Mccombe
James Mccombe, San Francisco, CA US
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20150294511 | Virtual Camera for 3-D Modeling Applications - A user interface to a virtual camera for a 3-D rendering application provides various features. A rendering engine can continuously refine the image being displayed through the virtual camera, and the user interface can contain an element for indicating capture of the image as currently displayed, which causes saving of the currently displayed image. Autofocus (AF) and autoexposure (AE) reticles can allow selection of objects in a 3-D scene, from which an image will be rendered, for each of AE and AF. A focal distance can be determined by identifying a 3-D object visible at a pixel overlapped by the AF reticle, and a current viewpoint. The AF reticle can be hidden in response to a depth of field selector being set to infinite depth of field. The AF and AE reticles can be linked and unlinked, allowing different 3-D objects for each of AF and AE. | 10-15-2015 |
James A Mccombe, San Francisco, CA US
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20140327683 | Graphics Processor with Non-Blocking Concurrent Architecture - In some aspects, systems and methods provide for forming groupings of a plurality of independently-specified computation workloads, such as graphics processing workloads, and in a specific example, ray tracing workloads. The workloads include a scheduling key, which is one basis on which the groupings can be formed. Workloads grouped together can all execute from the same source of instructions, on one or more different private data elements. Such workloads can recursively instantiate other workloads that reference the same private data elements. In some examples, the scheduling key can be used to identify a data element to be used by all the workloads of a grouping. Memory conflicts to private data elements are handled through scheduling of non-conflicted workloads or specific instructions and/or deferring conflicted workloads instead of locking memory locations. | 11-06-2014 |
20140333610 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR 3-D SCENE ACCELERATION STRUCTURE CREATION AND UPDATING - Systems and methods for producing an acceleration structure provide for subdividing a 3-D scene into a plurality of volumetric portions, which have different sizes, each being addressable using a multipart address indicating a location and a relative size of each volumetric portion. A stream of primitives is processed by characterizing each according to one or more criteria, selecting a relative size of volumetric portions for use in bounding the primitive, and finding a set of volumetric portions of that relative size which bound the primitive. A primitive ID is stored in each location of a cache associated with each volumetric portion of the set of volumetric portions. A cache location is selected for eviction, responsive to each cache eviction decision made during the processing. An element of an acceleration structure according to the contents of the evicted cache location is generated, responsive to the evicted cache location. | 11-13-2014 |
20140333622 | Building Acceleration Structures with Synthetic Acceleration Shapes for Use in Ray Tracing - A synthetic acceleration shape bound primitives composing a 3-D scene, and is defined using a group of fundamental shapes arranged to bound the primitives, and for which intersection results for group members yield an ultimate intersection testing result for the synthetic shape, using a logical operator. For example, two or more spheres are used to bound an object so that each of the spheres is larger than a minimum necessary to bound the object, and a volume defined by an intersection between the shapes defines a smaller volume in which the object is bounded. A ray is found to potentially intersect the object only if it intersects both spheres. In another example, an element may be defined by a volumetric union of component elements. Indicators can determine how groups of shapes should be interpreted. Synthetic shapes can be treated as a single element in a graph or hierarchical arrangement of acceleration elements. | 11-13-2014 |
20150116325 | PROCESSOR WITH RAY TEST INSTRUCTIONS PERFORMED BY SPECIAL PURPOSE UNITS - A processor supports special-purpose instructions relating to testing rays for intersection with geometry and acceleration structure elements. The processor can be a full-featured processor; the special-purpose instructions can be differentiated from other supported instructions. The processor can have an instruction generator coupled with an instruction decoder, a data cache, a fetch unit, and a set of test cells for performing computations indicated by special-purpose instructions. Separate test cells can test rays with scene geometry and with acceleration structure elements; different instructions can be provided for each type of testing. The data cache is coupled to the test cells; the instruction decoder also provides input to the test cells while the test cells are coupled to a write back unit that is coupled to the data cache and to the instruction generator. In an example, the instruction decoder supplies ray references from an instruction as functional addresses to the data cache. | 04-30-2015 |
20150302630 | COMPACTING RESULTS VECTORS BETWEEN STAGES OF GRAPHICS PROCESSING - Ray tracing, and more generally, graphics operations taking place in a 3-D scene, involve a plurality of constituent graphics operations. Responsibility for executing these operations can be distributed among different sets of computation units. The sets of computation units each can execute a set of instructions on a parallelized set of input data elements and produce results. These results can be that the data elements can be categorized into different subsets, where each subset requires different processing as a next step. The data elements of these different subsets can be coalesced so that they are contiguous in a results set. The results set can be used to schedule additional computation, and if there are empty locations of a scheduling vector (after accounting for the members of a given subset), then those empty locations can be filled with other data elements that require the same further processing as that subset. | 10-22-2015 |
20150339798 | Graphics Processor with Non-Blocking Concurrent Architecture - In some aspects, systems and methods provide for forming groupings of a plurality of independently-specified computation workloads, such as graphics processing workloads, and in a specific example, ray tracing workloads. The workloads include a scheduling key, which is one basis on which the groupings can be formed. Workloads grouped together can all execute from the same source of instructions, on one or more different private data elements. Such workloads can recursively instantiate other workloads that reference the same private data elements. In some examples, the scheduling key can be used to identify a data element to be used by all the workloads of a grouping. Memory conflicts to private data elements are handled through scheduling of non-conflicted workloads or specific instructions and/or deferring conflicted workloads instead of locking memory locations. | 11-26-2015 |
James A. Mccombe, East Longmeadow, MA US
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20150079526 | OXY-FIRED BOILER UNIT AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME - An oxy-combustion boiler unit is disclosed which includes a furnace for combusting fuel and for emitting flue gas resulting from combustion. The furnace has first, second and third combustion zones, and an air separation unit for separating oxygen gas from air and providing a first portion of the separated oxygen to a first oxidant flow, a second portion to a second oxidant flow, and a third portion of the separated oxygen gas to the first, second, and third zones of the furnace. A controller can cause the separated oxygen gas to be distributed so that the first and second oxygen flows have a desired oxygen content, and so that the first, second, and third zones of the furnace receive a desired amount of oxygen based on a combustion zone stoichiometry control. | 03-19-2015 |
20150128931 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING MOLTEN SALT TEMPERATURE - The molten salt solar tower system | 05-14-2015 |
James Alexander Mccombe US
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20130002672 | RAY TRACING SYSTEM ARCHITECTURES AND METHODS - Aspects comprise systems implementing 3-D graphics processing functionality in a multiprocessing system. Control flow structures are used in scheduling instances of computation in the multiprocessing system, where different points in the control flow structure serve as points where deferral of some instances of computation can be performed in favor of scheduling other instances of computation. In some examples, the control flow structure identifies particular tasks, such as intersection testing of a particular portion of an acceleration structure, and a particular element of shading code. In some examples, the aspects are used in 3-D graphics processing systems that can perform ray tracing based rendering. | 01-03-2013 |
Justin J. Mccombe, Guelph CA
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20150379356 | ON-BODY CONCEALED WEAPON DETECTION SYSTEM - A system and method for detecting weapons. A radiofrequency transmitter transmits an RF signal stream into a region of interest. An RF receiver receives a scattered signal stream from the region of interest. The scattered signal stream is generated in the region of interest from the radiofrequency signal stream when a target is at least partially within the region of interest. A plurality of resonant signal components are identified from the scattered signal stream. Preprocessed resonant signal components are generated by removing environmental signal components. A target assessment is determined from the preprocessed resonant signal components using a trained statistical model. A target response is triggered if the target assessment indicates that a weapon is detected on the target. | 12-31-2015 |
Kenneth Miller Mccombe, Cheshire GB
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20120064138 | BIOCIDAL COMPOSITION - The present invention relates to a biocidal composition comprising an inorganic compound and a polymer where the inorganic compound has been prepared using a controlled precipitation technique. The biocidal compositions overcome the settling and agglomeration problems of conventional inorganic biocidal compositions and offer enhanced activity, consistency, and stable long term release of the active species. The invention also relates to a method of preparation of the compositions and to their use as a biocidal composition and in making or coating articles comprising it. | 03-15-2012 |
Mark Mccombe, Victoria AU
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20120116507 | RETINAL PROSTHESIS - The present invention relates to retinal prostheses, and in particular to the transfer of electrical power and data from outside of the human body to such a prosthesis. The retinal prosthesis comprises: A retinal electrode array implanted in the eye to stimulate the retina. A receiving coil implanted sub-sclerally to inductively receive power or data signals, or both. An electrical connection between the implanted receiving coil and the implanted retinal electrode array. Wherein the receiving coil is flexible and able to conform to scleral curvature, when it is implanted. And wherein power or data signals, or both, received by the receiving coil from a remote transmitting coil are automatically provided to the electrode array. According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for implanting a retinal prosthesis. In a further aspect the present invention further provides an ocular implant. | 05-10-2012 |
Mark Mccombe, Kew AU
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20140336724 | RETINAL PROSTHESIS - The present invention relates to retinal prostheses, and in particular to the transfer of electrical power and data from outside of the human body to such a prosthesis. The retinal prosthesis comprises: A retinal electrode array implanted in the eye to stimulate the retina. A receiving coil implanted sub-sclerally to inductively receive power or data signals, or both. An electrical connection between the implanted receiving coil and the implanted retinal electrode array. Wherein the receiving coil is flexible and able to conform to scleral curvature, when it is implanted. And wherein power or data signals, or both, received by the receiving coil from a remote transmitting coil are automatically provided to the electrode array. According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for implanting a retinal prosthesis. In a further aspect the present invention further provides an ocular implant. | 11-13-2014 |
Michael H. Mccombe, Lakeville, MA US
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20130062343 | STRAINER DISPENSER AND METHOD OF USE - A method of loading stacked strainers in a dispenser while minimizing strainer contamination is disclosed. The method includes providing a stack of strainers that is enclosed in a protective material to form a pod, placing the pod within a dispenser, and removing the protective material from the pod of strainers while the strainers are in the dispenser. The strainers dispensed from the thus loaded dispenser avoid being contamination during loading. The protective material may be perforated to facilitate removal from the stack, and include an extended portion to be grasped during removal from the dispenser. | 03-14-2013 |
20150360812 | STRAINER DISPENSER AND METHOD OF USE - A method of loading stacked strainers in a dispenser while minimizing strainer contamination is disclosed. The method includes providing a stack of strainers that is enclosed in a protective material to form a pod, placing the pod within a dispenser, and removing the protective material from the pod of strainers while the strainers are in the dispenser. The strainers dispensed from the thus loaded dispenser avoid being contamination during loading. The protective material may be perforated to facilitate removal from the stack, and include an extended portion to be grasped during removal from the dispenser. | 12-17-2015 |
Niamh Mccombe, Co. Derry IE
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20130024184 | DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ASSESSING QUALITY OF A TRANSLATION - The invention provides a data processing system and method for analysing text. The invention uses statistical text classification techniques to assist with the quality assurance of translated texts by using a one pass analysis technique and calculating and ranking probed texts with a dissimilarity score. The use of ranked items to direct, inform, guide and assist human reviewers, auditors, proof-readers, post-editors and evaluators of the accuracy of the translation. The invention provides a significant time saving and accuracy of assessing document's adherence to an enterprises corporate messaging and authoring standards and provides for a level of automated quality assurance within automated translation workflows. | 01-24-2013 |
Peter Mccombe, Queensland AU
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20100331982 | Method of Reducing Loading Failure for a Prosthetic Component - A method for reducing prosthetic loading failure including the steps of providing a prosthesis for a vertebral column comprising at least an upper part for attachment to an upper vertebrae and a lower part for attachment to a lower vertebrae, the upper part having a lower curved surface and the lower part having an upper curved surface, wherein the upper and lower curved surfaces have a centre of radius of curvature offset rearwardly with respect to a central vertical axis through the upper and lower vertebrae, and positioning the centroid of at least one of the upper and lower parts substantially on the same vertical axis of the centre of radius of curvature. | 12-30-2010 |
Peter Mccombe, Brisbane AU
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20110196496 | Interbody Fusion Device - An interbody spacer includes concave lateral surfaces extending at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. In one aspect, the interbody spacer includes upper and lower convex surfaces defined by an arc extending from a center point offset from the spacer midpoint. In another aspect, lateral edges of the upper and lower surfaces are also defined by convex arcs extending from a center point offset from the spacer midpoint. | 08-11-2011 |
20140031941 | INTERBODY SPACER - An interbody spacer includes concave lateral surfaces extending at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. In one aspect, the interbody spacer includes upper and lower convex surfaces defined by an arc extending from a center point offset from the spacer midpoint. In another aspect, lateral edges of the upper and lower surfaces are also defined by convex arcs extending from a center point offset from the spacer midpoint. | 01-30-2014 |
20140031943 | VERTEBRAL INTERBODY SPACER - An interbody spacer includes an elongated body with a maximum width between opposite side walls and a maximum height between upper and lower bearing surfaces. The interbody spacer also includes a leading end nose connecting the side walls to facilitate insertion of the interbody spacer into a disc space between vertebrae in an insertion orientation, from which the interbody device is then rotated to position the upper and lower bearing surfaces in contact with the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae. The leading end nose forms a blunt convex nose between the upper and lower bearing surfaces to maximize the bearing surface area available to contact the adjacent endplates. | 01-30-2014 |
Peter Francis Mccombe, Brisbane AU
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20140094915 | VERTEBRAL DISC PROSTHESIS - A prosthesis for a vertebral column has an upper part ( | 04-03-2014 |
Peter M. Mccombe, Brisbane AU
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20130018466 | VERTEBRAL INTERBODY SPACERAANM Yu; KidongAACI MemphisAAST TNAACO USAAGP Yu; Kidong Memphis TN USAANM Miller; Keith E.AACI GermantownAAST TNAACO USAAGP Miller; Keith E. Germantown TN USAANM Armstrong; William D.AACI MemphisAAST TNAACO USAAGP Armstrong; William D. Memphis TN USAANM Branch; CharlesAACI AdvanceAAST NCAACO USAAGP Branch; Charles Advance NC USAANM Foley; Kevin ThomasAACI GermantownAAST TNAACO USAAGP Foley; Kevin Thomas Germantown TN USAANM McCombe; Peter M.AACI BrisbaneAACO AUAAGP McCombe; Peter M. Brisbane AUAANM Melkent; Anthony J.AACI MemphisAAST TNAACO USAAGP Melkent; Anthony J. Memphis TN USAANM Sears; William R.AACI SydneyAACO AUAAGP Sears; William R. Sydney AU - An interbody spacer includes an elongated body with a maximum width between opposite side walls and a maximum height between upper and lower bearing surfaces. The interbody spacer also includes a leading end nose connecting the side walls to facilitate insertion of the interbody spacer into a disc space between vertebrae in an insertion orientation, from which the interbody device is then rotated to position the upper and lower bearing surfaces in contact with the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae. The leading end nose forms a blunt convex nose between the upper and lower bearing surfaces to maximize the bearing surface area available to contact the adjacent endplates. | 01-17-2013 |
William E. Mccombe, Georgetown CA
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20110143296 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL IN A REACTOR VESSEL - A method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling a temperature within a reactor vessel such as an autoclave operating at elevated temperature and pressure. The apparatus includes a preheating vessel for preheating a feed material such as an aqueous slurry. The preheating vessel forms part of a preheating control system which provides the primary means of temperature control within the reactor vessel, and the reactor temperature is used as the setpoint for the preheating control system. The apparatus also comprises secondary means for heating and cooling the reactor. The feed material temperature is increased or decreased by the preheating control system, based on the reactor temperature. This is sufficient to heat or cool the reactor under most process conditions. Where the preheating control system is at or near its capacity for heating or cooling, the secondary heating or cooling means is activated to bring the reactor temperature within an optimum range. | 06-16-2011 |
20110174155 | METHOD FOR REMOVING SULFUR FROM A GAS STREAM - A method for removing elemental sulfur from a hot gas stream, such as an autoclave vent gas, while simultaneously cooling the gas stream. The method results in conversion of sulfur in the hot gas stream to the form of solid, non-sticky sulfur allotropes such as rhombic sulfur while avoiding formation of sticky sulfur allotropes such as monoclinic sulfur, thereby avoiding scaling and fouling of plant equipment. According the method, the hot gas stream is contacted with an aqueous medium containing a particulate material inside a quench vessel having a first inlet for the hot gas stream, a second inlet for the aqueous medium, and an outlet for removing a sulfur-containing liquid fraction from the vessel. At least a portion of the sulfur contained in the hot gas stream, along with other condensable materials, becomes incorporated into the aqueous medium and is subsequently drained from the vessel. The aqueous medium may comprise a slurry of tailings or other waste material, and the particulate matter contained in the aqueous medium may provide nucleation sites for the preferential formation of non-sticky solid forms of sulfur. | 07-21-2011 |
20150050188 | MULTI-COMPARTMENT REACTOR AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING RETENTION TIME IN A MULTI-COMPARTMENT REACTOR - A method is disclosed for controlling retention time in a reactor, such as an autoclave, having a plurality of compartments separated by dividers with underflow openings. A retention time of the reaction mixture is calculated and compared with an optimal retention time, and the volumes of the reaction mixture in the compartments are adjusted while maintaining the flow rate of the reaction mixture, so as to change the retention time to a value which is closer to the optimal retention time. The reactor may include a level sensor in the last compartment for generating volume data; a control valve for controlling the liquid level in the last compartment; and a controller which receives volume data from the level sensor and controls operation of the control valve. | 02-19-2015 |