Patents by Inventor Paul Odom

Paul Odom 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: 20070265996
    Abstract: The present invention provides search engine methods and systems for displaying relevant and timely topics. In an embodiment, a method for displaying topics related to a search constraint entered by a user includes receiving a search constraint; identifying a first preliminary set of topics related to the search constraint, wherein the first preliminary set of topics are representative of a sample set of general data items; identifying a second preliminary set of topics related to the search constraint, wherein the second preliminary set of topics is representative of a sample set of current event data items; identifying a set of display topics that is a subset of the first preliminary set of topics and the second preliminary set of topics; and displaying the set of display topics. In other embodiments, other systems and methods are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Publication date: November 15, 2007
    Inventors: Paul Odom, Dennis Kotlar
  • Publication number: 20070260598
    Abstract: The present invention provides search engine methods and systems for generating highly personalized and relevant search results based on the context of a user's search constraint and user characteristics. In an embodiment, upon receipt of a user's search constraint, the method determines all semantic variations for each word within the user search constraint. Additionally, topics can be determined within the user constraint. For each unique word and topic within the user search constraint, possible contexts are determined. A matrix of feasible context scenarios is established. Each context scenario is ranked to determine the most likely context scenario for which the user search constraint relates based on user characteristics. In one embodiment, the weighting used to rank the contexts is based on previous user searches and/or knowledge of their interests. Search results associated with the highest ranking context are provided to the user, along with topics associated with lower ranked contexts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Inventor: Paul Odom
  • Publication number: 20070061128
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for decision making support. The decision making support can be used, for example, for help desk troubleshooting, medical diagnosis, financial planning, and expert device. The decision support system of the invention includes a processor and a memory having a decision support program module, a phase dictionary, one or more solution nodes and optionally a topic identification information module. The decision support module is configured to enable the processor to receive a problem constraint and one or more user-specified phrases, which are then used to search nodes in a solution domain to identify a set of nodes potentially related to the user's problem or question. The set of nodes potentially related to the user's problem or question are ranked and displayed. Methods to determine potential solution nodes and to update solution nodes within the decision support system are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Publication date: March 15, 2007
    Inventors: Paul Odom, Robert Way
  • Publication number: 20060004732
    Abstract: The present invention provides search engine methods and systems for generating relevant search results and displaying relevant advertisements with those search results. The invention provides methods and systems for modeling and storing data in neutral forms, and then applying topification techniques to the data to generate search results that are relevant to a particular user's search request. The invention also applies topification and relevancy methods to associate ads that are relevant to a user with the search results for display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Publication date: January 5, 2006
    Inventor: Paul Odom
  • Patent number: 6925907
    Abstract: A bicycle with a triangulated crank structure replaces the single span crank arm which connects the spindle to the foot pedal on bicycles today. The triangulated crank structure is typically comprised of several sections including two linear spans of structural material arranged so that one end of each linear span connects with the other to form the vertex of an acute angle, proximate to a pedal attachment area. From the vertex, the linear spans diverge and each connects at its opposite end to separate locations on a structural element attached to an end of the bicycle's crankshaft or spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Paul Odom
  • Patent number: 6637291
    Abstract: A bicycle is disclosed with a triangulated crank structure that replaces the single span crank arm which connects the spindle to the foot pedal on bicycles today. Said triangulated crank structure is typically comprised of several sections including two linear spans of structural material arranged so that one end of each linear span connects with the other to form the vertex of an acute angle, proximate to a pedal attachment area. From said vertex, said linear spans diverge and each connects at its opposite end to separate locations on a structural element attached to an end of the bicycle's crankshaft or spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Paul Odom
  • Publication number: 20020084619
    Abstract: A motorcycle is disclosed having a handlebar support system that is designed to move the handlebar in the opposite direction, relative to the frame, from the front wheel, when the front wheel responds to bumps. A parallelogram linkage supports the handlebar of the motorcycle in a way that allows the handlebar to reversibly move through a generally vertical path relative to the sprung portion of the vehicle. A linkage means reversibly converts the upward motion of the front wheel suspension system of the motorcycle to downward motion of the handlebar, through the parallelogram linkage. As the front suspension compresses in response to bumps, the handlebar moves downward, thus compensating for the upward motion of the main frame of the vehicle that the front suspension could not absorb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: Harold Paul Odom
  • Publication number: 20020066336
    Abstract: A bicycle is disclosed with a triangulated crank structure that replaces the single span crank arm which connects the spindle to the foot pedal on bicycles today. Said triangulated crank structure is typically comprised of several sections including two linear spans of structural material arranged so that one end of each linear span connects with the other to form the vertex of an acute angle, proximate to a pedal attachment area. From said vertex, said linear spans diverge and each connects at its opposite end to separate locations on a structural element attached to an end of the bicycle's crankshaft or spindle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventor: Paul Odom
  • Patent number: 4765432
    Abstract: A motorcycle is disclosed having a seat suspension system that is designed to move said seat in the opposite direction, relative to the frame, from the rear wheel when the rear wheel encounters bumps. A structural member is pivotally connected to the backbone of the frame at a location above the motor or near there. This pivoting structural member supports the seat and other components such as rear lights, side panels, rear fender, etc. It is caused to move downward relative to the main frame in response to upward motion of the rear suspension, by linkage means connecting it to the rear suspension. As the motorcycle frame experiences sudden upward motion due to bumps transmitted through the wheel suspension, the seat moves downward at the same time to prevent those bumps from disturbing the rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Inventor: H. Paul Odom