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Kramer, CA

Alan Kramer, Berkeley, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090164797SECURE OFF-CHIP PROCESSING SUCH AS FOR BIOMETRIC DATA - In a biometric sensor system and method, storage of acquired biometric data and/or processing of that data may be shifted from specialized secure processing hardware to host system resources for improved speed and reduced cost of biometric sensor devices and systems. Stored data may be encrypted and/or signed by the specialized secure processing hardware and/or software. A database of authorized biometric data (e.g., patterns or key features representing all or a portion of the fingerprints of authorized users) may be stored on the host system either encrypted or non-encrypted or both. Preliminary matching against a database of many enrolled fingerprints may be accomplished by the system processor to ease the processing burden on the specialized secure processing hardware/software. Final match confirmation remains within exclusive control of the specialized secure processing hardware/software in order to prevent data tampering or other efforts to defeat the security provided by biometric identification.06-25-2009
20090166411HYBRID MULTI-SENSOR BIOMETRIC IDENTIFICATION DEVICE - An improved fingerprint sensing device is provided with multiple sensing apparatus, two or more of which operating on different sensing principles. For example, a capacitive sensor may be integrally formed with an optical sensor on a single substrate. Ideally, the multiple sensing apparatus are disposed such that they may sense nearly identical portions of a fingerprint simultaneously. A primary sensor may be employed to establish the identity of a user based on a fingerprint, while a secondary sensor may be employed to establish that the fingerprint is part of a live human (anti-spoofing). Integrated light sources may be provided to drive an optical sensor. The light sources may also provide visual cues for usage, and enhance the aesthetics of the device.07-02-2009
20090169071Pseudo-Translucent Integrated Circuit Package - An integrated circuit (IC) package includes at least one light source disposed together with an IC structure within an encapsulation structure. The material forming the encapsulation structure is generally opaque. Accordingly, the light source and at least a portion of the IC are not visible to the unaided human eye. The thickness and geometry of the encapsulation are such that when the light source is caused to emit light, the encapsulation structure permits at least a portion of that light to be visible to a user. The IC may be a portion of a fingerprint sensor, exposed for receiving a fingertip of a user. The light source, or a plurality of such light sources, may be functional (e.g., providing visual indication of the of the condition or state of an item of hardware or software, assist the user in operation of a device), be primarily aesthetic, or a combination thereof.07-02-2009
20100127366Integrated Leadframe And Bezel Structure And Device Formed From Same - An integrated leadframe and bezel structure includes a planar carrier frame, a plurality of bonding leads, a die pad region, and a bezel structure. The bezel structure includes a bending portion shaped and disposed to facilitate a portion of said bezel structure being bent out of the plane of said carrier frame. A sensor IC may be secured to the die pad region, and wire bonds made to permit external connection to the sensor IC. The bezel structure includes portions which are bent such that their upper extent is in or above a sensing surface. The assembly is encapsulated, exposing on the top surface part of the bezel portions and the upper surface of the sensor IC, and on the bottom surface the contact pads. Two or more bezel portions may be provided, one or more on each side of the sensor IC.05-27-2010
20110215341Biometric Sensor Assembly With Integrated Visual Indicator - A biometric sensor assembly comprises a substrate to which is mounted a die containing sensor circuitry, at least one conductive bezel having a visual indicator region formed therein, and electrically connected to said die by way of said substrate, a light source, and a light-directing region directing light from the light source to the visual indicator region. The die, the light-directing region, and the bezel are encased in an encapsulation structure such that a portion of a surface of the die and the visual indication region are exposed or at most thinly covered by the encapsulation structure. The light-directing region directs light emitted by the light source within the encapsulation structure to the visual indicator region. Desired indicia in the visual indicator region may thereby be illuminated, while the die and bezel, and optionally the light source, are protected by the encapsulation structure.09-08-2011
20110215484Integrally Molded Die And Bezel Structure For Fingerprint Sensors And The Like - A biometric sensor device, such as a fingerprint sensor, comprises a substrate to which is mounted a die on which is formed a sensor array and at least one conductive bezel. The die and the bezel are encased in a unitary encapsulation structure to protect those elements from mechanical, electrical, and environmental damage, yet with a portion of the sensor array and the bezel exposed or at most thinly covered by the encapsulation or other coating material structure.09-08-2011
20130154031INTEGRALLY MOLDED DIE AND BEZEL STRUCTURE FOR FINGERPRINT SENSORS AND THE LIKE - A biometric sensor device, such as a fingerprint sensor, comprises a substrate to which is mounted a die on which is formed a sensor array and at least one conductive bezel. The die and the bezel are encased in a unitary encapsulation structure to protect those elements from mechanical, electrical, and environmental damage, yet with a portion of the sensor array and the bezel exposed or at most thinly covered by the encapsulation or other coating material structure.06-20-2013
20130320464INTEGRALLY MOLDED DIE AND BEZEL STRUCTURE FOR FINGERPRINT SENSORS AND THE LIKE - A biometric sensor device, such as a fingerprint sensor, comprises a substrate to which is mounted a die on which is formed a sensor array and at least one conductive bezel. The die and the bezel are encased in a unitary encapsulation structure to protect those elements from mechanical, electrical, and environmental damage, yet with a portion of the sensor array and the bezel exposed or at most thinly covered by the encapsulation or other coating material structure.12-05-2013

Patent applications by Alan Kramer, Berkeley, CA US

Alexander Kramer, Pasadena, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100017211Method for the construction of a cross-linked system - Disclosed is a method for constructing a cross-linked system whose topology of components creates a network, especially a method for creating predetermined functional units, such as cell types and tissues as well as biological and/or physical components that are based thereupon, by developing the cross-linking of the system in a self-organizing manner. The inventive method is characterized by the following steps: a) the network is represented by graph; b) edges of the said graph are provided with markings which are formed such that the graph can be unambiguously assigned to a minimal automaton; c) the automaton is described by a formal grammar representing a system of equations whose solution are defined in text form. The approach to obtain the solutions of the system of equations describes a way to construct the system, while transducers insert the components into the network in order to entirely construct the system.01-21-2010

Andrew W. Kramer, San Jose, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090044814Implantable devices, systems, and methods for maintaining desired orientations in targeted tissue regions - Devices, systems, and methods are provided by maintaining tissue regions in desired orientation in or along an airway, e.g., for reducing or preventing snoring and/or sleep disordered breathing events, such as sleep apnea.02-19-2009
20120240940DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING MAGNETIC FORCE SYSTEMS AFFECTING THE TOUNGUE OR HYOID MUSCCLES IN THE UPPER AIRWYA - Systems and methods are provided for resisting posterior movement of the tongue during sleep, thereby keeping an airway open. The systems and methods employ a first structure that can be placed either in or on a tongue within an oral cavity and/or in a region of hyoid muscle. The first structure includes a ferromagnetic material. The systems and methods employ a second structure that can be placed either in or on external tissue outside the oral cavity and/or in or on external tissue outside the oral cavity in a desired relationship with the first structure. The second structure includes a magnetic material that magnetically interacts with the ferromagnetic material by attracting the ferromagnetic material, thereby resisting posterior movement of the tongue.09-27-2012

Patent applications by Andrew W. Kramer, San Jose, CA US

Bryan A. Kramer, San Diego, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090036448PYRIMIDINE DERIVATIVES AND METHODS OF TREATMENT RELATED TO THE USE THEREOF - The present invention encompasses novel substituted pyrimidine compounds of Formula (I):02-05-2009
20110053958MODULATORS OF THE PROSTACYCLIN (PGI2) RECEPTOR USEFUL FOR THE TREATMENT OF DISORDERS RELATED THERETO - The present invention relates to amide derivatives of Formula (XIIIa) and pharmaceutical compositions thereof that modulate the activity of the PGI2 receptor. Compounds of the present invention and pharmaceutical compositions thereof are directed to methods useful in the treatment of: pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH); idiopathic PAH; familial PAH; PAH associated with a collagen vascular disease, a congenital heart disease, portal hypertension, HIV infection, ingestion of a drug or toxin, hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, splenectomy, pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) or pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis (PCH); PAH with significant venous or capillary involvement; platelet aggregation; coronary artery disease; myocardial infarction; transient ischemic attack; angina; stroke; ischemia-reperfusion injury; restenosis; atrial fibrillation; blood clot formation in an angioplasty or coronary bypass surgery individual or in an individual suffering from atrial fibrillation; atherosclerosis; atherothrombosis; asthma or a symptom thereof; a diabetic-related disorder such as diabetic peripheral neuropathy, diabetic nephropathy or diabetic retinopathy; glaucoma or other disease of the eye with abnormal intraocular pressure; hypertension; inflammation; psoriasis; psoriatic arthritis; rheumatoid arthritis; Crohn's disease; transplant rejection; multiple sclerosis; systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); ulcerative colitis; ischemia-reperfusion injury; restenosis; atherosclerosis; acne; type 1 diabetes; type 2 diabetes; sepsis; and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).03-03-2011
20130217706MODULATORS OF THE PROSTACYCLIN (PGI2) RECEPTOR USEFUL FOR THE TREATMENT OF DISORDERS RELATED THERETO - The present invention relates to amide derivatives of Formula (XIIIa) and pharmaceutical compositions thereof that modulate the activity of the PGI2 receptor. Compounds of the present invention and pharmaceutical compositions thereof are directed to methods useful in the treatment of: pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH); idiopathic PAH; familial PAH; PAH associated with a collagen vascular disease; and other diseases.08-22-2013
20140309192MODULATORS OF THE G PROTEIN-COUPLED MAS RECEPTOR AND THE TREATMENT OF DISORDERS RELATED THERETO - The present invention relates to compounds of Formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, and hydrates thereof:10-16-2014

Patent applications by Bryan A. Kramer, San Diego, CA US

Clayton Kramer, Oakland, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090174899Method and Apparatus for Asynchronous Print Analysis - The disclosed print tracking software takes the process of asynchronous print analysis currently available in the prior art in which the final print tracking events, such as billing and enforcement, occur in a nonlinear, non-sequential or non-temporal fashion, and expands on this model by achieving similar non-linearity at the front-end analysis phase by re-arranging the timing in which the printing and print analysis takes place within the print software. A print stream extraction component places print stream data from a print job in a known cache location. The print job continues to a printer while independently a software monitor component checks for new cache data and if new cache data is found, invokes an analyzer component which writes print related statistics to a data store for subsequent billing and reporting purposes.07-09-2009
20100049569System and Method for Quantity and Timed Limited Asynchronous Cost Recovery - An asynchronous two-dimensional limiting cost recovery system includes an expense activity sent from a client computer to a server computer. The extracted data is sent to a central message queue, where the client computer reads the data and graphically notifies the user of unbilled expense activity. An administrator defines a quota which determines how many unbilled expense activities can exist for a given user before a mandatory billing interface is displayed regardless of how much time it took to complete those activities, or defines a maximum time duration which determines how much time a user is given before a mandatory billing interface is displayed regardless of how many expense activities were completed, or both, whichever occurs first. A “snooze” option works in conjunction with the quota and maximum time duration limitations.02-25-2010

Daniel Kramer, San Jose, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090012991SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION TAGGING IN A NETWORKED SYSTEM - A computer-implemented system and method for providing information tagging in a networked system is disclosed. The apparatus in an example embodiment includes a tag engine configured to process a database of categorized product listings; to receive a user-provided tag associated with at least one of the product listings; to retain the user-provided tag; and to serve the user-provided tag to a user viewing at least one of the product listings.01-08-2009

Darren M. Kramer, Los Angeles, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090150797RICH MEDIA MANAGEMENT PLATFORM - A tool for and user-friendly method of managing rich media and other data from any device connected to a network. Managing rich media can include producing, editing, distributing, syndicating, tracking and viewing rich media content, contacts and other data and can be accomplished without expertise in computer programming. The rich media content can be distributed and/or syndicated to multiple destinations across the network and simultaneously edited across every destination. Additionally, the tool can track usage of the distributed rich media content.06-11-2009

David Kramer, Santa Barbara, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120215817CROSS-PLATFORM CLOUD-BASED MAP CREATION - Methods, systems and articles of manufacture for cross-platform cloud based map creation are described herein. A method embodiment includes receiving one or more GIS datasets in their respective source formats, each GIS dataset comprising one or more map assets, translating the GIS datasets into a platform independent format, and providing the translated GIS datasets and their respective map assets in the platform independent format to one or more client platforms. The embodiment further includes identifying missing map assets and metadata that comprise a GIS dataset, tracking map assets that comprise a single translated GIS dataset to maintain the translated GIS dataset as a single entity, and providing the translated GIS datasets to a serving system.08-23-2012

David Kramer, Cupertino, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090037524METHOD AND APPARATUS TO GENERATE A MEDIA PRESENTATION - Apparatus and methods to control media presentation provide capabilities to capture a media event and process the media content captured in a distributed arrangement. In an embodiment, a media client communicates with a media production server to conduct a media capture event and to process media content generated from the media capture event in which the media production server controls the media capture machine that generates the media content.02-05-2009

David A. Kramer, Santa Clara, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100049836AUTOMATIC CONFIGURATION INFORMATION GENERATION FOR DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING ENVIRONMENT - A method and system for configuring information for a distributed computing environment is provided. The method and system comprises providing a job containing a list of tasks to a controller, the tasks including a bootstrap tool and configuration information related to the computer network. The method and system also comprises providing a task to each of a plurality of agents on the distributed computer network, each task being based on one of the tasks of the job. The method and system further comprises executing code by each of the plurality of agents based upon the tasks process, wherein the code provides configuration information for a master process and a plurality of slave processes within the distributed computer network.02-25-2010
20100322305ARBITRARY-RESOLUTION, EXTREME-QUALITY VIDEO CODEC - Image data to be compressed is first converted from the RGB domain into a gamma-powered YUV domain. A wavelet transform then separates image data into high- and low-detail sectors, incorporating a dynamic scaling method, allowing for optimal resolution. The output data from the wavelet transform is then quantized according to an entropy-prediction algorithm that tightly controls the final size of the processed image. An adaptive Golomb engine compresses the data using an adaptive form of Golomb encoding in which mean values are variable across the data. Using variable mean values reduces the deleterious effects found in conventional Golomb encoding in which localized regions of similar data are inefficiently coded if their bit values are uncommon in the data as a whole. Inverse functions are applied to uncompress the image, and a fractal dithering engine can additionally be applied to display an image on a display of lower color depth.12-23-2010

David Anthony Kramer, Santa Barbara, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120246705Object-Based Access Control for Map Data - Embodiments allow access to geographic data objects on a per-object basis. A client may send a plurality of requests for geographic data to display within a view frustum. Map data may include a layer with a plurality of assets. Each request may be authenticated by an access control filter, which determines whether the user is authorized to view the data requested.09-27-2012

David C. Kramer, San Anselmo, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090036546Medicinal Oil Compositions, Preparations, and Applications Thereof - A medicinal white oil composition is prepared from an isomerized base oil. The isomerized base oil is filtered through a filter bed containing an acid activated clay having a surface area of at least 100 m02-05-2009
20090159835REFRIGERATION OIL FROM GAS-TO-LIQUID-DERIVED AND BIO-DERIVED TRIESTERS - The present invention is directed to a refrigerator oil composition comprising 06-25-2009
20090159837REFRIGERATION OIL FROM GAS-TO-LIQUID-DERIVED AND BIO-DERIVED DIESTERS - The present invention is directed to a refrigerator oil composition comprising 06-25-2009
20100049681BASE OIL PROPERTIES EXPERT SYSTEM - A method for predicting properties of lubricant base oil blends, comprising the steps of generating an NMR spectrum, HPLC-UV spectrum, and FIMS spectrum of a sample of a blend of at least two lubricant base oils and determining at least one composite structural molecular parameter of the sample from said spectrums. SIMDIST and HPO analyses of the sample are then generated in order to determine a composite boiling point distribution and molecular weight of the sample from such analysis. A composite structural molecular parameter is applied, and the composite boiling point distribution and the composite molecular weight to a trained neural network is trained to correlate with the composite structural molecular parameter composite boiling point distribution and the composite molecular weight so as to predict composite properties of the sample. The properties comprise Kinematic Viscosity at 40 C, Kinematic Viscosity at 100 C, Viscosity Index, Cloud Point, and Oxidation Performance.02-25-2010
20130256586REFRIGERATION OIL FROM GAS-TO-LIQUID-DERIVED AND BIO-DERIVED TRIESTERS - The present invention is directed to a refrigerator oil composition comprising 10-03-2013

Patent applications by David C. Kramer, San Anselmo, CA US

David Christian Kramer, San Anselmo, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120028863APPLICATION-SPECIFIC FINISHED LUBRICANT COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING A BIO-DERIVED ESTER COMPONENT AND METHODS OF MAKING SAME - The present invention is generally directed to methods of making application-specific finished lubricant compositions comprising bio-derived diester species. In some embodiments, bio-derived fatty acid moieties are reacted with Fischer-Tropsch/gas-to-liquids reaction products and/or by-products (e.g., gas-to-liquids-produced α-olefins) to yield bio-derived diester species that can then be selectively blended with base oil and one or more additive species to yield an application-specific finished lubricant product having a biomass-derived component.02-02-2012

Edward Kramer, Santa Barbara, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100063213GEL-PROCESSED POLYOLEFIN COMPOSITIONS - Semicrystalline polyolefins with narrow molecular weight distributions characterized by a low polydispersity index (PDI) and selected from the families of homopolymers, statistical copolymers, block copolymers, and graft copolymers, can be blended with a low molecular weight fluid diluent to create gel fiber and film compositions. These gel compositions, when subjected to mechanical or thermomechanical processing, either before or after removal of the diluent, result in fiber or film compositions that combine high tensile strength with other desirable physical properties, such as high rigidity, large extension at break, and/or high recoverable elasticity. These desirable combinations of properties are superior to those obtained from gel-processed semicrystalline polyolefins that are substantially similar in composition and molecular weight, but that have large PDIs.03-11-2010
20100280201POLYMERS CONTAINING QUATERNIZED NITROGEN - The invention provides polymers, methods of preparing polymers, and compositions that include polymers, wherein said polymers include a plurality of two-carbon repeating units in a polymer chain, wherein one or more of the two-carbon repeating units of the polymer chain have tertiary amine or pyridine-containing substituents; and at least about 10% of the nitrogen atoms of the tertiary amine or pyridine-containing substituents are quaternized with alkyl groups or with an alkyl group that contains one or more ethylene glycol groups. The alkyl or ethoxylated alkyl groups can also be at least partially fluorinated. The polymers can be used to provide antimicrobial surfaces and antifouling coatings.11-04-2010

Edward J. Kramer, Santa Barbara, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080319116Soft and strong elastomeric compositions from semicrystalline-amorphous polyolefin block copolymers - Polyolefin block and graft copolymers comprised of two or more semicrystalline polyolefin blocks or grafts and one or more amorphous polyolefin blocks can be blended with a low molecular weight fluid diluent that preferentially locates within and swells the amorphous domains of the block or graft copolymer, while preserving the crystallinity of the semicrystalline block domains. After mechanical or thermomechanical processing, such compositions combine softness with high strength and high recoverable elasticity. Compositions are also disclosed whereby the diluent species is removed from the composition, either before or after the mechanical or thermomechanical processing, in order to create a strong elastic material with an ultra-low entanglement density within the amorphous domains.12-25-2008
20110097559SUPRAMOLECULAR BLOCK COPOLYMER COMPOSITIONS FOR SUB-MICRON LITHOGRAPHY - A polymeric composition and method of preparation for application in sub-micron lithography, comprising a blend of A-B and B′-C block, random, branched, or graft copolymers, where: (i) the B and B′ blocks or grafts have attractive supramolecular interactions characterized by a negative Flory-Huggins parameter; (ii) the composition exhibits a microphase-separated, three-domain morphology with A, C, and B/B′ domains comprised largely of A blocks or grafts, C blocks or grafts, and a mixture of B and B′ blocks or grafts, respectively. Long-range ordering of nanometer-scale domain features has been achieved in thin films of such supramolecular polymer blends, while avoiding macrophase separation. The strategy offers a diversity of morphologies for sub-micron lithographic applications in tandem with ease of chemical synthesis.04-28-2011
20120326073POLYMER ELECTROLYTES BASED ON POLY(GLYCIDYL ETHER)S - A polymer electrolyte composition including a metal salt and at least one polymer comprising a poly(glycidyl ether), where the at least one polymer is amorphous at ambient temperature. The poly(glycidyl ether) polymer can be a blend of poly(glycidyl ether) polymers, can be a poly(glycidyl ether) polymer blended with a mechanically strong solid polymer, and can be a block of a block copolymer that also includes a polymer block forming a mechanically strong solid polymer.12-27-2012
20140197133COMPOSITIONS FOR CONTROLLED ASSEMBLY AND IMPROVED ORDERING OF SILICON-CONTAINING BLOCK COPOLYMERS - The invention provides compositions and methods for inducing and enhancing order and nanostructures in organosilicon block copolymers compositions by including certain organic additives in such compositions that include one or more moieties comprising a hydrogen bond acceptor or a hydrogen bond donor. Such block copolymer compositions may be used, for example, as a mask for lithographic patterning as is used, for example, during various stages of semiconductor device fabrication.07-17-2014

Patent applications by Edward J. Kramer, Santa Barbara, CA US

Ellen R. Kramer, Menlo Park, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120264232ANTIGEN DETECTION SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USE - A system and method for testing for the presence of antigens in food stuffs permits a user to test food products for the presence of antigens for a given food allergy that the user may have. The system comprises two main components, a base station and a test well. The user places a sample of food into the test well. A macerator homogenizes the food in the test well. Antibodies to a particular antigen are bound to an antigen detector in the test well. The base station includes a cartridge dock which powers the macerator and the antigen detector. Antigen-antibody binding provides a change detectable by the detector, which signals the base station of the presence of a threshold degree of antigen-antibody binding and alerts the user of the presence of the antigen, such as by a visual or audible indicator.10-18-2012

Garrett Kramer, El Sobrante, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090039889REMOVING EFFECTS OF NEAR SURFACE GEOLOGY FROM SURFACE-TO-BOREHOLE ELECTROMAGNETIC DATA - A method that involves developing an electromagnetic property model of a near surface area and using this electromagnetic property model and electromagnetic data acquired using one or more electromagnetic transmitters located above the near surface area and one or more electromagnetic receivers located within a wellbore to determine one or more electromagnetic properties of a subsurface area. Also an electromagnetic data acquisition system that includes one or more electromagnetic transmitters capable of being operated on the earth's surface, one or more first electromagnetic receivers capable of being operated within a wellbore and capable of receiving signals from the one or more electromagnetic transmitters, and one or more second electromagnetic receivers capable of being located on the earth's surface near the one or more electromagnetic transmitters and capable of receiving signals from the one or more electromagnetic transmitters. Related embodiments are also described.02-12-2009
20100225322SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ELEVATED SOURCE TO BOREHOLE ELECTROMAGNETIC SURVEY - Methods and systems are provided to determine a property of an earth formation, comprising a mobile transmitter disposed at a predetermined elevated height above a surface of the earth formation, and one or more receivers moveably disposed in a wellbore penetrating the earth formation. Electromagnetic energy is transmitted from the mobile transmitter into the formation from a plurality of locations; and at the one or more receivers a signal is measured. Using the signal received by the one or more receivers, a property of the formation, such as resistivity, can be determined and mapped.09-09-2010
20110050232REMOVING EFFECTS OF NEAR SURFACE GEOLOGY FROM SURFACE-TO-BOREHOLE ELECTROMAGNETIC DATA - A method that involves developing an electromagnetic property model of a near surface area and using this electromagnetic property model and electromagnetic data acquired using one or more electromagnetic transmitters located above the near surface area and one or more electromagnetic receivers located within a wellbore to determine one or more electromagnetic properties of a subsurface area. Also an electromagnetic data acquisition system that includes one or more electromagnetic transmitters capable of being operated on the earth's surface, one or more first electromagnetic receivers capable of being operated within a wellbore and capable of receiving signals from the one or more electromagnetic transmitters, and one or more second electromagnetic receivers capable of being located on the earth's surface near the one or more electromagnetic transmitters and capable of receiving signals from the one or more electromagnetic transmitters. Related embodiments are also described.03-03-2011

Patent applications by Garrett Kramer, El Sobrante, CA US

Gary Kramer, Los Angeles, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080275784PROCESSES FOR AUTOMATED DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION OF CONTENT AND PRODUCTS THEREBY - The invention provides a system and method for an automated platform that allows for the distribution of digital content (including pictures, audio, video, podcasts, RSS feeds and many others) by means of a digital media player created within branded frames or skins or digital interactive pictures, both types of digital content which allow for enhanced viewing of the digital content and provide integrated and, distributable branding. Revenue can be generated by one of the owner of the digital content, the owner of the digital medium hosting the content and the provider of the automated mechanism.11-06-2008
20090259935System for Delivering and Enabling Interactivity with Images - A system, including apparatuses, software and methods, is disclosed for capturing and delivering images as to which various interactive functions are enabled for a user. The images introduced to the system can come from any one of a variety of sources, including from a digital camera. A graphical user interface permits a user to customize a set of interactive functions to be enabled for a given set of images. The interactively enabled images can be delivered via a webpage to a user, for example, via email, the Internet or downloaded from a disk or from disk drive on a computer on which the webpage is stored. Each image is delivered to a user in its own layer of software, which permits complex sets of images of relatively high resolution to be delivered to users without any appreciable delay associated with the delivery or the need for the user to have additional software, such as a plug-in to receive images and enable interactive functions with respect to the images. Whenever an interactive function is being carried out, a viewer perceives only one image layer at a given time, but the currently viewable image layer can be changed rapidly, so that the user can perceive the illusion of motion, including virtual rotation of an object depicted in a set of images.10-15-2009
20100283796System for Delivering and Enabling Interactivity with Images - A system, including apparatuses, software and methods, is disclosed for capturing and delivering images as to which various interactive functions are enabled for a user. The images introduced to the system can come from any one of a variety of sources, including from a digital camera. A graphical user interface permits a user to customize a set of interactive functions to be enabled for a given set of images. The interactively enabled images can be delivered via a webpage to a user, for example, via email, the Internet or downloaded from a disk or from disk drive on a computer on which the webpage is stored. Each image is delivered to a user in its own layer of software, which permits complex sets of images of relatively high resolution to be delivered to users without any appreciable delay associated with the delivery or the need for the user to have additional software, such as a plug-in to receive images and enable interactive functions with respect to the images. Whenever an interactive function is being carried out, a viewer perceives only one image layer at a given time, but the currently viewable image layer can be changed rapidly, so that the user can perceive the illusion of motion, including virtual rotation of an object depicted in a set of images.11-11-2010
20120007883System for Delivering and Enabling Interactivity with Images - A system, including apparatuses, software and methods, is disclosed for capturing and delivering images as to which various interactive functions are enabled for a user. The images introduced to the system can come from any one of a variety of sources, including from a digital camera. A graphical user interface permits a user to customize a set of interactive functions to be enabled for a given set of images. The interactively enabled images can be delivered via a webpage to a user, for example, via email, the Internet or downloaded from a disk or from disk drive on a computer on which the webpage is stored. Each image is delivered to a user in its own layer of software, which permits complex sets of images of relatively high resolution to be delivered to users without any appreciable delay associated with the delivery or the need for the user to have additional software, such as a plug-in to receive images and enable interactive functions with respect to the images. Whenever an interactive function is being carried out, a viewer perceives only one image layer at a given time, but the currently viewable image layer can be changed rapidly, so that the user can perceive the illusion of motion, including virtual rotation of an object depicted in a set of images.01-12-2012
20140035947SYSTEM FOR DELIVERING AND ENABLING INTERACTIVITY WITH IMAGES - A system, including apparatuses, software and methods, is disclosed for capturing and delivering images as to which various interactive functions are enabled for a user. The images introduced to the system can come from any one of a variety of sources, including from a digital camera. A graphical user interface permits a user to customize a set of interactive functions to be enabled for a given set of images. The interactively enabled images can be delivered via a webpage to a user, for example, via email, the Internet or downloaded from a disk or from disk drive on a computer on which the webpage is stored. Each image is delivered to a user in its own layer of software, which permits complex sets of images of relatively high resolution to be delivered to users without any appreciable delay associated with the delivery or the need for the user to have additional software, such as a plug-in to receive images and enable interactive functions with respect to the images. Whenever an interactive function is being carried out, a viewer perceives only one image layer at a given time, but the currently viewable image layer can be changed rapidly, so that the user can perceive the illusion of motion, including virtual rotation of an object depicted in a set of images.02-06-2014

Patent applications by Gary Kramer, Los Angeles, CA US

Gerhard G.t. Kramer, Los Angeles, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090310502Device and associated method for crosstalk estimation - The present invention relates to a crosstalk estimation device for estimating crosstalk between communication lines in a precoding group. The crosstalk estimation device comprises transmission means for transmitting a pilot sequence and reception means for receiving error feedback on one or more communication lines in the precoding group. The crosstalk estimation device further comprises crosstalk estimation means for combining the pilot sequence with the error feedback in order to obtain a crosstalk estimation between the communication lines. The device further comprises selection means for selecting a subset of one or more communication lines from the precoding group. The transmission means are adapted to transmit the pilot sequence only on the subset.12-17-2009

Glen Kramer, Petaluma, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090110403METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING DATA BURST OVERHEAD IN AN ETHERNET PASSIVE OPTICAL NETWORK - One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that reduces data burst overhead in an Ethernet passive optical network which includes a central node and at least one remote node, wherein downstream data from the central node is broadcast to the remote nodes, and wherein upstream data from a remote node is transmitted to the central node in a unicast manner. During operation, the central node transmits grant messages to a number of remote nodes, wherein a grant message for a specified remote node assigns a start time and a duration of a transmission timeslot in which the specified remote node may transmit an upstream data burst. In response to the grant messages, the central node then receives a number of upstream data bursts, wherein the time gap between two consecutive upstream data bursts is less than the summation of a default laser turn-on time, a default laser turn-off time, an AGC period, and a CDR period.04-30-2009
20100098414SUPPORTING MULTI-DWELLING UNITS IN PASSIVE OPTICAL NETWORKS - One embodiment provides a system for controlling flow rate in an EPON. The system includes an OLT, an ONUs coupled to the OLT via a passive optical splitter, a switch coupled to a port located on the ONU, and a flow-control mechanism. The ONU includes one or more queues corresponding to one or more classes of Services, and one or more ports. The switch includes a plurality of UNI ports, and the switch is configured to switch one or more upstream traffic flows belonging to the one or more classes of services from the plurality of UNI ports. The flow-control mechanism is configured to set a flow rate of an upstream traffic flow of certain class of service originated from a UNI port. The flow-control mechanism sets the flow rate based on status of an ONU queue corresponding to the class of service of the upstream traffic flow.04-22-2010
20100239252METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR EXTENDING MAC CONTROL MESSAGES IN EPON - One embodiment provides a media access control (MAC) module facilitating operations of an Ethernet passive optical network (EPON). The MAC module includes a frame formatter configured to generate a MAC control frame. The generated MAC control frame includes at least one of: an organizationally unique identifier (OUI) field, an OUI-specific operation code (opcode) field, and a number of fields associated with the OUI-specific opcode. Transmission of the MAC control frame facilitates realization of an EPON function based on the fields associated with the OUI-specific opcode.09-23-2010
20110142442DYNAMIC MANAGEMENT OF POLLING RATES IN AN ETHERNET PASSIVE OPTICAL NETWORK (EPON) - A system in an Optical Line Terminal (OLT) to dynamically manage polling rates in a passive optical network is provided herein. The system includes a Media Access Control (MAC) unit that is configured to receive a first message from an Optical Network Unit (ONU). The first message includes a status of an upstream queue of the ONU. The system includes a traffic monitor unit coupled to the MAC unit and is configured to receive the first message from the MAC unit and place the upstream queue of the ONU in an inactive mode if the status of the upstream queue indicates that the upstream queue is empty.06-16-2011
20110262132Daisy Chainable ONU - Embodiments of a scalable optical network unit (ONU) architecture for multi-dwelling units (MDUs) that has a low initial cost (or first port cost) and a low maintenance cost are provided herein. The ONU architecture is scalable in that a growing number of end users can share a single drop fiber that couples the ONU to a passive optical network. The ONU architecture utilizes a multiplexer module to allow the ONU to be daisy chained with one or more additional ONUs.10-27-2011
20120076495Method and Apparatus for Supporting Differentiated Performance for Multiple Categories of Packets in a Passive Optical Network - Embodiments of an apparatus including a user network interface configured to receive from a network a packet to be transmitted upstream over a PON are provided herein. The packet is marked with a first category type or a second category type. The apparatus further includes an upstream first in, first out (FIFO) queue configured to store the packet if the packet is marked with the first category type or the second category type.03-29-2012
20130089328METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR EXTENDING MAC CONTROL MESSAGES IN EPON - One embodiment provides a media access control (MAC) module facilitating operations of an Ethernet passive optical network (EPON). The MAC module includes a frame formatter configured to generate a MAC control frame. The generated MAC control frame includes at least one of: an organizationally unique identifier (OUI) field, an QUI-specific operation code (opcode) field, and a number of fields associated with the QUI-specific opcode. Transmission of the MAC control frame facilitates realization of an EPON function based on the fields associated with the QUI-specific opcode.04-11-2013
20130177313Ethernet Passive Optical Network with Report Threshold Calculations - The present disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for maintaining sub-queues at an ONU and for maintaining a count of an amount of data stored in each sub-queue or a count of an amount of data associated with elements stored in each sub-queue. The sub-queues represent partitions in a first in, first out (FIFO) queue used by the ONU to buffer packets, or elements that are associated with packets, to be sent upstream. The sub-queues are coupled in series such that the output of a first sub-queue feeds the input of a second sub-queue, the output of the second sub-queue feeds the input of a third sub-queue, etc. Each sub-queue has a defined threshold that sets a maximum amount of packet data it can buffer or the elements in which it buffers can be associated with.07-11-2013
20130315238Method and Apparatus for Extending Multipoint Control Protocols to Mixed Media Access Systems - A method and apparatus for extending multipoint control protocols to mixed media access systems. A medium-to-medium adaptor can be provided in an adaptor node that can interface with an upstream optical line terminal in a PON domain and a downstream device in a non-PON domain. The medium-to-medium adaptor enables an implementation of end-to-end services across multiple quality of service (QoS) domains by passing all traffic with controlled delay and without contention.11-28-2013
20130315593System and Method for Applying an Extended Multipoint Protocol to Wireless Access Systems - A system and method for applying an extended multipoint control protocols to wireless access systems. A medium-to-medium adaptor can be provided in an adaptor node that can interface with an upstream optical line terminal in a PON domain and a downstream device in a non-PON wireless domain. The medium-to-medium adaptor enables an implementation of end-to-end services across multiple quality of service (QoS) domains by passing all traffic with controlled delay and without contention.11-28-2013
20140029936Supporting Multi-Dwelling Units in Passive Optical Networks - One embodiment provides a system for controlling flow rate in an EPON. The system includes an OLT, an ONUs coupled to the OLT via a passive optical splitter, a switch coupled to a port located on the ONU, and a flow-control mechanism. The ONU includes one or more queues corresponding to one or more classes of Services, and one or more ports. The switch includes a plurality of UNI ports, and the switch is configured to switch one or more upstream traffic flows belonging to the one or more classes of services from the plurality of UNI ports. The flow-control mechanism is configured to set a flow rate of an upstream traffic flow of certain class of service originated from a UNI port. The flow-control mechanism sets the flow rate based on status of an ONU queue corresponding to the class of service of the upstream traffic flow.01-30-2014
20140112657Service Provisioning Enabled Management in SIEPON Switching Subsystem - A service provisioning enabled management in Service Interoperability in Ethernet Passive Optical Network (SIEPON) switching subsystem. The delivery of network services to each of a plurality of subscribers coupled to an optical network unit (ONU) can be defined individually by the service provider. The service-specific functions within the ONU can be configured based on knowledge of the levels of provisioning of network services.04-24-2014
20140112663Dynamic Readjustment of Energy Efficient Network Control Policy Parameters in an Optical Network Unit Based on a SIEPON Protocol - A dynamic readjustment of an energy efficient network control policy parameters in an optical network unit based on a Service Interoperability in Ethernet Passive Optical Network (SIEPON) protocol. The access link between the OLT and ONU has distinct properties that can be used to enhance the energy efficiency control policy on the network facing side of the ONU. In one embodiment, an adjustment mechanism can be based on the receipt, by an optical interface in an ONU, of a control command from an upstream OLT, wherein the control command is configured to provide a limitation on an available time period during which the ONU can communicate with the OLT over an optical fiber cable.04-24-2014
20140147114System and Method for SIEPON Energy Saving Statistics - A system and method for Service Interoperability in Ethernet Passive Optical Network (SIEPON) energy saving statistics. Energy saving statistics can be collected from a plurality of subordinate nodes in a point-to-multipoint network through a mechanism that aggregates energy saving statistics as those energy saving statistics are reported upstream. Such aggregation of energy saving statistics can be advantageous in that the aggregated energy saving information can appear uncorrelated to individual subordinate nodes. Privacy concerns are thereby addressed.05-29-2014
20140205295System and Method for Carrying Control Data in a Preamble - A system and method for carrying control data in a preamble. A control-data bearing preamble is defined to facilitate end-to-end labeling and control-data transport. This control-data bearing preamble provides a unified labeling scheme with minimal overhead, which facilitates greater ease in parsing. The control-data bearing preamble can be converted to/from other control/labeling schemes at the edge of the control-data bearing preamble aware portion of the network.07-24-2014
20140237021System and Method for Bandwidth-Delay-Product Decoupler - A system and method for bandwidth-delay-product (BDP) decoupler. A BDP decoupler mechanism is provided that enables an intermediate network device to facilitate an efficient transfer of traffic from a server to a client. In one embodiment, the intermediate network device can be configured to buffer received data and control the transmission of the buffered data to the client device based on acknowledgment messaging received by the intermediate network device from the client device.08-21-2014
20140328593Synchronization and Control Using Out-of-Band Channels in Passive Optical Network-Based Systems - Systems and methods are provided to use of out-of-band (OOB) channels for the transport of network-synchronization signals and network control information. These OOB channels transport synchronization and control channels over low-frequency bands outside of the frequency bands used for the data channels. Locating expensive network-synchronization functions in the optical network unit (ONU) and sharing the derived synchronization signals among multiple downstream customer premises equipment (CPE) devices results in cost savings and provides a means for maintaining a continuous, end-to-end synchronization reference, even during periods when the data channels on the copper network segment are in an energy-efficiency mode (e.g., a low-power and/or sleep mode).11-06-2014
20150023660System, Method and Apparatus for Power Saving Using Burst-Mode Transmission Over Point-To-Point Physical Connections - A system, method and apparatus for power saving using burst-mode transmission over point-to-point physical connections. In one embodiment, a physical layer device (PHY) is provided that includes a data detector that is configured to generate a first control signal upon receipt of a non-idle code group over an interface between the PHY and a media access control (MAC) device and to generate a second control signal when all data received from the MAC device has been transmitted by the physical layer device. The PHY also includes a laser for transmission of data over an optical network cable, the laser being configured to perform a first transition from an off state to an on state based on the first control signal, and to perform a second transition from the on state back to the off state based on the second control signal.01-22-2015
20150063805PRE-EMPTION IN PASSIVE OPTICAL NETWORKS - A device for pre-emption in passive optical networks may include a first media access control (MAC) module configured to receive a first type of data traffic and transmit the first type of data traffic to a MAC merge module. The device may further include a second media access control (MAC) module configured to receive a second type of data traffic and transmit the second type of data traffic to the MAC merge module. The device may further include the MAC merge module configured to receive the first and second types of data traffic from the first and second MAC modules, respectively, and provide the first and second types of data traffic for transmission over a port. The MAC merge module may be configured to pre-empt the transmission of the first type of data traffic over the port in favor of the second type of data traffic.03-05-2015

Patent applications by Glen Kramer, Petaluma, CA US

Glenn A. Kramer, San Francisco, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090077373SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING VERIFIED INFORMATION REGARDING A NETWORKED SITE - A system and method are disclosed for presenting a message relating to a networked site on an end-user device, the message preferably originating from a third party that is not a provider of the site. The end-user device receives a message blob containing the message and associated verification information when the networked site is accessed. A verification application then sends a request to verify the authenticity of a message blob to a verification server. If the verification server verifies that the message blob is authentic based on the verification information, presentation of the site-specific information on the end-user device is enabled.03-19-2009
20090164948SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELECTING WEIGHTING FOR SEARCHING AND FOR PRESENTATION OF SEARCH RESULTS - Systems and methods for assigning weights to a plurality of objects are defined. Metrics associated with the objects are defined. A cursor is displayed and movement of the cursor is constrained by a control weight shape. Movement of the cursor within the control weight shape defines the weights assigned to the metrics. A display weight shape including a plurality of display weight factors is displayed. Each of the display weight factors corresponds to one of the metrics and their display corresponds to the weights assigned to the metrics.06-25-2009
20100031022SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VERIFYING NETWORKED SITES - A system and method for indicating to a user that a networked site is authentic includes a verification application configured to send a request to verify the authenticity of the networked site together with identity information about the site to a verification server. The verification application has access to encrypted user-customized information that was previously selected by a user and is encrypted and stored focally on the end-user device. The verification server verifies whether the networked site is authentic and is further configured to enable decryption of the encrypted user-customized information when a networked site is verified as authentic, so that the user-customized information can be presented to the user.02-04-2010
20100077216METHOD FOR ENHANCING NETWORK APPLICATION SECURITY - A method for securing communications between a server and an application downloaded over a network onto a client of the server is disclosed. A first request is received from the client, and in response a session credential security token is generated and sent to the client. A second request is received from the client to download the application and includes the value of the session credential security token. The server verifies that the value of the session credential security token is valid and, if so, generates a second security token that is tied to the session credential security token. The second token is embedded in application code and then the application code is sent to the client. A subsequent request for data from the application running on the client includes the value of the session credential security token and the value of the embedded security token. Verification of validity of the values of the session credential security token and the second security token received with the data request then occurs at least in part by determining that the values are cryptographically tied to one another. Upon verification, the requested data is sent to the client.03-25-2010
20130254126Method of annotating portions of a transactional legal document related to a merger or acquisition of a business entity with graphical display data related to current metrics in merger or acquisition transactions - A method is provided for annotating portions of a transactional legal document related to a merger or acquisition of a business entity. An electronic data source is maintained that stores data related to a plurality of different metrics in merger or acquisition transactions. At least some of the data is updated as new merger or acquisition transactions occur. Portions of a legal document are electronically annotated with one or more annotations that graphically display data related to different metrics in merger or acquisition transactions. The annotations are created using the data stored in the electronic data source. The annotations reflect the most current data stored in the electronic data source. At least some of the annotations change over time as new merger or acquisition transactions occur.09-26-2013
20130317995Method of annotating portions of a transactional legal document related to a merger or acquisition of a business entity with graphical display data related to current metrics in merger or acquisition transactions - A method is provided for annotating portions of a transactional legal document related to a merger or acquisition of a business entity. An electronic data source is maintained that stores data related to a plurality of different metrics in merger or acquisition transactions. At least some of the data is updated as new merger or acquisition transactions occur. Portions of a legal document are electronically annotated with one or more annotations that graphically display data related to different metrics in merger or acquisition transactions. The annotations are created using the data stored in the electronic data source. The annotations reflect the most current data stored in the electronic data source. At least some of the annotations change over time as new merger or acquisition transactions occur.11-28-2013

Patent applications by Glenn A. Kramer, San Francisco, CA US

Hans W. Kramer, Temecula, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080300585Method and device for performing cooling-or cryo-therapies for, e.g., angioplasty with reduced restenosis or pulmonary vein cell necrosis to inhibit atrial fibrillation - The present invention provides an enhanced method and device to inhibit or reduce the rate of restenosis following angioplasty or stent placement. The invention involves placing a balloon tipped catheter in the area treated or opened through balloon angioplasty immediately following angioplasty. The balloon, which can have a dual balloon structure, may be delivered through a guiding catheter and over a guidewire already in place from a balloon angioplasty. A fluid such as a perfluorocarbon may be flowed into the balloon to freeze the tissue adjacent the balloon, this cooling being associated with reduction of restenosis. The catheter may also be used to reduce atrial fibrillation by inserting and inflating the balloon such that an exterior surface of the balloon is in contact with at least a partial circumference of the portion of the pulmonary vein adjacent the left atrium.12-04-2008

James F. Kramer, Palo Alto, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090144664System And Method For Constraining A Graphical Hand From Penetrating Simulated Graphical Objects - Movement of a graphical hand is constrained when the physical hand controlling the graphical hand does not have a similar physical constraint. An analysis of a revolute-joint-link-spring model in which an uncompressed/unextended spring position represents the corresponding measured joint angle or link position is used. Linear springs, non-linear springs, or the like may be employed to obtain the desired result of allowing a graphical joint or link to deviate from what the corresponding measured joint or link provides. If a graphical hand configuration causes a portion of the hand to penetrate a simulated graphical solid object, a mathematical determination is used to compute modified joint and link positions such that the graphical hand part will no longer penetrate the solid object. Such a constraint technique may include solving a spring model such that the various joint and link springs compress or extend to produce modified joint and link positions.06-04-2009

James F. Kramer, Redwood City, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110032187Interface For Controlling A Graphical Image - An interface device for interfacing a user with a computer, the computer miming an application program and generating a graphical image and a graphical object, comprises a user manipulatable object in communication with the computer, a sensor to detect a manipulation of the object, the sensor providing a signal to the computer to control the graphical image, and an actuator adapted to provide a haptic sensation to the palm of the user in relation to an interaction between the graphical image and the graphical object, the actuator comprising a member that is deformable to provide the haptic sensation. In another version, a mouse for interfacing a user with a computer generating a graphical environment comprising, a graphical hand comprises a housing, a position detector to detect a position of the mouse, the position detector capable of providing a first position signal to the computer to control the position of the graphical hand in the graphical environment, and a finger position detector to detect a position of a finger of the user, the finger position detector capable of providing a second position signal to the computer to control a graphical finger on the graphical hand in relation to the position of the finger of the user.02-10-2011

James F. Kramer, Foster City, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080306826System for Providing a Service to Venues Where People Aggregate - A system and method for providing a service to promoters, including venues and advertising sponsors, who wish to provide promotions. The service includes making promoter promotions accessible by the mobile phones of members associated with an organization. Typically a promotion and member are matched based on the member's geographical position, which may be reported by the member or determined automatically by a position sensor in their mobile phone, and optionally by the member's traits and behaviors. By accepting a promotion, a member may receive reward points which can be used to obtain goods and services. In addition to accessing promotions, members have mobile access to real-time information about the venues, such as the demographics of venue attendees and media posted by attendees concerning venue characteristics. Using the system, members can determine before going to a venue, such as a nightclub or bar, which venue has their preferred attendee demographic, atmosphere, music, cover charge, drink specials, friends, etc.12-11-2008
20090024477SYSTEM FOR MARKETING CAMPAIGN SPECIFICATION AND SECURE DIGITAL COUPON REDEMPTION - Product vendors are provided with a system for performing a marketing campaign to mobile communication device users, providing offers as instruments, such as digital coupons, to a selected group of users of the mobile communication devices and validating the integrity of the instruments. The invention has two phases: the selection of the components of the instrument from a menu provided by a social networking organization; and validating the instrument upon redemption from the product vendor. In the first phase, the product vendor selects elements from the menu relevant to the campaign, such as timing, nature of the offer, targeting of the recipients, etc. In the second phase, the instrument is encoded as to the marketing campaign and an arbitrary designation which initiates a pattern as the instrument is redeemed. The product vendor inspects the instrument to ensure that the encoding is correct during the redemption process.01-22-2009
20100223097METHOD FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION TO CONTACTS WITHOUT BEING GIVEN CONTACT DATA - The subject invention provides an information source, such as an advertiser or product vendor, with a method for transferring information to contacts for which the information source has no contact data. The information source stores information in an information database which communicates the information to a referrer which has the desired contact data. The referrer uses a communication device to transfer the information to one or more contacts using contact data.09-02-2010
20100313767FRUIT FLAVORING IN THE IMAGE OF A FRUIT PORTION STORED WITH A VESSEL FOR FLAVORING A FLUID - An assembly and method are provided for storing and dispensing a soluble substance, such as a flavoring, into a liquid. A useful application of the subject invention includes the case where lime-flavored liquid is contained in a foam artificial lime stored in the neck of a beer bottle, attached to a beer bottle or can, or attached to the 6-pack or 12-pack carton. The artificial lime may be retrieved from the neck or a protective covering and acted upon so it diffuses the lime-flavored liquid into the beer when it is inserted into the beer bottle. Alternately, juice from the artificial lime may be squeezed into the beer, or the artificial lime may be simply retrieved and discarded. Rather than needing to buy a natural lime, cut it up and push a wedge into a beer bottle, an artificial lime, or a packaged natural lime, may be stored directly in or with the beer bottle and placed in functional contact with the beer at time of consumption.12-16-2010
20110093340SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING A SERVICE TO VENUES WHERE PEOPLE PERFORM TRANSACTIONS - A system and method for providing a service to promoters, including venues and advertising sponsors, who wish to provide promotions. The service includes making promoter promotions accessible by the mobile phones of members associated with an organization. Typically a promotion and member are matched based on the member's geographical position, which may be reported by the member or determined automatically during a transaction, a promotion redemption, or by a position sensor in their mobile phone. A promotion and member are optionally matched by the member's traits and behaviors. In addition to accessing promotions, members have mobile access to real-time information about the venues, such as the demographics of venue attendees and media posted by attendees concerning venue characteristics. Using the system, venues can determine who is shopping nearby and can send promotions to their phones, and members can know before going which venues have promotions and their preferred attendee demographic.04-21-2011
20120089453SYSTEM FOR MARKETING CAMPAIGN SPECIFICATION AND SECURE DIGITAL COUPON REDEMPTION - Product vendors are provided with a system for performing a marketing campaign to mobile communication device users, providing offers as instruments, such as digital coupons, to a selected group of users of the mobile communication devices and validating the integrity of the instruments. The invention has two phases: the selection of the components of the instrument from a menu provided by a social networking organization; and validating the instrument upon redemption from the product vendor. In the first phase, the product vendor selects elements from the menu relevant to the campaign, such as timing, nature of the offer, targeting of the recipients, etc. In the second phase, the instrument is encoded as to the marketing campaign and an arbitrary designation which initiates a pattern as the instrument is redeemed. The product vendor inspects the instrument to ensure that the encoding is correct during the redemption process.04-12-2012
20130137464SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING MOBILE ALERTS TO MEMBERS OF A SOCIAL NETWORK - Systems and methods are presented for providing mobile alerts to members of a social network upon the occurrence of certain trigger events related to the social network, including member-trigger events, venue-trigger events, and other-trigger events. A member may select and edit their own mobile-alert settings that determine which events are trigger events. The member may enable or disable all their mobile alerts using a single action, such as toggling a digital button on their phone screen. A data processor receives indication of, or determines occurrence of, a trigger event. The data processor then determines whether to communicate a mobile alert to the member based on the member's mobile-alert settings. The alert may be communicated to the member's mobile communication device, such as a mobile phone, using a variety of convenient means, such as a text message or Push Notification.05-30-2013
20130282490System For Providing A Service To Venues Where People Perform Transactions - A system and method for providing a service to promoters, including venues and advertising sponsors, who wish to provide promotions. The service includes making promoter promotions accessible by the mobile phones of members associated with an organization. Typically a promotion and member are matched based on the member's geographical position, which may be reported by the member or determined automatically during a transaction, a promotion redemption, or by a position sensor in their mobile phone. A promotion and member are optionally matched by the member's traits and behaviors. In addition to accessing promotions, members have mobile access to real-time information about the venues, such as the demographics of venue attendees and media posted by attendees concerning venue characteristics. Using the system, venues can determine who is shopping nearby and can send promotions to their phones, and members can know before going which venues have promotions and their preferred attendee demographic.10-24-2013
20140195322System for Marketing Campaign Specification and Secure Digital Coupon Redemption - Product vendors are provided with a system for performing a marketing campaign to mobile communication device users, providing offers as instruments, such as digital coupons, to a selected group of users of the mobile communication devices and validating the integrity of the instruments. The invention has two phases: the selection of the components of the instrument from a menu provided by a social networking organization; and validating the instrument upon redemption from the product vendor. In the first phase, the product vendor selects elements from the menu relevant to the campaign, such as timing, nature of the offer, targeting of the recipients, etc. In the second phase, the instrument is encoded as to the marketing campaign and an arbitrary designation which initiates a pattern as the instrument is redeemed. The product vendor inspects the instrument to ensure that the encoding is correct during the redemption process.07-10-2014
20140317934FOODWARE SYSTEM HAVING SENSORY STIMULATING, SENSING AND/OR DATA PROCESSING COMPONENTS - Active foodware system comprises at least a dining plate unit that provides visual stimuli by having a power source and a visual sensory stimulating component to provide light emanating from the dining plate. Other devices can provide auditory and haptic stimuli. The dining plate unit can be a single component where the device and circuitry are all contained in the unit and protected from water or can be two components: an upper translucent dining plate and an underplate comprising the devices and circuitry for directing light through the upper translucent dining plate.10-30-2014
20140370157FRUIT FLAVORING IN THE IMAGE OF A FRUIT PORTION STORED WITH A VESSEL FOR FLAVORING A FLUID - An assembly and method are provided for storing and dispensing a soluble substance, such as a flavoring, into a liquid. A useful application of the subject invention includes the case where lime-flavored liquid is contained in a foam artificial lime stored in the neck of a beer bottle, attached to a beer bottle or can, or attached to the 6-pack or 12-pack carton. The artificial lime may be retrieved from the neck or a protective covering and acted upon so it diffuses the lime-flavored liquid into the beer when it is inserted into the beer bottle. Alternately, juice from the artificial lime may be squeezed into the beer, or the artificial lime may be simply retrieved and discarded. Rather than needing to buy a natural lime, cut it up and push a wedge into a beer bottle, an artificial lime, or a packaged natural lime, may be stored directly in or with the beer bottle and placed in functional contact with the beer at time of consumption.12-18-2014

Patent applications by James F. Kramer, Foster City, CA US

Jeffery M. Kramer, San Francisco, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100137938SELECTIVE STIMULATION SYSTEMS AND SIGNAL PARAMETERS FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS - Devices, systems and methods are provided for targeted treatment of a variety of conditions, particularly conditions that are associated with or influenced by the nervous system, such as pain. Targeted treatment of such conditions is provided with minimal deleterious side effects, such as undesired motor responses or undesired stimulation of unaffected body regions. This is achieved by directly neuromodulating a target anatomy associated with the condition while minimizing or excluding undesired neuromodulation of other anatomies.06-03-2010
20100249875PAIN MANAGEMENT WITH STIMULATION SUBTHRESHOLD TO PARESTHESIA - Devices, systems and methods are provided for treating pain while minimizing or eliminating possible complications and undesired side effects, particularly the sensation of paresthesia. This is achieved by stimulating in proximity to a dorsal root ganglion with stimulation energy in a manner that will affect pain sensations without generating substantial sensations of paresthesia. In some embodiments, such neurostimulation takes advantage of anatomical features and functions particular to the dorsal root ganglion.09-30-2010
20120158094DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THE TARGETED TREATMENT OF MOVEMENT DISORDERS - Devices, systems and methods are provided for the targeted treatment of movement disorders. Typically, the systems and devices are used to stimulate one or more dorsal root ganglia while minimizing or excluding undesired stimulation of other tissues, such as surrounding or nearby tissues, ventral root and portions of the anatomy associated with body regions which are not targeted for treatment. The dorsal root ganglia are utilized in particular due to their specialized role in movement. It is in these areas that sensory fibers are isolated from motor fibers. Sensory fibers are involved in a variety of reflexes that are involved in movement control, and these reflexes can be utilized in the treatment of various movement disorders. Thus, by stimulating sensory fibers in these areas, fundamental reflexes can be affected to lessen the symptoms of movement disorders.06-21-2012
20120277839SELECTIVE STIMULATION TO MODULATE THE SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM - Systems, methods and devices are provided for the targeted treatment of a variety of medical conditions by directly neuromodulating a target anatomy associated with the condition while minimizing or excluding undesired neuromodulation of other anatomies. Typically, the target anatomy includes one or more dorsal root ganglia, dorsal roots, dorsal root entry zones, or portions thereof. Such target stimulation areas are utilized due in part to their effect on the sympathetic nervous system.11-01-2012
20130144359PAIN MANAGEMENT WITH STIMULATION SUBTHRESHOLD TO PARESTHESIA - Devices, systems and methods are provided for treating pain while minimizing or eliminating possible complications and undesired side effects, particularly the sensation of paresthesia. This is achieved by stimulating in proximity to a dorsal root ganglion with stimulation energy in a manner that will affect pain sensations without generating substantial sensations of paresthesia. In some embodiments, such neurostimulation takes advantage of anatomical features and functions particular to the dorsal root ganglion.06-06-2013
20130165991NEUROSTIMULATION METHODS AND SYSTEMS - Some embodiments of the present invention provide stimulation systems and components for selective stimulation and/or neuromodulation of one or more dorsal root ganglia through implantation of an electrode on, in or around a dorsal root ganglia. Some other embodiments of the present invention provide methods for selective neurostimulation of one or more dorsal root ganglia as well as techniques for applying neurostimulation to the spinal cord. Still other embodiments of the present invention provide stimulation systems and components for selective stimulation and/or neuromodulation of one or more dorsal root ganglia through implantation of an electrode on, in or around a dorsal root ganglia in combination with a pharmacological agent.06-27-2013
20140276925METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR USE IN GUIDING IMPLANTATION OF A NEUROMODULATION LEAD - Methods and systems for use in guiding implantation of a neuromodulation lead during an implant procedure are disclosed herein. Certain methods and system are for use in guiding implantation of a lead toward an implant position where at least one electrode of the lead is located near a target dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Such methods can involve inserting a distal end of the lead into an epidural space of a spinal column within which is located the target DRG, and using one or more electrodes of the lead to obtain a sensed signal indicative of proximity of at least one electrode of the lead relative to the target DRG. Additionally, the sensed signal is used to guide placement of at least one electrode of the lead toward the implant position near the target DRG.09-18-2014
20140343623METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR AUTOMATICALLY TURNING ON AND OFF DRG STIMULATION AND ADJUSTING DRG STIMULATION PARAMETERS - Methods and systems described herein can be used to automatically turn on and off stimulation of a target dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and/or adjust stimulation parameters. At least one of an input signal (indicative of an electrical field resulting from an electrical signal propagated by adjacent distal sensory nerve fibers toward the target DRG), an output signal (indicative of an electrical field resulting from an electrical signal propagated by adjacent proximal sensory nerve fibers away from the target DRG) or a DRG signal (indicative of an electrical field produced by cell bodies of primary sensory neurons within the target DRG and resulting from an electrical signal propagated by sensory nerve fibers within the target DRG) is/are obtained and analyzed. Delivery of electrical stimulation is turned on and off and/or at least one of pulse amplitude, pulse width and/or pulse repetition rate is/are adjusted based on results of the analysis.11-20-2014

Patent applications by Jeffery M. Kramer, San Francisco, CA US

Joe Kramer, San Jose, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100279494Method For Releasing a Thin-Film Substrate - The present disclosure relates to methods for selectively etching a porous semiconductor layer to separate a thin-film semiconductor substrate (TFSS) having planar or three-dimensional features from a corresponding semiconductor template. The method involves forming a conformal sacrificial porous semiconductor layer on a template. Next, a conformal thin film silicon substrate is formed on top of the porous silicon layer. The middle porous silicon layer is then selectively etched to separate the TFSS and semiconductor template. The disclosed advanced etching chemistries and etching methods achieve selective etching with minimal damage to the TFSS and template.11-04-2010
20110014742METHOD OF CREATING REUSABLE TEMPLATE FOR DETACHABLE THIN FILM SUBSTRATE - A structure and method operable to create a reusable template for detachable thin semiconductor substrates is provided. The template has a shape such that the 3-D shape is substantially retained after each substrate release. Prior art reusable templates may have a tendency to change shape after each subsequent reuse; the present disclosure aims to address this and other deficiencies from the prior art, therefore increasing the reuse life of the template.01-20-2011
20110120882POROUS SILICON ELECTRO-ETCHING SYSTEM AND METHOD - It is an object of this disclosure to provide high productivity, low cost-of-ownership manufacturing equipment for the high volume production of photovoltaic (PV) solar cell device architecture. It is a further object of this disclosure to reduce material processing steps and material cost compared to existing technologies by using gas-phase source silicon. The present disclosure teaches the fabrication of a sacrificial substrate base layer that is compatible with a gas-phase substrate growth process. Porous silicon is used as the sacrificial layer in the present disclosure. Further, the present disclosure provides equipment to produce a sacrificial porous silicon PV cell-substrate base layer.05-26-2011
20130280887Method For Releasing a Thin-Film Substrate - The present disclosure relates to methods for selectively etching a porous semiconductor layer to separate a thin-film semiconductor substrate (TFSS) having planar or three-dimensional features from a corresponding semiconductor template. The method involves forming a conformal sacrificial porous semiconductor layer on a template. Next, a conformal thin film silicon substrate is formed on top of the porous silicon layer. The middle porous silicon layer is then selectively etched to separate the TFSS and semiconductor template. The disclosed advanced etching chemistries and etching methods achieve selective etching with minimal damage to the TFSS and template.10-24-2013

Patent applications by Joe Kramer, San Jose, CA US

Karl-Josef Kramer, San Jose, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110021006METHOD FOR RELEASING A THIN SEMICONDUCTOR SUBSTRATE FROM A REUSABLE TEMPLATE - The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for releasing a thin semiconductor substrate from a reusable template. The method involves forming a mechanically weak layer conformally on a semiconductor template. Then forming a thin semiconductor substrate conformally on the mechanically weak layer. The thin semiconductor substrate, the mechanically weak layer and the template forming a wafer. Then defining the border of the thin-film semiconductor substrate to be released by exposing the peripheral of the mechanically weak layer. Then releasing the thin-film semiconductor substrate by applying a controlled air flow parallel to said mechanically weak layer wherein the controlled air flow separates the thin semiconductor substrate and template according to lifting forces.01-27-2011
20110030610HIGH-PRODUCTIVITY POROUS SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT - This disclosure enables high-productivity fabrication of semiconductor-based separation layers (made of single layer or multi-layer porous semiconductors such as porous silicon, comprising single porosity or multi-porosity layers), optical reflectors (made of multi-layer/multi-porosity porous semiconductors such as porous silicon), formation of porous semiconductor (such as porous silicon) for anti-reflection coatings, passivation layers, and multi-junction, multi-band-gap solar cells (for instance, by forming a variable band gap porous silicon emitter on a crystalline silicon thin film or wafer-based solar cell). Other applications include fabrication of MEMS separation and sacrificial layers for die detachment and MEMS device fabrication, membrane formation and shallow trench isolation (STI) porous silicon (using porous silicon formation with an optimal porosity and its subsequent oxidation). Further the disclosure is applicable to the general fields of Photovoltaics, MEMS, including sensors and actuators, stand-alone, or integrated with integrated semiconductor microelectronics, semiconductor microelectronics chips and optoelectronics.02-10-2011
20110256654DOUBLE-SIDED REUSABLE TEMPLATE FOR FABRICATION OF SEMICONDUCTOR SUBSTRATES FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC CELL AND MICROELECTRONICS DEVICE MANUFACTURING - This disclosure presents manufacturing methods and apparatus designs for making TFSSs from both sides of a re-usable semiconductor template, thus effectively increasing the substrate manufacturing throughput and reducing the substrate manufacturing cost. This approach also reduces the amortized starting template cost per manufactured substrate (TFSS) by about a factor of 2 for a given number of template reuse cycles.10-20-2011
20110284068PASSIVATION METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ACHIEVING ULTRA-LOW SURFACE RECOMBINATION VELOCITIES FOR HIGH-EFFICIENCY SOLAR CELLS - The disclosed subject matter provides a method and structure for obtaining ultra-low surface recombination velocities from highly efficient surface passivation in crystalline silicon substrate-based solar cells by utilizing a bi-layer passivation scheme which also works as an efficient ARC. The bi-layer passivation consists of a first thin layer of wet chemical oxide or a thin hydrogenated amorphous silicon layer. A second layer of amorphous hydrogenated silicon nitride film is deposited on top of the wet chemical oxide or amorphous silicon film. This deposition is then followed by annealing to further enhance the surface passivation.11-24-2011
20120085278HIGH PRODUCTIVITY THIN FILM DEPOSITION METHOD AND SYSTEM - High productivity thin film deposition methods and tools are provided wherein a thin film semiconductor material layer with a thickness in the range of less than 1 micron to 100 microns is deposited on a plurality of wafers in a reactor. The wafers are loaded on a batch susceptor and the batch susceptor is positioned in the reactor such that a tapered gas flow space is created between the susceptor and an interior wall of the reactor. Reactant gas is then directed into the tapered gas space and over each wafer thereby improving deposition uniformity across each wafer and from wafer to wafer.04-12-2012
20120103408BACKPLANE REINFORCEMENT AND INTERCONNECTS FOR SOLAR CELLS - Fabrication methods and structures relating to backplanes for back contact solar cells that provide for solar cell substrate reinforcement and electrical interconnects are described. The method comprises depositing an interdigitated pattern of base electrodes and emitter electrodes on a backside surface of a semiconductor substrate, forming electrically conductive emitter plugs and base plugs on the interdigitated pattern, and attaching a backplane having a second interdigitated pattern of base electrodes and emitter electrodes at the conductive emitter and base plugs to form electrical interconnects.05-03-2012
20120125256APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REPEATEDLY FABRICATING THIN FILM SEMICONDUCTOR SUBSTRATES USING A TEMPLATE - Mechanisms are disclosed by which a semiconductor wafer, silicon in some embodiments, is repeatedly used to serve as a template and carrier for fabricating high efficiency capable thin semiconductor solar cells substrates. Mechanisms that enable such repeated use of these templates at consistent quality and with high yield are disclosed.05-24-2012
20120138455ANODIZING APPARATUS - An apparatus for anodizing substrates immersed in an electrolyte solution. A substrate holder mounted in a storage tank includes a first support unit having first support elements for supporting, in a liquid-tight condition, only lower circumferential portions of the substrates, and a second support unit attachable to and detachable from the first support unit and having second support elements for supporting, in a liquid-tight condition, remaining circumferential portions of the substrates. A drive mechanism separates the first support unit and the second support unit when loading and unloading the substrates, and for connecting the first support unit and the second support unit after the substrates are placed in the substrate holder.06-07-2012
20120145553APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR UNIFORMLY FORMING POROUS SEMICONDUCTOR ON A SUBSTRATE - This disclosure enables high-productivity controlled fabrication of uniform porous semiconductor layers (made of single layer or multi-layer porous semiconductors such as porous silicon, comprising single porosity or multi-porosity layers). Some applications include fabrication of MEMS separation and sacrificial layers for die detachment and MEMS device fabrication, membrane formation and shallow trench isolation (STI) porous silicon (using porous silicon formation with an optimal porosity and its subsequent oxidation). Further, this disclosure is applicable to the general fields of photovoltaics, MEMS, including sensors and actuators, stand-alone, or integrated with integrated semiconductor microelectronics, semiconductor microelectronics chips and optoelectronics.06-14-2012
20120167819METHOD FOR RECONSTRUCTING A SEMICONDUCTOR TEMPLATE - The disclosed subject matter pertains to deposition of thin film or thin foil materials in general, but more specifically to deposition of epitaxial monocrystalline or quasi-monocrystalline silicon film (epi film) for use in manufacturing of high efficiency solar cells. In operation, methods are disclosed which extend the reusable life and to reduce the amortized cost of a substrate or template used in the manufacturing process of silicon solar cells. Further, methods are disclosed which provide for the conversion of a low quality starting surface into an improved quality starting surface of a silicon wafer.07-05-2012
20120192789DEPOSITION SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES - This disclosure enables gas recovery and utilization for use in deposition systems and processes. The system includes a thin-film semiconductor layer deposition system comprising a deposition reactor, precursor gas feeds, and a gas recovery system.08-02-2012
20120272490METHOD FOR RELEASING A THIN SEMICONDUCTOR SUBSTRATE FROM A REUSABLE TEMPLATE - The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for releasing a thin semiconductor substrate from a reusable template. The method involves forming a mechanically weak layer conformally on a semiconductor template. Then forming a thin semiconductor substrate conformally on the mechanically weak layer. The thin semiconductor substrate, the mechanically weak layer and the template forming a wafer. Then defining the border of the thin-film semiconductor substrate to be released by exposing the peripheral of the mechanically weak layer. Then releasing the thin-film semiconductor substrate by applying a controlled air flow parallel to said mechanically weak layer wherein the controlled air flow separates the thin semiconductor substrate and template according to lifting forces.11-01-2012
20120305063HIGH-EFFICIENCY PHOTOVOLTAIC BACK-CONTACT SOLAR CELL STRUCTURES AND MANUFACTURING METHODS USING THIN PLANAR SEMICONDUCTOR ABSORBERS - Back contact back junction solar cell and methods for manufacturing are provided. The back contact back junction solar cell comprises a substrate having a light capturing frontside surface with a passivation layer, a doped base region, and a doped backside emitter region with a polarity opposite the doped base region. A backside passivation layer and patterned reflective layer on the emitter form a light trapping backside mirror. An interdigitated metallization pattern is positioned on the backside of the solar cell and a permanent reinforcement provides support to the cell.12-06-2012
20130000715ACTIVE BACKPLANE FOR THIN SILICON SOLAR CELLS - Fabrication methods and structures relating to backplanes for back contact solar cells that provide for solar cell substrate reinforcement and electrical interconnects are described. The method comprises depositing an interdigitated pattern of base electrodes and emitter electrodes on a backside surface of a semiconductor substrate, attaching a prepeg backplane to the interdigitated pattern of base electrodes and emitter electrodes, forming holes in the prepeg backplane which provide access to the first layer of electrically conductive metal, and depositing a second layer of electrically conductive metal on the backside surface of the prepeg backplane forming an electrical interconnect with the first layer of electrically conductive metal through the holes in the prepeg backplane.01-03-2013
20130137244METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RECONDITIONING A CARRIER WAFER FOR REUSE - The disclosed subject matter pertains to deposition of thin film or thin foil materials in general, but more specifically to deposition of epitaxial monocrystalline or quasi-monocrystalline silicon film (epi film) for use in manufacturing of high efficiency solar cells. In operation, methods are disclosed which extend the reusable life and to reduce the amortized cost of a reusable substrate or template used in the manufacturing process of silicon and other semiconductor solar cells.05-30-2013
20130167915HIGH-EFFICIENCY PHOTOVOLTAIC BACK-CONTACT SOLAR CELL STRUCTURES AND MANUFACTURING METHODS USING THREE-DIMENSIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR ABSORBERS - Back contact back junction three dimensional solar cell and methods for manufacturing are provided. The back contact back contact back junction three dimensional solar cell comprises a three-dimensional substrate. The substrate comprises a light capturing frontside surface with a passivation layer, a doped base region, and a doped backside emitter region with a polarity opposite the doped base region. A backside passivation layer is positioned on the doped backside emitter region. Backside emitter contacts and backside base contacts connected to metal interconnects and selectively formed on three-dimensional features of the backside of three-dimensional solar cell.07-04-2013
20130171808DOUBLE-SIDED REUSABLE TEMPLATE FOR FABRICATION OF SEMICONDUCTOR SUBSTRATES FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC CELL AND MICROELECTRONICS DEVICE MANUFACTURING - This disclosure presents manufacturing methods and apparatus designs for making TFSSs from both sides of a re-usable semiconductor template, thus effectively increasing the substrate manufacturing throughput and reducing the substrate manufacturing cost. This approach also reduces the amortized starting template cost per manufactured substrate (TFSS) by about a factor of 2 for a given number of template reuse cycles.07-04-2013
20130180847HIGH-THROUGHPUT BATCH POROUS SILICON MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT DESIGN AND PROCESSING METHODS - This disclosure enables high-productivity fabrication of porous semiconductor layers (made of single layer or multi-layer porous semiconductors such as porous silicon, comprising single porosity or multi-porosity layers). Some applications include fabrication of MEMS separation and sacrificial layers for die detachment and MEMS device fabrication, membrane formation and shallow trench isolation (STI) porous silicon (using porous silicon formation with an optimal porosity and its subsequent oxidation). Further, this disclosure is applicable to the general fields of photovoltaics, MEMS, including sensors and actuators, stand-alone, or integrated with integrated semiconductor microelectronics, semiconductor microelectronics chips and optoelectronics.07-18-2013
20130213469HIGH EFFICIENCY SOLAR CELL STRUCTURES AND MANUFACTURING METHODS - Fabrication methods and structures relating to multi-level metallization for solar cells as well as fabrication methods and structures for forming back contact solar cells are provided.08-22-2013
20130228221MANUFACTURING METHODS AND STRUCTURES FOR LARGE-AREA THIN-FILM SOLAR CELLS AND OTHER SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES - Fabrication methods and structures relating to multi-level metallization for solar cells as well as fabrication methods and structures for forming back contact solar cells are provided.09-05-2013
20130233378HIGH-EFFICIENCY PHOTOVOLTAIC BACK-CONTACT SOLAR CELL STRUCTURES AND MANUFACTURING METHODS USING SEMICONDUCTOR WAFERS - A back contact back junction solar cell using semiconductor wafers and methods for manufacturing are provided. The back contact back junction solar cell comprises a semiconductor wafer having a doped base region, a light capturing frontside surface, and a doped backside emitter region. A frontside and backside dielectric layer and passivation layer provide enhance light trapping and internal reflection. Backside base and emitter contacts are connected to metal interconnects forming a metallization pattern of interdigitated fingers and busbars on the backside of the solar cell.09-12-2013
20130241038STRUCTURE AND METHOD FOR CREATING A REUSABLE TEMPLATE FOR DETACHABLE THIN FILM SUBSTRATES - A structure and method operable to create a reusable template for detachable thin semiconductor substrates is provided. The template has a shape such that the 3-D shape is substantially retained after each substrate release. Prior art reusable templates may have a tendency to change shape after each subsequent reuse; the present disclosure aims to address this and other deficiencies from the prior art, therefore increasing the reuse life of the template.09-19-2013
20130288425END POINT DETECTION FOR BACK CONTACT SOLAR CELL LASER VIA DRILLING - Methods and structures for fabricating photovoltaic back contact solar cells having multi-level metallization using laser via drilling end point detection are provided.10-31-2013
20140033971HIGH PRODUCTIVITY SPRAY PROCESSING FOR SEMICONDUCTOR METALLIZATION AND INTERCONNECTS - Processing equipment for the metallization of a plurality of workpieces are provided. The equipment comprising a controlled atmospheric region isolated from external oxidizing ambient with at least one deposition zone for the application of a metal layer on a workpiece. A transport system moves the workpiece positioned in a batch carrier plate through the controlled atmospheric region.02-06-2014
20140146854TEMPERATURE CALIBRATION AND CONTROL FOR SEMICONDUCTOR REACTORS - Non-contact and non-invasive temperature measurement structures and methods for thermal processing systems which neither damage nor contaminate the thermal processing environment are provided.05-29-2014
20140318611MULTI-LEVEL SOLAR CELL METALLIZATION - Fabrication methods and structures relating to multi-level metallization for solar cells as well as fabrication methods and structures for forming thin film back contact solar cells are provided.10-30-2014
20140360567BACK CONTACT SOLAR CELLS USING ALUMINUM-BASED ALLOY METALLIZATION - Methods and structures for photovoltaic back contact solar cells having multi-level metallization with at least one aluminum-silicon alloy metallization layer are provided.12-11-2014
20140370650MONOLITHICALLY ISLED BACK CONTACT BACK JUNCTION SOLAR CELLS USING BULK WAFERS - According to one aspect of the disclosed subject matter, a method for forming a monolithically isled back contact back junction solar cell using bulk wafers is provided. Emitter and base contact regions are formed on a backside of a semiconductor wafer having a light receiving frontside and a backside opposite said frontside. A first level contact metallization is formed on the wafer backside and an electrically insulating backplane is attached to the semiconductor wafer backside. Isolation trenches are formed in the semiconductor wafer patterning the semiconductor wafer into a plurality of electrically isolated isles and the semiconductor wafer is thinned. A metallization structure is formed on the electrically insulating backplane electrically connecting the plurality of isles.12-18-2014
20150020877HIGH-EFFICIENCY SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS AND MODULES USING THIN CRYSTALLINE SEMICONDUCTOR ABSORBERS - Fabrication methods and structures relating to backplanes for back contact solar cells that provide for solar cell substrate reinforcement and electrical interconnects as well as Fabrication methods and structures for forming thin film back contact solar cells are described.01-22-2015

Patent applications by Karl-Josef Kramer, San Jose, CA US

Kurt Kramer, Claremont, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100043332TILE AND TILE ASSEMBLY FOR A ROOF - A tile assembly having a plurality of tiles adapted to join in an interlocking and repeating fashion. A plurality of tile assemblies can be joined to each other to form a roof. Each tile assembly includes left and right center tiles positioned side-by-side. Each tile has a generally diamond shaped main surface with vertically spaced upper and lower apices and laterally spaced lateral apices. Two upper flanges extend upwardly and outwardly from the main surface along upper edges and are joined in an upper flange apex. Each center tile includes two lower flanges that extend downwardly and outwardly from the main surface along the lower edges. The tile assembly includes upper and lower tiles of the same configuration. The upper tile fits over the adjacent upper flanges of the two center tiles, and the lower tile fits beneath the adjacent lower flange of the two center tiles.02-25-2010

Kurt D. Kramer, Pinole, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110189715MEASURING MULTI-ANALYTE SAMPLES USING AN IN-LINE FLOW CELL - Methods and systems for analyzing ratios of analytes within a flowing sample are provided. The flowing sample can be processed in real-time to determine a time interval over which a predetermined amount of a group of analytes passes by a fixed point in a flow cell. The predetermined amount can be routed to a sample container for future processing. The sample can comprise diluted blood and the analytes can comprise a component of hemoglobin, such as A1c, and the total amount of hemoglobin, of which the predetermined amount is metered.08-04-2011
20150027207Measuring Multi-Analyte Samples Using an In-Line Flow Cell - Methods and systems for analyzing ratios of analytes within a flowing sample are provided. The flowing sample can be processed in real-time to determine a time interval over which a predetermined amount of a group of analytes passes by a fixed point in a flow cell. The predetermined amount can be routed to a sample container for future processing. The sample can comprise diluted blood and the analytes can comprise a component of hemoglobin, such as A1c, and the total amount of hemoglobin, of which the predetermined amount is metered.01-29-2015

Kwindla H. Kramer, Los Angeles, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100053304Control System for Navigating a Principal Dimension of a Data Space - Systems and methods are described for navigating through a data space. The navigating comprises detecting a gesture of a body from gesture data received via a detector. The gesture data is absolute three-space location data of an instantaneous state of the body at a point in time and physical space. The detecting comprises identifying the gesture using the gesture data. The navigating comprises translating the gesture to a gesture signal, and navigating through the data space in response to the gesture signal. The data space is a data-representational space comprising a dataset represented in the physical space.03-04-2010
20100060570Control System for Navigating a Principal Dimension of a Data Space - Systems and methods are described for navigating through a data space. The navigating comprises detecting a gesture of a body from gesture data received via a detector. The gesture data is absolute three-space location data of an instantaneous state of the body at a point in time and physical space. The detecting comprises identifying the gesture using the gesture data. The navigating comprises translating the gesture to a gesture signal, and navigating through the data space in response to the gesture signal. The data space is a data-representational space comprising a dataset represented in the physical space.03-11-2010
20100060576Control System for Navigating a Principal Dimension of a Data Space - Systems and methods are described for navigating through a data space. The navigating comprises detecting a gesture of a body from gesture data received via a detector. The gesture data is absolute three-space location data of an instantaneous state of the body at a point in time and physical space. The detecting comprises identifying the gesture using the gesture data. The navigating comprises translating the gesture to a gesture signal, and navigating through the data space in response to the gesture signal. The data space is a data-representational space comprising a dataset represented in the physical space.03-11-2010
20100128062MULTI-PROCESS INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A multi-process interactive system is described. The system includes numerous processes running on a processing device. The processes include separable program execution contexts of application programs, such that each application program comprises at least one process. The system translates events of each process into data capsules. A data capsule includes an application-independent representation of event data of an event and state information of the process originating the content of the data capsule. The system transfers the data messages into pools or repositories. Each process operates as a recognizing process, where the recognizing process recognizes in the pools data capsules comprising content that corresponds to an interactive function of the recognizing process and/or an identification of the recognizing process. The recognizing process retrieves recognized data capsules from the pools and executes processing appropriate to contents of the recognized data capsules.05-27-2010
20100131549MULTI-PROCESS INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A multi-process interactive system is described. The system includes numerous processes running on a processing device. The processes include separable program execution contexts of application programs, such that each application program comprises at least one process. The system translates events of each process into data capsules. A data capsule includes an application-independent representation of event data of an event and state information of the process originating the content of the data capsule. The system transfers the data messages into pools or repositories. Each process operates as a recognizing process, where the recognizing process recognizes in the pools data capsules comprising content that corresponds to an interactive function of the recognizing process and/or an identification of the recognizing process. The recognizing process retrieves recognized data capsules from the pools and executes processing appropriate to contents of the recognized data capsules.05-27-2010
20140145932CONTROL SYSTEM FOR NAVIGATING A PRINCIPAL DIMENSION OF A DATA SPACE - Systems and methods are described for navigating through a data space. The navigating comprises detecting a gesture of a body from gesture data received via a detector. The gesture data is absolute three-space location data of an instantaneous state of the body at a point in time and physical space. The detecting comprises identifying the gesture using the gesture data. The navigating comprises translating the gesture to a gesture signal, and navigating through the data space in response to the gesture signal. The data space is a data-representational space comprising a dataset represented in the physical space.05-29-2014
20140152546CONTROL SYSTEM FOR NAVIGATING A PRINCIPAL DIMENSION OF A DATA SPACE - Systems and methods are described for navigating through a data space. The navigating comprises detecting a gesture of a body from gesture data received via a detector. The gesture data is absolute three-space location data of an instantaneous state of the body at a point in time and physical space. The detecting comprises identifying the gesture using the gesture data. The navigating comprises translating the gesture to a gesture signal, and navigating through the data space in response to the gesture signal. The data space is a data-representational space comprising a dataset represented in the physical space.06-05-2014

Kwindla H. Kramer, Venice, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090237763User Interaction with Holographic Images - User input is facilitated through gestural inputs with displayed two and three-dimensional objects using a holographic device and film that displays a static, digitally generated, three-dimensional, autostereoscopic, full-parallax, real image and a digital projector that displays dynamic images. A system includes computer-detectable tags mounted on a user-wearable glove, and on a base plate that holds the holographic device. The system determines the locations of the tags, and calculates a location of a feature of the image based on the locations of the tags. The system also determines the location, pose, and gestural motion of the input device based on the location of the tags. The system further calculates a distance and direction between the input device and the feature of the image.09-24-2009

Marcus Kramer, San Diego, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080236374Instrument having capacitance sense inputs in lieu of string inputs - An electronic system can generate music related data based on capacitive sensed inputs. The system can include a plurality of capacitance sensor inputs for receiving connection to a plurality of capacitance sensors. At least one activation input can be included for receiving at least one activation signal generated in response to a physical action on the system. A control section can be coupled to the capacitive sensor inputs and the at least one activation input, the control section including at least one processor for sensing the capacitance at each capacitive sense input and generating sense position information therefrom.10-02-2008
20080238448Capacitance sensing for percussion instruments and methods therefor - A percussion instrument data generating system can include a plurality of capacitance sensors coupled to the at least a first surface. A controller section can includes a plurality of switches for selectively connecting each capacitance sensor to a sense node. A capacitance sense circuit can be coupled to the common sense node and can measures a capacitance presented at the common sense node. An encoder section that generates a position value for a sensed input event based that varies according to which capacitance sensor detects the input event.10-02-2008
20090034788Sense/control devices, configuration tools and methods for such devices, and systems including such devices - A system for monitoring equipment in a non-invasive fashion may include at least one sense device comprising an electronics module that includes a image sensor, at least one controller coupled to receive image data from the image sensor and generate a reading value, a display that displays the reading value from the at least one controller. In addition, a mounting adapter, separate from and attachable to the electronics module, may be included that has a fitting portion adaptable to be affixed to the monitored equipment and an image opening that enables an image of the monitored equipment to be acquired. In other embodiments, a sense device may provide a signal, such as a DC signal from piece of equipment. A configuration tool may configure parameters by which a reading value is generated from such a DC signal. In one arrangement, a configuration tool may configure sense devices via a wireless connection, and display any images of the monitored equipment captured by the sense device. This may enable intuitive configuration of sense devices and/or quick confirmation of sense device readings.02-05-2009
20090073307Digital image capture device and method - A device for illuminating and capturing an image of an object can include a first light source mounted to structure; a second light source mounted to the structure; and an image sensor disposed adjacent to the first and second light sources and mounted to the structure. The image sensor may capture at least two different partial images of a target area, the partial images being captured under different acquisition conditions. A controller section may also include that has at least a memory that stores the at least two partial images to form a larger image.03-19-2009
20090183584Monitoring devices, assemblies and methods for attachment to gauges and the like - A monitoring device assembly and method may include a primary interface for attaching to a monitored device, and a monitoring device mechanically coupled to the primary interface that captures an image of the monitored device.07-23-2009
20090190795Gauge monitoring methods, devices and systems - A method of reading a gauge may include capturing a digital image of the gauge with a gauge reading device attached to the gauge, the digital image comprising a plurality of pixels; determining an angle of a gauge feature based on positions of predetermined pixels of the digital image; and converting the angle into a gauge reading. Gauge reader devices and network based systems are also disclosed.07-30-2009
20110166712DEADBAND CONTROL OF PNEUMATIC CONTROL DEVICES - Apparatuses and methods of deadband setpoint control of pneumatic controllers are described.07-07-2011
20130308674SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONDUCTING HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING ANALYTICS - A system and method for conducting heating, ventilation, and Air Conditioning Analytics is disclosed. The system uses one or more wireless pneumatic thermostats (WPT) and/or various other sensors in communication with a control device to maintain, troubleshoot, calibrate, optimize, or otherwise adjust an installed pneumatic HVAC system.11-21-2013

Patent applications by Marcus Kramer, San Diego, CA US

Matthew E. Kramer, Los Gatos, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100040252Headset With Stowable Boom - A headset comprises a headband for supporting the headset on a user's head, an earpiece including an audio driver and a microphone boom including a microphone. The microphone boom is rotatable when the headset is located on a user's head from an operative position in which the microphone boom is directed towards the user's mouth to a stowed position in which the microphone boom is at least partially received in a recess defined in the headset.02-18-2010

Mattie Ruth Kramer, Los Angeles, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100066676Gestural Control of Autonomous and Semi-Autonomous Systems - Systems and methods are described for controlling a remote system. The controlling of the remote system comprises detecting a gesture of a body from gesture data received via a detector. The gesture data is absolute three-space location data of an instantaneous state of the body at a point in time and physical space. The detecting comprises identifying the gesture using the gesture data. The controlling comprises translating the gesture to a gesture signal, and controlling a component of the remote system in response to the gesture signal.03-18-2010

Nicholas Kramer, Lakeside, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110126825SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF GENERATING ENERGY FROM SOLAR RADIATION - A solar reflector assembly is provided for generating energy from solar radiation. The solar reflector assembly is configured to be deployed on a supporting body of liquid and to reflect solar radiation to a solar collector. A solar reflector assembly comprises an inflatable elongated tube having an upper portion formed at least partially of flexible material and a lower ballast portion formed at least partially of flexible material. A reflective sheet is coupled to a wall of the tube to reflect solar radiation. The elongated tube has an axis of rotation oriented generally parallel to a surface of a supporting body of liquid. 06-02-2011

Nicholas A. Kramer, Lakeside, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110030675SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF GENERATING ENERGY FROM SOLAR RADIATION - A solar reflector assembly is provided for generating energy from solar radiation. The solar reflector assembly is configured to be deployed on a supporting body of liquid and to reflect solar radiation to a solar collector. A solar reflector assembly comprises an inflatable elongated tube having an upper portion formed at least partially of flexible material and a lower ballast portion formed at least partially of flexible material. A reflective sheet is coupled to a wall of the tube to reflect solar radiation. The elongated tube has an axis of rotation oriented generally parallel to a surface of a supporting body of liquid.02-10-2011
20110070635SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF GENERATING ENERGY AND FRESH WATER FROM SOLAR RADIATION - A combined solar reflector and desalination assembly is provided for generating energy and fresh water from solar radiation. The solar reflector assembly is configured to be deployed on a supporting body of liquid and to reflect solar radiation to a solar collector. A combined solar reflector and desalination assembly comprises an inflatable elongated tube having an upper portion formed at least partially of flexible material and a lower ballast portion formed at least partially of flexible material. A reflective sheet is coupled to a wall of the tube to reflect solar radiation. At least one catchment device and collection assembly are coupled to the tube. The elongated tube may have an axis of rotation oriented generally parallel to a surface of a supporting body of liquid.03-24-2011
20110113806SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF DRY COOLING - A dry cooling assembly is provided comprising a supporting body of liquid having a temperature higher than ambient temperature, and an inflatable elongated tube at least partially submerged in the supporting body of liquid. The inflatable elongated tube has an upper portion formed at least partially of flexible material and a lower ballast portion formed at least partially of flexible material. The lower ballast portion defines a reservoir containing liquid facilitating ballast. The liquid facilitating ballast is warmed by heat from the supporting body of liquid such that the temperature of the support body of liquid is reduced.05-19-2011
20120234668SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF GENERATING ENERGY FROM SOLAR RADIATION USING PHOTOCATALYTIC PARTICLES - A solar reflector assembly is provided for generating energy from solar radiation. The solar reflector assembly is configured to be deployed on a supporting body of liquid and to reflect solar radiation to a solar collector. A solar reflector assembly comprises an inflatable elongated tube having an upper portion formed at least partially of flexible material and a lower ballast portion formed at least partially of flexible material. A reflective sheet is coupled to a wall of the tube to reflect solar radiation. The elongated tube has an axis of rotation oriented generally parallel to a surface of a supporting body of liquid. The lower ballast portion may contain photocatalytic particles.09-20-2012
20130032136SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF GENERATING ENERGY FROM SOLAR RADIATION - A solar reflector assembly is provided for generating energy from solar radiation. The solar reflector assembly is configured to be deployed on a supporting body of liquid and to reflect solar radiation to a solar collector. A solar reflector assembly comprises an inflatable elongated tube having an upper portion formed at least partially of flexible material and a lower ballast portion formed at least partially of flexible material. A reflective sheet is coupled to a wall of the tube to reflect solar radiation. The elongated tube has an axis of rotation oriented generally parallel to a surface of a supporting body of liquid.02-07-2013
20130152393SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INSTALLING SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS - A method of installing a solar energy system comprises laying an uninflated elongated tube of flexible material in a substantially flat configuration, winding the uninflated elongated tube on a spool, transporting the spool with the elongated tube, and filling the elongated tube with a gas and/or liquid such that the elongated tube inflates with the gas and/or liquid and unrolls from the spool.06-20-2013

Patent applications by Nicholas A. Kramer, Lakeside, CA US

Pamela A. Kramer, San Jose, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090176005Method And Apparatus For Spray Processing Of Porous Medical Devices - Thermal spray processing and cold spray processing are utilized to manufacture porous starting materials (such as tube stock, wire and substrate sheets) from biocompatible metals, metal alloys, ceramics and polymers that may be further processed into porous medical devices, such as stents. The spray processes are also used to form porous coatings on consolidated biocompatible medical devices. The porous substrates and coatings may be used as a reservoir to hold a drug or therapeutic agent for elution in the body. The spray-formed porous substrates and coatings may be functionally graded to allow direct control of drug elution without an additional polymer topcoat. The spray processes are also used to apply the drug or agent to the porous substrate or coating when drug or agent is robust enough to withstand the temperatures and velocities of the spray process with minimal degradation.07-09-2009
20130013055RADIOPAQUE INTRALUMINAL STENT - The present invention includes a radiopaque stent comprising a cylindrical main body. The tubular main body comprises a cobalt chromium alloy that comprises cobalt, chromium and one or more radiopaque materials.01-10-2013

Patent applications by Pamela A. Kramer, San Jose, CA US

Paul F. Kramer, Berkeley, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090022929ADHESIVELY BONDED SEAMS AND SEAM FORMING METHODS - A stitchless seam comprises a first portion of material folded upon itself proximate an edge to define an overfolded end portion having overlapping edge and nonedge portions and a second portion of material positioned adjacent the overfolded end portion. A first portion of adhesive is interposed between the overlapping edge and nonedge portions and a second portion of adhesive is interposed between the second portion of material and the edge portion of the overfolded end portion. Energy may be applied, via an ultrasonic seam bonding machine or other means, to activate the adhesive portions. The seams may be used for items made of waterproof breathable laminate fabric material, such as garments and sports articles.01-22-2009

Paul Owen Kramer, Rancho Cucamonga, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100326327ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY CEMENTITIOUS ARTICLES, FORMULATIONS, METHODS OF MAKING AND USES - Described herein is a cementitious article and a method of making using a water-based manufacturing system that incorporates a closed-loop or partially closed loop water recycling system and an alkali removal process. The system, as such is environmentally friendly, saves resources, such as water and other raw materials, and reduces waste disposal. The system further provides for a cementitious article having a low alkali content. Articles prepared by one or more processes described herein have characteristics that include a low apparent density, high strength and high freeze-thaw performance as compared with an article of the same general formulation but made from a comparative manufacturing system that does not include an alkali removal process. Articles described herein are suitable for use as building products, such as siding, the underlayment panel, board, trim, fascia, roofing, decking, and fence.12-30-2010

Randall Kramer, Lincoln, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100143971POLYPEPTIDES HAVING CELLULOLYTIC ENHANCING ACTIVITY AND POLYNUCLEOTIDES ENCODING SAME - The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.06-10-2010
20100263092Polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and polynucleotides encoding same - The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.10-14-2010
20100304437Methods for enhancing the degradation or conversion of cellulosic material - The present invention relates to methods for degrading or converting a cellulosic material, comprising: treating the cellulosic material with an enzyme composition in the presence of a polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity.12-02-2010
20110010805Polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and polynucleotides encoding same - The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.01-13-2011
20110067148Polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and polynucleotides encoding same - The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.03-17-2011
20110078829Polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and polynucleotides encoding same - The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.03-31-2011
20110078831Polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and polynucleotides encoding same - The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.03-31-2011
20120185970POLYPEPTIDES HAVING CELLULOLYTIC ENHANCING ACTIVITY AND POLYNUCLEOTIDES ENCODING SAME - The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.07-19-2012
20120185971POLYPEPTIDES HAVING CELLULOLYTIC ENHANCING ACTIVITY AND POLYNUCLEOTIDES ENCODING SAME - The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.07-19-2012
20130045505Polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and polynucleotides encoding same - The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.02-21-2013
20130045506Polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and polynucleotides encoding same - The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.02-21-2013
20130217078Polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and polynucleotides encoding same - The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.08-22-2013
20130219567Polypeptides Having Cellulolytic Enhancing Activity And Polynucleotides Encoding Same - The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.08-22-2013
20140075603Polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and polynucleotides encoding same - The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.03-13-2014
20140080178Polypeptides Having Cellulolytic Enhancing Activity and Polynucleotides Encoding Same - The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.03-20-2014
20140080193Methods For Enhancing The Degradation Or Conversion Of Cellulosic Material - The present invention relates to methods for degrading or converting a cellulosic material and for producing a substance from a cellulosic material.03-20-2014
20140115739Polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and polynucleotides encoding same - The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.04-24-2014
20140115740Polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and polynucleotides encoding same - The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.04-24-2014
20150040271Polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and polynucleotides encoding same - The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.02-05-2015
20150047075Polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and polynucleotides encoding same - The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.02-12-2015

Patent applications by Randall Kramer, Lincoln, CA US

Reto Kramer, Berkeley, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100205263SIP SERVER ARCHITECTURE FOR IMPROVING LATENCY DURING MESSAGE PROCESSING - Systems and methods are provided for improving latency during message processing in a network environment via the use of SIP server architecture. The SIP server can be comprised of an engine tier and a state tier distributed on a cluster network. The engine tier can send and receive messages and execute various processes. The state tier can maintain in-memory state data associated with various SIP sessions. The state tier can store various long lived data objects and the engine tier can contain short lived data objects. The state data can be maintained in partitions comprised of state replicas. When processing messages, the engine can pull state data objects from the state tier, use the objects and push them back to the state tier after processing is complete. If one state replica is unavailable, such as during garbage collection, the engine can retrieve the objects from another replica in the partition.08-12-2010

Patent applications by Reto Kramer, Berkeley, CA US

Richard H. Kramer, Oakland, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110207213Photoreactive Synthetic Regulator of Protein Function and Methods of Use Thereof - The present disclosure provides a photoreactive synthetic regulator of protein function. The present disclosure further provides a light-regulated polypeptide that includes a subject synthetic regulator. Also provided are cells and membranes comprising a subject light-regulated polypeptide. The present disclosure further provides methods of modulating protein function, involving use of light.08-25-2011
20120190094Photoreactive Regulator of Protein Function and Methods of Use Thereof - The present invention provides a synthetic regulator of protein function, which regulator is a light-sensitive regulator. The present invention further provides a light-regulated polypeptide that includes a subject synthetic regulator. Also provided are cells and membranes comprising a subject light-regulated polypeptide. The present invention further provides methods of modulating protein function, involving use of light. The present invention further provides methods of identifying agents that modulate protein function.07-26-2012
20130137113Photoreactive Regulator of Protein Function and Methods of Use Thereof - The present invention provides a synthetic regulator of protein function, which regulator is a light-sensitive regulator. The present invention further provides a light-regulated polypeptide that includes a subject synthetic regulator. Also provided are cells and membranes comprising a subject light-regulated polypeptide. The present invention further provides methods of modulating protein function, involving use of light. The present invention further provides methods of identifying agents that modulate protein function.05-30-2013

Patent applications by Richard H. Kramer, Oakland, CA US

Richard T. Kramer, San Ramon, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120254169GENERATING AND IMPLEMENTING A-LISTS TO MANAGE USER RELATIONSHIPS - Methods, systems, and computer program products for dynamically generating and displaying a contacts list for one or more services of a computing system. The method comprises identifying one or more contacts having associated contact information, the one or more contacts being associated with a user of the computing system, wherein the one or more contacts are identified across one or more information services or sources associated with the computing system; determining a subset of the one or more contacts and associated contact information based on a set of predefined criteria; generating a list of the subset of contacts and associated contact information; and displaying the generated list of contacts and associated contact information on the user interface.10-04-2012

Robert F. Kramer, El Dorado Hills, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100230458Dual position backpack - A backpack having a harness configured to be secured to the torso of a user, and a movable storage compartment pivotably connected at a first end to a first location on the harness. A second end of the storage compartment is releasably secured to a second location on the harness so that motion of the storage compartment with respect to the harness is restrained. The storage compartment is secured to the harness such that it can be released from a stowed position to a frontal location on the harness that is accessible to the user. With the second end of the storage compartment free from constraint, it can be pivoted about its first end from its stowed position to a frontal position on the user, wherein the frontal position allows access to articles contained in the storage compartment without removing the backpack from the user's body09-16-2010

Scott Kramer, Studio City, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100174750System and method for storing information for a wireless device - A system and method for storing personal, medical, and insurance related information on a wireless device are disclosed. The information may be stored by sending it from a remote personal computer to a central database using the Internet. The information may be stored on the central database. The information may be accessed on the wireless device (e.g. on a display) or sent from the wireless device or a central database to remote locations, such as a doctor's office or hospital.07-08-2010

Steven C. Kramer, San Jose, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100160910Electrosurgical tool - An electrosurgical tool for cauterizing or ablating patient tissue, which tool includes a tubular shaft which defines therein a conduit in communication with a suction source and which mounts an electrode at the distal end thereof. An electrode support element is provided at the distal end of the shaft for mounting and insulating the electrode. The support element and the electrode together define a suction opening at the treating surface of the electrode which minimizes clogging of the tool.06-24-2010

Susan Kramer, San Francisco, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100234470Instillation Administration of Capsaicinoids for the Treatment of Pain - This present invention relates to methods for treating or attenuating pain in a patient. Specifically, the invention provides a method for attenuating pain in proximity to the site of an open wound or surgical incision comprising instilling a pharmaceutical composition comprising a capsaicinoid into the wound or incision, allowing the pharmaceutical composition to dwell for a predetermined period of time, and aspirating the wound or incision to remove the pharmaceutical composition. The invention also provides a method for attenuating pain in proximity to a joint comprising intra-articularly injecting a pharmaceutical composition comprising a capsaicinoid into the joint, allowing the pharmaceutical composition to dwell for predetermined period of time, and aspirating the joint to remove the pharmaceutical composition. In certain embodiments of the invention, the capsaicinoid is capsaicin.09-16-2010

Thomas A. Kramer, San Carlos, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110213290Systems and Methods for Removing Undesirable Material Within a Circulatory System - A system for removing undesirable material from vessels and from chambers within the heart is provided. The system includes a suction cannula for removing the undesirable material from a site of interest within a patient. A filter device may be provided for capturing the undesirable material and removing it from the fluid flow. The system also includes pump for generating the necessary suction force through the suction cannula to dislodge the undesirable material from the site of interest and for generating a sufficient driving force to direct the fluid flow downstream within the system. The system further includes a reinfusion cannula for introducing fluid removed from the site of interest back into a patient. A method for removing undesirable material from vessels and from heart chambers is also provided.09-01-2011
20130123638ULTRASOUND CATHETERS FOR SENSING BLOOD FLOW - Disclosed herein are ultrasound devices for sensing blood flow. More particularly, a medical catheter is disclosed to detect the presence of blood vessels.05-16-2013
20130123826DEVICES FOR MAINTAINING PATENCY OF SURGICALLY CREATED CHANNELS IN TISSUE - Devices and methods for altering gaseous flow within a lung to improve the expiration cycle of an individual, particularly individuals having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The methods and devices create channels in lung tissue and maintain the patency of these surgically created channels in tissue. Maintaining the patency of the channels allows air to pass directly out of the lung tissue which facilitates the exchange of oxygen ultimately into the blood and/or decompresses hyper-inflated lungs.05-16-2013
20140066961Catheter with Vessel Lining and Methods for Using Same - A system for providing access across a site of obstruction is provided. The system may include a sleeve, having a distal portion that can move from an inverted position to an everted position. A balloon situated within the sleeve can be extended so as to evert sleeve. A pathway can extend across a juncture between the distal portion and the remaining portion of the sleeve so as to provide access across the site of obstruction. A method for providing access across the site of obstruction is also provided.03-06-2014
20140200598DEVICES AND SYSTEMS CONFIGURED TO FIT AROUND A TISSUE OR ORGAN AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - Devices and systems to fit around a tissue or organ and methods of using the same. In at least one embodiment of an implantable device of the present disclosure, the implantable device comprises a first engaging component comprising a first rigid inner plate at least partially surrounded by a first flexible coating, a second engaging component comprising a second rigid inner plate at least partially surrounded by a coating selected from the group consisting of the first flexible coating and the second flexible coating, a first c-ring and a second c-ring coupled to the engaging components, and a cover flap coupled to either the first engaging component or the second engaging component and capable of either further coupling to the second engaging component when initially coupled to the first engaging component or further coupling to the first engaging component when initially coupled to the second engaging component.07-17-2014

Patent applications by Thomas A. Kramer, San Carlos, CA US

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