Patents by Inventor Robert Saunders

Robert Saunders 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: 10863218
    Abstract: A video distribution system synchronizes video output streams on multiple encoders without communication therebetween. Each of the encoders is configured to decode a source video content stream into a sequence of uncompressed frames, where each frame in the sequence is marked with an associated presentation time stamp (PTS) clock value. The encoders calculate a number of clock cycles between instantaneous decoder refresh (IDR)-frames. For each frame in the sequence, the encoders calculate a remainder after a division of an associated PTS clock value of a given frame by the number of clock cycles between IDR-frames. The encoders mark each frame in the sequence as an IDR-frame where the corresponding remainder is strictly less than the number of PTS clock cycles per frame and mark a remainder of the frames in the sequence as an internal frame within a group of pictures (GOP) to produce a marked set of video frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Skitter, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Sauer, Robert Saunders
  • Patent number: 10785092
    Abstract: Multiple segmentation servers are synchronized to provide failover capacity in such a way that should a failover occur, the segment numbers/playlists/encryption keys/decryption keys are identical on each of the segmentation servers. Synchronizing the contents of a segmentation server on one or more backup segmentation servers ensures that the delivery of a content stream is immune to the failure of segmentation servers, provided at least one segmentation server remains fault-free. A caching server may further facilitate the fault tolerance by checking the availability of the individual segmentation servers, collect content segments from one of the segmentation servers, and serve the content segment to clients. The caching server automatically checks a primary segmentation server to ensure it is available (e.g., online), and provides automatic failover to a backup segmentation server should the primary server experience a fault (e.g., go offline).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Skitter, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Sauer, Robert Saunders, David Borges
  • Patent number: 10715880
    Abstract: A video distribution system minimizes bandwidth use between a headend and a remote video distribution center through an origin segmentation server and an edge segmentation server. The origin segmentation server is located at the headend and creates segments and playlists for every video stream originating at the headend. An edge segmentation server is located at the remote video distribution center and receives a request for a playlist of a content stream from CPE. The edge segmentation server joins a multicast group with the content stream and requests the playlist from the origin segmentation server. The edge segmentation server constructs a second playlist with a predetermined final number of segments from the playlist to return to the CPE, generates segments from the content stream received from the headend, identifies and obtains missing segments from the origin segmentation server, and updates the second playlist with the missing segments and segments generated by the edge segmentation server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Skitter, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Sauer, Robert Saunders
  • Patent number: 10609114
    Abstract: Controller devices may be configured to automatically connect to a remote management server (e.g., a “cloud”-based management server), and may offload received data and analyses to the remote management server via wired or wireless communications. The controller devices may further communicate with the management server, user computing devices, and/or human machine interface devices, e.g., to provide remote access to the controller device, provide real-time information from the controller device, receive configurations/updates, provide interactive graphical user interfaces, and/or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Samsara Networks Inc.
    Inventors: John Bicket, Anubhav Jain, James Duffield, James Robert Saunders
  • Publication number: 20190335216
    Abstract: A video distribution system synchronizes video output streams on multiple encoders without communication therebetween. Each of the encoders is configured to decode a source video content stream into a sequence of uncompressed frames, where each frame in the sequence is marked with an associated presentation time stamp (PTS) clock value. The encoders calculate a number of clock cycles between instantaneous decoder refresh (IDR)-frames. For each frame in the sequence, the encoders calculate a remainder after a division of an associated PTS clock value of a given frame by the number of clock cycles between IDR-frames. The encoders mark each frame in the sequence as an IDR-frame where the corresponding remainder is strictly less than the number of PTS clock cycles per frame and mark a remainder of the frames in the sequence as an internal frame within a group of pictures (GOP) to produce a marked set of video frames.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2019
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Inventors: Mark Sauer, Robert Saunders
  • Patent number: 10375430
    Abstract: A video distribution system synchronizes video output streams on multiple encoders without communication therebetween. Each of the encoders is configured to decode a source video content stream into a sequence of uncompressed frames, where each frame in the sequence is marked with an associated presentation time stamp (PTS) clock value. The encoders calculate a number of clock cycles between instantaneous decoder refresh (IDR)-frames. For each frame in the sequence, the encoders calculate a remainder after a division of an associated PTS clock value of a given frame by the number of clock cycles between IDR-frames. The encoders mark each frame in the sequence as an IDR-frame where the corresponding remainder is strictly less than the number of PTS clock cycles per frame and mark a remainder of the frames in the sequence as an internal frame within a group of pictures (GOP) to produce a marked set of video frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Skitter, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Sauer, Robert Saunders
  • Publication number: 20190069008
    Abstract: A video distribution system synchronizes video output streams on multiple encoders without communication therebetween. Each of the encoders is configured to decode a source video content stream into a sequence of uncompressed frames, where each frame in the sequence is marked with an associated presentation time stamp (PTS) clock value. The encoders calculate a number of clock cycles between instantaneous decoder refresh (IDR)-frames. For each frame in the sequence, the encoders calculate a remainder after a division of an associated PTS clock value of a given frame by the number of clock cycles between IDR-frames. The encoders mark each frame in the sequence as an IDR-frame where the corresponding remainder is strictly less than the number of PTS clock cycles per frame and mark a remainder of the frames in the sequence as an internal frame within a group of pictures (GOP) to produce a marked set of video frames.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Mark Sauer, Robert Saunders
  • Publication number: 20190069046
    Abstract: A video distribution system minimizes bandwidth use between a headend and a remote video distribution center through an origin segmentation server and an edge segmentation server. The origin segmentation server is located at the headend and creates segments and playlists for every video stream originating at the headend. An edge segmentation server is located at the remote video distribution center and receives a request for a playlist of a content stream from CPE. The edge segmentation server joins a multicast group with the content stream and requests the playlist from the origin segmentation server. The edge segmentation server constructs a second playlist with a predetermined final number of segments from the playlist to return to the CPE, generates segments from the content stream received from the headend, identifies and obtains missing segments from the origin segmentation server, and updates the second playlist with the missing segments and segments generated by the edge segmentation server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Mark Sauer, Robert Saunders
  • Publication number: 20190036763
    Abstract: Multiple segmentation servers are synchronized to provide failover capacity in such a way that should a failover occur, the segment numbers/playlists/encryption keys/decryption keys are identical on each of the segmentation servers. Synchronizing the contents of a segmentation server on one or more backup segmentation servers ensures that the delivery of a content stream is immune to the failure of segmentation servers, provided at least one segmentation server remains fault-free. A caching server may further facilitate the fault tolerance by checking the availability of the individual segmentation servers, collect content segments from one of the segmentation servers, and serve the content segment to clients. The caching server automatically checks a primary segmentation server to ensure it is available (e.g., online), and provides automatic failover to a backup segmentation server should the primary server experience a fault (e.g., go offline).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Mark Sauer, Robert Saunders, David Borges
  • Patent number: 9470085
    Abstract: A computed-implemented method, a device, and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium are disclosed that can perform a method of visualizing sensor data obtained from a plurality of wells at a well site. The method can include acquiring sensor data from one or more sensors operable to measure conditions of subsystems of each well in the plurality of wells at the well site; determining, by a processor, a visual representation of the sensor data; and causing the visual representation of the sensor data to be displayed in a matrix layout on a visual display, wherein the matrix layout comprises an end row representing a current value of the sensor data and one or more intermediate rows representing a past value of the sensor data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Robert Saunders
  • Patent number: 9387821
    Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to an airbag lid defining a surface configured to cover a portion of an airbag prior to deployment. The airbag lid can be separated from a hinge side portion and a pillar side portion of an outer fringe by a seam that can tear and thereby separate the airbag lid from the hinge side portion and the pillar side portion of the outer fringe upon airbag deployment. The airbag lid includes a hinge portion disposed adjacent a hinge side edge of the airbag lid assembly, the hinge portion remaining attached to a window frame of a vehicle subsequent to airbag deployment. The hinge portion can include a hinge that is configured to enable the airbag lid to bend about the hinge, such that a portion of the airbag lid at an interior side of the hinge is maneuvered away from the structural pillar upon airbag deployment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nathaniel Robert Saunders, Donald W. Jackson, Murthy Ayyagari
  • Publication number: 20150296870
    Abstract: A method is provided for treating a tobacco material, wherein the method comprises treating the tobacco material with subcritical water. Also provided is a tobacco material which has been treated by such a method, or a derivative thereof, and a smoking article which comprises a tobacco material treated by such a method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Applicant: BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED
    Inventors: Jin HU, Robert SAUNDERS
  • Patent number: 9090223
    Abstract: An airbag module including an inflator and an inflatable airbag is provided. The inflatable airbag may include a first portion comprising at least one fold configured to form at least one vertical pleat, a second portion comprising at least one fold configured to form at least one horizontal pleat and a third portion configured to form a roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignees: TK HOLDINGS INC., HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Eric Joseph Baumbach, Nathaniel Robert Saunders, Tatsuya Yuki, Mark Andrew Steinbach, Andrew Jack Pitonyak
  • Patent number: 9068436
    Abstract: A system and method for sampling fluid from a production wellsite are provided. The system includes an interface operatively connectable to the port and a separation circuit operatively connectable to the interface for establishing fluid communication therebetween. The separation circuit includes a pumping unit and at least one sample chamber. The pumping unit includes pumping chambers having a cylinder with a piston therein defining a fluid cavity and a buffer cavity. The fluid cavities define a separation chamber for receiving the fluid and allowing separation of the fluid therein into phases. The buffer cavities have a buffer fluid selectively movable therebetween whereby the fluid flows through the separation circuit at a controlled rate. The sample chamber is for collecting at least one sample of the phases of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: ONESUBSEA, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard Theron, John Nighswander, Robert Saunders, Andrea Sbordone, Paul Guieze, Gerald Smith
  • Patent number: 8911656
    Abstract: Methods for manufacturing a composite fan inlet housing are disclosed. The methods include inserting a first piece of composite material and a second piece of composite material into a molding tool, inserting an inflatable bladder between the first piece and the second piece, and pressurizing the inflatable bladder to a curing pressure for a length of time sufficient to allow the first piece and second piece to cure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Doddman, Robert Saunders Murray
  • Publication number: 20140306431
    Abstract: An airbag module including an inflator and an inflatable airbag is provided. The inflatable airbag may include a first portion comprising at least one fold configured to form at least one vertical pleat, a second portion comprising at least one fold configured to form at least one horizontal pleat and a third portion configured to form a roll.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicants: TK HOLDINGS INC., HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Eric Joseph BAUMBACH, Nathaniel Robert SAUNDERS, Tatsuya YUKI, Mark Andrew STEINBACH, Andrew Jack PITONYAK
  • Patent number: 8800554
    Abstract: A dry powder inhaler comprises at least one medicament reservoir and a closure member engaged with the reservoir so as to close an opening therein. A surface of the reservoir adjacent the opening and a surface of the closure member are in abutment, either directly or via a seal member interposed between the reservoir and the closure member. At least one abutting surface is formed with a projection that increases the contact pressure between said surfaces, thereby improving the seal between them and reducing the potential for ingress of moisture between said surfaces into the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Innovata Biomed Limited
    Inventors: James Gordon, Andrew Paul Morris, Philip Carl Parkes, Robert Andrew Rudge, Douglas Robert Saunders Bradshaw, John Philip Briant, Adrian John Streeter
  • Publication number: 20140217197
    Abstract: A unit dose container for holding a single dose of a given liquid, the container comprising: a chamber (8) in which, in use, the given liquid is stored, the chamber having a wall through which, in use, the liquid is to be supplied; a release mechanism (7), at least part of which is internal to, or forms part of the wall of the chamber, the release mechanism being movable relative to the chamber between first and second positions; and means for allowing the release mechanism (7) to move from the first to the second positions, thereby opening a passage through the wall so that the liquid can exit the chamber (8), the means including at least one flexible wall portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: The Technology Partnership Plc.
    Inventors: Robert Gordon Maurice Selby, Neil Pollock, Daniel Crichton, Douglas Robert Saunders Bradshaw
  • Publication number: 20130175731
    Abstract: Methods for manufacturing a composite fan inlet housing are disclosed. The methods include inserting a first piece of composite material and a second piece of composite material into a molding tool, inserting an inflatable bladder between the first piece and the second piece, and pressurizing the inflatable bladder to a curing pressure for a length of time sufficient to allow the first piece and second piece to cure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: William H. Doddman, Robert Saunders Murray
  • Publication number: 20130025854
    Abstract: A system and method for sampling fluid from a production wellsite are provided. The system includes an interface operatively connectable to the port and a separation circuit operatively connectable to the interface for establishing fluid communication therebetween. The separation circuit includes a pumping unit and at least one sample chamber. The pumping unit includes pumping chambers having a cylinder with a piston therein defining a fluid cavity and a buffer cavity. The fluid cavities define a separation chamber for receiving the fluid and allowing separation of the fluid therein into phases. The buffer cavities have a buffer fluid selectively movable therebetween whereby the fluid flows through the separation circuit at a controlled rate. The sample chamber is for collecting at least one sample of the phases of the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bernard Theron, John Nighswander, Robert Saunders, Andrea Sbordone, Paul Guieze, Gerald Smith