Patents by Inventor Michael Farmer

Michael Farmer 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: 7753003
    Abstract: A collapsible pet enclosure is provided. The enclosure includes a pliable cover supported by a rigid, but foldable, frame. The cover includes an opening in a top panel such that the enclosure is top loading. The cover is completely removable from the frame so that it can be machine washed. The frame is of one-piece jointed construction so that it is collapsible for easy transportation or storage. Because all frame components are jointedly attached to one another, the frame does not include any loose components that are easily lost. The enclosure is quick and easy to set up and collapse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: United Pet Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Farmer, Steven J. Behrens
  • Publication number: 20100169352
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for encoding and retrieving information from a variety of sources using novel search techniques. The systems and methods of the invention are capable of extracting all types of structural and relational information from a query or a source data allowing for the recognition of subtle differences in meaning. The capability of discerning subtle differences in meaning that are beyond the search systems and methods presently available, the invention described herein is capable of repeatedly providing accurate and meaningful responses to a diverse set of queries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: John S. Flowers, Michael Farmer, Martin A. Quiroga, Gordon H. Fischer, John A. DeSanto
  • Patent number: 7703416
    Abstract: A collapsible pet enclosure is provided. The enclosure includes a pliable cover supported by a rigid, but foldable, frame. The cover includes an opening in a top panel such that the enclosure is top loading. The cover is completely removable from the frame so that it can be machine washed. The frame is of one-piece jointed construction so that it is collapsible for easy transportation or storage. Because all frame components are jointedly attached to one another, the frame does not include any loose components that are easily lost. The enclosure is quick and easy to set up and collapse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: United Pet Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Farmer, Steven J. Behrens
  • Publication number: 20090165730
    Abstract: A collapsible pet enclosure is provided. The enclosure includes a pliable cover supported by a rigid, but foldable, frame. The cover includes an opening in a top panel such that the enclosure is top loading. The cover is completely removable from the frame so that it can be machine washed. The frame is of one-piece jointed construction so that it is collapsible for easy transportation or storage. Because all frame components are jointedly attached to one another, the frame does not include any loose components that are easily lost. The enclosure is quick and easy to set up and collapse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: Rovcal, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Farmer, Steven J. Behrens
  • Publication number: 20090077180
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for encoding and retrieving information from a variety of sources using novel search techniques. The systems and methods of the invention are capable of extracting all types of structural and relational information from a query or a source data allowing for the recognition of subtle differences in meaning. The capability of discerning subtle differences in meaning that are beyond the search systems and methods presently available, the invention described herein is capable of repeatedly providing accurate and meaningful responses to a diverse set of queries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: John S. Flowers, Michael Farmer, Martin A. Quiroga, Gordon H. Fischer, John A. DeSanto
  • Publication number: 20080011238
    Abstract: A collapsible pet enclosure is provided. The enclosure includes a pliable cover supported by a rigid, but foldable, frame. The cover includes an opening in a top panel such that the enclosure is top loading. The cover is completely removable from the frame so that it can be machine washed. The frame is of one-piece jointed construction so that it is collapsible for easy transportation or storage. Because all frame components are jointedly attached to one another, the frame does not include any loose components that are easily lost. The enclosure is quick and easy to set up and collapse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Applicant: ROVCAL, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Farmer, Steven Behrens
  • Publication number: 20070219881
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring remote computer access and associated costs is provided. The system includes a remotely located communication server in communication with multiple host computer networks and in communication with a network access server. First and second memory devices contain a list of authorized users for the host computer networks and a user log for use by a billing computer to generate bills. The method includes the steps of creating starting and ending time stamps for each authorized user accessing a respective one of the multiple host computer networks and creating a user log to generate bills and monitor host computer network usage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Inventors: Bruce Peterson, Christina Clayton, Michael Farmer
  • Publication number: 20070208732
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for encoding and retrieving information from a variety of sources using novel search techniques. The systems and methods of the invention are capable of extracting all types of structural and relational information from a query or a source data allowing for the recognition of subtle differences in meaning. The capability of discerning subtle differences in meaning that are beyond the search systems and methods presently available, the invention described herein is capable of repeatedly providing accurate and meaningful responses to a diverse set of queries. Particular embodiments of the present invention include walkie-talkie-type telephone interfaces where the user may speak directly to the present invention and receive a spoken response relevant to any provided enquiry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Applicant: FUTURE VISTAS, INC.
    Inventors: John Flowers, Michael Farmer, Martin Quiroga, Gordon Fischer, John DeSanto
  • Publication number: 20070185859
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for encoding and retrieving information from a variety of sources using novel search techniques. The systems and methods of the invention are capable of extracting all types of structural and relational information from a query or a source data allowing for the recognition of subtle differences in meaning. The capability of discerning subtle differences in meaning that are beyond the search systems and methods presently available, the invention described herein is capable of repeatedly providing accurate and meaningful responses to a diverse set of queries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Applicants: Kozoru, Inc.
    Inventors: John Flowers, Michael Farmer, Martin Quiroga, Gordon Fischer, John DeSanto
  • Publication number: 20070078814
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for encoding and retrieving information from a variety of sources using novel search techniques. The systems and methods of the invention are capable of extracting all types of structural and relational information from a query or a source data allowing for the recognition of subtle differences in meaning. The capability of discerning subtle differences in meaning that are beyond the search systems and methods presently available, the invention described herein is capable of repeatedly providing accurate and meaningful responses to a diverse set of queries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Publication date: April 5, 2007
    Applicant: Kozoru, Inc.
    Inventors: John Flowers, Michael Farmer, Martin Quiroga, Gordon Fischer, John DeSanto
  • Publication number: 20070054651
    Abstract: A cordless electronic device with power management system and method is provided that includes an outer surface, a power consumption circuit operable to consume power and for use in a cordless electronic device, a power supply circuit operable to regulate the power from a power source used to power the power consumption circuit of the cordless electronic device, a power control circuit operable to receive an input signal and to place the power consumption circuit in a lower or higher power state upon receipt of the input signal, a presence sensor operable to detect the presence of a user and to provide a presence sensor input signal to the power control circuit to place the power consumption circuit in the higher power state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Publication date: March 8, 2007
    Applicant: AMX, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Farmer, Vincent Ellis, Kenneth Carpenter
  • Publication number: 20060201442
    Abstract: A collapsible pet enclosure is provided. The enclosure includes a pliable cover supported by a rigid, but foldable, frame. The cover includes an opening in a top panel such that the enclosure is top loading. The cover is completely removable from the frame so that it can be machine washed. The frame is of one-piece jointed construction so that it is collapsible for easy transportation or storage. Because all frame components are jointedly attached to one another, the frame does not include any loose components that are easily lost. The enclosure is quick and easy to set up and collapse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: Michael Farmer, Steven Behrens
  • Patent number: 7044083
    Abstract: A collapsible pet enclosure is provided. The enclosure includes a pliable cover supported by a rigid, but foldable, frame. The cover includes an opening in a top panel such that the enclosure is top loading. The cover is completely removable from the frame so that it can be machine washed. The frame is of one-piece jointed construction so that it is collapsible for easy transportation or storage. Because all frame components are jointedly attached to one another, the frame does not include any loose components that are easily lost. The enclosure is quick and easy to set up and collapse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: United Pet Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Farmer, Steven J. Behrens
  • Publication number: 20060059057
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring remote computer access and associated costs is provided. The system includes a remotely located communication server in communication with multiple host computer networks and in communication with a network access server. First and second memory devices contain a list of authorized users for the host computer networks and a user log for use by a billing computer to generate bills. The method includes the steps of creating starting and ending time stamps for each authorized user accessing a respective one of the multiple host computer networks and creating a user log to generate bills and monitor host computer network usage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Publication date: March 16, 2006
    Inventors: Bruce Peterson, Christina Clayton, Michael Farmer
  • Publication number: 20060052923
    Abstract: The present invention relates in general to systems and methods for classifying target information acquired with a sensor. In particular, the systems and methods relate to integrating relative orientations of the target information into evidential reasoning heuristics that are used to classify the target information. An exemplary system for classifying target information includes: an initial classification subsystem for determining an initial classification of the target information; a tracking subsystem for identifying a relative orientation of the target information in relation to a predefined reference; and a weighted classification determination subsystem for generating a classification of the target information based on said initial classification and said relative orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Publication date: March 9, 2006
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation (RJ)
    Inventors: Michael Farmer, Shweta Bapna
  • Publication number: 20060050953
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing features sampled and stored in a computing system are disclosed. Pattern recognition techniques are disclosed that facilitate decision making functions in computing systems, such as, for example, vehicle occupant safety systems and data mining applications. The disclosed correlation processing methods and apparatus improve the accuracy of data pattern recognition systems, including image processing systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Publication date: March 9, 2006
    Inventors: Michael Farmer, Shweta Bapna
  • Publication number: 20060030988
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively deploying or suppressing automated safety equipment in a vehicle is disclosed. Employing methods obtained from the field of Evidential Reasoning, an occupant classification history process computes the most plausible occupant class, and then selects an appropriate piece of safety equipment to deploy or suppress, based at least in part upon the classification results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Publication date: February 9, 2006
    Inventor: Michael Farmer
  • Publication number: 20050281461
    Abstract: The present invention relates in general to systems and methods for using motion-based information to segment an image. In particular, the present invention relates to using a joint histogram to isolate a motion-based information of a moving person or object from an “ambient image” of the area surrounding and including the person or object in motion. An exemplary method or system for segmenting an image may include the steps of: generating a joint histogram of a first image and a second image; using the joint histogram to identify motionless information representative of a lack of motion between the first image and the second image; and removing the motionless information from the second image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Publication date: December 22, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Farmer, Shweta Bapna
  • Publication number: 20050271280
    Abstract: A system or method (collectively “classification system”) is disclosed for classifying sensor images into one of several pre-defined classifications. Mathematical moments relating to various features or attributes in the sensor image are used to populated a vector of attributes, which are then compared to a corresponding template vector of attribute values. The template vector contains values for known classifications which are preferably predefined. By comparing the two vectors, various votes and confidence metrics are used to ultimately select the appropriate classification. In some embodiments, preparation processing is performed before loading the attribute vector with values. Image segmentation is often desirable. The performance of heuristics to adjust for environmental factors such as lighting can also be desirable. One embodiment of the system is to prevent the deployment of an airbag when the occupant in the seat is a child, a rear-facing infant seat, or when the seat is empty.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Publication date: December 8, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Farmer, Xunchang Chen
  • Publication number: 20050179239
    Abstract: An airbag deployment system employing an imaging sensor in order to obtain current information about an occupant is disclosed. The system uses the occupant information to condition the appropriate deployment of the airbag. In particular, the imaging sensor is located according to a combination of one or more constraints, so as to optimize the usefulness of the resulting image information. Location constraints are described in detail with respect to an Airbag Suppression Zone, a windshield header, a vehicle headliner, a radius from a reference Focus Of View point, and a vertical volume containing the seat of the protected occupant. At least one version of all such constraints may be imposed concurrently, or a more limited combination of constraints may be imposed on the camera location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Publication date: August 18, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Farmer, Mark Dell'Eva, Joseph Spryshak