Patents by Inventor Brian Woods

Brian Woods 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: 20240140625
    Abstract: Described herein are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), systems, and methods for capturing panoramic images using cameras onboard a UAV. For example, an embodiment pertains to a UAV including a flight control system, a propulsion system operatively coupled with the flight control system, and an image system comprising navigational cameras and a gimbal camera. The image system is configured to capture a first set of images of a scene using the navigational cameras, stitch the first set of images together to create a first panoramic image of the scene, identify a flight plan for capturing a second set of images with which to create a second panoramic image of the scene using the gimbal camera, capture the second set of images of the scene using the gimbal camera, and stitch the second set of images together to create the second panoramic image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2023
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: James Anthony Ferrandini, Noah Brian Greene, Charles VanSchoonhoven Wood, Saumya Pravinbhai Shah, Shreyas Arora, Kristen Marie Holtz
  • Publication number: 20240116383
    Abstract: A system for managing on-demand charging or discharging of electrical energy. The system includes a plurality of energy storage devices, one or more connectors configured to connect with a plug of an external device, a switching device configured to control a connection between the plurality of energy storage devices and the one or more connectors, and an electronic control unit (ECU) coupled to the switching device. The ECU may receive data relating to a first external device and a second external device each requesting an on-demand charging or discharging of electrical energy, determine a first amount and a second amount of electrical energy to be charged to or discharged from, respectively, the first external device and the second external device, and determine whether a service apparatus is capable of the on-demand charging or discharging of electrical energy for the first and the second external devices without requiring additional electrical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2022
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Applicants: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Brian Woods
  • Publication number: 20240122080
    Abstract: A superconductor device includes a high superconductivity transition temperature enhanced from the raw material transition temperature. The superconductor device includes a matrix material and a core material. The enhancing matrix material and the core material together create a system of strongly coupled carriers. A plurality of low-dimensional conductive features can be embedded in the matrix. The low-dimensional conductive features (e.g., nanowires or nanoparticles) can be conductors or superconductors. An interaction between electrons of the low-dimensional conductive features and the enhancing matrix material can promote excitations that increase a superconductivity transition temperature of the superconductor device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2023
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Inventors: Philipp Braeuninger-Weimer, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Conor L. Myhrvold, Cameron Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, Roderick A. Hyde, Lowell L. Wood, JR., Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Victoria Y.H. Wood, David R. Smith, John Brian Pendry, Charles Whitmer, William Henry Mangione-Smith, Brian C. Holloway, Stuart A. Wolf, Vladimir Z. Kresin
  • Publication number: 20240120743
    Abstract: A system for managing transfer or distribution of energy amongst a plurality of devices. The system includes one or more connectors configured to provide one or more connections to at least one of the plurality of devices, a switching device connected to the one or more connectors and configured to open or close the one or more connections, a memory configured to store energy storage or usage data associated with the at least one of the plurality of devices, and a controller coupled to the switching device and the memory. The controller may receive first data indicative of a request to receive energy, receive second data indicative of a request to unload energy, determine, based on the energy storage or usage data, the first data, and the second data, an energy distribution schedule, and control the switching device to provide or collect energy according to the energy distribution schedule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2022
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Applicants: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Brian Woods
  • Publication number: 20240017628
    Abstract: A system for managing storage or delivery of electrical energy. The system includes a plurality of stackable energy storage devices, one or more connectors, a plurality of switches, and a controller. The stackable energy storage devices receive the electrical energy from at least one external device or provide the electrical energy to the at least one external device. Each connector connects to a plug of a cable extending from an external device and provides a connection between an energy storage device and the external device. The switches are disposed between the energy storage devices and the one or more connectors and open or close the connection between the energy storage device and the external device. The controller controls the switches to open or close the connection. The system includes a user interface for receiving user input, and the controller controls the switch based on the user input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2022
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Brian Woods, Hideki Hada
  • Patent number: 11840407
    Abstract: A removable cartridge cleaner assembly is provided that allows for easier replacement of the belt cleaner blades from under a conveyor belt. In one aspect the assembly includes a cartridge assembly configured for connection with at least one belt cleaner blade assembly and a support assembly configured to support the cartridge assembly across a transverse width of the conveyor belt. A releasable connection between the cartridge assembly and the support assembly is configured to be sheltered from dust and debris. The releasable connection may be disposed within a chamber formed by the engaging portions of the cartridge and support assemblies. The releasable connection can be released by removing a longitudinally oriented rod member that extends along a length of the cartridge and support assemblies. The support assembly may include a secondary cartridge support for easing installation and removal of the cartridge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Flexible Steel Lacing Company
    Inventors: Joseph Snow, Brian Wood
  • Publication number: 20230356017
    Abstract: A mobile exercise apparatus includes a plurality of modular exercise components. The plurality of modular exercise components include a platform, a modular stair portion including a plurality of stairs, and a modular slide portion including a slide. The modular stair portion and the modular slide portion are removably coupled to the platform. The mobile exercise apparatus may include a mobile support unit that supports the plurality of modular exercise components, the mobile support unit may be coupled to a vehicle to transport the plurality of modular exercise components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2021
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Richard Mullen, William Mederios, Brian A. Woods
  • Publication number: 20230322108
    Abstract: The external vehicle charging system includes an inductive coil configured to provide an alternating magnetic field to a movable receiver coil of a vehicle, an adjustable arm coupled to the movable receiver coil, a sensor configured to detect a position of the movable receiver coil of the vehicle, and a processor connected to the inductive coil, the adjustable arm, and the sensor. The processor is configured to determine a charging request, and, in response to the charging request, activate the adjustable arm so that the distance between the inductive coil and the movable receiver is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2022
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventor: BRIAN WOODS
  • Publication number: 20230312009
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a power source detachable from the vehicle. The power source is configured to supply power to the vehicle and a remote device. The vehicle includes a front trunk configured to store the power source. The front trunk or at least a portion of the front trunk may be advantageously removable from the vehicle along with the power source. A backup battery may be located in a vehicle's front trunk, where the front trunk and/or the backup battery may be detached from the vehicle itself. The power source may be removable from the front trunk. The power source may then be transported to and placed at a desired or a convenient location to power otherwise difficult to reach remote devices if the power source were to be fixed to the vehicle, such as users who camp off the grid and need power separate from running their vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2022
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Brian Woods, Jeremiah Hammer
  • Publication number: 20230264766
    Abstract: Vehicles and systems for modular power source storage. A vehicle may include a power source detachable from the vehicle. The power source may supply power to the vehicle and a remote device. The vehicle may further include a cargo bed that stores the power source. The cargo bed or a portion of the cargo bed may be removable from rest of the vehicle along with the power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2022
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Inventors: Brian Woods, Kenichi Iwatsuki
  • Publication number: 20230221424
    Abstract: A surface-based transmitter system for assisting determination of vehicle location is presented. The system comprises a set of radio frequency (RF) transmitter nodes that, when deployed at different respective locations, are configured to output a sequence of respective RF pulses with a predefined inter-pulse delay between each pair of consecutive RF pulses in the sequence, wherein the pre-defined inter-pulse delay is longer than one microsecond. The set of RF transmitter nodes include at least a first RF transmitter node, a second RF transmitter node, a third RF transmitter node, and a fourth RF transmitter node, which are configured to output a first RF pulse, a second RF pulse, a third RF pulse, and a fourth RF pulse, respectively, of the sequence of RF pulses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2023
    Publication date: July 13, 2023
    Inventors: Mehmet Can ERTEM, Eric HEIDHAUSEN, Serdar BOZTAS, Kamran MAHBOBI, Brian WOODS
  • Publication number: 20230187015
    Abstract: A tray table indicator includes a channel, a cover, and a magnetic ball. The channel has a first extension, a curve, and a second extension, and the cover encloses the channel. A magnetic ball is contained within the channel and is movable from the first extension around the curve to the second extension of the channel in response to rotation of the rotating tray table component by a minimum distance in a first direction. The curve of the channel is configured to prevent gravity from returning the magnetic ball to the first extension from the second extension in response to rotation of the rotating tray table component in a second direction after having rotated the minimum distance in the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2021
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew C. Gates, Brian Wood, Mike Garcia, Alan Rosenberg, Chris Lynch
  • Patent number: 11609318
    Abstract: A surface-based transmitter system for assisting determination of vehicle location is presented. The system comprises a set of radio frequency (RF) transmitter nodes that, when deployed at different respective locations, are configured to output a sequence of respective RF pulses with a predefined inter-pulse delay between each pair of consecutive RF pulses in the sequence, wherein the pre-defined inter-pulse delay is longer than 1 microsecond. The set of RF transmitter nodes include at least a first RF transmitter node, a second RF transmitter node, a third RF transmitter node, and a fourth RF transmitter node, which are configured to output a first RF pulse, a second RF pulse, a third RF pulse, and a fourth RF pulse, respectively, of the sequence of RF pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignees: University Research Foundation, MaXentricTechnoloaies LLC
    Inventors: Mehmet Can Ertem, Eric Heidhausen, Serdar Boztas, Kamran Mahbobi, Brian Woods
  • Publication number: 20220396432
    Abstract: A removable cartridge cleaner assembly is provided that allows for easier replacement of the belt cleaner blades from under a conveyor belt. In one aspect the assembly includes a cartridge assembly configured for connection with at least one belt cleaner blade assembly and a support assembly configured to support the cartridge assembly across a transverse width of the conveyor belt. A releasable connection between the cartridge assembly and the support assembly is configured to be sheltered from dust and debris. The releasable connection may be disposed within a chamber formed by the engaging portions of the cartridge and support assemblies. The releasable connection can be released by removing a longitudinally oriented rod member that extends along a length of the cartridge and support assemblies. The support assembly may include a secondary cartridge support for easing installation and removal of the cartridge assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Publication date: December 15, 2022
    Inventors: Joseph Snow, Brian Wood
  • Publication number: 20210063555
    Abstract: A surface-based transmitter system for assisting determination of vehicle location is presented. The system comprises a set of radio frequency (RF) transmitter nodes that, when deployed at different respective locations, are configured to output a sequence of respective RF pulses with a predefined inter-pulse delay between each pair of consecutive RF pulses in the sequence, wherein the pre-defined inter-pulse delay is longer than 1 microsecond. The set of RF transmitter nodes include at least a first RF transmitter node, a second RF transmitter node, a third RF transmitter node, and a fourth RF transmitter node, which are configured to output a first RF pulse, a second RF pulse, a third RF pulse, and a fourth RF pulse, respectively, of the sequence of RF pulses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: Mehmet Can ERTEM, Eric Heidhausen, Serdar Boztas, Kamran Mahbobi, Brian Woods
  • Patent number: 10641647
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for a weighing device according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a vertical structure mount, a first link attached to the vertical structure mount, a second link for attachment to a weighing device, a third link pivotably attached to one of the first link and second link, and a fourth link pivotably attached to one of the first and second link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Artico, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Brian Wood, Aaron Stewart
  • Patent number: 10389672
    Abstract: One example discloses a peripheral supply component. The peripheral supply component includes a supply item to provide resources on an installed peripheral component, wherein the supply item is a consumable, upgradable, or replacement component on the installed peripheral component. An encoded component is installed with the supply item, wherein the encoded component is employed to generate a message event related to the peripheral component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: David B Novak, Brian Woods, Erik D Ness, Huston W Rice, Amy Shipman
  • Patent number: 10371565
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for a weighing device according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a vertical structure mount, a first link attached to the vertical structure mount, a second link for attachment to a weighing device, a third link pivotably attached to one of the first link and second link, and a fourth link pivotably attached to one of the first and second link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: ARTICO, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Brian Wood, Aaron Stewart
  • Publication number: 20190049288
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for a weighing device according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a vertical structure mount, a first link attached to the vertical structure mount, a second link for attachment to a weighing device, a third link pivotably attached to one of the first link and second link, and a fourth link pivotably attached to one of the first and second link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Inventors: Brian Wood, Aaron Stewart
  • Publication number: 20190049289
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for a weighing device according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a vertical structure mount, a first link attached to the vertical structure mount, a second link for attachment to a weighing device, a third link pivotably attached to one of the first link and second link, and a fourth link pivotably attached to one of the first and second link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Inventors: Brian Wood, Aaron Stewart