Patents by Inventor W. Daniell

W. Daniell 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).

  • Mobile game and promotion service
    Patent number: 9471929
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing games, challenges, and/or promotions to mobile devices are usable to provide incentives to customers. According to one embodiment, a system can be provided. The system can be operable to receive information, such as location information, associated with a mobile device; transmit content being associated with a location of a merchant to the mobile device; receive an event outcome indicator associated with the content; provide a promotional offer to the mobile device when the event outcome indicator matches a desired event outcome indicated by a third-party or the merchant; and process the reward or promotional offer associated with the event outcome indicator via interaction with a point of sale system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: SPARKFLY INC
    Inventors: Catherine M. Tabor, Ken R. Powell, John W. Daniel, Terry Bruehl
  • Acoustic source fragmentation system for breaking ground material
    Patent number: 9468932
    Abstract: A system for fragmenting material includes an energy source, an acoustic transmitter, and a controller. The acoustic transmitter is coupled to the energy source and includes a unit acoustic source configured to emit an acoustic wave through a volume of ground material. The controller is coupled to the acoustic transmitter and is configured to engage the unit acoustic source such that the acoustic wave fractures the volume of ground material at a target location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Michael H. Baym, Terry Briggs, Robert Dunne, Clark J. Gilbert, W. Daniel Hillis, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Conor L. Myhrvold, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Tony S. Pan, Clarence T. Tegreene, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Mobile promotion distribution
    Patent number: 9466067
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing games, challenges, and/or promotions to mobile devices are usable to provide incentives to customers. According to one embodiment, a system can be provided. The system can be operable to receive location information associated with a mobile device and additional information, such as but not limited demographic and/or purchase history information, associated with the mobile device. Additionally, the system can be operable to select content based on the received information, transmit the content to the mobile device, receive an event outcome indicator associated with the content, and provide a promotional offer to the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: SPARKFLY INC
    Inventors: Catherine M. Tabor, Ken R. Powell, John W. Daniel, Terry Bruehl
  • Vision modification with reflected image
    Patent number: 9459470
    Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and systems for improving and enhancing vision are disclosed. Adjustable lenses or optical systems may be used to provide adaptive vision modification. In some embodiments, vision modification may be responsive to the current state of the user's visual system. Certain embodiments provide correction of the subject's near and far vision. Other embodiments provide enhancement of vision beyond the physiological ranges of focal length or magnification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Gearbox, LLC
    Inventors: W. Daniel Hillis, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Systems and methods for helmet liner evaluation
    Patent number: 9456648
    Abstract: A helmet testing apparatus including a movable member, a sensor coupled to the movable member and configured to acquire compliance data regarding a liner disposed within a shell of a helmet through engagement of the sensor with the liner, and a processing circuit configured to determine a rating for the helmet based on the compliance data and predetermined compliance parameters for the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Alistair K. Chan, Geoffrey F. Deane, William D. Duncan, Philip A. Eckhoff, Bran Ferren, William Gates, W. Daniel Hillis, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Jordin T. Kare, John Latham, Max N. Mankin, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Robert C. Petroski, Clarence T. Tegreene, David B. Tuckerman, Thomas A. Weaver, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • STRUCTURES AND METHODS FOR RELEASABLE ENGAGEMENT OF SURFACES
    Publication number: 20160265569
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses discloses herein relate to an object that includes an engagement surface defining a recess extending into the object and a movable member received within the recess. The movable member is movable between a first range of positions and a second range of positions, wherein in the first range of positions the movable member is at or below the engagement surface, and wherein in the second range of positions at least a part of the movable member is above the engagement surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: ELWHA LLC
    Inventors: W. Daniel Hillis, Jordin T. Kare, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • VEHICLE DRIVETRAIN WITH ACTIVE MAGNETIC BEARINGS
    Publication number: 20160258506
    Abstract: A vehicle drivetrain includes a magnetic bearing. The vehicle drivetrain includes a motor configured to provide a rotational driving force. The rotational driving force is received by a shaft, and the magnetic bearing is configured to support the shaft. The shaft is configured to drive a wheel of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Applicant: ELWHA LLC
    Inventors: Geoffrey F. Deane, Philip A. Eckhoff, Bran Ferren, William Gates, W. Daniel Hillis, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K.Y. Jung, Jordin T. Kare, John Latham, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Robert C. Petroski, Clarence T. Tegreene, David B. Tuckerman, Thomas A. Weaver, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, JR., Victoria Y.H. Wood
  • NITROGEN-REDUCED COMBUSTION AIR
    Publication number: 20160245515
    Abstract: Described embodiments include a system and method. The system includes a controller configured to generate a nitrogen reduction control signal responsive to a received input. The system includes a nitrogen depletion apparatus configured to receive ambient air and in response to the control signal output combustion air having a nitrogen content reduced. The system includes a burner configured to receive ambient air and the combustion air having the reduced nitrogen content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Inventors: Tom Driscoll, W. Daniel Hillis, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Clarence T. Tegreene, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, JR., Victoria Y.H. Wood
  • Parameter-based navigation by a lumen traveling device
    Patent number: 9408530
    Abstract: Methods of controlling the operation of a device traveling in a body tube tree, including sensing parameters from possible directions of travel and selecting the direction of travel based on the sensed parameters, implemented with a control system located partially or fully on the lumen traveling device. Various actions can be performed by the device for, e.g., medical or therapeutic purposes. Machine-readable media including instructions for performing the methods are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Gearbox, LLC
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, W. Daniel Hillis, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Thomas J. Nugent, Jr., Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HELMET LINER EVALUATION
    Publication number: 20160206033
    Abstract: A helmet testing apparatus including a movable member, a sensor coupled to the movable member and configured to acquire compliance data regarding a liner disposed within a shell of a helmet through engagement of the sensor with the liner, and a processing circuit configured to determine a rating for the helmet based on the compliance data and predetermined compliance parameters for the helmet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Applicant: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Alistair K. Chan, Geoffrey F. Deane, William D. Duncan, Philip A. Eckhoff, Bran Ferren, William Gates, W. Daniel Hillis, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K.Y. Jung, Jordin T. Kare, John Latham, Max N. Mankin, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Robert C. Petroski, Clarence T. Tegreene, David B. Tuckerman, Thomas A. Weaver, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, JR., Victoria Y.H. Wood
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HELMET LINER EVALUATION
    Publication number: 20160209307
    Abstract: A helmet testing apparatus including a movable member, a sensor coupled to the movable member and configured to acquire compliance data regarding a liner disposed within a shell of a helmet through engagement of the sensor with the liner, and a processing circuit configured to determine a rating for the helmet based on the compliance data and predetermined compliance parameters for the helmet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Applicant: ELWHA LLC
    Inventors: Alistair K. Chan, Geoffrey F. Deane, William D. Duncan, Philip A. Eckhoff, Bran Ferren, William Gates, W. Daniel Hillis, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K.Y. Jung, Jordin T. Kare, John Latham, Max N. Mankin, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Robert C. Petroski, Clarence T. Tegreene, David B. Tuckerman, Thomas A. Weaver, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y.H. Wood
  • Assembly tool for modular implants, kit and associated method
    Patent number: 9381097
    Abstract: An assembly tool for assembly of a first component of a prosthesis to a second component of the prosthesis for use in joint arthroplasty is provided. The tool includes a first member in contact with the first component and a second member connected to the second component. The first member defines a first member longitudinal axis. The first member and the second member provide for the assembly of the first component of the prosthesis to the second component of the prosthesis. The second member provides relative motion of the second member with respect to the first member when the second member is rotated relative to the first member about the first member longitudinal axis. The first member and the second member have relative motion features adapted to reduce friction that cooperate with each other to provide the relative motion of the first member with respect to the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Jones, David W. Daniels, John D. Emenhiser
  • SECURITY INFORMATION CACHING ON AUTHENTICATION TOKEN
    Publication number: 20160188864
    Abstract: A method of operating a security token to authenticate a user in a multi-factor authentication system is disclosed. The method includes: monitoring user custody of the token, the token having an identifying characteristic representing a possession factor for use through possession factor authentication; during a period of continuous user custody of the token based on the monitoring, obtaining a knowledge factor from a user having the continuous user custody; caching the knowledge factor in a memory of the token; and in response to a second authentication request, retrieving the knowledge factor from the memory to demonstrate to an authentication system knowledge of the knowledge factor, during the period of the continuous user custody.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventor: W. Daniel HILLIS
  • MODULAR VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20160152243
    Abstract: The invention is a modular vehicle that is intended for a variety of operations including both military and civilian operations. The vehicle addresses the issue of performing special purpose tasks that the vehicle is asked to do. Such tasks can be accomplished by configuring the vehicle as an ambulance, as a fire-fighting vehicle, as a communications van, as a command and control vehicle, etc. Thus, the vehicle is readily adapted using standardized and customized modules that are readily attached to a standardized platform that includes an appropriate interconnection means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Publication date: June 2, 2016
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, W. Daniel Hillis
  • Image correction using individual manipulation of microlenses in a microlens array
    Patent number: 9348123
    Abstract: A system constructs a composite image using focus assessment information of image regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: W. Daniel Hillis, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Dual element turbine blade
    Patent number: 9341065
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a turbine blade includes providing a core element having a base portion, a tip portion, and an intermediate portion extending between the base portion and the tip portion. The intermediate portion has a non-uniform cross-section and is a high-strength fiber material. The method also includes surrounding the core element with a shell, the volume between the core element and the shell forming a void.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth G. Caldeira, William D. Duncan, Bran Ferren, William Gates, W. Daniel Hillis, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Jordin T. Kare, John Latham, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Stephen H. Salter, Clarence T. Tegreene, David B. Tuckerman, Thomas A. Weaver, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Systems, structures and processes with embedded resistance device
    Patent number: 9339116
    Abstract: Enhanced devices, processes, and systems provide measurement of electrical resistance as a means for determining the intensity with which stress is applied to an object, such as but not limited to a toy, e.g. a stuffed toy. The induced strain resulting from such an applied stress may also be determined from the measurement of electrical resistance. One or more actions may preferably be taken in response to the determined stress or the resulting strain, such as but not limited to providing any of visual feedback, auditory feedback, haptic feedback, or a numerical readout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Applied Invention, LLC
    Inventors: W. Daniel Hillis, Lars Arnt Jangaard
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ANTICIPATORY TIRE PRESSURE CONTROL
    Publication number: 20160121666
    Abstract: A vehicle tire pressure control system includes a road sensor configured to acquire road data regarding a road at an advanced location ahead of a current location of a vehicle; a pressure regulator configured to control the air pressure within a tire of the vehicle during operation of the vehicle; and a controller configured to control operation of the pressure regulator and vary the air pressure within the tire based on the road data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Applicant: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Alistair K. Chan, Geoffrey F. Deane, William D. Duncan, Philip A. Eckhoff, Bran Ferren, William Gates, W. Daniel Hillis, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K.Y. Jung, Jordin T. Kare, John Latham, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Robert C. Petroski, Clarence T. Tegreene, David B. Tuckerman, Thomas A. Weaver, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, JR., Victoria Y.H. Wood
  • PORTABLE TELESCOPE
    Publication number: 20160109695
    Abstract: A portable telescope that takes advantage of an offset optical pathway between the objective tube and eyepiece tube that allows adjustment of the eyepiece height independent of the objective tube elevation. A user-friendly, motorized, interactive, self-calibrating portable telescope with an offset optical path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventors: W. Daniel HILLIS, Taylor ROAN
  • Security information caching on authentication token
    Patent number: 9319393
    Abstract: A method of operating a security token to authenticate a user in a multi-factor authentication system is disclosed. The method includes: monitoring user custody of the token, the token having an identifying characteristic representing a possession factor for use through possession factor authentication; during a period of continuous user custody of the token based on the monitoring, obtaining a knowledge factor from a user having the continuous user custody; caching the knowledge factor in a memory of the token; and in response to a second authentication request, retrieving the knowledge factor from the memory to demonstrate to an authentication system knowledge of the knowledge factor, during the period of the continuous user custody.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Applied Invention, LLC
    Inventor: W. Daniel Hillis