Patents by Inventor Richard H. Bruce

Richard H. Bruce 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).

  • Patent number: 7707413
    Abstract: Techniques for protecting non-public information in a mobile environment are provided. A request for non-public information about users in a mobile environment is received. Privacy policies, non-public and optional public information about the users affected by the request are determined. An optional privacy impact indicator is determined based on how satisfying the request increases the current public information about the users. Crowds of users having similar attribute name/values are optionally determined. User and optional requestor privacy policies which associate threshold release criteria such minimum crowd size, minimum consideration with the non-public information are determined. A privacy agreement is reached for the disclosure of the requested non-public information based on the compatibility of the requester and user privacy policies. Privacy protecting transformations are optionally determined and applied to create crowds or groups associated with the requested attribute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Teresa F Lunt, Daniel H Greene, Philippe J Golle, Richard H Bruce, Jessica N Staddon
  • Publication number: 20100049015
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for detecting concentration of an analyte in a fluid. A first container includes (i) an optical cavity detection region, (ii) a reservoir for one or more modifiers of one or more optical properties of the optical cavity detection region, and (iii) a set of one or more bounding regions through which objects in the fluid can transfer into the container. The optical cavity detection region and the reservoir define separate areas of the first container. The movement of the one or more modifiers between the reservoir and the optical cavity detection region is responsive to changes in concentration of the analyte. A second container includes an optical cavity detection region, and a set of one or more bounding regions through which objects in the fluid can transfer into the container. Also provided are optical components for guiding light into the optical cavity detection regions of the first and second containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Joerg Martini, Richard H. Bruce, Francisco E. Torres, Peter Kiesel, Michael I. Recht, Jeffrey N. Roe
  • Publication number: 20100045993
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for detecting concentration of an analyte in a fluid. The method comprises detecting an optical property of a first region of two or more regions in a system, the first region located in a container having a reservoir for one or more modifiers of one or more optical properties of the first region. The movement of the one or more modifiers is responsive to changes in concentration of the analyte. A next step detects an optical property of a second region of the two or more regions in the system, the second region located in a container having a reservoir for one or more modifiers of one or more optical properties of the second region. The movement of the one or more modifiers is responsive to changes in concentration of a compound, where the compound is something other than the analyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Joerg Martini, Richard H. Bruce, Francisco E. Torres, Peter Kiesel, Michael I. Recht, Jeffrey N. Roe
  • Patent number: 7632008
    Abstract: Test and reference groups of samples can be provided and concurrently combined and output signals can be provided. Each sample can have a volume not exceeding approximately 100 microliters, and each group can be provided in a region, such as in a cell of an array calorimeter. Each test group can include at least one fragment sample and one target sample, and its reference group can include similar samples. The output signals can include information about heat of reaction due to combining the fragment and target samples. For each target type, the output signals can be used to rank fragment types. For example, a subset of fragment types that react with the target type can be identified; an equilibrium constant or ligand efficiency can be obtained for each such fragment type; or a rank ordering can be obtained of such fragment types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael I. Recht, Francisco E. Torres, Richard H. Bruce, Alan G. Bell
  • Publication number: 20090156917
    Abstract: An implantable product such as an article, device, or system can include analyte and non-analyte containers in parts that can be operated as optical cavities. The product can also include fluidic components such as filter assemblies that control transfer of objects that affect or shift spectrum features or characteristics such as by shifting transmission mode peaks or reflection mode valleys, shifting phase, reducing maxima or contrast, or increasing intermediate intensity width such as full width half maximum (FWHM). Analyte, e.g. glucose molecules, can be predominantly included in a set of objects that transfer more rapidly into the analyte container than other objects, and can have a negligible or zero rate of transfer into the non-analyte container; objects that transfer more rapidly into the non-analyte container can include objects smaller than the analyte or molecules of a set of selected types, including, e.g., sodium chloride.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Jorg Martini, Jeffrey Roe, Peter Kiesel, Michael Bassler, Alan Bell, Richard H. Bruce, Noble M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7545498
    Abstract: A system and method permits for the separation of auto-fluorescence from a signal by applying a single probe to a sample, exciting the sample with a single wavelength light source, thereby emitting a light a distance from the light source. The emitted light is split, and the split light is collected into two or more distinct channels. A first channel of the distinct channels is positioned closer to the light source than a second distinct channel of the distinct channels, and the second channel is closer to the emission frequency of the single probe than is the first channel. The light collected in the first channel and the light collected in the second channel are investigated, and an output signal is generated based upon the investigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert T. Krivacic, Huangpin B. Hsieh, Douglas N. Curry, Richard H. Bruce
  • Patent number: 7521253
    Abstract: A method is provided for multiple target screening for drug assays utilizing a nanocalorimeter. The method includes depositing a drop containing a plurality of drug targets and another drop containing a plurality of drug candidates upon a test substrate. The drops are merged and a determination is made as to whether a reaction has occurred between the drops. If such a reaction has occurred, the reacting drug targets and drug candidates are tested individually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard H. Bruce, Steven Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 7473030
    Abstract: In thermal sensing devices, such as for calorimetry, a support layer or central layer can have a thermometer element or other thermal sensor on one side and a thermally conductive structure or component on the other. The thermally conductive structure can conduct temperature or other thermal input signals laterally across the support layer or central layer. The temperature or signals can then be provided to the thermometer element, such as by thermal contact through the support layer. An electrically conducting, thermally isolating anti-coupling layer, such as of gold or chromium, can reduce capacitive coupling between the thermally conductive structure and the thermometer element or other thermal sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard H. Bruce, Dirk De Bruyker, Francisco E. Torres, Michal V. Wolkin
  • Publication number: 20080313036
    Abstract: A system and method for providing advertisements in online and hardcopy mediums is presented. Advertising content is targeted to a target audience. The characteristics of the target audience are analyzed against the advertising content to identify potential advertisers. At least one of the potential advertisers is selected. One or more advertisements for the selected advertiser is included on a document. The document is provided on at least one of online and hardcopy mediums.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Marc Mosko, Richard H. Bruce, Nitin Parekh, James (Bo) M.A. Begole, Lisa Fahey, Eric Peeters
  • Publication number: 20080313035
    Abstract: A system and method for providing print advertisements is presented. A target audience is assembled from characteristics about readers. Advertising content is targeted to the target audience. The characteristics of the target audience are analyzed against the advertising content to identify potential advertisers. At least one of the potential advertisers is selected. At least one print advertisement for the selected advertiser is included on the document.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Eric Peeters, Richard H. Bruce, Ana Arias, James (Bo) M.A. Begole, Ross Bringans, Celia Chow, Lawrence Lee, Lisa Fahey, Linda Jacobson, Marc Mosko, Susan (Susie) Mulhern, Nitin Parekh, David Weinerth
  • Publication number: 20080304541
    Abstract: Test and reference groups of samples can be provided and concurrently combined and output signals can be provided. Each sample can have a volume not exceeding approximately 100 microliters, and each group can be provided in a region, such as in a cell of an array calorimeter. Each test group can include at least one fragment sample and one target sample, and its reference group can include similar samples. The output signals can include information about heat of reaction due to combining the fragment and target samples. For each target type, the output signals can be used to rank fragment types. For example, a subset of fragment types that react with the target type can be identified; an equilibrium constant or ligand efficiency can be obtained for each such fragment type; or a rank ordering can be obtained of such fragment types.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Michael I. Recht, Francisco E. Torres, Richard H. Bruce, Alan G. Bell
  • Patent number: 7419835
    Abstract: A method for screening of compounds for binding differentiation at various drug target binding sites is used with a device measuring the enthalpy of reaction for the binding. The method includes merging test ligand with target compound and merging test ligand with target compound in the presence of at least one blocking agent. A first heat of reaction is detected for the merged test ligand and target compound solution and a second heat of reaction is detected for the merged test ligand and target compound solution in the presence of a blocking agent. The two heats of reaction are compared to determine whether a reaction has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Francisco E. Torres, Richard H. Bruce, Rodney Turner
  • Patent number: 7416897
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for high-throughput screening assay sample preparation and testing for the identification of binding between drug targets and library compounds, for use with a calorimetric device measuring the enthalpy of reaction for the binding. The method includes mixing a library compound with a specified solvent and mixing a target compound solution with a second specified solvent on a calorimetric device. The library compound/solvent is merged with the target compound/solvent solution and the library compound/solvent solution is also merged with a third solvent solution on the calorimetric device. The heats of reaction are detected for both merged solutions and are compared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard H. Bruce, Francisco E. Torres, Alan G. Bell, Eric Peeters
  • Publication number: 20080186483
    Abstract: An implantable product includes an optical cavity structure with first and second parts, each of which can operate as an optical cavity. The first part includes a container with at least one opening through which bodily fluid can transfer between the container's interior and exterior when the product is implanted in a body. The second part includes a container that is closed and contains a reference fluid. The implantable product can also include one or both of a light source component and a photosensing component. Photosensed quantities from the first part's output light can be adjusted based on photosensed quantities from the second part's output light. Both parts can have their light interface surfaces aligned so that they both receive input light from a light source component and both provide output light to a photosensing component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Peter Kiesel, Oliver Schmidt, Michael Bassler, Richard H. Bruce, Noble M. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20080144009
    Abstract: A system and method permits for the separation of auto-fluorescence from a signal by applying a single probe to a sample, exciting the sample with a single wavelength light source, thereby emitting a light a distance from the light source. The emitted light is split, and the split light is collected into two or more distinct channels. A first channel of the distinct channels is positioned closer to the light source than a second distinct channel of the distinct channels, and the second channel is closer to the emission frequency of the single probe than is the first channel. The light collected in the first channel and the light collected in the second channel are investigated, and an output signal is generated based upon the investigation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Robert T. Krivacic, Huangpin B. Hsieh, Douglas N. Curry, Richard H. Bruce
  • Patent number: 7305112
    Abstract: Provided is a method for obtaining a position of an object. A slide which carries at least one object and has reticle marks arranged at positions which form substantially a right angle, is positioned in a slide holder of a first imaging system. A first coordinate space of the imaging system is defined, and coordinates of the reticle marks in the first coordinate space are designated. A second coordinate space of a second imaging system is defined, and the coordinates of the reticle marks in the second coordinate space is designated. Using the designated coordinates of the reticle marks of the first coordinate space, the coordinate conversion parameters are computed. Thereafter, coordinates of at least one object in the first coordinate space are designated, and the first coordinate space coordinates of the object are converted into unique coordinates in a second coordinate space, using the coordinate conversion parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignees: The Scripps Research Institute, Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Douglas N. Curry, Richard H. Bruce, Robert T. Krivacic, Huangpin B. Hsieh, Richard A. Lerner
  • Patent number: 7286224
    Abstract: An apparatus images a surface. An imager stage linearly translates the surface in a first direction. A light path has a first end defining an input aperture perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the surface, and a second end defining an output aperture. A plurality of radiation beams linearly scan and interact in time-multiplexed alternating turns with the surface below the input aperture to produce a time-multiplexed light signal that is collected by the input aperture and transmitted by the light path to the output aperture. A photodetector arrangement detects the light signal at the output aperture. A processor processes the detected time-multiplexed light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Douglas N. Curry, Richard H. Bruce
  • Patent number: 7282129
    Abstract: An electrophoretic cell configuration and related method are disclosed that employ oppositely directed traveling electrical waves. The waves travel across the cell and samples undergoing separation. Various strategies are used to selectively direct the movement and arrangement of the samples and resulting sample patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Meng H. Lean, Huangpin Ben Hsieh, John S. Fitch, Armin R. Völkel, Bryan Preas, Scott Elrod, Richard H. Bruce, Eric Peeters, Frank Torres, Michael Chabinyc
  • Patent number: 7280261
    Abstract: An apparatus images a surface. An imager stage has a planar surface for supporting a sample. A fiber optic bundle has a first end of parallel first fiber ends that are arranged to define an input aperture for viewing the sample on the imager stage. A distal bundle end is arranged to define an output aperture disposed away from the imager stage. A scanning radiation source scans a radiation beam along a path that is perpendicular to the sample on the imager stage. The input aperture of the fiber optic bundle receives a light signal that is produced by the radiation source scan of the imager stage sample. The light signal is transmitted to the bundle output aperture. A photodetector detects the light signal at the distal bundle end, and a processor processes the detected light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Douglas N. Curry, Richard H. Bruce, Robert T. Krivacic
  • Patent number: 7277569
    Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present application, an imager and method for detecting and locating rare cells in a sample is disclosed. An imager stage supports the sample. A fiber optic bundle has a proximate bundle end of first fiber ends arranged to define an input aperture viewing the sample on the translation stage. The fiber optic bundle further has a distal bundle end of second fiber ends arranged to define an output aperture shaped differently from the input aperture and disposed away from the imager stage. A scanning radiation source is arranged in fixed relative position to the input aperture. The scanning radiation source scans a radiation beam on the sample within a viewing area of the input aperture. The radiation beam interacts with the sample to produce a light signal that is reflected, scattered, transmitted, re-emitted, or otherwise collected and received by the input aperture and transmitted via the fiber optic bundle to the output aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard H. Bruce, Douglas N. Curry, Robert T. Krivacic, Huangpin B. Hsieh