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Bell, CA

Alan Bell, Mountain View, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090156917Controlling Transfer of Objects Affecting Optical Characteristics - An implantable product such as an article, device, or system can include analyte and non-analyte containers in parts that can be operated as optical cavities. The product can also include fluidic components such as filter assemblies that control transfer of objects that affect or shift spectrum features or characteristics such as by shifting transmission mode peaks or reflection mode valleys, shifting phase, reducing maxima or contrast, or increasing intermediate intensity width such as full width half maximum (FWHM). Analyte, e.g. glucose molecules, can be predominantly included in a set of objects that transfer more rapidly into the analyte container than other objects, and can have a negligible or zero rate of transfer into the non-analyte container; objects that transfer more rapidly into the non-analyte container can include objects smaller than the analyte or molecules of a set of selected types, including, e.g., sodium chloride. Output light from the containers accordingly includes information about analyte.06-18-2009
20130085352Controlling Transfer of Objects Affecting Optical Characteristics - An implantable product such as an article, device, or system can include analyte and non-analyte containers in parts that can be operated as optical cavities. The product can also include fluidic components such as filter assemblies that control transfer of objects that affect or shift spectrum features or characteristics such as by shifting transmission mode peaks or reflection mode valleys, shifting phase, reducing maxima or contrast, or increasing intermediate intensity width such as full width half maximum (FWHM). Analyte, e.g. glucose molecules, can be predominantly included in a set of objects that transfer more rapidly into the analyte container than other objects, and can have a negligible or zero rate of transfer into the non-analyte container; objects that transfer more rapidly into the non-analyte container can include objects smaller than the analyte or molecules of a set of selected types, including, e.g., sodium chloride. Output light from the containers accordingly includes information about analyte.04-04-2013
20150054879INKJET PRINT HEAD HEALTH DETECTION - A method and apparatus for self-sensing the detection of print head conditions on high resolution/multiple nozzle piezoelectric ink jet print heads resulting in increased ink jet efficiency and reduced ejection failure with no use of ink. This is done by creating a pressure wave in an ink-fillable ink jet head ejection chamber where the intensity of the induced pressure wave is below a threshold value necessary to produce ejection of a normal sized ink drop through the nozzle. An electrical signal based on the pressure wave is generated and analyzed to determine ink jet head ink drop ejection performance.02-26-2015

Patent applications by Alan Bell, Mountain View, CA US

Alan E. Bell, San Marino, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090010127OPTICAL DISC WITH A THEFT DETERRENT COATING - An optical disc used for storing content includes a theft control area selected to render the disc unreadable. The disc must be exposed to radiation of a specific wavelength before it can be read by a regular device. The theft control area may include an area that contains data that instructs the device not to read the disc. This area includes a coating that changes its optical characteristics when exposed to the radiation. The material could be radiochromic or thermochromic. Alternatively, the theft control area includes an RFID device that includes an element that is radiation sensitive. In this embodiment, when the disc is irradiated, the element changes its electrical characteristics.01-08-2009

Alan G. Bell, Los Altos, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120092190Computer-Implemented System And Method For Managing Motor Vehicle Parking Reservatons - A computer-implemented system and method for managing motor vehicle parking reservations is provided. Motor vehicle parking spaces are managed through a server. Smart parking devices physically proximate to the parking spaces are interfaced with the server. Vehicle occupancy sensors physically proximate to the parking spaces are interfaced with the server. Parking availability indicators associated with the parking spaces are interfaced with the server. A motorist reserves a parking space. A reservation request for the parking space is accepted. The request is granted if available over any other reservations. Occupancy of the requested parking space is sensed through the nearest vehicle occupancy sensor. The motorist's or the motor vehicle's identity are verified against the reservation through the nearest smart parking device. Parking availability is indicated through the nearest parking availability indicator based upon the current time, any motor vehicle occupancy, applicable parking regulations, or any unfulfilled reservations for the parking space.04-19-2012
20120092191Computer-Implemented System And Method For Hands-Free Tagging And Reserving Of Parking Spaces - A computer-implemented system and method for tagging a parking space for a motor vehicle through a gesture is provided. Motor vehicle parking spaces are managed through a server. Smart parking devices physically proximate to the parking spaces are interfaced. Vehicle occupancy sensors also physically proximate the parking spaces are interfaced. Parking availability indicators associated with the parking spaces are interfaced. Those parking spaces that are unoccupied based on their respective vehicle occupancy sensors and currently available over any other reservations stored in the server are identified to a driver of a motor vehicle. One of the unoccupied parking spaces is reserved upon a gesture provided by the driver. Occupancy of the reserved unoccupied parking space is sensed through the nearest vehicle occupancy sensor following parking of the motor vehicle. The identity of the motorist is verified against the reservation through the nearest smart parking device.04-19-2012
20120095790Computer-Implemented System And Method For Managing On-Street Valet Parking - A computer-implemented system and method for providing basic valet parking through centrally-managed parking services is provided. Motor vehicle parking spaces are managed through a server. Smart parking devices physically proximate to the parking spaces are interfaced to the server. Vehicle occupancy sensors also physically proximate to the parking spaces are interfaced to the server. Parking availability indicators associated with the parking spaces are interfaced to the server. Use the parking spaces is reserved for a valet service. A reservation request for the parking spaces is accepted through the server for use by the valet service for a period of time. Occupancy of the reserved parking spaces by a motor vehicle through the nearest vehicle occupancy sensor is sensed during the time period. Availability of each parking space is indicated through the nearest parking availability indicator throughout the time period based upon the current time and use by the valet service.04-19-2012
20120095791Computer-Implemented System And Method For Offering Merchant And Shopper-Friendly Parking Reservations - A computer-implemented system and method for offering merchant and shopper-friendly parking reservations through validated parking is provided. Motor vehicle parking spaces are managed through a server. Smart parking devices and vehicle occupancy sensors are interfaced to the server. Use of the parking space is managed. Occupancy of one of the parking spaces by a motor vehicle is sensed through the nearest vehicle occupancy sensor and the location of the parking space is provided to the server. An identity of the driver of the motor vehicle is determined through the nearest smart parking device and the identity of the driver is provided to the server. Use of the parking space is validated. The parking space's location and the driver's identity are retrieved at the location of a merchant. Payment for at least part of the use of the parking space from the merchant is provided through the server.04-19-2012
20120095792Computer-Implemented System And Method For Offering Commercial Parking Reservations - A computer-implemented system and method for offering commercial parking reservations through flexible loading zones is provided. Motor vehicle parking spaces located in a business district are managed through a server. Smart parking devices, vehicle occupancy sensors, and parking availability indicators are interfaced to the server. Use of the parking spaces as a loading zone is reserved. A reservation request from a business is accepted. The business is confirmed as eligible. The request is granted, provided the requested parking space is available over any other reservations. Use of the loading zone is managed. The parking availability indicator is activated contemporaneous to the reservation period. Occupancy of the requested parking space is sensed through the nearest vehicle occupancy sensor. An identity of a driver is verified through the nearest smart parking device. The use of the reserved parking space is permitted upon matching the driver's identity to the business.04-19-2012
20120095812Computer-Implemented System And Method For Offering Residential Parking Reservations - A computer-implemented system and method for providing recurring residential parking reservations is provided. Motor vehicle parking spaces located in a residential area are managed through a server. Smart parking devices, vehicle occupancy sensors, and parking availability indicators are interfaced to the server. Use of the parking spaces by a resident is reserved on a recurring basis throughout a subscription period. A parking reservation, including recurring times and dates, is requested. The request is granted provided the parking space is available over any other reservations stored in the server. Use of the reserved parking space is managed throughout the subscription period. Occupancy of the requested parking space is sensed through the nearest vehicle occupancy sensor. A motorist's identity is verified through the nearest smart parking device. The use of the reserved parking space is denied if not by the resident and parking non-availability is indicated during each recurring time and date.04-19-2012
20120127308Computer-Implemented System And Method For Providing Gun Shot Detection Through A Centralized Parking Services Server - A computer-implemented system and method for providing gun shot detection through a centralized parking services server is provided. Smart parking devices are physically proximate parking spaces. Acoustic sensors are deployed with at least one acoustic sensor in a smart parking device. Vehicle occupancy sensors and parking availability indicators are associated with the parking spaces. Parking space occupancy is sensed through the nearest vehicle occupancy sensor. Use of the parking space is processed based on an identity of a driver. Potential gunshots are detected by aurally monitoring ambient sounds in the service region through the acoustic sensors. The potential gunshots are identified by evaluating the ambient sounds for sound characteristics of gunfire and triangulating the ambient sounds relative to the locations of the acoustic sensor comprised in one of the smart parking devices and at least one other of the acoustic sensors. Finally, an alert is generated for the potential gunshot.05-24-2012
20140085109Computer-Implemented System And Method For Managing Interchangeable Parking Spaces - A computer-implemented system and method for managing interchangeable parking spaces is provided. A parking pool that includes a plurality of parking spaces, which are each interchangeably reservable by motorists, is formed. The parking spaces in the parking pool that are currently-occupied by other vehicles and any reservations by motorists to park their vehicles in the parking pool are identified. The number of the parking spaces in the parking pool free of the currently-occupied parking spaces and the parking spaces in the parking pool that will be used to fulfill the reservations, plus the time available for parking in the parking pool, are displayed.03-27-2014
20140089021Computer-Implemented System And Method For Providing Multi-Locational Curbside Valet Parking Services - A computer-implemented system and method for providing multi-locational curbside valet parking service is provided. A multiplicity of motor vehicle parking spaces are managed by a server. A plurality of smart parking devices and vehicle occupancy sensors are interfaced with the server. Use of a plurality of the parking spaces is reserved for a valet service. A reservation request for the use of the plurality of the parking spaces is accepted for use by the valet service for a period of time. Occupancy of the reserved parking spaces by a motor vehicle is sensed through the vehicle occupancy sensor. A valet drop-off location of at least one of the parking spaces that is reserved for the use of the valet service and is not occupied by a motor vehicle is identified. The valet drop-off location and a location of a lock box are provided to the motorist through a user interface.03-27-2014
20140195279Computer-Implemented System And Method For Providing Guest Parking Reservations - A computer-implemented system and method for providing guest parking reservations are provided. Motor vehicle parking spaces located in a residential area are managed through a server. Smart parking devices and vehicle occupancy sensors that are each physically proximate to least one of the parking spaces are interfaced to the server. Use of one of the parking spaces for a guest of a resident of the area is reserved. A request for a reservation is accepted and that the resident is eligible to reserve the space is confirmed. The request is granted provided the parking space is available over any other reservations in the server. Use of the parking space is managed. Occupancy of the parking space by a vehicle is sensed through the nearest sensor. An identity of a motorist is verified through the nearest parking device. The use of the parking space is denied if not by the guest.07-10-2014
20140195280Computer-Implemented System And Method For Facilitating Rental Of Private Parking Space By An Urban Resident - A computer-implemented system and method for facilitating rental of a private parking space by an urban resident are provided. Motor vehicle parking spaces located in a residential area are managed through a server. Smart parking devices that are each physically proximate to least one of the parking spaces are interfaced to the server. Vehicle occupancy sensors that are also each physically proximate to least one of the parking spaces are interfaced to the server. Parking availability indicators that are each associated with at least one of the parking spaces are interfaced to the server. The parking spaces are supplemented with a private parking space under legitimate control by a resident of the residential area. Use of the private parking space is managed through the server and the smart parking device nearest to the private parking space. Parking availability the parking spaces is indicated through the nearest parking availability indicator.07-10-2014
20140195281Computer-Implemented System And Method For Providing Information Through A Display Of Parking Devices - A computer-implemented system and method for providing information through a display of parking devices is provided. A multiplicity of motor vehicle parking spaces is managed through a server. Smart parking devices, vehicle occupancy sensors, and parking availability indicators are associated with at least one of the parking spaces. Use of the parking spaces is managed through the server. The parking availability indicators associated with the parking spaces are activated. Occupancy of at least one of the parking spaces by a motor vehicle is sensed through the nearest vehicle occupancy sensor and the location of the parking space is provided to the server. An identity of the driver of the motor vehicle is determined through the nearest smart parking device and the identity of the driver is provided to the server. Information associated with the identity of the driver is displayed on the smart parking device.07-10-2014
20140195282Computer-Implemented System And Method For Offering Customer Priority Parking Reservations - A system and method for offering customer priority parking reservations. Motor vehicle parking spaces are provided through a server. The server respectively interfaces with smart parking devices, vehicle occupancy sensors, and parking availability indicators that are each associated with the parking spaces. The parking spaces are reserved by accepting a request for a customer priority parking reservation from a merchant for a reservation period. Use of the parking space is managed through the server by activating the parking availability indicators associated with the reserved parking spaces, sensing occupancy of the parking spaces by a motor vehicle through the vehicle occupancy sensor, and retrieving and providing an identity of the driver of the motor vehicle through the nearest smart parking device to the server. The use of the parking space is validated from the merchant through the server.07-10-2014
20140195283Computer-Implemented System And Method For Offering Merchant And Shopper-Friendly Parking Reservations Through Tourist Privileges - A computer-implemented system and method for offering merchant and shopper-friendly parking reservations through tourist privileges is provided. Motor vehicle parking spaces located in a tourist area of an urban environment are managed through a server. Smart parking devices and vehicle occupancy sensors are each proximate to at least one of the parking spaces. Tourist parking identification cards are issued to an agency authorized to provide tourist parking privileges, which are then provided to the visitors. The parking identification cards are activated by pairing each identification card with a digital ticket issued to the agency. The parking spaces are managed by sensing occupancy of one of the parking spaces by a motor vehicle through the nearest vehicle occupancy sensor and by determining an identity of the driver of the motor vehicle through the nearest smart parking device.07-10-2014
20140267488METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING RESPONSE TO ACTUATION OF ELECTRO-MECHANICAL TRANSDUCER IN PRINT HEAD ASSEMBLY FOR INKJET PRINTING SYSTEM - A measurement device for measuring a response to actuation of an electro-mechanical transducer in a print head assembly for an inkjet printing system includes a sensing circuit and a measurement circuit. The sensing circuit provides a path to system ground for the transducer. The transducer is associated with an ink chamber in the print head assembly. The transducer is configured to transfer energy to contents of the chamber in response to an actuation of the transducer in conjunction with electronics controller and waveform amplifier modules of the printing system. The measurement circuit monitors a ground signal at a transducer-side of the sensing circuit and a reference signal at a system ground-side of the sensing circuit. The measurement circuit generates a difference signal indicative of a difference between the ground and reference signals. Various embodiments of methods for measuring the response and additional embodiments of devices are provided.09-18-2014

Alan G. Bell, Mountain View, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080304541Ranking Fragment Types with Calorimetry - Test and reference groups of samples can be provided and concurrently combined and output signals can be provided. Each sample can have a volume not exceeding approximately 100 microliters, and each group can be provided in a region, such as in a cell of an array calorimeter. Each test group can include at least one fragment sample and one target sample, and its reference group can include similar samples. The output signals can include information about heat of reaction due to combining the fragment and target samples. For each target type, the output signals can be used to rank fragment types. For example, a subset of fragment types that react with the target type can be identified; an equilibrium constant or ligand efficiency can be obtained for each such fragment type; or a rank ordering can be obtained of such fragment types.12-11-2008
20110263464ENHANCED DROP MIXING USING MAGNETIC ACTUATION - A method and device for merging and mixing at least two separate and distinct fluid drops on a substrate, includes a drop merging area on the surface, where a first magnetic material is placed at a first location. A first drop of fluid is then placed at the first location on the surface, resulting in the first magnetic material being at least partially positioned within the first drop of fluid. A second drop of fluid is then placed at a second location on the surface of the drop merging area. A magnetic field is applied by a varying magnetic field generator to at least a portion of the drop merge area of the substrate, which includes at least the first location on the substrate. The varying magnetic field will act on the first magnetic material to move the first magnetic material within the first drop of fluid, causing a stirring of the fluid. A drop merging force from a drop merging mechanism is applied to at least one of the first drop of fluid and the second drop of fluid within the drop merge area. This causes at least one of the first drop of fluid and the second drop of fluid to move toward the other and make contact. The internal stirring of the fluid in the first drop of fluid by the movement of the magnetic material enhances the mixing of the constituents of the first drop of fluid and the constituents of the second drop of fluid.10-27-2011

Alasdair Bell, Mountain View, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110182904ANTIBODIES TO BONE MORPHOGENIC PROTEINS AND RECEPTORS THEREFOR AND METHODS FOR THEIR USE - The present invention provides isolated monoclonal antibodies, particularly human monoclonal antibodies, which specifically bind to BMP2, BMP4, BMPR1A, BMPR1B, ACTR1, and/or BMPR2 with high affinity. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies of the invention, expression vectors, host cells and methods for expressing the antibodies of the invention are also provided. Also provided are immunoconjugates, bispecific molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies of the invention and, optionally, one or more additional therapeutic. The invention also provides methods for treating diseases associated with abnormal bone formation and ossification mediated by BMP2, BMP4, BMPR1A, BMPR1B, ACTR15 and/or BMPR2.07-28-2011

Alasdair Fraser Bell, Mountain View, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090142349CD19 Antibodies And Their uses - The present disclosure provides isolated monoclonal antibodies, particularly human monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to CD19 with high affinity. Nucleic acid molecules encoding such CD19 antibodies, expression vectors, host cells and methods for expressing the CD19 antibodies are also provided. Immunoconjugates, bispecific molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the CD19 antibodies are also provided. Methods for detecting CD19, as well as methods for treating various B cell malignancies, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, are disclosed.06-04-2009

Alasdir F. Bell, Milpitas, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100158902MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES AGAINST STROMAL DERIVED FACTOR-1 (SDF-1) - The present disclosure provides isolated monoclonal antibodies, particularly human monoclonal antibodies, that specifically bind to SDF-1 with high affinity. Nucleic acid molecules encoding SDF-1 antibodies, expression vectors, host cells and methods for expressing the SDF-1 antibodies are also provided. Immunoconjugates, bispecific molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the SDF-1 antibodies are also provided. Methods for detecting SDF-1, as well as methods for treating various B cell malignancies, including breast cancer, multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and autoimmune disorders are disclosed.06-24-2010

Alexis T. Bell, Oakland, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100105947PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ALKYL ALKOXYACETATES - A process for the production of lower alkyl alkoxyacetates, preferably methyl methoxyacetate, by reaction of a di-(lower alkoxy)methane, preferably dimethoxymethane, with the acid form of a medium-pore or large-pore zeolite catalyst, preferably the acid form of faujasite, ZSM-5, mordenite, or beta, in the gas phase at atmospheric or near-atmospheric pressures.04-29-2010

Patent applications by Alexis T. Bell, Oakland, CA US

Chester Gordon Bell, San Francisco, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100199205SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR PRESENTING SEARCH RESULTS IN A HISTOGRAM/CLUSTER FORMAT - A user interface system and process for graphically displaying the results of a standard search, such as a database search, to a user on a display device via an interactive search results window in which the user views and filters search results items. These results can be presented in either a cluster or histogram format, or both. This allows the user to visualize the results graphically, rather than just displaying a list of the items found. In addition the presentation of the search results can be graphically manipulated to easily filter the results as desired by the user.08-05-2010

Patent applications by Chester Gordon Bell, San Francisco, CA US

Chris Bell, Mill Valley, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100114634METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ASSESSING, MANAGING, AND MONITORING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RISK - A method for information technology and information asset risk assessment of a business relationship between a client and a third party. The method includes establishing a database. The database includes a plurality of IT information risk factors stored in the database are associated with certain risks the client may be exposed to based on an action the client follows or based upon who the client uses as their third party provider. The database is configured to receive IT risk information. The IT risk information is associate with the plurality of IT information risk factors. The database is also configured to receive updated risk information for storage thereon. The method includes receiving risk information corresponding to the subset of relationship risk factors. The method continues with generating a relationship risk score. The relationship risk score is determined in response to evaluating the subset of relationship risk factors using the IT risk05-06-2010
20150066577METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ASSESSING, MANAGING AND MONITORING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RISK - A method for information technology and information asset risk assessment of a business relationship between a client and a third party. The method includes establishing a database. The database includes a plurality of IT information risk factors stored in the database are associated with certain risks the client may be exposed to based on an action the client follows or based upon who the client uses as their third party provider. The database is configured to receive IT risk information. The IT risk information is associate with the plurality of IT information risk factors. The database is also configured to receive updated risk information for storage thereon. The method includes receiving risk information corresponding to the subset of relationship risk factors. The method continues with generating a relationship risk score. The relationship risk score is determined in response to evaluating the subset of relationship risk factors using the IT risk03-05-2015

Chris Bell, Pacifica, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100121741AUDIO SAMPLING AND ACQUISITION SYSTEM - Techniques for facilitating purchase of media items, such as digital media assets, are disclosed. A computing device, e.g., a portable media device, can save media indicia pertaining to one or media items of interest to a user. The media indicia can thereafter be use to purchase the one or more media items or other products associated therewith.05-13-2010
20100281369Graphical User Interface with Improved Media Presentation - Improved graphical user interfaces and techniques for providing remote media content to users are disclosed. According to one aspect, an application window display on a display device can expose a user not only to local media content but also to remote media content that is associated with the local media content. The local media content is stored locally, while the remote media content is stored remotely and available from a remote media server. According to another aspect, the remote media content to be displayed can be determined in a manner that is dependent on a user interaction with the local media content. According to still a further aspect, the manner by which the remote media content is displayed can be dependent on the availability of remote media content at the remote media server.11-04-2010
20110034121MEDIA DATA EXCHANGE, TRANSFER OR DELIVERY FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES - Methods and systems that facilitate data delivery to electronic devices are disclosed. One aspect pertains to data delivery to electronic devices that are portable, such as, mobile devices. In one embodiment, one mobile device discovers another mobile device within its vicinity. The mobile devices can then wirelessly transmit data from one mobile device to the other. The mobile devices, or their users, can control, request or influence the particular data content being delivered.02-10-2011
20120271894Method and System for Sharing Information About Media Items - A method for sharing information between users of a media management application is disclosed. In one embodiment, a server computer receives a media information share request, retrieves artist or album information according to the media information share request, constructs a media message form, and sends the completed media message form to the client computer. The server computer then receives a completed media message form from a client computer, constructs a media message containing artist or album information according to the media message form, extracts a list of e-mail addresses from the media message form, and sends a media message to at least one e-mail address in the list of e-mail addresses.10-25-2012
20140122593DYNAMICALLY UPDATING A SHARED RADIO STATION - Methods, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatuses for providing enhanced user interfaces and functionalities for internet radio applications are presented. In some embodiments, a computing device linked to a first user account may receive a request to share an internet radio station with a second user account, and the internet radio station may be defined based on one or more parameters associated with the first user account. Subsequently, based on modification of the one or more parameters, the internet radio station may be dynamically updated for the second user account. In some instances, the one or more parameters associated with the first user account may include information specifying one or more seed songs. In some additional instances, these parameters further may include one or more liked songs, one or more disliked songs, and one or more skipped songs.05-01-2014
20140221018Media Data Exchange Transfer or Delivery for Portable Electronic Devices - Methods and systems that facilitate data delivery to electronic devices are disclosed. One aspect pertains to data delivery to electronic devices that are portable, such as, mobile devices. In one embodiment, one mobile device discovers another mobile device within its vicinity. The mobile devices can then wirelessly transmit data from one mobile device to the other. The mobile devices, or their users, can control, request or influence the particular data content being delivered.08-07-2014

Patent applications by Chris Bell, Pacifica, CA US

David A. Bell, Berkeley, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110161159SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INFLUENCING MARKETING CAMPAIGNS - Systems and methods for influencing an Internet-based marketing campaign are provided. An introduction panel is sent to a plurality of N generation recipients. Each respective N generation recipient that uses the introduction panel to invite N+1 generation recipients is tracked. An invitation panel is sent to the N+1 generation recipients. Which respective N+1 generation recipients use the invitation panel to perform a defined campaign action is tracked. Each respective N generation recipient is credited with N+1 generation recipients that (i) were invited to the campaign by the N generation recipient and (ii) performs a campaign action. These steps are repeated for subsequent generations N. For each N generation recipient credited during these repeated steps, each ancestor recipient that invited (i) the respective N generation recipient or (ii) another ancestor of the respective N generation recipient to the campaign is also credited.06-30-2011

David B. Bell, Los Altos Hills, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100155915STACKED POWER CONVERTER STRUCTURE AND METHOD - A power converter can include an output circuit having a high-side device and a low-side device which can be formed on a single die (a “PowerDie”). The power converter can further include a controller integrated circuit (IC) formed on a different die which can be electrically coupled to, and co-packaged with, the PowerDie. The PowerDie can be attached to a die pad of a leadframe, and the controller IC die can be attached to an active surface of the first die such that the first die is interposed between the controller IC die and the die pad.06-24-2010
20110103103POWER SUPPLY WITH LOW POWER CONSUMPTION HICCUP STANDBY OPERATION - A power supply including a converter, a capacitance, and a hiccup control module. The converter converts an input voltage to both an output voltage and a preliminary standby voltage when in its active state. The capacitance stores the preliminary standby voltage which is charged to an upper voltage level when the converter is in its active state and which is discharged to a lower voltage level when the converter is in its inactive state. During the standby mode, the hiccup control module operates the converter in hiccup mode by toggling between placing the converter into its inactive state when the preliminary standby voltage is charged to the upper voltage level and placing the converter into its active state when the preliminary standby voltage is discharged to the lower voltage level. The hiccup mode of the power supply eliminates a need for a separate standby converter.05-05-2011
20110163434STACKED POWER CONVERTER STRUCTURE AND METHOD - A power converter can include an output circuit having a high-side device and a low-side device which can be formed on a single die (a “PowerDie”). The power converter can further include a controller integrated circuit (IC) formed on a different die which can be electrically coupled to, and co-packaged with, the PowerDie. The PowerDie can be attached to a die pad of a leadframe, and the controller IC die can be attached to an active surface of the first die such that the first die is interposed between the controller IC die and the die pad.07-07-2011
20110302344I2C ADDRESS TRANSLATION - Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, devices and methods for translating I2C addresses. In accordance with an embodiment, a method for translating an I2C address includes receiving an original I2C address from a first I2C compatible device via an I2C-bus to which the first I2C compatible device is connected. The method also includes translating the original I2C address to a translated I2C address, and outputting the translated I2C address to a second I2C compatible device via a secondary side of the I2C-bus to which the slave device is connected. The original I2C address can be translated to the translated I2C address by subtracting an offset value from (or adding an offset value to) the original I2C address to produce the translated I2C address. Such an offset value can be specified using pin strapping, or by storing the offset value in a register or non-volatile memory that is programmable via the-I2C bus. Alternatively, a look-up-table, that is programmable via the I2C-bus, can be used to perform the I2C address translation.12-08-2011

David B. Bell, Los Altos, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120031086SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SELECTIVELY DISENGAGING A CLUTCH TO PROTECT ENGINES FROM DAMAGE - Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to methods and devices for use with vehicles that include a clutch, a transmission, a slave cylinder, a master cylinder and an engine. In accordance with an embodiment, a device includes a primary piston configured to urge hydraulic fluid into a slave cylinder, when the primary piston is moved from a first position to a second position, to thereby disengage the clutch from the transmission. The primary piston is normally movable from the first position to the second position by hydraulic actuation of a master cylinder. A secondary piston is configured to selectively apply force to the primary piston, to move the primary piston from the first position to the second position, when the secondary piston is selectively actuated. The secondary piston can be selectively actuated by a secondary fluid, such as a compressed gas. Methods and devices are used to selectively disengage the clutch from the transmission when an operating condition that can be damaging to the engine is detected.02-09-2012

David G. Bell, Menlo Park, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090083287SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AN EXTENSIBLE BUSINESS APPLICATION FRAMEWORK - Method and systems for editing data from a query result include requesting a query result using a unique collection identifier for a collection of individual files and a unique identifier for a configuration file that specifies a data structure for the query result. A query result is generated that contains a plurality of fields as specified by the configuration file, by combining each of the individual files associated with a unique identifier for a collection of individual files. The query result data is displayed with a plurality of labels as specified in the configuration file. Edits can be performed by querying a collection of individual files using the configuration file, editing a portion of the query result, and transmitting only the edited information for storage back into a data repository.03-26-2009

Patent applications by David G. Bell, Menlo Park, CA US

David Heath Bell, Mento Park, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090172982Freestanding child on board indicator - A free-standing on-board safety device is disclosed. The free-standing on-board safety includes a base portion and a head portion coupled through a tapered body. The head portion is preferably substantially round and brightly colored. In use the free-standing on-board safety device is placed on front seat of the passenger vehicle in an up-right vertical position. In the up-right vertical position, the device is visible to a driver of the passenger vehicle and the head portion is visible to persons outside of the vehicle through one or more windows of the passenger vehicle. When placed in the up-right vertical position, the free-standing on-board safety device indicates the presence of a child, infant or pet in a back seat of the passenger vehicle.07-09-2009

David J. Bell, Folsom, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120072415BUSINESS PROCESS VISUALIZATION - A business process visualization is described. In one embodiment, process may include searching for documents stored in memory. The search identifies first documents, wherein the first documents comprise data of respective transactions of a first business process sequence implemented by an enterprise application. A user interface (UI) is then generated that includes components corresponding to the first documents, respectively, and components that visually identify relationships between the first documents.03-22-2012
20140095253BUSINESS PROCESS GLOBAL SEARCHING - Embodiments of the invention provide for performing a search across business objects of one or more business processes. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide for performing a search across business objects of one or more business processes based on an index of business objects and additional information supplementing the index. The additional information can indicate business objects of different types or of different business processes that are related to the indexed business objects. According to various embodiments of the present invention, providing business object and business process searching can include but is not limited to: the ability to more quickly find related documents using search in one step; the ability to do so without using menus; the ability to quickly refine search results with common facets; and/or the ability to do advanced common attributes searches across business objects such as comments for a supplier across numerous business objects.04-03-2014

David S. Bell, San Jose, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110292954AUTOMATED BANDWIDTH / WAVELENGTH ADJUSTMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SHORT PULSE LASERS AND OPTICAL AMPLIFIERS - Embodiments are directed to systems and methods for adjusting a wavelength, bandwidth or both. Such systems and methods may be applicable to laser beams within a laser cavity or amplifier. For some embodiments, such systems and methods may be used to allow a user to set a desired wavelength and bandwidth of a short pulse laser system for operation at those parameters without further adjustment by the user.12-01-2011

Derrick Bell, San Rafael, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100161394MODULAR E-COMMERCE WEB SITE DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM - A system in accordance with the invention creates a predesigned software product generally for e-commerce applications that is modifiable by a company-user in terms of not only look and feel, but also functionality and flow. Such a system includes a set of predesigned business modules where each business module performs a unique function. Each business module is accompanied by a respective set of templates, each of which models a web page. Within each template is embedded one or more commands. To customize its system, the company-user (1) selects which business modules it desires, (2) selects which templates it desires to use with each business module, and (3) customizes each template in terms of look and feel. By selecting the modules, the company-user determines the system's overall functionality, and by selecting the templates, the company-user determines the look and feel and flow of the system. Once customized, the company-user populates a database for use of the system with company-specific data.06-24-2010

Douglas J. Bell, Marina Del Ray, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090282455Portable Tester for Set-Top Box - A portable tester includes a housing sized to be handheld and adapted to enclose a processor and a non-volatile memory, a communication port adapted to couple a link with a set-top box and a communications port adapted to couple a link with an external computer, and an input/output (I/O) device, non-volatile memory comprising a test initiation application that sends test initiation commands through the communication port over the link to a testing application residing in the multimedia device, non-volatile memory receiving data generated by execution of the testing application and storing the data in non-volatile memory, non-volatile memory further comprising a data download application that sends the stored data through the communication port over the link to the external computer.11-12-2009

Douglas T. Bell, Torrance, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090247179Systems and Methods for Digital Processing of Satellite Communications Data - A digital payload for processing a sub-band spectrum received on an uplink beam at a communications satellite includes a digital channelizer, a digital switch matrix and a digital combiner. The digital channelizer divides the sub-band spectrum into a plurality of frequency slices that can be routed by the digital switch matrix to any of a number of receiving ports. A digital combiner receives the frequency slices and re-assembles them to form one or more output sub-bands for transmission on an output beam of the communications satellite. The digital payload may also include an embeddable digital regeneration module configured to demodulate some or all of the sub-band spectrum to extract a digital bitstream therefrom. The digital bitstream may be processed to implement code-based multiplexing, switching, access control, and other features.10-01-2009

D. Stewart Bell, Arcadia, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080251153Liquid dispensing system - The present invention is directed to a liquid dispensing system having a valve subsystem and pumping subsystem. The valve subsystem is configured with a pressure sensor subassembly having an electronic interface to determine the liquid level in a vehicle gasoline tank or other liquid vessel. The valve subassembly of the present invention may include a piezoelectric subassembly to detect pressure changes at a nozzle subassembly to shut off the liquid flow through the valve subsystem and from the pump subsystem. Aspects of the present invention may also sense when the nozzle subassembly has been partially removed from a liquid tank fill tube. The present invention may include wireless technology to transmit information from the valve subsystem to the pump subsystem to prevent an overfill condition in the vessel. For example, the pump subsystem will not pump without confirmatory signal from valve subassembly that all components are operating properly.10-16-2008

Gary Bell, San Diego, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090137292Recessed hinge - An apparatus including a first housing section having a first one-piece housing member; a second housing section having a second one-piece housing member; and a hinge rotatably connecting the first and second housing sections to each other. The hinge includes the first housing member forming a first hinge section at a first end of the first housing section which is pivotably connected to a second hinge section formed by the second housing member at a second end of the second housing member. The first and second hinge sections form opposite outer lateral ends of the hinge. The first and second hinge sections are spaced from outer lateral sides of the first and second housing sections. An axis of rotation of the hinge extends generally between the outer lateral sides.05-28-2009

Gordon Bell, San Francisco, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110167229BALANCED DATA-INTENSIVE COMPUTING - A computing device including a processor operable to process data at a processing speed and a storage device in communication with the processor operable to retrieve stored data at a data transfer rate, where the data transfer rate matches the processing speed.07-07-2011

Graham E. C. Bell, Claremont, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090195260LOW-PROFILE ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE CORROSION SENSOR - A thin and narrow electrical resistance corrosion sensor defines measurement, reference and check resistors as abutting serially disposed portions of a thin strip-like metal resistance element, such as a carbon steel or ductile iron element, having metallurgical properties which match those of a corrodible structure of interest such as a pipeline buried in the ground. The resistance element is bonded to a thin, long and narrow nonconductive structural substrate to which is also bonded a flat wire harness which includes conductors connected to the ends of the resistance element and to selected locations of the element between its ends. The resistance element, the substrate, and the wire harness and its connections to the resistance element are encapsulated by a nonconductive protective coating except over the area of the measurement resistor so that such resistor can be exposed to the adjacent environment. The sensor can be used with conventional corrosion measurement instruments. Arrangements for use of plural sensors to measure corrosion due to direct current in a structure of interest, and to measure corrosion due to alternating currents in that structure, also are described.08-06-2009

G. Randall Bell, Laguna Beach, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110091266Notebook Divider - A notebook divider configured to insert into notebook bound pages has a generally rectangular planar inner panel having an inner panel front side and an inner panel back side and a generally rectangular planar outer panel having an outer panel front side and an outer panel back side. A hinge rotatably connects the outer panel to the inner panel so that the outer panel can be moved between a folded position generally overlapping the inner panel and an unfolded position generally juxtaposed with the inner panel.04-21-2011
20110095517Strategic Planner - A strategic planner has a roadmap, a tabbed planning section, tabbed dividers, a calendar section and a notebook divider. The roadmap has a planning matrix of rows and columns displayed according to planning categories and planning concepts. The tabbed planning section has planning pages. One set of tabbed dividers is interleaved with the planning pages and are labeled according to the planning categories. The calendar section has calendar pages interleaved with a second set of tabbed dividers labeled according to months of the year. The notebook divider is located within the calendar pages according to the current month and the current day of the week and displays cells listing the planning concepts. The cells are organized according to the planning categories and have blank areas for recording planning objectives derived from the planning concepts and planning categories.04-28-2011

G. Randall Bell, Laguna Nigel, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100094764Real estate disclosure reporting method - A real estate disclosure reporting method identifies a condition category, creates a disclosure form and lists items of disclosure on a disclosure form. The items of disclosure relate to the condition category. The reporting method also researches a particular property to determine known items of disclosure, indicates the known items of disclosure on the disclosure form and generates a report of the known items of disclosure.04-15-2010
20110218929REAL ESTATE DISCLOSURE REPORTING METHOD - A real estate disclosure reporting method identifies a subject property, accesses an insurance claim database, determines from the database whether an insurance claim has been filed for the subject property and generates a report regarding the subject property and the insurance claim.09-08-2011

Gregory Bell, Tiburon, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090023652POLYCATIONIC CALCIUM MODULATOR PEPTIDES FOR THE TREATMENT OF HYPERPARATHYROIDISM AND HYPERCALCEMIC DISORDERS - The present invention provides methods and kits for treating hyperparathyroidism, bone disease and/or hypercalcemic disorders. In particular, methods for lowering serum PTH and serum calcium using polycationic calcium modulator peptides are provided. The calcium modulator peptides can be used to treat subjects having, for example: primary, secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism; hypercalcemia of malignancy; metastatic bone disease; or osteoporosis.01-22-2009
20130150301THERAPEUTIC AGENTS FOR REGULATING SERUM PHOSPHORUS - Methods for modulating serum phosphorus levels are described, wherein calcimimetic agents are administered to a subject in need thereof. In one embodiment, the compound is cinacalcet, and in other embodiments the compound is comprised of a contiguous sequence of subunits, X06-13-2013
20140315809CALCIMIMETICS AND METHODS FOR THEIR USE - Methods for treating subjects suffering from chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder or other disorders resulting in primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism are described. The methods are effective in reducing serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels and calcium levels in patients who undergo hemodialysis. The methods described herein are also effective in slowing the progression of kidney disease and preserving kidney function. Compositions used in the described methods are also provided and comprise calcimimetics which function as agonists of the calcium sensing receptor (CaSR).10-23-2014

Patent applications by Gregory Bell, Tiburon, CA US

James E. Bell, Upland, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100300415External Spring Supercharger Bypass Valve - A screw compressor type supercharger includes an improved supercharger bypass valve including a spring biasing the bypass valve towards an open position. The spring may be a compression spring integrated into a bypass valve diaphragm, an extension spring extending parallel to a diaphragm arm, or a torsion spring on a bypass valve butterfly shaft. The spring is selected and installed to hold the bypass valve open at all vacuum levels and at up to one PSI of boost, and then to allow the bypass to close between one PSI and six PSI boost, and to be closed at above six PSI boost. The resulting control of the bypass valve prevents damage to the supercharger.12-02-2010
20110073081Supercharger Cooling - A supercharger cooling system provides a path for coolant from an air/coolant heat exchanger to a supercharger intercooler and loops around a hot outlet end of a screw type supercharger and back to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger may be a dedicated air/coolant heat exchanger or be a vehicle radiator. The intercooler is sandwiched between the supercharger and intake manifold and cools the flow of hot compressed air from the supercharger into the intake manifold. The supercharger cooling loop circles the front rotor bearings thereby cooling the bearings and seals, the forward ends of the male and female rotors, and the male and female rotor gears. The cooling loop is preferably located in the outlet end wall between the supercharger rotors and the rotor drive gears to form a barrier to heat. A dedicated pump cycles the coolant flow and restrictions control the flow of coolant to the supercharger.03-31-2011
20110088667Supercharger Rotor Shaft Seal Pressure Equalization - A pressure equalization system reduces or eliminates a pressure differential across supercharger rotor shaft seals. Under high boost, rotor shaft seals often fail, allowing hot compressed air into an oil lubricated space containing rotor bearings and gears (and vented to ambient pressure), reducing oil lubricating effectiveness and resulting in increased wear and failure. Under low or non boost operation, the pressure differential is reversed causing the lubricating oil to leak into the supercharger interior and accelerated rotor seal wear. The pressure equalization system includes flow restrictive seals on both rotor shafts, separated from the rotor shaft seals by vented spaces, thereby isolating the rotor shaft seals from boost or vacuum in the supercharger interior and reducing or eliminating the pressure differential across the rotor shaft seals. Maintaining close to atmospheric pressure on both sides of the rotor shaft seals during boost and vacuum operation reduces wear and failures.04-21-2011
20140130782Supercharger Cooling - A supercharger cooling system provides a path for coolant from an air/coolant heat exchanger to a supercharger intercooler and then loops around the supercharger housing proximal to a hot outlet end of the supercharger and back to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger may be a dedicated air/coolant heat exchanger or be a vehicle radiator. The intercooler is sandwiched between the supercharger and intake manifold and cools the flow of hot compressed air from the supercharger into the intake manifold. The supercharger cooling loop cools the bearings and seals, the forward ends of the male and female rotors, and the male and female rotor gears. The cooling loop is preferably located between the supercharger rotors and the rotor drive gears to form a barrier to heat. A dedicated pump cycles the coolant flow and restrictions control the flow of coolant to the supercharger.05-15-2014

Patent applications by James E. Bell, Upland, CA US

Jason S. Bell, Venice, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090017913LOCATION-BASED MULTIPLAYER GAMING PLATFORM - The methods and systems disclosed herein include a gaming platform that may support massively-multiplayer online computer games, with elements of social networking, in which players may use mobile devices in order to verify their location and claim a measure of control over the location. Players may function like game pieces in association with other members on a team and participate in competitions to capture and defend real-world territory as part of the gaming experience. The gaming platform and associated entities may share revenue and other incentives with entities associated with the locations controlled by the players on the game platform.01-15-2009
20140342835LOCATION-BASED MULTIPLAYER GAMING PLATFORM - The methods and systems disclosed herein include a gaming platform that may support massively-multiplayer online computer games, with elements of social networking, in which players may use mobile devices in order to verify their location and claim a measure of control over the location. Players may function like game pieces in association with other members on a team and participate in competitions to capture and defend real-world territory as part of the gaming experience. The gaming platform and associated entities may share revenue and other incentives with entities associated with the locations controlled by the players on the game platform.11-20-2014

Jodi L. Bell, Alta Loma, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100300415External Spring Supercharger Bypass Valve - A screw compressor type supercharger includes an improved supercharger bypass valve including a spring biasing the bypass valve towards an open position. The spring may be a compression spring integrated into a bypass valve diaphragm, an extension spring extending parallel to a diaphragm arm, or a torsion spring on a bypass valve butterfly shaft. The spring is selected and installed to hold the bypass valve open at all vacuum levels and at up to one PSI of boost, and then to allow the bypass to close between one PSI and six PSI boost, and to be closed at above six PSI boost. The resulting control of the bypass valve prevents damage to the supercharger.12-02-2010

John J. Bell, Anaheim, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120213348ENHANCING MESSAGING SERVICES USING TRANSLATION GATEWAYS - In one embodiment, a translation gateway is for use between a network of a messaging service provider and a hostile data network. The gateway is to forward messages using a secure connection through the hostile network, to a customer's network. Different types of inbound messages (e.g., voice; fax) can be delivered to a single client process running on a customer machine on the customer network. In addition, the translation gateway may be used to securely forward different types of outbound messages originating from the client process to the service provider's network (where the messages are retransmitted as voice calls or facsimiles into a telephone network). Other embodiments are also described and claimed.08-23-2012

Jonathan Arnold Bell, Culver City, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090306485Wearable Electronic System - This document describes the design and control of a modular wearable electronic system that integrates an electrical interconnection harness, human body electrode modules, physiological sensor modules, electronic circuit modules, control software, and power supply modules into a single assembly. The design is intended to allow medical sensors and electronic circuits from different manufacturers to be connected into the system with relative ease. This system will enable a platform that can be expanded to incorporate many different kinds of physiological sensors and electronic circuits as and when they become available. It will also allow for different sizes of wearable electronic system to be constructed by simply changing the lengths and shapes of the electrical interconnections between the electrical modules.12-10-2009
20100195274FLOPID STRUCTURE - A flopid structure includes flopid elements and engagement members for switching between flexible and rigid states.08-05-2010

Patent applications by Jonathan Arnold Bell, Culver City, CA US

Jory Bell, San Francisco, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080211780Component for use as a portable computing device and pointing device in a modular computing system - A core component is disclosed which includes a processing module and a touch screen. The core component may operate by itself in a first mode to perform functions similar to that of a conventional personal digital assistant (PDA). In particular, the touch screen may both provide visual output and receive input from a user's finger when the core component operates in the first mode. When the core component is connected to another component including a display screen, the core component may operate in a second mode in which input received through the touch screen is provided to the other component. For example, the movement of a user's finger may control the position of a cursor displayed on a screen of the other component so that the core component exhibits the behavior of a trackpad when operating in the second mode.09-04-2008
20090009947DISPLAY HOUSING FOR COMPUTING DEVICE - An improved housing for a computing device is disclosed. The improved housing can have one or more of the following aspects. A first aspect of the invention pertains to a computer housing having a logo or other symbol that can be illuminated using light from the backside of a display panel. A second aspect of the invention pertains to a suspended frame is able to support a display panel within a display housing. A third aspect of the invention pertains to a computing device provided with an internal antenna. A fourth aspect of the invention pertains to a stiffener for a computer housing so as to increase the rigidity and strength of the computer housing. A fifth aspect of the invention pertains to a housing having a logo, symbol or other device that can be illuminated using light from the backside of a display panel. A sixth aspect of the invention pertains to a lid for a computing device, such as a portable computer, that is provided with a translucent housing.01-08-2009
20090257232DISPLAY HOUSING FOR COMPUTING DEVICE - An improved housing for a computing device is disclosed. The improved housing can have one or more of the following aspects. A first aspect of the invention pertains to a computer housing having a logo or other symbol that can be illuminated using light from the backside of a display panel. A second aspect of the invention pertains to a suspended frame is able to support a display panel within a display housing. A third aspect of the invention pertains to a computing device provided with an internal antenna. A fourth aspect of the invention pertains to a stiffener for a computer housing so as to increase the rigidity and strength of the computer housing. A fifth aspect of the invention pertains to a housing having a logo, symbol or other device that can be illuminated using light from the backside of a display panel. A sixth aspect of the invention pertains to a lid for a computing device, such as a portable computer, that is provided with a translucent housing.10-15-2009
20100318709DOCKING STATION FOR MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE - A docking station is disclosed for use with a mobile computing device. The form factor of the docking station may be similar to that of a conventional computer, such as a laptop computer or tablet computer. A mobile computing device, which may have the form factor of a personal digital assistant, may be docked in the docking station by connecting connectors on the docking station and the mobile computing device. The combined docking station and mobile computing device may form a computer which has a form factor and provide functionality similar to that of a conventional computer, such as a laptop computer or tablet computer. The docking station may, for example, include a cavity into which the mobile computing device may be inserted to dock the mobile computing device in the docking station.12-16-2010
20110022747MODULAR COMPUTING SYSTEM - A computing system is provided that includes a plurality of interconnected components. The components include a processing subsystem, an input subsystem, an output subsystem, a storage subsystem, and a power subsystem. Subsets of the plurality of components may be rearranged and interconnected in various configurations to form different computing systems.01-27-2011
20110099406LOGICAL BATTERY PARTITIONS - A logical battery partitioning approach is disclosed. In one embodiment, a power management system in a portable computing device having a plurality of subsystems can include: (i) a battery coupled to a plurality of subsystems; (ii) a first battery variable provided to a first subsystem to indicate a characteristic of a first logical battery partition; and (iii) a second battery variable provided to a second subsystem to indicate a characteristic of a second logical battery partition. A battery variable can include an accessibility control, or a percent of battery power available, for example.04-28-2011
20140202313COLLAPSIBLE MUSICAL KEYBOARD - Embodiments generally relate to providing a musical keyboard. In one embodiment, a keyboard includes a base characterized by a base plane, a first mechanism operably connected to the base and to a first set of keys; and a second mechanism operably connected to the base and to a second set of keys. In the closed state, the first and second mechanisms enable the plurality of keys and the second set of keys to lie in the base plane. In an open state, the first mechanism enables the first set of keys to lie in a first plane, and the second mechanism enables the second set of keys to lie in a second plane.07-24-2014

Patent applications by Jory Bell, San Francisco, CA US

Kris M. Bell, Los Altos, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100227632PUSH NOTIFICATION SERVICE - Gateway devices maintain presence information for various mobile devices. Each gateway is associated with a zone and manages presence information only for mobile devices associated with that zone. Courier devices back-propagate presence information for the mobile devices to respective gateways based at least on the respective zone associated with each mobile device. The gateways and couriers are dynamically configured such that messages can be pushed from a provider application to a mobile device via any gateway and any courier.09-09-2010
20120040699PUSH NOTIFICATION SERVICE - Gateway devices maintain presence information for various mobile devices. Each gateway is associated with a zone and manages presence information only for mobile devices associated with that zone. Courier devices back-propagate presence information for the mobile devices to respective gateways based at least on the respective zone associated with each mobile device. The gateways and couriers are dynamically configured such that messages can be pushed from a provider application to a mobile device via any gateway and any courier.02-16-2012
20130142147PUSH NOTIFICATION SERVICE - Gateway devices maintain presence information for various mobile devices. Each gateway is associated with a zone and manages presence information only for mobile devices associated with that zone. Courier devices back-propagate presence information for the mobile devices to respective gateways based at least on the respective zone associated with each mobile device. The gateways and couriers are dynamically configured such that messages can be pushed from a provider application to a mobile device via any gateway and any courier.06-06-2013

Patent applications by Kris M. Bell, Los Altos, CA US

Laurence D. Bell, Pacific Grove, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110151070PERISHABLE FOOD STORAGE UNITS - Disclosed are packaging systems and methods useful in extending the storage-life of foodstuff such as fresh fish. The packaging systems and methods can be used to transport or store the foodstuff for an extended period of time. The packaging systems preferably use a fuel cell to maintain a reduced oxygen level in the environment surrounding the foodstuff.06-23-2011
20110151084SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAINTAINING PERISHABLE FOODS - Disclosed are systems and methods useful in extending the storage-life of foodstuff such as fresh fish. The methods can be used to transport or store the foodstuff for an extended period of time. The methods preferably use a low oxygen gas source to maintain a reduced oxygen level in the environment surrounding the foodstuff.06-23-2011
20120276254SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR TRANSPORTING OR STORING OXIDATIVELY-DEGRADABLE FOODSTUFF - Disclosed are packaging systems and methods useful in extending the storage-life of foodstuff such as fresh fish. The packaging systems and methods can be used to transport or store the foodstuff for an extended period of time. The packaging systems preferably use a fuel cell to maintain a reduced oxygen level in the environment surrounding the foodstuff.11-01-2012
20130313135SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR TRANSPORTING OR STORING OXIDATIVELY-DEGRADABLE FOODSTUFF - Disclosed are packaging systems and method useful in extending the storage-life of foodstuff such as fresh fish. The packaging systems and methods can be used to transport or store the foodstuff for an extended period of time. The packaging systems preferably use a fuel cell to maintain a reduced oxygen level in the environment surrounding the foodstuff.11-28-2013
20140208779SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EXTENDING THE FRESH LIFE OF PERISHABLES IN THE RETAIL AND VENDING SETTING - The present disclosure relates to mechanically refrigerated retail and vending display systems and methods or use for extending the shelf-life of perishable products in the retail or vending setting. This is accomplished by maintaining an appropriate modified and controlled atmosphere (MA/CA) environment for the perishable product in a retail or vending display unit. The systems and methods of the invention maintain the MA/CA environment for a time period of 10 days or longer, wherein the marketable shelf-life of a perishable product is at least doubled. The systems may also operate in a power generation/power production mode, such that the fuel cells maintain the MA/CA environment while providing both primary and/or back-up power.07-31-2014

Patent applications by Laurence D. Bell, Pacific Grove, CA US

Lon Edward Bell, Altadena, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100155018HVAC SYSTEM FOR A HYBRID VEHICLE - A heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system for a hybrid vehicle is disclosed, the HVAC system including at least one thermoelectric device for providing supplemental heating and cooling for air supplied to a passenger compartment of the vehicle to maximize an efficiency of operation of the hybrid vehicle during operation of the HVAC system.06-24-2010
20130174579HVAC SYSTEM FOR A HYBRID VEHICLE - A heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system for a hybrid vehicle is disclosed, the HVAC system including at least one thermoelectric device for providing supplemental heating and cooling for air supplied to a passenger compartment of the vehicle to maximize an efficiency of operation of the hybrid vehicle during operation of the HVAC system.07-11-2013

Marshall A. Bell, Manhattan Beach, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100155048INTEGRATED CARBON MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR PETROLEUM REFINING - An environmentally and economically more efficient petroleum production/refining/utilization system for managing carbon emissions at all stages of the petroleum lifecycle is provided. The system of the current invention integrates the release of carbon from refined low value, high polluting petroleum products such that those sources of carbon may be utilized in a manner beneficial to the efficiency and environmental footprint of the overall petroleum processing lifecycle.06-24-2010

Mary Bell, Lakeside, CA US

Matthew E. Bell, Los Altos, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120031086SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SELECTIVELY DISENGAGING A CLUTCH TO PROTECT ENGINES FROM DAMAGE - Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to methods and devices for use with vehicles that include a clutch, a transmission, a slave cylinder, a master cylinder and an engine. In accordance with an embodiment, a device includes a primary piston configured to urge hydraulic fluid into a slave cylinder, when the primary piston is moved from a first position to a second position, to thereby disengage the clutch from the transmission. The primary piston is normally movable from the first position to the second position by hydraulic actuation of a master cylinder. A secondary piston is configured to selectively apply force to the primary piston, to move the primary piston from the first position to the second position, when the secondary piston is selectively actuated. The secondary piston can be selectively actuated by a secondary fluid, such as a compressed gas. Methods and devices are used to selectively disengage the clutch from the transmission when an operating condition that can be damaging to the engine is detected.02-09-2012

Max Bell, Pacific Grove, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110244435METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVING MATH SKILLS - A method and apparatus for improving math skills is provided. The method and apparatus present groups of problems to a student in a sequential manner, and award points to the student when the student enters a correct response. Statistics regard the student's performance are recorded and may be viewed in a variety of selectable formats so that parents, teachers, and other interested parties can track the students progress.10-06-2011

Melissa A. Bell, San Diego, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120006151APU FUEL FILTER HOUSING SCUPPER - An auxiliary power unit includes a gearbox housing portion and a filter housing portion providing an integral housing. A filter cavity is provided in the filter housing portion. A surface circumscribes the filter cavity. A scupper includes a passage extending from the surface to an opening on an exterior surface of the integral housing. A sealing region between the scupper and the filter cavity is configured to fluidly isolate the scupper and the fuel filter cavity from one another. In one example, the filter cavity receives a fuel filter cartridge. A cap is secured to the filter housing portion and encloses the filter cavity when in a secured position.01-12-2012
20120017722GEARBOX OIL RESERVOIR SHAPE OPTIMIZATION - A gearbox for use in an auxiliary power unit has a plurality of gears received within a housing. A lube pump is mounted within the housing, and delivers oil to the plurality of gears and bearings. The lube pump has an oil supply tube for supplying oil to the pump for delivery to the plurality of gears and bearings. An oil reservoir maintains a quantity of oil above a lowermost end of the inlet tube, and is shaped such that a cross-sectional area at a lower end of the inlet tube has a first cross-sectional area. Other cross-sectional areas spaced upwardly from the first cross-sectional area are greater. A ratio of the second cross-sectional area to the first cross-sectional area is less than 3.01-26-2012
20120020781LUBE PUMP RETENTION METHOD - A lube pump has a housing with a flange extending radially outwardly from a body of the housing. At least one rotor is received within the housing, and a shaft for powering the rotor extends away from the flange. A retention plate is positioned on an end of the flange closing the housing. A first set of bolts secure the flange to the retention plate. A second set of bolts secure the flange to the gearbox. The two sets of bolts extend in opposed directions. A gearbox including such a lube pump is also disclosed and claimed.01-26-2012
20120234174DEAERATING METHOD AND ASSEMBLY - An example deaerator assembly includes a deaerating member disposed within a housing. The deaerating member includes an apertured stem extending from a pedestal. The apertured stem is configured to communicate air away from a mixture of air and coolant when the mixture of air and coolant is communicated about the apertured stem.09-20-2012
20120260769LUBRICATING TRANSFER TUBE - An example lubricating transfer tube assembly includes a transfer tube having a bore extending from a fluid inlet portion to a fluid outlet portion. The transfer tube is configured to communicate a fluid through the bore between the fluid inlet portion and the fluid outlet portion within a gearbox. The transfer tube defines a spray aperture extending from the bore to an outer surface of the transfer tube. The spray aperture is configured to communicate at least some of the fluid from the bore to an area of the gearbox.10-18-2012
20120318912DEAERATOR AND CONDUIT ASSEMBLY - An example deaerator assembly includes a housing having a housing inlet and a housing outlet. A conduit configured to communicate a deaerated coolant is located within the housing. A mixture of coolant and air is deaerated as the mixture is communicated from the housing inlet to the housing outlet within the housing and outside the conduit.12-20-2012
20130042713FRAME AND SHELL GEARBOX HOUSING - A gearbox housing to enclose a gearbox with a geartrain and a lubrication system includes a frame made of a first material to carry gearbox loads; and a shell made of a second material to connecting to the frame and to keep lubrication sealed within the lubrication system.02-21-2013
20130320134AUXILIARY FIRE RESISTANT MOUNT SYSTEM FOR AN AUXILIARY POWER UNIT - An auxiliary power unit is composed of a gas turbine engine, a gearbox, and a gearbox driven generator. A mount bracket is mechanically attached to the gearbox. The bracket is for connecting to an aircraft strut system. The aircraft strut system connects to the aircraft structure. The mount bracket has an upper mechanical attachment point and a lower mechanical attachment point to the gearbox. The gearbox includes an oil reservoir, and the lower attachment point is beneath the oil level within the oil reservoir such that said lower attachment point will be cooled by oil in the oil reservoir.12-05-2013

Michael S. Bell, Santa Barbara, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080213804Parallel Processing Fluidic Method and Apparatus for Automated Rapid Immunohistochemistry - A sample processing system that may be configured to achieve parallel or coincidental sample processing such as histochemical processing may involve a plurality of samples arranged for coincidental movement perhaps by use of angular microscopic slide movements to cause processing activity that may include repeated elimination and reapplication of a fluidic substance perhaps through the action of capillary motion in order to refresh a microenvironment adjacent to a sample such as a biopsy or other such sample. Snap in antibody and other substances may be included to ease operator actions and to permit location specific substance applications perhaps by including single container multiple chamber multiple fluidic substance magazines, linearly disposed multiple substance source, and primary antibody cartridges. Through refreshing of a microenvironment, depletion of the microenvironment is avoided and the time necessary for slide processing may be dramatically shortened from a more common 60 to 120 minutes to perhaps less than 15 minutes so as to permit use of such a system in an intraoperative or surgical environment such as recommended by the College of American Pathologists intraoperative guidelines or the like. Patients may thus avoid a need to be subjected to an additional surgical procedure when lab results become available to see if tumors or the like were fully removed in a prior procedure.09-04-2008
20080286753Wicking Cassette Method and Apparatus for Automated Rapid Immunohistochemistry - A sample processing system that may be configured to achieve automatic withdrawal of a substance at the end of appropriate processing sequences such as histochemical processing may involve a plurality of samples for which substances removed by moving a wicking cartridge that may have sequentially advanced absorbsant material on rolls that are advanced an appropriate amount based upon usage in sequences such as repeated elimination and reapplication of a fluidic substance perhaps through the action of capillary motion in order to refresh a microenvironment adjacent to a sample such as a biopsy or other such sample. Snap in wicking cassettes and perhaps antibody and other substances may be included to ease operator actions and to permit location specific substance applications perhaps by including single container multiple chamber multiple fluidic substance magazines, linearly disposed multiple substance source, and primary antibody cartridges.11-20-2008
20090004691Enhanced Fluidic Method and Apparatus for Automated Rapid Immunohistochemistry - A sample processing system that may be configured to achieve rapid sample processing such as rapid histochemical processing may involve a wave element that can use angular microscopic slide movements to cause repeated elimination and reapplication of a fluidic substance perhaps through the action of capillary motion in order to refresh a microenvironment adjacent to a sample such as a biopsy or other such sample. Through such refreshing of a microenvironment, depletion of the microenvironment is avoided and the time necessary for slide processing may be dramatically shortened from a more common 60 to 120 minute to perhaps less than 15 minutes so as to permit use of such a system in an intraoperative or surgical environment such as recommended by the College of American Pathologists intraoperative guidelines or the like. Patients may thus avoid a need to be subjected to an additional surgical procedure when lab results become available to see if tumors or the like were fully removed in a prior procedure.01-01-2009

Nancy Jane Bell, Menlo Park, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090089381PENDING AND EXCLUSIVE ELECTRONIC MAIL INBOX - Distinguishing electronic mail (e-mail) messages for a user. An e-mail inbox is provided to include one or more e-mail messages therein. A first section of the inbox is specified. The first section includes a set of the one or more messages, and the set of the one or more messages is indicative of an unknown status. An second section of the inbox is provided, and the second section includes the remaining set of the one or more messages. The remaining set of the messages is indicative of a known status.04-02-2009
20090089798ELECTRONIC MAIL INBOX WITH FOCUSED E-MAILS ACCORDING TO CATEGORIES - Focusing electronic mail messages in a list of messages. Category information is received for classifying particular e-mail messages or senders of the messages in the list of e-mail messages according to a category. The method also includes setting a status data associated with each of the particular messages. The status data indicates the category classified by the user. A first instruction is received from the user for focusing the particular messages according to the category. The particular messages having the status data therewith in the list are focused collectively without altering a preexisting order of the messages in the list.04-02-2009
20090271735Extensible and Application-Adaptable Toolbar for Web Services - Providing a user interface (UI) on a web page. A toolbar section is defined on the web page. The web page includes a content section being different and separate from the toolbar section, and the content section displays additional content of the web page. One or more groups are specified to include one or more action controls associated therewith. Each of the specified groups has a group identifier associated therewith. The one or more action controls are displayed according to the specified groups in the toolbar section of the web page. Each of the one or more displayed action controls includes properties associated therewith, and the included properties define at least one of the following: a name of the action control, a link of the action control, the group identifier of the action control, and a classification identifier of the action control.10-29-2009

Ray Bell, Mill Valley, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080219186ENERGY SWITCH ROUTER - In various embodiments, a policy-based residential networked meter can be an energy switch router device (ESRD) that provides policy-based advanced metering, load control and shaping, energy services delivery and accounting, and secure web services interfaces and internetworking communications. The ESRD can be integrated and inter-related with advanced policy-based sensory, metrology, monitoring, control, recording, classification, prioritization, security, routing, and switching functions. The ESRD may be used to sense, measure, meter, and control electrical service flows to the utility service point at the customer premise, and may be configured and managed with one or more policy-based networking methods.09-11-2008
20080219239POLICY-BASED UTILITY NETWORKING - In various embodiments, a policy-based residential networked meter can be an energy switch router device (ESRD) that provides policy-based advanced metering, load control and shaping, energy services delivery and accounting, and secure web services interfaces and internetworking communications. The ESRD can be integrated and interrelated with advanced policy-based sensory, metrology, monitoring, control, recording, classification, prioritization, security, routing, and switching functions. The ESRD may be used to sense, measure, meter, and control electrical service flows to the utility service point at the customer premise, and may be configured and managed with one or more policy-based networking methods.09-11-2008
20120146799POWER OUTAGE NOTIFICATION - Determining the scope of power outage includes receiving a message indicating power outage from a device, and probing other devices associated with the device sending the message. The message indicating power outage may include a power outage code, and may be received via a control channel of a communication network. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.06-14-2012
20120173873SMART GRID DEVICE AUTHENTICITY VERIFICATION - Methods and articles of manufacture are provided. Some embodiments are directed to smart grid device authenticity verification. In an exemplary embodiment a method is provided that generates a firmware package image for a device. The method goes on to manufacture a microcontroller using the image. A ship file is then generated with unique data associated to the device. A board is then manufactured and a board ship file generated. The device is then authenticated on a network using the two ship files and the firmware image. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.07-05-2012

Richard Bell, Oxnard, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120079765HYDROPONIC GROWING SYSTEM WITH INCREASED ACCESSIBILITY - Described is a hydroponic growing system with increased accessibility. The hydroponic growing system comprises a chamber having support posts extending vertically from the top of the chamber to the bottom of the chamber, such that the support posts are attached with the top of the chamber and the bottom of the chamber. A plurality of racks having two ends is mounted perpendicular to the support posts. The plurality of racks extend toward the two sides of the chamber without contacting the two sides of the chamber, such that a space exists between each end of each rack and each side of the chamber. The space allows a user to easily access components of the hydroponic growing system for cleaning and repairs. The hydroponic growing system also comprises a plurality of irrigation pipes and a plurality of removable trays for growing plants.04-05-2012

Richard Bell, Venice, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110181015Aerodynamic Brake System - An aerodynamic braking system is disclosed herein. In particular, the brake arms may define an aerodynamic leading portion or edge and may be integrated into the legs of the front fork. Also, the brake arms may be disposed behind the bottom bracket shell to take the rear brake out of the air flow path and reduce aerodynamic drag. The rear brake arms are tapered so that the brake arms remain sufficient stiff to provide sufficient brake response times. The rear brake arms may be matched to recesses formed on an underside of chain stays.07-28-2011
20120032413AERODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEM - An aerodynamic braking system is disclosed herein. In particular, the brake arms may define an aerodynamic leading portion or edge and may be integrated into the legs of the front fork. Also, the brake arms may be disposed behind the bottom bracket shell to take the rear brake out of the air flow path and reduce aerodynamic drag. The rear brake arms are tapered so that the brake arms remain sufficient stiff to provide sufficient brake response times. The rear brake arms may be matched to recesses formed on an underside of chain stays.02-09-2012

Ryan Bell, Mountain View, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100205068Integrated electronic shopping cart system and method - Integrated shopping cart functionality is provided on a first website so that products/services from different affiliated websites can be integrated into the shopping cart at the first website and the e-commerce functionality of the first website can be utilized to purchase the selected products/services. A framework for integrating this functionality enables the first website to integrate with affiliated websites so that an increased number of users may access the first website since the proprietor of the first website may offer various products/services from a multitude of different affiliated websites, for example by providing URL links to the affiliated websites that a user may access in order to select items from the affiliated websites. These items can be integrated into the shopping cart at the first website and purchased with a single transaction. Increased user traffic is expected at the first website since a user's shopping interests can be fulfilled at a single website. Additionally, affiliated websites are benefited by this integrated shopping cart functionality since the e-commerce functionality of the integrated shopping cart is performed by a server that is associated with the first website. Therefore, affiliated websites need not include their own e-commerce functionality. Instead, they may take advantage of the e-commerce functionality of the first website and still receive the benefits of the sale of their offered products/services to the user. Maintenance costs and overhead costs with respect to including an e-commerce software engine are therefore reduced and often eliminated as a result.08-12-2010
20100205069Integrated Electronic Shopping Cart System And Method - Integrated shopping cart functionality is provided on a first website so that products/services from different affiliated websites can be integrated into the shopping cart at the first website and the e-commerce functionality of the first website can be utilized to purchase the selected products/services. A framework for integrating this functionality enables the first website to integrate with affiliated websites so that an increased number of users may access the first website since the proprietor of the first website may offer various products/services from a multitude of different affiliated websites, for example by providing URL links to the affiliated websites that a user may access in order to select items from the affiliated websites. These items can be integrated into the shopping cart at the first website and purchased with a single transaction. Increased user traffic is expected at the first website since a user's shopping interests can be fulfilled at a single website. Additionally, affiliated websites are benefited by this integrated shopping cart functionality since the e-commerce functionality of the integrated shopping cart is performed by a server that is associated with the first website. Therefore, affiliated websites need not include their own e-commerce functionality. Instead, they may take advantage of the e-commerce functionality of the first website and still receive the benefits of the sale of their offered products/services to the user. Maintenance costs and overhead costs with respect to including an e-commerce software engine are therefore reduced and often eliminated as a result.08-12-2010

Patent applications by Ryan Bell, Mountain View, CA US

Scott Bell, San Jose, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110156130METHOD FOR FORMING NARROW STRUCTURES IN A SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE - A method of forming multiple conductive structures in a semiconductor device includes forming spacers adjacent side surfaces of a mask, where the mask and the spacers are formed on a conductive layer. The method also includes etching at least one trench in a portion of the conductive layer not covered by the spacers or the mask. The method may further include depositing a material over the semiconductor device, removing the mask and etching the conductive layer to remove portions of the conductive layer not covered by the spacers or the material, where remaining portions of the conductive layer form the conductive structures.06-30-2011
20110233647METHODS FOR FORMING A MEMORY CELL HAVING A TOP OXIDE SPACER - Methods for fabricating a semiconductor memory cell that has a spacer layer are disclosed. A method includes forming a plurality of source/drain regions in a substrate where the plurality of source/drain regions are formed between trenches, forming a first oxide layer above the plurality of source/drain regions and in the trenches, forming a charge storage layer above the oxide layer and separating the charge storage layer in the trenches where a space is formed between separated portions of the charge storage layer. The method further includes forming a spacer layer to fill the space between the separated portions of the charge storage layer and to rise a predetermined distance above the space. A second oxide layer is formed above the charge storage layer and the spacer layer and a polysilicon layer is formed above the second oxide layer.09-29-2011
20120181601METHODS FOR FORMING A MEMORY CELL HAVING A TOP OXIDE SPACER - Methods for fabricating a semiconductor memory cell that has a spacer layer are disclosed. A method includes forming a plurality of source/drain regions in a substrate where the plurality of source/drain regions are formed between trenches, forming a first oxide layer above the plurality of source/drain regions and in the trenches, forming a charge storage layer above the oxide layer and separating the charge storage layer in the trenches where a space is formed between separated portions of the charge storage layer. The method further includes forming a spacer layer to fill the space between the separated portions of the charge storage layer and to rise a predetermined distance above the space. A second oxide layer is formed above the charge storage layer and the spacer layer and a polysilicon layer is formed above the second oxide layer.07-19-2012

Scott A. Bell, San Jose, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080254607 INTEGRATION APPROACH TO FORM THE CORE FLOATING GATE FOR FLASH MEMORY USING AN AMORPHOUS CARBON HARD MASK AND ARF LITHOGRAPHY - Systems and methods are described that facilitate integrating ArF core patterning of floating gate structures in a flash memory device followed by KrF periphery gate patterning using a hard mask comprising a material such as amorphous carbon to facilitate core gate construction. The amorphous carbon hard mask can facilitate preparing such core gate structures while protecting periphery gate stacks such that the periphery stacks are ready for immediate KrF lithography upon completion of core gate formation without requiring additional resist deposition between core and periphery etches.10-16-2008
20120007221MASK FOR FORMING INTEGRATED CIRCUIT - A method of forming an integrated circuit includes providing a buffer layer comprising a dielectric material above a layer of conductive material and providing a layer of mask material above the buffer layer. The mask material comprises amorphous carbon. The method also includes removing a portion of the buffer layer and the layer of mask material to form a mask. A feature is formed in the layer of conductive material according to the mask.01-12-2012
20130130487Integrated Circuit with Metal and Semi-Conducting Gate - A method for forming an integrated circuit system is provided including forming a semi-conducting layer over a substrate, forming a spacer stack having a gap filler adjacent to the semi-conducting layer and a inter-layer dielectric over the gap filler, forming a transition layer having a recess over the semi-conducting layer and adjacent to the spacer stack, and forming a metal layer in the recess.05-23-2013
20140193972Buried Hard Mask for Embedded Semiconductor Device Patterning - Methods and apparatus for manufacturing semiconductor devices, and such semiconductor devices, are described. According to various aspects of the disclosure, a semiconductor device can be manufactured by forming a core region of the semiconductor device and forming a periphery region of the semiconductor device. A first polysilicon region can then be formed over the core and periphery regions of the semiconductor device. A first mask is formed on the first poly silicon layer and a second polysilicon layer is disposed such that the second polysilicon layer covers the first mask. A second mask can then be formed on the second polysilicon layer. After forming the second mask, portions of the first and second polysilicon layers that are uncovered by either the first or second masks are removed.07-10-2014

Patent applications by Scott A. Bell, San Jose, CA US

Sean Bell, San Rafael, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100331256Variants of C-Type Natriuretic Peptides - The present invention provides variants of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) comprising one or more deletions; additions of and/or substitutions with natural amino acids, unnatural amino acids and/or peptidomimetics (including peptide bond isosteres); amino acid extensions; and/or other chemical moieties such as, e.g., poly(ethylene glycol) and hydrophobic acids. The CNP variants are useful as therapeutic agents for the treatment of diseases responsive to CNP, including but not limited to bone-related disorders such as, e.g., skeletal dysplasias and achondroplasia, and vascular smooth muscle disorders such as, e.g., restenosis and arteriosclerosis.12-30-2010

Sean M. Bell, San Rafael, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090263369Compositions of Prokaryotic Phenylalanine Ammonia-Lyase and Methods of Treating Cancer Using Compositions Thereof - The present invention is directed to phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) variants produced by prokaryotes, wherein such prokaryotic PAL variant has a greater phenylalanine-converting activity and/or a reduced immunogenicity as compared to a wild-type PAL. The invention provides compositions of prokaryotic PAL and biologically active fragments, mutants, variants or analogs thereof, as well as methods for the production, purification, and use of such compositions for therapeutic purposes, including the treatment of cancer.10-22-2009
20100278802COMPOSITIONS OF PROKARYOTIC PHENYLALANINE AMMONIA-LYASE AND METHODS OF TREATING CANCER USING COMPOSITIONS THEREOF - The present invention is directed to phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) variants produced by prokaryotes, wherein such prokaryotic PAL variant has a greater phenylalanine-converting activity and/or a reduced immunogenicity as compared to a wild-type PAL. The invention provides compositions of prokaryotic PAL and biologically active fragments, mutants, variants or analogs thereof, as well as methods for the production, purification, and use of such compositions for therapeutic purposes, including the treatment of cancer.11-04-2010

Tiffany A. Bell, San Diego, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100100020ORTHOPEDIC WALKER BOOT HAVING A REMOVABLE HEEL PLATE - An orthopedic walker boot for wearing on a lower limb of a wearer has a rigid external shell, a pliant internal boot positioned in the external shell, and a heel plate selectively detachable or attachable to the external shell. Selective transition of the heel plate between the detached condition and attached condition selectively provides the orthopedic walker boot with an open-heel configuration or a closed-heel configuration. The external shell includes an outer sole having a walking surface which is configured with two curved axes to facilitate walking while wearing the orthopedic walker boot.04-22-2010

Trevor Bell, Torrance, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090327212Efficient SQL access to point data and relational data - Some embodiments include reception of a structured query language query, determination of at least one point data query and at least one relational data query based on the structured query language query, transmission of the at least one point data query to at least one point data server, transmission of the at least one relational data query to at least one relational data server, reception of point data and relational data in response to the point data query and the relational data query, and joining of the received point data and the received relational data into a result rowset.12-31-2009

Trevor Bell, Mission Viejo, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090276577Adaptive caching for high volume extract transform load process - A method, system, and medium related to a mechanism to cache key-value pairs of a lookup process during an extract transform load process of a manufacturing execution system. The method includes preloading a cache with a subset of a set of key-value pairs stored in source data; receiving a request of a key-value pair; determining whether the requested key-value pair is in the preloaded cache; retrieving the requested key-value pair from the preloaded cache if the requested key-value pair is in the preloaded cache; queuing the requested key-value pair in an internal data structure if the requested key-value pair is not in the preloaded cache until a threshold number of accumulated requested key-value pairs are queued in the internal data structure; and executing a query of the source data for all of the accumulated requested key-value pairs.11-05-2009

Will Bell, Mill Valley, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080219186ENERGY SWITCH ROUTER - In various embodiments, a policy-based residential networked meter can be an energy switch router device (ESRD) that provides policy-based advanced metering, load control and shaping, energy services delivery and accounting, and secure web services interfaces and internetworking communications. The ESRD can be integrated and inter-related with advanced policy-based sensory, metrology, monitoring, control, recording, classification, prioritization, security, routing, and switching functions. The ESRD may be used to sense, measure, meter, and control electrical service flows to the utility service point at the customer premise, and may be configured and managed with one or more policy-based networking methods.09-11-2008
20080219239POLICY-BASED UTILITY NETWORKING - In various embodiments, a policy-based residential networked meter can be an energy switch router device (ESRD) that provides policy-based advanced metering, load control and shaping, energy services delivery and accounting, and secure web services interfaces and internetworking communications. The ESRD can be integrated and interrelated with advanced policy-based sensory, metrology, monitoring, control, recording, classification, prioritization, security, routing, and switching functions. The ESRD may be used to sense, measure, meter, and control electrical service flows to the utility service point at the customer premise, and may be configured and managed with one or more policy-based networking methods.09-11-2008
20120146799POWER OUTAGE NOTIFICATION - Determining the scope of power outage includes receiving a message indicating power outage from a device, and probing other devices associated with the device sending the message. The message indicating power outage may include a power outage code, and may be received via a control channel of a communication network. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.06-14-2012
20120173873SMART GRID DEVICE AUTHENTICITY VERIFICATION - Methods and articles of manufacture are provided. Some embodiments are directed to smart grid device authenticity verification. In an exemplary embodiment a method is provided that generates a firmware package image for a device. The method goes on to manufacture a microcontroller using the image. A ship file is then generated with unique data associated to the device. A board is then manufactured and a board ship file generated. The device is then authenticated on a network using the two ship files and the firmware image. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.07-05-2012
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