Patents by Inventor Thomas Howe
Thomas Howe 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: 20260222638Abstract: In some embodiments, a method determines an instance of content to be delivered to a client device. The instance of content includes a plurality of segments that is associated with a plurality of profiles. A target metric and a bandwidth distribution are determined. The method determines a performance of the target metric based on the bandwidth distribution and a model for selecting a top profile for the plurality of segments. The model includes a set of conditions. The method solves the model based on the performance of the target metric where solving the model provides a solution that meets the set of conditions and outputs the top profile for each segment. The top profile for each segment for delivery to the client device. The top profile for each segment is used to remove profiles when requesting segments in the plurality of segments during playback of the instance of content.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2025Publication date: July 30, 2026Applicants: Disney Enterprises, Inc., Beijing YoJaJa Software Technology Development Co., Ltd.Inventors: Lemei Huang, Tongyu Dai, Wenhao Zhang, Si Chen, Thomas Howe
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Patent number: 12695177Abstract: Wireless communication device (WCD) for use in an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes a multi-purpose WCD accessory. The accessory is comprised of a first plate having opposed first and second major faces. The first major face includes a heat transfer surface configured to contact a body of the WCD interior of the UAV when the WCD is secured to the first major face. A second plate is attached to the second major face in a cantilever configuration and extends exterior of the fuselage in a direction away from the second major surface. The second plate comprises at least a portion of a ground plane for an antenna system utilized by the WCD, and together with the first plate forms a heat sink for the WCD.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2025Date of Patent: July 28, 2026Assignee: L3Harris Global Communications, Inc.Inventors: Peter Burke, Richard J. Nink, Joel Womack, Malcolm Packer, Thomas Howe, Aaron Hendershot
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Publication number: 20260211762Abstract: In some embodiments, a method receives online quality of service (QoS) metric values for online logs of using a service. Synthetic QoS metric values that describe anomalies are added to the training dataset. A model predicts predicted QoS metric values in the online logs. A distribution of a difference between QoS metric values from the training dataset and the predicted QoS metric values is determined. The method uses the difference to adjust a parameter in the model to train the model to predict the predicted QoS metric values. The distribution is used to determine a dynamic threshold that is used to determine whether an anomaly occurs. The method determines whether an anomaly is detected in new online logs based on applying the dynamic threshold to a difference between online QoS metric values and predicted QoS metric values generated by the trained model. The dynamic threshold changes over the time series.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2025Publication date: July 23, 2026Applicants: Disney Enterprises, Inc., Beijing YoJaJa Software Technology Development Co., Ltd.Inventors: Junchao Yu, Chenyu Tian, Tongyu Dai, Thomas Howe
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Patent number: 12639127Abstract: In some embodiments, a method receives usage data that is based on a delivery of content by a plurality of content delivery network entities. A first value of a selection parameter is used to determine whether to select a content delivery network entity from the plurality of content delivery network entities to process a first request for content. The method allocates the usage data in a first distribution to the plurality of content delivery network entities. The allocating does not use a condition to determine the first distribution. The usage data is allocated in a second distribution to the plurality of content delivery network entities. The allocating uses the condition to determine the second distribution. The method adjusts the first value of the selection parameter to a second value based on the first distribution and the second distribution.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2022Date of Patent: May 26, 2026Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Howe, Mark Kegel, Edward Russell, Joseph Higgins, Daniel Spiewak, Matthias Sainz
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Publication number: 20260129254Abstract: In some embodiments, a method determines an instance of content to be delivered to a client device. The content includes segments that are associated with a plurality of profiles. A target metric and a bandwidth distribution are determined. The method determines a plurality of top profile decisions for the plurality of segments where a top profile decision lists a top profile that can be selected for respective segments in the plurality of segments. A performance of the target metric is determined for the plurality of top profile decisions based on the bandwidth distribution. The method selects a top profile decision from the top profile decisions based on the performance of the target metric for the top profile decisions. The top profile decision is used to determine a target quality. The target quality is used to select top profiles for requesting segments in the segments during playback of the content.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2024Publication date: May 7, 2026Applicants: Disney Enterprises, Inc., Beijing YoJaJa Software Technology Development Co., Ltd.Inventors: Lemei Huang, Tongyu Dai, Wenhao Zhang, Si Chen, Thomas Howe
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Publication number: 20250364714Abstract: Systems and methods for autonomously operating an antenna assembly. The methods comprise: obtaining, by a processor of the antenna assembly, first information comprising at least one of a value for a variable altitude of the antenna assembly, a value for a variable height of the antenna assembly above ground, a value for a variable height of the antenna assembly above sea level, a value for a variable distance of the antenna assembly from a reference object, and a first value for a variable signal frequency of a communication device; using, by the processor, the information to obtain a desired length of an antenna of the antenna assembly; and controlling, by the processor, an actuator to adjust a length of the antenna until the length reaches the desired length.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2025Publication date: November 27, 2025Inventors: James Buduson, Peter Burke, Joseph Majkowski, Thomas Howe, Megan Blakeney, Louis Fay
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Patent number: 12407080Abstract: Systems and methods for autonomously operating an antenna assembly. The methods comprise: obtaining, by a processor of the antenna assembly, first information comprising at least one of a value for a variable altitude of the antenna assembly, a value for a variable height of the antenna assembly above ground, a value for a variable height of the antenna assembly above sea level, a value for a variable distance of the antenna assembly from a reference object, and a first value for a variable signal frequency of a communication device; using, by the processor, the information to obtain a desired length of an antenna of the antenna assembly; and controlling, by the processor, an actuator to adjust a length of the antenna until the length reaches the desired length.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2022Date of Patent: September 2, 2025Assignee: L3Harris Global Communications, Inc.Inventors: James Buduson, Peter Burke, Joseph Majkowski, Thomas Howe, Megan Blakeney, Louis Fay
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Publication number: 20250236411Abstract: Systems and methods for locating UAV. The methods comprise: causing a physical joining of a payload with a fuselage of the UAV (where the payload comprises a communication relay); using a power source to supply power to the payload that is independent from a main power source of the UAV; and continuing to perform relay operations by the communication relay and location operations by a first locator, when power is no longer being supplied by the main power source.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2025Publication date: July 24, 2025Inventors: Peter Burke, Richard J. Nink, Joel Womack, Malcolm Packer, Thomas Howe, Aaron Hendershot
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Publication number: 20250183523Abstract: Wireless communication device (WCD) for use in an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes a multi-purpose WCD accessory. The accessory is comprised of a first plate having opposed first and second major faces. The first major face includes a heat transfer surface configured to contact a body of the WCD interior of the UAV when the WCD is secured to the first major face. A second plate is attached to the second major face in a cantilever configuration and extends exterior of the fuselage in a direction away from the second major surface. The second plate comprises at least a portion of a ground plane for an antenna system utilized by the WCD, and together with the first plate forms a heat sink for the WCD.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2025Publication date: June 5, 2025Inventors: Peter Burke, Richard J. Nink, Joel Womack, Malcolm Packer, Thomas Howe, Aaron Hendershot
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Patent number: 12286236Abstract: Systems and methods for locating UAV. The methods comprise: causing a physical joining of a payload with a fuselage of the UAV (where the payload comprises a communication relay); using a power source to supply power to the payload that is independent from a main power source of the UAV; and continuing to perform relay operations by the communication relay and location operations by a first locator, when power is no longer being supplied by the main power source.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2024Date of Patent: April 29, 2025Assignee: L3Harris Global Communications, Inc.Inventors: Peter Burke, Richard J. Nink, Joel Womack, Malcolm Packer, Thomas Howe, Aaron Hendershot
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Patent number: 12249758Abstract: Wireless communication device (WCD) for use in an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes a multi-purpose WCD accessory. The accessory is comprised of a first plate having opposed first and second major faces. The first major face includes a heat transfer surface configured to contact a body of the WCD interior of the UAV when the WCD is secured to the first major face. A second plate is attached to the second major face in a cantilever configuration and extends exterior of the fuselage in a direction away from the second major surface. The second plate comprises at least a portion of a ground plane for an antenna system utilized by the WCD, and together with the first plate forms a heat sink for the WCD.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2022Date of Patent: March 11, 2025Assignee: L3Harris Global Communications, Inc.Inventors: Peter Burke, Richard J. Nink, Joel Womack, Malcolm Packer, Thomas Howe, Aaron Hendershot
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Publication number: 20240300664Abstract: Systems and methods for locating UAV. The methods comprise: causing a physical joining of a payload with a fuselage of the UAV (where the payload comprises a communication relay); using a power source to supply power to the payload that is independent from a main power source of the UAV; and continuing to perform relay operations by the communication relay and location operations by a first locator, when power is no longer being supplied by the main power source.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2024Publication date: September 12, 2024Inventors: Peter Burke, Richard J. Nink, Joel Womack, Malcolm Packer, Thomas Howe, Aaron Hendershot
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Patent number: 12054279Abstract: Systems and methods for locating UAV. The methods comprise: causing a physical joining of a payload with a fuselage of the UAV without any modification to the fuselage (where the payload comprises a communication relay configured to perform relay operations to extend a range between users of a communication relay link for voice and data communications and a first locator configured to perform location operations to determine and report a location of the UAV to the users of the communication relay link); using a power source to supply power to the payload that is independent from a main power source used to supply power to avionic electronics of the UAV; and continuing to perform the relay operations by the communication relay and the location operations by the first locator, when power is no longer being supplied to the avionic electronics by the main power source of the UAV.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2022Date of Patent: August 6, 2024Assignee: HARRIS GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.Inventors: Peter Burke, Richard J. Nink, Joel Womack, Malcolm Packer, Thomas Howe, Aaron Hendershot
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Publication number: 20240145896Abstract: Systems and methods for autonomously operating an antenna assembly. The methods comprise: obtaining, by a processor of the antenna assembly, first information comprising at least one of a value for a variable altitude of the antenna assembly, a value for a variable height of the antenna assembly above ground, a value for a variable height of the antenna assembly above sea level, a value for a variable distance of the antenna assembly from a reference object, and a first value for a variable signal frequency of a communication device; using, by the processor, the information to obtain a desired length of an antenna of the antenna assembly; and controlling, by the processor, an actuator to adjust a length of the antenna until the length reaches the desired length.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2022Publication date: May 2, 2024Inventors: James Buduson, Peter Burke, Joe Majkowski, Thomas Howe, Megan Blakeney, Louis Fay
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Publication number: 20240024841Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating a sample using glow-discharge plasma comprising one or more treatment steps, in which the sample for treatment is subject to plasma treatment in a treatment vessel provided with a temperature control system, wherein during the one or more treatment steps the treatment vessel is rotated about an axis in order to agitate the sample and the temperature control system is used to cool or heat the sample. The present invention also relates to an apparatus for use in such a method.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2021Publication date: January 25, 2024Inventors: John-Mark Seymour, Thomas Howe
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Publication number: 20240024840Abstract: The present application relates to methods and apparatus for delivering liquid or solid feedstocks into a plasma treatment vessel. More specifically, the invention provides a method for treating a sample using glow discharge plasma in an apparatus comprising a treatment vessel, the method comprising (i) delivering a gaseous plasma forming feedstock into the treatment vessel through a gas supply line under the control of a gas flow controller, and causing formation of a glow discharge plasma in the treatment vessel from the gaseous plasma forming feedstock; and simultaneously (ii) delivering a reagent into the treatment vessel under the control of a reagent dosing controller, wherein the reagent is a liquid or a solid; and (iii) contacting the sample with the glow discharge plasma and the reagent; wherein the gas flow controller and the reagent dosing controller allow independent control of the rate of delivery of the gaseous plasma forming feedstock and the reagent.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2021Publication date: January 25, 2024Inventors: John-Mark Seymour, Thomas Howe, Lee Edwards
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Publication number: 20230418675Abstract: In some embodiments, a method receives usage data that is based on a delivery of content by a plurality of content delivery network entities. A first value of a selection parameter is used to determine whether to select a content delivery network entity from the plurality of content delivery network entities to process a first request for content. The method allocates the usage data in a first distribution to the plurality of content delivery network entities. The allocating does not use a condition to determine the first distribution. The usage data is allocated in a second distribution to the plurality of content delivery network entities. The allocating uses the condition to determine the second distribution. The method adjusts the first value of the selection parameter to a second value based on the first distribution and the second distribution.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2022Publication date: December 28, 2023Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Thomas HOWE, Mark KEGEL, Edward RUSSELL, Joseph HIGGINS, Daniel SPIEWAK, Matthias SAINZ
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Publication number: 20230330619Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating a sample using glow-discharge plasma, in an apparatus comprising a treatment vessel, an electrode, a counter-electrode, and a power supply comprising one or more transformers and having a first transformer setting and a second transformer setting, the method comprising: (i) a loading step, involving loading the sample into the treatment vessel; (ii) a first treatment step involving treating the sample in a glow-discharge plasma formed within the treatment vessel by applying an electric field between the electrode and counter-electrode at the first transformer setting; (iii) a second treatment step involving treating the sample in a glow-discharge plasma formed within the treatment vessel by applying an electric field between the electrode and counter-electrode at the second transformer setting; and (iv) a removal step, involving removing treated sample from the treatment vessel. The method can be used to functionalize a sample.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2021Publication date: October 19, 2023Inventors: John-Mark Seymour, Thomas Howe
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Publication number: 20230307822Abstract: Wireless communication device (WCD) for use in an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes a multi-purpose WCD accessory. The accessory is comprised of a first plate having opposed first and second major faces. The first major face includes a heat transfer surface configured to contact a body of the WCD interior of the UAV when the WCD is secured to the first major face. A second plate is attached to the second major face in a cantilever configuration and extends exterior of the fuselage in a direction away from the second major surface. The second plate comprises at least a portion of a ground plane for an antenna system utilized by the WCD, and together with the first plate forms a heat sink for the WCD.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2022Publication date: September 28, 2023Inventors: Peter Burke, Richard J. Nink, Joel Womack, Malcolm Packer, Thomas Howe, Aaron Hendershot
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Publication number: 20230249841Abstract: Systems and methods for locating UAV. The methods comprise: causing a physical joining of a payload with a fuselage of the UAV without any modification to the fuselage (where the payload comprises a communication relay configured to perform relay operations to extend a range between users of a communication relay link for voice and data communications and a first locator configured to perform location operations to determine and report a location of the UAV to the users of the communication relay link); using a power source to supply power to the payload that is independent from a main power source used to supply power to avionic electronics of the UAV; and continuing to perform the relay operations by the communication relay and the location operations by the first locator, when power is no longer being supplied to the avionic electronics by the main power source of the UAV.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2022Publication date: August 10, 2023Inventors: Peter Burke, Richard J. Nink, Joel Womack, Malcolm Packer, Thomas Howe, Aaron Hendershot