Franco, CA
Alessandra Franco, San Diego, CA US
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20110045046 | GLYCOPEPTIDES AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THEM - In one embodiment, the invention provides glycopeptides (or carbohydrate-peptide conjugates) comprising TACAs that direct against (e.g., bind specifically to) cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) or helper T cells for, e.g., CTL- or T-helper-based immunotherapy of carcinomas, and methods for making and using the glycopeptides of the invention. In one embodiment, the invention provides novel glycopeptides comprising tumor-derived carbohydrate or tumor-derived epitopes that specifically bind to major histocompatibility (MHC) class I molecules on cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) or MHC molecules on helper T cells, and methods for using same, e.g., as a vaccine, including a pan-cancer vaccine. | 02-24-2011 |
David Franco, Irvine, CA US
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20110060212 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR FLOW RESTORATION - Methods for restoring blood flow in occluded blood vessels using an apparatus having a self expandable distal segment that is pre-formed to assume a superimposed structure in an unconstrained condition but can be made to take on a volume-reduced form making it possible to introduce it with a microcatheter and a push wire arranged at the proximal end, with the distal segment in its superimposed structure assuming the form of a longitudinally open tube and having a mesh structure of interconnected strings or filaments or struts. In a preferred embodiment, the distal segment has a tapering structure at its proximal end where the strings or filaments or struts converge at a connection point. | 03-10-2011 |
David Franco, Costa Mesa, CA US
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20140039459 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING AN EMBOLIC COMPOSITION - A microcatheter for delivery of embolic fluids includes an outer member dimensioned for insertion within a blood vessel adjacent an embolization site. The outer member defines a first longitudinal lumen, and an inner member is selectively positionable within the first longitudinal lumen of the outer member. The inner member defines a second longitudinal lumen and has a delivery port in fluid communication with the second longitudinal lumen for passage and delivery of embolic fluids toward the embolization site. A valve is disposed within the outer member. The valve is dimensioned to establish a substantial seal about the inner member, to minimize entry of the embolic fluids within the first longitudinal lumen of the outer member subsequent to delivery thereof toward the embolization site. | 02-06-2014 |
20140277361 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR LUMINAL STENTING - Stent delivery systems and methods of use are provided. The systems can include a catheter, a core member, and engagement member, and a stent. The catheter can have a inner wall. The core member can extend within the catheter and having a distal segment. The engagement member can be attached to the distal segment. Further, the stent can be positioned within the catheter and extend over the engagement member. The stent can have an axial length that is greater than an axial length of the engagement member. The engagement member can have an expanded state in which the engagement member presses the stent against the catheter inner wall for engaging the stent to move the stent along with the core member relative to the catheter. | 09-18-2014 |
Ed Franco, San Mateo, CA US
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20160084984 | Systems and Methods For The Automatic Detection of Lithium Batteries in Cargo, Baggage, Parcels, and Other Containers - The present specification discloses methods for scanning objects for the presence of lithium batteries. Normalized transmission X-ray data is used to generate organic, effective Z, and attenuation-based images. These images are then segmented using a combination of thresholding and region growing techniques to identify regions of interest. The regions are classified as lithium batteries or other objects, based on characteristics such as area of the region, its organic intensity, Z | 03-24-2016 |
Edward Franco, San Mateo, CA US
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20150325401 | LOW-DOSE RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGING SYSTEM - An inspection system for scanning cargo and vehicles is described which employs an X-ray source that includes an electron beam generator, for generating an electron beam; an accelerator for accelerating said electron beam in a first direction; and, a first set of magnetic elements for transporting said electron beam into a magnetic field created by a second set of magnetic elements, wherein the magnetic field created by said second set of magnetic elements causes said electron beam to strike a target such that the target substantially only generates X-rays focused toward a high density section in the scanned object, which is estimated in a second pulse using image data captured by a detector array in a first pulse. The electron beam direction is optimized by said X-ray source during said second pulse to focus X-rays towards said high density section based on said image data in said first pulse. | 11-12-2015 |
Edward D. Franco, San Mateo, CA US
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20100295689 | Systems and Methods for Automated, Rapid Detection of High-Atomic-Number Materials - The present invention is directed to an inspection system that has a radiation source, a detector array, an inspection region, and a processing unit, where the processing unit a) obtains a radiographic image, b) segments the radiographic image based on radiation attenuation or transmission, c) identifies at least one segmented area on the radiographic image, d) filters the at least one segmented area using at least one geometric filter, e) generates feature vectors using the filtered segmented area; and f) compares the feature vectors against predefined values to determine whether a high-atomic-number object is present. | 11-25-2010 |
20140222402 | Systems and Methods for X-Ray Source Weight Reduction - The present specification discloses an X-ray scanning system having a shield surrounding an X-ray source of an X-ray inspection system, the shield comprising a first material or a combination of the first material and a second material; and a thickness that keeps a radiation dose below a predefined limit at a plurality of locations on a boundary of a defined exclusion zone, wherein the plurality of locations change as the X-ray source moves in a scan direction, and wherein the thickness of the shield varies non-uniformly as a function of a plurality of angles of radiation. In another embodiment, the shield comprises a first inner material and a second outer material; and a thickness and a contour that keeps a radiation dose below a predefined limit at a plurality of locations on a boundary of a defined exclusion zone, wherein the plurality of locations change as the X-ray source moves in a scan direction, and wherein the thickness and contour of the shield varies non-uniformly as a function of a plurality of angles of radiation. | 08-07-2014 |
Erik Franco, Napa, CA US
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20120246048 | Cross-Sectional Economic Modeling and Forward Looking Odds - A cross-sectional model is provided that determines the relationship between macroeconomic factors and the odds to score relationship of a scoring model. The cross-sectional model takes economic data from various economic regions, as opposed to time periods, as input, and produces, as output, a prediction of the curve-of-best fit that relates a score to a probability (i.e., the probability of the outcome in question such as paying back a loan or filing an insurance claim, etc.). Related systems, methods and articles are also described. | 09-27-2012 |
Fabian Franco, Livermore, CA US
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20120296151 | ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF IMPLANTING A HEART ASSIST SYSTEM - A needle guard is used when suturing the cuff of an attachment ring to the heart. The needle guard is disposed in the attachment ring to prevent other parts of the attachment ring from being punctured by a suturing needle. The needle guard can include one or more grooves to inhibit relative movement between the needle guard and the attachment ring during suturing. The needle guard is removed upon completion of suturing and to allow insertion into attachment ring of an inflow conduit of a heart assist device. An articulated clamp is used to compress the attachment ring into engagement with the inflow conduit. The attachment include an annular rib that grabs the inflow conduit. | 11-22-2012 |
20150011819 | NEEDLE GUARD, ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF IMPLANTING A HEART ASSIST SYSTEM - A needle guard is used when suturing the cuff of an attachment ring to the heart. The needle guard is disposed in the attachment ring to prevent other parts of the attachment ring from being punctured by a suturing needle. The needle guard can include one or more grooves to inhibit relative movement between the needle guard and the attachment ring during suturing. The needle guard is removed upon completion of suturing and to allow insertion into attachment ring of an inflow conduit of a heart assist device. An articulated clamp is used to compress the attachment ring into engagement with the inflow conduit. The attachment include an annular rib that grabs the inflow conduit. | 01-08-2015 |
Gladys Franco, Carlsbad, CA US
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20130305778 | Fashion Article Having a Concealed Storage Cavity - A clothing article having a hidden pocket which may be displayed without removal from an elongated body such as a bracelet attached to the wrist or angle of the user. The pocket is rotatable from a hidden sandwiched engagement between two layers of the bracelet to an exposed position where the user may access it or a third party may view the ID in the pocket. The pocket may also be removably engaged allowing for removal for using a magnetic strip on a credit card or displaying identification. | 11-21-2013 |
20160021991 | Fashion Article Having a Concealed Storage Cavity - A wrist worn clothing article having a hidden pocket which may be displayed without removal from an elongated body such as a bracelet attached to the wrist or angle of the user. In one mode the pocket is rotatable from a hidden sandwiched engagement between two layers of the bracelet to an exposed position where the user may access it or a third party may view the ID in the pocket. A tactile communication section formed in the body of the article, allows touch and contact communications to the skin of the user from a dance partner while wearing the device. | 01-28-2016 |
Hector Franco, Sunnyvale, CA US
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20120009894 | COLLABORATIVE INCIDENT ALERT SYSTEM FOR MOBILE DEVICES - An incident alert system enables a plurality of users to participate in a collaborative process to report and be alerted of incidents such as emergencies or hazards. A user uses a networked mobile phone with geo-positioning capability to communicate with a server to report incidents and to inquire about potential incidents of interest based on the user's current geographic position. Reports of incidents are transmitted to the server accompanied by the current position of the user/mobile phone. A user's mobile phone is preferably configured to automatically submit periodic inquiries to the server based on the user's location. Upon receipt of an inquiry from a user, the system queries a database to identify reports of potential interest to the inquiring user. The system analyzes the reports to determine whether to alert the inquiring user of a potential incident of interest. | 01-12-2012 |
20150262188 | CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - The customer is given the option to access customer service through the Internet. A web site provides several convenient alternatives for scheduling a voice session with a customer service agent instead of waiting on the phone. Users are encouraged to search a Selection-Oriented-Knowledge-Base (SOKB) that helps the user's thinking process by displaying a sequence of intuitively recognizable multimedia menu selections that eventually lead to what the user has in mind and provide appropriate answers. The SOKB is based upon a Selection-On-Vertex network that provides the infrastructure to expand the level of knowledge of the SOKB by automatically capturing knowledge gained through experience. Customer service agents are seamlessly integrated into the SOKB by a NEED HELP request button that the user can click if difficulties are encountered during the search. A Help Requests Predictor enables customer service agents to respond within seconds to NEED HELP requests initiated by users. | 09-17-2015 |
Horacio Franco, Menlo Park, CA US
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20100125458 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ERROR CORRECTION IN SPEECH RECOGNITION APPLICATIONS - In one embodiment, the present invention is a method and apparatus for error correction in speech recognition applications. In one embodiment, a method for recognizing user speech includes receiving a first utterance from the user, receiving a subsequent utterance from the user, and combining acoustic evidence from the first utterance with acoustic evidence from the subsequent utterance in order to recognize the first utterance. It is assumed that, if the first utterance has been incorrectly recognized on a first attempt, the user will repeat the first utterance (or at least the incorrectly recognized portion of the first utterance) in the subsequent utterance. | 05-20-2010 |
20120029903 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ENHANCING INTERACTIVE TRANSLATION AND DIALOGUE SYSTEMS - The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for enhancing interactive translation and dialogue systems. In one embodiment, a method for conducting an interactive dialogue includes receiving an input signal in a first language, where the input signal includes one or more words, processing the words in accordance with a vocabulary, and adjusting a probability relating to at least one of the words in the vocabulary for an output signal. Subsequently, the method may output a translation of the input signal in a second language, in accordance with the vocabulary. In one embodiment, adjusting the probability involves adjusting a probability that the word will be used in actual conversation. | 02-02-2012 |
20120029904 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ADDING NEW VOCABULARY TO INTERACTIVE TRANSLATION AND DIALOGUE SYSTEMS - The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for adding new vocabulary to interactive translation and dialogue systems. In one embodiment, a method for adding a new word to a vocabulary of an interactive dialogue includes receiving an input signal that includes at least one word not currently in the vocabulary, inserting the word into a dynamic component of a search graph associated with the vocabulary, and compiling the dynamic component independently of a permanent component of the search graph to produce a new sub-grammar, where the permanent component comprises a plurality of words that are permanently part of the search graph. | 02-02-2012 |
Horacio E. Franco, Menlo Park, CA US
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20120166365 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TAILORING THE OUTPUT OF AN INTELLIGENT AUTOMATED ASSISTANT TO A USER - The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for tailoring the output of an intelligent automated assistant. One embodiment of a method for conducting an interaction with a human user includes collecting data about the user using a multimodal set of sensors positioned in a vicinity of the user, making a set of inferences about the user in accordance with the data, and tailoring an output to be delivered to the user in accordance with the set of inferences. | 06-28-2012 |
20120173464 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EXPLOITING HUMAN FEEDBACK IN AN INTELLIGENT AUTOMATED ASSISTANT - The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for exploiting human feedback in an intelligent automated assistant. One embodiment of a method for conducting an interaction with a human user includes inferring an intent from data entered by the human user, formulating a response in accordance with the intent, receiving feedback from a human advisor in response to at least one of the inferring and the formulating, wherein the human advisor is a person other than the human user, and adapting at least one model used in at least one of the inferring and the formulating, wherein the adapting is based on the feedback. | 07-05-2012 |
20150302003 | GENERIC VIRTUAL PERSONAL ASSISTANT PLATFORM - A method for assisting a user with one or more desired tasks is disclosed. For example, an executable, generic language understanding module and an executable, generic task reasoning module are provided for execution in the computer processing system. A set of run-time specifications is provided to the generic language understanding module and the generic task reasoning module, comprising one or more models specific to a domain. A language input is then received from a user, an intention of the user is determined with respect to one or more desired tasks, and the user is assisted with the one or more desired tasks, in accordance with the intention of the user. | 10-22-2015 |
20160086090 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TAILORING THE OUTPUT OF AN INTELLIGENT AUTOMATED ASSISTANT TO A USER - The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for tailoring the output of an intelligent automated assistant. One embodiment of a method for conducting an interaction with a human user includes collecting data about the user using a multimodal set of sensors positioned in a vicinity of the user, making a set of inferences about the user in accordance with the data, and tailoring an output to be delivered to the user in accordance with the set of inferences. | 03-24-2016 |
John A. Franco, Emeryville, CA US
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20080221458 | Catheter and method for diagnosis and treatment of diseased vessels - The present invention provides a catheter for detecting and treating diseased tissue in a blood vessel or other hollow body organ. The catheter comprises an elongated tubular catheter shaft having a distal end comprising a light transmission zone. A first fiber lumen in the catheter shaft contains a diagnostic optical fiber having a distal end terminating within the light transmission zone for emitting and receiving light through the light transmission zone. A diagnostic subassembly at the proximal end and in communication with the diagnostic optical fiber processes diagnostic light for use in connection with a diagnostic method for detecting diseased tissue. A second fiber lumen can be provided in the catheter shaft for containing a treatment optical fiber for delivering treatment light from a light source at the proximal end of the catheter shaft to the light transmission zone. The treatment optical fiber has a distal end terminating within the light transmission zone for emitting light for treatment of the diseased tissue. An occlusion balloon is positioned on the distal end of the catheter shaft adjacent to the light transmission zone and in fluid communication with an inflation lumen. One or more infusion ports formed on or near the light transmission zone and in fluid communication with an infusion lumen deliver infusion fluid to the hollow body organ. | 09-11-2008 |
Jorge L. Franco, Santa Maria, CA US
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20120240310 | Helmet protective skin - A replaceable helmet protective skin, which is adapted for covering an outer surface of a helmet, includes a skin body configured to attach and detach while in use fittingly cover the outer surface of the helmet as if part of the outer surface thereof in an edge-to-edge manner, wherein the skin body is formed a receiving cavity therewithin for fittingly receiving the helmet to cover the outer surface thereof. At least one adjustable fastener is preferably provided along an elongated opening of the skin body, so that the size of the receiving cavity of the skin body is able to be increased via opening the adjustable fastener for conveniently attaching and detaching when covering or removing the replaceable helmet protective skin. The adjustable fastener is able to be adjustably closed for securely fitting the skin body on the outer surface of the helmet. | 09-27-2012 |
Jose Carlos Garcia Franco, Mountain View, CA US
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20120221409 | Systems And Methods For Determining Bids For Placing Advertisements - Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided for determining a bid value for placing an advertisement onto advertising space available through an electronic marketplace. A method is used for calculating the option value of maintaining the advertisement in the advertising space during one or more periods of time. The option value may be based on expected profits and the estimated future value of maintaining the advertisement. The option value may then be used to calculate the bid price for placing the advertisement. | 08-30-2012 |
20140046758 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING BIDS FOR PLACING ADVERTISEMENTS - Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided for determining a bid value for placing an advertisement onto advertising space available through an electronic marketplace. A method is used for calculating the option value of maintaining the advertisement in the advertising space during one or more periods of time. The option value may be based on expected profits and the estimated future value of maintaining the advertisement. The option value may then be used to calculate the bid price for placing the advertisement. | 02-13-2014 |
Justina A. Franco, Oxnard, CA US
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20110071567 | ARTICULATING SUTURING AND DEVICE AND METHOD - Devices, systems, and methods for suturing of body lumens allow the suturing of vascular puncture sites located at the distal end of a percutaneous tissue tract. An elongated articulated foot near a distal end of a shaft is inserted through the penetration and actuated so that the foot extends along the lumenal axis. The foot carries suturing attachment cuffs, and needles are advanced from the shaft through the vessel wall outside of the penetration and into engagement with the needle cuffs after the foot has been drawn proximally up against the endothelial surface of the blood vessel. The cross-section of the shaft within the tissue tract can be minimized by laterally deflecting the needles as they leave the shaft, while tapered depressions within the foot can guide the advancing needles into engagement with the cuffs. The cuffs lockingly engage the needles and can be withdrawn proximally along the needle paths and through the tissue tract so as to form a loop of suture across the puncture. The articulating foot may be realigned with the shaft and withdrawn proximally through the tissue tract without dilating the tissue tract. | 03-24-2011 |
Justina-Delia A. Franco, Thousand Oaks, CA US
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20130041301 | FLEXIBLE ANATOMICAL SUPPORT - A flexible support including a body configured to provide anatomical support to a user's appendage, and an insert extending along at least a portion of an edge of the flexible support to reduce irritation and fitment discomfort to the user's appendage from the edge. | 02-14-2013 |
Michael Anthony Franco, Long Beach, CA US
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20090294309 | APPARATUS AND PROCESS FOR HOLDING AT LEAST TWO CONSUMER GOODS - An apparatus and process for holding at least two consumer goods comprising a holder comprising a first surface, a second surface, and an edge between the first surface and the second surface. An apparatus and process for holding at least two consumer goods comprising a holder comprising a surface wherein the surface comprises a first side edge, a second side edge, a proximal end, and a distal end. | 12-03-2009 |
Peter Anthony Franco, Pacifica, CA US
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20140165819 | DRUM TUNER - A drum tuner is described. The drum tuner includes: (i) a hub gear; (ii) two or more differential gears communicatively coupled to the hub gear and at least one of the two or more differential gears capable of engaging a tuning mechanism of a drum; and (iii) wherein, during an operational state of the drum tuner, rotation of the hub gear rotates at least one of the two or more differential gears to activate the drum's tuning mechanism. | 06-19-2014 |
Ricardo Franco, San Jose, CA US
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20090156929 | METHODS FOR IMAGING A DELIVERY SYSTEM - A method for imaging a delivery system is disclosed. The method includes positioning an implantable device within a delivery apparatus. The implantable device has a first base material that includes a mixture of which a first radiopaque material is a component and/or coating at least a portion of the first base material with a coating of which a first radiopaque material is a component. The delivery apparatus may be positioned relative to an imaging device. An image produced by the imaging device may be analyzed. It may be determined whether the delivery apparatus is ready to deploy an implantable device. | 06-18-2009 |
Siddharth Ryan Franco, San Diego, CA US
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20150109925 | Media Playout for VOIP Applications - To address limitations of conventional packet buffer management strategies, the various embodiments provide methods implemented by a processor operating on a VoIP receiver device for managing media packet rejection logic on the receiving device to improve audio playout. The embodiment methods enhance the likelihood that a receiver device will buffer (rather than reject) an incoming media packet by maintaining a history of previously rejected media packets (i.e., a packet rejection history) and referencing the packet rejection history when determining whether to reject or to accept an incoming packet the receiver device has just received. Thus, the various embodiments may reduce gaps in playback by avoiding unnecessary packet rejections and may promote an overall increase in playout quality. | 04-23-2015 |
20150110103 | Media Playout for VOIP Applications - In overview, the various embodiments include methods performed by a receiver device processor for implementing one or more buffer space management strategies to free up space in the buffer in response to determining that the buffer is full. In the various embodiments, the receiver device processor may analyze media packets stored in the buffer based on various criteria to identify media packets that may be discarded without significantly impacting playout sound quality to free space in the buffer for incoming packets. | 04-23-2015 |
Walfre Franco, Foster City, CA US
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20100211060 | RADIO FREQUENCY TREATMENT OF SUBCUTANEOUS FAT - A method for treating subcutaneous fat with RF energy is disclosed. The method includes determining a thickness of a layer of fat of a portion of tissue to be treated. Based on the determined thickness, an RF frequency is selected. In particular, lower frequencies are used for thicker layers of fat while higher frequencies are used for thinner layers of fat. RF heating is applied to the portion of the tissue by applying RF energy at the selected RF frequency. | 08-19-2010 |