Patents by Inventor Robert A. Harris

Robert A. Harris 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: 9351476
    Abstract: A grooming device includes hair collectors and a scraper. The scraper uncovers the hair collectors when the device is pressed down for use, and scrapes the hair collectors to eject hair collected when the device is released. Ejection of collected hair can also be controlled manually. A collection chamber may be provided, and multiple combs may be mounted on a rotatable dowel that recede within the rotatable barrel, or with sliding plates around and offset from the dowel as the dowel is rotated. A door or window on a surface of the collection chamber can be opened to empty the chamber of collected hair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Inventor: John Robert Harris, II
  • Patent number: 9356678
    Abstract: A diverse radio receiver system includes a radio frequency (RF) circuit board, a plurality of RF receivers disposed on the RF circuit board, and switching circuitry disposed on the RF circuit board. The switching circuitry includes transmission lines and switches connecting each RF receiver with (1) a selected one antenna of a plurality of antennas and (2) an impedance matching circuit providing impedance matching of the selected one antenna with the RF receiver. The switching circuitry is configured to implement a plurality of selectable switch configurations, each switch configuration connecting each RF receiver of the plurality of RF receivers with a selected antenna of the plurality of antennas. The impedance matching circuits of the switching circuitry may comprise impedance matching transmission line stubs. The diverse radio receiver system may be configured to receive an RF signal transmitted by a wireless magnetic resonance (MR) receive coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Otis Robert Harris, III
  • Patent number: 9331886
    Abstract: A magnetic field modem (26) includes an electro-magnetic radiation shielded (90) transmitter section (34) and a receiver section (36). The electro-magnetic radiation shielded (90) transmitter section (34) modulates data and transmits the data via a magnetic field through a radio frequency shield (20). The receiver section (34) receives the magnetic field through the radio frequency shield (20) and demodulates the data. The transmitter section includes an oscillator (40), a modulator (50), an amplifier (70), a magnetic transducer (80), and a non-ferrous magnetic shield (90). The oscillator (40) generates a carrier signal. The modulator (50) connects to the oscillator (40) and modulates the carrier signal with the data. The amplifier (70) connects to the modulator (50) and amplifies the modulated carrier signal. The magnetic transducer (80) connects to the amplifier (70) and converts the modulated carrier signal into a modulated magnetic signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Robert Harwell, Otis Robert Harris
  • Patent number: 9331772
    Abstract: An RF shielded room (14) which houses a magnetic resonance scanner (12) also houses a patient monitor (20) which includes a plurality of sensors (18) which collect physiological data about a patient undergoing a magnetic resonance examination. The monitor includes a transmitter (46) which transmits the physiological data on at least two frequency channels of a broadband frequency spectrum. A communication unit (26) located outside the RF shielded room includes first and second receivers (54, 58) which receive the physiological data from the monitor on the first and second frequency channels, respectively. A processor (62) combines physiological data received by the first and second receivers to. A display (32) displays the combined physiological data. A switch (56) switches antenna connections of the receivers (54, 58) responsive to detection of multipath fade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Otis Robert Harris, III, Robert Harwell
  • Patent number: 9323720
    Abstract: A user initiated unification command can be received from a user interface. The unification command can be associated with a selected portion of a fragmented document. The fragmented document can include more than one discrete documents interconnected by at least one reference. Each reference can be a linkage to content of a document other than the one containing the reference. The selected portion can be associated with one of the discrete documents referred to as a root document. Responsive to the unification command, content represented by the reference can be acquired from the associated discrete documents without presenting the discrete document within a user interface window. The acquired content can be added to the root document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott J. Clee, Robert A. Harris, Daniel E. Would, Shanna Xu
  • Publication number: 20160108622
    Abstract: A vent assembly for preventing precipitation from entering a roof includes a ridge cap structured to be positioned on a ridge of a roof wherein the ridge cap may prevent precipitation from entering the ridge of the roof. The ridge cap is further structured to have a pair of vents wherein the vents may vent air outwardly from the ridge of the roof. A pair of shields is coupled to the ridge cap such that the shields are each positioned within an associated one of the vents. Thus, the shields may prevent wind from driving the precipitation into the vents. A pair of filters is each coupled to the ridge cap such that the filters each surround an associated one of the shields. Thus, the filters may block the precipitation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventor: Robert Harris
  • Patent number: 9286407
    Abstract: A method of bookmarking internet resources in an internet browser includes providing to a user an internet resource discovered by a search conducted via the browser in accordance with user supplied criteria; creating, responsive to a bookmarking request from the user, bookmark data having identifying data for the internet resource and an associated resource representation of the internet resource; and creating a hierarchy, for presentation to the user, of representations of internet resources for which bookmarking has been requested and of associated search criteria, each bookmarked resource representation being placed subordinate to corresponding associated search criteria representation in the hierarchy. A user can navigate to a bookmarked representation of a resource of interest via the corresponding associated search criteria representation for selection and subsequent retrieval of the resource of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gillian Curwen, Robert Harris
  • Patent number: 9288520
    Abstract: In providing composite programming content from different sources on a program channel, a host processor joins IP multicast groups for which “live” contents from multiple sources are provided. Specifically, the host processor collects packets containing the live contents based on their destination addresses associated with the IP multicast groups. Segments of the received live contents are selected to realize the composite programming content, which is provided on the program channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLC
    Inventors: Thomas J. Staniec, Robert Harris
  • Publication number: 20160064932
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for portable load balancing and source optimization are described herein. One portable load balancing and source optimization system, includes one or more electric generators that supply three phase electrical power, at least one sensor to sense whether the three phases have become unbalanced beyond a threshold amount, a set of contactors that enable the contacts of the three phases to be changed to adjust the balance of the three phases, and a controller to determine which reversible contactors of the set of contactors to change to adjust that balance of the three phases based on information from the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Scott Fischer, J. Rick Martin, Gregory Brainard, Robert Harris, Jonathan Gray Tugwell
  • Publication number: 20160041830
    Abstract: Systems and methods for specifying extended descriptor information in a device accessed using a communication interface are disclosed. One method includes transmitting a request to a device from a host computing system, and receiving an extended capability descriptor identifying to the host computing system at least one extended descriptor set stored on the device. The extended capability descriptor identifies a minimum operating system version able to support a corresponding extended descriptor set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: MARTIN RICHARD BORVE, ANDREA A. KEATING, PHILIP ALBERT FROESE, RANDALL AULL, FIRDOSH K. BHESANIA, ELIYAS YAKUB, ROBERT HARRIS, JR., VIVEK GUPTA
  • Patent number: 9238843
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for identifying viral-specific polynucleotide sequences in a biological sample, and particularly in samples of veterinary origin. Also disclosed are oligonucleotide primer pairs, as well as labeled oligonucleotide detection probes useful in detecting the presence of one or more particular species, strains, types, or subtypes of one or more mammalian pathogens of viral origin, as well as systems, diagnostic kits and articles of manufacture comprising virus-specific primers and labeled detection probes, including those useful in identifying viral components of a multivalent vaccine, and quantitating the potency of particular attenuated, live viruses that comprise a livestock vaccine. In certain embodiments, real-time, quantitative PCR methods have been utilized to identify and distinguish between the three known genetic subtypes of bovine viral diarrhea viruses (BVDV-1a, BVDV-1b, and BVDV-2) in a multivalent bovid shipping fever vaccine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Eli Lilly and Company
    Inventors: Dale Wade Weise, James Robert Harris
  • Publication number: 20160012365
    Abstract: Provided herein are systems, methods and computer readable media for allocating sales commissions. In providing such functionality, a method may include, for example, receiving a set of transaction information for a transaction. The transaction information may include an indication of at least one product or service for which a sales commission is offered. The method may also include determining, based on the transaction information, whether a merchant is eligible to receive the sales commission, in response to determining that the transaction information does not identify a merchant that is eligible to receive the sales commission, selecting, using a processor, at least one merchant from a list of merchants selected from a plurality of merchants to receive the sales commission, and providing the sales commission to the selected at least one merchant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Robert Harris, Le Wang
  • Publication number: 20150330781
    Abstract: A multi-function tool includes a utensil, a handle pivotally attached to the utensil, and a compass magnet mounted on the handle or utensil. The multi-function tool has a center of gravity, in at least one configuration, aligned with a convex side of the utensil to balance the multi-function tool. A sundial may be mounted on the multi-function tool. Geographical direction is determined by configuring the multi-function into a folded configuration in which the handle and utensil extend in generally the same direction from a hinge, balancing the multi-function tool upon the convex side of the eating utensil thereby permitting the compass magnet to cause a rotational orientation of the multi-function tool; and determining a geographical direction from the rotational orientation of the multi-function tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Inventor: Robert Harris
  • Publication number: 20150321122
    Abstract: A de-aerator for removing dissolved gasses from water in a water heating system and a water heating system comprising such a de-aerator are disclosed. The de-aerator includes a vessel defining a chamber for receiving water which has been heated by a primary water heater, an inlet through which water can be supplied into the chamber and an outlet through which the water can exit the chamber; and a vent through which gas can exit the chamber. A diameter of the chamber decreases in a direction from the inlet towards the outlet. The chamber side wall being curved and having a non-constant radius of curvature, the radius of curvature being smaller near the outlet than near the inlet, so that water supplied into the chamber is accelerated as it flows from the inlet towards the outlet, to thereby promote de-aeration of the water. De-aeration gasses exit the chamber through the vent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Inventors: Stanley Whetstone, Robert Harris
  • Patent number: 9170828
    Abstract: Systems and methods for specifying extended descriptor information in a device accessed using a communication interface are disclosed. One method includes transmitting a request to a device from a host computing system, and receiving an extended capability descriptor identifying to the host computing system at least one extended descriptor set stored on the device. The extended capability descriptor identifies a minimum operating system version able to support a corresponding extended descriptor set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC.
    Inventors: Martin Richard Borve, Andrea A. Keating, Philip Albert Froese, Randall Aull, Firdosh K. Bhesania, Eliyas Yakub, Robert Harris, Jr., Vivek Gupta
  • Publication number: 20150286074
    Abstract: A componentized eyeglass/sunglasses/slipcover system (System) that facilitates the quick and easy transformation of the eyeglasses for decorative/style changes and/or the attachment of electronic or other integrated components. The System will comprise of a faceplate assembly consisting of two or more pieces plus one or two lenses, two ear piece members and two hinges which attach and detach from either or both the face plate assembly and the ear piece members and slipcovers that are made of any flexible material plastic or other material that will cover all or a portion of the ear piece members and/or the face plate assembly. The componentized system is for decorative/style changes as well as for attaching/integrating electronic or other components. The System fits together in a clean, secure manner to present a sleek, quality appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Publication date: October 8, 2015
    Applicant: Swapz, LLC
    Inventors: Curtis V. Frost, Nancy Armstrong-Frost, Robert Harris, Sherry Harris, Steve Michael Moran, Amy Moran
  • Patent number: 9081212
    Abstract: A componentized eyeglass/sunglasses/slipcover system (System) that facilitates the quick and easy transformation of the eyeglasses for decorative/style changes and/or the attachment of electronic or other integrated components. The System will comprise of a faceplate assembly consisting of two or more pieces plus one or two lenses, two ear piece members and two hinges which attach and detach from either or both the face plate assembly and the ear piece members and slipcovers that are made of any flexible material plastic or other material that will cover all or a portion of the ear piece members and/or the face plate assembly. The componentized system is for decorative/style changes as well as for attaching/integrating electronic or other components. The System fits together in a clean, secure manner to present a sleek, quality appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Swapz, LLC
    Inventors: Curtis V Frost, Nancy Armstrong-Frost, Robert Harris, Sherry Harris, Steve Michael Moran, Amy Moran
  • Patent number: 9042525
    Abstract: A system and method for remotely enabled voice activated dialing. Generation of a special dial tone indicating that a user may give the voice identifier is initiated. A voice identifier is received over a network from a wired telephone utilized by a user. Dialing information associated with the voice identifier is determined. One or more receiving parties associated with the voice identifier are dialed. The wired telephone is connected to the one or more receiving parties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Robert Harris, Don L. Briscoe, Jasen D. Ott, John Zeigler, Michael Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8910721
    Abstract: A method of use of a quick connect liner latch system assembly (QCLL). The QCLL latches each joint of a slick line deployed liner together quickly. This system can set an anchor in an existing well bore at a shallow depth and run a new liner in the well with a wire line unit using the QCLL system. The QCLL has two main sections that are locked together to form the full QCLL. The upper and lowers sections are locked together using a body lock ring. The units are not threaded together. The QCLL it has a latch with an inside diameter (ID) that is large enough to accommodate a standard liner wiper plug for the weight of the liner being run into the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventors: Robert Harris, Carl Diller, Candice English
  • Publication number: 20140344480
    Abstract: Systems and methods for specifying extended descriptor information in a device accessed using a communication interface are disclosed. One method includes transmitting a request to a device from a host computing system, and receiving an extended capability descriptor identifying to the host computing system at least one extended descriptor set stored on the device. The extended capability descriptor identifies a minimum operating system version able to support a corresponding extended descriptor set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: MARTIN RICHARD BORVE, ANDREA A. KEATING, PHILIP ALBERT FROESE, RANDALL AULL, FIRDOSH K. BHESANIA, ELIYAS YAKUB, ROBERT HARRIS, JR., VIVEK GUPTA