Patents by Inventor Ronald Hughes
Ronald 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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Publication number: 20240026130Abstract: A polymer composition is disclosed formed from at least one bio-based polymer and at least one odor masking agent. The odor masking agent is designed to control odors by masking the odors during melt processing of the composition without significantly interfering with the optical and/or mechanical characteristics of the composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2023Publication date: January 25, 2024Inventors: Michael Combs, Rongfu Li, Ronald Hughes, Chongwen Huang, Xiaowei Zhang, Christopher McGrady
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Publication number: 20240026122Abstract: A polymer composition comprising a cellulose ester polymer combined with at least one salt additive. The salt additive can be combined with the cellulose ester polymer in order to decrease the melt flow rate of the polymer and improve melt processing of the polymer for forming molded articles.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2023Publication date: January 25, 2024Inventors: Rongfu Li, Michael Combs, Ronald Hughes, Susan Blankenship
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Publication number: 20230407055Abstract: A polymer composition comprising a cellulose ester polymer in combination with a property enhancing agent. The property enhancing agent is combined with the cellulose ester polymer in an amount sufficient to improve at least one physical property. For instance, in one aspect, the melt processing characteristics of the polymer composition can be improved. Alternatively or in addition, molded articles made from the polymer composition can have improved surface characteristics. The property enhancing agent can be an acidic species, such as a diprotic, organic acid.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2023Publication date: December 21, 2023Inventors: Michael Combs, Ronald Hughes, Rongfu Li, Chongwen Huang, Xiaowei Zhang, Christopher McGrady
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Publication number: 20230323093Abstract: A polymer composition containing a cellulose ester polymer in combination with one or more plasticizers. The plasticizer can comprise a polyethylene glycol and/or triacetin. The polyethylene glycol plasticizer can have a number average molecular weight that has been found to improve one or more properties of the composition or of articles made from the composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2023Publication date: October 12, 2023Inventors: Ronald Hughes, Rongfu Li, Michael Combs
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Publication number: 20230312885Abstract: A polymer composition comprising a cellulose ester polymer in combination with a chain scission agent. The chain scission agent reacts with the cellulose ester polymer and decreases the intrinsic viscosity of the polymer. In this manner, the flow properties of the cellulose ester polymer can be dramatically improved. For instance, the melt flow rate of the polymer can increase making the polymer more amenable to molding processes.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2023Publication date: October 5, 2023Inventors: Rongfu Li, Michael Combs, Ronald Hughes
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Publication number: 20220118295Abstract: Disclosed herein is a degradable filter structures and protective coverings including degradable filter structures. The filter structures comprise cellulose acetate and optionally plasticizer. The filter structures and protective coverings described herein degrade more rapidly than other known protective coverings.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2021Publication date: April 21, 2022Applicant: ACETATE INTERNATIONAL LLCInventors: Paul BUSBY, Christopher BUNDREN, Ronald HUGHES, Gary DeHART, Michael COMBS
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Patent number: 9473727Abstract: An apparatus for controlling electronic devices has a camera and a transmitter. The camera acquires a first image of an electronic device. The device is configured for remote control. The apparatus identifies a probable identity of the device by comparing the first image to a plurality of stored images of known electronic devices. Test instructions are selected based on the probable identity of the device and sent to the device. A confirmation image of the device is acquired after the test instructions are sent. The apparatus determines from the confirmation image that the state of the device is consistent with execution of the test instructions. The apparatus receives user input specifying a command for the device. Based on the first image, the device is not in a state corresponding to the command, so the apparatus transmits an instruction corresponding to the command to the device.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2014Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignee: GOOGLE INC.Inventor: Ronald Hughes
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Patent number: 9380807Abstract: Modified feeding trays for use in the production of segmented filters may be advantageous when handling filter rods that are porous masses. A modified feeding tray may include a rectangular bottom; opposing first and second sidewalls coupled to corresponding first and second edges of the rectangular bottom; a third sidewall coupled to a third edge of the rectangular bottom and extending between the first and second sidewalls; and a shelf extending between the first and second sidewalls at an intermediate location along a length of each of the first and second sidewalls and thereby defining an open compartment formed by the first and second sidewalls, the shelf, and the bottom, and a closed compartment defined by the first, second, and third sidewalls, the shelf, and the bottom.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2014Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: Celanese Acetate LLCInventors: Paul Busby, Zeming Gou, Ronald Hughes
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Patent number: 9291741Abstract: The present specification discloses an inspection system for detecting objects being carried by a person who is moving along a pathway. The inspection system has two detection systems configured to detect radiation scattered from the person as the person moves along the pathway and an X-ray source positioned between the detection systems. The X-ray source is configured to generate a vertical beam spot pattern and does not generate beams that move horizontally.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Gray, Ronald Hughes, Peter Ryge, Andreas F. Kotowski
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Patent number: 9285325Abstract: Further, the present specification is directed towards personnel screening systems comprising modular components, including detector and source units, where a dual axis scanning beam is employed. In one configuration, the subject under inspection remains stationary and is positioned between two scanning modules. The X-ray source assembly is designed to minimize the overall system footprint while still yielding the requisite field of view, low radiation exposure level, and required resolution. The modular components allow for a compact, light and yet sufficiently rugged overall structure that can be disassembled for ease of transportation and is also simple to reassemble at a required site for inspection.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2013Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Gray, Ronald Hughes, Jerel Smith
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Publication number: 20160041298Abstract: Further, the present specification is directed towards personnel screening systems comprising modular components, including detector and source units, where a dual axis scanning beam is employed. In one configuration, the subject under inspection remains stationary and is positioned between two scanning modules. The X-ray source assembly is designed to minimize the overall system footprint while still yielding the requisite field of view, low radiation exposure level, and required resolution. The modular components allow for a compact, light and yet sufficiently rugged overall structure that can be disassembled for ease of transportation and is also simple to reassemble at a required site for inspection.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2013Publication date: February 11, 2016Applicant: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Gray, Ronald Hughes, Jerel Smith
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Patent number: 9182516Abstract: The present specification discloses an inspection system for detecting objects being carried by a person. The inspection system is highly modular and capable of being assembled by a two person team using conventional tooling equipment. In one embodiment, the inspection system has three primary modules—two detection modules and one radiation source module—that can be readily attached and detached from each other or to a frame and connected to a signal processing system to provide for a quick set up and tear down process.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2013Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Gray, Ronald Hughes
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Patent number: 9092701Abstract: A computer-implemented method of controlling electronics is performed at an apparatus that includes one or more processors, a camera, and a transmitter. In the method, the camera acquires a first image of one or more electronic devices configured for remote control. A database is queried for information regarding the one or more electronic devices, based on the first image. In response to querying the database, the information regarding the one or more electronic devices is received. This information includes specifications for communicating with the one or more electronic devices. User input is received corresponding to a command for a respective electronic device of the one or more electronic devices. In response to the user input, an instruction corresponding to the command is transmitted to the respective electronic device via a signal generated by the transmitter in accordance with the specifications for communicating with the respective electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2014Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: GOOGLE INC.Inventor: Ronald Hughes
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Publication number: 20150110250Abstract: The present specification discloses an inspection system for detecting objects being carried by a person who is moving along a pathway. The inspection system has two detection systems configured to detect radiation scattered from the person as the person moves along the pathway and an X-ray source positioned between the detection systems. The X-ray source is configured to generate a vertical beam spot pattern and does not generate beams that move horizontally.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2014Publication date: April 23, 2015Inventors: Stephen Gray, Ronald Hughes, Peter Ryge, Andreas F. Kotowski
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Patent number: 8995619Abstract: The present specification discloses an inspection system for detecting objects being carried by a person who is moving along a pathway. The inspection system has two detection systems configured to detect radiation scattered from the person as the person moves along the pathway and an X-ray source positioned between the detection systems. The X-ray source is configured to generate a vertical beam spot pattern and does not generate beams that move horizontally.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Gray, Ronald Hughes, Peter Ryge, Andreas F. Kotowski
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Publication number: 20150001168Abstract: Modified feeding trays for use in the production of segmented filters may be advantageous when handling filter rods that are porous masses. A modified feeding tray may include a rectangular bottom; opposing first and second sidewalls coupled to corresponding first and second edges of the rectangular bottom; a third sidewall coupled to a third edge of the rectangular bottom and extending between the first and second sidewalls; and a shelf extending between the first and second sidewalls at an intermediate location along a length of each of the first and second sidewalls and thereby defining an open compartment formed by the first and second sidewalls, the shelf, and the bottom, and a closed compartment defined by the first, second, and third sidewalls, the shelf, and the bottom.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2014Publication date: January 1, 2015Applicant: Celanese Acetate LLCInventors: Paul Busby, Zeming Gou, Ronald Hughes
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Publication number: 20140307106Abstract: An apparatus for controlling electronic devices has a camera and a transmitter. The camera acquires a first image of an electronic device. The device is configured for remote control. The apparatus identifies a probable identity of the device by comparing the first image to a plurality of stored images of known electronic devices. Test instructions are selected based on the probable identity of the device and sent to the device. A confirmation image of the device is acquired after the test instructions are sent. The apparatus determines from the confirmation image that the state of the device is consistent with execution of the test instructions. The apparatus receives user input specifying a command for the device. Based on the first image, the device is not in a state corresponding to the command, so the apparatus transmits an instruction corresponding to the command to the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2014Publication date: October 16, 2014Inventor: Ronald Hughes
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Patent number: 8766783Abstract: A computer-implemented method of controlling electronics is performed at an apparatus that includes one or more processors, a camera, and a transmitter. In the method, the camera acquires a first image of an electronic device situated within view of the camera and configured for remote control. User input is received specifying a command for the electronic device. Based on the first image, a determination is made that the electronic device is not in a state corresponding to the command. In response to the determination, an instruction corresponding to the command is transmitted to the electronic device using the transmitter.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2010Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Google Inc.Inventor: Ronald Hughes
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Publication number: 20140133630Abstract: The present specification discloses an inspection system for detecting objects being carried by a person. The inspection system is highly modular and capable of being assembled by a two person team using conventional tooling equipment. In one embodiment, the inspection system has three primary modules—two detection modules and one radiation source module—that can be readily attached and detached from each other or to a frame and connected to a signal processing system to provide for a quick set up and tear down process.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2013Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: Rapiscan Systems, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Gray, Ronald Hughes
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Publication number: 20140132773Abstract: A computer-implemented method of controlling electronics is performed at an apparatus that includes one or more processors, a camera, and a transmitter. In the method, the camera acquires a first image of one or more electronic devices configured for remote control. A database is queried for information regarding the one or more electronic devices, based on the first image. In response to querying the database, the information regarding the one or more electronic devices is received. This information includes specifications for communicating with the one or more electronic devices. User input is received corresponding to a command for a respective electronic device of the one or more electronic devices. In response to the user input, an instruction corresponding to the command is transmitted to the respective electronic device via a signal generated by the transmitter in accordance with the specifications for communicating with the respective electronic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2014Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: GOOGLE INC.Inventor: Ronald Hughes