Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100062547 | TECHNIQUE FOR MONITORING AND CONTROLLING A PLASMA PROCESS WITH AN ION MOBILITY SPECTROMETER - A plasma processing apparatus includes a process chamber, a platen positioned in the process chamber for supporting a workpiece, a source configured to generate a plasma in the process chamber, and a monitoring system including an ion mobility spectrometer configured to monitor a condition of the plasma. A monitoring method including generating a plasma in a process chamber of a plasma processing apparatus, supporting a workpiece on a platen in the process chamber, and monitoring a condition of the plasma with an ion mobility spectrometer is also provided. | 03-11-2010 |
20110000896 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELECTIVELY CONTROLLING ION COMPOSITION OF ION SOURCES - A method is disclosed for adjusting the composition of plasmas used in plasma doping, plasma deposition and plasma etching techniques. The disclosed method enables the plasma composition to be controlled by modifying the energy distribution of the electrons present in the plasma. Energetic electrons are produced in the plasma by accelerating electrons in the plasma using very fast voltage pulses. The pulses are long enough to influence the electrons, but too fast to affect the ions significantly. Collisions between the energetic electrons and the constituents of the plasma result in changes in the plasma composition. The plasma composition can then be optimized to meet the requirements of the specific process being used. This can entail changing the ratio of ion species in the plasma, changing the ratio of ionization to dissociation, or changing the excited state population of the plasma. | 01-06-2011 |
20110309049 | TECHNIQUES FOR PLASMA PROCESSING A SUBSTRATE - Techniques for plasma processing a substrate are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the technique may be realized with a method comprising introducing a feed gas proximate to a plasma source, where the feed gas may comprise a first and second species, where the first and second species have different ionization energies; providing a multi-level RF power waveform to the plasma source, where the multi-level RF power waveform has at least a first power level during a first pulse duration and a second power level during a second pulse duration, where the second power level may be different from the first power level; ionizing the first species of the feed gas during the first pulse duration; ionizing the second species during the second pulse duration; and providing a bias to the substrate during the first pulse duration. | 12-22-2011 |
20120000606 | PLASMA UNIFORMITY SYSTEM AND METHOD - A plasma processing tool comprises a plasma chamber configured to generate a plasma from a gas introduced into the chamber where the generated plasma has an electron plasma frequency. A plurality of electrodes disposed within the chamber. Each of the electrodes configured to create a rapidly-rising-electric-field pulse in a portion of the plasma contained in the chamber. Each of said rapidly-rising-electric-field pulses having a rise time substantially equal to or less than the inverse of the electron plasma frequency and a duration of less than the inverse of the ion plasma frequency. In this manner, the electron energy distribution in the generated plasma may be spatially and locally modified thereby affecting the density, composition and temperature of the species in the plasma and consequently the uniformity of the density and composition of ions and neutrals directed at a target substrate. | 01-05-2012 |
20120255491 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PLASMA MONITORING USING MICROWAVES - A plasma detector system may include a high frequency generator arranged to send incident electromagnetic radiation through a plasma chamber of a plasma system; and a high frequency detection system arranged to detect signal intensity of high frequency radiation sent from the high frequency generator and transmitted through the plasma chamber. | 10-11-2012 |
20130075253 | TITANIUM DIBORIDE COATING FOR PLASMA PROCESSING APPARATUS - An improved plasma processing chamber is disclosed, wherein some or all of the components which are exposed to the plasma are made of, or coated with, titanium diborane. Titanium diborane has a hardness in excess of 9 mhos, making it less susceptible to sputtering. In addition, titanium diborane is resistant to fluoride and chlorine ions. Finally, titanium diborane is electrically conductive, and therefore the plasma remains more uniform over time, as charge does not build on the surfaces of the titanium diborane components. This results in improved workpiece processing, with less contaminants and greater uniformity. In other embodiments, titanium diborane may be used to line components within a beam line implanter. | 03-28-2013 |
20130082599 | TRANSFORMER-COUPLED RF SOURCE FOR PLASMA PROCESSING TOOL - A RF source and method are disclosed which inductively create a plasma within an enclosure without an electric field or with a significantly decreased creation of an electric field. A ferrite material with an insulated wire wrapped around its body is used to efficiently channel the magnetic field through the legs of the ferrite. This magnetic field, which flows between the legs of the ferrite can then be used to create and maintain a plasma. In one embodiment, these legs rest on a dielectric window, such that the magnetic field passes into the chamber. In another embodiment, the legs of the ferrite extend into the processing chamber, thereby further extending the magnetic field into the chamber. This ferrite can be used in conjunction with a PLAD chamber, or an ion source for a traditional beam line ion implantation system. | 04-04-2013 |
20130270261 | Microwave plasma torch generating laminar flow for materials processing - A microwave plasma torch providing two laminar flows is described. Two laminar flows are created using a set of at least three concentric, staggered dielectric tubes connected to a pressurized gas source. An inner laminar flow entrains injected particles entering the plasma. An outer laminar flow creates a sheath around the plasma and prevents it from attaching to the walls of the plasma torch. The entry point of the gas source is designed to ensure laminar flow for both the entrainment of the particles and for the shielding of the plasma plume. The uniform processing conditions results in uniform particles and a homogenous materials distribution. This enables a final product with improved thermal properties, improved corrosion and wear resistance and a higher tolerance to interface stresses. The microwave plasma torch can be used for producing nanomaterial powder and for spray coating materials onto various substrates. | 10-17-2013 |
20140091155 | HIGH FREQUENCY UNIFORM DROPLET MAKER AND METHOD - There is disclosed a piezoelectric droplet maker that is driven at high frequency and energized with high power and high frequency Operational Amplifier (OP-AMP) electronics. The droplet maker implements a method of producing jets of uniform droplets of solution precursors (or any other homogeneous liquids). The formation of droplets results from stream break up due to the disturbance of liquid jets by the piezo actuator as they leave an orifice. This disturbance can be electronically tuned to produce uniform droplets with high repeatability. In another aspect, the droplet maker can be used to inject axially uniform diameter solution precursor droplets into process gas flow of a microwave plasma apparatus. | 04-03-2014 |
20140131906 | METHOD FOR THE DENSIFICATION AND SPHEROIDIZATION OF SOLID AND SOLUTION PRECURSOR DROPLETS OF MATERIALS USING MICROWAVE GENERATED PLASMA PROCESSING - A method for processing feed material to produce dense and spheroidal products is described. The feed material is comprised of powder particles from the spray-drying technique or solution precursor droplets from ceramic or metallic materials. The feed material is processed using plasma generated from a microwave. The microwave plasma torch employed is capable of generating laminar flow during processing which allows for the production of spheroidal particles with a homogenous materials distribution. This results in products having improved thermal properties, improved corrosion and wear resistance and a higher tolerance to interface stresses. | 05-15-2014 |
20140155249 | METHOD FOR MAKING AMORPHOUS PARTICLES USING A UNIFORM MELT-STATE IN A MICROWAVE GENERATED PLASMA TORCH - Feed material comprising uniform solution precursor droplets is processed in a uniform melt state using microwave generated plasma. The plasma torch employed is capable of generating laminar gas flows and providing a uniform temperature profile within the plasma. Plasma exhaust products are quenched at high rates to yield amorphous products. Products of this process include spherical, highly porous and amorphous oxide ceramic particles such as magnesia-yttria (MgO—Y | 06-05-2014 |
20140217630 | METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION OF MULTIPHASE COMPOSITE MATERIALS USING MICROWAVE PLASMA PROCESS - Disclosed herein is a method to produce multiphase composite materials directly from solution precursor droplets by a fast pyrolysis process using a microwave plasma embodiment containing a microwave generating source, a dielectric plasma torch, and a droplet maker. Here, using homogenous solution precursors, droplets are generated with a narrow size distribution, and are injected and introduced into the microwave plasma torch with generally uniform thermal path. The generally uniform thermal path in the torch is achieved by axial injection of droplets into an axisymmetric hot zone with laminar flows. Upon exposing to high temperature within the plasma with controlled residence time, the droplets are pyrolyzed and converted into particles by quenching with a controlled rate of the exhaust gas in a gas chamber. The particles generated have generally uniform sizes and uniform thermal history, and can be used for a variety of applications. | 08-07-2014 |
20140287162 | MICROWAVE PLASMA APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MATERIALS PROCESSING - A microwave plasma apparatus for processing a material includes a plasma chamber, a microwave radiation source, and a waveguide guiding microwave radiation from the microwave radiation source to the plasma chamber. A process gas flows through the plasma chamber and the microwave radiation couples to the process gas to produce a plasma jet. A process material is introduced to the plasma chamber, becomes entrained in the plasma jet, and is thereby transformed to a stream of product material droplets or particles. The product material droplets or particles are substantially more uniform in size, velocity, temperature, and melt state than are droplets or particles produced by prior devices. | 09-25-2014 |
20140342093 | METHOD FOR DENSIFICATION AND SPHEROIDIZATION OF SOLID AND SOLUTION PRECURSOR DROPLETS OF MATERIALS USING MICROWAVE GENERATED PLASMA PROCESSING - A method for processing feed material to produce dense and spheroidal products is described. The feed material is comprised of powder particles from the spray-drying technique or solution precursor droplets from ceramic or metallic materials. The feed material is processed using plasma generated from a microwave. The microwave plasma torch employed is capable of generating laminar flow during processing which allows for the production of spheroidal particles with a homogenous materials distribution. This results in products having improved thermal properties, improved corrosion and wear resistance and a higher tolerance to interface stresses. | 11-20-2014 |
20150126355 | METHOD FOR MAKING AMORPHOUS PARTICLES USING A UNIFORM MELT-STATE IN A MICROWAVE GENERATED PLASMA TORCH - Feed material comprising uniform solution precursor droplets is processed in a uniform melt state using microwave generated plasma. The plasma torch employed is capable of generating laminar gas flows and providing a uniform temperature profile within the plasma. Plasma exhaust products are quenched at high rates to yield amorphous products. Products of this process include spherical, highly porous and amorphous oxide ceramic particles such as magnesia-yttria (MgO—Y | 05-07-2015 |
20150231701 | METHOD FOR THE DENSIFICATION AND SPHEROIDIZATION OF SOLID AND SOLUTION PRECURSOR DROPLETS OF MATERIALS USING MICROWAVE GENERATED PLASMA PROCESSING - A method for processing feed material to produce dense and spheroidal products is described. The feed material is comprised of powder particles from the spray-drying technique or solution precursor droplets from ceramic or metallic materials. The feed material is processed using plasma generated from a microwave. The microwave plasma torch employed is capable of generating laminar flow during processing which allows for the production of spheroidal particles with a homogenous materials distribution. This results in products having improved thermal properties, improved corrosion and wear resistance and a higher tolerance to interface stresses. | 08-20-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100165383 | LINE UTILIZATION IN INTEGRATED DOCUMENT DELIVERY METHOD AND APPARATUS - A document delivery network server having a set of integrated functions including sending, receiving, routing and filing of FAXes and e-mails to other users which achieves numerous advantages over the prior art. The document delivery system is based on a client/server model having both analog and digital Fax line capabilities. The server side provides very highly integrated systems functionality based on industry standard, commercially available hardware and a mix of industry standard and proprietary software components including integrated FAX/modem modules, an embedded OS, embedded plug-and-play driver sets, embedded e-mail gateways, an embedded FAX archive, embedded back-up/restore, proprietary high efficiency line utilization and highly efficient load balancing. | 07-01-2010 |
20110116132 | INTEGRATED DOCUMENT DELIVERY METHOD AND APPARATUS - A document delivery network server having a set of integrated functions including sending, receiving, routing and filing of FAXes and e-mails to other users which achieves numerous advantages over the prior art. The document delivery system is based on a client/server model having both analog and digital Fax line capabilities. The server side provides very highly integrated systems functionality based on industry standard, commercially available hardware and a mix of industry standard and proprietary software components including integrated FAX/modem modules, an embedded OS, embedded plug-and-play driver sets, embedded e-mail gateways, an embedded FAX archive, embedded back-up/restore, proprietary high efficiency line utilization and highly efficient load balancing. | 05-19-2011 |
20110222129 | Integrated document delivery method and apparatus - A document delivery network server having a set of integrated functions including sending, receiving, routing and filing of FAXes and e-mails to other users which achieves numerous advantages over the prior art. The document delivery system is based on a client/server model having both analog and digital Fax line capabilities. The server side provides very highly integrated systems functionality based on industry standard, commercially available hardware and a mix of industry standard and proprietary software components including integrated FAX/modem modules, an embedded OS, embedded plug-and-play driver sets, embedded e-mail gateways, an embedded FAX archive, embedded back-up/restore, proprietary high efficiency line utilization and highly efficient load balancing. | 09-15-2011 |
20120206774 | INTEGRATED DOCUMENT DELIVERY METHOD AND APPARATUS - A document delivery network server having a set of integrated functions including sending, receiving, routing and filing of FAXes and e-mails to other users which achieves numerous advantages over the prior art. The document delivery system is based on a client/server model having both analog and digital Fax line capabilities. The server side provides very highly integrated systems functionality based on industry standard, commercially available hardware and a mix of industry standard and proprietary software components including integrated FAX/modem modules, an embedded OS, embedded plug-and-play driver sets, embedded e-mail gateways, an embedded FAX archive, embedded back-up/restore, proprietary high efficiency line utilization and highly efficient load balancing. | 08-16-2012 |
20130060878 | INTEGRATED DOCUMENT DELIVERY METHOD AND APPARATUS - A document delivery network server having a set of integrated functions including sending, receiving, routing and filing of FAXes and e-mails to other users which achieves numerous advantages over the prior art. The document delivery system is based on a client/server model having both analog and digital Fax line capabilities. The server side provides very highly integrated systems functionality based on industry standard, commercially available hardware and a mix of industry stardard and proprietary software components including integrated FAX/modem modules, an embedded OS, embedded plug-and-play driver sets, embedded e-mail gateways, an embedded FAX archive, embedded back-up/restore, proprietary high efficiency line utilization and highly efficient load balancing. | 03-07-2013 |
20130282851 | INTEGRATED DOCUMENT DELIVERY METHOD AND APPARATUS - A document delivery network server having a set of integrated functions including sending, receiving, routing and filing of FAXes and e-mails to other users which achieves numerous advantages over the prior art. The document delivery system is based on a client/server model having both analog and digital Fax line capabilities. The server side provides very highly integrated systems functionality based on industry standard, commercially available hardware and a mix of industry standard and proprietary software components including integrated FAX/modem modules, an embedded OS, embedded plug-and-play driver sets, embedded e-mail gateways, an embedded FAX archive, embedded back-up/restore, proprietary high efficiency line utilization and highly efficient load balancing. | 10-24-2013 |
20150222763 | Integrated Document Delivery Method and Apparatus - A document delivery network server having a set of integrated functions including sending, receiving, routing and filing of FAXes and e-mails to other users which achieves numerous advantages over the prior art. The document delivery system is based on a client/server model having both analog and digital Fax line capabilities. The server side provides very highly integrated systems functionality based on industry standard, commercially available hardware and a mix of industry standard and proprietary software components including integrated FAX/modem modules, an embedded OS, embedded plug-and-play driver sets, embedded e-mail gateways, an embedded FAX archive, embedded back-up/restore, proprietary high efficiency line utilization and highly efficient load balancing. | 08-06-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090260213 | DIAPHRAGM FLEXURE WITH LARGE RANGE AND HIGH LOAD CAPACITY - A stamping structure for imprinting micro-sized features is provided. The stamping structure includes a flexure arrangement having one or more diaphragm flexures arranged in a series or parallel or hybrid configuration so as to manage load-capacity while still achieving adequate vertical and angular range of a sample supported on the one or more diaphragm flexures. | 10-22-2009 |
20090263531 | SYMMETRIC THERMOCENTRIC FLEXURE WITH MINIMAL YAW ERROR MOTION - A stamping structure for imprinting micro-sized features is provided. The stamping structure includes one or more optical flats. A flexure arrangement includes a plurality of beam flexures arranged in a symmetric configuration around the one or more optical flats so as to minimize the error yaw motion (θz) from thermal fluctuations associated with fixturing the one or more optical flats. | 10-22-2009 |
20100116161 | HIGH RESOLUTION FLEXURAL STAGE FOR IN-PLANE POSITION AND OUT-OF-PLANE PITCH/ROLL ALIGNMENT - An adjustment structure used in conjunction with an imprinting structure is provided. The adjustment structure includes a sample mount for mounting a sample. An actuator mechanism is coupled to the sample mount, the actuator mechanism producing actuated forces on a X-Y plane to produce movements on a sample mount. A plurality of bladed flexures are positioned on the sample mount. The bladed flexures controls the movements of the sample mount produced by the actuator mechanism so as to allow adjustments in angular alignment about the pitch-roll (θ | 05-13-2010 |
20110037488 | FLEXURAL MECHANISM FOR PASSIVE ANGLE ALIGNMENT AND LOCKING - A passive alignment structure is provided that includes at least one rigid post being coupled to a top surface and a bottom surface. At least one in-plane clamp is associated with a respective at least one rigid post. The at least one in-plane clamp receives a clamping force to lock the respective at least one rigid post. A plurality of pins allows the top surface to align to the bottom surface. | 02-17-2011 |
20110289635 | RESONANCE COMPENSATION IN SCANNING PROBE MICROSCOPY - A method includes generating, using a sensor, a data signal. The data signal includes a first component based on a motion in a first direction of an actuator configured to provide motion between a sample and a probe in the first direction, the first direction substantially in the plane of the sample; and a second component based on at least one of topographic variations of the sample in a second direction, and a materials property of the sample. The method further includes generating, using a processor, a compensatory signal based on the first component of the data signal generated by the sensor; and providing the compensatory signal to the actuator. | 11-24-2011 |
20120255343 | LEAK DETECTION SYSTEM - The system includes structure for supporting at least one tube within a pipe. The tube has one end disposed close to, or in contact with, a wall of the pipe. A sensor is disposed within the at least one tube to detect a pressure gradient or fluid movement within the tube. Such pressure gradient or fluid movement indicates a leak in the pipe adjacent to the tube location. In a preferred embodiment, the structure is a ring sized to fit within the pipe and the ring supports a plurality of tubes. In another aspect, the tube includes a restriction to prevent flow and pressure is measured on each side of the restriction. | 10-11-2012 |
20120255363 | SYSTEM FOR DUAL PRESSURE SENSING - The sensor includes a deformable diaphragm responsive to applied pressure and a rigid beam mounted to move as the diaphragm deforms. The rigid beam includes a mirrored surface for receiving light from and reflecting light into an optical fiber thereby forming a Fabry-Perot cavity to detect changes in the position of the rigid beam. The rigid beam further includes inter-digital fingers extending from the mirrored surface and moving with the rigid beam with respect to fixed inter-digital fingers to create a change in electrical charges in the fingers to detect changes in the position of the rigid beam thereby providing two measures of rigid beam displacement which are measures of pressure. In a preferred embodiment, the optical fiber is a single mode optical fiber. | 10-11-2012 |
20120272722 | IN-PIPE LEAK DETECTION BASED ON PRESSURE GRADIENT - Leak detection system. The system includes a structure sized to fit within a pipe for supporting at least one sensing element near an inside wall of the pipe, whereby a pressure gradient at a leak in the pipe will cause the sensing element to respond. Structure is provided for detecting movement or deformation of the sensing element, the movement or deformation indicating the presence of a leak. In a preferred embodiment, the structure includes two spaced-apart rings for supporting the at least one sensing element. The sensing element is a diaphragm in a preferred embodiment. In this embodiment, the sensing element is supported for movement with respect to the ring structure which includes sensing circuitry for detecting the movement to indicate a leak. Other embodiments employ different sensing elements that respond to pressure gradients near leaks. | 11-01-2012 |
20120273078 | ROBOTIC SYSTEM FOR PIPELINE REHABILITATION - System for pipeline rehabilitation. The system includes repairing a leak in a pipe using a pair of substantially semi-cylindrical parts connected through a compliant joint. When the parts are compressed, the semi-cylindrical parts form a cylinder whose outside diameter is less than the inside diameter of a pipe with a defect thereby allowing the cylinder to be inserted into the pipe at a location of a leak. Once in place, the parts engage the inside surface of the pipe when the compression is released thereby to seal the leak. | 11-01-2012 |
20120285221 | ACOUSTIC PROBE FOR LEAK DETECTION IN WATER PIPELINES - Acoustic system for leak detection. The system includes a disk-shaped probe for insertion into fluid flowing within a pipe. The probe has a convex front surface facing in the flow direction and a substantially flat rear surface. The probe further includes wheels to engage a pipe wall to maintain the probe's orientation within the pipe. At least one pressure sensor is embedded in the probe and is responsive to pressure changes resulting from a leak in the pipe wall. Data collection circuitry is disposed in the probe to receive probe location data and to receive an acoustic signal from the pressure sensor from which the pressure and location of a leak may be determined. | 11-15-2012 |
20130186181 | LEAK DETECTION SYSTEM BASED ON FORCE TRANSDUCTION - Leak detection system. A rigid body is resiliently supported within an outer cage. Means are provided for detecting displacement of the rigid body with respect to the outer cage, the displacement indicating a leak when the rigid body is moved by a suction force generated by a local pressure gradient resulting from a leak within a pipe network. The invention allows a leak to be determined around the circumference of a pipe. | 07-25-2013 |
20130199272 | IN-PIPE MOBILE CROSS-CORRELATION-BASED SYSTEM FOR LEAK DETECTION - Leak detection system. The system locates leaks in a pipeline that includes RFID tags deployed at known locations along the pipeline. A pair of bodies tethered to one another a fixed distance apart travels along the pipeline. Each of the bodies is supported for movement substantially along the centerline of the pipeline and each body includes a sensor responsive to sound or pressure variations generated by a leak. Signals are correlated to identify the existence of a leak. Each body also includes an RFID reader for reading the RFID tags in the pipeline. At least one of the bodies includes a power supply and/or electronics that are adapted to correlate signals from sensor on each body to determine the location of a leak within the pipeline. | 08-08-2013 |
20130332110 | NON-ITERATIVE MAPPING OF CAPPED CYLINDRICAL ENVIRONMENTS - Method for mapping capped cylindrical environments. The method uses an algorithm for creating an environment map through 3D data segmentation and fitting of right planar capped cylinders. The algorithm implementing the method of the invention offers improved robustness, accuracy and speed over existing segmentation and fitting methods. The improved properties of the invention are achieved through the use of a Gauss map, 3D histogram and shape knowledge driven segmentation. Performance was demonstrated on a variety of cylinders using simulated data. | 12-12-2013 |
20140058667 | LOCALIZATION AND TRACKING SYSTEM FOR MOBILE ROBOTS - Localization and tracking system. The system includes at least one laser mounted for pointing its beam at arbitrary locations within a three-dimensional space. An object within the three-dimensional space supports a screen at its top for receiving the laser beam to create a shaped image on the screen. The shaped image on the screen is observed by a camera and computing apparatus determines the location of the object in the three-dimensional space from pointing parameters of the laser and from shape and center points of the shaped image on the screen. | 02-27-2014 |
20140130577 | Leak Detection Apparatus - Leak detection apparatus for deployment in a pipe. The apparatus includes a carrier disposed for motion along the pipe and a detector connected to move with the carrier in an axial direction. The detector comprises a drum mounted for rotation about pitch and yaw axes. A flexible material is mounted on, and extends from, the drum and at least two sensors responsive to drum rotation are provided. The flexible material will be drawn into contact with a wall of the pipe at a leak location, thereby producing a torque on the drum, causing the drum to rotate, and the at least two sensors to generate signals from which leak location is determined. | 05-15-2014 |
20140290763 | Controllable Normal Force Mechanism with Minimum Energy Consumption - Force control system. The system includes a first pair of permanent magnets for providing a normal force on the wheel of a robot adapted for n-pipe inspections. A second pair of magnets is provided with opposite polarity so that a rotor containing magnets may be rotated with a minimum of torque required and therefore with a minimum of energy expended. | 10-02-2014 |
20150137712 | MULTI-ACTUATOR DESIGN AND CONTROL FOR A HIGH-SPEED/LARGE-RANGE NANOPOSITIONING SYSTEM - Multi-actuator system. The system includes at least two nano positioners having different ranges and bandwidths located in cascaded serial form to contact and move an object. A control system employs data-based control design to combine the at least two nano positioners so as to apportion actuation responsibilities among the at least two nano positioners so as to compensate for their coupled dynamics while moving the object. It is preferred to provide a separate controller for controlling separately each of the at least two nano positioners. Parameters of the separate controllers may be determined by minimizing output error. | 05-21-2015 |
20150179044 | Wireless Communication Systems for Underground Pipe Inspection - Wireless communication system for underground pipeline inspection. The system includes a plurality of sensor nodes moved by robots within the pipeline and each sensor node includes a radio transceiver. A plurality of spaced apart, above ground relay nodes are deployed along the pipeline, each relay node including a radio transceiver for communication with the sensor nodes. A remote monitoring center is provided in communication with the relay nodes, whereby a leak detected by a sensor node is communicated to the remote monitoring center. Each sensor node may further include a microcontroller, an accelerometer and a timer. | 06-25-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140244678 | CUSTOMIZED USER EXPERIENCES - Systems and methods for customizing a user experience are described. The methods include automatically collecting identifying characteristic information for a current user, comparing the identifying characteristic information to stored user profiles for known users, identifying the current user as a known user, retrieving user preferences for the known user, and presenting the user preferences. | 08-28-2014 |
20140250128 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF SELECTING EVENTS OR LOCATIONS BASED ON CONTENT - Systems and methods of returning location and/or event results using information social media content are provided. One or more social networking servers are accessed to retrieve social media content. One or more items within the social media content are then identified. These items may then be categorized. Information about the categories of the one or more items are stored in a database storing information about locations or events. A search query for a location or event may be received, and results for the search query may be selected by accessing the database and utilizing the information about locations or events as well as the information about the categories of the one or more items. The results may then be returned to a user device for display. | 09-04-2014 |
20140250174 | INFORMATION PROVISION THROUGH TEMPORARY SOCIAL NETWORKS - A method for providing location-based information via a temporary social network includes detecting each of a plurality of first user devices within a predetermined proximity of a physical location and, in response, connecting each of the plurality of first user devices to a social network that is associated with the physical location using a communications network. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of first user devices will be connected to the social network for a predetermined amount of time or for as long as they are in the predetermined proximity. While in the social network, location-based information about the physical location is received over the communications network from each of the plurality of first user devices connected to the social network. At least some of that location-based information about the physical location may then be over the communications network to a second user device. | 09-04-2014 |
20140257696 | Travel Pattern Analysis - Methods and systems are provided for analyzing a user's travel pattern to determine alternative routes that may benefit the user. One or more alternative routes may have places of interest to the user therealong. Interests of the user can be determined, such as from purchase histories, wish lists, and likes. For example, the user's purchase history can indicate that the user surfs. In this instance, the user can be notified that a new surf shop just opened one block off of the user's regular route to and from work. | 09-11-2014 |
20140258012 | Concealed Purchase History - Methods and systems are provided for concealing information regarding products purchased as gifts for others, such as the intended gift recipient. Often, opportunities exist for a gift recipient to inadvertently or intentionally obtain information regarding a gift to be given or already given to them. For example, such information can be readily available via sources such as social media and other websites, as well from account statements. Such information can be omitted from websites, account statements, and the like, at least until such a time that the user wants for the information to be available. | 09-11-2014 |
20140258022 | Inferred Budget - Methods and systems are provided for providing purchase recommendations and a budget to a user. The purchase recommendations can be for discretionary products for the user or for gifts for others. The purchase recommendations and the budget can be based upon the amount of discretionary money available for the user to make such purchases and for whom the purchases are to be made. The purchase recommendations and the budget can be further based upon purchase histories, wish lists, and calendars. | 09-11-2014 |
20140267399 | Using Augmented Reality to Determine Information - Methods and systems according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are provided for using augmented reality to determine information. In an embodiment, an augmented reality (AR) system comprises one or more processors, and one or more memories in communication with the one or more processors and adapted to store a plurality of machine-readable instructions which when executed by the one or more processors cause the system to: capture an image view via a viewer; deconstruct the image view into one or more objects; identify at least one object of interest based on specific relevancy information; determine real time information about the object(s) of interest; and present the real time information on a user interface. | 09-18-2014 |
20140297414 | ROUTINE SUGGESTION SYSTEM - Systems and methods for providing routine suggestions include determining that a user is in a current location that is over a predetermined distance from a home location that is associated with the user in a non-transitory memory. A current time is then determined that corresponds to a time period associated with a routine purchase type that is associated with the home location in the non-transitory memory. At least one merchant is then retrieved over a network that is associated with the current location and that provides the routine purchase type. The at least one merchant is then displayed on a display device. The systems and methods operate to “learn” routine purchases made by the user in a home location, and then provide suggested merchants at which those routine purchases can be made when the user is in a location different from the home location. | 10-02-2014 |
20140297455 | ROUTINE SUGGESTION SYSTEM - Systems and methods for providing routine suggestions include receiving a plurality of user activity data associated with locations within a home location area of a user at a plurality of different times. A subset of the plurality of user activity data is determined to include a location type and a reoccurring time period. A routine identifier is then provided to the user that includes the location type and a plurality of attributes associated with the location type. Routine details that rank the plurality of attributes associated with the location type are then received. A confirmed routine is then associated with the user that includes the location type, the reoccurring time period, and the ranked plurality of attributes. The confirmed routine may then be used to provide routine suggestions that suggest locations to the user to continue with their routines when they are away from the home location area. | 10-02-2014 |
20140304105 | VISUAL PRODUCT FEEDBACK - According to various embodiments, user goal information describing a user goal is accessed. The user goal may be assigned a target date, and the user goal may be a health-related goal or a finance-related goal. It is determined whether the purchase or consumption of a given product item either contributes or does not contribute to achieving the user goal. Thereafter, visual product feedback information indicating whether procurement of the product item contributes or does not contribute to achieving the user goal is displayed. | 10-09-2014 |
20140316941 | Self-Adjusting Seller Zones - According to various embodiments, a first group of potential buyers of a product item is identified, and an item listing for sale of the product item is posted on a marketplace website, wherein the item listing being viewable by the first group of potential buyers. Thereafter, if it is determined that the product item has been purchased by at least one member of the first group within a predetermined time interval, the item listing is closed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the product item has not been purchased by at least one member of the first group within the predetermined time interval, a second group of potential buyers may be identified. Thereafter, the item listing may be modified to generate a modified item listing being viewable by both the first and second groups of potential buyers. | 10-23-2014 |
20140368339 | MOBILE DEVICE SELF-IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM - Techniques for locating and identifying mobile devices are described. According to various embodiments, an ambient sound signal may be detected using a microphone of a mobile device. Thereafter, it may be determined that the ambient sound signal corresponds to a predefined user query for assistance in locating the mobile device. For the, a predefined response sound corresponding to the predefined user query may be emitted, using a speaker of the mobile device. | 12-18-2014 |
20150046365 | UNIVERSAL ADDRESS SERVICE - A system and method for universal address service are described. Shipping delivery data related to a user is accessed. The shipping delivery data comprises a history of shipping delivery addresses with corresponding shipping delivery dates. A predicted shipping delivery address for the user is determined based on an estimated delivery date of an order from the user and the shipping delivery data related to the user. The order is generated with the predicted shipping delivery address. | 02-12-2015 |
20150051955 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATIC PRICE MATCHING - When a consumer selects and checks out merchandise at a point of sale of a merchant, price matching is automatically performed for the selected merchandise and the merchant has the opportunity to price match competitors' prices. The price of the merchandise is automatically adjusted based on the merchant's price matching policy. Thus, the customer may receive the benefit of price matching automatically during the checkout process. Further, prices offered at the merchant and at the competitors are continuously monitored for a period of time after purchase. When lower prices are found during the period of time, the purchase price is automatically adjusted and the amount difference between the purchase price and the lower price is automatically refunded to the customer's payment account. | 02-19-2015 |
20150081534 | COMPLETION OF ONLINE PAYMENT FORMS AND RECURRING PAYMENTS BY A PAYMENT PROVIDER SYSTEMS AND METHODS - There is provided systems and methods for automatic completion of online payment forms and recurring payments. The methods include determining if a user is engaged in a financial transaction, requesting permission to use a payment provider to complete the financial transaction, and completing the financial transaction using the payment provider if permission is granted, wherein the payment provider provides user information to complete the financial transaction. The financial transaction may include a payment form including at least one field, a recurring payment, or a payment to a merchant utilized by the user | 03-19-2015 |
20150088709 | BILL PAYMENT BY IMAGE RECOGNITION - Methods and systems for facilitating bill payment are described. A user is able to take a picture of a paper bill and have it paid. A service provider receives the image of the bill and recognizes it as a bill payment image. Relevant payment details such as the customer account number, payment amount, and the payee are extracted from the bill. The service provider determines whether these payment details are correct based on a user calendar or a location of a user device. The service provider can display these payment details to the user, and receive authorization to make the payment. | 03-26-2015 |
20150095186 | FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT PROVISION SYSTEM - Systems and methods for providing a flexible spending account (FSA) include receiving, from a user, user information and a purchase request to make a purchase from a merchant. A payment is then made for at least a portion of the purchase by transferring funds over the network from a user FSA to a merchant account. Payment detail information such as, for example, a receipt, is then received over the network from the merchant in response to making the payment. The payment detail information is then sent over the network to an FSA provider that provides the user FSA. If the FSA provider analyzes the payment detail information and determines that the payment made using the user FSA includes an item that is an unqualified expense, funds from a user secondary account may be transferred to the user FSA to reimburse the user FSA. | 04-02-2015 |
20150100482 | PAYMENT TREE - In an example embodiment, a group of local trusted devices is formed based, at least in part, on locations of a plurality of devices. Then a payment tree is presented in a user interface of a first device in the group of local trusted devices, the payment tree including a graphical representation of relationships between devices in the group and permitting selection, by a user of the first device, of one or more devices in the group to share in paying a bill received from a device outside the group. A bill may then be generated from the first device to each selected device in the payment tree, the bill indicating a payment amount reflecting a portion of the bill received from the device outside the group. | 04-09-2015 |
20150120503 | PRODUCT SCHEMATICS COLLECTION AND PROJECTION - A method of projecting a likeness of an item onto a surface is disclosed. A determination that a user is interested in an item is made. A schematic corresponding to the item is identified based on information about the item. The user is provided with an option to project a likeness of the item onto a surface. Based on an accepting of the option by the user, a device of the user is instructed to project the likeness of the item onto the surface based on the schematic. | 04-30-2015 |
20150134374 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MULTIPLE SERVICE CHECK-IN THROUGH A SINGLE SERVICE CENTER CHECK-IN - There are provided systems and method for multiple service check-in through a single service center check-in. A user may utilize a user device to check-in to a service center, such as a mall, airport, or hotel, offering a plurality of services. As the user moves throughout the service center, the user device may connect to beacons, such as Bluetooth Low Energy beacons. The user device may be previously checked-in with these beacons, or may be quickly checked-in when in proximity to the beacons without the user checking-in to each beacon manually. Thus, if the user is in proximity to a service, the user device may receive advertisements, information, etc. for the service. Additionally, since the user will already be checked-in to the service, the merchant and/or service center may complete transactions for the user with the service. | 05-14-2015 |
20150142654 | FACILITATING PAYMENT TRANSACTION VIA TRUSTED DEVICES - When a mobile communication device attempts to conduct an electronic payment transaction in a remote area where wireless signals for internet connection are not available, the mobile communication device may relay the request for payment transaction via one or more trusted devices using Near Field Communication to reach a trusted device that has access to the internet. In particular, the request for payment transaction may be relayed, e.g., daisy-chained, through one or more trusted devices until the request for payment transaction reaches a trusted device that has access to the internet. The trusted device that has access to the internet may send the request for payment transaction to a payment service provider via the internet to process the payment transaction. | 05-21-2015 |
20150154571 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DYNAMIC EVENT ATTENDANCE MANAGEMENT - A ticket seller system can offer an enhanced event experience for users of the system by tracking the locations of ticketholders before and during an event to offer ticket resale and seat upgrade opportunities to the users. The locations of users can be harnessed to offer enhanced value to event attendees and to allow event owners to maximize the use of their venue during an event by offering new upgrades and resale options to patrons. Users who might miss an event and otherwise lose all of their ticket value can be detected, based on their location, and offered an opportunity to recoup some of the cost by reselling the tickets. Event attendees who desire to upgrade their seats at an event can be offered the opportunity to purchase upgrade tickets for seats that have been vacated by other attendees that have left the event while the event is ongoing. | 06-04-2015 |
20150181383 | LOCATION-BASED MESSAGES - Methods and systems related to the communication of location-based messages are described. A first user (e.g., sender) leaves a message with a service provider for use at a location, and the message is accessed and transmitted by the service provider to user devices in the vicinity of the location. The first user can specify who receives the message or the message may be broadcast without restrictions. The message can then be presented on a user device of a second user (e.g., recipient) if the message satisfies certain criteria. The criteria may include location history, purchase history, age of the message, subject matter of the message, identity of the originator of the message, date and time, area code, type of user device, or a combination thereof. | 06-25-2015 |
20150193803 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REDEEMING DISCOUNTS - A system and method are provided to collect a user's coupons or discount vouchers. In particular, coupons or discount vouchers may be collected by scanning the paper coupon or discount vouchers. Further, digital coupons or discount vouchers may be collected by searching through a user's communication history, including electronic mails, text messages, browsing history, and the like. The collected coupons or discount vouchers are stored in a depository. The system may search the depository for coupons or discount vouchers that are applicable to a purchase that is about to be made or has been made. The system may redeem the applicable coupons or discount vouchers for the purchase. | 07-09-2015 |
20150206219 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRICING ANALYSIS - A system or a method is provided to collect pricing information from offline merchants at various geographical locations. The pricing information may include prices of various items offered at different offline merchants. The pricing information may be stored and analyzed to determine pricing trends at different time or locations. The pricing information may be presented to a user to provide pricing analysis to the user. Further, a merchant may publish pricing strategies or rules to the system. The pricing strategies may indicate that prices of certain items sold at the merchant may change over time based on certain conditions. Thus, pricing information from the offline merchants may be provided to users at appropriate times. In addition, a user may provide pricing information of items purchased by the user to the system. As such, pricing information from various offline merchants may be obtained by crowd sourcing. | 07-23-2015 |
20150242763 | ENHANCED SEAT SELECTION - Methods and systems for improving seat selection at a venue are described. The methods and systems help users understand how good a view they will have of a performance or event and/or how enjoyable an experience they will have before they purchase a ticket. A user selects a seat and is able to access relevant traits of people who purchased seats proximate to the selected seat. Relevant traits include physical features such as height, weight, build, etc., and behavior information, such as how noisy or quiet the person is. | 08-27-2015 |
20150242889 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EVENT PURCHASE AND UPGRADE OPTIONS BASED ON USER PARAMETERS - There is provided systems and method for event purchase and upgrade options based on user parameters. A user may attend an event at a venue and have purchased admission for the event. Prior to attending the event, the user's actions throughout the day may be tracked, such as an amount of sleep the user had the previous night and/or a workload throughout a day. Additionally, information about the venue may be collected, such as weather parameters and available ticketing. Based on the parameters of the user and/or the expected parameters of the user at the venue, the user may be offered upgrades to the user's admission. Thus, the user may be able to sit in VIP seating if the user is tired or find a covered seating during warm weather. Moreover, items from merchants at the venue may be offered to the user based on the user's parameters. | 08-27-2015 |
20150242922 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATIC PRODUCT INFORMATION AT A MERCHANT LOCATION - There are provided systems and method for automatic product information at a merchant location. An image from a user at a merchant may be processed to recognize the product in the image. Inventory level information corresponding to a current inventory level of the product available at the merchant may be accessed and communicated to the user. The user may also be updated with distributor inventory information in the event that the merchant does not possess enough stock to fulfill purchase requirements of the user. Preferred distributors of a merchant may be determined so that a user may be updated with inventory levels of distributors the merchant is likely to interact with. As the user or the merchant completes purchase requests, the inventory level information of the merchant may be updated. Additionally, the inventory level information may be updated when the merchant receives deliveries from a distributor. | 08-27-2015 |
20150262265 | SERVICE EXPERIENCE SCORE SYSTEM - Systems and methods for providing a service experience score at a merchant physical location include a system provider device that determines, through communication at least one of a plurality of beacon devices located at the merchant physical location and a user device, a start of a user service experience. The system provider device also determines, through the at least one of the plurality of beacon devices and the user device, an end of the user service experience. A service experience score that is based at least partly on the start of the user service experience and the end of the user service experience is generated. The service experience score is stored in a database in association with a merchant that is associated with the merchant physical location. Subsets of the service experience score may be associated with different locations of the merchant physical location. | 09-17-2015 |
20150262269 | CUSTOMER SELECTION DETERMINATION SYSTEM - Systems and methods for determining a customer selection include receiving customer location information from at least one beacon device of a plurality of beacon devices that are located in a physical merchant location. The customer location information is collected by the at least one beacon device from a customer device that is associated with a customer. Customer selection indication data that is indicative of at least one physical gesture made by the customer is also received, and may be collected, for example, by cameras, object detection devices, communications between customer devices, etc. The customer location information and the customer selection indication data is then analyzed to determine a first product location in the physical merchant location that the customer is selecting, and a first product that is associated with the first product location in a database is determined. Information about the first product may then be sent to the customer device. | 09-17-2015 |
20150278769 | EVENT START TIME ESTIMATION AND NOTIFICATION SYSTEM - Systems and methods for estimating event start times include monitoring a plurality of customer devices that are located at a venue at which an event is occurring. When a media generation action is detected as having been performed within a time period on a subset of the plurality of customer devices, it is determined whether the subset of the plurality of customer devices that has performed the media generation action exceeds a minimum number of customer devices. If so, it is determined that a sub-event that is included in the event has started at a sub-event start time. Sub-event start times for a sub-event that is included in the event may be collected across a plurality of different occurrences of the event and used to estimate a sub-event start time for that sub-event for any subsequent occurrence of the event. | 10-01-2015 |
20150278830 | PERSON/GROUP CHECK-IN SYSTEM - Systems and methods for person/group check-ins include a system provider device receiving from a first user device that is associated with a first user account a first check-in request to allow other user accounts to check-in to the first user account. The system provider device then receives from a second user device that is associated with a second user account a second check-in request to check-in to the first user account. The system provider device associates the first user account and the second user account in a database in response to receiving the second check-in request, and tracks an aggregate behavior associated with both the first user account and the second user account. The system provider device may then provide at least one alert that is based on the aggregate behavior. | 10-01-2015 |
20150278840 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPLEMENTING GROUP INCENTIVES - A system or method is provided to generate and display incentives or promotions for a group. In particular, the incentives or promotions may be generated based on the combined preferences of the individuals in the group. Further, activities or transactions participated together as a group may be used to infer incentives or promotions for the group. Individuals may be identified or detected as a group based on social networks or contact lists. Further, the group may be identified or detected by detecting the proximity of each other's mobile devices via Near Field Communication (NFC), such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). A shopping display may be installed at a shopping venue to provide directions and/or suggestions to consumers. The shopping display may detect that a group of associated consumers are viewing the shopping display and may generate and display promotions or incentives tailored to the group. | 10-01-2015 |
20150280930 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPLEMENTING REAL-TIME EVENT NOTIFICATIONS - A system or method is provided to implement event notifications in real time. In particular, a possible event occurrence, such as a spontaneous or unannounced musical concert, is detected based on a user's interactions with the user's communication device, such as the user's video or audio recording of an event or communication regarding an event, such as texting, tweeting, online posting, social network comments, and etc. An event notification may be generated based on the possible occurrence of this event. The user's communication device may broadcast this event notification via Bluetooth or Near-Field Communication (NFC) to other nearby communication devices. As such, users of the nearby communication devices may be notified of the occurrence of the event. In another embodiment, a communication device may receive various event notifications broadcasted from nearby communication devices. Relevant notifications may be selected and presented to the user based on a user's preferences. | 10-01-2015 |
20150310355 | INTEGRATING EVENT-PLANNING SERVICES INTO A PAYMENT SYSTEM - A method of managing events is disclosed. It is determined that a user is present at a particular location within an event venue. It is determined that the user has reserved the event venue for a particular time period. A selection is received from the user of a particular merchant that is committed to providing services at the event during the particular time period. The particular location within the event is associated with the particular merchant. A notification of the association of the particular location within the event venue with the particular merchant is generated for communication to the particular merchant. | 10-29-2015 |
20150310515 | AD HOC MERCHANT CONFIGURATION SYSTEM - Systems and methods for providing a merchant virtual storefront to a customer device include a system provider device that receives, through communication over a network with a merchant device that is located at a merchant physical location, a request to establish a merchant virtual storefront from the merchant device. The system provider device also determines the merchant physical location associated with the merchant device. The system provider device analyzes the request to establish the merchant virtual storefront including determining a merchant offering. The system provider device thus generates the merchant virtual storefront that includes the merchant offering and the merchant physical location. In addition, the system provider device provides the merchant virtual storefront to a customer device. | 10-29-2015 |
20150317681 | MERCHANT CUSTOMER SHARING SYSTEM - Systems and methods for sharing customer traffic between merchants include a system provider device that may establish an alliance between a first merchant at a first merchant location and a second merchant at a second merchant location. The system provider device detects events associated with the first merchant that satisfy one or more merchant activity rules. The system provider may also determine an availability of the second merchant to service one or more customers. Thereafter, the system provider device refers at least one customer at the first merchant location to the second merchant at the second merchant location. In addition, the system provider device may receive bids from a plurality of allied merchants for the referral of the at least one customer, may credit a first merchant account based on a transaction with a referred customer at the second merchant location, and may recognize opportunities for merchant alliances. | 11-05-2015 |
20150339711 | TARGETED PROMOTIONS - A device monitors conversations of one or more users. The device may be targeted to a particular user or a particular area. Based on the words of a conversation and the speaker of the words, an interest in a product of one or more of the participants in the conversation may be identified. Based on the user's interest in a product and the identification of another party to the conversation, promotions for the product may be sent to the other party. The influence of one participant on another can be quantized in an influence score. The importance of a conversation to a prospective buyer can be quantized in a conversation score. The influence score and conversation score may be used in determining whether to send a promotion to a party to the conversation. | 11-26-2015 |
20150348144 | VOICE AND CONTEXT RECOGNITION FOR BILL CREATION - Methods and systems for facilitating payment of a bill are described. The methods use voice and context recognition to create an inventory of items for a specific user. When it is time to split the bill among a group at a table, each user is apportioned their share of the bill based on their inventory so that each user pays for what they ordered. The users may decide to split the bill differently, such as equally among themselves. | 12-03-2015 |
20150379460 | RECOGNIZING NEGLECTED ITEMS - A system and method of recognizing neglected items are disclosed. In some embodiments, a first item of a first user is identified as being neglected based on a determination of a lack of usage of the first item. A notification can then be provided to the first user based on the identifying of the first item as being neglected. The notification can comprise an identification of the first item. The notification can further comprise a recommendation to list the first item for sale on an online service. In some embodiments, item listing information for the first item can be determined, and at least one item listing field can be pre-populated using the determined item listing information. The pre-populated item listing field(s) can be provided to the first user for listing the first item for sale. | 12-31-2015 |
20160063583 | SHIPPING ALLIANCE - A system and method for a shipping alliance application are described. The system accesses orders from an online marketplace application. A group of buyers based on unfulfilled orders of buyers within a buyer predefined distance of each other is identified. A group of sellers based on unfulfilled orders of sellers within a seller predefined distance of each other is identified. A buyer local entity associated with the group of buyers is identified. A seller local entity associated with the group of sellers is identified. The system generates a request to a common seller of the group buyers to combine items from the unfulfilled orders into a single flat fee shipment to the buyer local entity, or a request to group of buyers to ship items from the unfulfilled orders to the seller local entity. | 03-03-2016 |
20160063613 | PROVIDING A VIRTUAL SHOPPING ENVIRONMENT FOR AN ITEM - Techniques for providing a virtual item shopping environment are presented herein. A dimension module may be configured to determine one or more dimensions of a person near a display. A selection module may be configured to select one or more items from a database based on the determined dimensions. A display module configured to present the one or more items on the display. In other embodiments, the selection module may further be configured to receive a selection from the person via a user interface. The selection may indicate one of the presented items. In another embodiment, the display module may be configured to display a live real-time video of the person wearing the selected item. The live real-time video may include video of the person with an overlaid image of the selected item. | 03-03-2016 |