Patents by Inventor William A. Curtis

William A. Curtis 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: 8170783
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable medium are disclosed for separating the purchase of digital assets from their fulfillment and activation. Digital assets purchase information comprising digital assets identifier information and activation key data, and system identifier information comprising system identifier data, is received. The purchase information and the system identifier information are processed to generate digital assets activation request data, which is then processed by the provider of the digital assets to generate digital assets activation data. Associated digital assets data is provided with the digital assets activation data and then processed with the purchase transaction data to generate digital assets entitlement data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Clint H. O'Connor, Gary D. Huber, Michael Haze, William A. Curtis
  • Patent number: 8140358
    Abstract: A data logging device tracks the operation of a vehicle or driver actions. The device includes a storage device, which may be removable or portable, having a first memory portion that may be read from and may be written to in a vehicle and a second memory portion that may be read from and may be written to in the vehicle. The second memory portion may retain data attributes associated with the data stored in the first removable storage device. A processor reads data from an automotive bus that transfers data from vehicle sensors to other automotive components. The processor writes data to the first memory portion and the second memory portion that reflect a level of risk or safety. A communication device links the storage device to a network of computers. The communication device may be accessible through software that allows a user to access files related to a level of risk or safety and other software that may be related to those files.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Progressive Casualty Insurance Company
    Inventors: Raymond Scott Ling, Richard Ashton Hutchinson, Wilbert John Steigerwald, III, William Andrew Say, Patrick Lawrence O'Malley, Dane Allen Shrallow, William Curtis Everett, Robert John McMillan
  • Publication number: 20120066345
    Abstract: An emergency communications platform and method includes a server having a mass storage device. Storage locations in the mass storage device are provided for a system for anonymous two-way communication, an aggregator, a portal, and an administration console connected for bidirectional data communication with the server and the Internet. The aggregator is adapted for receiving information sent over the Internet, categorizing the received information, and selectively sending categorized information to the portal. Authorized subscribers may view portal information and add new information to the portal. Information sent from reporters is collected, examined, and categorized by the aggregator before selectively being posted in the portal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Cyril Rayan, William Curtis O'Linger
  • Publication number: 20110231281
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable medium are disclosed for separating the purchase of digital assets from their fulfillment and activation. Digital assets purchase information comprising digital assets identifier information and activation key data, and system identifier information comprising system identifier data, is received. The purchase information and the system identifier information are processed to generate digital assets activation request data, which is then processed by the provider of the digital assets to generate digital assets activation data. Associated digital assets data is provided with the digital assets activation data and then processed with the purchase transaction data to generate digital assets entitlement data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Clint H. O'Connor, Gary D. Huber, Michael Haze, William A. Curtis
  • Publication number: 20110191765
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable medium are disclosed for automatically provisioning a virtual image on a target system. A service operating system comprising a virtual machine monitor and a personalization agent is installed on a target system. A set of digital assets entitlement data is provided along with an associated set of digital assets data contained in a virtual software image, which is then installed on the target system by the personalization agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Yuan-Chang Lo, Clint H. O'Connor, David Konetski, Gary D. Huber, Neeraj Srivastava, Shree A. Dandekar, Michael Haze, William A. Curtis
  • Publication number: 20110191476
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable medium are disclosed for automatically migrating entitled digital assets from a source system to the target system. A first personalization agent is installed on a target system. A first set of digital assets entitlement data is provided along with an associated first set of digital assets data, which is then installed on the target system by the first personalization agent. A second set of digital assets entitlement data associated with a second set of digital assets data installed on a source system is determined by a second personalization agent. The second set of digital assets entitlement data is disassociated from the second set of system identifier data and then associated with the first set of system identifier data. The second set of digital assets is then installed the target system by the first personalization agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Clint H. O'Connor, Gary D. Huber, Michael Haze, William A. Curtis
  • Publication number: 20110191863
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable medium are disclosed for managing a system's entitlement to digital assets when the system's components are replaced. A unique system identifier, comprising the unique identifiers of predetermined system components, is associated with digital assets data to generate digital assets entitlement data, which in turn entitles the system to process the digital assets data. The digital assets entitlement is perpetuated when a first unique system component identifier is replaced with a second unique system component identifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Clint H. O'Connor, Gary D. Huber, Michael Haze, William A. Curtis, Brian Decker, Frank Molsberry, Subramanian Ganesan
  • Publication number: 20110178888
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable medium are disclosed for managing the entitlement of digital assets. System identifier data associated with a target system, including its unique system identifier, is received, along with digital assets selection data corresponding to digital assets data to be processed by the target system. The system identifier data is processed with the digital assets selection data to generate digital assets entitlement data. The digital assets data and the digital assets entitlement data is then provided to a personalization agent associated with the target system. In turn, the personalization agent processes the digital assets entitlement data and the digital assets data for installation on the target system, thereby entitling the system to process the installed digital assets data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Clint H. O'Connor, Gary D. Huber, Michael Haze, William A. Curtis
  • Publication number: 20110178887
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable medium are disclosed for separating the purchase of digital assets from their fulfillment. Information associated with the purchase of a system and digital assets to be processed by the system is received, including the system's unique system identifier. The unique system identifier is associated with the digital assets to generate digital assets entitlement data. A personalization agent installed on the system determines the system's unique system identifier and automatically downloads the purchased digital assets and their associated digital assets entitlement data. Once downloaded, the personalization agent uses the digital assets entitlement data to install the purchased digital assets on the system, thereby entitling the system to process the installed digital assets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Clint H. O'Connor, Gary D. Huber, William A. Curtis
  • Publication number: 20110178886
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable medium are disclosed for separating the installation of an operating system from the fulfillment, installation, and entitlement of other digital assets. Information associated with the purchase of a system and digital assets to be processed by the system is received, including the system's unique system identifier. The unique system identifier is associated with the digital assets to generate digital assets entitlement data. A personalization agent installed on the system determines the system's unique system identifier and automatically downloads the purchased digital assets, which comprises an operating system (OS), and their associated digital assets entitlement data. Once downloaded, the personalization agent uses the digital assets entitlement data to first install the OS according to any restrictions imposed by the OS manufacturer, and then the remaining digital assets, on the system, which is then entitled to process the installed digital assets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Clint H. O'Connor, Gary D. Huber, Michael Haze, William A. Curtis
  • Patent number: 7930911
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooking and dispensing starch to a commercial laundry machine comprising a mixing tank for mixing and storing a starch and water solution which is attached to a means for discharging the starch and water solution to a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is a shell and tube heat exchanger, either one-phase or two-phase, used for cooking the starch and water solution to form cooked starch. As the starch and water solution is passed through the tube side of the heat exchanger, it is cooked using heat energy from a heating source contained in the shell side of the heat exchanger. The cooked starch is then dispensed through a manifold valve system to one or more commercial laundry machines. After the cooked starch is dispensed, a solenoid valve opened to flush the apparatus with fresh water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Yale Cleaners, Inc.
    Inventor: William Curtis Rothrock, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110042069
    Abstract: Provided are coated sleeved oil and gas well production devices and methods of making and using such coated sleeved devices. In one form, the coated sleeved oil and gas well production device includes an oil and gas well production device including one or more bodies and one or more sleeves proximal to the outer or inner surface of the one or more bodies, and a coating on at least a portion of the inner sleeve surface, outer sleeve surface, or a combination thereof, wherein the coating is chosen from an amorphous alloy, a heat-treated electroless or electro plated based nickel-phosphorous composite with a phosphorous content greater than 12 wt %, graphite, MoS2, WS2, a fullerene based composite, a boride based cermet, a quasicrystalline material, a diamond based material, diamond-like-carbon (DLC), boron nitride, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Jeffrey Roberts Bailey, Erika Ann Ooten Biediger, Narasimha-Rao Venkata Bangaru, Adnan Ozekcin, Hyun-Woo Jin, Mehmet Deniz Ertas, Raghavan Ayer, William Curtis Elks, Charles Shiao-Hsiung Yeh, Michael David Barry, Michael Thomas Hecker, Swarupa Soma Bangaru
  • Patent number: 7861168
    Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for visually communicating disk storage meta information comprising a removable data storage device (RDSD). An RDSD enclosure comprising a disk storage drive, input/output interface, one or more connectors, a storage information module (SIM), a power storage device, and a display is implemented to be connected, disconnected and reconnected to a plurality of predetermined information handling systems. The RDSD is connected to a predetermined information handling system and the SIM gathers information from a plurality of disk information files comprising the RDSD. Once gathered, this information is visually communicated via the SIM to a display comprising the RDSD. When connected to, and powered by, an information handling system, the displayed information is dynamically updated as the operational status of the RDSD changes, but becomes static when RDSD is disconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Winston Bumpus, Ajay Agarwal, William A. Curtis, Thomas L. Pratt
  • Publication number: 20100263059
    Abstract: A virtualized, general-purpose computer or consumer electronics (CE) device is provided with and hosts a plug-in module for securely accessing various content services. These modules are referred to as content personalization portable on demand storage units (content personalization PODs).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: William A. Curtis, Shree A. Dandekar
  • Publication number: 20100161747
    Abstract: Some embodiments of a system and a method for two-way anonymous communication comprise a server adapted for Internet communication with a first electronic device operated by a user and a second electronic device operated by an observer. The server replaces identifying address information in messages sent from the first electronic device with a first alias. Identifying address information in messages sent from the second electronic device is replaced with a second alias. A user of the first electronic device is therefore unable to see identifying address information for the second electronic device in messages sent to the first alias from the second electronic device. Likewise, a user of the second electronic device is unable to see identifying address information from the first electronic device in messages sent to the second alias from the first electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Cyril Rayan, William Curtis O'Linger
  • Patent number: 7694456
    Abstract: A flying insect trap which includes a container body, a lid for engaging the container body, a plurality of apertures in the lid, and an attractant containing at least apple cider, vinegar and liquid soap in the container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventor: William A. Curtis
  • Publication number: 20100063945
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for allowing merchants to perform remote credit card transactions by facilitating non-CNP transactions via a package delivery service. A non-CNP transaction includes a credit card transaction where the card is physically presented to the merchant and a receipt may be signed. Various embodiments may also include transactions in which an imprint of the card is taken.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: William Curtis Cowan, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100044110
    Abstract: Provided are drill stem assemblies with ultra-low friction coatings for subterraneous drilling operations. In one form, the coated drill stem assemblies for subterraneous rotary drilling operations include a body assembly with an exposed outer surface including a drill string coupled to a bottom hole assembly or a coiled tubing coupled to a bottom hole assembly and an ultra-low friction coating on at least a portion of the exposed outer surface of the body assembly, wherein the coefficient of friction of the ultra-low friction coating is less than or equal to 0.15. The coated drill stem assemblies disclosed herein provide for reduced friction, vibration (stick-slip and torsional), abrasion and wear during straight hole or directional drilling to allow for improved rates of penetration and enable ultra-extended reach drilling with existing top drives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Narasimha-Rao V. Bangru, Adnan Ozekcin, Hyun-Woo Jin, Erika Ann Ooten Biediger, Jeffrey Roberts Bailey, Vishwas Gupta, Mehmet Deniz Ertas, William Curtis Elks, JR., Swarupa Soma Bangaru
  • Publication number: 20100027441
    Abstract: A system and method for configuring a network are disclosed. A method may include storing identifying information associated with one or more network devices on a computer-readable medium in an information handling system prior to delivery of the information handling system to a user. The method may also include determining whether the identifying information stored on the information handling system is associated with the network access point. The method may further include automatically configuring network parameters for communication between the network access point and the information handling system in response to a determination that the identifying information stored on the information handling system is associated with the network access point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: DELL PRODUCTS L.L.P.
    Inventors: William Curtis, Yuan-Chang Lo, Liam Quinn
  • Patent number: 7488159
    Abstract: Gas compression system comprising a compression cylinder having a gas inlet, a compressed gas outlet, and one or more liquid transfer ports; a pump having a suction and a discharge; and a compressor liquid. The system also includes any of the following: a pressure intensifier having an inlet in flow communication with the pump and an outlet in flow communication with the compression cylinder; a feed eductor in flow communication with the discharge of the pump, with a reservoir containing a portion of the compressor liquid, and with the compression cylinder; a drain eductor in flow communication with the discharge of the pump, with the compression cylinder, and with a reservoir containing a portion of the compressor liquid; and a variable-volume compressor liquid accumulator in flow communication with the discharge of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Bharat Lajjaram Bhatt, William Curtis Kottke, David Jonathan Chalk, Todd Eric Carlson