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Black, TX

Amber Black, Mckinney, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130270978Thermal Paper Roll Holder and Dispenser - A wall-mounted, thermal paper storage device is provided having a substantially rectangular housing and a lower carriage member for supporting at least one vertical column of thermal paper rolls near a cash register point of sale. The device housing includes a front wall, a rear wall, and a pair of side walls forming an interior volume with an open upper and an open lower portion. Along the lower portion is a paper roll carriage formed from downward bar members curving into a cup-like support for paper rolls as they exit the housing lower portion, while the column of rolls in the housing rest against the supported roll in the carriage. The front wall includes a viewing window for visualizing the housing interior, while the rear wall includes wall mounts for mounting to a vertical wall surface. The housing interior preferably accepts two paper roll columns separated by a divider wall.10-17-2013

Asa Black, El Paso, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090104158Non-Embryonic Totipotent Blastomere-Like Stem Cells And Methods Therefor - Non-embryonic blastomere-like totipotent stem cells are disclosed. Most preferably, such cells are obtained from various tissues of postnatal mammals (e.g., using tissue biopsied from the mammal), are smaller than 1 μm, have normal karyotype, and do not spontaneously differentiate in serum-free medium without differentiation inhibitors. These non-embryonic blastomere-like totipotent stem cells typically express CD66e, CEA-CAM-1 and telomerase, but do not typically express CD10, SSEA-1, SSEA-3, and SSEA-4. Such blastomere-like totipotent cells can be differentiated into ectodermal, mesodermal, or endodermal tissues, including placental tissues and germ cells. Moreover, when implanted into a mammal, such cells will not be teratogenic.04-23-2009
20090186334Non-Embryonic Totipotent Blastomere-Like Stem Cells And Methods Therefor - Human non-embryonic adult totipotent and pluripotent stem cells are isolated in a simplified serum-free and feeder cell-free process. Most remarkably, certain stem cells, and especially BLSCs, are extremely small, fail to exclude trypan blue, but are nevertheless able to proliferate from even high dilutions. Therefore, so obtained stem cells can be used to prepare true monoclonal stem cell populations, which are useful in numerous uses, including therapeutic, prophylactic, diagnostic, and research uses.07-23-2009

Ashley D. Black, Friendswood, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20140243718FASCIA TISSUE FITNESS DEVICE - A fascia tissue fitness device including a bar and a plurality of flower members connected to the bar along a plane. The flower members may each include multiple finger members that are stiff and extend outward from the bar.08-28-2014

Bryan Black, Austin, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080244224Scheduling a direct dependent instruction - In one embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus having an instruction selector to select an instruction, where the selector is to store a dependent indicator to indicate a direct dependent consumer instruction of a producer instruction, a decode logic coupled to the instruction selector to receive the dependent indicator when the producer instruction is selected and to generate a wakeup signal for the direct dependent consumer instruction, and wakeup logic to receive the wakeup signal and to indicate that the producer instruction has been selected. Other embodiments are described and claimed.10-02-2008
20090001601MEMORY ARRAY ON MORE THAN ONE DIE - For one disclosed embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a first die including a first plurality of memory cells for a memory array and a second die including a second plurality of memory cells for the memory array. The second die may include a shared line for the memory array to conduct digital signals for memory cells of both the first and second plurality of memory cells. Other embodiments are also disclosed.01-01-2009
20100149849MEMORY ARRAY ON MORE THAN ONE DIE - For one disclosed embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a first die including a first plurality of memory cells for a memory array and a second die including a second plurality of memory cells for the memory array. The second die may include a shared line for the memory array to conduct digital signals for memory cells of both the first and second plurality of memory cells. Other embodiments are also disclosed.06-17-2010

Patent applications by Bryan Black, Austin, TX US

Bryan Black, Spicewood, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100237496Thermal Interface Material with Support Structure - Various semiconductor chip thermal interface material methods and apparatus are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of establishing thermal contact between a first semiconductor chip and a heat spreader is provided. The method includes placing a thermal interface material layer containing a support structure on the first semiconductor chip. The heat spreader is positioned proximate the thermal interface material layer. The thermal interface material layer is reflowed to establish thermal contact with both the first semiconductor chip and the heat spreader.09-23-2010
20110057677DIE STACKING, TESTING AND PACKAGING FOR YIELD - A method to test and package dies so as to increase overall yield is provided. The method includes performing a wafer test on a first die and mounting the first die on a package substrate to form a partial package, if the wafer test of the first die is successful. The method further includes performing a system test on the partial package including the first die and stacking a second die on the first die if the system test on the partial package and the first die is successful.03-10-2011
20110304051THERMAL INTERFACE MATERIAL WITH SUPPORT STRUCTURE - Various semiconductor chip thermal interface material methods and apparatus are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of establishing thermal contact between a first semiconductor chip and a heat spreader is provided. The method includes placing a thermal interface material layer containing a support structure on the first semiconductor chip. The heat spreader is positioned proximate the thermal interface material layer. The thermal interface material layer is reflowed to establish thermal contact with both the first semiconductor chip and the heat spreader.12-15-2011
20120038061SEMICONDUCTOR CHIP WITH OFFSET PADS - A semiconductor chip device includes a first semiconductor chip adapted to be stacked with a second semiconductor chip wherein the second semiconductor chip includes a side and first and second conductor structures projecting from the side. The first semiconductor chip includes a first edge, a first conductor pad, a first conductor pillar positioned on but laterally offset from the first conductor pad toward the first edge and that has a first lateral dimension and is adapted to couple to one of the first and second conductor structures, a second conductor pad positioned nearer the first edge than the first conductor pad, and a second conductor pillar positioned on but laterally offset from the second conductor pad and that has a second lateral dimension larger than the first lateral dimension and is adapted to couple to the other of the first and second conductor structures.02-16-2012
20120043539SEMICONDUCTOR CHIP WITH THERMAL INTERFACE TAPE - A method of manufacturing is provided that includes applying a thermal interface tape to a side of a semiconductor wafer that includes at least one semiconductor chip. The thermal interface material tape is positioned on the at least one semiconductor chip. The at least one semiconductor chip is singulated from the semiconductor wafer with at least a portion of the thermal interface tape still attached to the semiconductor chip.02-23-2012
20120043668STACKED SEMICONDUCTOR CHIPS WITH THERMAL MANAGEMENT - A method of assembling a semiconductor chip device is provided that includes placing an interposer on a first semiconductor chip. The interposer includes a first surface seated on the first semiconductor chip and a second surface adapted to thermally contact a heat spreader. The second surface includes a first aperture. A second semiconductor chip is placed in the first aperture.02-23-2012
20120043669STACKED SEMICONDUCTOR CHIP DEVICE WITH THERMAL MANAGEMENT CIRCUIT BOARD - A method of assembling a semiconductor chip device is provided that includes providing a circuit board including a surface with an aperture. A portion of a first heat spreader is positioned in the aperture. A stack is positioned on the first heat spreader. The stack includes a first semiconductor chip positioned on the first heat spreader and a substrate that has a first side coupled to the first semiconductor chip.02-23-2012
20120061821SEMICONDUCTOR CHIP WITH REDUNDANT THRU-SILICON-VIAS - A semiconductor chip with conductive vias and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The method includes forming a first plurality of conductive vias in a layer of a first semiconductor chip. The first plurality of conductive vias includes first ends and second ends. A first conductor pad is formed in ohmic contact with the first ends of the first plurality of conductive vias.03-15-2012
20120061852SEMICONDUCTOR CHIP DEVICE WITH POLYMERIC FILLER TRENCH - A method of manufacturing is provided that includes providing a semiconductor chip with an insulating layer. The insulating layer includes a trench. A second semiconductor chip is stacked on the first semiconductor chip to leave a gap. A polymeric filler is placed in the gap wherein a portion of the polymeric filler is drawn into the trench.03-15-2012
20120061853SEMICONDUCTOR CHIP DEVICE WITH UNDERFILL - A method of manufacturing is provided that includes placing a removable cover on a surface of a substrate. The substrate includes a first semiconductor chip positioned on the surface. The first semiconductor chip includes a first sidewall. The removable cover includes a second sidewall positioned opposite the first sidewall. A first underfill is placed between the first semiconductor chip and the surface wherein the second sidewall provides a barrier to flow of the first underfill. Various apparatus are also disclosed.03-15-2012
20120074579SEMICONDUCTOR CHIP WITH REINFORCING THROUGH-SILICON-VIAS - A method of manufacturing includes connecting a first end of a first through-silicon-via to a first die seal proximate a first side of a first semiconductor chip. A second end of the first thu-silicon-via is connected to a second die seal proximate a second side of the first semiconductor chip opposite the first side.03-29-2012
20120075807STACKED SEMICONDUCTOR CHIP DEVICE WITH THERMAL MANAGEMENT - A method of manufacturing is provided that includes placing a thermal management device in thermal contact with a first semiconductor chip of a semiconductor chip device. The semiconductor chip device includes a first substrate coupled to the first semiconductor chip. The first substrate has a first aperture. At least one of the first semiconductor chip and the thermal management device is at least partially positioned in the first aperture.03-29-2012
20120098119SEMICONDUCTOR CHIP DEVICE WITH LIQUID THERMAL INTERFACE MATERIAL - A method of manufacturing is provided that includes providing a semiconductor chip device that has a circuit board and a first semiconductor chip coupled thereto. A lid is placed on the circuit board. The lid includes an opening and an internal cavity. A liquid thermal interface material is placed in the internal cavity for thermal contact with the first semiconductor chip and the circuit board.04-26-2012
20120205791SEMICONDUCTOR CHIP WITH REINFORCING THROUGH-SILICON-VIAS - A method of manufacturing includes connecting a first end of a first through-silicon-via to a first die seal proximate a first side of a first semiconductor chip. A second end of the first thu-silicon-via is connected to a second die seal proximate a second side of the first semiconductor chip opposite the first side.08-16-2012
20130141442METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MULTI-CHIP PROCESSING - Various methods, computer-readable mediums and apparatus are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of generating a graphical image on a display device is provided that includes splitting geometry level processing of the image between plural processors coupled to an interposer. Primitives are created using each of the plural processors. Any primitives not needed to render the image are discarded. The image is rasterized using each of the plural processors. A portion of the image is rendered using one of the plural processors and any remaining portion of the image using one or more of the other plural processors.06-06-2013
20130147028HEAT SPREADER FOR MULTIPLE CHIP SYSTEMS - Various heat spreaders and methods of making and using the same are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of manufacturing is provided that includes forming a heat spreader that has a surface adapted to establish thermal contact with a first semiconductor chip and a second semiconductor chip on a substrate. The surface includes a first portion adapted to thermally contact a solder-based thermal interface material and a second portion having an opening adapted to hold an organic thermal interface material.06-13-2013
20130159584DATA BUS INVERSION CODING - Techniques are disclosed relating to data inversion encoding. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an interface circuit. The interface circuit is configured to perform first and second data bursts that include respective pluralities of data transmissions encoded using an inversion coding scheme. In such an embodiment, the initial data transmission of the second data burst is encoded using the final data transmission of the first data burst. In some embodiments, the first and second data bursts correspond to successive write operations or successive read operations to a memory module from a memory PHY.06-20-2013
20130159587Interconnect Redundancy for Multi-Interconnect Device - A multi-interconnect integrated circuit device includes an input/output (I/O) circuit for conveying a plurality of interleaved data channel groups by configuring the I/O circuit to convey a first data channel group over a default fixed interconnect signal paths if there are no connection failures in the default fixed interconnect signal paths, and to convey the first data channel group over a second plurality of default fixed interconnect signal paths if there is at least one connection failure in the first plurality of default fixed interconnect signal paths, where the second plurality of default fixed interconnect signal paths includes a redundant fixed interconnect signal path for replacing a failed interconnect signal path from the first plurality of default fixed interconnect signal paths.06-20-2013
20130159818Unified Data Masking, Data Poisoning, and Data Bus Inversion Signaling - Provided herein is a method and system for providing and analyzing unified data signaling that includes setting, or analyzing a state of a single indicator signal, generating or analyzing a data pattern of a plurality of data bits, and signal, or determine, based on the state of the single indicator signal and the pattern of the plurality of data bits, that data bus inversion has been applied to the plurality of data bits or that the plurality of data bits is poisoned.06-20-2013
20130161814SEMICONDUCTOR CHIP WITH OFFSET PADS - A semiconductor chip device includes a first semiconductor chip adapted to be stacked with a second semiconductor chip wherein the second semiconductor chip includes a side and first and second conductor structures projecting from the side. The first semiconductor chip includes a first edge, a first conductor pad, a first conductor pillar positioned on but laterally offset from the first conductor pad toward the first edge and that has a first lateral dimension and is adapted to couple to one of the first and second conductor structures, a second conductor pad positioned nearer the first edge than the first conductor pad, and a second conductor pillar positioned on but laterally offset from the second conductor pad and that has a second lateral dimension larger than the first lateral dimension and is adapted to couple to the other of the first and second conductor structures.06-27-2013
20130256872THERMAL MANAGEMENT OF STACKED SEMICONDUCTOR CHIPS WITH ELECTRICALLY NON-FUNCTIONAL INTERCONNECTS - A method of manufacturing is provided that includes fabricating a first plurality of electrically functional interconnects on a front side of a first semiconductor chip and fabricating a first plurality of electrically non-functional interconnects on a back side of the first semiconductor chip. Additional chips may be stacked on the first semiconductor chip.10-03-2013
20130256895STACKED SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS WITH UNIVERSAL INTERCONNECT FOOTPRINT - A method of manufacturing is provided that includes fabricating a first set of interconnect structures on a side of a first semiconductor substrate. The first semiconductor substrate is operable to have at least one of plural semiconductor substrates stacked on the side. The first set of interconnect structures is arranged in a pattern. Each of the plural semiconductor substrates has a second set of interconnect structures arranged in the pattern, one of the plural semiconductor substrates has a smallest footprint of the plural semiconductor substrates. The pattern has a footprint smaller than the smallest footprint of the plural semiconductor substrates.10-03-2013
20130256913DIE STACKING WITH COUPLED ELECTRICAL INTERCONNECTS TO ALIGN PROXIMITY INTERCONNECTS - A method of manufacturing is provided that includes forming a first proximity interconnect on a first side of a first semiconductor chip and a first plurality of interconnect structures projecting from the first side. A second proximity interconnect is formed on a second side of a second semiconductor chip and a second plurality of interconnect structures are formed projecting from the second side. The second semiconductor chip is coupled to the first semiconductor chip so that the second side faces the first side and the first interconnect structures are coupled to the second interconnect structures. The first and second proximity interconnects cooperate to provide a proximity interface. The coupling of the first interconnect structures to the second interconnect structures provides desired vertical and lateral alignment of the first and second proximity interconnects.10-03-2013
20130341783INTERPOSER WITH IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM - Various interposers and method of manufacturing related thereto are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of manufacturing is provided that includes coupling an identification structure to an interposer. The identification structure is operable to provide identification information about the interposer. The identification structure is programmable to create or alter the identification information.12-26-2013
20130342231SEMICONDUCTOR SUBSTRATE WITH ONBOARD TEST STRUCTURE - Various interposers and methods of manufacturing related thereto are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of manufacturing is provided that includes fabricating a first test structure onboard an interposer that has a first side and second side opposite the first side. Additional test structures may be fabricated.12-26-2013
20140103506SEMICONDUCTOR CHIP DEVICE WITH POLYMERIC FILLER TRENCH - A method of manufacturing is provided that includes providing a semiconductor chip with an insulating layer. The insulating layer includes a trench. A second semiconductor chip is stacked on the first semiconductor chip to leave a gap. A polymeric filler is placed in the gap wherein a portion of the polymeric filler is drawn into the trench.04-17-2014

Patent applications by Bryan Black, Spicewood, TX US

Bryan P. Black, Austin, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090138688Multi-Die Processor - Disclosed are a multi-die processor apparatus and system. Processor logic to execute one or more instructions is allocated among two or more face-to-faces stacked dice. The processor includes a conductive interface between the stacked dice to facilitate die-to-die communication.05-28-2009

Patent applications by Bryan P. Black, Austin, TX US

Damon Ray Black, Dallas, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100077606METHOD OF FORMING A LEAD - An implantable, substantially isodiametric, low resistance implantable lead having at least one electrode positioned in a stimulation/sensing portion of the lead as well as a method of manufacturing the same. At least the stimulation/sensing portion is unitized through partially surrounding and supporting insulation and conductive element(s) of the stimulation/sensing portion with a fused matrix of material having mechanical properties consistent with a body of the lead.04-01-2010
20130167372METHOD OF FORMING A LEAD - An implantable, substantially isodiametric, low resistance implantable lead having at least one electrode positioned in a stimulation/sensing portion of the lead as well as a method of manufacturing the same. At least the stimulation/sensing portion is unitized through partially surrounding and supporting insulation and conductive element(s) of the stimulation/sensing portion with a fused matrix of material having mechanical properties consistent with a body of the lead.07-04-2013

Patent applications by Damon Ray Black, Dallas, TX US

Daniel J. Black, Frisco, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110125219IMPLANTABLE PULSE GENERATOR FOR NEUROSTIMULATION THAT COMPRISES THIN-OXIDE TRANSISTORS AND METHOD OF OPERATING A NEUROSTIMULATION SYSTEM - In one embodiment, a method, of operating an IPG, comprises: generating a variable anode voltage by first circuitry to drive current during pulse generation, the first circuitry being programmable to generate the anode voltage from a plurality of voltages in response to a control signal; providing the anode voltage to a first circuit node; operating a transistor to control current flow between the first circuit node and an output of the IPG, wherein the transistor possesses a gate-to-source breakdown voltage; generating a first supply signal that is maintained at a voltage level equal to the anode voltage plus or minus a predetermined amount; and selectively applying the first supply signal and a second supply signal to a gate of the transistor to connect or disconnect the first circuit node in a circuit path with the output of the IPG.05-26-2011
20110125220IMPLANTABLE PULSE GENERATOR FOR NEUROSTIMULATION THAT COMPRISES VOLTAGE CONVERSION CIRCUITRY AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF - In one embodiment, an implantable pulse generator (IPG) for generating electrical pulses for stimulation of tissue of a patient, comprises: a controller for controlling operations of the IPG; pulse generating circuitry for generating electrical pulses; and conversion circuitry for converting a received logic signal generated by a first voltage domain for provision to a second voltage domain, the conversion circuitry comprising a first stage and a second stage, wherein (i) the first stage receives first signals at first and second logic levels; (ii) the second stage receives second signals at third and fourth logic levels, (iii) the second stage comprising two sets of cross-coupled transistors for generating a rail-to-rail output at the third and fourth logic levels according to whether the received logic signal is at the first or second logic level.05-26-2011

Derek D. Black, Austin, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090249750AUTOMATED COLLECTOR DEVICE AND METHODS - A collector device includes a collector connected to a positioner, such as a robot arm. The positioner can automatically move the collector in multiple dimensions to collect objects into the collector according to a specified collection pattern. By moving the collector in multiple dimensions, the positioner provides for objects to be arranged in the collector according to a specified pattern. The positioner can also move the collector so that the collected objects are transferred to a second collector for shipping, storage, and the like.10-08-2009
20110056176AUTOMATED COLLECTOR DEVICE AND METHODS - A collector device includes a collector connected to a positioner, such as a robot arm. The positioner can automatically move the collector in multiple dimensions to collect objects into the collector according to a specified collection pattern. By moving the collector in multiple dimensions, the positioner provides for objects to be arranged in the collector according to a specified pattern. The positioner can also move the collector so that the collected objects are transferred to a second collector for shipping, storage, and the like.03-10-2011

Francois Black, Pearland, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100269676WELLBORE PERFORATING DEVICES - Wellbore perforating devices are disclosed. In one example, a wellbore perforating device includes a plurality of shaped charges and a holder that holds the plurality of shaped charges so that upon detonation the charges intersect a common plane extending transversely to the holder.10-28-2010
20120247771PERFORATING GUN AND ARMING METHOD - The perforating gun and methods of arming a perforating gun facilitates electrically connecting an arming device carrying the detonator to the loading tube carrying the explosive charges prior to ballistically connecting the arming device to the loading tube. Subsequent to establishing electrical continuity across the loading tube and arming device, the arming device can be ballistically connected to the loading tube thereby arming the perforating gun.10-04-2012

James T. Black, Austin, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090086661Mobile computer with unattended online content processing - A system, method and program code are disclosed for the unattended monitoring, retrieval and storage of online content by a mobile information processing system operating in a low power mode. An intelligent wireless modem is activated when a mobile information processing system is operating in a low power state. The intelligent wireless modem detects the availability of a predetermined wireless network and establishes a connection. Predetermined online sites and services are then monitored by an unattended online content processor for the identification, retrieval, and subsequent storage of predetermined content. The stored content is subsequently retrieved and presented to the user for review and other operations when the mobile information processing system enters an initialization state.04-02-2009

James Timothy Black, Austin, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090115788Mobile computer with auxiliary display on a secondary device - A system and method is disclosed for wirelessly communicating displayable information for display on an auxiliary display device. A primary display device comprising a first display and a first wireless modem generates displayable information. The availability of one or more auxiliary display devices and information is collected to determine which of the auxiliary display devices are supported by the primary display device. The power state of the primary display device is monitored. If it is operating in a full power state, a full auxiliary display output mode is maintained allowing all, or a subset, of the displayable information generated by the first display device to be displayed on supported auxiliary display devices. If it is operating in a low or off power state, a subset auxiliary display output mode is activated and a predetermined subset of the displayable information is displayed on the supported auxiliary display devices.05-07-2009

Jason Black, Austin, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090043670System and method for network-based purchasing - Systems and methods for organizational purchasing are disclosed herein. More specifically, in certain embodiments a campaign corresponding to a product may be created and potential buyers informed of the campaign. These potential buyers may then themselves purchase the product in association with the campaign. In this manner not only are potential buyers informed that a product is being offered to one or more other buyers but the purchases of the individual buyers in association with the campaign may be aggregated to, for example, achieve a lower purchasing cost for each buyer relative to what the buyer would have paid if he had purchased only the quantity of product he desired.02-12-2009
20090043671System and method for network-based purchasing - Systems and methods for organizational purchasing are disclosed herein. More specifically, in certain embodiments a campaign corresponding to a product may be created and potential buyers informed of the campaign. These potential buyers may then themselves purchase the product in association with the campaign. In this manner not only are potential buyers informed that a product is being offered to one or more other buyers but the purchases of the individual buyers in association with the campaign may be aggregated to, for example, achieve a lower purchasing cost for each buyer relative to what the buyer would have paid if he had purchased only the quantity of product he desired.02-12-2009

Jesse Raymond Black, Katy, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120029239RECOVERY OF ACETOPHENONE DURING THE PRODUCTION OF PHENOL - A method for producing acetophenone comprising: treating one or more alkylbenzenes comprising s-butylbenzene to produce a feed comprising phenol and acetophenone; separating a crude phenol stream from the feed under crude phenol separation conditions effective to produce a crude phenol heavies; and, separating an acetophenone stream directly from the crude phenol heavies under azeotropic distillation conditions.02-02-2012

Joseph D. Black, Houston, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120042132STORAGE SYSTEM WITH MIDDLE-WAY LOGICAL VOLUME - A storage system is disclosed including storage devices configured to store data, and a logical storage volume coupled to the storage devices and configured to store a subset of the data as segments. The storage system also includes a controller including a cache and memory. The memory is configured to include records such that each record corresponds with a segment in the logical storage volume and each record includes information regarding data stored in the corresponding segment. The controller is configured to access the records in response to a cache miss of the cache to determine if requested data from the cache miss is stored and ready for access in the logical storage volume. The controller is also configured to update the subset of data stored in the segments as a function of cache misses.02-16-2012

Joseph David Black, Houston, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130086320MULTICAST WRITE COMMANDS - Techniques for implementing a multicast write command are described. A data block may be destined for multiple targets. The targets may be included in a list. A multicast write command may include the list. Write commands may be sent to each target in the list.04-04-2013
20130111125SHARED CACHE MODULE AND METHOD THEREOF05-02-2013
20130117767SAS EXPANDER FOR COMMUNICATION BETWEEN DRIVERS - A SAS expander that includes a virtual device manager and a communications manager. The virtual device manager is to generate a virtual device table comprising virtual device PHYs associated with virtual device drivers for host device drivers to allow communication between the host device drivers. The communications manager is to receive a request from a first host device driver of a first host to communicate with a second host device driver of a second host, and in response to receipt of the request, establish communication between the first host device driver and a virtual device PHY associated with a virtual device driver of the second host device driver.05-09-2013
20140032754INITIATOR ZONING IN PROGRESS COMMAND - An initiator zoning in progress command is provided. In one aspect the zoning in progress command includes target devices. Upon completion of the zoning operation, a zoning complete command is provided. In another aspect, receipt of a zoning in progress command causes broadcast change commands to be ignored until the zoning complete command is received.01-30-2014
20140089581CAPACITY-EXPANSION OF A LOGICAL VOLUME - Expanding capacity of a logical volume is described. In an example a logical volume is described by a global metadata unit and a plurality of local metadata units. The global metadata unit includes a description of the logical volume, a list of the plurality of local metadata units, and ranges of logical blocks of the logical volume corresponding to the plurality of local metadata units. Each of the local metadata units includes a description of a local RAID set and a range of logical blocks on the local RAID set. When a new drive is to be added to the logical volume to increase capacity, a new local metadata unit is created. The new local metadata unit includes a description of a new local RAID set to be added to the RAID volume and a range of logical blocks on the new drive. The new local metadata unit is added to the global metadata unit to expand the logical volume to incorporate the new local RAID set.03-27-2014
20140143464SAS EXPANDER - A SAS expander includes a receiver module, a timer module and an arbitration module. The receiver module is to receive initiator requests which include initiator wait time values and specify requested targets. The timer module has timers to generate total wait time values representing length or time the initiators having been waiting for the specified requested targets. The timers are to be initialized with wait time values comprising the initiator request wait time values and user-defined wait time values. The arbitration module is to select an initiator request having the highest total wait time value from among the initiator requests requesting the same targets.05-22-2014
20140173223STORAGE CONTROLLER WITH HOST COLLABORATION FOR INITIALIZATION OF A LOGICAL VOLUME - A device includes a storage controller for accessing a logical volume. The storage controller collaborates with a host to initialize the logical volume such that host resources perform a portion of the initialization of the logical volume.06-19-2014
20140297910SAS EXPANDER - A SAS expander that includes a storage management module to cause the SAS expander to configure zoning of targets coupled to the SAS expander based on zone configuration rules. The storage management to cause, in response to receipt of a command to enter an expander reduced functionality mode of operation, the SAS expander to prevent initiators access to the targets coupled to the SAS expander and to allow update of expander functionality module for controlling operation of the SAS expander. The storage management module to cause, upon completion of the expander reduced functionality mode of operation, the SAS expander to reconfigure the zoning of the targets coupled to the SAS expander based on the zone configuration rules and to allow initiators access to the targets coupled to the SAS expander.10-02-2014
20140297942DATA CACHE FOR A STORAGE ARRAY - Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for a storage system that includes an array of disk drives and a controller communicatively coupled to the array of disk drives. The controller includes a dual purpose cache. The controller is configured to perform maintenance operations and host input/output (I/O) operations using the dual purpose cache.10-02-2014

Michael L. Black, Austin, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090057010COVER FOR TERMINATED CABLES - A cover includes a flexible polymeric body defining a longitudinally extending space and having an outer surface, a first end defining an opening providing access to the space, a second end opposite to the first end, and an attachment segment positioned near the second end. The opening and the space are configured to receive an end portion of a terminated cable. The attachment segment is configured to receive a pulling member. The cover may be positioned over an end portion of a terminated cable and attached to a pulling member to draw the terminated cable through a passageway.03-05-2009

Oliver M. Black, Galveston, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110166465SYSTEM, METHOD, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR DELIVERING MEDICAL SERVICES FROM A REMOTE LOCATION - A system, program product, and methods related to enhanced medical services delivery to geographically distributed patient populations by remotely located physicians are provided. An embodiment of the system includes a remote medical services server, a plurality of patient electronic medical records stored in the memory of the remote medical services server, and a remote medical services program product stored in the memory of the remote medical services server adapted to access the plurality of patient electronic medical records to thereby allow display of and data entry in a selected patient electronic medical record. A patient medical service delivery station captures patient video images and displays remote physician video images. A remote physician medical service delivery suite in communication with the patient medical service delivery station through the communications network captures remote physician video images and displays patient video images and patient electronic medical records, to allow the remote physician to perform remote patient medical service delivery.07-07-2011

Richard Black, Houston, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120285896SYSTEM AND METHOD TO MEASURE HYDROCARBONS PRODUCED FROM A WELL - A method and system for metering liquid production at a well comprises an actuated back pressure control valve, a liquid pump, a liquid flow meter and a pressure sensor, both intermediate the liquid pump and the back pressure control valve, and a separator having a liquid discharge conduit, a pressure sensor and a liquid/gas interface sensor disposed to monitor a section of the separator. The liquid pump receives a stream of liquid removed from the monitored section of the separator and moves the liquid stream through the flow meter and the back pressure control valve. A controller receives signals from the pressure sensors and the interface sensor, and operates the liquid pump at a speed to maintain an interface in the monitored section within a predetermined range while positioning the back pressure control valve to maintain the pressure at the flow meter above a pressure at which bubbles may form.11-15-2012
20150232395ETHYLENE-TO-LIQUIDS SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Integrated systems are provided for the production of higher hydrocarbon compositions, for example liquid hydrocarbon compositions, from methane using an oxidative coupling of methane system to convert methane to ethylene, followed by conversion of ethylene to selectable higher hydrocarbon products. Integrated systems and processes are provided that process methane through to these higher hydrocarbon products.08-20-2015

Robert B. Black, Austin, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090161574Method and System for Establishing a Communications Connection - According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for establishing a communications connection is provided. The method includes transmitting, by a digital subscriber line access multiplexer to a communications device, a plurality of parameters each representing a different indication of a same feature of the digital subscriber line access multiplexer. Each parameter is correlated with one or more communications settings. The method also includes establishing a plurality of digital subscriber line connections with the communications device. Each connection corresponds with a particular one of the parameters. The method also includes selecting one of the connections as meeting a predetermined criteria. The method also includes identifying one of the parameters that corresponds to the selected connection. The method also includes establishing a digital subscriber line connection with the communications device using at least one communications setting correlated with the identified parameter.06-25-2009

Robert S. Black, Irving, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20150266727MEMS DEVICE WITH NON-PLANAR FEATURES - A MEMS device is formed with facing surfaces of a contoured substrate and a layer of material having complementary contours. In one fabrication approach, a first photoresist layer is formed over a substrate. Selected regions of the first photoresist layer are exposed using a patterning mask. The exposed regions of the first photoresist layer are thermally shrunk to pattern the first photoresist layer with a contour. A layer of material is formed over the contoured first photoresist layer.09-24-2015

Ryan Black, Spring, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20140206048COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR BIOFERMENTATION OF OIL-CONTAINING FEEDSTOCKS - The present invention provides compositions and methods for the use of oil-containing materials as feedstocks for the production the bioproducts by biofermentation. In one preferred embodiment, surfactants are not used in compositions and the methods of the invention. In one preferred embodiment the oil-containing feedstocks are the by-products of other industrial processes including microbial, plant and animal oil processing.07-24-2014

Ryan W. Black, Spring, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20150232805STRAINS AND METHODS FOR PLASMID MAINTENANCE - The present invention provides a host microorganism with a deletion, disruption or mutation in one or more enzymes of a glycerol dissimilation pathway and a plasmid without an antibiotic resistance gene but carrying one or more genes encoding enzymes involved in glycerol dissimilation, wherein the plasmid is stably maintained by the host microorganism when cultured on glycerol as a carbon source. Such a plasmid maintenance system is beneficial in applications where the presence of an antibiotic resistance gene or the use of antibiotics is either prohibited or problem.08-20-2015

Stephanie Black, Grapevine, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120215578METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTING WORKFLOWS AND MANAGNG STAFF AND ENGAGEMENTS - The present invention relates to software and a method of use for implementing workflows and managing engagements and staff. More particularly, the present invention relates to a software module tracking data of staff, engagements and workflows and a method of using such data in the management of staff and assignment of tasks. Information concerning employees is input into a database by the manager and the employees, and is tracked therein. The information concerning an employee includes an employee's availability, ability and experience. Workflow/Task information is input into the database when either a client makes a request for service of the business, or a workflow/task internal to the business is needed to be performed. Task information includes the nature of the work and deadlines. Task information is compared to the employee information. A list is automatically generated naming the employees best suited to the mandate of the task. The manager then chooses a name from the top of the list and assigns the task to that employee.08-23-2012

Stephanie J. Black, Grapevine, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110055100METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INTEGRATED PROFESSIONAL CONTINUING EDUCATION RELATED SERVICES - Systems and techniques are disclosed that provide a comprehensive and integrated professional education and training platform, especially in the areas of tax, financial auditing and reporting, and planning and risk assessment. The systems and techniques allow an administrator to identify a subset of learning courses from a set of available learning courses for association with an educational product, and to assign individuals to each of the subset of learning courses.03-03-2011

Stephanie Jeanne Black, Grapevine, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110055035Method and system for integrated professional continuing education related services - The present invention provides a computer-implemented integrated professional services research, resource, and education delivery and management system. The invention integrates the professional services delivery aspect with the professional education, training and requirements aspect associated with professional services firms and concerns. The invention provides electronic filing and reporting of requirements related documents to maintain state certifications. By providing a more efficient learning environment that is more fully integrated in the practice of a given profession, the present invention promotes an environment that more quickly advances and cultivates the skills of professionals, especially those with little experience, and more closely relates such development with the particular areas in which the individual is engaged in the practice and delivery of professional services, thereby enhancing value delivered to the client.03-03-2011

Steven S. Black, Houston, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130292598VALVE AND METHOD OF SUPPORTING A SEAL OF A VALVE - Disclosed herein is a valve. The valve includes a first member having a first port therethrough, a second member in operable communication with the first member having a sealing surface thereon and a second port therethrough that is movable relative to the first member. The valve also has a seal sealingly engaged with the first member and slidably sealingly engagable with the second member, and a support member movably disposed relative to the first member and the second member. The support member has a support surface dimensioned similarly to the sealing surface, and is movable with the second member relative to the first member so that upon such movement the seal is continuously supported by at least one of the sealing surface and the support surface.11-07-2013
20140166314HIGH PRESSURE LOCK ASSEMBLY - A lock assembly including a plurality of dogs, each dog having a load bearing surface and a first interconnection feature. An extender body is operatively arranged for radially transitioning the plurality of dogs between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. The load bearing surface of each dog is operatively arranged in the extended configuration for engaging against a shoulder of a radially adjacent structure for supporting the lock assembly. A mandrel is included having a second interconnection feature operatively arranged to dimensionally overlap the first interconnection feature of the dogs when transitioned to the extended configuration for enabling the mandrel to be supported by the dogs. A method of locking radially adjacent components is also included.06-19-2014
20140166315LOCK ASSEMBLY WITH CAGELESS DOGS - A lock assembly including a plurality of dogs, each dog being circumferentially adjacent to at least one other dog in the plurality and each dog including a load bearing surface. An extender body is operatively arranged to transition the plurality of dogs between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. The load bearing surface of each dog is operatively arranged in the extended configuration for engaging against a shoulder of a radially adjacent structure for supporting the lock assembly. The load bearing surfaces of the dogs together form a substantially circumferentially continuous shape when arranged in one of the retracted or extended configurations. A method of locking radially adjacent components is also included.06-19-2014
20150013430PROCESS ANALYTIC DEVICE WITH IMPROVED THERMAL STABILITY - A process analytic device includes an input to receive a sample of interest and an analytic detector operably coupled to receive the sample of interest. An analytic output is provided relative to the sample of interest. A plurality of heat pipes is thermally coupled to the analytic detector.01-15-2015

Patent applications by Steven S. Black, Houston, TX US

Suzan Gail Black, Dayton, TX US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110226258Uterus Implant - A uterine implant device suitable for treatment of vaginal vault prolapsed which occurs in a women after a partial or total hysterectomy. The implant device is formed in the shape of a normal uterus and filled with a suitable fluid. The uterine implant device is placed within the pelvic vault and can be held in place by sutured attached ligaments or scar tissue. The implant device can be inserted utilizing surgery or a specialized insertion tool.09-22-2011
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