Patents by Inventor Bruce McDonald

Bruce McDonald 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).

  • Publication number: 20240171055
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a magnetohydrodynamics power system which utilizes low temperature heat source. Variable control of the operation of the system, along with determining configurations for specific cases, are made possible by selecting the refrigerant, liquid metal circuit geometry, and by adjusting the system condensing pressure and/or temperature. Adjustable condensing pressure and/or temperature allows the system to react to changing ambient temperature and maximize power output. Adjusting condensing pressure and/or temperature of the system is made possible with a variable condenser pressure controller. The variable condenser pressure controller allows utilization of the physical properties of the refrigerant over a wide range of condensing temperatures/pressures, including pressures in the vacuum range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2022
    Publication date: May 23, 2024
    Applicant: Her Majesty The Queen In Right of Canada as Represented by the Minister of Natural Resources
    Inventors: Lijun Wu, Philip Geddis, Steven Chen, Andrew McDonald, Alex McCeady, Bruce Clements
  • Publication number: 20240142576
    Abstract: Examples of the disclosure data enable interactions of a user with an object to be used to improve the classification of the object in mediated reality applications. In examples of the disclosure LiDAR data is obtained from a mediated reality device. The mediated reality device is used by a user and the LiDAR data includes data points representing at least part of an object. Position data relating to a position of the user's hand relative to the object is obtained and interaction data indicating how the user's hand is interacting with the object is also obtained. At least some of the interaction data is obtained from an electromyography device coupled to the user. The position data is used to map the interaction data to the LiDAR data to enable the interaction data to be used to classify the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2023
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Mingde Zheng, Rory Andrew Bruce MCDONALD, Christopher John WRIGHT
  • Publication number: 20240104763
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer program is described comprising: detecting, at a second user device, one or more display patterns displayed at a display of a first user device, wherein the one or more display patterns comprise features with spatial variations configured to be detected by a radar module of the second user device; determining at least one of an orientation, position, or size of the first user device based, at least in part, on the one or more display patterns; and determining at least one of an orientation or position of the second user device relative to the first user device within a coordinate system of the first user device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Rory Andrew Bruce McDonald, Christopher John Wright, Harry Michael Cronin
  • Publication number: 20240077953
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer program is described including: generating a display pattern including features with spatial variations, wherein the spatial variations are configured to enable determination, by a first radar device, of at least one of an orientation of a first user device, position of the first user device, size of a display of the first user device, or one or more gestures associated with the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventors: Rory Andrew Bruce McDonald, Christopher John WRIGHT, Harry Michael CRONIN
  • Publication number: 20230220652
    Abstract: An attachment assembly (25) and a ground engaging assembly for releasable attachment with earthmoving equipment is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the attachment assembly (25) comprises a first body (30) configured for being placed in affirmative engagement with a portion (32) of or in fixed relation with respect to an edge of or associated with the earthmoving equipment. The attachment assembly (25) comprises a second body (35) configured for being placed in affirmative engagement with a portion of the ground engaging tool (GET, 15C or 15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Publication date: July 13, 2023
    Applicant: WEARFORCE PTY LTD
    Inventors: Andrew THOMSON, Bruce MCDONALD, Kevin CHAPMAN
  • Patent number: 11285520
    Abstract: A drain line cleaning system including a housing, a pump carried by the housing, a line cleaning agent carrying tube in communication with the pump, a controller in communication with the pump, and a power supply carried by the housing and connected to the pump and the controller. The line cleaning agent carrying tube includes an intake that is connectable to a reservoir that carries line cleaning agent and an output that is connectable to a drain line. The controller controls the pump to function to withdraw the line cleaning agent from the reservoir and causes the line cleaning agent to be expelled through the output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Inventors: Robert Cody McDonald, Robert Bruce McDonald, Teresa King
  • Publication number: 20210370361
    Abstract: A drain line cleaning system including a housing, a pump carried by the housing, a line cleaning agent carrying tube in communication with the pump, a controller in communication with the pump, and a power supply carried by the housing and connected to the pump and the controller. The line cleaning agent carrying tube includes an intake that is connectable to a reservoir that carries line cleaning agent and an output that is connectable to a drain line. The controller controls the pump to function to withdraw the line cleaning agent from the reservoir and causes the line cleaning agent to be expelled through the output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Inventors: Robert Cody McDonald, Robert Bruce McDonald, Teresa King
  • Patent number: 10187580
    Abstract: An action camera system for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) selects a target based on a reference image captured by an onboard camera. Image processing determines a desired orientation of the target to the UAV, by which the UAV can track the target and provide streaming video images from the desired orientation. Image processing establishes a visual lock on the target and controls the UAV to maintain the desired orientation while capturing streaming images. Additional position data provided by sensors aboard a smartphone carried by the target enhances the tracking ability of the action camera system and enables predictive analysis of the target's future position. The action camera system may additionally provide preselected modes of operation that control UAV movement and image capture depending on the user's desired objectives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Dragonfly Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Beard, Craig McDermott, Cameron Chell, Erika Racicot, Jamie Clarke, Bruce McDonald, Paul Readwin
  • Patent number: 9785147
    Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) may select a subject to track or follow and capture images including the subject. A visual recognition system of the UAV may generate a profile of reference images portraying the subject breaking the reference images down into pixel sets corresponding to the subject and his/her components and distinguishing characteristics (body parts, clothing, facial features, accessories). The visual recognition system may break the incoming stream of incoming images into pixel sets, analyzing the pixel sets to distinguish the subject from his/her surroundings (i.e., in a crowd) and determine movement of the subject and the current orientation of the UAV to the subject. The UAV may then change its heading, velocity, or position based on any difference between the current orientation and the desired or predetermined orientation between the UAV and the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Trace Live Network Inc.
    Inventors: Craig McDermott, Bruce McDonald
  • Patent number: 9769387
    Abstract: An action camera system for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) selects a target based on a reference image captured by an onboard camera. Image processing determines a desired orientation of the target to the UAV, by which the UAV can track the target and provide streaming video images from the desired orientation. Image processing establishes a visual lock on the target and controls the UAV to maintain the desired orientation while capturing streaming images. Additional position data provided by sensors aboard a smartphone carried by the target enhances the tracking ability of the action camera system and enables predictive analysis of the target's future position. The action camera system may additionally provide preselected modes of operation that control UAV movement and image capture depending on the user's desired objectives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Trace Live Network Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Beard, Craig McDermott, Cameron Chell, Erika Racicot, Jamie Clarke, Bruce McDonald, Paul Readwin
  • Patent number: 9511878
    Abstract: A system and method for power management aboard an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) configured to follow a subject based on images captured by an onboard camera includes a power monitor that determines if available power from the UAV's onboard batteries has dropped below predetermined thresholds. If a low power level is detected, the power management system may divert power from non-essential systems to the attitude control system to keeping the UAV aloft. If a critical power level is detected, the power management system may shut down other UAV subsystems so that the attitude control system can safely land the UAV. The power management system may send an alert to a smartphone or other device carried by the subject. Position sensors of the subject's device may be used to interpolate the position of the UAV based on the subject's own position for recovery of the UAV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Trace Live Network Inc.
    Inventors: Craig McDermott, Bruce McDonald
  • Patent number: 9442485
    Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) may select a subject to track or follow and capture images including the subject. A visual recognition system of the UAV may generate a profile of reference images portraying the subject breaking the reference images down into pixel sets corresponding to the subject and his/her components and distinguishing characteristics (body parts, clothing, facial features, accessories). The visual recognition system may break the incoming stream of incoming images into pixel sets, analyzing the pixel sets to distinguish the subject from his/her surroundings (i.e., in a crowd) and determine movement of the subject and the current orientation of the UAV to the subject. The UAV may then change its heading, velocity, or position based on any difference between the current orientation and the desired or predetermined orientation between the UAV and the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Trace Live Network Inc.
    Inventors: Craig McDermott, Bruce McDonald
  • Patent number: 9067383
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a membrane for use as an underlayment includes a basemat, which includes at least three plies, a ply of a meltblown polymer sandwiched between two plies of spunbond polymer; and a flexible coating applied to the basemat, the coating having a cementitious hydraulic component, a polymer comprising a water-soluble, film-forming polymer; and water. The finished membrane is flexible. Another embodiment for an underlayment for use underneath ceramic tiles includes a basemat and a coating of a set hydraulic component less than ?? inches thick. A method of making the flexible membrane includes assembling components including a hydraulic component, a water-soluble, film-forming polymer and water, then mixing them to form a coating. A basemat is provided onto which the coating is applied over a flexible surface or no surface. After coating at least one face of the basemat, the coating is dried to form the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: UNITED STATES GYPSUM COMPANY
    Inventors: Ashish Dubey, Pete Groza, David Bruce McDonald
  • Patent number: 8433688
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide methods and apparatuses for performing a near-instantaneous restore of a database. During operation, the system intercepts a database management system restore request to restore a database from a backup file to a data file, wherein the backup file comprises a first number (e.g., N1) of data pages. Next, in response to intercepting the database management system restore request, the system sends information to the database management system indicating that the backup file comprises a second number (e.g., N2) of data pages, wherein the second number of data pages is less than the first number of data pages (e.g., N2<N1). Once the database management system has copied the fewer number of data pages from the backup file to the data file, the database management system may indicate that the restore is complete, and continue processing database requests as if the database management system was back online.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: BBS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chandrashekhar Madhukar Vaidya, Russel Bruce McDonald, Brett Derek Hawton
  • Publication number: 20120117033
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide methods and apparatuses for performing a near-instantaneous restore of a database. During operation, the system intercepts a database management system restore request to restore a database from a backup file to a data file, wherein the backup file comprises a first number (e.g., N1) of data pages. Next, in response to intercepting the database management system restore request, the system sends information to the database management system indicating that the backup file comprises a second number (e.g., N2) of data pages, wherein the second number of data pages is less than the first number of data pages (e.g., N2<N1). Once the database management system has copied the fewer number of data pages from the backup file to the data file, the database management system may indicate that the restore is complete, and continue processing database requests as if the database management system was back online.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: BBS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Chandrashekhar Madhukar Vaidya, Russel Bruce McDonald, Brett Derek Hawton
  • Patent number: 8007991
    Abstract: Three-dimensional physiological matrices, methods, apparatus and kits for the expedited design, testing and evaluation of oncological remedies are provided. Key aspects of the inventions include matrices, and especially gel matrices, comprising one or more physiological fibers, which are adapted and arranged to provide conditions which permit behaviors, such as the movement of cells away from the margins of samples of target tissue through the matrix, to be evaluated in a manner that produces data useful for evaluating the oncological status and characteristics of the cells. In a further key aspect, the invention permits the in vitro testing and analysis of one or more conventional, experimental or theoretical therapies with respect to specific target tissues or cells. Among such therapies are therapeutic compounds and combinations thereof, radiation therapies, combinations of therapeutic compounds and radiation and numerous other possible therapies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Inventors: Penelope Catherine Costello, Warren Bruce McDonald
  • Patent number: 7977041
    Abstract: Three-dimensional physiological matrices, methods, apparatus and kits for the expedited design, testing and evaluation of oncological remedies are provided. Key aspects of the inventions include matrices, and especially gel matrices, comprising one or more physiological fibers, which are adapted and arranged to provide conditions which permit behaviors, such as the movement of cells away from the margins of samples of target tissue through the matrix, to be evaluated in a manner that produces data useful for evaluating the oncological status and characteristics of the cells. In a further key aspect, the invention permits the in vitro testing and analyses of one or more conventional, experimental or theoretical therapies with respect to specific target tissues or cells. Among such therapies are therapeutic compounds and combinations thereof, radiation therapies, combinations of therapeutic compound and radiation and numerous other possible therapies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventors: Penelope Catherine Costello, Warren Bruce McDonald
  • Patent number: 7908810
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sound rated floor system for inhibiting sound transmission between floors. The system includes a corrugated steel deck; a first layer of cementitious material or board or sheet applied over the corrugated steel deck; a sound insulation mat or board applied over the first layer; a second layer of cementitious material applied over the sound insulation mat or board. The floor system has an IIC rating of at least 25 and the corrugated steel deck provides at least 50 percent of the ultimate load carrying capacity under static and impact loading of the floor system with a floor deflection of at most 1/360 of the floor span.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: United States Gypsum Company
    Inventors: Stephen W. Payne, Jr., Kurt Goodfriend, David Bruce McDonald, Dennis A. Socha, John Ellicson, Francis H. Laux, Russell A. Dombeck, Thomas F. Sheppard
  • Patent number: 7883841
    Abstract: Three-dimensional physiological matrices, methods, apparatus and kits for the expedited design, testing and evaluation of oncological remedies are provided. Key aspects of the inventions include matrices, and especially gel matrices, comprising one or more physiological fibers, which are adapted and arranged to provide conditions which permit behaviors, such as the movement of cells away from the margins of samples of target tissue through the matrix, to be evaluated in a manner that produces data useful for evaluating the oncological status and characteristics of the cells. In a further key aspect, the invention permits the in vitro testing and analyses of one or more conventional, experimental or theoretical therapies with respect to specific target tissues or cells. Among such therapies are therapeutic compounds and combinations thereof, radiation therapies, combinations of therapeutic compound and radiation and numerous other possible therapies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventors: Penelope Catherine Costello, Warren Bruce McDonald
  • Patent number: 5327265
    Abstract: A process for electronically producing high quality color brochures and other color documents containing color images and related text material using a personal computer for contacting through telephone lines a print center which has digital optical images stored in both low and high resolution form on optical storage media. Communication with a telecommunication processor of the print center over the telephone lines results in initial optical transmission from the print center to the customer of a low resolution compressed image with printing occuring sequentially at the print center of a high resolution uncompressed image and associated text material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Inventor: Bruce A. McDonald