Patents by Inventor Brian A. Ford
Brian A. Ford has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11954603Abstract: There is a need for more effective and efficient predictive data analysis. Various embodiments of the present invention address one or more of the noted technical challenges. In one example, a method for generating a neutralized prediction model includes accessing an initial prediction model generated using an initial training data object, performing a randomized shuffling of the initial training data object to generate a shuffled training data object, generating randomized predictions by processing the shuffled training data object using the initial prediction model, performing a neutralization of the initial training data object to generate a neutralized training data object, and generating the neutralized prediction model based at least in part on the neutralized training data object and the randomized predictions.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2020Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: LIBERTY MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Patrick Ford, Brian Ironside
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Patent number: 11926708Abstract: A composition is described herein that includes a fluorosilicone, a silicon-based crosslinker, a reinforcement filler, a curing catalyst, a first non-reactive spacer filler, and a second filler comprising one or more silanol groups. Methods of using such a composition are also described.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2022Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: Nusil Technology LLCInventors: Kyle Brian Ford, James Ramies
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Publication number: 20240079734Abstract: Traditional battery assembly involves welding the vulnerable crimp electrodes after positioning the cells in the pack, which may lead to wastage of the entire pack if a single weld fails. To overcome this, electrode connectors are pre-welded to the crimp terminals of the cells and the welds tested before the cells are assembled in the battery. Electrode connectors for the other cell terminals are pre-assembled in the collector stack. The electrode connectors are generally circular and can be welded in any rotational orientation. The connectors have an upper annulus below which extend legs and a foot or feet. The annuli are welded to the collectors in the stack and the foot or feet to the cells. Compression of the electrode connectors compensates for dimensional differences in the cells. Holes through the collector stack allow for hot gases to escape in the event of a cell failure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2022Publication date: March 7, 2024Inventor: Brian Ford
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Publication number: 20230387829Abstract: A stored energy release comprises an actuatable member slidably received within a housing. The actuatable member has an extended orientation wherein a portion of the actuatable member extends outwardly from the housing and a retracted orientation wherein the actuatable member resides within the housing. A biasing member is located between the actuatable member and the housing biases the actuatable member to the retracted orientation. A shaft is within the housing with the actuatable member configured for sliding movement along the shaft. A retaining member is located between the actuatable member and the shaft. The retaining member maintains the actuatable member in the extended orientation whereby potential energy is stored within the biasing member. A piezoelectric element selectively engages the retaining member to disable the retaining member and release the stored potential energy within the biasing member to place the actuatable member in the retracted orientation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2023Publication date: November 30, 2023Inventors: Don Blackman, Brian Ford
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Patent number: 11745243Abstract: A multi-axis roll-forming system for forming a stepped diameter in a cylinder includes a support that spins about a rotation axis while supporting a workpiece that includes the cylinder. A first actuator translates a first roller perpendicularly to the rotation axis. A second actuator moves a multi-axis roller radially outward, relative to the rotation axis, and upward along the rotation axis. The system may also include a first roller arm to which the multi-axis roller is coupled. The first roller arm is connected to a pivot joint having a pivot axis that is perpendicular to the rotation axis. The second actuator may include a linear-drive actuator that is coupled to the first roller arm and extends along the rotation axis to force the multi-axis roller to pivot about the pivot axis.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2022Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: Inno-Spin LLCInventors: Doug Watchorn, Michael Nasson, Maximilian Linder, Brian Ford, Robert Chrouch
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Publication number: 20230221187Abstract: A device for a wheel-end system includes a component that defines a rotation axis and forms (i) a pocket extending axially downward from a top face of the component and (ii) a shaft extending axially downward from the top face and laterally adjacent to the pocket. The shaft is partially open to the pocket. A spring-loaded indicator is located in the shaft. The threaded fastener also includes a bimetallic strip located partially in the pocket and extending laterally into the shaft. The bimetallic strip has a movable end that axially restrains the spring-loaded indicator while a temperature of the nut is below a threshold temperature. The bimetallic strip, in response to the temperature exceeding the threshold temperature, laterally deflects the movable end to release the spring-loaded indicator. The component may be an axle nut, wheel hub, spacer, or hub cap.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2022Publication date: July 13, 2023Inventor: Brian Ford
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Publication number: 20230216148Abstract: The busbar has a planar portion and multiple blisters that project from it. The blisters have a beam-like structure and provide structural rigidity to the busbar. When the ends of the blisters are connected to the terminals of the cells in the battery, the battery assembly is provided with structural strength. The busbars may be arranged side-by-side or in layers. When in layers, the blisters of the upper busbars project through holes in the lower busbars. Busbar assemblies may include insulating spacers, insulating layers, or venting features. By using the busbar as a structural member, the required strength and weight of the remaining components of the battery pack are reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2023Publication date: July 6, 2023Applicant: Damon Motors Inc.Inventors: Brian Ford, Derek Dorresteyn
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Publication number: 20230155522Abstract: A stored energy release comprises an actuatable member slidably received within a housing. The actuatable member has an extended orientation wherein a portion of the actuatable member extends outwardly from the housing and a retracted orientation wherein the actuatable member resides within the housing. A biasing member is located between the actuatable member and the housing biases the actuatable member to the retracted orientation. A shaft is within the housing with the actuatable member configured for sliding movement along the shaft. A retaining member is located between the actuatable member and the shaft. The retaining member maintains the actuatable member in the extended orientation whereby potential energy is stored within the biasing member. A piezoelectric element selectively engages the retaining member to disable the retaining member and release the stored potential energy within the biasing member to place the actuatable member in the retracted orientation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2023Publication date: May 18, 2023Inventors: Don Blackman, Brian Ford
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Publication number: 20220231381Abstract: The busbar has a planar portion and multiple blisters that project from it. The blisters have a beam-like structure and provide structural rigidity to the busbar. When the ends of the blisters are connected to the terminals of the cells in the battery, the battery assembly is provided with structural strength. The busbars may be arranged side-by-side or in layers. When in layers, the blisters of upper busbars project through holes in lower busbars. Busbar assemblies may include insulating spacers, insulating layers or venting features. By using the busbar as a structural member, the required strength and weight of the remaining components of the battery pack are reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2021Publication date: July 21, 2022Inventors: Brian Ford, Derek Dorresteyn
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Publication number: 20220203422Abstract: A multi-axis roll-forming system for forming a stepped diameter in a cylinder includes a support that spins about a rotation axis while supporting a workpiece that includes the cylinder. A first actuator translates a first roller perpendicularly to the rotation axis. A second actuator moves a multi-axis roller radially outward, relative to the rotation axis, and upward along the rotation axis. The system may also include a first roller arm to which the multi-axis roller is coupled. The first roller arm is connected to a pivot joint having a pivot axis that is perpendicular to the rotation axis. The second actuator may include a linear-drive actuator that is coupled to the first roller arm and extends along the rotation axis to force the multi-axis roller to pivot about the pivot axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2022Publication date: June 30, 2022Inventors: Doug Watchorn, Michael Nasson, Maximilian Linder, Brian Ford, Robert Chrouch
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Patent number: 11298734Abstract: A multi-axis roll-forming system for forming a stepped diameter in a cylinder. The system includes a support configured to spin about a rotation axis while supporting a workpiece including a cylinder. A first actuator is configured to translate a first roller perpendicular to rotation axis. The first roller includes a truncated conical work surface configured to press against the inward-facing surface of the cylinder to angle it outward according to a slant angle of the truncated conical work surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2019Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: Inno-Spin LLCInventors: Doug Watchorn, Michael Nasson, Maximilian Linder, Brian Ford, Robert Chrouch
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Patent number: 11278946Abstract: A multi-axis roll-forming method includes simultaneously (a) spinning, about a rotation axis, a spin platter having placed thereon a ring encircling the rotation axis, (b) pressing at least one first roller against outward-facing surface of a first portion of the ring to press the first portion against an outward-facing surface of the spin platter, and (c) forcing a second roller against an outward-facing surface of a second portion of the ring to bend toward the rotation axis the second portion, so as to form a lip extending toward the rotation axis, wherein the step of forcing includes (i) pivoting the second roller against the second portion, and (ii) translating the second roller along the second portion toward the rotation axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2019Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: Inno-Spin LLCInventors: Maximilian Linder, Brian Ford, James Myers
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Publication number: 20220069740Abstract: A stored energy release comprises an actuatable member slidably received within a housing. The actuatable member has an extended orientation wherein a portion of the actuatable member extends outwardly from the housing and a retracted orientation wherein the actuatable member resides within the housing. A biasing member is located between the actuatable member and the housing biases the actuatable member to the retracted orientation. A shaft is within the housing with the actuatable member configured for sliding movement along the shaft. A retaining member is located between the actuatable member and the shaft. The retaining member maintains the actuatable member in the extended orientation whereby potential energy is stored within the biasing member. A piezoelectric element selectively engages the retaining member to disable the retaining member and release the stored potential energy within the biasing member to place the actuatable member in the retracted orientation.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2021Publication date: March 3, 2022Applicant: Cobham Mission Systems Davenport LSS Inc.Inventors: Don Blackman, Brian Ford
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Patent number: 11207722Abstract: A method for manufacturing a ring includes clamping a first region of a metal sheet against a mandrel, and, while the first region of the metal sheet is clamped against the mandrel, bending the metal sheet around the mandrel to join opposite end faces of the metal sheet and form the ring shaped to the mandrel. A system for manufacturing a ring from a metal sheet includes (a) a mandrel having a ring-shaped surface, (b) a clamp facing the ring-shaped surface and configured to clamp a first region of a metal sheet to the mandrel, and (c) a plurality of dies configured to bend the metal sheet around the mandrel, while the clamp clamps the first region to the mandrel, to join opposite end faces of the metal sheet and form a ring shaped to the ring-shaped surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2018Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: Amsted Rail Company, Inc.Inventors: Brian Ford, James Myers, Edgar Hernandez
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Patent number: 11102897Abstract: Techniques for cable management are disclosed. In some embodiments, an apparatus for managing cables comprises a base for securing the apparatus to another object and a finger for supporting a plurality of cables. The finger and the base are coupled through an interlocking mechanism providing a fixed arrangement and a pivoting arrangement such that pivoting is prevented between the finger and the base in the fixed arrangement and enabled between the finger and the base in the pivoting arrangement. The pivoting arrangement allows for support to be maintained for the plurality of cables while the finger is pivoted in relation to the base. The apparatus may further comprise a detent that provides resistance to prevent unintentional transitions between the fixed arrangement and the pivoting arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2018Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: Oracle International CorporationInventors: Geoffrey Brian Ford, Mickey Ray Alexander, III
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Publication number: 20200336086Abstract: A stored energy release comprises an actuatable member slidably received within a housing. The actuatable member has an extended orientation wherein a portion of the actuatable member extends outwardly from the housing and a retracted orientation wherein the actuatable member resides within the housing. A biasing member is located between the actuatable member and the housing biases the actuatable member to the retracted orientation. A shaft is within the housing with the actuatable member configured for sliding movement along the shaft. A retaining member is located between the actuatable member and the shaft. The retaining member maintains the actuatable member in the extended orientation whereby potential energy is stored within the biasing member. A piezoelectric element selectively engages the retaining member to disable the retaining member and release the stored potential energy within the biasing member to place the actuatable member in the retracted orientation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2020Publication date: October 22, 2020Applicant: Cobham Mission Systems Davenport LSS Inc.Inventors: Don Blackman, Brian Ford
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Publication number: 20200196472Abstract: Techniques for cable management are disclosed. In some embodiments, an apparatus for managing cables comprises a base for securing the apparatus to another object and a finger for supporting a plurality of cables. The finger and the base are coupled through an interlocking mechanism providing a fixed arrangement and a pivoting arrangement such that pivoting is prevented between the finger and the base in the fixed arrangement and enabled between the finger and the base in the pivoting arrangement. The pivoting arrangement allows for support to be maintained for the plurality of cables while the finger is pivoted in relation to the base. The apparatus may further comprise a detent that provides resistance to prevent unintentional transitions between the fixed arrangement and the pivoting arrangement.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2018Publication date: June 18, 2020Applicant: Oracle International CorporationInventors: Geoffrey Brian Ford, Mickey Ray Alexander, III
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Publication number: 20200144940Abstract: A stored energy release comprises an actuatable member slidably received within a housing. The actuatable member has an extended orientation wherein a portion of the actuatable member extends outwardly from the housing and a retracted orientation wherein the actuatable member resides within the housing. A biasing member is located between the actuatable member and the housing biases the actuatable member to the retracted orientation. A shaft is within the housing with the actuatable member configured for sliding movement along the shaft. A retaining member is located between the actuatable member and the shaft. The retaining member maintains the actuatable member in the extended orientation whereby potential energy is stored within the biasing member. A piezoelectric element selectively engages the retaining member to disable the retaining member and release the stored potential energy within the biasing member to place the actuatable member in the retracted orientation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2020Publication date: May 7, 2020Applicant: Cobham Mission Systems Davenport LSS Inc.Inventors: Don Blackman, Brian Ford
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Publication number: 20200101512Abstract: A multi-axis roll-forming system for forming a stepped diameter in a cylinder. The system includes a support configured to spin about a rotation axis while supporting a workpiece including a cylinder. A first actuator is configured to translate a first roller perpendicular to rotation axis. The first roller includes a truncated conical work surface configured to press against the inward-facing surface of the cylinder to angle it outward according to a slant angle of the truncated conical work surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2019Publication date: April 2, 2020Inventors: Doug Watchorn, Michael Nasson, Maximilian Linder, Brian Ford, Robert Chrouch
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Publication number: 20200101511Abstract: A multi-axis roll-forming method includes simultaneously (a) spinning, about a rotation axis, a spin platter having placed thereon a ring encircling the rotation axis, (b) pressing at least one first roller against outward-facing surface of a first portion of the ring to press the first portion against an outward-facing surface of the spin platter, and (c) forcing a second roller against an outward-facing surface of a second portion of the ring to bend toward the rotation axis the second portion, so as to form a lip extending toward the rotation axis, wherein the step of forcing includes (i) pivoting the second roller against the second portion, and (ii) translating the second roller along the second portion toward the rotation axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2019Publication date: April 2, 2020Inventors: Maximilian Linder, Brian Ford, James Myers