Patents by Inventor Robert C. Hughes
Robert C. Hughes 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).
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Patent number: 8300536Abstract: A method for providing real time indicator of voice transmission quality in a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) network is disclosed. The method allows to receive, at regular time interval during a call, a digital signature from a source call device. The received signature is compared to a referential signature stored on the destination devices, and in case the received signature falls out of the referential signature, a quality indication message is transmitted back to the source call device.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2007Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Robert C. Hughes, Andrew L. Massey, Frederic G. Surand
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Self-optimization and self-healing of voice quality problems utilizing service oriented architecture
Patent number: 7903579Abstract: A method and system for automatically resolving a voice transmission problem in real time in a communication system. Service oriented architecture (SOA)-based reporter services report voice transmission characteristic measurements. An enterprise service bus aggregates the measurements into a combination of measurements. An analyzer that is a SOA service provider determines that the combination of measurements indicates a voice transmission problem. The voice transmission problem determination includes identifying a match between the combination of measurements and a pattern of predefined conditions stored in a database. The database associates the pattern with one or more corrective actions. Using the database, the analyzer identifies the one or more corrective actions that are associated with the pattern of predefined conditions. SOA-based fixer services execute the corrective action(s) to resolve the voice transmission problem.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2008Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Robert C. Hughes, Andrew Liam Massey, William H. Tworek -
SELF-OPTIMIZATION AND SELF-HEALING OF VOICE QUALITY PROBLEMS UTILIZING SERVICE ORIENTED ARCHITECTURE
Publication number: 20100054118Abstract: A method and system for automatically resolving a voice transmission problem in real time in a communication system. Service oriented architecture (SOA)-based reporter services report voice transmission characteristic measurements. An enterprise service bus aggregates the measurements into a combination of measurements. An analyzer that is a SOA service provider determines that the combination of measurements indicates a voice transmission problem. The voice transmission problem determination includes identifying a match between the combination of measurements and a pattern of predefined conditions stored in a database. The database associates the pattern with one or more corrective actions. Using the database, the analyzer identifies the one or more corrective actions that are associated with the pattern of predefined conditions. SOA-based fixer services execute the corrective action(s) to resolve the voice transmission problem.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2008Publication date: March 4, 2010Inventors: Robert C. Hughes, Andrew Liam Massey, William H. Tworek -
Patent number: 7122684Abstract: The invention provides a multi-step process for preparing 1,2-diamino compounds of formula wherein R1, R1?, R2, R2?, R3 and R4 have the meaning given in the specification and pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts thereof, from 1,2-epoxides of formula wherein R1, R1?, R2 and R2? have the meaning given in the specification.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2003Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Roche Colorado CorporationInventors: Jack D. Brown, Peter J. Harrington, Robert C. Hughes
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Patent number: 7022287Abstract: The present invention discloses an electrochemical device for detecting single particles, and methods for using such a device to achieve high sensitivity for detecting particles such as bacteria, viruses, aggregates, immuno-complexes, molecules, or ionic species. The device provides for affinity-based electrochemical detection of particles with single-particle sensitivity. The disclosed device and methods are based on microelectrodes with surface-attached, affinity ligands (e.g., antibodies, combinatorial peptides, glycolipids) that bind selectively to some target particle species. The electrodes electrolyze chemical species present in the particle-containing solution, and particle interaction with a sensor element modulates its electrolytic activity. The devices may be used individually, employed as sensors, used in arrays for a single specific type of particle or for a range of particle types, or configured into arrays of sensors having both these attributes.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2002Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Sandia National LaboratoriesInventors: Joseph Schoeniger, Albert W. Flounders, Robert C. Hughes, Antonio J. Ricco, Karl Wally, Stanley H. Kravitz, Richard P. Janek
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Patent number: 6902701Abstract: A chemical-sensing apparatus is formed from the combination of a chemical preconcentrator which sorbs and concentrates particular volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) and one or more chemiresistors that sense the VOCs after the preconcentrator has been triggered to release them in concentrated form. Use of the preconcentrator and chemiresistor(s) in combination allows the VOCs to be detected at lower concentration than would be possible using the chemiresistor(s) alone and further allows measurements to be made in a variety of fluids, including liquids (e.g. groundwater). Additionally, the apparatus provides a new mode of operation for sensing VOCs based on the measurement of decay time constants, and a method for background correction to improve measurement precision.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2001Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Robert C. Hughes, Ronald P. Manginell, Mark W. Jenkins, Richard Kottenstette, Sanjay V. Patel
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Publication number: 20040180933Abstract: The invention provides a multi-step process for preparing 1,2-diamino compounds of formula 1Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2003Publication date: September 16, 2004Inventors: Jack D. Brown, Peter J. Harrington, Robert C. Hughes
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Publication number: 20030211637Abstract: The present invention discloses an electrochemical device for detecting single particles, and methods for using such a device to achieve high sensitivity for detecting particles such as bacteria, viruses, aggregates, immuno-complexes, molecules, or ionic species. The device provides for affinity-based electrochemical detection of particles with single-particle sensitivity. The disclosed device and methods are based on microelectrodes with surface-attached, affinity ligands (e.g., antibodies, combinatorial peptides, glycolipids) that bind selectively to some target particle species. The electrodes electrolyze chemical species present in the particle-containing solution, and particle interaction with a sensor element modulates its electrolytic activity. The devices may be used individually, employed as sensors, used in arrays for a single specific type of particle or for a range of particle types, or configured into arrays of sensors having both these attributes.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2002Publication date: November 13, 2003Inventors: Joseph Schoeniger, Albert W. Flounders, Robert C. Hughes, Antonio J. Ricco, Karl Wally, Stanley H. Kravitz, Richard P. Janek
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Patent number: 6290868Abstract: The present application is directed to a new class of composite materials, called field-structured composite (FSC) materials, which comprise a oriented aggregate structure made of magnetic particles suspended in a nonmagnetic medium, and to a new class of processes for their manufacture. FSC materials have much potential for application, including use in chemical, optical, environmental, and mechanical sensors.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: James E. Martin, Robert C. Hughes, Robert A. Anderson
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Patent number: 6194769Abstract: A new class of sensor devices comprising field-structured conducting composites comprising a textured distribution of conducting magnetic particles is disclosed. The conducting properties of such field-structured materials can be precisely controlled during fabrication so as to exhibit a large change in electrical conductivity when subject to any environmental influence which changes the relative volume fraction. Influences which can be so detected include stress, strain, shear, temperature change, humidity, magnetic field, electromagnetic radiation, and the presence or absence of certain chemicals. This behavior can be made the basis for a wide variety of sensor devices.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1999Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: James E. Martin, Robert C. Hughes, Robert A. Anderson
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Patent number: 6087818Abstract: A voltage booster device for increasing the voltage level of power received by a recreational vehicle (RV) from a separate 120-volt power source includes an electrical box, a power cord and female outlet on the box, and an encapsulated transformer within the box. The transformer (e.g., an autotransformer) is adapted to increase the actual voltage level of the separate 120-volt power source a predetermined amount. A relay is provided for switching the transformer, the power cord, and the female outlet between (i) a first circuit configuration that couples power from the power cord to the female outlet via the transformer so that the transformer increases the voltage level by the predetermined amount, and (ii) a second circuit configuration that bypasses the transformer so that the transformer does not increase the voltage level by the predetermined amount.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 1999Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Inventor: Robert C. Hughes
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Patent number: 5834627Abstract: A combustible gas sensor that uses a resistively heated, noble metal-coated, micromachined polycrystalline Si filament to calorimetrically detect the presence and concentration of combustible gases. The filaments tested to date are 2 .mu.m thick.times.10 .mu.m wide.times.100, 250, 500, or 1000 .mu.m-long polycrystalline Si; some are overcoated with a 0.25 .mu.m-thick protective CVD Si.sub.3 N.sub.4 layer. A thin catalytic Pt film was deposited by CVD from the precursor Pt(acac).sub.2 onto microfilaments resistively heated to approximately 500.degree. C.; Pt deposits only on the hot filament. Using a constant-resistance-mode feedback circuit, Pt-coated filaments operating at ca. 300.degree. C. (35 mW input power) respond linearly, in terms of the change in supply current required to maintain constant resistance (temperature), to H.sub.2 concentrations between 100 ppm and 1% in an 80/20 N.sub.2 /O.sub.2 mixture. Other catalytic materials can also be used.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1996Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Antonio J. Ricco, Robert C. Hughes, James H. Smith, Daniel J. Moreno, Ronald P. Manginell, Stephen D. Senturia, Robert J. Huber
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Patent number: 5279795Abstract: An apparatus for sensing chemicals over extended range of concentrations. In particular, first and second sensors each having separate, but overlapping ranges for sensing concentrations of hydrogen are provided. Preferably, the first sensor is a MOS solid state device wherein the metal electrode or gate is a nickel alloy. The second sensor is a chemiresistor comprising a nickel alloy.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 1993Date of Patent: January 18, 1994Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Robert C. Hughes, W. Kent Schubert
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Patent number: 5187980Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing a liquid-solid phase transition event is provided which comprises an acoustic plate mode detecting element placed in contact with a liquid or solid material which generates a high-frequency acoustic wave that is attenuated to an extent based on the physical state of the material is contact with the detecting element. The attenuation caused by the material in contact with the acoustic plate mode detecting element is used to determine the physical state of the material being detected. The method and device are particularly suited for detecting conditions such as the icing and deicing of wings of an aircraft. In another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided wherein the adhesion of a solid material to the detecting element can be measured using the apparatus of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1990Date of Patent: February 23, 1993Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Dianna S. Blair, Gregory C. Freye, Robert C. Hughes, Stephen J. Martin, Antonio J. Ricco
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Patent number: 4976266Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for in vivo radiation measurements relay on a MOSFET dosimeter of high radiation sensitivity with operates in both the passive mode to provide an integrated dose detector and active mode to provide an irradiation rate detector. A compensating circuit with a matched unirradiated MOSFET is provided to operate at a current designed to eliminate temperature dependence of the device. Preferably, the MOSFET is rigidly mounted in the end of a miniature catheter and the catheter is implanted in the patient proximate the radiation source.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1988Date of Patent: December 11, 1990Assignee: United States Department of EnergyInventors: Dennis D. Huffman, Robert C. Hughes, Charles A. Kelsey, Richard Lane, Antonio J. Ricco, Jay B. Snelling, Thomas E. Zipperian
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Patent number: 4782302Abstract: A detector for detecting energetic hydrogen ions and atoms ranging in energy from about 1 eV up to 1 keV in an evacuated environment includes a Schottky diode with a palladium or palladium-alloy gate metal applied to a silicondioxide layer on an n-silicon substrate. An array of the energetic-hydrogen detectors having a range of energy sensitivities form a plasma energy analyzer having a rapid response time and a sensitivity for measuring fluxes of energetic hydrogen. The detector is sensitive to hydrogen and its isotopes but is insensitive to non-hydrogenic particles. The array of energetic-hydrogen detectors can be formed on a single silicon chip, with thin-film layers of gold metal applied in various thicknesses to successive detectors in the array. The gold layers serve as particle energy-filters so that each detector is sensitive to a different range of hydrogen energies.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1986Date of Patent: November 1, 1988Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Robert J. Bastasz, Robert C. Hughes, William R. Wampler
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Patent number: 4631701Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for automatically refreshing a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) under a plurality of different operational conditions of an associated processor. When the processor is normally executing instructions it generates active signals which enable a generator circuit to generate timing signals. A hidden refresh circuit uses status signals and a first part of these timing signals to generate a refresh pulse during an opcode fetch cycle of each instruction being executed by the processor. A control circuit uses each refresh pulse and a second part of the timing signals to generate a row refresh signal to refresh a row in the DRAM indicated by a row address from a counter and a row address clock to increment the counter to the next row to be refreshed by the following row refresh signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1983Date of Patent: December 23, 1986Assignee: NCR CorporationInventors: Ronald P. Kappeler, Robert C. Hughes
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Patent number: 4622355Abstract: The radiation-induced conductivity of polymeric dielectrics with low electronic mobility is reduced by doping with electron donor or electron acceptor compounds at a level of 10.sup.15 to 10.sup.21 molecules of dopant/cm.sup.3. Polyesters, polyolefins, perfluoropolyolefins, vinyl polymers, vinylidene polymers, polycarbonates, polysulfones and polyimides can benefit from such a treatment. Usable dopants include 2,4,7-trinitro-9-fluorenone, tetracyanethylene, 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane, m-dinitrobenzene, 2-isopropylcarbazole, and triphenylamine.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1984Date of Patent: November 11, 1986Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Charles Arnold, Jr., Robert C. Hughes, R. Glen Kepler, Steven R. Kurtz
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Patent number: D414460Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 1999Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Inventor: Robert C. Hughes