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Mills, CA

Alden Morris Mills, Kentfield, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120157274WHEELED EXERCISE DEVICE - A wheeled exercise device includes a first wheel part and a second wheel part coupled to the first wheel part, with the first and second wheel parts coupled together on a central axle therethrough so as to form a central main wheel with a generally flat center circumference and angled outer circumferential sides. The device includes a pair of handles, each handle extending outward and downward at an angle from the central axle from a corresponding wheel part.06-21-2012
20120329625METHOD OF FABRICATING A SELF-RIGHTING CORE FITNESS BALL AND CORE FITNESS BALL - A core fitness ball includes an inflatable ball and a metal bung within the interior of the ball. The ball further includes a target on an outer surface thereof which designates body positioning information for the user.12-27-2012
20140141949EXERCISE DEVICE - An exercise device for performing exercises employing upper body and abdominal muscles includes a hinge and a pair of guide tracks, each guide track attached to a corresponding side of the hinge. Each guide track includes a central longitudinal slot formed in the guide track, the slot having a plurality of stop positions formed therein, a rotatable pushup handle assembly slidable over the slot between stop positions, and a locking device insertable into a portion of the rotatable pushup handle assembly to lock a lower portion of the rotatable pushup handle assembly in one of the stop positions in the slot, an upper portion of the rotatable pushup assembly still able to rotate while the assembly is in a locked condition.05-22-2014
20140357452EXERCISE DEVICE - An exercise device is provided which, when it is properly seated in a door frame further seats the device while avoiding any damage to the wall surfaces and/or door frame. Further, the device requires no fixed installation or hardware which would damage woodwork, wall surfaces, etc. The device includes a pair of support arm assemblies configured to extend through a door frame, a crossbar attached to the support arm assemblies and extending across a front side of the door frame, each support arm assembly including a movable clamp slidable under trigger control on a spar thereof, and a fixed shim on the spar distal end cooperating with the movable clamp to secure the device to the door frame.12-04-2014
20150148197EXERCISE DEVICE - An exercise device for performing a variety of exercises in both doorway-mounted and floor-mounted configurations is described. The device includes a horizontal bar configured for engagement with a doorframe, a pair of support arms, each having one end attached to the horizontal bar and the other end extending through a doorway, and a pivot bar connected between the support arms. The device further includes a pair of pivot arms configured to be rotated about the pivot bar at their first ends so as to be oriented and secured in a plurality of different angular positions relative to the support arms, and a pull-up bar including at least one grip handle configured to be rotated about the pivot arms at their second ends so as to be oriented and secured in a plurality of different angular positions relative to the pivot arms.05-28-2015
20150182792WHEELED EXERCISE DEVICE - The wheeled exercise device described herein includes a wheel adapted to be rolled along a ground surface by a user for exercise, the wheel bounded by wheel side surfaces with a central opening in each wheel side surface, and an elongate central axle extending along a central horizontal axis through the wheel that is parallel to the ground surface. The device further includes a pair of elongate handles coupled to the central axle, each attached to an end of the axle at a corresponding central opening in a wheel side surface. Each handle further includes upper and lower elongate surfaces that are oriented at an angle to the central horizontal axis so that a substantial length portion thereof extends away from its corresponding wheel side surface and downward toward the ground surface with the wheel at rest or rotating thereon.07-02-2015

Patent applications by Alden Morris Mills, Kentfield, CA US

Allan Mills, San Francisco, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110099376SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTHENTICATING AN ELECTRONIC TRANSACTION - Systems and methods for authenticating a request between a client computer and a transaction server are provided. An application request, comprising an identity of a user originating the request, is received at an application server from the client. The application server constructs a signing key based on (i) the identity of the user making the request, (ii) a time based salt value, (iii) a secret shared between the application and transaction servers and, optionally, (iv) an identifier of the distributor or developer of the application. The signing key is embedded in an unbranded version of the application thereby branding the application. The branded application can sign a request with the signing key and submit the signed request to the transaction server with the identity of the user and the identifier of the distributor or developer of the application.04-28-2011
20110296529SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USING A DOMAIN-SPECIFIC SECURITY SANDBOX TO FACILITATE SECURE TRANSACTIONS - Computer systems, methods, and computer readable media for facilitating a secure transaction are provided in which a client application is executed on a client computer. The client application initiates a request to a first domain comprising (i) a credential for the client application, (ii) a transaction identifier that uniquely identifies the request, and (iii) optionally, an identification of a user of the client application. Responsive to this request, the client receives a validated transaction module from the first domain. The client application loads the validated transaction module into a separate domain security sandbox that is segregated from memory space in which the client application is run. The validated transaction module conducts a validated transaction between the second domain and the validated transaction module. Separately, through the client application, a determination is made as to whether the transaction is complete by querying the first domain.12-01-2011
20130019098SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTHENTICATING AN ELECTRONIC TRANSACTION - Systems and methods for authenticating a request between a client computer and a transaction server are provided. An application request, comprising an identity of a user originating the request, is received at an application server from the client. The application server constructs a signing key based on (i) the identity of the user making the request, (ii) a time based salt value, (iii) a secret shared between the application and transaction servers and, optionally, (iv) an identifier of the distributor or developer of the application. The signing key is embedded in an unbranded version of the application thereby branding the application. The branded application can sign a request with the signing key and submit the signed request to the transaction server with the identity of the user and the identifier of the distributor or developer of the application.01-17-2013

Allan Stephan Mills, San Francisco, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130139220Systems and Methods for Using A Domain-Specific Security Sandbox to Facilitate Secure Transactions - Computer systems, methods, and computer readable media for facilitating a secure transaction are provided in which a client application is executed on a client computer. The client application initiates a request to a first domain comprising (i) a credential for the client application, (ii) a transaction identifier that uniquely identifies the request, and (iii) optionally, an identification of a user of the client application. Responsive to this request, the client receives a validated transaction module from the first domain. The client application loads the validated transaction module into a separate domain security sandbox that is segregated from memory space in which the client application is run. The validated transaction module conducts a validated transaction between the second domain and the validated transaction module. Separately, through the client application, a determination is made as to whether the transaction is complete by querying the first domain.05-30-2013
20140250405GRAPHICAL INPUT DISPLAY HAVING A CAROUSEL OF CHARACTERS TO FACILITATE CHARACTER INPUT - Systems and methods for facilitating character input using a graphical input display having a carousel of characters are provided. In an aspect, a system includes an interface component configured to generate a carousel graphical input display, the carousel graphical input display comprising a plurality of characters arranged in a fixed line, wherein a cursor is configured to move over the characters about the line and the cursor shifts from a first end of the line to a second end of the line in response to reaching either the first end of the line or the second end of the line. The system further includes an input component configured to receive a command to move the cursor over the characters to focus on respective ones of the characters.09-04-2014

Amanda Mills, Menlo Park, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20140012686SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING MESSAGE-ENABLED ADVERTISEMENTS AND CONTENT DELIVERY - Systems and methods are disclosed for providing message-enabled advertisements and content delivery, including SMS-enabled advertisements and content delivery. In accordance with one implementation, a method comprises providing, using at least one processor, instructions to display an advertisement together with a user interface on a first device, the user interface including a text entry field. The method also includes receiving a request for sending a message with advertised content to a second device associated with a phone number entered through the text entry field. Further, the method includes providing, using the at least one processor, instructions to send a message to the second device, the instructions including the advertised content and the phone number associated with the second device. In accordance with the present disclosure, at least one of the first device or the second device is a mobile device.01-09-2014

Andrew Mills, Coto De Caza, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120110259TIERED DATA STORAGE SYSTEM WITH DATA MANAGEMENT AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF - A method of operation of a data storage system includes: enabling a system interface for receiving host commands; updating a mapping register for monitoring transaction records of a logical block address for the host commands including translating a host virtual block address to a physical address for storage devices; accessing by a storage processor, the mapping register for comparing the transaction records with a tiering policies register; and enabling a tiered storage engine for transferring host data blocks by the system interface and concurrently transferring between a tier zero, a tier one, or a tier two if the storage processor determines the transaction records exceed the tiering policies register.05-03-2012
20130282983STORAGE SYSTEM WITH DATA MANAGEMENT MECHANISM AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF - A method of operation of a storage system includes: accessing a storage tier manager coupled to a first tier storage and a second tier storage; identifying a low activity region in the first tier storage and a high activity region in the second tier storage; and exchanging a physical block region corresponding to the high activity region with the physical block region corresponding to the low activity region by the storage tier manager.10-24-2013
20130297869STORAGE SYSTEM WITH LOAD BALANCING MECHANISM AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF - A method of operation of a storage system includes: establishing a first virtual disk volume including allocating a first portion and a first low performance storage capacity; generating a usage statistics for the first virtual disk volume; and calculating a first trend line for adjusting the first portion and the first low performance storage capacity based on the usage statistics.11-07-2013

Anthony R. Mills, Vallejo, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080196298Synthesizing Hydrocarbons of Coal with Ethanol - A novel fuel for the gasoline-powered internal combustion engine and an additive for the diesel combustion engine is provided by producing an Ethanol/Coal synthesization that approaches the BTU content of Gasohol. In one implementation the synthesizing process is performed by extracting hydrocarbons from the coal using a release agent and synthesizing the extracted coal hydrocarbons with an ethyl alcohol product to produce a fuel suitable for use in an internal combustion engine.08-21-2008

Benjamin Eroe Mills, San Francisco, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20150066691OPTIMIZED MULTIPLE DIGITAL WALLET PRESENTATION - Methods and systems for facilitating a digital wallet transaction are described herein. A service provider identifies and recommends the most applicable digital wallets for a user based on various factors, such as user location, type and amount of purchase, type of merchant, and/or mood of the user. The service provider may also rank the recommended digital wallets and/or determine how many should be presented to a user. During merchant checkout, the user is presented with the recommended digital wallets, and the user selects one of the digital wallets to fund the purchase.03-05-2015

Bennett Scott Mills, Los Angeles, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20150245730Apparatus for converting an empty food can into a pressure cooker, a container for steam pressure, or a boiler - An apparatus for converting an empty food can into a pressure cooker, a container for steam pressure, or a boiler comprised of an apparatus base (09-03-2015

Brian Wade Mills, Santa Rosa, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120060919JUNCTION BOX FOR A PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR PANEL - A junction box for a solar panel comprises a housing, a lid, a first connector and a second connector. The housing comprises sidewalls and a top wall defining an interior space. The first coupling comprises a first contact element and the second coupling comprises a second contact element. Said contact elements penetrate at least one of the sidewalls, so that the contact elements provide an electrical contact from external contact elements to internal contact elements, such as solder tails. Internal contact elements are arranged at least partially in said interior space. The top wall comprises an opening extending only partially in said top wall. Said opening is located such in the top wall that access to said solder tails in a substantially perpendicular direction to the surface of a solar panel for connecting the solder tail to the solar panel is provided.03-15-2012
20130264699CONTACT ELEMENT, IN PARTICULAR A SOLDER TAB AND PHOTOVOLTAIC JUNCTION BOX WITH CONTACT ELEMENT, IN PARTICULAR A SOLDER TAB - A contact element (10-10-2013
20130276856JUNCTION BOX FOR A PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR PANEL - A junction box for a solar panel comprises a housing, a lid, a first connector and a second connector. The housing comprises sidewalls and a top wall defining an interior space. The first coupling comprises a first contact element and the second coupling comprises a second contact element. Said contact elements penetrate at least one of the sidewalls, so that the contact elements provide an electrical contact from external contact elements to internal contact elements, such as solder tails. Internal contact elements are arranged at least partially in said interior space. The top wall comprises an opening extending only partially in said top wall. Said opening is located such in the top wall that access to said solder tails in a substantially perpendicular direction to the surface of a solar panel for connecting the solder tail to the solar panel is provided.10-24-2013

Cassandra Mills, Tarzana, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100132734COSMETICS KIT AND METHOD OF USE - The cosmetics kit includes a cosmetics box with a specific assortment of predetermined, prescribed cosmetics selected from a plurality of different prescribed color combinations predetermined to be skin-color coordinated with a corresponding plurality of different specific skin tones. The cosmetics box also includes a removable instructional guide overlay bearing informational labels with identifying information to identify cosmetics in the cosmetics box and instructions for use of the cosmetics. The cosmetics kit also includes accessory tools for applying the cosmetics, and a booklet of instructions keyed to the identifying information, instructions for use on the instructional guide overlay, and accessory tools.06-03-2010

Christopher L. Mills, Saratoga, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090157963Contiguously packed data - Data for data elements (e.g., pixels) can be stored in an addressable storage unit that can store a number of bits that is not a whole number multiple of the number of bits of data per data element. Similarly, a number of the data elements can be transferred per unit of time over a bus, where the width of the bus is not a whole number multiple of the number of bits of data per data element. Data for none of the data elements is stored in more than one of the storage units or transferred in more than one unit of time. Also, data for multiple data elements is packaged contiguously in the storage unit or across the width of the bus.06-18-2009
20130229395SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMAGE PROCESSING - The present disclosure relates generally systems and methods for image data processing. In certain embodiments, a method for transferring the image data may include processing the image data in an image sensor by correcting one or more defective pixels in the image data based on a one-dimensional defective pixel correction algorithm; horizontally demosaicing the image data based on a one-dimensional horizontal demosaic algorithm; or a combination thereof. After processing the image data, the method may include horizontally downscaling the processed image data in the image sensor and vertically downscaling the horizontally downscaled image data in an image signal processor to be displayed for viewing on a display device.09-05-2013
20130329066HARDWARE-CONSTRAINED TRANSFORMS FOR VIDEO STABILIZATION PROCESSES - The video stabilization method can generate output data for an output frame from input data of an input frame according to a perspective transform of a transform matrix. The input data used for the perspective transform can be obtained from a buffer of a predetermined depth. The transform matrix can be altered when the input data required for the transform exceeds the depth of the buffer.12-12-2013
20130329098Systems and Methods for Defective Pixel Correction with Neighboring Pixels - The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for image data processing. In certain embodiments, an image processing pipeline may detect and correct a defective pixel of image data acquired using an image sensor. The image processing pipeline may receive an input pixel of the image data acquired using the image sensor. The image processing pipeline may then identify a set of neighboring pixels having the same color component as the input pixel and remove two neighboring pixels from the set of neighboring pixels thereby generating a modified set of neighboring pixels. Here, the two neighboring pixels correspond to a maximum pixel value and a minimum pixel value of the set of neighboring pixels. The image processing pipeline may then determine a gradient for each neighboring pixel in the modified set of neighboring pixels and determine whether the input pixel includes a dynamic defect or a speckle based at least in part on the gradient for each neighboring pixel in the modified set of neighboring pixels.12-12-2013
20140028876IMAGE STABILIZATION USING STRIPED OUTPUT TRANSFORMATION UNIT - An image signal processor of a device, apparatus, or computing system that includes a camera capable of capturing video clips may be configured to apply non-warping and warping transformations (including image stabilization transformations) to image data received from the camera's image sensor. The transformations may be applied piecewise to pixels of the image data gathered into multiple line buffers. The line buffers may be divided into vertical slices, each of which may be processed in parallel by a respective portion of the image signal processor circuitry (or circuitry of an output rescaling unit thereof). The image signal processor may not write the received image data to system memory until after the transformations have been performed. By leveraging existing filters and scalers of the image signal processor, rather than a CPU or GPU, image stabilization may be provided that consumes half of the bandwidth and power consumed by existing techniques.01-30-2014

Patent applications by Christopher L. Mills, Saratoga, CA US

Craig J. Mills, Davis, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20140215207PROVISIONING AND MANAGING CERTIFICATES FOR ACCESSING SECURE SERVICES IN NETWORK - Systems and methods for provisioning and managing of certificates in a network are described. In one implementation, a signing certificate is generated by a network device based on a root certificate of the network device. Based on the signing certificate of the network device, a client-device certificate is signed for a client device. The signed client-device certificate is provided to the client device for allowing the client device to access a secure service provided by the network device.07-31-2014

Craig Joseph Mills, Roseville, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20140281503CERTIFICATE GRANT LIST AT NETWORK DEVICE - A certificate grant list is provided. The certificate grant list may be stored in a memory, at the network device. The certificate grant list may store information associated with a client-device certificate, where the client-device certificate permits the client-device access to a secure service.09-18-2014

Craig Joseph Mills, Davis, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20140032897SECURELY ESTABLISHING A COMMUNICATION CHANNEL BETWEEN A SWITCH AND A NETWORK-BASED APPLICATION USING A UNIQUE IDENTIFIER FOR THE NETWORK-BASED APPLICATION - A network-based application can establish a secure network connection to a switch. A unique identifier (UID) is generated for the network-based application, and a secure authentication request is generated from the network-based application. The UID for the network-based application is embedded in the secure authentication request. The secure authentication request is communicated to the switch. A response to the secure authentication request is received from the switch. One or more operations are performed that utilize the UID to establish a secure communication channel between the network-based application and the switch.01-30-2014
20150208341Power Efficient Network with Network Controller - A non-transitory computer-readable medium for managing power consumption in a network of network devices is disclosed. The computer-readable medium stores instructions, that when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform certain operations. The operations include monitoring network data traffic, establishing a network power management policy based on the monitored data traffic, and enforcing the network power policy. The enforcing is carried out by centrally managing a powered state of a portion of the network based on power consumption criteria.07-23-2015

David A. Mills, Davis, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090098240HUMAN MILK OLIGOSACCHARIDES TO PROMOTE GROWTH OF BENEFICIAL GUT BACTERIA - The present invention provides prebiotic and probiotic compositions containing human milk oligosaccharides and methods of use that selectively promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.04-16-2009
20100113383BIFIDOBACTERIAL GENE SEQUENCES AND THEIR USE - This invention provides nucleic acids and proteins involved in oligosaccharide modification in the species 05-06-2010
20130095528BIFIDOBACTERIAL GENE SEQUENCES AND THEIR USE - This invention provides nucleic acids and proteins involved in oligosaccharide modification in the species Bifidobacteria. The invention provides methods for utilizing the proteins of the invention to generate human milk oligosaccharides or oligosaccharide mimics. The invention also provides compositions containing the human milk oligosaccharides or oligosaccharide mimics and methods for use.04-18-2013
20150110771ENZYMES AND METHODS FOR CLEAVING N-GLYCANS FROM GLYCOPROTEINS - Provided herein are deglycosylating enzymes that remove a broad range of N-glycans from N-glycosylated proteins. Further provided are methods of recombinantly producing and expressing the deglycosylating enzymes. The presently described deglycosylating enzymes can be used to produce free glycans for characterization, and for prebiotic and immunostimulatory uses. In addition, the presently described deglycosylating enzymes can be used to produce deglycosylated proteins for characterization, to improve digestion, and to reduce immunogenicity.04-23-2015

Patent applications by David A. Mills, Davis, CA US

David M. Mills, Walnut, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20150122354AUTOMATICALLY RESETTABLE PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE WITH MANUALLY RESETTABLE INDICATOR SYSTEM - A pressure relief valve for a pressurized fluid system in which a compression spring is used to seal a compression shaft in communication with a front bushing having a O-ring seal is provided. The relief valve automatically relieves overpressure conditions and automatically resets to a closed, leak proof after an overpressure event subsides. The compression shaft is also in communication with an indicator pin, which is pushed out of the body of the relief valve during an overpressure event, and remains pushed out until manually reset, thus indicating that an overpressure event has occurred, even after the overpressure event has subsided.05-07-2015

Derik Mills, Manhattan Beach, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120162419Method and Apparatus for Yoga Class Imaging and Streaming - The ability to view and participate in various types of instructional classes, including Yoga, remotely and on-demand has become increasingly popular and accessible. However, participating in instructional classes off-site does not replicate the same experience as participating in an instructional class on-site, live with an instructor. The claimed system and method allow the viewer participant to view and take part in an instructional class from any location and at any time without compromising the viewer's ability to experience a participatory class experience. The system and method place the instructor at the head of the classroom with live-participants arranged between the instructor and the camera with a direct line of sight between the camera and the instructor allowing for the viewer participant to have unobstructed views while simultaneously allowing for the viewer participant to have live participants in the periphery, as if the viewer was attending a live class.06-28-2012
20130128053Method and Apparatus for Yoga Class Imaging and Streaming - The ability to view and participate in various types of instructional classes, including Yoga, remotely and on-demand has become increasingly popular and accessible. However, participating in instructional classes off-site does not replicate the same experience as participating in an instructional class on-site, live with an instructor. The claimed system and method allow the viewer participant to view and take part in an instructional class from any location and at any time without compromising the viewer's ability to experience a participatory class experience. The system and method place the instructor at the head of the classroom with live-participants arranged between the instructor and the camera with a direct line of sight between the camera and the instructor allowing for the viewer participant to have unobstructed views while simultaneously allowing for the viewer participant to have live participants in the periphery, as if the viewer was attending a live class.05-23-2013

Duane Mills, Shingle Springs, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100165765PROTECTION REGISTER FOR A NON-VOLATILE MEMORY - A non-volatile memory including a plurality of memory cells configured to store data and a plurality of redundant memory cells configured to be used for functionally replacing defective memory cells. The memory further includes a protection register comprising storage elements configured to store configuration data of the memory device. The storage elements of the protection register are redundant memory cells not being used to replace defective memory cells.07-01-2010

Duane R. Mills, Shingle Springs, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100291867WIRELESS INTERFACE TO PROGRAM PHASE-CHANGE MEMORIES - A Phase-Change Memory (PCM) coupled to receive power provided by near-field coupling to operate the PCM and receive factory programming data entered through the antenna for storage in the PCM.11-18-2010
20110012670Providing in package power supplies for integrated circuits - A device with an in package power supply may be utilized to supply power to other components. As a result, the overall system size may be reduced and economies may be achieved.01-20-2011

Frank Mills, Altadena, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130086927INTEGRATED AIR-CYCLE REFRIGERATION AND POWER GENERATION SYSTEM - An integrated power and refrigeration system is disclosed that includes a first subsystem configured to provide cooling air using a reverse-Brayton cycle using compressed air and a second subsystem configured to provide power by accepting a first portion of the compressed air from the first subsystem, heating the accepted first portion of the compressed air to form hot compressed air, and using the hot compressed air to drive a turbine that is coupled to a power generator.04-11-2013
20130105110INTEGRATED ABSORPTION-CYCLE REFRIGERATION AND POWER GENERATION SYSTEM05-02-2013

Frank E. Mills, Altadena, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120272671ENHANCED BOILER - A method and apparatus for preventing loss of a cooling fluid from a boiler in an aircraft by incorporating an absorber material is provided. In some aspects, an apparatus may include a base section, a top section, a cooling fluid, and an absorber material disposed in the base section. The absorber material may be configured to retain the cooling fluid therein. The apparatus may further include a barrier disposed between the base and top sections. The barrier may be configured to retain the absorber material in the base section while allowing the cooling fluid to pass therethrough.11-01-2012

Gary D. Mills, Escondido, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090073384OPHTHALMIC DIAGNOSTIC INSTRUMENT - Diagnostic instruments, systems and methods for performing measurements on eyes are disclosed. In one embodiment of the instrument, a left ocular is disposed in a portion of a left visual path for the left eye, the left ocular positioned to permit the left eye to view a target, a right ocular is disposed in a portion of a right visual path for the right eye, the right ocular positioned to permit the right eye to view a target. The instrument can also include a wavefront sensor disposed on a translation stage, the wavefront sensor having an optical path to an imaging sensor, the translation stage being movable to position the optical path of the wavefront sensor in alignment with the portion of the left visual path in a first state and in alignment with the portion of the right visual path in a second state. One or more light sources are optionally provided for propagating light along a least part of the left and right visual paths to illuminate the left and right eyes.03-19-2009
20110134389OPHTHALMIC DIAGNOSTIC INSTRUMENT - A binocular wavefront measurement system for performing wavefront analysis on the eyes of a patient, the system comprising an optics system for providing an image to a first eye along a first optical path and an image to a second eye along a second optical path and a sensor system, said sensor system configurable in a first mode for performing a wavefront measurement of a first eye through a portion of the first optical path and configurable in a second mode for performing a wavefront measurement of a second eye through a portion of the second optical path.06-09-2011
20120134029OPHTHALMIC DIAGNOSTIC INSTRUMENT - An eye simulation system for testing wavefront sensor systems, the eye stimulation system comprising a housing having a chamber with an opening for allowing light to enter said chamber, a fluid located in the chamber, said fluid having a known index of refraction, a lens positioned relative to said housing such that light entering the opening of the chamber passes through said lens, and a rotatable imaging surface positioned in said chamber such that light passing through said lens propagates through said fluid and is incident on said rotatable imaging surface.05-31-2012

Patent applications by Gary D. Mills, Escondido, CA US

George H. Mills, Palo Alto, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090259643NORMALIZING QUERY WORDS IN WEB SEARCH - A method for normalizing query words in web search includes populating a dictionary with join and split candidates and corresponding joined and split words from an aggregate of query logs; determining a confidence score for join and split candidates, a highest confidence score for each being characterized in the dictionary as must-join and must-split, respectively; accepting queries with words amenable to being split or joined, or amenable to an addition or deletion of a hyphen or an apostrophe; generating, based on the accepted queries, split candidates obtained from the dictionary, and candidates of join, hyphen, or apostrophe algorithmically; and submitting to a search engine the generated possible candidates characterized as must-join or must-split in the dictionary, to improve search results returned in response to the queries; applying a language dictionary to generated candidates not characterized as must-split or must-join, to rank them, and submitting those highest-ranked to the search engine.10-15-2009

Ginelle Mills, Walnut Creek, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100314915MULTI-USE PROTECTIVE COVER - A safety device for children, specifically a cover for use with a variety of surfaces that provides a barrier to protect a child from the heat and/or contamination of a surface. In some embodiments, the device can prevent a child from being burned or uncomfortable by the heat of a swing seat or car seat by minimizing thermal transfer between a child's skin and the swing seat for an adequate amount of time. In some embodiments, the cover can be used in a planar configuration as a changing pad or play mat.12-16-2010
20130270882MULTI-USE PROTECTIVE COVER - A safety device for children, specifically a cover for use with a variety of surfaces that provides a barrier to protect a child from the heat and/or contamination of a surface. In some embodiments, the device can prevent a child from being burned or uncomfortable by the heat of a swing seat or car seat by minimizing thermal transfer between a child's skin and the swing seat for an adequate amount of time. In some embodiments, the cover can be used in a planar configuration as a changing pad or play mat.10-17-2013
20150028640MULTI-USE PROTECTIVE COVER - A safety device for children, specifically a cover for use with a variety of surfaces that provides a barrier to protect a child from the heat and/or contamination of a surface. In some embodiments, the device can prevent a child from being burned or uncomfortable by the heat of a swing seat or car seat by minimizing thermal transfer between a child's skin and the swing seat for an adequate amount of time. In some embodiments, the cover can be used in a planar configuration as a changing pad or play mat.01-29-2015

Patent applications by Ginelle Mills, Walnut Creek, CA US

Glenn A. Mills, Danville, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120324118SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING TECHNICAL SUPPORT - A system and method are disclosed for facilitating technical support of equipment at multiple different geographic equipment locations such as hospitals and others, by a number of different vendors or manufacturers at still different geographic locations. Service calls are completed by means of a central portal which establishes an electronic communication path between portable computer customer support devices and manufacturer support devices. Soft buttons on the customer support devices may be selectively activated individually to call the central portal which then completes the establishment of communication between portable computer customer support devices and selected manufacturer support devices.12-20-2012

Ian Michael Mills, Aurora, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120144885Fiber Optic Cable Lock System - A cable alarm system is provided that includes: a lock; a temper proof fiber optic cable coupled to the lock and operative to conduct a light signal; an LED and a light signal detector coupled to the fiber optic cable and operative to detect light from the LED; a battery; a GPS system and a wireless transceiver. On detection of light signal interruption, the cable alarm system sends a wireless message containing GPS information.06-14-2012

Jack Mills, San Jose, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20140281140NETWORK STORAGE SYSTEM USING FLASH STORAGE - A system can comprise an I/O circuitry, a processor, reconfigurable circuitry, an array of flash storage devices, and a serial interconnect network that is coupled to transfer data between the I/O circuitry, the processor, the reconfigurable circuitry and the flash storage devices. The processor can be configured to designate an interconnect address space for use in communication over the interconnect network among the I/O circuitry, the processor, the reconfigurable circuitry and the flash storage devices. The reconfigurable circuitry can be configured to translate data addresses during transfers of data between the I/O circuitry and the array of flash storage devices. A method to access an array of flash storage devices that are coupled to I/O circuitry over a serial interconnect network can comprise using reconfigurable circuitry to capture data during transfers of data over the serial interconnect network.09-18-2014

Jack Mills, San Carlos, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20140281153FLASH-BASED STORAGE SYSTEM INCLUDING RECONFIGURABLE CIRCUITRY - Apparatus and method for accelerating processing operations of flash based storage systems are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, an IC component disposed between I/O circuitry and flash storage devices is configured to optimize fulfillment of data read and write requests originating from a network or device external to the flash based storage system using cache memory before involving the flash storage devices.09-18-2014
20140281169FLASH-BASED STORAGE SYSTEM INCLUDING RECONFIGURABLE CIRCUITRY - Apparatus and method for accelerating processing operations of flash based storage systems are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, an IC component disposed between I/O circuitry and flash storage devices is configured to optimize fulfillment of data read and write requests originating from a network or device external to the flash based storage system using cache memory before involving the flash storage devices.09-18-2014

James Connell Mills, San Francisco, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110258074RESTRICTED PURCHASE OF REGULATED ITEMS OVER A NETWORK - A technique is disclosed for implementing electronic commerce transactions via a data network. A regulated item selected by a customer is identified. The regulated item may correspond to an item which satisfies predetermined criteria, indicating that the regulated item is prohibited from being purchased by the customer. Action is then taken to prohibit the purchase of the selected item, via the data network, by the customer. According to one embodiment, the action taken to prohibit the purchase of the regulated item is automatically implemented at a server system configured to implement electronic commerce transactions between an on-line merchant and the customer. According to a specific implementation, the predetermined criteria correspond to regulations which restrict sales of the regulated items to persons in a particular jurisdiction based upon certain criteria such as, for example, time of day, day of week, age of the customer, type of product being sold, etc.10-20-2011
20140279221RESTRICTED PURCHASE OF REGULATED ITEMS OVER A NETWORK - A technique is disclosed for implementing electronic commerce transactions via a data network. A regulated item selected by a customer is identified. The regulated item may correspond to an item which satisfies predetermined criteria, indicating that the regulated item is prohibited from being purchased by the customer. Action is then taken to prohibit the purchase of the selected item, via the data network, by the customer. According to one embodiment, the action taken to prohibit the purchase of the regulated item is automatically implemented at a server system configured to implement electronic commerce transactions between an on-line merchant and the customer. According to a specific implementation, the predetermined criteria correspond to regulations which restrict sales of the regulated items to persons in a particular jurisdiction based upon certain criteria such as, for example, time of day, day of week, age of the customer, type of product being sold, etc.09-18-2014

Jeffrey Mills, Woodland, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110055947MELON SLIP HARVEST INDICATOR - The invention provides a 03-03-2011

Jeffrey M. Mills, Woodland, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130042338MELON HYBRID SVR 17391044 AND PARENTS THEREOF - The invention provides seed and plants of melon hybrid SVR 17391044 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of melon hybrid SVR 17391044 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a melon plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another melon plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.02-14-2013
20130055466Methods and Compositions for Watermelon Firmness - The invention provides for unique watermelon plants with an ultra-firm flesh phenotype and their progeny. Such plants may comprise an introgressed QTL associated with an ultra-firm flesh phenotype. In certain aspects, compositions, including distinct polymorphic molecular markers, and methods for producing, breeding, identifying, selecting, and the like of plants or germplasm with an ultra-firm flesh phenotype are provided.02-28-2013
20130298278METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR PRODUCING PLANTS WITH ELEVATED BRIX - The invention provides compositions and methods relating to the production of 11-07-2013

Jonathan Mills, San Jose, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100029897ANION-BINDING POLYMERS AND USES THEREOF - Anion-binding polymers are described. The anion-binding polymers in some cases are low swelling anion-binding polymers. In some cases, the anion-binding polymers have a pore volume distribution such that a fraction of the polymer is not available for non-interacting solutes above a certain percentage of the MW of the target ion for the polymer. In some cases, the anion-binding polymers are characterized by low ion-binding interference, where the interference is measured in, for example, a gastrointestinal simulant, relative to non-interfering buffer. Pharmaceutical composition, methods of use, and kits are also described.02-04-2010
20100111891LINEAR POLYOL STABILIZED POLYFLUOROACRYLATE COMPOSITIONS - The present invention is directed to compositions of a linear polyol and a salt of a crosslinked cation exchange polymer comprising a fluoro group and an acid group. These compositions are useful to bind potassium in the gastrointestinal tract.05-06-2010
20110236340CROSSLINKED CATION EXCHANGE POLYMERS, COMPOSITIONS AND USE IN TREATING HYPERKALEMIA - The present invention is directed to crosslinked cation exchange polymers comprising a fluoro group and an acid group, pharmaceutical compositions of these polymers, compositions of a linear polyol and a salt of such polymer. Crosslinked cation exchange polymers having beneficial physical properties, including combinations of particle size, particle shape, particle size distribution, viscosity, yield stress, compressibility, surface morphology, and/or swelling ratio are also described. These polymers and compositions are useful to bind potassium in the gastrointestinal tract.09-29-2011
20130131202LINEAR POLYOL STABILIZED POLYFLUOROACRYLATE COMPOSITIONS - The present invention is directed to compositions of a linear polyol and a salt of a crosslinked cation exchange polymer comprising a fluoro group and an acid group. These compositions are useful to bind potassium in the gastrointestinal tract.05-23-2013
20130189216LINEAR POLYOL STABILIZED POLYFLUOROACRYLATE COMPOSITIONS - The present invention is directed to compositions of a linear polyol and a salt of a crosslinked cation exchange polymer comprising a fluoro group and an acid group. These compositions are useful to bind potassium in the gastrointestinal tract.07-25-2013

Patent applications by Jonathan Mills, San Jose, CA US

Kevin J. Mills, Palo Alto, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090287870REMOVABLE WIRELESS EXPANSION CARD HAVING A REMOVABLE SUBSCRIBER INFORMATION MODULE - The utility and operation of portable hosts, such as PDAs and other portable computers, is enhanced by methods and devices employing a first-level removable module adapted to receive a second-level removable module with subscriber services information. The first-level removable module processes received messages and services based at least in part on the contents of the subscriber services module.11-19-2009

Patent applications by Kevin J. Mills, Palo Alto, CA US

Kurt Mills, Ventura County, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130240217FIRE SUPPRESSING MATERIALS AND SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USE - A fire suppressant mixture comprising: an organic or supplemental organic fire suppressant compound; a halogen element, and an organic compound, wherein the organic fire suppressant compound, the halogen element and the organic compound are combined such that a boiling point of the mixture is lower than the boiling point of the organic fire suppressant. In some embodiments, the organic fire suppressant compound is FK 5-1-12 and the organic compound is carbon dioxide. In other embodiments, the mixture is supplemented with an additional organic compound such as CF09-19-2013
20130240218FIRE SUPPRESSING MATERIALS AND SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USE - A fire suppressant mixture comprising: an organic or supplemental organic fire suppressant compound having a boiling point; and an organic compound with a boiling point lower than the boiling point of the organic fire suppressant compound, wherein the organic fire suppressant compound and the organic compound are combined such that a boiling point of the mixture is lower than the boiling point of the organic fire suppressant. In some embodiments, the organic fire suppressant compound is FK 5-1-12 and the organic compound is carbon dioxide. In other embodiments, the mixture is supplemented with an additional organic compound CF09-19-2013

Luke Mills, Sun Valley, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110030205MATTRESS MATERIAL REMOVAL DEVICE - A mattress material removal device for bedding mattresses comprising a fixed base member 02-10-2011

Matthew Mills, West Hills, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130209379LIP COSMETIC FORMULATIONS - Cosmetic formulations suitable for application to the lips are described herein. The lip cosmetic formulations can contain at least caffeine, extract of 08-15-2013

Michael Mills, Redwood City, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100324941PERSISTENT SALES AGENT FOR COMPLEX TRANSACTIONS - The present invention includes systems and methods employing branded virtual characters across multiple network platforms throughout various stages of complex transactions (eg, selling insurance). These characters initially engage prospective customers on a network platform, such as a social network, and persist over time across other network platforms (eg, university and company websites) to educate consumers until they are ready to purchase—from their “trusted advisor”—particular products and services offered by various providers. Even after completing transactions, these characters continue to provide various services, such as notifying a customer whose circumstances have changed of a relevant product or service, while remaining available to answer questions and provide information upon demand. By employing a semi-automated model, the system of the present invention can answer many questions via predetermined vignettes and automated answers generated by expert systems, while still utilizing live human experts (often transparently) when necessary.12-23-2010
20120265645PERSISTENT SALES AGENT FOR COMPLEX ONLINE TRANSACTIONS - The present invention includes systems and methods employing branded virtual characters across multiple network platforms throughout various stages of complex transactions (eg, selling insurance). These characters initially engage prospective customers on a network platform, such as a social network, and persist over time across other network platforms (eg, university and company websites) to educate consumers until they are ready to purchase—from their “trusted advisor”—particular products and services offered by various providers. Even after completing transactions, these characters continue to provide various services, such as notifying a customer whose circumstances have changed of a relevant product or service, while remaining available to answer questions and provide information upon demand. By employing a semi-automated model, the system of the present invention can answer many questions via predetermined vignettes and automated answers generated by expert systems, while still utilizing live human experts (often transparently) when necessary.10-18-2012
20120330791CONFIGURABLE INTERACTIVE ASSISTANT - The present invention employs branded virtual characters across multiple network platforms throughout various stages of complex transactions (eg, selling insurance). These characters initially engage prospective customers on a network platform, such as a social network, and persist over time across other network platforms (eg, university and company websites) to educate consumers until they are ready to purchase—e.g., from their “trusted advisor”—particular products and services offered by various providers. An extensible configuration tool (“Config Tool”) is provided to simplify the continued development of such a system, as well as customization of individual Product Modules (e.g., a Life Insurance Module) by product and service providers (e.g., insurance companies and employers) and other third-party developers (before and during runtime). This Config Tool provides a variety of extension points permitting virtual characters to be added and their appearance and behavior modified, along with the details of the products and services being offered.12-27-2012
20130145389FRAMEWORK FOR PROVIDING DIGITAL HOME SERVICES - The systems and methods of the present invention provide for a number of improvements to the TV consumption process, including personalization, community viewing, shared presence and context, messaging, access to ratings and recommendations (including community reviews), alerts, etc. One method that the present invention provides allows for the indication of a given user's context to be provided to other users, such as users in the given user's social network. The method comprises generating an indication of a change in context for a given user, the context comprising information regarding an action of the given user. The indication of the change in context for the given user is propagated to one or more users in the social network for the given user. The indication of the change in context of the given user is presented to users in the given user's social network in conjunction with TV content.06-06-2013
20140129262PRESISTENT SALES AGENT FOR COMPLEX TRANSACTIONS - The present invention includes systems and methods employing branded virtual characters across multiple network platforms throughout various stages of complex transactions (eg, selling insurance). These characters initially engage prospective customers on a network platform, such as a social network, and persist over time across other network platforms (eg, university and company websites) to educate consumers until they are ready to purchase—from their “trusted advisor”—particular products and services offered by various providers. Even after completing transactions, these characters continue to provide various services, such as notifying a customer whose circumstances have changed of a relevant product or service, while remaining available to answer questions and provide information upon demand. By employing a semi-automated model, the system of the present invention can answer many questions via predetermined vignettes and automated answers generated by expert systems, while still utilizing live human experts (often transparently) when necessary.05-08-2014
20140310127CONFIGURABLE INTERACTIVE ASSISTANT - The present invention employs branded virtual characters across multiple network platforms throughout various stages of complex transactions (eg, selling insurance). These characters initially engage prospective customers on a network platform, such as a social network, and persist over time across other network platforms (eg, university and company websites) to educate consumers until they are ready to purchase—e.g., from their “trusted advisor”—particular products and services offered by various providers. An extensible configuration tool (“Config Tool”) is provided to simplify the continued development of such a system, as well as customization of individual Product Modules (e.g., a Life Insurance Module) by product and service providers (e.g., insurance companies and employers) and other third-party developers (before and during runtime). This Config Tool provides a variety of extension points permitting virtual characters to be added and their appearance and behavior modified, along with the details of the products and services being offered.10-16-2014

Patent applications by Michael Mills, Redwood City, CA US

Michael I. Mills, Redwood City, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100332581CREATING A COMPOSITE PROGRAM MODULE IN A COMPUTING ECOSYSTEM - Methods are provided for creating a composite program module within a computing ecosystem. The ecosystem comprises physical and/or virtual computing resources of a company, department or other organization. When a user discovers a grouping of modules that is useful to him, the ecosystem or his workspace allows him to create a composite module that comprises the group of modules. He can then access their combined functionality by activating just the composite module, in which case all the modules are automatically opened, without having to activate each one individually. Further, the ecosystem may suggest complementary program modules to a user based on his pattern of activity with one or more other modules. A composite program module may be created to include a suggested complementary module, or just modules discovered independently by the user.12-30-2010
20110096144METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INTERACTIVE POINT-OF-VIEW AUTHORING OF DIGITAL VIDEO CONTENT - The present invention provides electronic methods and apparatus for interactively authoring, sharing and analyzing digital video content. Methods for authoring include displaying visual data, defining each traversal as a time-based sequence of frames and annotating and storing a record of the traversal and its associated audio records. Defining the traversal Includes interactively panning the visual data by positioning an overlay window relative to the visual data and zooming in or out by resizing the overlay window. In alternative embodiments, the visual data may be displayed in a rectangular layout or a cylindrical layout. The methods are practiced using an integrated graphical interface, including an overview region displaying the visual data, a detail region displaying current data within the overlay window, and a worksheet region displaying a list of previously stored annotated traversal records. In a further aspect, the worksheet region list of annotated traversal records is published in a web document accessible via network using a standard HTML browser, and further annotations may be added by a community of network users. Analytical methods are also provided in which data markers corresponding to traversal records are plotted against an interactive abstract map enabling users to shift between levels of abstraction in exploring the video record.04-28-2011
20130073981METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR INTERACTIVE NETWORK SHARING OF DIGITAL VIDEO CONTENT - A method of sharing user perspectives on visual data includes publishing an interactive abstract map in which one or more data markers are plotted, wherein each of the one or more data markers represents a traversal record comprising a set of cropped space selections and time selections from said visual data, receiving a first signal indicating an interactive selection of one of the one or more data markers, and playing back a traversal record corresponding to the one of the one or more data markers, responsive to the receiving.03-21-2013
20140253431PROVIDING A GESTURE-BASED INTERFACE - Systems and methods for providing a gesture-based interface are provided. In some aspects, depth data indicative of a person interacting with one or more display devices is received. The one or more display devices display a plurality of columns. Each of the plurality of columns includes a plurality of icons. A column corresponding to a position of the person with respect to the one or more display devices is determined using the depth data. The column is from among the plurality of columns displayed at the one or more display devices. A signal for expanding a predetermined icon in the column corresponding to the position of the person with respect to the one or more display devices is provided.09-11-2014

Patent applications by Michael I. Mills, Redwood City, CA US

Michael Irwin Mills, Redwood City, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090164263SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING TRUSTED RECOMMENDATIONS - A system and method for matching candidates and placement providers through trusted recommenders without the need for the recommenders' direct engagement. The method includes receiving input from a provider regarding a recommender of candidates and from a candidate regarding a recommendation for that candidate by the recommender. A first trust score for the recommender is calculated, in accordance with a number of providers having a trust relationship with the recommender. A second trust score is calculated for the candidate with respect to a given provider, in accordance with the first trust score for the recommender, a trust relationship between the provider and the recommender, and a trust relationship between the candidate and the recommender. An ordered list of candidates is generated for the provider, in accordance with the second trust score.06-25-2009

Peter Burton Mills, Los Altos, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20150242825GENERATION, STORAGE, AND VALIDATION OF ENCRYPTED ELECTRONIC CURRENCY - A system and method for generating and validating encrypted electronic currency is disclosed. A server system stores one or more encrypted electronic currency records in a database. The server system then receives one or more encrypted electronic currency units from a merchant system. For each respective encrypted electronic currency unit of the one or more encrypted electronic currency units, the server system accesses a respective encrypted electronic currency record associated with the respective encrypted electronic currency unit. The server system determines whether the respective encrypted electronic currency unit is valid. In accordance with a determination that the respective encrypted electronic currency unit is valid, the server system updates the respective encrypted electronic currency record to indicate that the encrypted electronic currency unit now invalid. In accordance with a determination that each encrypted electronic currency unit is valid, the server system transmits a currency validation notification to the merchant system.08-27-2015

Peter C. Mills, San Jose, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090240860Lock Mechanism to Enable Atomic Updates to Shared Memory - A system and method for locking and unlocking access to a shared memory for atomic operations provides immediate feedback indicating whether or not the lock was successful. Read data is returned to the requestor with the lock status. The lock status may be changed concurrently when locking during a read or unlocking during a write. Therefore, it is not necessary to check the lock status as a separate transaction prior to or during a read-modify-write operation. Additionally, a lock or unlock may be explicitly specified for each atomic memory operation. Therefore, lock operations are not performed for operations that do not modify the contents of a memory location.09-24-2009
20090240931Indirect Function Call Instructions in a Synchronous Parallel Thread Processor - An indirect branch instruction takes an address register as an argument in order to provide indirect function call capability for single-instruction multiple-thread (SIMT) processor architectures. The indirect branch instruction is used to implement indirect function calls, virtual function calls, and switch statements to improve processing performance compared with using sequential chains of tests and branches.09-24-2009
20110252204SHARED SINGLE ACCESS MEMORY WITH MANAGEMENT OF MULTIPLE PARALLEL REQUESTS - A memory is used by concurrent threads in a multithreaded processor. Any addressable storage location is accessible by any of the concurrent threads, but only one location at a time is accessible. The memory is coupled to parallel processing engines that generate a group of parallel memory access requests, each specifying a target address that might be the same or different for different requests. Serialization logic selects one of the target addresses and determines which of the requests specify the selected target address. All such requests are allowed to proceed in parallel, while other requests are deferred. Deferred requests may be regenerated and processed through the serialization logic so that a group of requests can be satisfied by accessing each different target address in the group exactly once.10-13-2011
20120036329LOCK MECHANISM TO ENABLE ATOMIC UPDATES TO SHARED MEMORY - A system and method for locking and unlocking access to a shared memory for atomic operations provides immediate feedback indicating whether or not the lock was successful. Read data is returned to the requestor with the lock status. The lock status may be changed concurrently when locking during a read or unlocking during a write. Therefore, it is not necessary to check the lock status as a separate transaction prior to or during a read-modify-write operation. Additionally, a lock or unlock may be explicitly specified for each atomic memory operation. Therefore, lock operations are not performed for operations that do not modify the contents of a memory location.02-09-2012
20120221808SHARED SINGLE-ACCESS MEMORY WITH MANAGEMENT OF MULTIPLE PARALLEL REQUESTS - A memory is used by concurrent threads in a multithreaded processor. Any addressable storage location is accessible by any of the concurrent threads, but only one location at a time is accessible. The memory is coupled to parallel processing engines that generate a group of parallel memory access requests, each specifying a target address that might be the same or different for different requests. Serialization logic selects one of the target addresses and determines which of the requests specify the selected target address. All such requests are allowed to proceed in parallel, while other requests are deferred. Deferred requests may be regenerated and processed through the serialization logic so that a group of requests can be satisfied by accessing each different target address in the group exactly once.08-30-2012
20120239909SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VOTING AMONG PARALLEL THREADS - One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for efficiently performing voting operations within a multi-threaded parallel-processing system. A group of related parallel program threads executes within a processor core together in parallel. A new instruction, called a “vote” instruction, is introduced that enables a parallel program thread to post an individual vote within the context of the group of related threads and to receive the result of the vote. In this fashion, the vote instruction advantageously reduces overhead associated with inter-thread communication, thereby improving overall system performance.09-20-2012
20130138926INDIRECT FUNCTION CALL INSTRUCTIONS IN A SYNCHRONOUS PARALLEL THREAD PROCESSOR - An indirect branch instruction takes an address register as an argument in order to provide indirect function call capability for single-instruction multiple-thread (SIMT) processor architectures. The indirect branch instruction is used to implement indirect function calls, virtual function calls, and switch statements to improve processing performance compared with using sequential chains of tests and branches.05-30-2013
20140095759REPLICATED STATELESS COPY ENGINE - Techniques are disclosed for performing an auxiliary operation via a compute engine associated with a host computing device. The method includes determining that the auxiliary operation is directed to the compute engine, and determining that the auxiliary operation is associated with a first context comprising a first set of state parameters. The method further includes determining a first subset of state parameters related to the auxiliary operation based on the first set of state parameters. The method further includes transmitting the first subset of state parameters to the compute engine, and transmitting the auxiliary operation to the compute engine. One advantage of the disclosed technique is that surface area and power consumption are reduced within the processor by utilizing copy engines that have no context switching capability.04-03-2014
20140164847Internal Logic Analyzer with Programmable Window Capture - One embodiment includes receiving a data signal transmitted to the processing unit, analyzing the data signal and generating feedback information related to the data signal, and capturing the data signal via a write enable during a plurality of clock cycles specified by a programmable controller included within the processing unit. One advantage of the disclosed technique is that the programmable controller can be used to set the capture window for one or more hardwired triggers included within the processing unit. Further, the programmable controller is able to set up additional triggers that separate and apart from the hardwired triggers included within the processing unit and set the capture window for those triggers. Thus, the disclosed technique provides a highly flexible and adaptive approach for capturing and storing on-chip data and feedback information that can be analyzed later when performing diagnostic and debugging operations.06-12-2014
20140185633FLEXIBLE THRESHOLD COUNTER FOR CLOCK-AND-DATA RECOVERY - One embodiment provides a data-receiving device component comprising a phase shifter, timer logic, and control logic. The phase shifter is configured to release a train of clock pulses with a controlled phase shift. The timer logic is configured to receive data from a data-sending device, and for each transition of the data received, to determine whether a clock pulse from the train is early or late with respect to the transition, and to tally the late clock pulses relative to the early clock pulses. The control logic, operatively coupled to the phase shifter and to the timer logic, is configured to incrementally advance the phase shift when the late clock pulses outnumber the early clock pulses by a non-integer power of two.07-03-2014
20140233612TECHNIQUE FOR OPTIMIZING THE PHASE OF A DATA SIGNAL TRANSMITTED ACROSS A COMMUNICATION LINK - A first transceiver is configured to transmit a first data signal to a second transceiver across a communication link. The second transceiver maintains clock data recovery (CDR) lock with the first signal by adjusting a sampling clock configured to sample the first data signal. When the communication link reverses directions, the second transceiver is configured to transmit a second data signal to the first transceiver with the phase of that second data signal adjusted based on the adjustments made to the sampling clock.08-21-2014

Patent applications by Peter C. Mills, San Jose, CA US

Porter Elean Mills, San Francisco, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080237085Popcorn containers with individual-use, moist towelette packages semi-permanently affixed to their surfaces, though easily removed for use, for providing users with a means of personal hygiene inherent within each container - Popcorn containers constructed from paper in bag, box, and bucket or tub form are enhanced with small, individual-use moist towelette packages affixed to those containers, providing users with a means of personal hygiene. The moist towelette packages are supplied as inherent aspects of the popcorn containers as single units, given that the towelette packages are secured to the popcorn containers with an adhesive rubber cement during the manufacturing process of those containers. Once a user has finished consuming the popcorn and, or, has soiled his hands and wishes to clean them, he peels the moist towelette package away from the popcorn container, tears opened the moist towelette package, and uses it to clean his hands of any popcorn residue.10-02-2008
20080251522Receptacle, reservoir, and drainage system for vehicles that allows for the collection and disposal of unwanted beverage liquids whereby they are discarded within a vehicle, but escape through the exterior - A reservoir for discarded beverage liquids is affixed onto a vehicle, and accessed via a receptacle inside a vehicle. A vehicle's occupant discards beverage liquids into the receptacle which collects the liquid in a reservoir, and then a drainage tube allows those liquids to run out the undercarriage of the vehicle. Without stopping the vehicle, or opening the door or window, an occupant may conveniently and safely pour out and dispose of unwanted beverage liquids within the interior of a vehicle.10-16-2008

Randall S. Mills, San Diego, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090099701Remote Access to Irrigation Control Systems - The present embodiments provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for use in remotely accessing irrigation control systems. Some embodiments provide irrigation control systems that comprise a local irrigation system comprising a plurality of satellite irrigation controllers coupled with water delivery devices, and a computer coupled with a distributed network and the local irrigation system. The computer comprises a processor coupled with memory storing a central irrigation control that when implemented through the processor communicates with the satellite irrigation controllers to control the satellite irrigation controllers to implement irrigation by activating one or more of the water delivery devices, and a network service that when implemented by the processor provides a communication interface between the central irrigation control and the distributed network allowing irrigation information to be communicated between the central irrigation control and at least one remote device accessing the distributed network.04-16-2009

Robert Mills, Torrance, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100230562FURNITURE FOOT WITH BALL JOINT AND FELT PAD - A furniture foot comprises (a) a furniture foot connector; (b) a foot base having a molded portion; (c) a ball joint connecting the furniture foot connector to the foot base; and (d) a felt pad co-molded with the molded portion of the foot base, such that the felt pad protrudes away from the foot base.09-16-2010
20110062754STACKABLE CHAIR WITH RACK ATTACHMENT MEMBERS - A stackable chair has a seating surface, at least three legs and a rack attachment member attached to each of the legs. Each rack attachment member has a leg attachment portion attached to one of the legs and a rack attachment portion capable of reversibly securing a portion of a rack to one of the legs below the seating surface. Typically, the invention further includes a rack, such as a thick rack, disposed below the seating surface and generally parallel thereto. The rack having a plurality of radiating prongs, each of the prongs being attached to a rack attachment portion of one of the rack attachment members.03-17-2011
20120086258FURNITURE FOOT WITH BALL JOINT AND FELT PAD - A furniture foot comprises (a) a furniture foot connector; (b) a foot base having a molded portion; (c) a ball joint connecting the furniture foot connector to the foot base; and (d) a felt pad co-molded with the molded portion of the foot base, such that the felt pad protrudes away from the foot base.04-12-2012

Patent applications by Robert Mills, Torrance, CA US

Robert E. Mills, Goleta, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110147878High Quantum Efficiency Optical Detectors - An optical detector includes a detector surface operable to receive light, a depleted field region coupled to the underside of the detector surface, a charge collection node underlying the depleted field region, an active pixel area that includes the portion of the depleted field region above the charge collection node and below the detector surface, and two or more guard regions coupled to the underside of the detector surface and outside of the active pixel area. The depleted field region includes an intrinsic or a near-intrinsic material. The charge collection node has a first width, and the guard regions are separated by a second width that is greater than the first width of the charge collection node. The guard regions are operable to prevent crosstalk to an adjacent optical detector.06-23-2011

Ron Mills, Walnut, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20150122354AUTOMATICALLY RESETTABLE PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE WITH MANUALLY RESETTABLE INDICATOR SYSTEM - A pressure relief valve for a pressurized fluid system in which a compression spring is used to seal a compression shaft in communication with a front bushing having a O-ring seal is provided. The relief valve automatically relieves overpressure conditions and automatically resets to a closed, leak proof after an overpressure event subsides. The compression shaft is also in communication with an indicator pin, which is pushed out of the body of the relief valve during an overpressure event, and remains pushed out until manually reset, thus indicating that an overpressure event has occurred, even after the overpressure event has subsided.05-07-2015

Sarah J. Mills, Woodland, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120231951SANDPAPER MUTANTS OF BACILLUS AND METHODS OF THEIR USE TO ENHANCE PLANT GROWTH, PROMOTE PLANT HEALTH AND CONTROL DISEASES AND PESTS - The present invention relates to novel strains of 09-13-2012

Stuart A. Mills, West Hills, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120143808APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR OBJECT DETECTION AND IDENTIFICATION - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for identifying a target object. An object detection module detects objects by matching data from one or more sensors to known data of a target object and determining one or more correlation metrics for each object. An object tracking module tracks geographic locations for detected objects over time using subsequent data from the one or more sensors. A contextual data module determines one or more contextual indicators for detected objects based on the data from the one or more sensors. An artificial intelligence module estimates probabilities that detected objects comprise the target object based on the correlation metrics, the geographic locations, the contextual indicators, and one or more target contextual indicators associated with the target object. The artificial intelligence module estimates the probabilities using an artificial intelligence model, such as a Bayesian network.06-07-2012

Todd Mills, Union City, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20150033063STORAGE FAILURE PROCESSING IN A SHARED STORAGE ARCHITECTURE - The disclosed embodiments relate to systems and methods for coordinating management of a shared disk storage between nodes. Particularly, a messaging protocol may be used to communicate notifications regarding each node's perception of the shared storage's state. The nodes may use the messaging protocol to achieve consensus when recovering from a storage device failure. Some embodiments provide for recovery when localized failures, such as failures at an adapter on a node, occur.01-29-2015
20150212760SHARED STORAGE ARCHITECTURE - A shared storage architecture is described for coordinating management of a shared storage between nodes of a network storage system. In various embodiments, the shared storage is partitioned into and different partitions are assigned to different nodes of the network storage system. The shared storage architecture provides techniques for asserting reservations on the shared storage, managing state of the shared storage, and implementing various configurations of the network storage system using the shared storage.07-30-2015

William J. Mills, Castro Valley, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20150052586ENHANCING NETWORK SECURITY - Briefly, embodiments of methods or systems for providing enhancements to network security are disclosed.02-19-2015
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