Patents by Inventor Benjamin Stephens

Benjamin 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).

  • Patent number: 10331688
    Abstract: A method for searching data on multiple domains includes transmitting a search query to an enterprise domain; receiving, from the enterprise domain, enterprise content matching the search query; receiving, from the enterprise domain, a search query normalized for searching a social site domain, the normalized search query being the search query in a format recognizable by the social site domain; transmitting the normalized search query to the social site domain; and receiving, from the social site domain, social site content matching the normalized search query.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: HYLAND SWITZERLAND SÀRL
    Inventors: Thomas David Montgomery, Derek Cunninghame Murphy, Benjamin Stephen Truscott
  • Patent number: 10246151
    Abstract: An example implementation for determining mechanically-timed footsteps may involve a robot having a first foot in contact with a ground surface and a second foot not in contact with the ground surface. The robot may determine a position of its center of mass and center of mass velocity, and based on these, determine a capture point for the robot. The robot may also determine a threshold position for the capture point, where the threshold position is based on a target trajectory for the capture point after the second foot contacts the ground surface. The robot may determine that the capture point has reached this threshold position and based on this determination, cause the second foot to contact the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Boston Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Stephens
  • Patent number: 10237511
    Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, systems and methods for controlling projection of graphical elements onto surfaces of an aircraft cabin interior may include a projector mounted to a surface of a static element of an aircraft passenger suite that outputs the graphical element onto a projection surface. The graphical element may correspond to a received projection request. A controller may receive a projection request from a computing device indicating a type of graphical element for display onto the projection surface. The type of graphical element may correspond to a type of communication message such as a message between a passenger and a flight attendant within the aircraft cabin. The graphical element may generated for display by the projector based on at least one of the type of graphical element associated with the received projection request and a native language of the passenger or flight attendant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis Xavier L. Garing, Benjamin Stephens, Suzuko Hisata, Jae Hun Gu, Alyssa G. Mellett, Alexander Nicholas Pozzi, Robert J. Henshaw
  • Publication number: 20190046998
    Abstract: The botanical extraction and purification device described in this patent provide the ability to extract and purify botanical compounds from a diverse plant species through specially crafted process sequences that effectively reach the desired botanical component despite differences in botanical material types and unique differences in organic chemical characteristics. The technological package consists of two main processing centers; each is a combination of process features that can be personalized to effectively address unique extraction requirements. When combined, the extraction processes deliver capabilities in product throughput speed and product purity not available using previously available separation methods. The first component of this package is a CUP that transfers chemical compounds from botanical material into a solvent. The second component is an AISP. This device separates unwanted botanical compounds from the solvent, resulting in a relatively pure plant extract.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Inventors: Benjamin Stephens, Scott Streeter
  • Patent number: 10093019
    Abstract: A computing system may provide a model of a robot. The model may be configured to determine simulated motions of the robot based on sets of control parameters. The computing system may also operate the model with multiple sets of control parameters to simulate respective motions of the robot. The computing system may further determine respective scores for each respective simulated motion of the robot, wherein the respective scores are based on constraints associated with each limb of the robot and a predetermined goal. The constraints include actuator constraints and joint constraints for limbs of the robot. Additionally, the computing system may select, based on the respective scores, a set of control parameters associated with a particular score. Further, the computing system may modify a behavior of the robot based on the selected set of control parameters to perform a coordinated exertion of forces by actuators of the robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Marco da Silva, Benjamin Stephens, Alfred Anthony Rizzi, Yeuhi Abe
  • Patent number: 10081098
    Abstract: A robotic device includes a control system. The control system receives a first measurement indicative of a first distance between a center of mass of the machine and a first position in which a first leg of the machine last made initial contact with a surface. The control system also receives a second measurement indicative of a second distance between the center of mass of the machine and a second position in which the first leg of the machine was last raised from the surface. The control system further determines a third position in which to place a second leg of the machine based on the received first measurement and the received second measurement. Additionally, the control system provides instructions to move the second leg of the machine to the determined third position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gabriel Nelson, Benjamin Stephens
  • Publication number: 20180162469
    Abstract: A robot system includes: an upper body section including one or more end-effectors; a lower body section including one or more legs; and an intermediate body section coupling the upper and lower body sections. An upper body control system operates at least one of the end-effectors. The intermediate body section experiences a first intermediate body linear force and/or moment based on an end-effector force acting on the at least one end-effector. A lower body control system operates the one or more legs. The one or more legs experience respective surface reaction forces. The intermediate body section experiences a second intermediate body linear force and/or moment based on the surface reaction forces. The lower body control system operates the one or more legs so that the second intermediate body linear force balances the first intermediate linear force and the second intermediate body moment balances the first intermediate body moment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Inventors: Kevin Blankespoor, Benjamin Stephens, Nicolas Hudson, Yeuhi Abe, Jennifer Barry
  • Publication number: 20180087867
    Abstract: A housing having a vertically extending axial cavity. An internal body carried in the axial cavity and operable between a raised position and a lowered position within the axial cavity. A socket mount receiving at least a portion of the housing in releasable interlocking engagement. An actuator channel disposed in the housing extending transverse to the axial cavity. An actuating device extending through the actuator channel and engaging the internal body. The internal body is operatively associated with a releasable connection between the housing and the socket mount. The actuating device causes the internal body to be depressed and moved from the raised position to the lowered position within the axial cavity so that the releasable connection is disengaged to release the interlocking engagement of the housing from the socket mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Inventor: Benjamin Stephen Tower
  • Patent number: 9789611
    Abstract: An example method may include i) detecting a disturbance to a gait of a robot, where the gait includes a swing state and a step down state, the swing state including a target swing trajectory for a foot of the robot, and where the target swing trajectory includes a beginning and an end; and ii) based on the detected disturbance, causing the foot of the robot to enter the step down state before the foot reaches the end of the target swing trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Blankespoor, Benjamin Stephens, Marco da Silva
  • Publication number: 20170289494
    Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, systems and methods for controlling projection of graphical elements onto surfaces of an aircraft cabin interior may include a projector mounted to a surface of a static element of an aircraft passenger suite that outputs the graphical element onto a projection surface. The graphical element may correspond to a received projection request. A controller may receive a projection request from a computing device indicating a type of graphical element for display onto the projection surface. The type of graphical element may correspond to a type of communication message such as a message between a passenger and a flight attendant within the aircraft cabin. The graphical element may generated for display by the projector based on at least one of the type of graphical element associated with the received projection request and a native language of the passenger or flight attendant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2017
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: Francis Xavier L. Garing, Benjamin Stephens, Suzuko Hisata, Jae Hun Gu, Alyssa G. Mellett, Alexander Nicholas Pozzi, Robert J. Henshaw
  • Publication number: 20170283086
    Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, a crew information system is coupled to sensors in passenger seats, seatbelts, tray tables and overhead bins. If the vehicle seat sensor subsystem senses a passenger on a seat and senses the corresponding passenger seat belt is unbuckled, the vehicle seat sensor subsystem may alert the flight crew of a non-compliance condition. The crew information system may also, for example, facilitate preparation for take-off by signaling the crew when, for all seats in which passengers are detected, all tray tables are stowed and all seatbelts are buckled. The crew may be similarly informed of overhead bins which are not properly latched. Crew member notifications may advantageously report the specific nonconforming issue and seat or bin position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: Francis Xavier L. Garing, Benjamin Stephens, Alexander Nicholas Pozzi, Jae Hun Gu
  • Patent number: 9499218
    Abstract: An example implementation for determining mechanically-timed footsteps may involve a robot having a first foot in contact with a ground surface and a second foot not in contact with the ground surface. The robot may determine a position of its center of mass and center of mass velocity, and based on these, determine a capture point for the robot. The robot may also determine a threshold position for the capture point, where the threshold position is based on a target trajectory for the capture point after the second foot contacts the ground surface. The robot may determine that the capture point has reached this threshold position and based on this determination, cause the second foot to contact the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Stephens
  • Patent number: 9440353
    Abstract: A computing system may provide a model of a robot. The model may be configured to determine simulated motions of the robot based on sets of control parameters. The computing system may also operate the model with multiple sets of control parameters to simulate respective motions of the robot. The computing system may further determine respective scores for each respective simulated motion of the robot, wherein the respective scores are based on constraints associated with each limb of the robot and a predetermined goal. The constraints include actuator constraints and joint constraints for limbs of the robot. Additionally, the computing system may select, based on the respective scores, a set of control parameters associated with a particular score. Further, the computing system may modify a behavior of the robot based on the selected set of control parameters to perform a coordinated exertion of forces by actuators of the robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Marco da Silva, Benjamin Stephens, Alfred Anthony Rizzi, Yeuhi Abe
  • Patent number: 9387588
    Abstract: An example method may include i) detecting a disturbance to a gait of a robot, where the gait includes a swing state and a step down state, the swing state including a target swing trajectory for a foot of the robot, and where the target swing trajectory includes a beginning and an end; and ii) based on the detected disturbance, causing the foot of the robot to enter the step down state before the foot reaches the end of the target swing trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Blankespoor, Benjamin Stephens, Marco da Silva
  • Fan
    Patent number: 9249809
    Abstract: A fan includes a base and a nozzle mounted on the base. The base includes an impeller and a motor for driving the impeller to generate an air flow. The nozzle includes an air inlet, an air outlet, and an annular casing which defines a bore through which air from outside the fan is drawn by air emitted from the air outlet. An electrostatic precipitator is located within the bore of the nozzle for treating the air drawn through the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Ian Robert Nock, Benjamin Stephen Warnes, Kevin John Simmonds
  • Fan
    Patent number: 9151299
    Abstract: A fan includes a base and a nozzle mounted on the base. The base includes an impeller and a motor for driving the impeller to generate an air flow. The nozzle includes an air inlet, an air outlet, and an annular casing which defines a bore through which air from outside the fan is drawn by air emitted from the air outlet. An ionizer is located within the bore of the nozzle for treating the air drawn through the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Ian Robert Nock, Benjamin Stephen Warnes, Kevin John Simmonds
  • Publication number: 20150213096
    Abstract: A method for searching data on multiple domains includes transmitting a search query to an enterprise domain; receiving, from the enterprise domain, enterprise content matching the search query; receiving, from the enterprise domain, a search query normalized for searching a social site domain, the normalized search query being the search query in a format recognizable by the social site domain; transmitting the normalized search query to the social site domain; and receiving, from the social site domain, social site content matching the normalized search query.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas David Montgomery, Derek Cunninghame Murphy, Benjamin Stephen Truscott
  • Publication number: 20150088773
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer-program product for in-memory policy analytics are disclosed. The method includes creating a policy model and determining an effect of a change to one of a value of one of one or more parameters. The policy model is configured to represent one or more policy scenarios by virtue of comprising one or more parameters, and each of the one or more scenarios is defined, at least in part, by each of the one or more parameters comprising a value or a plurality of values. Further, the effect is on at least one of the one or more scenarios.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Davin James Fifield, Fiona Carolyn Guy, Andrew Barry, Benjamin Stephen O'keeffe
  • Publication number: 20130319344
    Abstract: A collapsible air-permeable animal container enclosing a volume between 8 cubic inches and 768 cubic inches in its expanded state is disclosed. In one embodiment, the container can be assembled from a plurality of nesting tubular frusta, one frustum serving as a base tube and another frustum serving as a top tube. The top tube can nest substantially inside the base tube when the container is in a collapsed configuration and the top tube can be locked into place relative to the base tube when the container is in an expanded configuration. The container may also include a base cap attached to the base tube that can be opened to add or remove an animal stored in the container and closed to prevent the container contents from escaping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Talbert H. Campbell, Benjamin Stephen Chinnes
  • Patent number: 8596222
    Abstract: A collapsible air-permeable animal container enclosing a volume between 8 cubic inches and 768 cubic inches in its expanded state is disclosed. In one embodiment, the container can be assembled from a plurality of nesting tubular frusta, one frustum serving as a base tube and another frustum serving as a top tube. The top tube can nest substantially inside the base tube when the container is in a collapsed configuration and the top tube can be locked into place relative to the base tube when the container is in an expanded configuration. The container may also include a base cap attached to the base tube that can be opened to add or remove an animal stored in the container and closed to prevent the container contents from escaping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventors: Talbert H Campbell, Benjamin Stephen Chinnes