Patents by Inventor William P. Alberth

William P. Alberth 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: 9014245
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for compensating is described, in which a tuning network is electrically coupled to an antenna and to a phase shift network. A controller communicatively linked to the tuning network and to the phase shift network receives data regarding the state of a communication system. The controller changes the impedance of the tuning network, and changes the phase shift of the phase shift network based on the received data. The received data may include information regarding the channel, band, or sub-band on which a communication device is communicating; information regarding on the application state of the device; and the modem state of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventors: William P. Alberth, Gregory R. Black, Armin W. Klomsdorf
  • Patent number: 9014705
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) generates a preferred roaming list (108) for a wireless mobile station (404) that includes area identification data (such as GEO GROUP_ID) (200) corresponding to an area serviced by at least one wireless wide area network, such as a ground based CDMA system and an area services by at least one in-vehicle wireless pico-cell (402), such as a wireless CDMA pico-cell located on an aircraft or any other suitable vehicle. The area identification data (200) is associated with a wireless in-vehicle pico-cell system identification data (205) and in the case of a CDMA pico cell system, a system identification data SID) and network identification (NID) data pair (206) associated with the in-vehicle wireless pico-cell (402).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventors: William P. Alberth, Jr., Daniel J. Declerck, David J. Krause, William E. Welnick
  • Patent number: 8988349
    Abstract: An electronic device can include detectors for altering the presentation of data on one or more displays. In a wearable electronic device, a flexible housing can be configured to enfold about an appendage of a user, such as a user's wrist. A display can disposed along a major face of the flexible housing. A control circuit can be operable with the display. A gaze detector can be included to detect a gaze direction, and optionally a gaze cone. An orientation detector can be configured to detect an orientation of the electronic device relative to the user. The control circuit can alter a presentation of data on the display in response to a detected gaze direction, in response to detected orientation of the wearable electronic device relative to the user, in response to touch or gesture input, or combinations thereof. Secondary displays can be hingedly coupled to the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventors: William P. Alberth, Rachid M. Alameh
  • Patent number: 8976218
    Abstract: An electronic device is communicatively coupled to at least one video camera during a video conference, and also includes a touchscreen display having video conference participant representations displayed on the touchscreen display. A haptics feedback system is integrated into the touchscreen display and is responsive to a user touching the video conference participant representations displayed on the touchscreen display. A speech-to-text controller converts video conference participant's speech into text and creates an identification tag for each video conference participant. In addition, an ongoing commentary controller provides feedback on non-verbal cues about the video conference participants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Dean E. Thorson, William P. Alberth
  • Patent number: 8977275
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) generates a preferred roaming list (108) for a wireless mobile station (404) that includes area identification data (such as GEO GROUP_ID) (200) corresponding to an area serviced by at least one wireless wide area network, such as a ground based CDMA system and an area services by at least one in-vehicle wireless pico-cell (402), such as a wireless CDMA pico-cell located on an aircraft or any other suitable vehicle. The area identification data (200) is associated with a wireless in-vehicle pico-cell system identification data (205) and in the case of a CDMA pico cell system, a system identification data SID) and network identification (NID) data pair (206) associated with the in-vehicle wireless pico-cell (402).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventors: William P. Alberth, Jr., Daniel J. Declerck, David J. Krause, William E. Welnick
  • Publication number: 20150066609
    Abstract: Automation systems and methods of use thereof are generally disclosed. The systems may control devices, and may monitor use of a utility and provide feedback related to the utility usage. More particularly, the present disclosure includes systems including personalized incentives to encourage responsible usage of a utility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Green Edge Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Steele, William P. Alberth, JR., David K. Hartsfield, Seang Chau, William D. Rice
  • Patent number: 8970455
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for managing the display of content on a display screen (110) of an electronic device (100). According to certain aspects, a sensor (119) or a set of a plurality of sensors (225) generate image data corresponding to a user viewing the device. Further, in one embodiment, a film (111) generates electrical signals corresponding to a shape or configuration of the display screen. The electronic device can calculate a distortion parameter based on the electrical signals. In another embodiment, an additional set of the plurality of sensors generates image data, from which the electronic device can calculate the distortion parameter. The electronic device generates processed image data based on the viewing position and the distortion parameter, and displays the processed image data on the display screen in such a way that the content appears oriented and proportioned to the user viewing the display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Dean E Thorson, William P Alberth, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150057825
    Abstract: A method of determining whether an electrical appliance can tolerate variations in supplied electrical energy. In some embodiments, the method may include coupling the electrical appliance to a source of electrical energy, delivering electrical energy to the electrical appliance, wherein the electrical energy is delivered at a first electrical energy level, obtaining a first measurement of current consumed by the electrical appliance at the first electrical energy level, delivering electrical energy to the electrical appliance at a second electrical energy level different than the first electrical energy level, obtaining a second measurement of current consumed by the electrical appliance at the second electrical energy level, and comparing the first measurement of current to the second measurement of current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: Green Edge Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Steele, William P. Alberth, JR., David K. Hartsfield
  • Patent number: 8957551
    Abstract: An apparatus that is capable of detecting the presence of a plug comprising: a plurality of receptacles configured to receive a plurality of prongs from a plug, wherein the plurality of receptacles includes a first receptacle and a second receptacle; a controller configured to detect whether a first prong of the plurality of prongs is present in the first receptacle; and a switch configured to provide power to the second receptacle. The switch provides power to the second receptacle when the controller detects that the first prong of the plurality of prongs is present in the first receptacle and the switch does not provide power to the second receptacle when the controller does not detect that the first prong is present in the first receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Green Edge Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Alberth, Jr., William D. Rice, Thomas A. Jung, Jin H. Lee
  • Patent number: 8954070
    Abstract: A method and system for selecting a communication network by a wireless communication device (106) includes receiving (310) an identification parameter at the wireless communication device from a communication network which identifies the communication network. Next, the method compares (312) the identification parameter with a list at the wireless communication device to determine (314) service information. The service information identifies the services supported by the communication network. The method further includes comparing (316) the service information with a service-related datum at the wireless communication device that indicates the services desired by the wireless communication device. Lastly, the method includes selecting (318) the communication network for accessing a requested service if the service information matches the service-related datum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventors: William E. Welnick, William P. Alberth, Jr., Murali Narasimha
  • Patent number: 8954501
    Abstract: Described are methods and devices for identifying a group that include various methods to determine a group. Also described are devices and methods for attempting communication with a missing member of the group include different manners in which to determine information related to an entry of a group. The described devices and methods may be particularly beneficial at the particular time the certain group members plan to be or are in communication with one another. In this way, in the event that two or more entries of a group planned to be in communication or are in communication in-real time, in accordance with the disclosed devices and methods, the parties may be able to bring one or more other entries of the group into the communication as needed or desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventors: William P. Alberth, Jr., Steve R. Bunch, Gary W. Grube, Michael A. Newell, Robert J. O'Dea, William L. Olson, Frederick W. Vook
  • Patent number: 8950238
    Abstract: A device is provided which includes an activity sensor, a communication portion, and a route suggesting portion. The activity sensor can detect physical activity of a user of a device. The communication portion may provide access one or more social networks via a communication network, in which the device may communicate with a social network of contacts. The route suggesting portion may provide an alternate route to travel such that the predicted odor may not offend others that are socially connected to the user and that travel the same routes as the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Stephen H. Shaw, Rachid M. Alameh, William P. Alberth, Jerome Vogedes
  • Patent number: 8937987
    Abstract: A method, power switching system, and communications device supply power in a pulse width modulation (PWM) mode to a transceiver whenever the transceiver processes a low quality signal. A power supply mode (PSM) utility/controller determines a quality of a signal that is currently being processed by a transceiver, and when the quality of the signal is less than a pre-set threshold level, the PSM controller triggers the power supply to operate exclusively in the PWM supply mode. However, when the quality of the signal satisfies a preset threshold level, the PSM controller enables the power supply to autonomously switch between the PFM supply mode and the PWM supply mode. In one embodiment, the controller dynamically determines a power demand by the transceiver and when the power demand exceeds a preset threshold demand level, the controller triggers the power supply to operate exclusively in the PWM supply mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventors: William P. Alberth, Armin W. Klomsdorf
  • Patent number: 8929838
    Abstract: A method (600) and devices for enhancing the performance of one or more antennas (440) is provided. A control circuit (104) assesses performance of an antenna (101) in a plurality of bands, such as a receive band and a transmit band. The control circuit (104) then selects one of the bands, e.g., a lesser performing band, as a “selected band” for which the antenna (101) will be optimized. The control circuit (104) can then adjust an adjustable impedance matching circuit (103) coupled to the antenna (101) to improve the efficiency of the antenna (101) in the selected band and can adjust a resonance of the antenna (101) to further improve an efficiency of the antenna (101) in the selected band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: Armin W. Klomsdorf, William P. Alberth, Gregory R. Black, Richard E. Mach
  • Publication number: 20150005900
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to automation systems and methods of use thereof to control devices. More particularly, the present disclosure includes systems including function-based controls and methods of assigning function-based controls to allow a user to add, relocate, and/or remove a device without requiring the user to reprogram the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Scott A. STEELE, William P. ALBERTH, JR., David K. HARTSFIELD, William D. RICE
  • Patent number: 8923778
    Abstract: A method and system provides an automatic frequency correction (AFC) within a wireless communication device. A synchronization controller estimates first and second frequency errors respectively associated with a first received signal corresponding to a first receiver path and a second received signal corresponding to a second receiver path. The synchronization controller determines a value and a type of target clock of a first AFC associated with the first frequency error. If the first AFC is not generated to target a shared clock such as a reference clock, the synchronization controller generates a second AFC to compensate for the second frequency error. However, if it is determined that the first AFC targets a shared clock, the synchronization controller generates the second AFC to compensate for the first AFC and the second frequency error. The synchronization controller synchronously applies the first and second AFCs to the relevant clocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Armin W. Klomsdorf, William P. Alberth, Jr., Gregory R. Black
  • Patent number: 8902010
    Abstract: A tunable resonator is provided that has a high Q for each resonate frequency. The tunable resonator is a MEMs tunable resonator wherein the tuner is affected by moving a moveable mass, associated with the resonating portion of the resonator, form a first position to a second position such that the moveable mass is held in the first position or second position by a detent rather than a constant electromagnet magnetic or electrostatic force applied thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: William P. Alberth, Jr., Gregory R. Black, Richard E. Mach
  • Patent number: 8872916
    Abstract: A media collection system (102) uses media collection devices (107) to record media in the vicinity of a mobile device (104). A method (300) for collecting media associated with a user of a mobile device (104) includes the mobile device detecting (304) a broadcast signal from a communication node of the media collection system (102) at a radio interface of the mobile device. Then the mobile device requests (308) a media collection service of the media collection system. In response, the mobile device receives (314) an access identifier from the media collection system. The access identifier can be used to access media collected by the media collection system. The mobile device can then cease a self-collection activity while in the vicinity of the media collection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Motorolla Mobility LLC
    Inventor: William P. Alberth, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8874105
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining overhead information by a mobile is provided herein. During operation, the mobile will be communicating with a first system on an active data channel. The mobile node will be able to measure pilot PN phase and amplitude for a second system that is a potential candidate to handoff and will have that information available. The data channel of the active service is used to query a proxy server that provides overhead information for the second base station. More particularly, when PN phase and amplitude information is provided to the proxy server, the proxy server will identify the base station and provide the overhead information needed to associate with the second base station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: Dean E. Thorson, William P. Alberth, Jr., Daniel J. DeClerck, James M. O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20140316594
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to reducing a safety risk in an automation system such as an automated electrical system in a structure such as a residential, commercial, or industrial building. More particularly, the present disclosure includes systems, devices, and methods for intelligently monitoring and controlling conditions in components and/or wired connections of an automation system indicative of a potential fire hazard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Scott A. STEELE, Norma JURGENS, William P. ALBERTH, JR., David K. HARTSFIELD