Patents by Inventor David F. Ford
David F. Ford 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).
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Publication number: 20240127804Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer readable medium embodiments for machine learning systems to process interactive communications between at least two participants. Speech and text within the interactive communications are analyzed using machine learning models to infer insights located within the interactive communications. The inferred insights are converted to descriptive text or audio and tagged to the interactive communication as graphics or audio whispers reflecting the insights added to the interactive communication.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2022Publication date: April 18, 2024Applicant: Capital One Services, LLCInventors: Anup SHIRODKAR, Thomas ZAHORIK, Matthew C. FORD, Miguel DE LA ROCHA, Sara R. MCDOLE, Robert L. SCHOLTZ, III, Raghav SAHAI, Kevin T. SHAFFER, Trent F. HODGES, Avinash KAWALE, David ABER
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Publication number: 20230111424Abstract: A brewer system includes a reservoir, a steep chamber movable relative to the reservoir and positioned over a mouth of the reservoir, and a filter tape positioned between the chamber and the reservoir. Brewing substance and water are added to the chamber to form a brewed beverage that passes through the filter tape and into the reservoir through the mouth.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2022Publication date: April 13, 2023Inventor: David F. FORD
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Patent number: 11523703Abstract: A brewer system includes a reservoir, a steep chamber movable relative to the reservoir and positioned over a mouth of the reservoir, and a filter tape positioned between the chamber and the reservoir. Brewing substance and water are added to the chamber to form a brewed beverage that passes through the filter tape and into the reservoir through the mouth.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2019Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic CorporationInventor: David F. Ford
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Patent number: 10779675Abstract: A brewer system includes a reservoir, a steeping chamber movable relative to the reservoir and positioned over a mouth of the reservoir, and a filter tape positioned between the chamber and the reservoir. Brewing substance and water are added to the chamber and can be controllably agitated using a controllable gas pump coupled to the reservoir to form a brewed beverage. The brewed beverage can be drawn through the filter tape and into the reservoir through the mouth under the influence of a controllable vacuum pump coupled to and controllably communicating with the reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2016Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic CorporationInventors: David F. Ford, Chris Goodrich
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Publication number: 20190223652Abstract: A brewer system includes a reservoir, a steep chamber movable relative to the reservoir and positioned over a mouth of the reservoir, and a filter tape positioned between the chamber and the reservoir. Brewing substance and water are added to the chamber to form a brewed beverage that passes through the filter tape and into the reservoir through the mouth.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2019Publication date: July 25, 2019Inventor: David F. Ford
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Publication number: 20180360256Abstract: A brewer system includes a reservoir, a steeping chamber movable relative to the reservoir and positioned over a mouth of the reservoir, and a filter tape positioned between the chamber and the reservoir. Brewing substance and water are added to the chamber and can be controllably agitated using a controllable gas pump coupled to the reservoir to form a brewed beverage. The brewed beverage can be drawn through the filter tape and into the reservoir through the mouth under the influence of a controllable vacuum pump coupled to and controllably communicating with the reservoir.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2016Publication date: December 20, 2018Inventors: David F. FORD, Chris GOODRICH
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Patent number: 8998035Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus are disclosed for controllably dispensing a liquid beverage concentrate for use in dispensing a beverage. The beverage may contain liquid beverage concentrate in combination with a liquid dilution ingredient such as water and may also include one or more additional ingredients. This system, method, and apparatus provides more precise control of the quantity of beverage concentrate dispensed by operating a pump used to dispense the concentrate based on the number of pulses of concentrate dispensed. A calibration is made to determine the measure of concentrate in each pulse. This volume per pulse is recorded and stored in a controller to controllably dispense a precise volume for a specific type of concentrate based on a predetermined recipe retained in the controller for each drink, type, and volume of the finished beverage.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2013Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic CorporationInventor: David F. Ford
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Patent number: 8800899Abstract: A grinding machine for use in grinding materials, the grinding machine includes a grinder assembly for receiving material. At least one removable hopper is removably positionable on the grinding assembly for dispensing material to the grinder assembly. The removable hopper is positionable on the grinder assembly in a generally non-vertical direction. A passage defined in the hopper is cooperatively positionable in communication with the grinding assembly for allowing movement of material from the hopper to the grinder assembly. A device carried on the hopper is positionable in an open position when the hopper is on the grinder assembly and is positionable in a closed position when the hopper is removed from the grinder assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2011Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic CorporationInventor: David F. Ford
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Publication number: 20130233887Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus are disclosed for controllably dispensing a liquid beverage concentrate for use in dispensing a beverage. The beverage may contain liquid beverage concentrate in combination with a liquid dilution ingredient such as water and may also include one or more additional ingredients. This system, method, and apparatus provides more precise control of the quantity of beverage concentrate dispensed by operating a pump used to dispense the concentrate based on the number of pulses of concentrate dispensed. A calibration is made to determine the measure of concentrate in each pulse. This volume per pulse is recorded and stored in a controller to controllably dispense a precise volume for a specific type of concentrate based on a predetermined recipe retained in the controller for each drink, type, and volume of the finished beverage.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2013Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: BUNN-O-MATIC CORPORATIONInventor: David F. Ford
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Publication number: 20110198424Abstract: A grinding machine for use in grinding materials, the grinding machine includes a grinder assembly for receiving material. At least one removable hopper is removably positionable on the grinding assembly for dispensing material to the grinder assembly. The removable hopper is positionable on the grinder assembly in a generally non-vertical direction. A passage defined in the hopper is cooperatively positionable in communication with the grinding assembly for allowing movement of material from the hopper to the grinder assembly. A device carried on the hopper is positionable in an open position when the hopper is on the grinder assembly and is positionable in a closed position when the hopper is removed from the grinder assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2011Publication date: August 18, 2011Applicant: BUNN-O-MATIC CORPORATIONInventor: David F. Ford
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Patent number: 7934670Abstract: A grinding machine (20) for use in grinding materials, the grinding machine (20) comprising: a grinder assembly (22) for receiving material therein; at least one removable hopper (24) attachable proximate to the grinding assembly (22) for dispensing material to the grinder assembly (22); a passage (22) defined in the hopper being cooperatively placed in communication with the grinding assembly (22) for dispensing material from the hopper (24) to the grinder assembly (22); a displaceable shutter (70) being positionnable in an open position when the hopper (24) is placed on the grinder assembly (22) and being positionnable in a closed position when the hopper (24) is removed from the grinder assembly (22); and a slide gate mechanism (42) including a slide gate (42) and a mover linked to the slide gate for controllably opening and closing passage of material from the hopper (24) to the grinder assembly (22) for grinfind material therein.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2004Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic CorporationInventor: David F. Ford
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Patent number: 6446835Abstract: A cold beverage dispensing system for chilling a beverage such that at least a portion of the beverage includes a frozen component. The system includes a beverage hopper or tank for retaining a quantity of beverage and a chilling assembly communicating with the beverage hopper for chilling the beverage. The system also includes a beverage detector having a conductive probe carried on and extending into the beverage hopper for detecting the condition of either the presence or absence of a beverage at a predetermined level in the beverage hopper and generating a refill control signal corresponding to the condition detected. A refill assembly communicates with the beverage hopper for controllably providing refill beverage to the beverage hopper. A controller is coupled to the refill assembly and the beverage detector for operating the refill assembly in response to the refill control signal to maintain the beverage in the beverage hopper at the predetermined level.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2001Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Inventor: David F. Ford
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Patent number: 6439105Abstract: A holder is used with a beverage making apparatus to make a beverage, such as coffee, concentrated beverage or tea. The holder retains a quantity of substance which can be used to make a beverage which is thereafter deposited into one of two reservoirs. This allows different flavors, or regular and decaffeinated coffee, to be served from the apparatus. The holder includes a body, a drain hole provided therethrough for allowing liquids to flow through the holder, and first and second handles attached to the body. The first handle and the second handle are offset from each other. A first magnet is associated with the first handle and has its north and south poles in first orientation. A second magnet is associated with the second handle and has its north and south poles in second orientation which is generally opposite the first orientation. The apparatus includes a housing on which the holder can be mounted in various directions.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2000Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic CorporationInventor: David F. Ford
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Patent number: 6401729Abstract: An apparatus is used for making a beverage and for rinsing or cleaning a pair of reservoirs in the apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing, a fluid reservoir associated therewith, a controller in communication with the fluid reservoir, structure for selectively passing fluid from the fluid reservoir to at least one outlet on the housing, and first and second reservoirs mounted in the housing. A holder can be mounted on said the housing. The holder includes a body, a drain hole provided therethrough, and a conduit provided therethrough. The conduit is spaced from the drain hole. When the holder is mounted on the housing, the drain hole is positioned over one of the reservoirs and the conduit is located over the other of the reservoirs. The controller controls the flow of fluid from the fluid reservoir to the holder. Fluid flows from the water reservoir to the holder through drain hole into the one reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic CorporationInventor: David F. Ford
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Publication number: 20020033401Abstract: A cold beverage dispensing system for chilling a beverage such that at least a portion of the beverage includes a frozen component. The system includes a beverage hopper or tank for retaining a quantity of beverage and a chilling assembly communicating with the beverage hopper for chilling the beverage. The system also includes a beverage detector having a conductive probe carried on and extending into the beverage hopper for detecting the condition of either the presence or absence of a beverage at a predetermined level in the beverage hopper and generating a refill control signal corresponding to the condition detected. A refill assembly communicates with the beverage hopper for controllably providing refill beverage to the beverage hopper. A controller is coupled to the refill assembly and the beverage detector for operating the refill assembly in response to the refill control signal to maintain the beverage in the beverage hopper at the predetermined level.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2001Publication date: March 21, 2002Inventor: David F. Ford
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Patent number: 6349852Abstract: A cold beverage dispensing system for chilling a beverage such that at least a portion of the beverage includes a frozen component. The system includes a beverage hopper or tank for retaining a quantity of beverage and a chilling assembly communicating with the beverage hopper for chilling the beverage. The system also includes a beverage detector having a conductive probe carried on and extending into the beverage hopper for detecting the condition of either the presence or absence of a beverage at a predetermined level in the beverage hopper and generating a refill control signal corresponding to the condition detected. A refill assembly communicates with the beverage hopper for controllably providing refill beverage to the beverage hopper. A controller is coupled to the refill assembly and the beverage detector for operating the refill assembly in response to the refill control signal to maintain the beverage in the beverage hopper at the predetermined level.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2000Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic CorporationInventor: David F Ford
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Patent number: 6318676Abstract: A control method and improved equatorial-normal body-stabilized spacecraft that operates in an inclined orbit. The control method controls pointing of payloads (communication antennas and instruments) and solar arrays disposed on the spacecraft. The method controls the spacecraft to provide Earth-pointing payloads and sun-pointing solar arrays so that the spacecraft body and solar arrays each rotate only around a single axis, a pitch axis of the spacecraft.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2000Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, Inc.Inventors: Andrew E. Turner, David F. Ford, Jeffrey D. Stoen
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Patent number: 6237811Abstract: A programmable dispenser which mixes a substance with water and dispenses a product. In one embodiment, the rate at which substance is dispensed is programmable. The programmable dispenser includes a substance dispensing device which dispenses the substance and a motor which is operably connected to the substance dispensing device. A controller is operably connected to the motor and programmed to operate the motor at a programmed speed to dispense substance at a pre-determined rate. A button is in communication with the controller, and the controller is configured such that the button is actuatable to change the programmed speed to a new programmed speed to provide that the controller subsequently operates the motor at the new programmed speed to provide that the substance dispensing device dispenses substance at a different rate.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1999Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic CorporationInventor: David F. Ford
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Patent number: 5927553Abstract: A powdered beverage mixing and dispensing apparatus which combines a powdered beverage substance and water to produce a desired beverage, for example cappuccino, hot chocolate, as well as other beverages which may be provided in powdered form. The apparatus includes at least one hopper having a powdered beverage stirring and dispensing mechanism which stirs the powder to further prevent caking and to controllably dispense a desired quantity of powder from the hopper. A water dispensing system is coupled to the apparatus to controllably dispense a quantity of water for mixing with a quantity of powder dispensed from the hopper. A mixing assembly communicates with the hopper and with the water dispensing system to combine powder. A weir is positioned in a dispensing tube to minimize the face surface of the angle of repose of the powder in the tube.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1997Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: Bunn-o-matic CoporationInventor: David F. Ford
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Patent number: D418365Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1998Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic CorporationInventor: David F. Ford