Patents by Inventor James Sheppard

James Sheppard 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: 20250206456
    Abstract: A flying vehicle propulsion system comprises a propulsor, a drive system, a heat exchanger, and a housing in which the heat exchanger is provided. The propulsor produces a propulsor fluid flow. In a first operation configuration of the propulsion system, at least part of the propulsor fluid flow is incident on the exchanger. A propulsor fluid flow inlet port of the housing fluidly communicates with a chamber of the housing on an inlet side of the exchanger. The inlet port receives the propulsor fluid flow for ingestion into the chamber and exchanger and comprises a valve to close the port when the valve is closed and open the port when the valve is open. The valve is biased such that at least one of: the valve opens passively under a propulsor fluid flow rate influence above a pre-defined threshold impinging on the valve; and the valve closes passively under a biasing influence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2025
    Publication date: June 26, 2025
    Inventors: James SHEPPARD, Andrea DE MATTEIS
  • Patent number: 12269605
    Abstract: A flying vehicle propulsion system including a propulsor, a drive system and a heat exchanger. The drive system is arranged to drive the propulsor and the heat exchanger is arranged to thermally regulate at least part of the drive system. The propulsor is arranged to move fluid, thereby producing a propulsor fluid flow having a main direction. The system is arranged such that in a first operation configuration, at least part of the propulsor fluid flow is incident on the heat exchanger, thereby thermally regulating the at least part of the drive system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: VERTICAL AEROSPACE GROUP LIMITED
    Inventors: James Sheppard, Andrea De Matteis
  • Publication number: 20230050892
    Abstract: A flying vehicle propulsion system including a propulsor, a drive system and a heat exchanger. The drive system is arranged to drive the propulsor and the heat exchanger is arranged to thermally regulate at least part of the drive system. The propulsor is arranged to move fluid, thereby producing a propulsor fluid flow having a main direction. The system is arranged such that in a first operation configuration, at least part of the propulsor fluid flow is incident on the heat exchanger, thereby thermally regulating the at least part of the drive system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Applicant: VERTICAL AEROSPACE GROUP LIMITED
    Inventors: James SHEPPARD, Andrea DE MATTEIS
  • Patent number: 11572200
    Abstract: A first spacecraft comprises a drive mechanism. A second spacecraft comprises a valve for filling/draining the second spacecraft. The coupling assembly comprises a first connector comprising an actuating member configured to engage and open the valve and a coupling member configured to couple to the drive mechanism. A second connector comprises a stop portion and a bore for transferring fluid. Operation of the drive mechanism rotates the coupling member and the second connector together to screw the second connector onto the valve until the stop portion engages the valve, the actuating member being prevented from moving relative to the second connector to open the valve whilst the lock is in the locked state. Once the stop portion engages the valve, operation of the drive mechanism to exert a torque on the coupling member greater than a predetermined torque level moves the lock to an unlocked state wherein the actuating member is moveable relative to the second connector to engage and open the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: AIRBUS DEFENCE AND SPACE LIMITED
    Inventors: Juliet Gregory, James Sadler, William Bentall, Frederique Dupont De Denechin, Henri Bavestrello, Marc Manz, James Sheppard-Alden
  • Publication number: 20220089301
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a coupling assembly for fluidly connecting first and second spacecraft. The first space-craft comprises a drive mechanism and the second spacecraft comprising a valve for filling and/or draining the second spacecraft. The coupling assembly comprises first and second connectors and a lock. The first connector comprises an actuating member configured to engage and open the valve and a coupling member configured to couple to the drive mechanism such that the drive mechanism is operable to exert a torque on the coupling member to rotate the coupling member. The second connector comprises a stop portion and a bore for transferring fluid, the second connector configured to screw on to the valve until the stop portion engages the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Inventors: Juliet Gregory, James Sadler, William Bentall, Frederique Dupont De Denechin, Henri Bavestrello, Marc Manz, James Sheppard-Alden
  • Publication number: 20220074938
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides new and improved methods for the detection of pathogens, for example viral pathogens, in samples. The methods, tests and assays permit the identification of an infection, for example a Coronavirus infection, in a sample, but can also be used as a means to identify the infectious status or “infectivity level” of a subject. Disclosed is a method for detecting an antigen in a sample, said method comprising: contacting the sample with an antigen binding agent, wherein the antigen binding agent is not an antibody.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Applicant: Senseutics Limited
    Inventors: Mona Kab OMIR, David John LUNN, Alexander James SHEPPARD
  • Publication number: 20210272051
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for establishing communication channels related to assets. An embodiment enables users of home assets such as appliances to share content related to that asset through a centralized clearinghouse of asset content. Aggregated content reduces redundant searches across sources by many users looking for the same content. New data pathways from user to users, manufacturers, and various third parties are established through the connections created in relation to assets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2021
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Inventors: Shubber ALI, James SHEPPARD
  • Patent number: 11049063
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for establishing communication channels related to assets. An embodiment enables users of home assets such as appliances to share content related to that asset through a centralized clearinghouse of asset content. Aggregated content reduces redundant searches across sources by many users looking for the same content. New data pathways from user to users, manufacturers, and various third parties are established through the connections created in relation to assets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Centriq Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Shubber Ali, James Sheppard
  • Publication number: 20180297285
    Abstract: An apparatus for releasing a 3D stereolithographic printed layer from a vat of resin includes a vat having a release layer and configured to contain solidifiable resin; and one or more release mechanisms including a build plate which is configured to adjust the position of the object being printed with respect to a release layer. In order to separate the release layer from solidified resin in contact with the release layer, the apparatus may control the build plate based on a force measurement and/or activate secondary release mechanisms such as vibrating the release layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Applicant: 3D Currax Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Dylan James SHEPPARD, Nicholas MARTIN, Barry Alan MILLS
  • Patent number: 10100335
    Abstract: The invention relates to recombinant cells and their use in in the production of branched medium-chain alcohols such as 4-methyl-1-pentanol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Kristala Lanett Jones Prather, Micah James Sheppard, Aditya Kunjapur
  • Patent number: 9929563
    Abstract: A subsea cable engagement system for connecting at least one cable end connector in communication with a power generation unit to a hub mounted cable connector of a hub. The system comprises a base; and at least one hub. The base comprises an engagement section for receiving a hub(s); and at least one engagement member for engaging a cable-end connector. The hub(s) comprises at least one hub-mounted cable connectors. The engagement member(s) of the base and/or the at least one hub-mounted cable connector are arranged to provide relative movement therebetween for engagement of at least one cable-end connector with at least one hub-mounted cable connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: TIDAL GENERATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Christopher Germain, James Sheppard, Richard Goss
  • Publication number: 20160357876
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for establishing communication channels related to assets. An embodiment enables users of home assets such as appliances to share content related to that asset through a centralized clearinghouse of asset content. Aggregated content reduces redundant searches across sources by many users looking for the same content. New data pathways from user to users, manufacturers, and various third parties are established through the connections created in relation to assets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Applicant: MiCasa Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Shubber ALI, James SHEPPARD
  • Publication number: 20160301212
    Abstract: A subsea cable engagement system for connecting at least one cable end connector in communication with a power generation unit to a hub mounted cable connector of a hub. The system comprises a base; and at least one hub. The base comprises an engagement section for receiving a hub(s); and at least one engagement member for engaging a cable-end connector. The hub(s) comprises at least one hub-mounted cable connectors. The engagement member(s) of the base and/or the at least one hub-mounted cable connector are arranged to provide relative movement therebetween for engagement of at least one cable-end connector with at least one hub-mounted cable connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Publication date: October 13, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher GERMAIN, James SHEPPARD, Richard GOSS
  • Publication number: 20160225179
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for visualizing and interacting with a three-dimensional scene according to one or more aspects of the disclosure. In some examples, a user may visualize a scene or any other environment representing three-dimensional data to allow for inspection, annotation, etc. of the scene in order to facilitate understanding of one or more events that occurred at the scene. The scene can also include the scene of an accident, building development, film set or location, or any other type of three-dimensional visualization of a real life scene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: Dion James Sheppard, Jason Barr, Sebastian Merino, Tom Campbell
  • Publication number: 20160138560
    Abstract: A water current power generation structure including: a power generation unit including a main body, a mounting portion which extends from the main body and which defines a mounting axis; a support structure adapted for engagement with a bed of a body of water, and including a support housing; wherein the structure further includes a yaw mechanism for rotating the power generation unit relative to the support structure, the mechanism including: a pinion associated with the mounting portion; and a gear associated within the support housing and arranged to engage the pinion to rotate the power generation unit about the mounting axis relative to the support structure; and a selective engagement mechanism for selectively engaging the yaw mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Applicant: TIDAL GENERATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Paul VIGARS, Jonathan RHYMES, James SHEPPARD, Daniel HAWORTH
  • Publication number: 20150132816
    Abstract: The invention relates to recombinant cells and their use in the production of branched medium-chain alcohols such as 4-methyl-1-pentanol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Kristala Lanett Jones Prather, Micah James Sheppard, Aditya Kunjapur
  • Patent number: 8413930
    Abstract: An air intake duct of an aircraft engine or other component is provided with a thermal anti-icing system. The front of the air intake duct comprises a toroidal outer skin (16) which forms, with a toroidal internal bulkhead (18), a toroidal plenum (8) about the center line (26). The bulkhead has an inner edge nearest the center line. Within the plenum there is a toroidal inner skin (9) defining with the outer skin a substantially continuous toroidal channel (19). Hot air is supplied via an inlet (7) to the plenum (8). The air flows into an inlet (14) at an end of channel (19) and out of an outlet (11) through the bulkhead (18). This provide more heat to the leading edge of the duct, and to the surface of the duct facing the center line, than to other parts of the duct to prevent build up of ice which may enter, and damage, the engine. This reduces the mass flow of hot air needed for de-icing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: GKN Aerospace Services Limited
    Inventors: Karl Gregory, Michael James Sheppard, Scott Attrill
  • Publication number: 20120285588
    Abstract: A padded covering for vehicle may include a first covering member for covering the padded covering, a second covering member for covering the covering and a padded member being positioned between the first covering member and the second covering member for providing padding for the padded covering. The padded covering may include a transparent portion, and the transparent portion may correspond to the windshield of the vehicle. The transparent portion may correspond to the lights of the vehicle, and the transparent portion may maintain a spaced relationship with the windshield of the vehicle. The spaced relationship may be maintained with a suction cup, and the padded covering may include a slit. The slit may define a movable panel, and the padded covering may include a magnet to position the padded covering. The padded covering may include an aperture to position the padded covering, and the padded covering may extend over a hood of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: James Sheppard
  • Publication number: 20100307210
    Abstract: A vertical manure converter and related process of using activated carbon in an activated carbon/organic material mixture to process organic waste. Inducing air, preferably compressed, into a chamber of the converter in combination with reusing activated carbon can result in a continuous process. The temperature can be controlled by regulating the air into the chamber. The vertical manure converter takes organic waste and uses heat to accelerate the composting process wherein final products can be purified water and ash fertilizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Frank Rosenbaum, James Sheppard, Kurt Keiffer, Jason Simon, Michael McCrackin
  • Patent number: D844476
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Limpet Solution Limited
    Inventors: Matthew James Leach, James Sheppard