Patents by Inventor Brian Michael

Brian Michael 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: 11397486
    Abstract: Ultrasonic force detection systems and methods can be based on propagation of ultrasonic waves in a user's body (e.g., in a user's digit). An amount of force can be determined using time-of-flight (TOF) techniques of one or more ultrasonic waves propagating in the user's body. In some examples, an electronic device including a transducer can be coupled to a digit, and can transmit ultrasonic waves into the digit. As the wave propagates through the thickness of the digit, a reflection of at least a portion of the transmitted wave can occur due to the bone and/or due to reaching the opposite side of the digit (e.g., finger pad). One or more reflections can be measured to determine the amount of force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ehsan Khajeh, George Ho Yin Mak, Marcus Yip, Brian Michael King, Aaron Scott Tucker, Jason S. Griesbach, Paul X. Wang, Alex Joseph Lehmann
  • Publication number: 20220225960
    Abstract: A steerable catheter comprises a transducer that is situated at a flexible distal end, and is coupled to the handle of the catheter via an insertion tube. The flexible distal end is controlled by a plurality of articulation pull-cables that extend from an articulation control device in the handle to the far end of the distal end, such that when one articulation pull-cable is pulled, and the opposing articulation pull-cable is slackened, the flexible distal end bends in the direction of the tensioned articulation pull-cable. To minimize pull-resistance over time, while still providing insertion-tube flexibility, inserts having pull-cable lumens are situated in the insertion tube to isolate each articulation pull-cable from each other, and from other cables that couple the transducer to the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Inventors: Dino Francesco CUSCUNA, Edward CHAN, John Bench CASWELL, Brian Michael BISHOP
  • Patent number: 11390350
    Abstract: An electric vehicle rechargeable via electric power transferred from a power outlet separate from the vehicle includes a seat movable between a first position for supporting a person and a second position. A caddy is positioned below the seat to define a cable storage volume. The cable storage volume is accessible when the seat is in the second position. A charging port is positioned outside of the caddy and accessible with the seat in the first position. A charging cable is positioned within the caddy, the charging cable having a first end engageable with the charging port of the vehicle and a second end engageable with the power outlet. The first and second ends of the charging cable are removable from the caddy when the seat is in the second position to enable charging the electric vehicle via the charging cable and the charging port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth G. Luckjohn, Brian Michael Silovich, Jonathan Bryant Robertson, Sean M. Stanley
  • Patent number: 11392250
    Abstract: Improving the accuracy of ultrasonic touch sensing via the reduction, elimination and/or rejection of parasitic ultrasonic reflections caused by unintended touches is disclosed. The adverse effects of these parasitic reflections can be mitigated by disrupting the symmetry of the true reflections (from the intended touch) and the parasitic reflections (from unintended touches) so that the true touch can be disambiguated from unintended touches. Identification of the true touch can then enable accurate touch localization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ehsan Khajeh, George Ho Yin Mak, Brian Michael King, Karan Jain
  • Patent number: 11390355
    Abstract: A braking system includes a vehicle having a front brake and a rear brake. The system includes a moveable structure connected to a rear brake. The rear brake may be a hydraulic brake. When the rear brake is actuated, the moveable structure moves. The movement of the structure pressurizes hydraulic fluid in a tube which actuates a front hydraulic brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Syscend, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Michael Riley, Roger Tong
  • Publication number: 20220211008
    Abstract: A method can include receiving a first image depicting a first dog and identifying, with a first model, a first breed for the first dog based on the first image. The method may further include determining, with a second model, a first body condition for the first dog based on the first image; generating, with a third model, a second image depicting the first dog with a second body condition different from the first body condition. The method may also include labeling the first image with indications of the breed and the first body condition, labeling the second image with indications of the breed and the second body condition, and training the second model using the first and second images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Publication date: July 7, 2022
    Inventors: Everett Hullverson, Brian Michael ZANGHI, Kyu S Cho, Xiao Yang, Tonya Sue Ehlmann, James Clesie Moore
  • Patent number: 11381077
    Abstract: A clamp circuit including a power dissipation circuit having at least one transistor and a resistor which dissipates power from the surge across the resistor and the transistor by turning on the at least one transistor and forming a voltage divider between a source impedance and the resistor thereof disposed in series with a channel of the transistor; and the resistor holding a portion of transient pulse seen by the load to a low voltage and adding of the low voltage to a threshold voltage of the transistor; and a sub-circuit which tests a functionality of the power dissipation circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Eric John Hoekstra, Brian Michael Collins
  • Publication number: 20220206630
    Abstract: Improving the accuracy of ultrasonic touch sensing via the reduction, elimination and/or rejection of parasitic ultrasonic reflections caused by unintended touches is disclosed. The adverse effects of these parasitic reflections can be mitigated by disrupting the symmetry of the true reflections (from the intended touch) and the parasitic reflections (from unintended touches) so that the true touch can be disambiguated from unintended touches. Identification of the true touch can then enable accurate touch localization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2020
    Publication date: June 30, 2022
    Inventors: Ehsan KHAJEH, George Ho Yin MAK, Brian Michael KING, Karan JAIN
  • Patent number: 11371007
    Abstract: A bioprocessing system includes a first fluid assembly having a first fluid assembly line connected to a first port of a first bioreactor vessel though a first bioreactor line of a first bioreactor vessel, a second fluid assembly having a second fluid assembly line connected to a second port of the first bioreactor vessel through a second bioreactor line of the first bioreactor vessel, and an interconnect line providing for fluid communication between the first fluid assembly and the second fluid assembly, and for fluid communication between the second bioreactor line of the first bioreactor vessel and the first bioreactor line of the first bioreactor vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: GLOBAL LIFE SCIENCES SOLUTIONS USA LLC
    Inventors: Weston Blaine Griffin, Alex D Corwin, Xiaohua Zhang, Reginald Donovan Smith, Zhen Liu, Chengkun Zhang, Vandana Keskar, Brian Michael Davis, Kashan Shaikh
  • Publication number: 20220194851
    Abstract: A method for making reconstituted limestone blocks includes using a batching plant to make a mixture comprising crushed limestone and cement. The mixture may additionally include water and an additive, such as a plasticizer. The batching plant has been modified to be compatible with the mixture. Next, the mixture is transferred from the batching plant to a mobile stamping machine having a mold box, a hopper, and a feed apparatus configured for transferring the mixture from the hopper to the mold box. Finally, the mobile stamping machine is activated so that the mobile stamping machine forms a construction block by transferring the mixture from the hopper to the mold box, depositing the construction block out of the mold box, and then moving to a next location. The mobile stamping machine is configured to produce approximately 100 construction blocks per hour.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2022
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Inventor: Brian Michael Barbee
  • Publication number: 20220197936
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for providing content to a recipient. The method comprises determining a preferred metacategory of the recipient; selecting content having a same metacategory; and providing the selected content to the recipient, wherein metacategory is not category of subject matter of content, but category of mood of content. Disclosed also is a system for providing content to a recipient. The system comprises a data processing arrangement configured to determine a preferred metacategory of the recipient; select content having a same metacategory; and provide the selected content to the recipient, wherein metacategory is not category of subject matter of content, but category of mood of content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Inventors: Brian Michael Millar, Torie Chilcott
  • Patent number: 11367948
    Abstract: Antenna integrated into a compact conical nosecone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Inventors: Jared Williams Jordan, Timothy Amis Smith, Freddy Pinero, Brian Michael Kerrigan
  • Patent number: 11366552
    Abstract: A polarizer disposed between a transducer and a surface in which acoustic waves propagate can be used to filter out certain types of acoustic energy. For example, the polarizer can be used with a shear-polarized transducer to pass shear waves and filter out compressional waves that may interact with water, thereby improving water rejection. In some examples, the polarizer can include one or more layers of piezoelectric material with a poling direction different than (e.g., orthogonal to) the poling direction of the transducer. Energy of compressional waves may be extracted by one or more external electric circuits. In some examples, the polarizer can be a magneto-elastic polarizer. In some examples, the polarizer can be a mechanical polarizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Apple, Inc.
    Inventors: Ehsan Khajeh, Aaron Scott Tucker, Brian Michael King, Marcus Yip
  • Publication number: 20220187324
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for determining concentrations of a target molecule and a variant thereof in a sample. The sample can comprise or be suspected to comprise a target molecule and at least one variant thereof and is exposed to one or more recognition elements that bind to the target molecule and/or the at least one variant. A signal is detected that is associated with the binding of the target molecule and/or a signal is detected that is associated with the binding of the at least one variant to the one or more recognition elements. The concentration of the target molecule and/or the at least one variant thereof is determined based on the signals. The system can comprise a receiver adapted to receive a sample comprising or suspected to comprise a target molecule and the at least one variant thereof, the receiver comprising one or more recognition elements that bind to one or more epitopes in the target molecule and/or the at least one variant thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2022
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Inventors: Brian Michael Cummins, Frances Smith Ligler, Glenn Walker
  • Patent number: 11362408
    Abstract: A wireless control device, such as a system controller for a load control system, may comprise a light-transmissive cover for an antenna that may be illuminated to provide feedback to a user of the load control system. The light-transmissive cover may receive light energy from a light-generating circuit to provide a visible display of the light energy. The wireless control device may be mounted to, for example, a ceiling, and the light-transmissive cover may extend from the wireless control device (e.g., down from the ceiling). The light-transmissive cover may be viewed by a user at large viewing angles and at a distance away from the wireless control device, which may simplify and improve reliability of commissioning of the load control system as well as speed up troubleshooting of the load control system after commissioning is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: LUTRON TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: Brian Michael Courtney, Matthew Philip McDonald
  • Publication number: 20220177499
    Abstract: Methods for preparing crystalline L-glufosinate ammonium monohydrate are disclosed. The methods include forming a mixture comprising water, a water-miscible organic solvent, ammonium hydroxide, and a glufosinate starting material containing L-glufosinate ammonium and D-glufosinate ammonium. L-Glufosinate ammonium monohydrate is crystallized and separated from the mixture, providing L-glufosinate ammonium monohydrate Form B. Compositions and methods employing the crystalline L-glufosinate ammonium monohydrate are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Inventors: Brian Michael Green, Rachel Melissa Witek, Nadejda Pavlova, Matthew Richard Oberholzer
  • Patent number: 11351469
    Abstract: A starting location for the mini-game is chosen in the legacy game state. A snapshot is generated of that location. Once the snapshot is taken, trigger events are identified. Triggers corresponding to the trigger events are identified. A mini-game script is generated using the snapshot and triggers. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Michael Christopher Watson, Victor Octav Suba Miura, Jacob P. Stine, Nicholas J. Cardell
  • Publication number: 20220173567
    Abstract: A fiber support assembly includes: a first glass tube, wherein the first glass tube is at tached to a microlens or lenslet of a microlens or lenslet array; a second glass tube at least partially disposed within the first glass tube; and a gain fiber disposed within the second glass tube, wherein the gain fiber has a first tapered end cap, and wherein the gain fiber with the first tapered end cap is aligned to the microlens or lenslet attached to the first glass tube. The fiber support assembly may further include: a pump fiber disposed within the second glass tube, wherein the pump fiber has a second tapered end cap; and a reflector configured to receive counter-pumping light from the pump fiber and direct the counter-pumping light to the first tapered end cap of the gain fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2022
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Inventors: Donald Lee Sipes, JR., Jason Tafoya, Brian Michael Schulz, James Lefort, Daniel Scott Schulz
  • Patent number: 11346943
    Abstract: An eye tracking unit that includes one or more transmitters that transmit a signal (e.g., a radar signal or an ultrasonic sound) at an eye, one or more receivers that receive a reflection of the signal generated by interaction of the signal with the eye, and an eye orientation estimation module that estimates an orientation of the eye based on the reflected signal received by the one or more ultrasonic receivers and based on a model of the eye. The eye tracking unit may be part of a head-mounted display (HMD) that includes a display element configured to display content to a user wearing the HMD. The model of the eye may be trained by displaying a visual indicator on the electronic element and detecting a reflected signal corresponding to the eye looking at the visual indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Michael Scally, David R. Perek
  • Patent number: 11347355
    Abstract: Acoustic touch and/or force sensing system architectures and methods for acoustic touch and/or force sensing can be used to detect a position of an object touching a surface and an amount of force applied to the surface by the object. The position and/or an applied force can be determined using time-of-flight (TOF) techniques, for example. Acoustic touch sensing can utilize transducers (e.g., piezoelectric) to simultaneously transmit ultrasonic waves along a surface and through a thickness of a deformable material. The location of the object and the applied force can be determined based on the amount of time elapsing between the transmission of the waves and receipt of the reflected waves. In some examples, an acoustic touch sensing system can be insensitive to water contact on the device surface, and thus acoustic touch sensing can be used for touch sensing in devices that may become wet or fully submerged in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ehsan Khajeh, Brian Michael King, Mohammad Yeke Yazdandoost, Marcus Yip, Aaron Scott Tucker, Marduke Yousefpor, Peter Jon Kardassakis, Giovanni Gozzini