Patents by Inventor Thomas Walter

Thomas Walter 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).

  • Calibration of non-contact current sensors
    Patent number: 8742748
    Abstract: Calibration of a non-contact current sensor provides improved accuracy for measuring current conducted through a conductor such as an AC branch circuit wire. In a calibration mode, a predetermined DC current is injected through a conductor integrated in the non-contact current sensor. The magnitude of the magnetic field is measured using a sensing element of the non-contact current sensor. Then, when operating in measurement mode, a current conducted in a wire passing through the non-contact current sensor is determined by correcting the output of the non-contact current sensor using the result of the measurement made in the calibration mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Wael El-Essawy, Alexandre Peixoto Ferreira, Thomas Walter Keller, Sani R. Nassif
  • Category and Attribute Specifications for Product Search Queries
    Publication number: 20140143254
    Abstract: Systems and methods can determine categories for product searches. One or more computing devices can receive a product query of search terms. The product query can be classified to identify a product category. The search terms may be verified against an ambiguous term list for the product category. The search terms may also be verified against an attribute list for the product category. The product query may be classified as fully understood in response to all of the search terms matching either the ambiguous term list or the attribute list for the product category. A product search may be performed on the product query. The product search may be informed by the product category when the product query has been classified as fully understood. Search results may be generated and returned according to the product search.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventors: Ritendra Datta, Joshua Yelon, Thomas Walter Murphy
  • Manually operated sharpener
    Patent number: 8721399
    Abstract: A combination sharpener assembly which is particularly useful for fishermen, includes an electrically powered knife sharpener. A manually operated scissors sharpener is mounted in the recess of the housing for the knife sharpener. A hook sharpener is detachably mounted in a compartment in the housing of the knife sharpener. The motor for the knife sharpener is mounted in a sealed inner housing and can be selectively operated under either direct current or alternating current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Edgecraft Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas M. Huber, Daniel D. Friel, Jr., Samuel Weiner, Cassandra Wilson Gluyas, Thomas Walter Gluyas
  • ADAPTIVE VIDEO SERVER WITH FAST INITIALIZATION AND METHODS FOR USE THEREWITH
    Publication number: 20140129825
    Abstract: A streaming video server includes a virtual file system that stores playlist data corresponding to a plurality of video programs available from at least one video source and that stores at least one initial video program segment for each of the plurality of video segments. The streaming video server receives a request for a selected one of the plurality of video programs from a client device. The selected one of the plurality of video programs is retrieved from the at least one video source in response to the request. A plurality of encoded segments are generated from the selected one of the plurality of video programs, based on rate data. A multiplexer generates a plurality of output segments from the at least one initial video program segment corresponding to the selected one of the plurality of video programs and the plurality of encoded video program segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Morega Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Losev, Thomas Walter Maxwell, Michael Podolsky, Ashraf Tahir, King Chiu Tam
  • ADAPTIVE VIDEO SERVER WITH DATA RATE CONTROL AND METHODS FOR USE THEREWITH
    Publication number: 20140130115
    Abstract: A streaming video server includes a virtual file system that stores playlist data corresponding to a plurality of video programs available from at least one video source and that stores variant playlist data corresponding to each of the plurality of video programs that indicates a single variant for streaming each of the plurality of video programs. The streaming video server receives a request for a selected one of the plurality of video programs from a client device. The selected one of the plurality of video programs is retrieved from the at least one video source in response to the request. A rate generator generates rate data based on the transmission feedback data. A plurality of encoded segments are generated from the selected one of the plurality of video programs, based on rate data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Morega Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Losev, Thomas Walter Maxwell, Michael Podolsky, Ashraf Tahir, King Chiu Tam
  • Cable exit trough with insert
    Patent number: 8712205
    Abstract: A cable exit trough defining an insert aperture for receiving a modular cable management inserts. The modular insert providing an additional cable management device such as a curved guidewall. The cable management device may alternatively be fixed to the cable exit trough. Removable snap-mounted flanges may also be included in the exit trough. The exit trough may also include an exit cover having a cover plate and a pivot plate hingedly mounted thereto for easy access to the trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventors: Michael J. Wentworth, Brian L. Johnson, Wayne Albin Johnson, Thomas Walter Kampf, Alex Watts
  • Travel passenger check-in
    Patent number: 8706533
    Abstract: This document describes a computer-implemented method for guiding a user through a travel check-in procedure. The method includes receiving passenger identification information associated with a passenger checking in for a travel segment, and determining a check-in status of the passenger using the passenger identification information. The method also includes generating a check-in workflow based on the check-in status of the passenger. The method further includes providing for display on a user interface a current step in the check-in workflow, the current step corresponding to a current action in the check-in workflow to be completed by a user, and upon request of the user to continue to a next step in the workflow, providing for display on the user interface the next step in the check-in workflow, the next step corresponding to a next action in the check-in workflow to be completed by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Accenture Global Services Limited
    Inventors: Thomas Walter Heinrich Mehl, Eric Allan Frome, Divish Priya Ranjan, Rosalie Mack Phillips, Seth Aaron Horowitz
  • BATTERY ELECTRODE, BATTERY, AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A BATTERY ELECTRODE
    Publication number: 20140106229
    Abstract: A battery electrode in accordance with various embodiments may include: a substrate including a surface configured to face an ion-carrying electrolyte; and a first diffusivity changing region at a first portion of the surface, wherein the first diffusivity changing region is configured to change diffusion of ions carried by the electrolyte into the substrate, and wherein a second portion of the surface is free from the first diffusivity changing region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Joachim Hirschler, Magdalena Forster, Michael Sorger, Katharina Schmut, Bernhard Goller, Philemon Schweizer, Michael Sternad, Thomas Walter
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DELIVERING TIME-SENSITIVE, EVENT-RELEVANT INTERACTIVE DIGITAL CONTENT TO A USER DURING A SEPARATE EVENT BEING EXPERIENCED BY THE USER
    Publication number: 20140108602
    Abstract: In a method of delivering time-sensitive, event-relevant digital content during a separate event being experienced by a user, content associated with the separate event is uploaded to a network, a sequence list is created from the newly uploaded content associated the event, and the sequence list is packaged in a mobile software application. The mobile application is delivered from the network to a mobile device of the user, and a setup for an event start time associated with the separate event is initiated so that a plurality of sequence events of event-relevant digital content, contained in the sequence list, are run in the user's mobile device in synchronization with the event start time of the separate event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas Walter Barnes, Robert Morgan
  • Non-contact current and voltage sensor
    Patent number: 8680845
    Abstract: A detachable current and voltage sensor provides an isolated and convenient device to measure current passing through a conductor such as an AC branch circuit wire, as well as providing an indication of an electrostatic potential on the wire, which can be used to indicate the phase of the voltage on the wire, and optionally a magnitude of the voltage. The device includes a housing that contains the current and voltage sensors, which may be a ferrite cylinder with a hall effect sensor disposed in a gap along the circumference to measure current, or alternative a winding provided through the cylinder along its axis and a capacitive plate or wire disposed adjacent to, or within, the ferrite cylinder to provide the indication of the voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gary D. Carpenter, Wael El-Essawy, Alexandre Peixoto Ferreira, Thomas Walter Keller, Juan C. Rubio, Michael A. Schappert
  • Combination sharpener assembly
    Patent number: 8678882
    Abstract: A combination sharpener assembly which is particularly useful for fishermen, includes an electrically powered knife sharpener. A manually operated scissors sharpener is mounted in the recess of the housing for the knife sharpener. A hook sharpener is detachably mounted in a compartment in the housing of the knife sharpener. The motor for the knife sharpener is mounted in a sealed inner housing and can be selectively operated under either direct current or alternating current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Edgecraft Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas M. Huber, Daniel D. Friel, Jr., Samuel Weiner, Cassandra Wilson Gluyas, Thomas Walter Gluyas
  • ILLUMINATED VEST
    Publication number: 20140078773
    Abstract: An illuminated vest comprises an enclosure including a light-emitting diode and control electronics that control the light emitting diode. Coupled to the enclosure is a belt made of passive material. A limb loop is created by an optical fiber structure that includes a first end and a second end. The light-emitting diode is optically coupled to the first end of the fiber optic structure. The optical fiber structure is also independent of passive material, such that the optical fiber structure forms a structure for the vest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: NOXGEAR, LLC
    Inventors: Simon Curran, Thomas Walters
  • FLEXIBLE CURRENT AND VOLTAGE SENSOR
    Publication number: 20140062459
    Abstract: A flexible current and voltage sensor provides ease of installation of a current sensor, and optionally a voltage sensor in application such as AC branch circuit wire measurements, which may require installation in dense wiring conditions and/or in live panels where insulating gloves must be worn. The sensor includes at least one flexible ferromagnetic strip that is affixed to a current sensing device at a first end. The second end is secured to the other side of the current sensing device or to another flexible ferromagnetic strip extending from the other side of the current sensing device to form a loop providing a closed pathway for magnetic flux. A voltage sensor may be provided by metal foil affixed to the inside of the flexible ferromagnetic strip. A clamp body, which can be a spring loaded handle operated clamp or a locking fastener, can secure the ferromagnetic strip around the wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wael El-Essawy, Alexandre Peixoto Ferreira, Thomas Walter Keller, Karthick Rajamani, Juan C. Rubio, Michael A. Schappert
  • PASSENGER CHECK-IN FINALIZATION
    Publication number: 20140058771
    Abstract: This document describes a computer-implemented method for facilitating a check-in finalization process for a travel passenger. The method includes receiving one or more check-in parameters related to a check-in procedure for a passenger checking in for a travel segment, and determining from the received check-in parameters a check-in workflow status corresponding to which of a plurality of steps of the check-in procedure have been completed. The method also includes identifying one or more finalization actions that are available for finalizing the check-in procedure based on the check-in workflow status. The method further includes determining a primary finalization action from the one or more finalization actions, the primary finalization action being the finalization action most likely to be taken to finalize the check-in procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas Walter Heinrich Mehl, Eric Allan Frome, Divish Priya Ranjan, Rosalie Mack Phillips, Seth Aaron Horowitz
  • HANDLING INTERMITTENT RECURRING ERRORS IN A NETWORK
    Publication number: 20140053013
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to a computer for transmitting data in a network. The computer includes at least one data transmission port configured to be connected to at least one storage device via a plurality of paths of a network. The computer further includes a processor configured to detect recurring intermittent errors in one or more paths of the plurality of paths and to disable access to the one or more paths based on detecting the recurring intermittent errors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ian A. MacQuarrie, James A. O'Connor, Limei Shaw, Thomas Walter, Thomas V. Weaver, Shawn T. Wright
  • HANDLING INTERMITTENT RECURRING ERRORS IN A NETWORK
    Publication number: 20140053014
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to a computer for transmitting data in a network. The computer includes at least one data transmission port configured to be connected to at least one storage device via a plurality of paths of a network. The computer further includes a processor configured to detect recurring intermittent errors in one or more paths of the plurality of paths and to disable access to the one or more paths based on detecting the recurring intermittent errors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ian A. MacQuarrie, James A. O'Connor, Limei Shaw, Thomas Walter, Thomas V. Weaver, Shawn T. Wright
  • Passenger check-in finalization
    Patent number: 8645172
    Abstract: This document describes a computer-implemented method for facilitating a check-in finalization process for a travel passenger. The method includes receiving one or more check-in parameters related to a check-in procedure for a passenger checking in for a travel segment, and determining from the received check-in parameters a check-in workflow status corresponding to which of a plurality of steps of the check-in procedure have been completed. The method also includes identifying one or more finalization actions that are available for finalizing the check-in procedure based on the check-in workflow status. The method further includes determining a primary finalization action from the one or more finalization actions, the primary finalization action being the finalization action most likely to be taken to finalize the check-in procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Accenture Global Services Limited
    Inventors: Thomas Walter Heinrich Mehl, Eric Allan Frome, Divish Priya Ranjan, Rosalie Mack Phillips, Seth Aaron Horowitz
  • Shared surface hardware-sensitive composited video
    Patent number: 8634695
    Abstract: In a low-power device a runtime hands video capture and other markup language video objects to a video service, which renders them onto a shared surface. An application-specific compositor manipulates the shared surface, e.g., by texture wrapping or animation. A system compositor composites the manipulated shared surface with other data, such as rendered frames from other application-specific compositors and/or computer generated text. The device then displays the attendant rendered, manipulated, and composited video frames. In some cases, only a single copy of the shared surface is utilized. When the video object's shape, alignment, and opacity satisfy predetermined criteria, the video service renders the video object onto the shared surface using a hardware scaler; otherwise, rendering is done without using the hardware scaler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Nimesh Amin, Akhil Kaza, Fabian Toader, Thomas Walter Getzinger, Lucia Darsa, Robert Charles Aldinger, Andrew Dadi
  • EXTENSIONS TO BUSINESS TO BUSINESS MESSAGES FOR EXTERNAL COMMUNICATION
    Publication number: 20140013338
    Abstract: An integrated development environment may be displayed on a display device. The integrated development environment may include functionality to add extension field(s) to business objects included in a business scenario. One or more of the business objects may be in a first system. In response to input indicating extension field(s), the extension field(s) may be added to business object(s) in the first system. A message may be sent from the first system to a second system. The message may include information associated with the extension field(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: SAP AG
    Inventors: Roland Brechter, Johann Kemmer, Thomas Walter
  • BRANCH CIRCUIT DETERMINATION WITHOUT EXTERNAL SYNCHRONIZATION
    Publication number: 20140013126
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for relating a data processing system with a power branch circuit are provided in the illustrative embodiments. Each signal in a set of signals is combined with a power signal to form a set of combination signals, the power signal including a first power usage by the data processing system and a second power usage by a modulating signal. An amplitude of a corresponding signal in each combined signal in the set of combined signals is determined over a period. Using a discriminating logic, a determination is made whether the modulating signal is present in the power signal. Responsive to the discriminating logic producing an affirmative result, the data processing system is related with the power branch circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Malcolm Scott Allen-Ware, Wael El-Essawy, Alexandre Peixoto Ferreira, Thomas Walter Keller, JR., Karthick Rajamani, Juan Carlos Rubio