Patents by Inventor John-Francis Mergen

John-Francis Mergen 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: 20180335796
    Abstract: A manual interface device is disclosed. The manual interface device can include a first interface component attachable to a manually controllable mechanism. The first interface component can have a first interface surface defining a protrusion or a recess. In addition, the manual interface device can include a second interface component attachable to a human operator. The second interface component can have a second interface surface defining the other of the protrusion or the recess to engage with the first interface surface sufficient to transfer force to operate the manually controllable mechanism. The first and second interface components can be magnetically attracted to one another to maintain engagement of the first and second interface surfaces during operation of the manually controllable mechanism while facilitating selective disengagement of the first and second interface surfaces by the operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Publication date: November 22, 2018
    Inventors: Zachary Eric Leuschner, Gregory Vorsanger, John-Francis Mergen
  • Patent number: 10121248
    Abstract: A system and method for determining positional order of vehicles across a threshold plane within a dynamic environment is provided. The system can include moving vehicles (e.g., boats) each having a GPS receiver. A reference object (e.g., an anchored boat) can have an image capturing device and a primary GPS receiver, and can be subject to movement induced by the dynamic environment. A fixed object having a known position (e.g., a government buoy) relative to the reference object define a threshold plane, which is subject to movement based on movement of the reference object. Photometric data gathered by the image capturing device and geospatial data gathered from the GPS receivers, the primary GPS receiver, and the fixed object is analyzed by a processor to determine a positional order at which each vehicle crossed the movable threshold plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Raytheon BBN Technologies, Corp.
    Inventors: Zachary Eric Leuschner, Joshua Nathaniel Edmison, Harrison Brownley, John-Francis Mergen
  • Patent number: 10121294
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, and computer program product that intentionally illuminate at least one target item with electromagnetic energy having specific characteristics (e.g., frequency, power, waveform, directionality, duration, etc.). The target item, which may be an unpowered data storage device or secure document, acts as a non-linear mixer and is forced to emit radiative signals containing information about the target item's state and physical characteristics. Embodiments receive the forced emissions, extract useful data, and analyze the data to determine target item characteristics (e.g., a target item type, based on a comparison of data from known types). Embodiments control the illumination so the forced emissions radiate from an enclosure without interfering with tactical communications, and so that stored target item data is not affected. Embodiments can locate a hidden target item via the strength and directionality of the forced emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Raytheon BBN Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: John Dishon, Joshua N. Edmison, John-Francis Mergen, Zachary Leuschner, Kerry Wood, Laurie Waisel, Richard Burne, Tyler Shake, Thomas Wilkerson, Jason Fox
  • Publication number: 20180083783
    Abstract: A system for authentication and validation of the identity of a person. The person carries a mobile device configured to measure motion as the person walks or stands still, generating a time record of motion data. A security system in a facility which the person seeks to access receives the time record of motion data and compares gait characteristics inferred from the time record with gait characteristics inferred from motion data previously obtained for a person whom the person seeking access purports to be. The security system may instruct the person to pause and stand still, and then to begin walking again, and it may then verify that the received time record of motion data includes an interval with little motion at a point in the time record corresponding to the pause.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: John-Francis Mergen, Zachary Leuschner, Matthew Thomas Carr
  • Patent number: 9923882
    Abstract: In one example, a system for authenticating domains operates by authenticating a first domain and the extensions that make up the URI of an initial or primary Internet network call. Thereafter, the system can enable the owner of the first domain to make assertions or statements about additional domains and URIs that make up the rest of the web page, session or application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventors: Mark Kevin Shull, John Francis Mergen
  • Patent number: 9910485
    Abstract: Technology for performing services based on power consumption is disclosed. A plurality of power consumption levels can be identified at a service area. The plurality of power consumption levels can be characterized into current power consumption behavior. The current power consumption behavior can be compared to at least one power consumption behavioral model, the power consumption behavioral model including historical power consumption behaviors for the service area. A service can be performed when the current power consumption behavior diverges from the power consumption behavioral model outside of a predefined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Raytheon BBN Technologies, Corp.
    Inventor: John-Francis Mergen
  • Publication number: 20180053303
    Abstract: A system and method for determining positional order of vehicles across a threshold plane within a dynamic environment is provided. The system can include moving vehicles (e.g., boats) each having a GPS receiver. A reference object (e.g., an anchored boat) can have an image capturing device and a primary GPS receiver, and can be subject to movement induced by the dynamic environment. A fixed object having a known position (e.g., a government buoy) relative to the reference object define a threshold plane, which is subject to movement based on movement of the reference object. Photometric data gathered by the image capturing device and geospatial data gathered from the GPS receivers, the primary GPS receiver, and the fixed object is analyzed by a processor to determine a positional order at which each vehicle crossed the movable threshold plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Zachary Eric Leuschner, Joshua Nathaniel Edmison, Harrison Brownley, John-Francis Mergen
  • Publication number: 20170288789
    Abstract: An SDR system and method that intentionally illuminates aircraft systems with RF energy having specific characteristics (e.g., frequency, power, waveform, directionality, duration, etc.) are provided. The aircraft systems act as non-linear mixers and emit non-linear RF energy. A receiver receives the RF energy response and generates an RF energy representation that is correlated to a database of baseline responses. A correlation response between the received RF energy representation and any one of the baseline responses from the database provides an indication of the aircraft system status.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: John Dishon, Joshua N. Edmison, John-Francis Mergen, Zachary Leuschner, Kerry Wood, Laurie Waisel, Tyler Shake
  • Publication number: 20170288788
    Abstract: An apparatus and method that intentionally illuminate a number of target devices with RF energy having specific characteristics (e.g., frequency, power, waveform, directionality, duration, etc.) are provided. The target devices, which may comprise a computer system or other electronic circuits, by their fundamental nature as mixed analog and digital devices, act as non-linear mixers and are forced to emit information about the target device behavior, state, and physical characteristics. The apparatus that implements the method receives the forced emissions signals, extracts useful data from noise, and analyzes the data to determine target device characteristics. The target devices may be powered or unpowered. The apparatus and method provided may avoid impacting target device operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: John Dishon, Joshua N. Edmison, John-Francis Mergen, Zachary Leuschner, Kerry Wood, Laurie Waisel, Richard Burne, Tyler Shake
  • Publication number: 20170289786
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, and computer program product that intentionally illuminate at least one target device with electromagnetic energy having specific characteristics (e.g., frequency, power, waveform, directionality, duration, etc.). The target device, which may be an unpowered data storage device, acts as a non-linear mixer and is forced to emit radiative signals containing information about the target device behavior, state, and physical characteristics. Embodiments receive the forced emissions, extract useful data, and analyze the data to determine target device characteristics (e.g., a target device type, based on a comparison of data from known types). Embodiments control the illumination so the forced emissions radiate from an enclosure without interfering with tactical communications, and so that stored target device data is not affected. Embodiments can locate a hidden target device via the strength and directionality of the forced emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: John Dishon, Joshua N. Edmison, John-Francis Mergen, Zachary Leuschner, Kerry Wood, Laurie Waisel, Richard Burne, Tyler Shake
  • Patent number: 9645553
    Abstract: Generally discussed herein are systems, apparatuses, and methods for providing an accurate and stable time base. A device can include a voter to receive a plurality of time source values, determine a central time value, and determine which of the plurality of time source values are valid, a deviance checker to determine a deviance set, a discrete time selector to provide a selector identification identifying which of the time source values is selected, and a network interface to provide a time value based on the selected time source value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Raytheon BBN Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas Gilbert Roden, III, John-Francis Mergen
  • Patent number: 9390272
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for determining whether a third party observer could determine that an organization has an intent with respect to subject matter based on the organization's web activity. The determination that there is a risk of information leaks to the third party observer can be completed by analyzing the entropy of web usage information destined for the third party observer's servers. Systems and methods are also disclosed for mitigating the risk of information leaks by obscuring the organization's web activity. The web activity can be obscured by selecting candidate actions that can be used to generate neutralizing web traffic from the organization's network which will obscure an intent with respect to a particular subject matter. For example, the candidate actions can identify specific queries, links, or actions that the organization can take to neutralize their web activity to a less remarkable point in the search space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Raytheon BBN Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Richard Lee Barnes, John-Francis Mergen
  • Publication number: 20160065676
    Abstract: Technology for controlling network connected systems is disclosed. A wireless network can be scanned in order to determine a list of active network addresses. The list of active network addresses can be associated with a plurality of wireless devices that are actively communicating within the wireless network. One or more active network addresses of interest can be identified from the list of active network addresses. An address profile associated with the active network addresses of interest can be identified. One or more network connected systems can be controlled according to a predefined set of rules in the address profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventor: John-Francis Mergen
  • Publication number: 20160034024
    Abstract: Technology for performing services based on power consumption is disclosed. A plurality of power consumption levels can be identified at a service area. The plurality of power consumption levels can be characterized into current power consumption behavior. The current power consumption behavior can be compared to at least one power consumption behavioral model, the power consumption behavioral model including historical power consumption behaviors for the service area. A service can be performed when the current power consumption behavior diverges from the power consumption behavioral model outside of a predefined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventor: John-Francis Mergen
  • Publication number: 20160004271
    Abstract: An accelerator pedal assembly is disclosed. The accelerator pedal assembly can include a pedal configured to be movable by a vehicle operator to control a speed of a vehicle. In addition, the accelerator pedal assembly can include an electromagnetic resistance mechanism coupled to the pedal. The electromagnetic resistance mechanism can be configured to provide a force to resist movement of the pedal by the operator to indicate an operational condition of the vehicle to the operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 7, 2016
    Inventors: Daniel Alan Gregory, John-Francis Mergen
  • Patent number: 9208353
    Abstract: Generally described herein are methods and systems for enhanced tamper and malware resistant computer architectures. A system for enhanced tamper and malware resistance can include a harvardizer configured to receive comingled instructions and data and produce separated instructions and data. A data memory can be configured to receive the separated data. An instruction memory that is physically separate from the data memory can be configured to receive the separated instructions. The system can include one or more computer processors that can be configured to execute the separated instructions and data. The system can include one or more encryptors or decryptors to help thwart injection based attacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Raytheon BBN Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas Gilbert Roden, III, John-Francis Mergen, Carl Marshall Elliot Powell
  • Patent number: 9202087
    Abstract: An approach is provided for controlling access to local storage medium. A request is detected from an operating system for accessing a local storage medium. An intermediary agent selectively grants access to the local storage medium according to an access policy, wherein the intermediary agent is distinct from the operating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: VERIZON PATENT AND LICENSING INC.
    Inventors: Carl Marshall Eliot Powell, John-Francis Mergen
  • Patent number: 8923505
    Abstract: An automated call center that stores state information for callers. When a caller contacts the call center, an identification is determined for that caller. The caller's number may be used as the identification. A database if checked to determine whether a data record exists for that caller. If so, data record is pulled and a caller asset receives the call along with information in the data record. If this is the caller's first call, or first call after a predetermined time period, the a new data record may be created in the database. The caller may be prompted with a series of menu choices that enable the caller to select a caller asset. The call center may record all entries and inputs by the caller and caller asset in the data record.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventor: John-Francis Mergen
  • Patent number: 8919702
    Abstract: The systems and methods of the invention modulate atmospheric gases to temporarily increase the amount of atmospheric particles in the path of the debris, in order to decelerate the debris and accelerate natural orbital decay to the point of atmospheric re-entry. In one aspect of the invention, clearing the space debris includes propelling a plume of atmospheric gases substantially orthogonal to the path of the debris such that the debris collides with the gaseous plume as it passes through the plume. Increased atmospheric drag from the gaseous particles of the plume in the path of the debris obstructs a forward propagation of the debris and gradually decelerates the debris, leading eventually to atmospheric recapture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon BBN Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Daniel Alan Gregory, John-Francis Mergen
  • Patent number: 8826026
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for tracking electronic files in computer networks using electronic signatures. A signature program installed on a network node inserts an electronic signature into certain encoded media files when they are transferred to other network users. Each network user is issued a unique electronic signature based on public key infrastructure. A signature repository supplies the recipient signature to the signature program prior to transferring a file. The sender and recipient signatures are appended to a portion of the media file, preferably the lower order bits to minimize perceptible file degradation. A transaction record is thereby written into the file and a copy of the transfer information is stored centrally at the repository, thereby creating a traceable record of a file's movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: John-Francis Mergen, Wesley E. Jordan