Patents by Inventor Brian B. Johnson

Brian B. Johnson 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: 20240076050
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes, among other things, a propulsor section including a rotor and blades, a gear train, a compressor section and a turbine section. A static structure includes a first case and a second case. The first case includes a first engine mount location. The second case includes a second engine mount location. The first engine mount location is axially near the gear train.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Brian D. Merry, Christopher M. Dye, Steven B. Johnson, Frederick M. Schwarz
  • Patent number: 11772954
    Abstract: A carbonated water dispenser comprises a carbonator with a water inlet and a carbonated water outlet. A backflow preventer module is fluidically coupled to the water inlet and comprises a check valve and a thermal mass flow meter. The thermal mass flow meter is configured to communicate a first signal based on a measured amount of heat transferred from a heater to a temperature sensor by a flow of a fluid through the backflow preventer module. A shut-off valve is fluidically coupled between the carbonated water outlet and a nozzle. The shut-off valve is configured to allow or prevent fluid flow from the carbonated water outlet to the nozzle base on a control signal. A controller is configured to detect a backflow condition based on the first signal and generate the control signal to configure the shut-off valve to prevent dispensing carbonated water upon detection of the backflow condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: James Dalberg, Jevawn Sebastian Roberts, Brian B. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20230234829
    Abstract: A carbonated water dispenser comprises a carbonator with a water inlet and a carbonated water outlet. A backflow preventer module is fluidically coupled to the water inlet and comprises a check valve and a thermal mass flow meter. The thermal mass flow meter is configured to communicate a first signal based on a measured amount of heat transferred from a heater to a temperature sensor by a flow of a fluid through the backflow preventer module. A shut-off valve is fluidically coupled between the carbonated water outlet and a nozzle. The shut-off valve is configured to allow or prevent fluid flow from the carbonated water outlet to the nozzle base on a control signal. A controller is configured to detect a backflow condition based on the first signal and generate the control signal to configure the shut-off valve to prevent dispensing carbonated water upon detection of the backflow condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2023
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventors: James DALBERG, Jevawn Sebastian ROBERTS, Brian B. JOHNSON
  • Patent number: 11644353
    Abstract: A flow control module with a thermal mass flow meter is provided. The thermal mass flow meter facilitates measuring both a flow rate and a temperature of a fluid passing through the flow control module. Fluids may experience different flow characteristics at different temperature ranges. The flow control module includes a proportional control valve for selectively adjusting the flow rate of the fluid passing through the flow control module. Upon detecting that the temperature of the fluid is outside of a temperature range for the fluid, a controller is configured to load a different set of calibration parameters for controlling the operation of the proportional control valve to accommodate the different flow characteristics of the fluid at that temperature. Additionally, the controller is configured to detect bubbles using the thermal mass flow meter based upon the difference in thermal conductivity of gasses and liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: THE COCA-COLA COMPANY
    Inventors: James Dalberg, Jevawn Sebastian Roberts, Brian B. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11613457
    Abstract: A carbonated water dispenser comprises a carbonator with a water inlet and a carbonated water outlet. A backflow preventer module is fluidically coupled to the water inlet and comprises a check valve and a thermal mass flow meter. The thermal mass flow meter is configured to communicate a first signal based on a measured amount of heat transferred from a heater to a temperature sensor by a flow of a fluid through the backflow preventer module. A shut-off valve is fluidically coupled between the carbonated water outlet and a nozzle. The shut-off valve is configured to allow or prevent fluid flow from the carbonated water outlet to the nozzle base on a control signal. A controller is configured to detect a backflow condition based on the first signal and generate the control signal to configure the shut-off valve to prevent dispensing carbonated water upon detection of the backflow condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: THE COCA-COLA COMPANY
    Inventors: James Dalberg, Jevawn Sebastian Roberts, Brian B. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20220399153
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to power conversion using a planar transformer assembly that provides medium-voltage isolation at high frequencies. A planar transformer comprises primary and secondary planar windings configured to generate an isolated output. Each primary and secondary winding is interleaved on layers of a printed circuit board using one or more vias within the layers of the printed circuit board. The planar transformer also comprises a magnetic core and a field-shaping apparatus coupled with the printed circuit board. The field-shaping apparatus is configured to shape an electric field generated by the windings. The primary windings can be coupled to a DC source via switching devices while the secondary windings can be coupled via switching devices to one or more DC ports followed by AC inverters configured to generate three single-phase AC outputs for medium voltage applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2022
    Publication date: December 15, 2022
    Inventors: Satyaki Mukherjee, Branko Majmunovic, Dragan Maksimovic, Brian B. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11503945
    Abstract: A beverage making machine having a cartridge holder with an upper portion movable in pivotal and/or linear ways relative to a lower portion. An actuator for the cartridge portion may include a handle-actuated spur gear and link to move the upper portion, which may be guided in movement via a cam and cam follower engagement. Information from a cartridge detector may be used based on movement of cartridge holder portions, e.g., as an upper portion moves from an open position to a closed position. A mixing chamber may be held by a drawer so as to be removable, and movement of the drawer may engage/disengage the mixing chamber from a fluid supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Bedford Systems LLC
    Inventors: William Philip McHugh, Jeremy B. Gordon, Scott Grubb, Steven Mackey, Thomas Fedorka, Peter Rae Peterson, Thomas J. Novak, Thomas Paul Dutremble, Gwynn Masada, Bradford Range, Enrico Raffaele Cafaro, Steven Raphaelson, Michael Sack, Brian B. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20220073337
    Abstract: A carbonated water dispenser comprises a carbonator with a water inlet and a carbonated water outlet. A backflow preventer module is fluidically coupled to the water inlet and comprises a check valve and a thermal mass flow meter. The thermal mass flow meter is configured to communicate a first signal based on a measured amount of heat transferred from a heater to a temperature sensor by a flow of a fluid through the backflow preventer module. A shut-off valve is fluidically coupled between the carbonated water outlet and a nozzle. The shut-off valve is configured to allow or prevent fluid flow from the carbonated water outlet to the nozzle base on a control signal. A controller is configured to detect a backflow condition based on the first signal and generate the control signal to configure the shut-off valve to prevent dispensing carbonated water upon detection of the backflow condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Inventors: James DALBERG, Jevawn Sebastian ROBERTS, Brian B. JOHNSON
  • Publication number: 20210356305
    Abstract: A flow control module with a thermal mass flow meter is provided. The thermal mass flow meter facilitates measuring both a flow rate and a temperature of a fluid passing through the flow control module. Fluids may experience different flow characteristics at different temperature ranges. The flow control module includes a proportional control valve for selectively adjusting the flow rate of the fluid passing through the flow control module. Upon detecting that the temperature of the fluid is outside of a temperature range for the fluid, a controller is configured to load a different set of calibration parameters for controlling the operation of the proportional control valve to accommodate the different flow characteristics of the fluid at that temperature. Additionally, the controller is configured to detect bubbles using the thermal mass flow meter based upon the difference in thermal conductivity of gasses and liquids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Publication date: November 18, 2021
    Inventors: James DALBERG, Jevawn Sebastian ROBERTS, Brian B. JOHNSON
  • Patent number: 11118701
    Abstract: A flow control module is provided. The flow control module includes a housing as well as an on/off solenoid assembly and a proportional solenoid assembly mounted to the housing. A flow body is situated within the housing and is interposed between the on/off solenoid assembly and the proportional solenoid assembly. The flow body provides for flow management of a flow of fluid through the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Francis R. Byle, Christopher J. Kujawski, Dominic P. Petri, Brian B. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10855203
    Abstract: A cascaded architecture composed of interconnected blocks that are each designed to process constant power and eliminate bulk energy storage are provided. Further, local controls within each block natively achieve both block- and system-level aims, making the system modular and scalable. Further methods of providing power conversion using such interconnected clocks are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporate, Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC
    Inventors: Dragan Maksimovic, Prasanta Achanta, Brian B. Johnson, Miguel Rodriguez, Vahan Gevorgian
  • Patent number: 10843866
    Abstract: Systems, methods and cartridges for carbonating or otherwise dissolving gas in a precursor liquid, such as water, to form a beverage are disclosed. A gas source, which is used to generate gas that is dissolved into the precursor liquid, and/or a beverage medium, such as a powdered drink mix or liquid syrup, may be provided in a cartridge. The use of one or more cartridges for the gas source and/or beverage medium may make for an easy to use and mess-free system for making sparkling beverages, e.g., in the consumer's home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: BEDFORD SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: Enrico Raffaele Cafaro, Ralph K. Maider, Jr., Michael Sack, Steven Raphaelson, J. Corey Michal, Kevin Sweeney, Brian B. Johnson, James Passemato, Peter Rae Peterson, Richard M. Estabrook, Thomas Fedorka, Scott Grubb, Wai Ting Chan, Christopher Covey, Gary Stacey, Raymond Carroll
  • Publication number: 20200146501
    Abstract: A beverage making machine having a cartridge holder with an upper portion movable in pivotal and/or linear ways relative to a lower portion. An actuator for the cartridge portion may include a handle-actuated spur gear and link to move the upper portion, which may be guided in movement via a cam and cam follower engagement. Information from a cartridge detector may be used based on movement of cartridge holder portions, e.g., as an upper portion moves from an open position to a closed position. A mixing chamber may be held by a drawer so as to be removable, and movement of the drawer may engage/disengage the mixing chamber from a fluid supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: William Philip McHugh, Jeremy B. Gordon, Scott Grubb, Steven Mackey, Thomas Fedorka, Peter Rae Peterson, Thomas J. Novak, Thomas Paul Dutremble, Gwynn Masada, Bradford Range, Enrico Raffaele Cafaro, Steven Raphaelson, Michael Sack, Brian B. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20200067423
    Abstract: A cascaded architecture composed of interconnected blocks that are each designed to process constant power and eliminate bulk energy storage are provided. Further, local controls within each block natively achieve both block- and system-level aims, making the system modular and scalable. Further methods of providing power conversion using such interconnected clocks are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2019
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Inventors: Dragan Maksimovic, Prasanta Achanta, Brian B. Johnson, Miguel Rodriguez, Vahan Gevorgian
  • Patent number: 10531762
    Abstract: A beverage making machine having a cartridge holder with an upper portion movable in pivotal and/or linear ways relative to a lower portion. An actuator for the cartridge portion may include a handle-actuated spur gear and link to move the upper portion, which may be guided in movement via a cam and cam follower engagement. Information from a cartridge detector may be used based on movement of cartridge holder portions, e.g., as an upper portion moves from an open position to a closed position. A mixing chamber may be held by a drawer so as to be removable, and movement of the drawer may engage/disengage the mixing chamber from a fluid supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: BEDFORD SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: William Philip McHugh, Jeremy B. Gordon, Scott Grubb, Steven Mackey, Thomas Fedorka, Peter Rae Peterson, Thomas J. Novak, Thomas Paul Dutremble, Gwynn Masada, Bradford Range, Enrico Raffaele Cafaro, Steven Raphaelson, Michael Sack, Brian B. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20200003325
    Abstract: A flow control module is provided. The flow control module includes a housing as well as an on/off solenoid assembly and a proportional solenoid assembly mounted to the housing. A flow body is situated within the housing and is interposed between the on/off solenoid assembly and the proportional solenoid assembly. The flow body provides for flow management of a flow of fluid through the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventors: Francis R. BYLE, Christopher J. KUJAWSKI, Dominic P. PETRI, Brian B. JOHNSON
  • Publication number: 20190166886
    Abstract: Systems, methods and cartridges for carbonating or otherwise dissolving gas in a precursor liquid, such as water, to form a beverage. Carbonating gas can be provided to a tank via the tank outlet, thereby purging at least a portion of a dispense line leading from the tank to a dispensing station. A single pump may be used to deliver liquid to the tank, e.g., for carbonation, and to pump pressurized air to dispense liquid from the tank. A water trap may help remove moisture from carbonating gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Inventors: Jeremy B. Gordon, Brian B. Johnson, Steven Raphaelson, Mario Liuzza, Scott Grubb, Trevor Beckett, Steven Mackey, Thomas Fedorka, Thomas J. Novak, Peter Rae Peterson, Miles Hember, Enrico Raffaele Cafaro
  • Patent number: 10201171
    Abstract: Systems, methods and cartridges for carbonating or otherwise dissolving gas in a precursor liquid, such as water, to form a beverage. Carbonating gas can be provided to a tank via the tank outlet, thereby purging at least a portion of a dispense line leading from the tank to a dispensing station. A single pump may be used to deliver liquid to the tank, e.g., for carbonation, and to pump pressurized air to dispense liquid from the tank. A water trap may help remove moisture from carbonating gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: BEDFORD SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy B. Gordon, Brian B. Johnson, Steven Raphaelson, Mario Liuzza, Scott Grubb, Trevor Beckett, Steven Mackey, Thomas Fedorka, Thomas J. Novak, Peter Rae Peterson, Miles Hember, Enrico Raffaele Cafaro
  • Publication number: 20160235242
    Abstract: A beverage making machine having a cartridge holder with an upper portion movable in pivotal and/or linear ways relative to a lower portion. An actuator for the cartridge portion may include a handle-actuated spur gear and link to move the upper portion, which may be guided in movement via a cam and cam follower engagement. Information from a cartridge detector may be used based on movement of cartridge holder portions, e.g., as an upper portion moves from an open position to a closed position. A mixing chamber may be held by a drawer so as to be removable, and movement of the drawer may engage/disengage the mixing chamber from a fluid supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Applicant: Keurig Green Mountain, Inc.
    Inventors: William Philip McHugh, Jeremy B. Gordon, Scott Grubb, Steven Mackey, Thomas Fedorka, Peter Rae Peterson, Thomas J. Novak, Thomas Paul Dutremble, Gwynn Masada, Bradford Range, Enrico Raffaele Cafaro, Steven Raphaelson, Michael Sack, Brian B. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20160152409
    Abstract: Systems, methods and cartridges for carbonating or otherwise dissolving gas in a precursor liquid, such as water, to form a beverage are disclosed. A gas source, which is used to generate gas that is dissolved into the precursor liquid, and/or a beverage medium, such as a powdered drink mix or liquid syrup, may be provided in a cartridge. The use of one or more cartridges for the gas source and/or beverage medium may make for an easy to use and mess-free system for making sparkling beverages, e.g., in the consumer's home.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Publication date: June 2, 2016
    Applicant: Keurig Green Mountain, Inc.
    Inventors: Enrico Raffaele Cafaro, Ralph K. Maider, JR., Michael Sack, Steven Raphaelson, J. Corey Michal, Kevin Sweeney, Brian B. Johnson, James Passemato, Peter Rae Peterson, Richard M. Estabrook, Thomas Fedorka, Scott Grubb, Wai Ting Chan, Christopher Covey, Gary Stacey, Raymond Carroll