Patents by Inventor John Behrens

John Behrens 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: 20230192321
    Abstract: A transfer system for supplying a receiving tank of a receiving spacecraft with a supply gas from a supply spacecraft. A transfer tank is disposed on the supply spacecraft and configured to retain a supply gas. A transfer line is coupled to the transfer tank, and one end thereof maybe coupled to the receiving tank. A transfer valve is operatively coupled to the transfer line. A heating system is thermally coupled to the transfer tank. A control system is operatively coupled to the transfer valve and the heating system. The control system is operable to cause a transfer quantity of the supply gas to be heated, and to open the transfer valve, such that a difference between the increased pressure of the supply gas in the transfer tank and a pressure in the receiving tank causes the transfer quantity of the supply gas to flow to the receiving tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: John Behrens, Craig Alan Christy, Andrew Ian Mactavish, Kevin Nemeth
  • Patent number: 11591115
    Abstract: A transfer system for supplying a receiving tank of a receiving spacecraft with a supply gas from a supply spacecraft. A transfer tank is disposed on the supply spacecraft and configured to retain a supply gas. A transfer line is coupled to the transfer tank, and one end thereof may be coupled to the receiving tank. A transfer valve is operatively coupled to the transfer line. A heating system is thermally coupled to the transfer tank. A control system is operatively coupled to the transfer valve and the heating system. The control system is operable to cause a transfer quantity of the supply gas to be heated, and to open the transfer valve, such that a difference between the increased pressure of the supply gas in the transfer tank and a pressure in the receiving tank causes the transfer quantity of the supply gas to flow to the receiving tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John Behrens, Craig Alan Christy, Andrew Ian Mactavish, Kevin Nemeth
  • Patent number: 11361235
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automatic generating of a Bayes net content graph are disclosed herein. The system can include a memory including a mapping matrix. The system can include at least one server. The at least one server can generate a user matrix having n columns and p rows. In some aspects, each of the n columns is associated with a student and each of the p rows is associated with a content item. The at least one server can: store the user matrix in the memory; retrieve the mapping matrix from the memory; iteratively identify prerequisite relationships between the skills identified in the user matrix; generate edges between the skills in the user matrix based on the iteratively identified prerequisite relationships; and orient the edges between the skill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: PEARSON EDUCATION, INC.
    Inventors: Jose Gonzalez-Brenes, John Behrens, Johann Larusson, Yetian Chen
  • Publication number: 20210237910
    Abstract: A transfer system for supplying a receiving tank of a receiving spacecraft with a supply gas from a supply spacecraft. A transfer tank is disposed on the supply spacecraft and configured to retain a supply gas. A transfer line is coupled to the transfer tank, and one end thereof maybe coupled to the receiving tank. A transfer valve is operatively coupled to the transfer line. A heating system is thermally coupled to the transfer tank. A control system is operatively coupled to the transfer valve and the heating system. The control system is operable to cause a transfer quantity of the supply gas to be heated, and to open the transfer valve, such that a difference between the increased pressure of the supply gas in the transfer tank and a pressure in the receiving tank causes the transfer quantity of the supply gas to flow to the receiving tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2021
    Publication date: August 5, 2021
    Inventors: John Behrens, Craig Alan Christy, Andrew Ian Mactavish, Kevin Nemeth
  • Patent number: 11053027
    Abstract: A method of supplying a receiving tank of a receiving spacecraft with a supply gas. The method includes coupling a second end of a transfer line in flow communication with the receiving tank. The transfer line extends from a first end to the second end. The first end is coupled to a transfer tank disposed on a supply spacecraft. The transfer tank holds a transfer quantity of the supply gas. The supply spacecraft includes a heating system coupled in thermal communication with the transfer tank and a transfer valve operatively coupled to the transfer line. The method also includes activating the heating system while the transfer valve is closed such that a pressure of the transfer quantity of the supply gas is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John Behrens, Craig Alan Christy, Andrew Ian Mactavish, Kevin Nemeth
  • Patent number: 10713225
    Abstract: Systems and methods for simplifying data structuring in a database by applying a first content structure to interrelate a plurality of data packets and refining the interrelations based on data packet attributes are disclosed herein. The system can include a memory including: a structure database that can include a content structure including a plurality of content categories; and a content library database. The content library database can include a plurality of data packets. The system can include a server that can receive a plurality of data packets, organize the content according to the content structure, and update the organization of at least some of the data packets based on a determined attribute of those data packets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: PEARSON EDUCATION, INC.
    Inventors: Jose P. Gonzalez-Brenes, Ilya Goldin, Johann A. Larusson, John Behrens, Thomas McTavish, Yun Jin Rho, Jacob M. Anderson, Gennadiy A. Kukartsev
  • Publication number: 20200102098
    Abstract: A method of supplying a receiving tank of a receiving spacecraft with a supply gas. The method includes coupling a second end of a transfer line in flow communication with the receiving tank. The transfer line extends from a first end to the second end. The first end is coupled to a transfer tank disposed on a supply spacecraft. The transfer tank holds a transfer quantity of the supply gas. The supply spacecraft includes a heating system coupled in thermal communication with the transfer tank and a transfer valve operatively coupled to the transfer line. The method also includes activating the heating system while the transfer valve is closed such that a pressure of the transfer quantity of the supply gas is increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: John Behrens, Craig Alan Christy, Andrew Ian Mactavish, Kevin Nemeth
  • Patent number: 10318499
    Abstract: Systems and methods for simplifying data structuring in a database by applying a first content structure to interrelate a plurality of data packets and refining the interrelations based on data packet attributes are disclosed herein. The system can include a memory including: a structure database that can include a content structure including a plurality of content categories; and a content library database. The content library database can include a plurality of data packets. The system can include a server that can receive a plurality of data packets, organize the content according to the content structure, and update the organization of at least some of the data packets based on a determined attribute of those data packets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: PEARSON EDUCATION, INC.
    Inventors: José Pablo González Brenes, John Behrens, Yun Huang
  • Publication number: 20180210948
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automatic generating of a Bayes net content graph are disclosed herein. The system can include a memory including a mapping matrix. The system can include at least one server. The at least one server can generate a user matrix having n columns and p rows. In some aspects, each of the n columns is associated with a student and each of the p rows is associated with a content item. The at least one server can: store the user matrix in the memory; retrieve the mapping matrix from the memory; iteratively identify prerequisite relationships between the skills identified in the user matrix; generate edges between the skills in the user matrix based on the iteratively identified prerequisite relationships; and orient the edges between the skill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Inventors: Jose Gonzalez-Brenes, John Behrens, Johann Larusson, Yetian Chen
  • Patent number: 10027740
    Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing data transmission rates through a content distribution network by generating a customized aggregation comprising data packets selected to maximize a data acceptance rate are disclosed herein. The system can include a memory including a content library database having a plurality of data packets and a user profile database. The system can further include a server that can: receive aggregation information identifying a set of delivery data packets and a set of assessment data packets; receive data packet data from the content library database; identify a recipient cohort; determine a recipient cohort lapsed time; generate an estimate of data packet transfer time for the aggregation; generate an updated aggregation based on the recipient cohort lapsed time and the estimate of data packet transfer time; and provide the updated aggregation to the user devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: PEARSON EDUCATION, INC.
    Inventors: José Pablo González Brenes, Ilya Goldin, Johann A. Larusson, John Behrens, Thomas Mctavish
  • Publication number: 20170308556
    Abstract: Systems and methods for simplifying data structuring in a database by applying a first content structure to interrelate a plurality of data packets and refining the interrelations based on data packet attributes are disclosed herein. The system can include a memory including: a structure database that can include a content structure including a plurality of content categories; and a content library database. The content library database can include a plurality of data packets. The system can include a server that can receive a plurality of data packets, organize the content according to the content structure, and update the organization of at least some of the data packets based on a determined attribute of those data packets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Inventors: Jose GONZALES-BRENES, Jr., Ilya GOLDIN, Johann A. LARUSSON, John BEHRENS, Thomas MCTAVISH, Yun Jin RHO, Jacob M. ANDERSON, Gennadiy A. KUKARTSEV
  • Patent number: 9446864
    Abstract: An electrothermal deployment system may be configured for controlled release of various apparatus from their prelaunch stowage positions in small satellites. The deployment system includes a fusible line secured to a structural component of the satellite, as well as to various deployable apparatus secured to, within, or on the satellite. The deployable apparatus may include items such as solar panels and antennas. The deployment system includes an electrically resistive element such as a burn bar formed of a cylinder or tube, including a resistor pad overlying and/or incorporated within an exterior surface of the burn bar. The burn bar may be coupled to an electrical circuit configured to heat the resistor for the purpose of melting the fusible line secured in direct contact therewith, thus causing the fusible line to break to cause deployment. The fusible line is configured to remain in secure contact with the resistor until apparatus deployment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Geoffrey Orias, Michael Worcester, John Behrens, Bruce L. Drolen
  • Publication number: 20160127244
    Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing data transmission rates through a content distribution network by generating a customized aggregation comprising data packets selected to maximize a data acceptance rate are disclosed herein. The system can include a memory including a content library database having a plurality of data packets and a user profile database. The system can further include a server that can: receive aggregation information identifying a set of delivery data packets and a set of assessment data packets; receive data packet data from the content library database; identify a recipient cohort; determine a recipient cohort lapsed time; generate an estimate of data packet transfer time for the aggregation; generate an updated aggregation based on the recipient cohort lapsed time and the estimate of data packet transfer time; and provide the updated aggregation to the user devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventors: José Pablo González Brenes, Ilya Goldin, Johann A. Larusson, John Behrens, Thomas Mctavish
  • Publication number: 20160124999
    Abstract: Systems and methods for simplifying data structuring in a database by applying a first content structure to interrelate a plurality of data packets and refining the interrelations based on data packet attributes are disclosed herein. The system can include a memory including: a structure database that can include a content structure including a plurality of content categories; and a content library database. The content library database can include a plurality of data packets. The system can include a server that can receive a plurality of data packets, organize the content according to the content structure, and update the organization of at least some of the data packets based on a determined attribute of those data packets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventors: José Pablo González Brenes, John Behrens
  • Publication number: 20160107771
    Abstract: An electrothermal deployment system may be configured for controlled release of various apparatus from their prelaunch stowage positions in small satellites. The deployment system includes a fusible line secured to a structural component of the satellite, as well as to various deployable apparatus secured to, within, or on the satellite. The deployable apparatus may include items such as solar panels and antennas. The deployment system includes an electrically resistive element such as a burn bar formed of a cylinder or tube, including a resistor pad overlying and/or incorporated within an exterior surface of the burn bar. The burn bar may be coupled to an electrical circuit configured to heat the resistor for the purpose of melting the fusible line secured in direct contact therewith, thus causing the fusible line to break to cause deployment. The fusible line is configured to remain in secure contact with the resistor until apparatus deployment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventors: Geoffrey Orias, Michael Worcester, John Behrens, Bruce L. Drolen
  • Publication number: 20140272009
    Abstract: A chewy granola product and a method of cold form sheeting such chewy granola product from a combination of dry granola, binder, and a carbonated candy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Danielle Barbaro, John Behrens, Yang Kou
  • Patent number: 8158183
    Abstract: A beverage product that includes water, a color derived from natural sources, and a compound in an effective amount to inhibit fading of the color derived from natural sources. The compound is an unsaturated acid, and may be selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, maleic anhydride, aconitic acid, mesaconic acid, itaconic acid, and/or fumaric acid. The incorporation of the compound can be particularly useful for inhibiting color fading of the beverage product under thermal stress. The colors derived from natural sources may be an anthocyanin, cyclohexene dione dimers and/or a color derived from the reaction of an iridoid and amino acids. For example, the colors may include purple sweet potato, black carrot, purple carrot, black currant, blueberry, carthamus yellow, and/or gardenia blue. The compound can be effective to prevent color fading even in the presence of ascorbic acid, which promotes the fading of colors derived from natural sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Roy, Stephen Letourneau, Cathy Culver, John Behrens
  • Publication number: 20080104205
    Abstract: A method and system to provide a media file appropriate for playback. The system identifies an ability of a computer system to playback media content locally by querying a computer system over a network to assess a local playback capability of the computer system. Next, the system creates the media file in response to the identification of the ability and based on the ability. Finally, the system provides the computer system with the media file based on the ability of the computer system to playback the media content locally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Brooke Armstrong, John Behrens, Abie Hadjitarkhani, Alexander Ireland, Stephen Muller, Nancy Narimatsu
  • Publication number: 20070228219
    Abstract: An in-space spacecraft servicing system (10) includes a servicing spacecraft (22) and a propellant module (24). The servicing spacecraft includes a client servicing system (136), as well as navigation avionics (108) for independent flight operation and a servicing propellant tank (170). The propellant module moves the servicing module from an upper stage drop off location and releases it in proximity to a client spacecraft (16) for a servicing mission. It has a propellant tank (172) with capacity for multiple missions and is used to refill the servicing spacecraft's propellant tanks between missions. Either or both the servicing spacecraft and the propellant module may have navigation avionics. The servicing spacecraft also has a universal docking adaptor (70) for different client spacecraft, and can convert a client spacecraft from non-cooperative to cooperative.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventors: John Behrens, Thomas Kessler, Leora Peltz, Jeffrey Cronick, Glenn Caplin, Frank Chandler, Robert Frampton, Daniel Rivera
  • Publication number: 20070228220
    Abstract: An in-space spacecraft servicing system (10) includes a servicing spacecraft (22) and a propellant module (24). The servicing spacecraft includes a client servicing system (136), as well as navigation avionics (108) for independent flight operation and a servicing propellant tank (170). The propellant module moves the servicing module from an upper stage drop off location and releases it in proximity to a client spacecraft (16) for a servicing mission. It has a propellant tank (172) with capacity for multiple missions and is used to refill the servicing spacecraft's propellant tanks between missions. Either or both the servicing spacecraft and the propellant module may have navigation avionics. The servicing spacecraft also has a universal docking adaptor (70) for different client spacecraft, and can convert a client spacecraft from non-cooperative to cooperative.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventors: John Behrens, Thomas Kessler, Leora Peltz, Jeffrey Cronick, Glenn Caplin, Frank Chandler, Robert Frampton, Daniel Rivera