Patents by Inventor Paul Ford

Paul 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).

  • Patent number: 9341485
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for representing road intersections as data. A database includes intersection object data entities that represent physical road intersections. Each intersection object data entity includes a maneuver list that identifies each permissible transversal of the intersection from each lane by which the represented intersection can be entered to each lane from which the intersection can be exited from the associated lane by which the intersection can be entered. Each transversal in the maneuver list indicates an entry lane, an exit lane, the geometry of a vehicle path connecting the entry and exit lanes, and an indication of a level of confidence associated with the specified geometry. The database can be used by a system in a vehicle to provide a safety-related function. The database is compatible with navigation-related applications that use a different data model to provide navigation-related functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: HERE Global B.V.
    Inventors: Michael Weiland, Gregory Nyczak, William McDonough, Michael Tsengouras, David Shuman, Paul Ford
  • Patent number: 9285237
    Abstract: A method and system for representing traffic control signals in a road network database is provided. The database may include lane-level modeling, intersection modeling, and traffic signal modeling of a road network. An individual traffic signal is represented in the database with data indicating the traffic signal's geographic location and other attributes of the traffic signal such as an arrangement of lenses in the signal, an indication as to whether the signal is vertically or horizontally oriented, a height of the traffic signal over the roadway, and others. The database can be used by a system in a vehicle that provides convenience features to the vehicle's driver. The system may attempt to warn or control a vehicle that is determined to be at imminent risk of violating a traffic signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: HERE Global B.V.
    Inventors: Michael Weiland, Gregory Nyczak, William McDonough, Michael Tsengouras, David Shuman, Paul Ford
  • Publication number: 20150362327
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for representing road intersections as data. A database includes intersection object data entities that represent physical road intersections. Each intersection object data entity includes a maneuver list that identifies each permissible transversal of the intersection from each lane by which the represented intersection can be entered to each lane from which the intersection can be exited from the associated lane by which the intersection can be entered. Each transversal in the maneuver list indicates an entry lane, an exit lane, the geometry of a vehicle path connecting the entry and exit lanes, and an indication of a level of confidence associated with the specified geometry. The database can be used by a system in a vehicle to provide a safety-related function. The database is compatible with navigation-related applications that use a different data model to provide navigation-related functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Publication date: December 17, 2015
    Inventors: Michael Weiland, Gregory Nyczak, William McDonough, Michael Tsengouras, David Shuman, Paul Ford
  • Patent number: 9206957
    Abstract: A total internal reflective (TIR) optic light bar of a lighting fixture configured to illuminate an object, such as a two-dimensional planar surface, the optic light bar including a body having a first end portion that extends to a second end portion through an elongated intermediate portion, the body including a light input surface extending between the first and second end portions, a total internal reflective (TIR) surface, and at least one light output surface, where the light output surface is formed as a gradual, continuous curve including a plurality of discrete segments that form a curvilinear surface, and where the TIR surface is composed of one or more of the discrete segments which form the curvilinear light output surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: SYLVAN R. SHEMITZ DESIGNS, LLC
    Inventors: Nikhil Taskar, Paul Ford, David R. Pfund
  • Publication number: 20150276169
    Abstract: A multi-mode luminaire includes at least two opposed apertures for distributing light from two light members in an upwardly and downwardly direction. A heat transfer member disposed within the luminaire and between the light members functions as a mounting surface and heat sink for one of the light members and as an optical surface for redirecting light from the second light member. The opticalsurface allows the second light member to face internally and substantially away froman aperture viewed by a user, while light from the second light member is directed through the aperture and toward the user, below a cut-off angle. A switch disposed on the luminaire housing is configured for modulating a plurality of settings for the light members wherein the control circuit is configured to control the light output as a function of the switch and an operative source disposed in communication with the control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Matthew R. BULLARD, Paul FORD, David R. PFUND
  • Publication number: 20150019128
    Abstract: A method and system for representing traffic control signals in a road network database is provided. The database may include lane-level modeling, intersection modeling, and traffic signal modeling of a road network. An individual traffic signal is represented in the database with data indicating the traffic signal's geographic location and other attributes of the traffic signal such as an arrangement of lenses in the signal, an indication as to whether the signal is vertically or horizontally oriented, a height of the traffic signal over the roadway, and others. The database can be used by a system in a vehicle that provides convenience features to the vehicle's driver. The system may attempt to warn or control a vehicle that is determined to be at imminent risk of violating a traffic signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Michael Weiland, Gregory Nyczak, William McDonough, Michael Tsengouras, David Shuman, Paul Ford
  • Patent number: 8892356
    Abstract: A method and system for representing traffic control signals in a road network database is provided. The database may include lane-level modeling, intersection modeling, and traffic signal modeling of a road network. An individual traffic signal is represented in the database with data indicating the traffic signal's geographic location and other attributes of the traffic signal such as an arrangement of lenses in the signal, an indication as to whether the signal is vertically or horizontally oriented, a height of the traffic signal over the roadway, and others. The database can be used by a system in a vehicle that provides convenience features to the vehicle's driver. The system may attempt to warn or control a vehicle that is determined to be at imminent risk of violating a traffic signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Weiland, Gregory Nyczak, William McDonough, Michael Tsengouras, David Shuman, Paul Ford
  • Patent number: 8866039
    Abstract: A laser system simulates heat flux levels of rocket motor output. A laser is mechanically associated with a platform. The laser is configured to emit an electromagnetic beam. A plurality of positions are associated with the platform. Optical elements are associated with the platform. Each optical element is positionable in a plurality of positions without changing a location of the corresponding positioner. The optical elements are arrangeable into a plurality of combinations corresponding to at least one optical path beginning at the laser and terminating at a sample. Each combination corresponds to one of a plurality of distinct permutations of operatively positioned optical elements that reducingly interact with an emitted electromagnetic beam, yielding one of many versions of the emitted electromagnetic beam that is incidented upon the sample. Each version of the emitted electromagnetic beam that is incidented upon the sample has a lower power than the emitted electromagnetic beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: James Joseph Haycraft, Kevin Paul Ford
  • Patent number: 8797707
    Abstract: The disclosed technology describes methods and apparatus to convert and control power provided to a precipitator. An example embodiment of the disclosed technology includes a method for providing power to a device. The method includes receiving a first silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) signal and a second SCR signal from a controller device, generating a demand signal by the controller device based on a comparison of the first and second SCR signals, transmitting the demand signal to a power converter device, converting a first power signal from a first base frequency to a second power signal at a second base frequency, wherein the first base frequency is in the range of approximately 50 Hz to approximately 60 Hz and wherein the second base frequency is controlled in the range of approximately 100 Hz to approximately 1000 Hz, and switching the second power signal to the controller device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Redkoh Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Ford, John Jannone, Neil Flynn, Hank Del Gatto
  • Publication number: 20140168848
    Abstract: The disclosed technology describes methods and apparatus to convert and control power provided to a precipitator. An example embodiment of the disclosed technology includes a method for providing power to a device. The method includes receiving a first silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) signal and a second SCR signal from a controller device, generating a demand signal by the controller device based on a comparison of the first and second SCR signals, transmitting the demand signal to a power converter device, converting a first power signal from a first base frequency to a second power signal at a second base frequency, wherein the first base frequency is in the range of approximately 50 Hz to approximately 60 Hz and wherein the second base frequency is controlled in the range of approximately 100 Hz to approximately 1000 Hz, and switching the second power signal to the controller device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Redkoh Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Ford, John Jannone, Neil Flynn, Hank Del Gatto
  • Publication number: 20130250573
    Abstract: A total internal reflective (TIR) optic light bar of a lighting fixture configured to illuminate an object, such as a two-dimensional planar surface, the optic light bar including a body having a first end portion that extends to a second end portion through an elongated intermediate portion, the body including a light input surface extending between the first and second end portions, a total internal reflective (TIR) surface, and at least one light output surface, where the light output surface is formed as a gradual, continuous curve including a plurality of discrete segments that form a curvilinear surface, and where the TIR surface is composed of one or more of the discrete segments which form the curvilinear light output surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: SYLVAN R. SHEMITZ DESIGNS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Nikhil Taskar, Paul Ford, David R. Pfund
  • Patent number: 8465190
    Abstract: A total internal reflective (TIR) optic light bar includes a body having a first end portion that extends to a second end portion through an elongated intermediate portion. The body includes a light input surface having a curvilinear profile, a total internal reflective (TIR) surface, and at least one light output surface. The light input surface, TIR surface, and at least one light output surface defining a continuous outer surface of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Sylvan R. Shemitz Designs Incorporated
    Inventors: Nikhil Taskar, Paul Ford, David R. Pfund
  • Patent number: 8320702
    Abstract: An imaging unit programmed to reduce specular reflection in a captured image and improve the interpretation of decodable information within the image. The imaging unit is programmed to scan a predetermined region within the image that is susceptible to specular reflection, evaluate the pixel values within the region against a threshold value that is representative of specular reflection, and then replace the pixel value found to represent specular reflection with replacement pixel values that do not corrupt interpretation of the decodable information in the predetermined region. The threshold value and replacement values may be determined on an ad hoc basis and stored in local memory, or calculated for each captured image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: JADAK Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Paul Ford
  • Patent number: 8233255
    Abstract: The present invention describes methods and apparatus to convert and control power provided to a precipitator. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a precipitator power frequency converter system, which includes an insulated-gate bipolar transistor (“IGBT”) system and a converter control system comprising a microprocessor in communication with the IGBT system. In addition, the power frequency converter system provides a rectifier set in communication with the IGBT system. Furthermore, the input power received by the precipitator power frequency converter system is in a first frequency range of approximately 50 Hz to 60 Hz and the precipitator power frequency converter system can be enabled to provide an output power in a second frequency range between 400 Hz and 1000 Hz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Redkoh Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Ford, John Jannone, Neil Flynn, Hank Del Gatto
  • Publication number: 20120089927
    Abstract: A system and method of managing unavailable items in shared screen data which provides access to modified screen data substantially simultaneously. The system includes a first computer including a display for displaying a screen containing items from screen data including modified screen data during a transaction. The modified screen data reflects that at least one of the items is unavailable. The first computer shares the screen data with a second computer. The first computer is also for displaying an indication that the at least one item is unavailable substantially simultaneously following modification of the screen data and upon selection of the at least one item at one of the first and second computers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: NCR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Larry James Salmen, Steve Ulrich, Paul Ford Knight, Andy Fisher
  • Patent number: 8154465
    Abstract: A portal antenna (10) particularly suited for enabling low frequency RFID devices carried by animals to be read when animals are proceeding through a stock race or the like. The portal antenna includes a portal structure (11) through which an animal can pass and about which is wound at least one coil (18/19) of antenna conductor. At least one elongate radiator element (21) preferably projects to at least one side of the portal structure (11). Preferably the radiator(s) (21) is/are of ferrous/magnetically conductive metal. The radiator(s) can form a separate structure or be part of the wall structure of a stock race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Allflex Australia Pty. Limited
    Inventors: Patrick Bernard Gunston, Kevin Paul Ford, Christopher John McLoughin, Paul Anthony Turnbull, David Low Scott
  • Publication number: 20110153467
    Abstract: A system and method of modifying menu data. The system includes a computer for receiving menu data from a host computer, for modifying the menu data to exclude items unavailable for sale at a location, and for making modified menu data available for use by self-service computers at the location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Larry James Salmen, Kip Oliver Morgan, Paul Ford Knight, Andrew John Fisher
  • Publication number: 20100312527
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for representing road lanes as data in a database that can be used by a system in a vehicle to provide a safety-related function. Each data representation of a physical road lane includes data indicating start and end points of the represented lane and other data attributes pertaining to the represented lane, including data indicating what physical features are adjacent to the represented lane on right and left sides thereof and data indicating a geometry of the represented lane. Further, at least some of the data representations of lanes are associated with data representations of sublanes. Each data representation of a sublane includes data indicating start and end points thereof, defined relative to the lane of which the sublane is a part. A data representation of a sublane includes at least one data attribute associated therewith that pertains to the represented sublane and that is different than the same attribute of the lane of which the sublane is a part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Weiland, Gregory Nyczak, William McDonough, Michael Tsengouras, David Shuman, Paul Ford
  • Patent number: D674132
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Sylvan R. Shemitz Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Allison K. Shemitz-Walker, Jonas Concepcion, Paul Ford
  • Patent number: D693960
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Sylvan R. Shemitz Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Allison K. Shemitz-Walker, Jonas Concepcion, Paul Ford