Patents by Inventor Patrick W. Fink

Patrick W. Fink 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: 20240013019
    Abstract: A radio-frequency identification (RFID) antenna assembly, per an implementation, includes a number of multiplexer modules coupled with one another. Radio frequency (RF) signals are received from an RFID reader. One or more of the multiplexer modules has a switch with multiple output ports. An antenna connects with one of the output ports and, per an implementation, an encoder connects with another of the output ports. The multiplexer module(s) may also have a first rectifier for rapid self-powering capabilities, and a second rectifier for more robust self-powering capabilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2022
    Publication date: January 11, 2024
    Inventors: Patrick W. Fink, Greg Y. Lin, Phong H. Ngo, David S. Hafermalz, Raymond S. Wagner, Lazaro D. Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 11195072
    Abstract: A method for streaming sensor data from a set of radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags includes determining an initial communication approach to be performed with respect to each RFID tag. The method also includes managing access to the RFID tag by refining the initial communication approach based on records of successes and failures of the initial communication approach. A radio-frequency identification (RFID) system is also disclosed, the system comprising one or more processors and a memory system comprising one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions that, when executed by at least one of the one or more processors, causes the system to perform operations for streaming sensor data from one or more RFID tags to one or more RFID readers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Raymond S Wagner, David S Hafermalz, Patrick W. Fink, Chad Zalkin, Ray Seegmiller
  • Patent number: 11088812
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) system includes an RFID interrogator configured for generating an RFID signal, wherein a channel frequency of the RFID signal changes over time; at least one patch antenna; and at least one feed line configured for feeding the signal to the corresponding at least one patch antenna. In another exemplary embodiment, an RFID interrogator configured for generating an RID signal, wherein a channel frequency of the RFID signal changes over time; at least one transmission line; and a diplexer coupling the RFID interrogator and the transmission lines and configured for distributing the RFID signal to each of the antennas or transmission lines, respectively, depending on the channel frequency of the RFID signal generated. The antennas or transmission lines are configured to transmit an electromagnetic wave in response to and at the channel frequency of the RFID signal distributed thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Patrick W. Fink, Gregory Y. Lin, Timothy F. Kennedy, Phong H. Ngo
  • Patent number: 11062099
    Abstract: A system includes a plurality of radiofrequency identification (RFID) tags including a first RFID tag. The first RFID tag is configured to perform RFID tag operations that include acquiring one or more samples using a sensor of the first RFID tag. The RFID tag operations also include writing the one or more samples in a memory of the first RFID tag. The RFID tag operations also include transferring custody of the one or more samples to a first RFID reader on request. The system also includes a plurality of RFID readers including the first RFID reader. The first RFID reader is configured to perform RFID reader operations including reading an identifier from each of the plurality of RFID tags in view of the first RFID reader during an inventory management mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Raymond S Wagner, Patrick W Fink, David S. Hafermalz
  • Patent number: 10918751
    Abstract: A method for decontaminating a tube includes positioning an antenna at least partially within the tube. The tube is positioned at least partially within a living body. The method also includes decontaminating the tube by causing the antenna to emit electromagnetic waves having a frequency from about 10 GHz to about 100 GHz for a time duration that is less than or equal to 60 seconds. The electromagnetic waves cause a temperature of the living body proximate to the tube to increase from about 0.1° C. to about 3° C. so as to not substantially damage the living body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Inventors: Dickey Arndt, Diane Byerly, Timothy Kennedy, Gregory Lin, Patrick W. Fink, Billy G. Smith
  • Publication number: 20200405896
    Abstract: A method for decontaminating a tube includes positioning an antenna at least partially within the tube. The tube is positioned at least partially within a living body. The method also includes decontaminating the tube by causing the antenna to emit electromagnetic waves having a frequency from about 10 GHz to about 100 GHz for a time duration that is less than or equal to 60 seconds. The electromagnetic waves cause a temperature of the living body proximate to the tube to increase from about 0.1° C. to about 3° C. so as to not substantially damage the living body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Dickey Arndt, Diane Byerly, Timothy Kennedy, Gregory Lin, Patrick W. Fink, Billy G. Smith
  • Patent number: 10719781
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving a rule, wherein the rule includes at least one token, and receiving at least two dictionaries, wherein the at least two dictionaries include at least one general language dictionary and at least one domain-specific dictionary for a domain. The computer-implemented method further includes, for each of the at least one token, selecting at least one word at random from at least one of the at least two dictionaries and adding the at least one word to a test data line, such that the test data line includes a candidate statement conforming to the rule. The computer-implemented method further includes filtering the candidate statement based on a domain-specific model for the domain and including the candidate statement in training data provided to a machine learning model. A corresponding computer program product and computer system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick W. Fink, Kristin E. McNeil, Philip E. Parker, David B. Werts
  • Patent number: 10698982
    Abstract: A method, a processing device, and a computer program product are provided. Unstructured text may be analyzed to identify medical condition information of multiple occurrences of a medical condition for at least one subject. Times and geographic locations corresponding to the multiple occurrences of the medical condition may be obtained. Environmental information that corresponds to the times and the geographic locations of the multiple medical condition occurrences, may be retrieved. Correlations between the medical condition information and the retrieved environmental information for the at least one subject may be determined. Environmental factors affecting the medical condition, based on the determined correlations, are identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick W. Fink, Kristin E. McNeil, Philip E. Parker, David B. Werts
  • Patent number: 10679144
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving a rule, wherein the rule includes at least one token, and receiving at least two dictionaries, wherein the at least two dictionaries include at least one general language dictionary and at least one domain-specific dictionary for a domain. The computer-implemented method further includes, for each of the at least one token, selecting at least one word at random from at least one of the at least two dictionaries and adding the at least one word to a test data line, such that the test data line includes a candidate statement conforming to the rule. The computer-implemented method further includes filtering the candidate statement based on a domain-specific model for the domain and including the candidate statement in training data provided to a machine learning model. A corresponding computer program product and computer system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick W. Fink, Kristin E. McNeil, Philip E. Parker, David B. Werts
  • Patent number: 10628525
    Abstract: Detecting and incorporating formatting characteristics within natural language processing analytics. Source documents are ingested and the markup formatting language is identified by the program. Once identified, the markup language is parsed and examined for formatting characteristics, embedded notes, comments and other metadata. The formatting characteristics of the plain text are extracted, along with the plain text, and converted into a common analysis structure (CAS), or CAS-equivalent structure, which annotates the natural language text together with its respective formatting characteristics. The CAS or CAS-equivalent structures are stored and sent to a natural language processing pipeline for further analysis via complex algorithms and rules. The natural language processing results data are curated to reflect meaningful analysis of the extracted CAS or CAS-equivalent structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick W. Fink, Kristin E. McNeil, Philip E. Parker, David B. Werts
  • Patent number: 10565350
    Abstract: A method, a processing device, and a computer program product are provided. At least one processing device correlates textual medical information related to the subject with characteristics of an image of a medical condition of the subject to generate a subject signature. The at least one processing device compares the subject signature with multiple reference signatures to determine at least one reference signature corresponding to the subject signature. Each reference signature is associated with a corresponding medical condition and is generated by correlating textual medical information regarding the corresponding medical condition with characteristics of an image of the corresponding medical condition. The at least one processing device identifies the medical condition of the subject based on the medical conditions associated with the determined at least one reference signature. Information is provided regarding the identified medical condition of the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick W. Fink, Kristin E. McNeil, Philip E. Parker, David B. Werts
  • Patent number: 10567146
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) system includes an RFID interrogator configured for generating an RFID signal, wherein a channel frequency of the RFID signal changes over time; at least one single feed patch antenna; and at least one single feed line configured for feeding the signal to the corresponding at least one single feed patch antenna. The single feed patch antenna is configured to transmit an electromagnetic wave in response to and at the channel frequency of the RFID signal such that the electromagnetic wave exhibits (1) a polarization tilt angle that varies depending on the channel frequency of the signal, (2) a substantially linear polarization at all channel frequencies of the signal within the given operational bandwidth, and (3) a range of polarization tilt angles across the given operational bandwidth that spans at least 70 degrees within a single quadrant. A method for frequency multiplexing includes similar components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Patrick W. Fink, Gregory Y. Lin, Timothy F. Kennedy, Phong H. Ngo
  • Patent number: 10552651
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) system for frequency multiplexing includes, in an exemplary embodiment, an RFID interrogator configured for generating an RFID signal, wherein a channel frequency of the RFID signal changes over time; at least one antenna or transmission line; and a diplexer coupling the RFID interrogator and the antennas or transmission lines and configured for distributing the RFID signal to each of the antennas or transmission lines, respectively, depending on the channel frequency of the RFID signal generated. The antennas or transmission lines are configured to transmit an electromagnetic wave in response to and at the channel frequency of the RFID signal distributed thereto. Other embodiments include RFID systems and methods including a frequency selective surface and both similar and different components and aspects for frequency multiplexing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space
    Inventors: Patrick W. Fink, Gregory Y. Lin, Timothy F. Kennedy, Phong H. Ngo
  • Publication number: 20190374666
    Abstract: A system for decontaminating a tube includes a signal generator configured to generate a signal. The system also includes an antenna configured to receive the signal from the signal generator. The antenna is configured to be inserted at least partially into a tube that is positioned at least partially within a body. In response to receiving the signal from the signal generator, the antenna emits electromagnetic waves that at least partially decontaminate the tube. The electromagnetic waves have a frequency from about 10 GHz to about 100 GHz. The electromagnetic waves cause a temperature of the body proximate to the tube to increase less than about 3° C. over a time duration that is up to 40 seconds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Publication date: December 12, 2019
    Inventors: Dickey Arndt, Diane Byerly, Timothy Kennedy, Gregory Lin, Patrick W. Fink, Billy G. Smith
  • Patent number: 10417240
    Abstract: A computer system gleans data from patient records and clinical trial descriptions using NLP techniques. NLP annotation data is used to generate clinical trial feature vectors and patient feature vectors. Clinical trial feature vectors and patient feature vectors are compared to match appropriate patient candidates with clinical trial openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick W. Fink, Kristin E. McNeil, Philip E. Parker, David B. Werts
  • Publication number: 20190251154
    Abstract: A method for providing annotation summaries for annotations is provided. The method may include receiving annotations associated with analyzed unstructured data. The method may further include sorting the received annotations. Additionally, the method may include receiving focal points on the analyzed unstructured data. The method may also include extracting the sorted annotations associated with the focal points. The method may further include normalizing terms and phrases associated with the extracted annotations. The method may also include determining topics based on the normalized terms and phrases associated with the extracted annotations. The method may further include grouping the extracted annotations based on the determined topics. The method may also include summarizing the grouped annotations to generate a summarized annotation. The method may further include replacing the extracted annotations with the summarized annotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Patrick W. Fink, Kristin E. McNeil, Philip E. Parker, David B. Werts
  • Publication number: 20190251155
    Abstract: A method for providing annotation summaries for annotations is provided. The method may include receiving annotations associated with analyzed unstructured data. The method may further include sorting the received annotations. Additionally, the method may include receiving focal points on the analyzed unstructured data. The method may also include extracting the sorted annotations associated with the focal points. The method may further include normalizing terms and phrases associated with the extracted annotations. The method may also include determining topics based on the normalized terms and phrases associated with the extracted annotations. The method may further include grouping the extracted annotations based on the determined topics. The method may also include summarizing the grouped annotations to generate a summarized annotation. The method may further include replacing the extracted annotations with the summarized annotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Patrick W. Fink, Kristin E. McNeil, Philip E. Parker, David B. Werts
  • Patent number: 10380120
    Abstract: Topic summaries related to a selection of text in an electronic document may be generated and presented. A topic summary application receives the user-selected text and identifies entities in the text using natural language processing. Using natural language processing, the summary application also identifies related entities and associated text phrases in a remaining portion of the electronic document. The remaining portion may be a portion of the document that precedes the user-selected text, so that a summary generated therefrom may be used to refresh the memory of the user while not revealing information that the user has not yet encountered. In addition, the summary application determines semantically important text phrases using text analytics and generates a summary, presented to the user in a pop-up window, of most frequently correlated related entities along with text phrases that are semantically important.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick W. Fink, Philip E. Parker
  • Patent number: 10372716
    Abstract: Topic summaries related to a selection of text in an electronic document may be generated and presented. A topic summary application receives the user-selected text and identifies entities in the text using natural language processing. Using natural language processing, the summary application also identifies related entities and associated text phrases in a remaining portion of the electronic document. The remaining portion may be a portion of the document that precedes the user-selected text, so that a summary generated therefrom may be used to refresh the memory of the user while not revealing information that the user has not yet encountered. In addition, the summary application determines semantically important text phrases using text analytics and generates a summary, presented to the user in a pop-up window, of most frequently correlated related entities along with text phrases that are semantically important.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick W. Fink, Philip E. Parker
  • Patent number: 10318622
    Abstract: A method for providing annotation summaries for annotations is provided. The method may include receiving annotations associated with analyzed unstructured data. The method may further include sorting the received annotations. Additionally, the method may include receiving focal points on the analyzed unstructured data. The method may also include extracting the sorted annotations associated with the focal points. The method may further include normalizing terms and phrases associated with the extracted annotations. The method may also include determining topics based on the normalized terms and phrases associated with the extracted annotations. The method may further include grouping the extracted annotations based on the determined topics. The method may also include summarizing the grouped annotations to generate a summarized annotation. The method may further include replacing the extracted annotations with the summarized annotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Patrick W. Fink, Kristin E. McNeil, Philip E. Parker, David B. Werts