Before founding American
Frontier, James Evans spent years working at the forefront of digital
technology, not just implementing it, but inventing it. Over the course of his
R&D career spanning more than two decades, James was issued 37 patents by
the United States Patent and Trademark Office, spanning e-commerce
architecture, streaming video, content delivery, cloud infrastructure, and the
social and collaborative technologies that now form the backbone of modern
business.
That engineering mindset — building systems that are resilient, secure, and
built to last — is the same philosophy he brings to every client engagement at
American Frontier today.
🛒
E-Commerce & Database Architecture
US 7,107,226 —
Internet-Based On-Line Comparison Shopping System and Method of Interactive
Purchase and Sale of Products
NET32 Inc | Filed: 1999 | Cited by 186 subsequent patents
MOST CITED PATENT (186 citations).
Oldest patent in the portfolio (filed 1999). Covers a comprehensive online
comparison shopping system using an attribute-value chain database to let users
compare fungible products from multiple vendors, build a virtual shopping cart
across vendors, and automatically disaggregate orders to send vendor-specific
purchase orders. Originally implemented as Dental-Purchasing.com (later NET32).
Architecture behind Google Shopping, PriceGrabber, and Amazon marketplace
comparison features.
View
patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US7107226
📺
Streaming Video & Personalized Delivery
US 8,990,850 — RDMA
Based Real-Time Video Server Architecture (Earlier Grant)
Zama Innovations LLC | Filed: 2007 | Cited by 8 subsequent
patents
Earlier ACTIVE grant in the RDMA
video server architecture family. Covers the core server-side RDMA delivery
architecture for real-time video streaming.
View
patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US8990850
US 9,058,090 — RDMA
Based Real-Time Video Server Architecture
Zama Innovations LLC | Filed: 2007 | Cited by 14 subsequent
patents
This ACTIVE patent covers the
server-side architecture for delivering real-time video using RDMA (Remote
Direct Memory Access). RDMA allows the server to push video data directly into
the memory of client devices without OS overhead, enabling buffer-free 4K
streaming. Relevant to modern video delivery infrastructure for Netflix,
YouTube, and streaming CDNs.
View
patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US9058090
US 7,996,482 — RDMA
Based Real-Time Video Client Playback Architecture (Parent)
Zama Innovations LLC | Filed: 2007 | Cited by 17 subsequent
patents
ACTIVE patent. Parent of the RDMA
client playback family (US8549091 is a continuation). Establishes the original
RDMA-based client device architecture for buffer-free real-time video playback.
Foundational to how Apple TV, Roku, and Fire Stick deliver ultra-high-definition
video without buffering by directly transferring data from server memory to
playback memory.
View
patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US7996482
US 8,549,091 — RDMA
Based Real-Time Video Client Playback Architecture
Zama Innovations LLC | Filed: 2007 | Cited by 17 subsequent
patents
Client-side architecture for
real-time video playback using RDMA. Continuation of US7996482. Together they
cover the full RDMA client playback stack for buffer-free 4K video delivery.
View
patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US8549091
US 9,118,949 —
Multi-Client Streamer with Late Binding of Ad Content (Earlier Grant)
Qurio Holdings Inc | Filed: 2007 | Cited by 22 subsequent
patents
Earlier grant in the multi-client
streamer family. Covers the core server-side architecture for streaming
personalized ad-injected video content to multiple simultaneous viewers.
Foundational to the addressable TV advertising industry.
View
patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US9118949
US 9,280,773 —
Multi-Client Streamer with Late Binding of Ad Content
Qurio Holdings Inc | Filed: 2007 | Cited by 22 subsequent
patents
A continuation grant of the
multi-client streamer family. Covers a server architecture that streams video
content to multiple viewers simultaneously while dynamically inserting
personalized, targeted advertisements at the moment of delivery ('late binding').
This is the core technology behind how streaming services like Hulu, Peacock,
and connected TV platforms insert different ads for different viewers watching
the same show at the same time.
View
patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US9280773
US 9,224,145 — Late
Binding of Advertisements Using RDMA
Zama Innovations LLC | Filed: 2007 | Cited by 8 subsequent
patents
This ACTIVE patent covers the use
of Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA) technology to insert targeted
advertisements into video streams at the very last moment before delivery —
'late binding.' This minimizes the cost of ad personalization at scale, as the
same video content can be sent to thousands of viewers, each receiving a
different personalized ad. Directly relevant to programmatic advertising in
streaming TV (CTV/OTT) today.
View
patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US9224145
US 9,112,889 — Late
Binding of Advertisements Using RDMA (Continuation)
Zama Innovations LLC | Filed: 2007 | Cited by 8 subsequent
patents
Continuation of the RDMA
late-binding ad patent family. Provides broader claim coverage for using RDMA
memory transfer techniques to enable real-time, personalized ad insertion in
video streams. Active and enforceable.
View
patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US9112889
US 8,676,031 —
Locality-Based Video Playback with Late Binding Advertisements
Stripe LLC | Filed: 2006 | Cited by 9 subsequent patents
This ACTIVE patent combines
locality-based content delivery AND late-binding ad insertion. A viewer's
geographic location determines which version of a video they see, with
locally-relevant ads inserted at playback time. Relevant to geo-targeted
streaming ads, dynamic product placement, and addressable TV advertising
platforms.
View
patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US8676031
US 7,991,269 —
Locality-Based Video Playback to Enable Locally Relevant Product Placement
Advertising
Stripe LLC | Filed: 2006 | Cited by 1 subsequent patents
ACTIVE patent. System for embedding
geographically targeted advertisements directly into video content on physical
media (DVD) so viewers in different locations see different locally-relevant
product placements in the same movie. Early innovation in dynamic ad insertion,
now used by Peacock and Paramount+.
View
patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US7991269
US 8,615,778 —
Personalized Broadcast System
Qurio Holdings Inc | Filed: 2006 | Cited by 12 subsequent
patents
Foundational patent for creating
highly personalized TV broadcast channels based on individual user preferences.
Anticipates today's algorithmic content curation and recommendation engines
used by Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube.
View
patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US8615778
US 8,615,573 — System
and Method for Networked PVR Storage and Content Capture
Qurio Holdings Inc | Filed: 2006 | Cited by 14 subsequent
patents
Covers a system for networking
multiple PVRs/DVRs to create a shared community storage pool. Anticipates
modern cloud DVR services where recordings are centrally managed and accessible
across devices.
View
patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US8615573
🌐
CDN, Proxy & Network Optimization
US 9,032,041 — System
for Lowering Utilized Bandwidth of a Proxy Server (Earlier Grant)
Qurio Holdings Inc | Filed: 2006 | Cited by 33 subsequent
patents
Earlier grant in the proxy
bandwidth reduction family. Same core invention as US9104758 — intelligent
proxy server bandwidth optimization. 33 citations reflects its broad industry
impact.
View
patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US9032041
US 9,104,758 — System
for Lowering Utilized Bandwidth of a Proxy Server
Qurio Holdings Inc | Filed: 2006 | Cited by 33 subsequent
patents
One of four highly-cited grants in
the proxy bandwidth reduction family (33 citations each). Covers a proxy server
that intelligently selects between streaming and caching modes depending on
network conditions and content popularity, minimizing bandwidth usage. Core to
how Akamai, Cloudflare, and CDN edge servers optimize network efficiency today.
View
patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US9104758
US 8,886,803 — Method
and System for Lowering Utilized Bandwidth of a Proxy Server
Qurio Holdings Inc | Filed: 2006 | Cited by 33 subsequent
patents
Third grant in the proxy bandwidth
family. Together with US9104758, US9032041, and US8762476, provides
comprehensive patent coverage of intelligent proxy server bandwidth reduction
techniques.
View
patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US8886803
US 8,762,476 — System
for Lowering Utilized Bandwidth of a Proxy Server (2012 Grant)
Qurio Holdings Inc | Filed: 2006 | Cited by 33 subsequent
patents
Fourth and earliest grant in the
proxy bandwidth reduction family. All four grants (US8762476, US8886803,
US9032041, US9104758) form a strong patent family around CDN/proxy bandwidth
optimization.
View
patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US8762476
US 7,930,706 — Managing
Cache Reader and Writer Threads in a Proxy Server
Qurio Holdings Inc | Filed: 2006 | Cited by 7 subsequent
patents
Covers efficient handling of
multiple concurrent requests for the same large file through a proxy server —
downloading once while intelligently managing which users are served from cache
vs. directly. Describes how Netflix and YouTube CDN edge servers handle peak
traffic.
View
patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US7930706
US 8,209,711 — Managing
Cache Reader and Writer Threads in a Proxy Server (Continuation)
Qurio Holdings Inc | Filed: 2006 | Cited by 7 subsequent
patents
Continuation of US7930706. Together
they provide comprehensive coverage of the intelligent proxy caching system for
serving concurrent requests for the same large file without redundant
downloads. Foundational to how CDN edge servers at Netflix and YouTube serve
thousands of simultaneous viewers from a single cached copy.
View
patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US8209711
US 8,701,149 — Method
and System for Minimizing a Number of Data Streams
Qurio Holdings Inc | Filed: 2008 | Cited by 8 subsequent
patents
Improves VOD efficiency by
consolidating multiple viewers of the same content onto a shared data stream
during ad breaks. Like 'carpooling' for video data. Helps cable providers and
streaming services reduce bandwidth costs during peak viewing times.
View
patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US8701149
US 8,387,102 — Method
and System for Minimizing a Number of Data Streams (Continuation)
Qurio Holdings Inc | Filed: 2008 | Cited by 8 subsequent
patents
Continuation of US8701149. Together
they provide broad coverage of consolidating multiple VOD viewers onto a single
shared stream during commercial breaks — reducing bandwidth on cable networks
without viewer disruption. Relevant to how Comcast and Charter manage VOD
bandwidth.
View
patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US8387102
US 8,244,855 —
Application State Aware Mediating Server
Qurio Holdings Inc | Filed: 2006 | Cited by 4 subsequent
patents
A 'smart proxy' server that
understands what is happening inside applications in real time — gaming,
browsing, video call — and uses that knowledge to deliver better services.
Foundational to how modern cloud platforms and CDNs intelligently route and prioritize
traffic.
View
patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US8244855
US 8,150,938 — Profile
Aware Mediating Server
Qurio Holdings Inc | Filed: 2006 | Cited by 6 subsequent
patents
Network proxy server that reads and
understands the capability profiles of all connected devices to deliver
smarter, tailored services. Foundational to how CDNs like Akamai and Fastly
deliver different versions of content to different devices automatically.
View
patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US8150938
🎮
Virtual Worlds, Online Gaming & Digital Ownership
US 9,503,426 —
Collaborative Firewall for a Distributed Virtual Environment
Qurio Holdings Inc | Filed: 2009 | Cited by 22 subsequent
patents
This is the later continuation
grant of the collaborative firewall concept for virtual worlds. Together with
US8424075, it provides comprehensive coverage of a security enforcement system
that regulates avatar and entity behavior within virtual environments like
online games and the metaverse. Analogous to a neighborhood watch program
inside a virtual world, it prevents cheating, griefing, and unauthorized
actions. Relevant to trust & safety systems in Roblox, Fortnite, and Meta
Horizon Worlds.
View
patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US9503426
US 8,424,075 —
Collaborative Firewall for a Distributed Virtual Environment
Qurio Holdings Inc | Filed: 2009 | Cited by 20 subsequent
patents
Security firewall tailored for
virtual worlds, enforcing behavioral rules to prevent cheating and disruptive
behavior by avatars. Foundational to trust and safety mechanisms in Roblox,
Fortnite, and metaverse platforms.
View
patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US8424075
US 8,260,728 — System
and Method for Influencing Behavior in a Distributed Virtual Environment
Qurio Holdings Inc | Filed: 2008 | Cited by 10 subsequent
patents
Manages server load in virtual
worlds by subtly influencing user behavior — using in-game events to naturally
redistribute traffic rather than forcing players out of crowded areas. A
'nudge' technique for maintaining server performance without disrupting
gameplay.
View
patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US8260728
US 8,116,323 — Methods
for Providing Peer Negotiation in a Distributed Virtual Environment
Qurio Holdings Inc | Filed: 2007 | Cited by 5 subsequent
patents
Servers in a virtual world
dynamically negotiate with each other to adjust their virtual space boundaries
based on processing capacity — real-time load balancing for virtual
environments. Describes how online multiplayer games like Fortnite or Minecraft
manage millions of simultaneous players.
View
patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US8116323
US 8,433,656 — Group
Licenses for Virtual Objects in a Distributed Virtual World
Qurio Holdings Inc | Filed: 2007 | Cited by 19 subsequent
patents
Efficient system for validating
virtual items using 'group licenses' to validate collections of virtual objects
at once. Relevant to inventory management in Fortnite/Roblox and NFT-based
virtual asset ownership in Web3 and metaverse platforms.
View
patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US8433656
👥
Peer-to-Peer Networks, Social Technologies & Identity
US 8,554,827 — Virtual
Peer for a Content Sharing System
Qurio Holdings Inc | Filed: 2006 | Cited by 101 subsequent
patents
2nd most cited (101 citations).
Introduces the 'virtual peer' concept enabling multiple devices owned by a
single user to function as one unified entity in a P2P network. Foundational to
Apple iCloud, Google Drive, and Dropbox multi-device ecosystems.
View
patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US8554827
US 7,782,866 — Virtual
Peer in a Peer-to-Peer Network
Qurio Holdings Inc | Filed: 2006 | Cited by 49 subsequent
patents
3rd most cited (49 citations).
Earlier grant in the 'virtual peer' family. Core concept of making multiple
devices owned by one person appear as a single node in a P2P network.
Foundational to Apple's ecosystem, Google's multi-device account system, and Dropbox/OneDrive
multi-device identity.
View
patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US7782866
US 7,818,336 — Methods,
Systems, and Products for Searching Social Networks
Qurio Holdings Inc | Filed: 2006 | Cited by 36 subsequent
patents
Highly cited (36 citations). Covers
a system where devices pass search queries to other devices in a social network
during brief, transient encounters, with the search persisting over time.
Anticipates social search (Facebook, LinkedIn), AirDrop-style proximity
sharing, and persistent AI search agents.
View
patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US7818336
US 7,707,246 — Creating
a Social Network Around Recorded Media
Stripe LLC | Filed: 2006 | Cited by 31 subsequent patents
ACTIVE patent. Invented
'synchronized social viewing' — creating a chat room around a TV show/movie
based on where viewers are in the playback timeline, not when it aired. Viewers
at the 20-minute mark only chat with others also at ~20 minutes, preventing
spoilers. Direct antecedent to Disney+ GroupWatch, Netflix Teleparty, and
Twitch co-watching.
View
patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US7707246
US 8,358,579 —
Controlling Quality of Service and Content Quality Based on User Relationships
Qurio Holdings Inc | Filed: 2006 | Cited by 26 subsequent
patents
Dynamically adjusts content
delivery speed and quality based on the social relationship between requester
and content owner. Applied in modern social media (Facebook, Instagram) to
prioritize content from close connections.
View
patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US8358579
US 8,291,017 —
Generating Communities Using a Mediating Server and the Semantic Web
Qurio Holdings Inc | Filed: 2006 | Cited by 6 subsequent
patents
Automatically forms online
communities by analyzing the semantic meaning of content users are browsing.
Precursor to Reddit community recommendations, Facebook Group suggestions, and
LinkedIn connection suggestions.
View
patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US8291017
US 8,055,803 —
Generating Communities Using a Mediating Server and the Semantic Web (Earlier
Grant)
Qurio Holdings Inc | Filed: 2006 | Cited by 6 subsequent
patents
Earlier grant in the same family as
US8291017. Covers automatic grouping of internet users into online communities
based on browsing content. Foundational to Reddit subreddit suggestions,
Facebook Group recommendations, and LinkedIn community connections.
View
patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US8055803
US 7,953,083 —
Multicast Query Propagation Scheme for a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Network
Qurio Holdings Inc | Filed: 2006 | Cited by 12 subsequent
patents
Uses multicast channels to
broadcast search queries simultaneously to groups of peers instead of flooding
every P2P node individually — like a group message vs. 1,000 individual texts.
Relevant to distributed file-sharing systems, CDNs, and blockchain peer
networks.
View
patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US7953083
US 8,175,645 — System
and Method for Modifying a Device Profile
Jolly Seven Series 70 of Allied Security Trust I | Filed:
2006 | Cited by 32 subsequent patents
System allowing a device to
intelligently filter or modify profile information sent to web servers —
protecting privacy while enabling personalized content. Directly relevant to
Chrome's Privacy Sandbox and iOS/Android app tracking transparency features.
View
patent: https://patents.google.com/patent/US8175645
Ready to Work With a Team That Builds
Technology From the Ground Up?
James holds a total of 37
patents issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office,. Each patent represents a problem identified,
a solution engineered, and a rigorous federal review process passed — the
highest standard of technical validation available.
His earliest patent, filed in January 1999 and cited by 186 subsequent
innovations, helped shape the architecture of modern e-commerce. His most
recent work, spanning network security and distributed systems, reflects the
same engineering discipline applied to the technologies that protect and power
businesses today.
That same rigor applies to every technology decision we make for our clients at
American Frontier.
