Patents by Inventor Michael A. Stephens
Michael A. Stephens 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: 20230390930Abstract: An inspection robot includes a robot body, at least two sensors, a drive module, a stability assist device and an actuator. The at least two sensors are positioned to interrogate an inspection surface and are communicatively coupled to the robot body. The drive module includes at least two wheels that engage the inspection surface. The drive module is coupled to the robot body. The stability assist device is coupled to at least one of the robot body or the drive module. The actuator is coupled to the stability assist device at a first end, and coupled to one of the drive module or the robot body at a second end. The actuator is structured to selectively move the stability assist device between a first position and a second position. The first position includes a stored position. The second position includes a deployed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2023Publication date: December 7, 2023Inventors: Mark J. Loosararian, Michael A. Binger, Edward A. Bryner, Edwin H. Cho, Mark Cho, Alexander R. Cuti, Ignacio J. Cordova, Benjamin A. Guise, Dillon R. Jourde, Kevin Y. Low, Logan A. MacKenzie, Joshua D. Moore, Jeffrey J. Mrkonich, William J. Pridgen, Domenic P. Rodriguez, Francesco H. Trogu, Alex C. Watt, Yizhu Gu, Ian Miller, Todd Joslin, Katherine Virginia Denner, Michael Stephen Auda, Samuel Theodore Westenberg
-
Patent number: 11826628Abstract: Virtual and augmented reality sports training environments are disclosed. A user interacts with virtual players in a simulated environment of a virtual reality sporting event. In some embodiments, the user's actions and decisions are monitored by the simulated environment. The environment evaluates the user's performance, and provides performance feedback based on the user's decisions and timing. In one application, real life pitchers and their pitching data are tracked and replicated in a simulated pitching environment. A team of users may practice against a simulation of a pitcher they are about to compete against, swinging at pitches that they would see in a real game. Such environments may maximize effective practice time for users, and help develop better players with improved decision-making skills. Some embodiments include various pitch recognition training, which may be against replicated real-life pitchers.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2022Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: WIN REALITY, LLCInventors: Christopher O'Dowd, Michael Stephens, Kodi Tapie, Nicholas Kippes, Daniel O'Dowd, Garrett Beatty
-
Patent number: 11824991Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for performing a secure transaction. In an embodiment, users register biometric and/or other identifying user information. A private encryption key is generated from the biometric information and/or other user information and/or information obtained from a unpredictable physical process and are stored in a secure area of a device and a public key is transmitted to the blockchain network which acts as a service provider. In some embodiments, the execution and integrity of transactions by using transaction signatures, based on visual images is disclosed. In an embodiment, a blockchain network verifies and executes the transaction.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2020Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: Biogy, Inc.Inventor: Michael Stephen Fiske
-
Publication number: 20230366959Abstract: A method of producing a permanent magnet shim configured to improve a profile of a B0 magnetic field produced by a B0 magnet is provided. The method comprises determining deviation of the B0 magnetic field from a desired B0 magnetic field, determining a magnetic pattern that, when applied to magnetic material, produces a corrective magnetic field that corrects for at least some of the determined deviation, and applying the magnetic pattern to the magnetic material to produce the permanent magnet shim. According to some aspects, a permanent magnet shim for improving a profile of a B0 magnetic field produced by a B0 magnet is provided. The permanent magnet shim comprises magnetic material having a predetermined magnetic pattern applied thereto that produces a corrective magnetic field to improve the profile of the B0 magnetic field.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2023Publication date: November 16, 2023Applicant: Hyperfine Operations, Inc.Inventors: Cedric Hugon, Michael Stephen Poole, Tyler S. Ralston
-
Patent number: 11818261Abstract: This invention pertains to protecting communications between multiple sensors and emitters or securing data transmission between multiple computers or multiple vehicles. This invention provides a secure method for two or more parties to communicate privately, even when the processor has malicious malware or there is a backdoor in the main processor. In some embodiments, the energy received by the sensor is encrypted before it undergoes an analog to digital conversion. In some embodiments, the encryption occurs inside the sensor. In some embodiments, the encryption hardware is a part of the sensor and creates unpredictable energy changes that interact with the sensor. In some embodiments, there are less than 40 sensors in a communication system and in other embodiments there are more than 1 billion sensors. In some embodiments, the invention provides a method for the sensors of a network of self-driving cars to communicate securely.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2020Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: Fiske Software, LLCInventor: Michael Stephen Fiske
-
Publication number: 20230358832Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) coil apparatus is described herein for facilitating imaging of a patient positioned within a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, the MRI system comprising a B0 magnet. The apparatus may comprise a frame comprising a first plate and a second plate disposed opposite the first plate; and an RF transmit coil comprising a plurality of conductors connected in series, the plurality of conductors being would around the frame and forming a plurality of turns. According to some aspects, there is provided an MRI system configured to image a patient positioned within the MRI system, the MRI system comprises a B0 magnet that produces a B0 magnetic field and the RF coil apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2023Publication date: November 9, 2023Applicant: Hyperfine Operations, Inc.Inventors: Eddy B. Boskamp, Michael Stephen Poole
-
Publication number: 20230359764Abstract: Methods and systems described herein authenticate a user and help secure transaction. A display screen presents images that are difficult for malware to recognize but a person can recognize. In at least one embodiment, a person communicates transaction information using visual images received from the service provider system. In at least one embodiment, a user selects a sequence of visual images as a means of authenticating the user and logging into a financial account or other corporate account. In some embodiments, methods and systems are provided for determining whether to grant access, by generating and displaying visual images on a screen that the user can recognize, and select. In an embodiment, a user presses his or her finger or fingers on a display screen to select images as a method for authenticating and protecting communication from malware.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2023Publication date: November 9, 2023Inventor: Michael Stephen Fiske
-
Publication number: 20230358833Abstract: An apparatus for providing a B0 magnetic field for a magnetic resonance imaging system. The apparatus includes at least one first B0 magnet configured to produce a first magnetic field to contribute to the B0 magnetic field for the magnetic resonance imaging system, the at least one first B0 magnet comprising a first plurality of permanent magnet rings including at least two rings with respective different heights.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2023Publication date: November 9, 2023Applicant: Hyperfine Operations, Inc.Inventors: Michael Stephen Poole, Cedric Hugon, Christopher Thomas McNulty
-
Patent number: 11789104Abstract: Techniques for removing artefacts, such as RF interference and/or noise, from magnetic resonance data. The techniques include: obtaining input magnetic resonance (MR) data using at least one radio-frequency (RF) coil of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system; and generating an MR image from input MR data at least in part by using a neural network model to suppress at least one artefact in the input MR data.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2019Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: Hyperfine Operations, Inc.Inventors: Carole Lazarus, Prantik Kundu, Sunli Tang, Seyed Sadegh Mohseni Salehi, Michal Sofka, Jo Schlemper, Hadrien A. Dyvorne, Rafael O'Halloran, Laura Sacolick, Michael Stephen Poole, Jonathan M. Rothberg
-
Publication number: 20230324482Abstract: An assembly for providing a B0 magnetic field for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, the assembly comprising: a plurality of rods extending along a common longitudinal direction and positioned to form a bore extending along the common longitudinal direction, the plurality of rods including a first rod, the first rod comprising: ferromagnetic segments, each having a net magnetization in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the common longitudinal direction; and non-ferromagnetic segments.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2023Publication date: October 12, 2023Applicant: Hyperfine Operations, Inc.Inventors: Cedric Hugon, Michael Stephen Poole
-
Publication number: 20230320668Abstract: Aspects relate to providing radio frequency components responsive to magnetic resonance signals. According to some aspects, a radio frequency component comprises at least one coil having a conductor arranged in a plurality of turns oriented about a region of interest to respond to corresponding magnetic resonant signal components. According to some aspects, the radio frequency component comprises a plurality of coils oriented to respond to corresponding magnetic resonant signal components. According to some aspects, an optimization is used to determine a configuration for at least one radio frequency coil.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2023Publication date: October 12, 2023Applicant: Hyperfine Operations, Inc.Inventors: Michael Stephen Poole, Gregory L. Charvat, Todd Rearick, Jonathan M. Rothberg
-
Publication number: 20230324481Abstract: According to some aspects, a portable magnetic resonance imaging system is provided, comprising a Bo magnet configured to produce a Bo magnetic field for an imaging region of the magnetic resonance imaging system, a noise reduction system configured to detect and suppress at least some electromagnetic noise in an operating environment of the portable magnetic resonance imaging system, and electromagnetic shielding provided to attenuate at least some of the electromagnetic noise in the operating environment of the portable magnetic resonance imaging system, the electromagnetic shielding arranged to shield a fraction of the imaging region of the portable magnetic resonance imaging system. According to some aspects, the electromagnetic shield comprises at least one electromagnetic shield structure adjustably coupled to the housing to provide electromagnetic shielding for the imaging region in an amount that can be varied. According to some aspects, substantially no shielding of the imaging region is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2023Publication date: October 12, 2023Applicant: Hyperfine Operations, Inc.Inventors: Michael Stephen Poole, Cedric Hugon, Hadrien A. Dyvorne, Laura Sacolick, William J. Mileski, Jeremy Christopher Jordan, Alan B. Katze, JR., Jonathan M. Rothberg, Todd Rearick, Christopher Thomas McNulty
-
Publication number: 20230328141Abstract: A method of generating a display object is provided, the method comprising operating a first processor comprised within a first device to: execute an application; generate an display object associated with the application; output the active display object on the first device; transmit the display object to a second device for output by the second device; and receive user input to the application via the display object output on the second device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2023Publication date: October 12, 2023Inventors: Mathias Lewin, Leif Fredrik Ademar, Terrill Mark Dent, Michael Stephen Brown
-
Patent number: 11780177Abstract: A three-dimensional component is produced in a simplified molding operation. Expandable substrates, which are referred to as blanks, are created by compressing thermobonded nonwovens after heating the binder material above its melting temperature, and then cooling the compressed nonwovens so that the binder material hardens and holds the fibers of the nonwoven together in a compressed configuration with stored kinetic energy. Boards can be formed by laminating two or more blanks together and/or by laminating the blanks with other materials, including non-expendable materials. A mold for the component to be manufactured can be partially filled with a number of boards (or blanks) in a stacked, vertically, adjacent or even random orientation. In addition, the boards or blanks may be cut to create desired shapes of parts that can be placed in the mold.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2020Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: PIANA NONWOVENS, LLCInventors: Andy Hollis, Michael Stephen Defranks, Eric McCann, Mehran Jafari, Helias Andriessen, Sang-hoon Lim, Andrea Piana, Alfio Borgatti
-
Patent number: 11771971Abstract: A mobile molding system, comprising a vehicle and one or more molds arranged on the vehicle configured for receiving one or more expandable nonwoven substrates, heating said one or more expandable nonwoven substrates so as to cause said one or more expandable nonwoven substrates to expand and fill the one or more molds with one or more expanded nonwoven containing articles of three dimensional shape, and releasing said one or more expanded nonwoven containing articles of three dimensional shape from the one or more molds is provided. Methods for manufacturing three dimensional objects using the mobile molding system are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2020Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: PIANA NONWOVENSInventors: Andrea Piana, Michael Stephen DeFranks, Eric McCann, Andy Hollis, Sang-hoon Lim, Helias Andriessen, Mehran Jafari
-
Publication number: 20230301543Abstract: According to some aspects, a magnetic resonance imaging system capable of imaging a patient is provided. The magnetic resonance imaging system comprising at least one B0 magnet to produce a magnetic field to contribute to a B0 magnetic field for the magnetic resonance imaging system and a member configured to engage with a releasable securing mechanism of a radio frequency coil apparatus, the member attached to the magnetic resonance imaging system at a location so that, when the member is engaged with the releasable securing mechanism of the radio frequency coil apparatus, the radio frequency coil apparatus is secured to the magnetic resonance imaging system substantially within an imaging region of the magnetic resonance imaging system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2023Publication date: September 28, 2023Applicant: Hyperfine Operations, Inc.Inventors: Anne Michele Nelson, Christopher Thomas McNulty, Jeremy Christopher Jordan, Michael Stephen Poole, Gang Chen
-
Patent number: 11762660Abstract: A unified queue configured to perform decoupled prediction and fetch operations, and related apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer-readable media, is disclosed. The unified queue has a plurality of entries, where each entry is configured to store information associated with at least one instruction, and where the information comprises an identifier portion, a prediction information portion, and a tag information portion. The unified queue is configured to update the prediction information portion of each entry responsive to a prediction block, and to update the tag information portion of each entry responsive to a tag and TLB block. The prediction information may be updated more than once, and the unified queue is configured to take corrective action where a later prediction conflicts with an earlier prediction.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2020Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: Ampere Computing LLCInventors: Brett Alan Ireland, Michael Stephen Chin, Stephan Jean Jourdan
-
Patent number: 11753880Abstract: The present disclosure provides a winch overload protection system, a workover system, and a method for operating a workover system. The winch overload protection system, in one embodiment, includes an overload detection unit operable to detect when a load on a winch of a workover system exceeds a safety load limit. The winch overload protection system, in this embodiment, further includes an overload control unit configured to receive an overload signal from the overload detection unit, and in response thereto release a brake on the winch.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2017Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Michael Stephen Oser, Mickie James Theriot, Robert Alexander Lyons, Jr.
-
Patent number: 11755964Abstract: A user of a personal computing device may identify multiple travel items of interest displayed for purchase by a network-based travel service. However, the user may not desire to purchase the travel items in a single purchase. Upon making a travel purchase that includes a first travel item that does not include a second travel item corresponding to the first travel item, the user may employ the network travel package service to search for second travel items corresponding to the first travel item, select from discounted travel packages including the first travel item and second travel items returned from the search, and purchase a discounted travel package. Beneficially, multiple travel items may be purchased separately while obtaining a package discount as compared to the stand-alone price of the travel items.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2021Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: Expedia, Inc.Inventors: Glenn William Wallace, Barbara Perks, Michael Edward Hamm, Jada Michelle Williams, William George Long, Derek John Zumsteg, Michael Stephen Tuck-Lee, Lam Chi Ha
-
Publication number: 20230278044Abstract: A substrate for use in an aqueous slurry has a polymeric coating to provide a compliant and sticky surface. The polymer coating has a chemical to render the surface hydrophobic so as to attract hydrophobic or hydrophobized mineral particles in the slurry. The surface has a surface roughness structure in the nano-scale to micro-scale range. The substrate can take the form of a conveyor belt, a bead, a mesh, an impeller, a filter or a flat surface. The substrate can also be an open-cell foam. The polymeric coating can be modified with tackifiers; plasticizers; crosslinking agents; chain transfer agents; chain extenders; adhesion promoters; aryl or alky copolymers; fluorinated copolymers and/or additives; hydrophobicizing agents such as hexamethyldisilazane; inorganic particles such as silica, hydrophobic silica, and/or fumed hydrophobic silica; MQ resin; and/or other additives to control and modify the properties of the polymer.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2023Publication date: September 7, 2023Inventors: Paul J. ROTHMAN, Mark R. FERNALD, Paul DOLAN, Michael Stephen RYAN, Michael D. COPPOLA, Kevin Rodney LASSILA, Allison K. GREENE