Patents by Inventor Brian Ford
Brian 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: 8826931Abstract: Disclosed is a gas release device that is adapted to be secured to an inflatable article. The device includes an container, which can be a commercially available gas bottle, a salinity sensor, and an end cap. The salinity sensor operates an electrically fireable primer that serves to release an inflation gas from the container and inflate the article. The end cap includes a cylindrical through hole that accepts a rotatable D-ring. The D-ring is dimensioned to fit over the valve of the inflatable article. The D-ring includes a series of peripheral apertures that can be selectively aligned with a slot to create a fluid passage between the container and valve. The D-ring allows the device to be rotated between different angular positions while maintaining a pneumatic coupling between to the inflatable article and the container.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2011Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Carleton Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Clark, Brian Ford, Michael E. Kelley, Christopher Motta, Alphonse S. Larose
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Publication number: 20140220838Abstract: Disclosed is a personal flotation and rescue device. The device includes a life vest with an interconnected backpack. The backpack includes an interior area that is enclosed by a peripheral zipper. A boom is initially stored within the backpack in an uninflated and accordion-like state. A water activated inflator is secured to the boom and is adapted to fully inflate the boom upon contact with water. Inflation of the boom causes the zipper to open and thereby permit the boom to be fully extended from the back of the wearer. Joints are included along the length of the boom such that it takes on a bounded configuration after inflation. The bounded area and then be used by rescue personnel in retrieving the wearer of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2013Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: Carleton Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Brian Ford, Matt Scholes, M. Elizabeth Bolint, Donald Blackman
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Patent number: 8765071Abstract: Disclosed is a device for generating a volume of gas from solid and liquid generates. In one particular embodiment, a volume of nitrogen gas is generated by combining the output of Sodium Azide and liquid nitrogen. A vacuum is initially maintained about the liquid nitrogen container by way of a dewar jacket. The present disclosure also relates to a method of manufacturing the disclosed gas generating device.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Carleton Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Donald Blackman, Brian Ford
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Patent number: 8746739Abstract: Disclosed is a restraint system for a vehicle, such as a wheeled vehicle, boat, or fixed or rotary winged aircraft. The system includes a control system integrated into the harness and strap of the restraint. This permits crewmembers to lock and unlock the restraint from a body worn control panel. Other auxiliary equipment also be operated from the control panel. In another embodiment, wiring for a communication system is integrated into the harness and strap.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2011Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Carlston Life Support Systems, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Meggs, Donald Blackman, Brian Ford, Justin Robinson, M. Elizabeth Bolint
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Patent number: 8662436Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for selectively adjusting the maximum payout of a tether from a reel assembly. The maximum payout can be selected by the user via a dial indicator on the end of the apparatus. By rotating the dial, an internal pawl is positioned relative to an associated ring gear. The ring gear includes a cut-out about its peripheral edge. The shaft of the reel assembly is rotatably interconnected to the ring gear via a series of gear reductions. After a predetermined about of tether has been paid out, the pawl encounters the cut-out about the ring gear. This, in turn, causes the pawl to engage the reel shaft to prevent further rotation. The maximum payout is determined by the initial spacing between the pawl and the cut-out.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Carleton Life Support Systems Inc.Inventors: Brian DeMenezes, Don Blackman, Brian Ford, Marc Jung, Justin Robinson, Kevin Holler, Joel Harshbarger
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Publication number: 20140047682Abstract: Disclosed is a water activated restraint release that is designed to be retrofitted onto an existing restraint system. Upon detecting the presence of water, the restraint releases a buckle mechanism to thereby release a passenger.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Inventors: Donald Blackman, Brian Ford, Tom Yandle
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Patent number: 8631545Abstract: Disclosed is a rotary buckle assembly for harness. The assembly is adapted to selectively secure or eject the tongue plates for the straps of the harness. The buckle assembly includes a mechanism for automatically releasing the harness in the presence of water.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2013Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Carleton Life Support Systems, Inc.Inventors: Brian Ford, Kevin Holler
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Publication number: 20130264023Abstract: A latent heat storage device is formed with a carrier substrate formed of expanded graphite material. Phase change material is infiltrated in the graphite material. A thin graphite sheet provides for the functional heat conductivity into and out of the carrier substrate. After the phase change material (PCM) is infiltrated in the carrier substrate, a density of the infiltrated carrier substrate exceeds its starting density by a ratio of at least 3:1 or 4:1 or more. The volume dimensions of the infiltrated the carrier substrate remain substantially unchanged. In the alternative, the latent heat storage device may also have a PCM coating layer on a thin carrier substrate, wherein the phase change material is interspersed in a carrier matrix forming the PCM coating layer. The composite device may be very thin.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2012Publication date: October 10, 2013Applicant: SGL CARBON SEInventors: BASTIAN HUDLER, RAINER SCHMITT, BRIAN FORD, WERNER LANGER, SYLVIA MECHEN
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Publication number: 20130247892Abstract: Disclosed is an inflatable article that is designed to be launched to an intended target. The article is launched by a gun in an un-inflated state and inflates upon contacting water. The target can be, for example, a person being rescued. The article is initially stored in an outer layer of material. The outer layer of material may be shrink-wrap or a foam layer. The outer layer permits the article to be retained in a compact configuration prior to being launched. This, in turn, allows the article to be launched over great distances. The outer layer is designed to rupture upon inflation of the article.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2013Publication date: September 26, 2013Inventors: Donald Blackman, M. Elizabeth Bolint, Brian Ford, David A. Sapio
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Publication number: 20120325586Abstract: Disclosed is a restraint system for a vehicle, such as a wheeled vehicle, boat, or fixed or rotary winged aircraft. The system includes a control system integrated into the harness and strap of the restraint. This permits crewmembers to lock and unlock the restraint from a body worn control panel. Other auxiliary equipment also be operated from the control panel. In another embodiment, wiring for a communication system is integrated into the harness and strap.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: CONAX FLORIDA CORPORATIONInventors: Daniel Meggs, Don Blackman, Brian Ford, Justin Robinson
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Publication number: 20120328481Abstract: Disclosed is a device for generating a volume of gas from solid and liquid generates. In one particular embodiment, a volume of nitrogen gas is generated by combining the output of Sodium Azide and liquid nitrogen. A vacuum is initially maintained about the liquid nitrogen container by way of a dewar jacket. The present disclosure also relates to a method of manufacturing the disclosed gas generating device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: CONAX FLORIDA CORPORATIONInventors: Donald Blackman, Brian Ford
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Publication number: 20120305694Abstract: Disclosed is a pretensioner for an occupant restraint. The pretensioner is designed to be used in conjunction with an inertial reel that locks the occupant restraint when detecting an adverse event. The pretensioner acts to remove slack in the webbing of the restraint and thereby safely secure the occupant once the reel is locked. The pretensioner described herein includes a rack that is initially held in place by a shear pin. Upon being activated, the rack is forced to a fully extended orientation, whereby the shear pin is severed. A deceleration ramp in included beneath the rack to slowly bring the rack to a stop at the end of the stroke.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2011Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: CONAX FLORIDA CORPORATIONInventors: Brian Ford, Justin Robinson, Don Blackman, Andre Coumand, Hugo Granados
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Patent number: 8286559Abstract: Disclosed is a trolley assembly that is adapted to be used with a passenger restraint, such as a locking reel. The trolley assembly allows the reel lock to be securely positioned at any of a number of discrete locations along the length of an associated track. A mechanism is included for permitting the user to selectively lock and unlock the trolley as needed.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2009Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Conax Florida CorporationInventors: Justin Robinson, Brian Ford
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Publication number: 20120160948Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for selectively adjusting the maximum payout of a tether from a reel assembly. The maximum payout can be selected by the user via a dial indicator on the end of the apparatus. By rotating the dial, an internal pawl is positioned relative to an associated ring gear. The ring gear includes a cut-out about its peripheral edge. The shaft of the reel assembly is rotatably interconnected to the ring gear via a series of gear reductions. After a predetermined about of tether has been paid out, the pawl encounters the cut-out about the ring gear. This, in turn, causes the pawl to engage the reel shaft to prevent further rotation. The maximum payout is determined by the initial spacing between the pawl and the cut-out.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2010Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: Conax Florida CorporationInventors: Brian DeMenezes, Don Blackman, Brian Ford, Marc Jung, Justin Robinson, Kevin Holler, Joel Harshbarger
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Publication number: 20120107662Abstract: A thermal management matrix for an electrochemical cell array including a plurality of electrochemical cell elements, the thermal management matrix at least in part enveloping the electrochemical cell array and being in thermal contact therewith. The thermal management matrix includes mainly expanded graphite, wherein the expanded graphite is arranged in the form of a block-like structure and the block includes at least one layer of expanded graphite having a higher in-plane thermal conductivity than the layers neighboring the layer with higher in-plane thermal conductivity. The thermal management matrix may also include phase change materials as a latent heat storage material.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Inventors: Mike Römmler, Brian Ford, Steve Wendel, Tim Krull
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Publication number: 20120073677Abstract: Disclosed is a gas release device that is adapted to be secured to an inflatable article. The device includes an container, which can be a commercially available gas bottle, a salinity sensor, and an end cap. The salinity sensor operates an electrically fireable primer that serves to release an inflation gas from the container and inflate the article. The end cap includes a cylindrical through hole that accepts a rotatable D-ring. The D-ring is dimensioned to fit over the valve of the inflatable article. The D-ring includes a series of peripheral apertures that can be selectively aligned with a slot to create a fluid passage between the container and valve. The D-ring allows the device to be rotated between different angular positions while maintaining a pneumatic coupling between to the inflatable article and the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: Conax Florida CorporationInventors: Robert E. Clark, Brian Ford, Michael E. Kelley, Christopher Motta, Alphonse S. Larose
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Publication number: 20120060820Abstract: A filter unit, system and method for removing grease, oil and other particulates from air, for example, in a kitchen environment. The filter unit includes a housing having an upstream side, an downstream side, and a cavity therebetween, a heat exchanger disposed within the cavity and comprising at least two tubes, at least one entrance aperture disposed on the upstream side of the housing and defined by at least one fin, at least one baffle disposed on the downstream side of the housing so as to be oppositely disposed from the at least one entrance aperture, and at least one exit aperture disposed on the downstream side of the housing adjacent the at least one baffle. The baffle and fin define at least one flow path through the housing and around the tubes.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: BLISSFIELD MANUFACTURING COMPANYInventors: Daniel W. Sikkenga, Christopher L. Schultz, Thomas A. Parott, Richard L. Ricker, Antonio R. Galvan, Brian A. Ford, Frederick D. Morrison, Patrick D. Farver, Bruce A. Eppink
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Patent number: 7927211Abstract: A gaming environment includes portable transaction/tracking devices for rendering services and tracking game play. In one embodiment, the gaming environment includes at least one table game and a portable transaction interface capable of receiving and sending information over a wireless communication link to/from a player tracking server adapted to store player identification and player game play data. One embodiment of a method comprises the tracking of player game play in such a gaming environment using the portable transaction device or interface. Player identification information and player game play data is input to the portable transaction device and transmitted to the player tracking server for association with a player's rating file. Graphical information may be generated and displayed to the user of the portable transaction device regarding the gaming environment. This information may be used by the user to identify players or their location.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2004Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: IGTInventors: Richard E. Rowe, Larry C. Lewis, Brian Ford, Daryn Kiely
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Publication number: 20110047183Abstract: A system for monitoring and managing chain of custody information for an asset or a group of assets through various stages of asset transport or transformation. The system includes a server configured to assign an asset identifier relating to each specific asset, an asset record stored on a computer readable medium and linked to the asset identifier, the record configured to store data linked to a specific asset, a series of modules, each module stored on a computer readable medium, the modules comprising instructions configured to instruct a processor to access and modify the asset record as well as to establish a series of rules for managing the asset, and at least one supplier computing device operably connected to the server, the computing device configured to access at least one of the series of modules, thereby allowing a user to access and modify the asset record.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2009Publication date: February 24, 2011Applicant: HELVETA LIMITEDInventors: Brian Ford, Patrick James Newton, Stewart Francis Ross
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Publication number: 20110024569Abstract: Disclosed is an attenuated landing system. The landing system includes one or more inflatable structures that are mounted to the underside of a cargo platform. A terrain sensor is likewise mounted to the underside of the cargo platform and is activated upon being air-dropped. Once terrain is detected, pressurized gas vessels are pyrotechnically activated to inflate the structures. Once fully inflated, the structures effectively cushion the landing of the cargo platform and, thereby, protect sensitive on-board equipment.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2010Publication date: February 3, 2011Applicant: Conax Florida CorporationInventors: Tom Yandle, Brian Ford