Patents by Inventor Bran Ferren

Bran Ferren 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: 11347234
    Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment, a method of controlling a work vehicle includes sensing a surrounding environment of a work vehicle with a sensor, identifying an item of interest, determining a path toward or away from the item using the work vehicle's position, heading, and velocity, displaying the path, receiving a special steer command, steering the work vehicle based on the special steer command if the special steer command is received when no path is being displayed on the operator display, and autonomously controlling the work vehicle to travel along the path based on the special steer command if the special steer command is received while the path is being displayed on the operator display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Bran Ferren
  • Patent number: 11320915
    Abstract: The invention provides an instrument control panel that is easily customized and reconfigured, and yet provides the familiar tactile sensation of physical knobs, sliders, and buttons. The instrument control panel comprises one or more interface components that are removably coupled to an interface display wherein the interface components communicate with one or more control components disposed behind the interface display. The present invention lends itself particularly well to an instrument panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Applied Minds, LLC
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, W. Daniel Hillis, Randall Adam Yates, Ira M. Lichtman, Clint Blake Hope
  • Publication number: 20220062934
    Abstract: A nozzle monitoring system is provided for a sprayer system of a work vehicle. The system includes a first sensor configured to generate signals associated with vibrations of a first nozzle apparatus on the work vehicle that disperses a primary fluid from the sprayer system during operation; and a controller having a processor receiving the signals generated by the first sensor and having a memory coupled to the processor and storing instructions. The processor executes the stored instructions to: convert the vibrations into a frequency domain representation; generate an image from the frequency domain representation; classify the image to generate a clog condition probability; and generate, based on the clog condition probability, a command to initiate a cleaning event of the first nozzle apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2021
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, Donald Lariviere, Houstin Lichtenwalner, Omar Peraza, Robert Liebersbach
  • Publication number: 20220062940
    Abstract: A nozzle apparatus is configured to distribute a primary fluid. The nozzle apparatus includes a support plate; a fluid manifold; a fluid nozzle element; an actuator gear assembly; and a pincher gear assembly having a first pincher gear and a second pincher gear mounted on the support plate. The actuator gear assembly is configured to drive the pincher gear assembly between a first position in which the first and second pinchers are positioned relative to each other and relative to the fluid nozzle element such that the fluid nozzle element has a first cross-sectional shape and a second position in which the first and second pinchers are positioned relative to each other and relative to the fluid nozzle element such that the fluid nozzle element has a second cross-sectional shape. The first cross-sectional shape is different than the second cross-sectional shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2021
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, Donald Lariviere, James Hirahara
  • Publication number: 20220062922
    Abstract: A nozzle apparatus includes a manifold defining a nozzle cavity within an interior, a fluid inlet passage, a fluid outlet passage, an air outlet passage, and an air inlet passage. A nozzle holder and a nozzle element are selectively pivotable within the nozzle cavity. In the nominal position, the nozzle element inlet is oriented toward the fluid passage inlet and the nozzle element outlet is oriented toward the fluid passage outlet such that the primary fluid flows through the fluid inlet passage and out of the nozzle outlet through the fluid outlet passage. In the cleaning position, the nozzle element inlet is oriented toward the air outlet passage and the nozzle element outlet is oriented toward the air inlet passage such that the flow of air is directed through the air inlet passage, and out of the air outlet passage to direct debris out through the air outlet passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2021
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, Donald Lariviere, James Hirahara, Robert Liebersbach
  • Publication number: 20220062939
    Abstract: A self-cleaning filter apparatus includes a filter unit and a plunger unit. The filter unit includes a screen device; and a filter unit housing that houses the screen device. The plunger unit includes a rod end housing coupled to the filter unit housing; a plunger rod with a first plunger rod end positioned within the rod end housing and a second plunger rod end within the filter unit housing; and a plunger assembly secured to the second plunger rod end. During a first filter cleaning event segment, the plunger rod is configured to translate between a nominal position in which the plunger assembly is proximate the first screen device end and a cleaning position in which the plunger assembly is proximate the second screen device end. The plunger rod is configured to dislodge, at least in part, debris from within the screen device during at least the first filter cleaning event segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2021
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, Donald Lariviere, James Hamilton
  • Patent number: 11265703
    Abstract: Data in a portable electronic device is protected by using external and internal status detection means to determine if the device is misplaced, lost, or stolen. The device then takes, singly or in combination, one of several actions to protect the data on the device, including declaring its location to an owner or service provider, locking the device or specific functions of the device to disable all data retrieval functionality, erasing or overwriting all the stored data in the device or, where the data has been stored in the device in an encrypted format, destroying an internally-stored encryption key, thereby preventing unauthorized access to the encrypted data in the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Applied Minds, LLC
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, W. Daniel Hillis
  • Patent number: 11223882
    Abstract: Techniques for acoustic management of entertainment devices and systems are described. Various embodiments may include techniques for acoustically determining a location of a remote control or other entertainment device. Some embodiments may include techniques for controlling one or more entertainment components using voice commands or other acoustic information. Other embodiments may include techniques for establishing a voice connection using a remote control device. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, Cory J. Booth, David B. Andersen
  • Publication number: 20210302128
    Abstract: A laserless combat simulation device includes at least one processing device and a memory device having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the at least one processing device cause the at least one processing device to receive a trigger event from a weapon device. The instructions further cause the at least one processing device to receive image data from an optical sensor array of the weapon device of a field of view of the weapon device, receive position information and orientation information of the weapon device at the time of the trigger event, analyze the image data to determine an identity and location of a target, and calculate a ballistic outcome based at least in part on the position information and orientation information of the weapon device, the identity and location of the target, and ballistic characteristics of a simulated round fired from the weapon device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, Colton O'Connor, Robert Liebersbach, Julian Brooks, Clinton Hope, Houstin Lee Lichtenwalner, JR.
  • Publication number: 20210304246
    Abstract: Techniques herein provide an audience participation software application, system and method construction that enables remote and present users of the audience participation software application, system, and method to produce an accumulated output device effect wherein, components of the output device effect may be shared between the users, stored for further use, and/or used to control outputs of one or more communicatively coupled output device systems located and operated at one or more live entertainment events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: Bran FERREN, Clinton Blake HOPE, Julian David BROOKS
  • Patent number: 11127245
    Abstract: A gaming machine includes a cabinet at least partially defining a cavity opening and an internal cavity at least partially visible through the cavity opening, a primary display, a secondary display positioned within the internal cavity and visible through the cavity opening, a display movement assembly coupled to the primary display, and logic circuitry. The display movement assembly selectively moves the primary display between an open position and a closed position in which the primary display blocks visibility through the cavity opening. The logic circuitry causes the primary display in the closed position to present a first portion of a game, causes the display movement assembly to move the primary display to the open position to expose the cavity opening and the secondary display, and, in response to the secondary display being exposed, causes the secondary display to present a second portion of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: SG Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Baker, Robert Glenn, Brian Goldstein, Paul Lesley, Timothy Loose, Abraham Usi, Bran Ferren, Michael Keesling, Donald Lariviere, Robert Liebersbach, Andrew McGraw
  • Patent number: 11055953
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a video display input assembly including a mechanical rotatable bezel surrounding the video display. The video display input assembly is suitable for use in a gaming terminal, a gaming cabinet or a gaming machine, including as a retrofit to an pre-existing gaming machine. Direction and speed of a manual rotation of the bezel is detected and interpreted. The result may be used to control various aspects of operation of the gaming terminal, gaming cabinet or gaming machine, including providing input for game play. The video display may be updated in real-time to reflect the rotation of the bezel. A motor may be coupled to the rotatable bezel to provide resistance, assistance or operator feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: SG Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, Don Lariviere, Ivo Janssen, James Hirahara, Jeffrey Mulvey, Michael Ma, Vernon Bernard, Karl Wudtke, Benjamin E. Isaac, Max Cassidy Whitehead, Eric Lo
  • Patent number: 11019403
    Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to one or more transcoder devices in communication with an input device such as a remote control device and multiple destination devices in which the transcoder device(s) facilitate communication between the remote control and the various destination devices in the vicinity. The transcoder device(s) can also provide the user with an environmental awareness of conditions and events surrounding the user. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Bran Ferren
  • Publication number: 20210132621
    Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment, a method of controlling a work vehicle includes sensing a surrounding environment of a work vehicle with a sensor, identifying an item of interest, determining a path toward or away from the item using the work vehicle's position, heading, and velocity, displaying the path, receiving a special steer command, steering the work vehicle based on the special steer command if the special steer command is received when no path is being displayed on the operator display, and autonomously controlling the work vehicle to travel along the path based on the special steer command if the special steer command is received while the path is being displayed on the operator display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventor: Bran Ferren
  • Patent number: 10989833
    Abstract: A sensor apparatus is provided for a grain loss monitoring system associated with an agricultural material. The sensor apparatus includes a housing with a first wall including a transparent panel. The sensor apparatus includes at least one acoustic sensor arranged within the interior and configured to collect an acoustic data stream of vibrations associated with the agricultural material striking the transparent panel; and at least one optical sensor arranged within the interior and configured to collect an image data stream of images of the agricultural material through the transparent panel. The at least one acoustic sensor is configured to provide the acoustic data stream and the at least one optical sensor is configured to provide the image data stream such that a verified grain count is determined based on the acoustic data stream and the image data stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, Donald Lariviere, Robert Liebersbach, Houstin Lichtenwalner, Colton O'Connor, Omar Peraza
  • Publication number: 20210109605
    Abstract: The invention provides an instrument control panel that is easily customized and reconfigured, and yet provides the familiar tactile sensation of physical knobs, sliders, and buttons. The instrument control panel comprises one or more interface components that are removably coupled to an interface display wherein the interface components communicate with one or more control components disposed behind the interface display. The present invention lends itself particularly well to an instrument panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Publication date: April 15, 2021
    Inventors: Bran FERREN, W. Daniel HILLIS, Randall Adam YATES, Ira M. LICHTMAN, Clinton Blake HOPE
  • Publication number: 20210088691
    Abstract: A sensor apparatus is provided for a grain loss monitoring system associated with an agricultural material. The sensor apparatus includes a housing with a first wall including a transparent panel. The sensor apparatus includes at least one acoustic sensor arranged within the interior and configured to collect an acoustic data stream of vibrations associated with the agricultural material striking the transparent panel; and at least one optical sensor arranged within the interior and configured to collect an image data stream of images of the agricultural material through the transparent panel. The at least one acoustic sensor is configured to provide the acoustic data stream and the at least one optical sensor is configured to provide the image data stream such that a verified grain count is determined based on the acoustic data stream and the image data stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, Donald Lariviere, Robert Liebersbach, Houstin Lichtenwalner, Colton O'Connor, Omar Peraza
  • Publication number: 20210084287
    Abstract: Methods, devices and systems are disclosed for improved depth perception in stereoscopic night vision devices. Among these are embodiments for aligning information overlays in the stereo view with associated objects, and for generating stereo information from single lenses or intensifiers. In some illustrative embodiments, a camera and position sensor are provided for at least two viewers, e.g., a pilot and a copilot, such that when a scene overlaps between viewers, the system produces a stereoptic scene, in which the users can more accurately determine a difference in depth between two or more distant objects. An illustrative binocular night vision system uses a high-resolution depth map to present binocular images to a user. In some embodiments, supplementary content can be overlaid, with an appropriate binocular disparity that is based on the depth map.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2020
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Inventors: Michael KEESLING, Clinton Blake HOPE, Kevin Robert KEEGAN, Kjerstin Irja WILLIAMS, Bran FERREN, David FOOR
  • Publication number: 20210037223
    Abstract: Disclosed are improved methods, systems and devices for color night vision that reduce the number of intensifiers and/or decrease noise. In some embodiments, color night vision is provided in system in which multiple spectral bands are maintained, filtered separately, and then recombined in a unique three-lens-filtering setup. An illustrative four-camera night vision system is unique in that its first three cameras separately filter different bands using a subtractive Cyan, Magenta and Yellow (CMY) color filtering-process, while its fourth camera is used to sense either additional IR illuminators or a luminance channel to increase brightness. In some embodiments, the color night vision is implemented to distinguish details of an image in low light. The unique application of the three-lens subtractive CMY filtering allows for better photon scavenging and preservation of important color information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Michael KEESLING, Bran FERREN, Adrian KAEHLER, Dan RUDERMAN, David BEAL, Pablo MAURIN, Eric POWERS
  • Publication number: 20210006869
    Abstract: Techniques for acoustic management of entertainment devices and systems are described. Various embodiments may include techniques for acoustically determining a location of a remote control or other entertainment device. Some embodiments may include techniques for controlling one or more entertainment components using voice commands or other acoustic information. Other embodiments may include techniques for establishing a voice connection using a remote control device. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Publication date: January 7, 2021
    Applicant: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, Cory J. Booth, David B. Andersen