Patents by Inventor Robert Ford

Robert 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).

  • Publication number: 20180127249
    Abstract: A platform twist mitigation apparatus operable to extend jacks into engagement with a surface disposed below a platform carrying the jacks, and to alternately extend and retract the jacks to change platform attitude relative to the surface. Tilt sensors are supported at spaced locations on the platform. An electronic control module is programmed to detect a platform twist condition in response to angle data received from the tilt sensors and to mitigate the platform twist condition by operating or modifying the operation of the jacks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Matthew A. Collin, Robert Ford, John Manfreda
  • Publication number: 20180101422
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and software can be used to generate unified data on an electronic device. In some aspects, a request for unified data is received at a unified content provider and from an application. Both the unified content provider and the application are associated with a first container on an electronic device. The requested unified data is determined to include data associated with a second container on the electronic device. A request for the data associated with the second container is sent. The data associated with the second container is received. The unified data is generated based on the data associated with the second container and data associated with the first container. The generated unified data is sent to the application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Publication date: April 12, 2018
    Applicant: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Mark Justin FLANIGAN, Linda Marie DAMUS, Chad Robert Ford FURNISS, Geordon Thomas FERGUSON, Francis Patrick JUDGE
  • Patent number: 9884410
    Abstract: A supplement support system sleeve. Descriptive of the tool part know as a Universal Joint that improves managing the flex when adapting parts are heavier than the resistance of the flex of the Universal Joint. Staying on the smooth surfaces with a directional system design to flex that includes a flex Stop with a per determined adjustment location within the tool part design. Offering limited resistance to the movement to no reduction to the tool part design values or intended use other then increasing the size when installed. Made from flexible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Inventor: Robert Ford
  • Publication number: 20170155219
    Abstract: A flanged vehicle-mounting sleeve is provided for use in association with a heavy duty vehicle, chassis-mountable, data bus signal wiring harness coupling. The coupling includes a receptacle having a generally circular cross-section and being adapted to be accommodated in longitudinal pass-through relation by a corresponding vehicle chassis mount including a mounting aperture for the coupling. The receptacle also includes a receptacle-flange engagable in receptacle-flange matching chassis-secured relation with a compatible receptacle-flange chassis mount adjacent the vehicle chassis mounting aperture with the receptacle supported thereby in pass-thru relation with the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Publication date: June 1, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas Arthur Wali, John Robert Ford Kyes
  • Patent number: 9504210
    Abstract: A watering device comprising an inlet valve operably to be connected into fluid communication with a water source, a primary manifold coupled to and in fluid communication with the inlet valve wherein the primary manifold divides the water flow into at least two closed channels. The watering device further includes at least two flexible tubing portions wherein each of the flexible tubing portions may be connected to and in fluid communication with one of the closed channels. The watering device further includes at least two distribution manifolds wherein each of said distribution manifolds may be connected to and in fluid communication with one of the flexible tubing portions. Each distribution manifold includes a plurality of water orifices to facilitate the flow of water therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventors: David Robert Ford, Todd Richard Strickland
  • Patent number: 9454897
    Abstract: An RV wireless remote control system comprising an HMI including a GUI coupled to an HMI RF transceiver and an HMI dock connector. The HMI RF transceiver receives RV device status signals over an RF fieldbus and the HMI dock connector receives RV device status signals over an RV localbus. The HMI generates control signals in response to the status signals and/or operator input signals. The HMI transmits the control signals to the RV devices over the RF fieldbus via the HMI RF transceiver or over the RV localbus via the HMI dock connector when the HMI dock connector is connected to the RV localbus. The HMI is configured for real time distributive control of the RV devices such that the RV localbus and the RF fieldbus operate in both directions enabling closed-loop control between the HMI and the RV devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Innovative Design Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: David Cattermole, Matt Collin, Robert Ford, John P. Manfreda, Mark Woloszyk
  • Publication number: 20160106202
    Abstract: An exemplary magnetic portable electronic device retention system includes a device holder and mounting base. The device holder includes a mating surface with one or more magnets disposed within one or more recesses. The mounting base includes a magnetic portion. The device holder and mounting base are held together by the magnetic attractive force between the magnets and magnetic portion. The attractive force is strong enough to hold the base and holder together during rigorous physical activity, while still being capable of unencumbered manual separation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventor: Darnell Robert Ford
  • Publication number: 20150246162
    Abstract: A biocompatible implant is disclosed for use in a patient, comprising a biological material having an open microporous structure; and a biologically active compound. The biologically active compound is impregnated within the open microporous structure of the biological material. The biologically active compound enhances cellular growth within the implant once inserted in the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Publication date: September 3, 2015
    Inventor: Adrian Robert Ford
  • Publication number: 20140210593
    Abstract: An RV wireless remote control system comprising an HMI including a GUI coupled to an HMI RF transceiver and an HMI dock connector. The HMI RF transceiver receives RV device status signals over an RF fieldbus and the HMI dock connector receives RV device status signals over an RV localbus. The HMI generates control signals in response to the status signals and/or operator input signals. The HMI transmits the control signals to the RV devices over the RF fieldbus via the HMI RF transceiver or over the RV localbus via the HMI dock connector when the HMI dock connector is connected to the RV localbus. The HMI is configured for real time distributive control of the RV devices such that the RV localbus and the RF fieldbus operate in both directions enabling closed-loop control between the HMI and the RV devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: David Cattermole, Matt Colliln, Robert Ford, John P. Manfreda, Mark Woloszyk
  • Publication number: 20140021116
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating a high pressure chromatography frit filter assembly is described. The frit is positioned in bondable contact with a polymer ring and then the frit is subject to inductive or targeted heating to cause the frit material to heat the adjacent polymer ring from the inside out. The polymer to liquefies and flow into and past one or more narrowing locations in the pore passageway extending from the surface of the frit to an infusion depth, which provides previously unachieved secure mechanical engagement and adherence and resistance to pressure blow by (break through) and prevents the flow of contaminants between the edge of the frit and the facing edge of the polymer ring in a high pressure or ultra-high pressure chromatography system, where inlet pressures in the range of pressures up to 18,000 PSI are expected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: FH INSTRUMENTS, LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. Ford, Vance R. Chin, Kevin A. Medlock, Michael P. Keegan
  • Publication number: 20140014735
    Abstract: A watering device comprising an inlet valve operably to be connected into fluid communication with a water source, a primary manifold coupled to and in fluid communication with the inlet valve wherein the primary manifold divides the water flow into at least two closed channels. The watering device further includes at least two flexible tubing portions wherein each of the flexible tubing portions may be connected to and in fluid communication with one of the closed channels. The watering device further includes at least two distribution manifolds wherein each of said distribution manifolds may be connected to and in fluid communication with one of the flexible tubing portions. Each distribution manifold includes a plurality of water orifices to facilitate the flow of water therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: David Robert Ford, Todd Richard Strickland
  • Patent number: 8588849
    Abstract: A system and method of resuming media playback on a mobile device can include playing media on a mobile device and outputting audio associated with the playing media to an audio output device. The media can be paused in response to receiving an interrupt request. A play request can be received to resume playing of the media on the mobile device. A determination can be made as to whether the audio output device is communicatively coupled to the mobile device. The media can resume play in response to the audio output device being communicatively coupled to the mobile device. In another implementation, media can resume play if a determination is made that the audio output device outputting the audio associated with the media before the interrupt request is the same audio output device that will output audio associated with the media after the interrupt request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Robert Patterson, Chad Robert Ford Furniss, Christopher James Runstedler
  • Publication number: 20120323107
    Abstract: Systems and methods for assessment of the reduction of tophus burden with effective urate-lowering therapy were developed. The first application of computer-assisted methods for accessing tophus response included standardized digital photography, computer assisted measurement and analysis of tophi by an independent reader and blinded central reader paradigm. The ability of the method for computer-assisted analysis of digital photographs to quantify reduction in tophus size demonstrates its feasibility as a urate-lowering therapy monitoring tool in the treatment of tophaceous gout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicants: Corelab Partners, Inc., Savient Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Allan Maroli, Michelle Alton, Royce W. Waltrip, Claudia Rehrig, Bill Huang, Zebulun Horowitz, Robert Ford
  • Patent number: 8215673
    Abstract: A controller commands a jack drive to extend and retract a jack leg relative to a jack base along a stroke having retraction and extension limits. The controller updates a perceived present leg position value in response to position change signals from a position change sensor. The controller occasionally applies compensation factors to the perceived present leg position value in the extension direction. The controller resets the perceived present leg position value whenever the jack leg reaches the retraction limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Innovative Design Solutions
    Inventors: Robert Ford, Shawn Haley, Mark Woloszyk, John Manfreda
  • Publication number: 20120016861
    Abstract: An application programming interface (API) includes an interface implemented by a software program or firmware program which enables an application to interact with other software or with firmware. An API can facilitates interaction between different software programs. Registration of an application can be the notification, by an API which corresponds to a non-native application, to native applications and to a core search framework of a mobile communications device. A core search framework provides a mechanism which enables an application to register as a provider of searchable data. A media application provides a search API media subset which enables non-native applications to register and enables non-native applications to indicate media type categories for which non-native applications may be searched. Registered non-native applications are launched based upon the type of media utilized by a media application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Robert John Edwards, Chad Robert Ford Furniss, Arun Kumar
  • Publication number: 20120009906
    Abstract: A system and method of resuming media playback on a mobile device can include playing media on a mobile device and outputting audio associated with the playing media to an audio output device. The media can be paused in response to receiving an interrupt request. A play request can be received to resume playing of the media on the mobile device. A determination can be made as to whether the audio output device is communicatively coupled to the mobile device. The media can resume play in response to the audio output device being communicatively coupled to the mobile device. In another implementation, media can resume play if a determination is made that the audio output device outputting the audio associated with the media before the interrupt request is the same audio output device that will output audio associated with the media after the interrupt request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Andrew Robert PATTERSON, Chad Robert Ford Furniss, Christopher James Runstedler
  • Patent number: 8028973
    Abstract: An electric actuator motor drives an actuator leg between inner and outer limits of an actuator stroke relative to an actuator base. A controller detects when the actuator leg is at one of the inner and outer stroke limits by monitoring and comparing actuator motor power draw to known actuator motor power draw values associated with the operation of an electric actuator when its leg has reached an actuator leg stroke limit. A position sensor senses changes in the position of a monitored actuator component and provides corresponding signals to the controller. The controller calculates the position of the monitored actuator component relative to the position that the monitored actuator component was in when the actuator leg was in a predetermined home position. The controller recognizes and records the concurrent position of the monitored actuator component as indicating that the actuator leg is in the home position whenever the leg reaches a stroke limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Innovative Design Solutions
    Inventors: Robert Ford, Shawn Haley, Mark Woloszyk, John Manfreda
  • Patent number: 7607563
    Abstract: A container for use in transporting food, such as pizza, and formed from a foldable blank. The container incorporates therein a cut-out adjacent a top wall thereof which serves as a finger grip for opening the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Arvco Container Corporation
    Inventors: D. Matt Hanna, Robert A. Ford
  • Publication number: 20090189558
    Abstract: An electric actuator motor drives an actuator leg between inner and outer limits of an actuator stroke relative to an actuator base. A controller detects when the actuator leg is at one of the inner and outer stroke limits by monitoring and comparing actuator motor power draw to known actuator motor power draw values associated with the operation of an electric actuator when its leg has reached an actuator leg stroke limit. A position sensor senses changes in the position of a monitored actuator component and provides corresponding signals to the controller. The controller calculates the position of the monitored actuator component relative to the position that the monitored actuator component was in when the actuator leg was in a predetermined home position. The controller recognizes and records the concurrent position of the monitored actuator component as indicating that the actuator leg is in the home position whenever the leg reaches a stroke limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: Innovative Design Solutions
    Inventors: Robert Ford, Shawn Haley, Mark Woloszyk, John Manfreda
  • Patent number: D610637
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventor: Robert A. Ford