Patents by Inventor W. Little

W. Little 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: 11774156
    Abstract: An icemaker for making clear ice shapes using a process that removes and replenishes a freezable liquid, such as water, from and to one or more ice-mold cavities during freezing of the freezable liquid in the ice-mold cavity(ies). This process removes air bubbles from the freezable liquid during freezing that would otherwise result in cloudy ice. In some embodiments, the icemaker includes a suction system to draw freezable liquid from the cavity(ies) and a replenishment system to replenish the cavity(ies) with freezable liquid to replace the freezable liquid that the suction system draws out of the cavity(ies). In some embodiments, the replenishment includes a reservoir containing freezable liquid and the suction system includes a pump that draws the freezable liquid from the cavity(ies) and discharges it to the reservoir. Methods of making clear ice and other systems for making clear ice are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Wintersmiths, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher T. Little, Patrick W. Little
  • Patent number: 11152888
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relates to photovoltaic, thermophotovoltaic, and laser power beaming devices which convert solar light, thermal radiation, or laser radiation into electric power. Said devices have a reflective interference “greenhouse” filter placed in front of a semiconductor cell and a reflective mirror on the back of the cell. The front filter is transparent for high energy (short wavelength) photons, but traps low energy (long wavelength) photons emitted by photocarriers accumulated near the semiconductor bandgap. In the optimized PV device, the chemical potential of photoelectrons near semiconductor bandgap exceeds the chemical potential of photoelectrons above the photonic bandgap established by the filter (i.e., the device is in chemical nonequilibrium). The greenhouse filter reduces the emission losses, decreases the semiconductor cell thickness, and provides PV conversion with reduced nonradiative losses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Kimberly A. Sablon, Andrei V. Sergeyev, John W. Little
  • Publication number: 20200370810
    Abstract: An icemaker for making clear ice shapes using a process that removes and replenishes a freezable liquid, such as water, from and to one or more ice-mold cavities during freezing of the freezable liquid in the ice-mold cavity(ies). This process removes air bubbles from the freezable liquid during freezing that would otherwise result in cloudy ice. In some embodiments, the icemaker includes a suction system to draw freezable liquid from the cavity(ies) and a replenishment system to replenish the cavity(ies) with freezable liquid to replace the freezable liquid that the suction system draws out of the cavity(ies). In some embodiments, the replenishment includes a reservoir containing freezable liquid and the suction system includes a pump that draws the freezable liquid from the cavity(ies) and discharges it to the reservoir. Methods of making clear ice and other systems for making clear ice are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Publication date: November 26, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher T. Little, Patrick W. Little
  • Patent number: 10309344
    Abstract: A propulsion system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a pressurant selectively released from a pressure tank to drive a pump to sustain propellant flow for main combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: AEROJET ROCKETDYNE, INC.
    Inventors: Alan B. Minick, Timothy S. Kokan, Jerrol W. Littles
  • Publication number: 20190082713
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise customized chocolates, chocolate messages, customized food storage containers, and pieces of chocolate for use in conjunction with beverage and drinking glasses and for use with board games.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Inventor: David W. Little
  • Publication number: 20190036473
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relates to photovoltaic, thermophotovoltaic, and laser power beaming devices which convert solar light, thermal radiation, or laser radiation into electric power. Said devices have a reflective interference “greenhouse” filter placed in front of a semiconductor cell and a reflective mirror on the back of the cell. The front filter is transparent for high energy (short wavelength) photons, but traps low energy (long wavelength) photons emitted by photocarriers accumulated near the semiconductor bandgap. In the optimized PV device, the chemical potential of photoelectrons near semiconductor bandgap exceeds the chemical potential of photoelectrons above the photonic bandgap established by the filter (i.e., the device is in chemical nonequilibrium). The greenhouse filter reduces the emission losses, decreases the semiconductor cell thickness, and provides PV conversion with reduced nonradiative losses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Kimberly A. Sablon, Andrei V. Sergeyev, John W. Little
  • Patent number: 10003547
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed relating to improving resource usage on a computer system. In one embodiment, a computer system identifies a plurality of processes running on the computer system and determines an importance value and a resource consumption value. In such an embodiment, the importance value is indicative of an importance of an identified process, and the resource consumption value is indicative of a resource consumption of the identified process. The computer system evaluates the importance value and the resource consumption value relative to a usage policy, and takes a corrective action with respect to the identified process based on the evaluating to reconcile resource consumption with process importance value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Ziften Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Obrecht, Robert P. Myers, Alfred C. Hartmann, Nick F. Alagna, Kevin N. Pyle, Scott D. Sullivan, Michael W. Little
  • Publication number: 20160131085
    Abstract: A propulsion system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a pressurant selectively released from a pressure tank to drive a pump to sustain propellant flow for main combustion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Applicant: Aerojet Rockettdyne, Inc
    Inventors: Alan B. Minick, Timothy S. Kokan, Jerrol W. Littles
  • Patent number: 9289188
    Abstract: An ultrasound transducer and methods of fabricating and using the ultrasound transducer. The ultrasound transducer includes a composite layer having a first surface and comprising a plurality of piezoelectric elements separated by isolating material filled kerfs. The composite layer is configured so that the first surface includes an exposed face of each element of the plurality of piezoelectric elements. The transducer further includes a plurality of electrodes defined on the first surface, the electrodes having boundaries configured so that none of the exposed faces are in contact with more than one of the plurality of electrodes. The electrodes may be defined in a conductive layer deposited on the first surface of the composite body by forming a channel in the conductive layer that is aligned vertically with the dielectric kerfs. The transducer may be used to scan a treatment region with both HIFU and imaging ultrasound signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: LIPOSONIX, INC.
    Inventors: Frederick Jay Bennett, John P. Collins, Blake W. Little
  • Publication number: 20160036722
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed relating to improving resource usage on a computer system. In one embodiment, a computer system identifies a plurality of processes running on the computer system and determines an importance value and a resource consumption value. In such an embodiment, the importance value is indicative of an importance of an identified process, and the resource consumption value is indicative of a resource consumption of the identified process. The computer system evaluates the importance value and the resource consumption value relative to a usage policy, and takes a corrective action with respect to the identified process based on the evaluating to reconcile resource consumption with process importance value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Mark E. Obrecht, Robert P. Myers, Alfred C. Hartmann, Nick F. Alagna, Kevin N. Pyle, Scott D. Sullivan, Michael W. Little
  • Patent number: 9151832
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which efficiently control storage of and/or access to data which includes repetitive data or data which is used by different modes, processes, etcetera. Embodiments provide control for storage of and/or access to large amounts of data used in ultrasound system beam forming for image generation using a hierarchy of sequencers for controlling storage of and/or access to data. A frame sequencer may provide control at a frame level while an address sequencer is implemented to provide control at a data access level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Sonosite, Inc.
    Inventors: Blake W. Little, Thomas M. Duffy, Justin Coughlin
  • Patent number: 9098333
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed relating to improving resource usage on a computer system. In one embodiment, a computer system identifies a plurality of processes running on the computer system and determines an importance value and a resource consumption value. In such an embodiment, the importance value is indicative of an importance of an identified process, and the resource consumption value is indicative of a resource consumption of the identified process. The computer system evaluates the importance value and the resource consumption value relative to a usage policy, and takes a corrective action with respect to the identified process based on the evaluating to reconcile resource consumption with process importance value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Ziften Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Obrecht, Robert P. Myers, Alfred C. Hartmann, Nick F. Alagna, Kevin N. Pyle, Scott D. Sullivan, Michael W. Little
  • Patent number: 8932238
    Abstract: A medical ultrasound system. A base unit is included having system electronics, a user interface and ultrasound control electronics. An ultrasound therapy head is in electronic communication with the base unit. The therapy head includes a replaceable, sealed transducer cartridge with a coupling fluid therein. A cooling system is provided for cooling the coupling fluid. A plurality of guide indicators are positioned around the therapy head to align with crossed lines on a patient so as to properly align the therapy head prior to use. The therapy head can provide variable treatments to an area while the therapy head is in contact with a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Liposonix, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory T. Wing, Martin Kenney, Blake W. Little, Richard L. Fix
  • Patent number: 8776215
    Abstract: In one or more implementations, a computing device receives an indication that a device is attempting to pair with the computing device. If a user is not currently authenticated with respect to the computing device, inputs received by the device are restricted from being used by the computing device for uses other than authenticating the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Zachary W. Little, Alain Luc Michaud
  • Publication number: 20140155747
    Abstract: An ultrasound transducer and methods of fabricating and using the ultrasound transducer. The ultrasound transducer includes a composite layer having a first surface and comprising a plurality of piezoelectric elements separated by isolating material filled kerfs. The composite layer is configured so that the first surface includes an exposed face of each element of the plurality of piezoelectric elements. The transducer further includes a plurality of electrodes defined on the first surface, the electrodes having boundaries configured so that none of the exposed faces are in contact with more than one of the plurality of electrodes. The electrodes may be defined in a conductive layer deposited on the first surface of the composite body by forming a channel in the conductive layer that is aligned vertically with the dielectric kerfs. The transducer may be used to scan a treatment region with both HIFU and imaging ultrasound signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: LIPOSONIX, INC.
    Inventors: Frederick Jay Bennett, John P. Collins, Blake W. Little
  • Patent number: 8689201
    Abstract: A method of automatically creating functionally and structurally diverse equivalent copies of software executables using return oriented programming for the purpose of passing through a filter and other purposes includes starting with a program and a target runtime environment, creating a return oriented instruction library having a plurality of code fragments which end in a ‘return’ instruction from the program and chaining fragments together to automatically form diverse equivalent copies of software executables using return oriented programming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Telcordia Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric van den Berg, Michael W Little
  • Publication number: 20140075837
    Abstract: A plant watering device includes a device insert having a substantially solid porous material with a continuously porous exterior contact surface, at least one watering cavity in the device insert and a water distribution conduit disposed in fluid communication with the at least one watering cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventor: Donald W. Little
  • Publication number: 20140006051
    Abstract: The description relates to emergency medical profiles and techniques for creating and accessing emergency medical profiles. One implementation can receive an access request to obtain emergency medical information from a personal health account of a patient. The personal health account can contain dynamically updateable patient information that is organized into a set of categories. This implementation can also provide the emergency medical information responsive to the request. In this case, the emergency medical information can be provided in the form of summarized information from a sub-set of the categories of the patient information contained in the personal health account.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Victor Vuong, Scott Hitch, Sean Nolan, Benjamin C. Hamlin, Ivin T. Baker, Matthew E. Wagner, Takashi Moriyama, Zachary W. Little, Paul K. Thackray
  • Publication number: 20130331694
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand held ultrasound system having a balance body, a transducer assembly connected to said balance body via a communication means and a plurality of control elements arranged in an ergonomic fashion on said balance body, such that a user may hold said system and operate at least one of said control elements with the same hand. In particular a medical ultrasound system comprising a balance body incorporating system electronics, a power supply and a user interface wherein the user interface comprises a D-controller and a touch screen and a transducer assembly attached to the balanced body by a cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Stephanie A. Barnes, Steven M. Bunce, Bryan S. Cabatic, Blake W. Little, Bill Purdue, John D. Schultz, Kari L. Rice
  • Patent number: D910723
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Wintersmiths, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick W. Little, Christopher T. Little