhish Iyer, Xuyang (Amy) Tan, Ameya Vilankar, Gaurav Narang
  • Patent number: 11420126
    Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein for a System Tuner for customizing a player's experience. A System Tuner selects a hardness quotient, based on a player skill level, from a hardness quotient range, the player skill level for a player is calculated by a client computing device based at least on a plurality of game moves in a first game level completed by the player. The System Tuner provides the hardness quotient to a level definition file for a second game level. The level definition file modifies at least one feature of the second game level according to the hardness quotient. The System Tuner modifies the hardness quotient range based at least on a performance of the plurality of player's in the second game level and the respective hardness quotients assigned to each of those players for their game play in the second game level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: John Carlton Ware, Christopher Vance Haire, William R. Watters, John vanSuchtelen, Michael Waite
  • Patent number: 11424164
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method may include providing a substrate, comprising a plurality of surface features, an isolation layer, disposed between the plurality of surface features, and a substrate base, disposed subjacent the isolation layer and the plurality of surface features, wherein the plurality of surface features extend above a surface of the isolation layer. The method may include directing a low energy ion beam to the substrate, when the substrate is heated at a targeted temperature, wherein an altered layer is formed within an outer portion of the isolation layer, and wherein an inner portion of the isolation layer is not implanted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Michael Waite, Johannes M. van Meer, Jae Young Lee
  • Publication number: 20220246746
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for forming vertical field-effect-transistor (vFET). In some embodiments, a method includes providing a device structure including a plurality of pillars extending from a base layer, forming a capping layer over the device structure, and forming a drain in an upper section of each of the plurality of pillars by performing an angled implant to each of the plurality of pillars. The angled implant may be delivered at a non-zero angle of inclination relative to a perpendicular extending from a top surface of the base layer. The method may further include etching the device structure to remove the capping layer from along a lower section of each of the plurality of pillars, wherein the capping layer remains along the upper section of each of the plurality of pillars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2021
    Publication date: August 4, 2022
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Michael Waite
  • Publication number: 20220068715
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method may include providing a substrate, comprising a plurality of surface features, an isolation layer, disposed between the plurality of surface features, and a substrate base, disposed subjacent the isolation layer and the plurality of surface features, wherein the plurality of surface features extend above a surface of the isolation layer. The method may include directing a low energy ion beam to the substrate, when the substrate is heated at a targeted temperature, wherein an altered layer is formed within an outer portion of the isolation layer, and wherein an inner portion of the isolation layer is not implanted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Michael Waite, Johannes M. van Meer, Jae Young Lee
  • Patent number: 11261605
    Abstract: A foot traction panel assembly includes a panel body having an exposed top surface, opposing sides, and opposing ends. The panel body defines a number of slots extending between the opposing sides and opposing ends. A number of removable spiked inserts are adapted for being custom arranged adjacent selected slots of the panel body. Each of the spiked inserts has a base and a series of spaced apart rigid spikes attached to the base. The spikes are configured to extend vertically above the top surface of the panel body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Traxion LLC
    Inventors: Michael Waites, George B. Waites, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20210331074
    Abstract: A system, a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method to adjust twitch response and collision determination to a player's skill level is provided. Gameplay information of a computer-implemented game is accessed. The gameplay information including input information indicating one or more attributes of gameplay input provided by the player. A gameplay skill level of the player of the player is estimated based on the one or more gameplay input attributes. Based on the estimated gameplay skill level of the player, respective values of one or more gameplay parameters that determine on-screen behavior of virtual in-game objects are modified, thereby a gameplay difficulty level is modified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2021
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: John Carlton Ware, Christopher Vance Haire, John vanSuchtelen, Michael Waite, Alexandros Ntoulas, Jeffrey Zakrzewski, Oliver Attila Tabay, Yuko Yamazaki, Paul Yih Yarng Chong, Sudhish Iyer, Xuyang (Amy) Tan, Ameya Vilankar, Gaurav Narang
  • Patent number: 11083969
    Abstract: A system, a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method to adjust twitch response and collision determination to a player's skill level is provided. Gameplay information of a computer-implemented game is accessed. The gameplay information including input information indicating one or more attributes of gameplay input provided by the player. A gameplay skill level of the player of the player is estimated based on the one or more gameplay input attributes. Based on the estimated gameplay skill level of the player, respective values of one or more gameplay parameters that determine on-screen behavior of virtual in-game objects are modified, thereby a gameplay difficulty level is modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: John Carlton Ware, Christopher Vance Haire, John vanSuchtelen, Michael Waite, Alexandros Ntoulas, Jeffrey Zakrzewski, Oliver Attila Tabay, Yuko Yamazaki, Paul Yih Yarng Chong, Sudhish Iyer, Xuyang (Amy) Tan, Ameya Vilankar, Gaurav Narang
  • Publication number: 20210236939
    Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein for a System Tuner for customizing a player's experience. A System Tuner selects a hardness quotient, based on a player skill level, from a hardness quotient range, the player skill level for a player is calculated by a client computing device based at least on a plurality of game moves in a first game level completed by the player. The System Tuner provides the hardness quotient to a level definition file for a second game level. The level definition file modifies at least one feature of the second game level according to the hardness quotient. The System Tuner modifies the hardness quotient range based at least on a performance of the plurality of player's in the second game level and the respective hardness quotients assigned to each of those players for their game play in the second game level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Inventors: John Carlton Ware, Christopher Vance Haire, William R. Watters, John vanSuchtelen, Michael Waite
  • Patent number: 10918952
    Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein for a System Tuner for customizing a player's experience. A System Tuner selects a hardness quotient, based on a player skill level, from a hardness quotient range, the player skill level for a player is calculated by a client computing device based at least on a plurality of game moves in a first game level completed by the player. The System Tuner provides the hardness quotient to a level definition file for a second game level. The level definition file modifies at least one feature of the second game level according to the hardness quotient. The System Tuner modifies the hardness quotient range based at least on a performance of the plurality of player's in the second game level and the respective hardness quotients assigned to each of those players for their game play in the second game level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: John Carlton Ware, Christopher Vance Haire, William R. Watters, John vanSuchtelen, Michael Waite
  • Patent number: 10900235
    Abstract: A foot traction panel assembly includes a panel body having an exposed top surface, opposing longitudinal sides, and opposing lateral ends. The panel body defines a plurality of narrow slots extending between the opposing sides and opposing ends. A plurality of removable spiked inserts are adapted for being custom arranged adjacent selected slots of the panel body. Each of the spiked inserts has an elongated base and a series of spaced apart rigid spikes attached to the base. The spikes are configured to extend vertically above the top surface of the panel body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Inventors: Michael Waites, George B. Waites, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10888790
    Abstract: A method for performing a social project in a video game is provided. A session of the video game for a primary user is initiated, and a social project is initiated within the session of the video game. One or more secondary users are determined from a social graph of the primary user. A message requesting help to complete the social project is sent to the one or more secondary users, the message including a low-friction response mechanism. Upon activation of the low-friction response mechanism of the request, a response is received indicating an intent to help complete the social project from a responsive secondary user. Upon receiving the response, automated animation of an avatar of the responsive secondary user is triggered within the primary user's session of the video game so as to collaborate on the social project.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: John Osvald, Michael Waite, Kyle Saugier, Lauren Duncan, Erik Nilsson
  • Publication number: 20200222811
    Abstract: A system, a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method to adjust twitch response and collision determination to a player's skill level is provided. Gameplay information of a computer-implemented game is accessed. The gameplay information including input information indicating one or more attributes of gameplay input provided by the player. A gameplay skill level of the player of the player is estimated based on the one or more gameplay input attributes. Based on the estimated gameplay skill level of the player, respective values of one or more gameplay parameters that determine on-screen behavior of virtual in-game objects are modified, thereby a gameplay difficulty level is modified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Inventors: John Carlton Ware, Christopher Vance Haire, John vanSuchtelen, Michael Waite, Alexandros Ntoulas, Jeffrey Zakrzewski, Oliver Attila Tabay, Yuko Yamazaki, Paul Yih Yarng Chong, Sudhish Iyer, Xuyang Tan, Ameya Vilankar, Gaurav Narang
  • Publication number: 20200217835
    Abstract: A user interface used with a medical testing machine provides improved recall and display of the outcomes of tests performed by the machine. Test outcomes and other information are stored in mass storage directly accessible by the medical testing machine. In one aspect, outcomes of tests relating to a particular patient may be recalled. The system may be especially useful for tests that may be performed multiple times for a particular patient over a period of time, for example testing for HbA1c hemoglobin levels in diabetes patients. The user interface presents a set of screens that allow the display of data according to various filters, and so as to provide detailed information about tests performed by the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Inventors: Adam Darmstadt, Michael Waite, Theresa Forni
  • Patent number: 10577804
    Abstract: A foot traction panel assembly includes a panel body having an exposed top surface, opposing longitudinal sides, and opposing lateral ends. The panel body defines a plurality of narrow slots extending between the opposing sides and opposing ends. A plurality of removable spiked inserts are adapted for being custom arranged adjacent selected slots of the panel body. Each of the spiked inserts has an elongated base and a series of spaced apart rigid spikes attached to the base. The spikes are configured to extend vertically above the top surface of the panel body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Inventors: Michael Waites, George B. Waites, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10561944
    Abstract: A system, a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method to adjust twitch response and collision determination to a player's skill level is provided. Gameplay information of a computer-implemented game is accessed. The gameplay information including input information indicating one or more attributes of gameplay input provided by the player. A gameplay skill level of the player of the player is estimated based on the one or more gameplay input attributes. Based on the estimated gameplay skill level of the player, respective values of one or more gameplay parameters that determine on-screen behavior of virtual in-game objects are modified, thereby a gameplay difficulty level is modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: John Carlton Ware, Christopher Vance Haire, John vanSuchtelen, Michael Waite, Alexandros Ntoulas, Jeffrey Zakrzewski, Oliver Attila Tabay, Yuko Yamazaki, Paul Yih Yarng Chong, Sudhish Iyer, Xuyang Tan, Ameya Vilankar, Gaurav Narang
  • Patent number: 10482486
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs for generating revenue in an online game are presented. One method includes an operation for executing a first video game having a first currency enabling a user to achieve advancement in the first video game. The method also includes an operation for executing a second video game that is an autonomous game module within the first video game, the second video game enables the user to select one or more assets from the first video game for use in the second video game but limits the number of assets such that the one or more assets are insufficient to complete the second video game. The method further includes operations for detecting completion of the second video game and selecting one or more reward assets for use in the first video game and for transferring the one or more reward assets to the first video game for the user to use to achieve the advancement in the first video game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: John Osvald, Michael Waite, Kyle Sauger, Lauren Duncan, Erik Nilsson