Patents by Inventor John French

John French 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).

  • Patent number: 11947006
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to detect and identify targeted objects buried in the seabed. A targeted area of the seabed may be scanned with a sub-bottom profiler based on predetermined parameters. A localization engine may model the sub-bottom profiler data using a Levenberg-Marquardt non-linear least squares determination. Distance measurements may be extracted based on the modeled data, including a vertical range based on a slant range measured from the sub-bottom profiler to the closest points on the exterior of the targeted objects. The location of the targeted objects may be based on the extracted measurements. In some embodiments, the sub-bottom profiler may be mounted on an unmanned underwater vehicle having thrusters to navigate the vehicle toward the targeted area to excavate and sidescan the targets object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Inventors: Wendy E Snyder, Forrest N French, Stephen John Leahu
  • Publication number: 20240073180
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the dynamic selection of IP address in email platforms, and the synchronization of hostnames and IP addresses in such platforms, are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Bryan Adam Joyner, Patrick Stephen Trantham, Mark Albert Mackenzie, John French Kalan, William Scott Henderson
  • Patent number: 11818094
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the dynamic selection of IP address in email platforms, and the synchronization of hostnames and IP addresses in such platforms, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: ZixCorp Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Adam Joyner, Patrick Stephen Trantham, Mark Albert Mackenzie, John French Kalan, William Scott Henderson
  • Patent number: 11569652
    Abstract: A switch assembly that is part of a transformer in an underground residential power distribution circuit and that provides fault isolation and restoration. The switch assembly includes first and second switching devices each having an outer housing, a transformer interface electrically coupled to the transformer, a connector interface electrically coupled to a first connector and a first vacuum interrupter having a fixed contact and a movable contact, where the fixed contact is electrically coupled to the connector interface and the movable contact is electrically coupled to the transformer interface. A control board controls the first and second switching devices, where the control board is responsive to voltage signals from capacitors in the first and second switching devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: S&C Electric Company
    Inventors: Daniel Desmond, John French, Konstantin Lakirovich, Michael Quinlan, Alejandro Montenegro, David G Porter, Joseph W Milton, Thomas J Dyer
  • Publication number: 20230011724
    Abstract: An actuator assembly including a first actuator having a first magnetically actuated plunger and a first latching plate, where the first plunger is operable to be magnetically latched to the first latching plate. The actuator assembly further includes a second actuator coupled to and axially aligned with the first actuator. The second actuator includes a second magnetically actuated plunger, a second latching plate, a sleeve positioned within and extending from the second plunger and being rigidly secured to the first plunger, and a tolerance spring wrapped around the sleeve. The second plunger is operable to be magnetically latched to the second latching plate, where latching of the second plunger causes the tolerance spring to compress and provide additional latching force of the first plunger to the first latching plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Applicant: S&C Electric Company
    Inventors: Nicholas Seng, Alejandro Montenegro, John French, Thomas S. Kelley, Keith W. Benson, Robert E. Sroka, Michael Quinlan, Gabrielle Madden
  • Publication number: 20230009635
    Abstract: A series Z-source circuit breaker including a semiconductor switch that breaks source power being provided to a load in response to overcurrent. An electromechanical switch is electrically coupled in parallel with the semiconductor switch, a first capacitor is electrically coupled to an output side of the semiconductor switch, a second capacitor is electrically coupled in parallel with the semiconductor switch, and a delay circuit is electrically coupled in series with the first capacitor. The semiconductor switch is in an open position and the electromechanical switch is in a closed position when overcurrent is not present. Upon detection of overcurrent the semiconductor switch is closed, the electromechanical switch is opened and the delay circuit is controlled to delay when reverse bias current is provided from the first capacitor to the semiconductor switch to prevent source power from being provided to the load to give the electromechanical switch time to open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Applicant: S&C Electric Company
    Inventors: Konstantin Lakirovich, John French, William Yadusky
  • Patent number: 11552466
    Abstract: A method for isolating a fault in an underground power distribution network. The network includes a power line, a plurality of transformers electrically coupled to and positioned along the power line, a first recloser connected to one end of the power line and a second recloser connected to an opposite end of the power line, where each transformer includes an upstream switching device and a downstream switching device, and where power is provided to both ends of the power line through the first and second reclosers and one of the switching devices is a normally open switching device. The method includes detecting overcurrent by some of the switching devices, detecting loss of voltage by some of the switching devices and sending clear to close messages to some of the switching devices to open and close certain ones of the switching devices to isolate the fault.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: S&C Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael Quinlan, Boris Marendic, Alejandro Montenegro, Daniel Desmond, John French
  • Patent number: 11522754
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for an improved method of Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP) where a first switch receives a virtual local area network (VLAN) identifier from a second switch, allowing the first switch to reach a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) server. This may be accomplished by a first switch receiving a VLAN identifier from a second switch. The first switch then transmits a DHCP discover message using the VLAN identifier. The first switch then receives reachability information for a ZTP server from the DHCP server. The first switch uses the reachability information to establish a provisioning session between the first switch and the ZTP server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: ARISTA NETWORKS, INC.
    Inventors: Kumar Narayanan, John French
  • Publication number: 20220321560
    Abstract: In general, the disclosure relates to a method for creating segment mapping in a network, by a network device. The method includes receiving a segment identification (ID) for a client device of the network from an authentication system. The segment ID identifies a segment of the network including the client device and the network device wherein the segment ID is associated with a media access control (MAC) address of the client device. The network device or a network management system (NMS) determines an internet protocol (IP) address of the client device and the network device creates an IP address to segment ID mapping for the client device using the IP address. The IP address to segment ID mapping is provided to the NMS for distribution to remaining network devices of the network. At least one packet of the client device is processed using the IP address to segment ID mapping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2021
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Inventors: John French, Manish Singhvi
  • Publication number: 20220102961
    Abstract: A switch assembly that is part of a transformer in an underground residential power distribution circuit and that provides fault isolation and restoration. The switch assembly includes first and second switching devices each having an outer housing, a transformer interface electrically coupled to the transformer, a connector interface electrically coupled to a first connector and a first vacuum interrupter having a fixed contact and a movable contact, where the fixed contact is electrically coupled to the connector interface and the movable contact is electrically coupled to the transformer interface. A control board controls the first and second switching devices, where the control board is responsive to voltage signals from capacitors in the first and second switching devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2021
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Applicant: S&C Electric Company
    Inventors: Daniel Desmond, John French, Konstantin Lakirovich, Michael Quinlan, Alejandro Montenegro, David G Porter, Joseph W Milton, Thomas J Dyer
  • Publication number: 20220102973
    Abstract: A method for isolating a fault in an underground power distribution network. The network includes a power line, a plurality of transformers electrically coupled to and positioned along the power line, a first recloser connected to one end of the power line and a second recloser connected to an opposite end of the power line, where each transformer includes an upstream switching device and a downstream switching device, and where power is provided to both ends of the power line through the first and second reclosers and one of the switching devices is a normally open switching device. The method includes detecting overcurrent by some of the switching devices, detecting loss of voltage by some of the switching devices and sending clear to close messages to some of the switching devices to open and close certain ones of the switching devices to isolate the fault.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2021
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Applicant: S&C Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael Quinlan, Boris Marendic, Alejandro Montenegro, Daniel Desmond, John French
  • Publication number: 20220103010
    Abstract: A method for isolating a fault in an underground power distribution network. The network includes a power line, a plurality of transformers electrically coupled to and positioned along the power line, a first end switch connected to one end of the power line and a second end switch connected to an opposite end of the power line, where each transformer includes an upstream switching device and a downstream switching device, and where source power is provided to both ends of the power line through the first and second end switches and one of the switching devices is a normally open switching device. The method includes detecting overcurrent in the network from the fault, opening certain ones of the switching devices in response thereto, detecting loss of voltage as a result of the open switching devices and opening or closing certain ones of the switching devices to isolate the fault.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2021
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Applicant: S&C Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael Quinlan, John Seuss, Alejandro Montenegro, Daniel Desmond, John French
  • Publication number: 20220086040
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for an improved method of Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP) where a first switch receives a virtual local area network (VLAN) identifier from a second switch, allowing the first switch to reach a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) server. This may be accomplished by a first switch receiving a VLAN identifier from a second switch. The first switch then transmits a DHCP discover message using the VLAN identifier. The first switch then receives reachability information for a ZTP server from the DHCP server. The first switch uses the reachability information to establish a provisioning session between the first switch and the ZTP server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventors: Kumar Narayanan, John French
  • Publication number: 20210274749
    Abstract: A monitoring device may be provided that couples to a wearable collar for an animal. A housing may include a cavity with an open top end and a cover movable between a first position wherein the cover closes the open top end of the cavity and a second position wherein the open top end of the cavity is exposed. An electronic device may be positioned within the cavity, the electronic device including a processor configured to receive or transmit information relating to the animal wearing the wearable collar. A first connection portion may be coupled to the housing and configured to attach to a first member of a first terminating end of the wearable collar. A second connection portion may be coupled to the housing and configured to attach to a second member of a second terminating end of the wearable collar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Applicant: Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan WERNIMONT, Jodi VONDRAN, Ryan TALLEY, John Michael MCCOY, JR., Stephen John FRENCH, Cheryl STIERS, Gerrit WASLANDER
  • Publication number: 20210274754
    Abstract: An attachment for a wearable collar of an animal may be provided. The attachment may include an electronic device comprising a processor configured to receive or transmit information relating to the animal. An attachment body may be configured to be detachably coupled to the collar worn by the animal. The attachment body may include a cavity housing the electronic device and an opening of the cavity. The opening may provide access to the electronic device housed in the cavity or retaining the electronic device within the cavity via an enclosure element. Each of a plurality of legs may have a connection element. The connection element may be configured to engage with another connection element to detachably couple the attachment body to the collar worn by the animal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Applicant: Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan TALLEY, Susan WERNIMONT, Cheryl STIERS, Gerrit WASLANDER, Jodi VONDRAN, John Michael MCCOY, JR., Stephen John FRENCH
  • Publication number: 20210274750
    Abstract: A wearable animal information apparatus may be provided that includes a collar configured to be worn around a portion of an animal. The collar may include an inner surface that faces the portion of the animal during use and an outer surface that faces away from the portion of the animal during use. The animal information apparatus may include a base coupled to the collar and a housing configured to couple to the base via an attachment element. The housing may include a plurality of indicators providing visual information relating to at least one of a condition of the animal or an environment surrounding the animal. An electronic device, located within the housing, may include a processor configured to receive or transmit information relating to the animal. The base may include a cavity for receiving the housing and coupling the base to the housing via the attachment element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Applicant: Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan WERNIMONT, Jodi VONDRAN, Ryan TALLEY, John Michael MCCOY, JR., Stephen John FRENCH, Cheryl STIERS, Gerrit WASLANDER
  • Publication number: 20210264776
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for increasing the geospatial resolution of traffic information by dividing known location intervals into a fixed number of sub-segments not tied to any one map providers format, efficient coding of the traffic information, and distribution of the traffic information to end-user consuming devices over one or more of a satellite based broadcast transport medium and a data communications network. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention detail a nationwide traffic service which can be encoded and distributed through a single broadcast service, such as, for example, an SDARS service, or a broadcast over a data network. Exemplary embodiments include aggregating the traffic data from segments of multiple location intervals, into predefined and predetermined flow vectors, and sending the flow vectors within a data stream to users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Inventors: Leslie John French, John Edward Dombrowski
  • Patent number: 10955448
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting a high impedance fault in an electrical line strung along and between utility poles, where the line is part of an electrical power distribution network. A current sensor is provided on each line segment between the utility poles, where each current sensor harvests power therefrom and continuously monitors the current flow on the line segment. An observer/repeater device is provided on a number of the poles and each is in communication with certain select ones of the current sensors to receive the current measurements therefrom. One of the observer/repeater devices compares the current readings transmitted to it from the subordinate current sensors, and if a violation of Kirchhoff's current law exists, an indication of a high impedance fault occurs, where the observer/repeater device relays the current irregularity to an upstream recloser to take appropriate action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: S&C Electric Company
    Inventors: Konstantin Lakirovich, Christopher De Young, John French
  • Patent number: D976730
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Hills Pet Nutrition, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan Wernimont, Ryan Talley, Jodi Vondran, Stephen John French, Cheryl Stiers, Mark Neavitt, John Michael McCoy, Jr.
  • Patent number: D999079
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Hills Pet Nutrition, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan Wernimont, Ryan Talley, Jodi Vondran, Stephen John French, Cheryl Stiers, Mark Neavitt, John Michael Mccoy, Jr.