Patents by Inventor Keith Michael

Keith Michael 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).

  • “At least” operator for combining audio search hits
    Patent number: 9535987
    Abstract: System and method to search audio data, including: receiving audio data representing speech; receiving a search query related to the audio data; compiling, by use of a processor, the search query into a hierarchy of scored speech recognition sub-searches; searching, by use of a processor, the audio data for speech identified by one or more of the sub-searches to produce hits; and combining, by use of a processor, the hits by use of at least one combination function to provide a composite search score of the audio data. The combination function may include an at-least-M-of-N function that produces a high score when at least M of N function inputs exceed a predetermined threshold value. The composite search score employ a soft time window such as a spline function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Avaya Inc.
    Inventor: Keith Michael Ponting
  • Vehicle transportation room system and method
    Patent number: 9526997
    Abstract: A vehicle transportation room system and method are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system may include a ride vehicle disposed on a ride path and a launch room vehicle may be configured to align with the ride vehicle on the ride path and include an at least partial room. The launch room vehicle may be configured to house the ride vehicle in the at least partial room and to move with the ride vehicle and then break coordination with the ride vehicle such that the ride vehicle launches from the at least partial room. Further, the launch room vehicle may include a show element that is operated as the at least partial room moves with the ride vehicle to simulate that the show element is interacting with the ride vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventor: Keith Michael McVeen
  • DRIFT RACER
    Publication number: 20160332084
    Abstract: A ride assembly includes a passenger vehicle having front wheels, rear wheels, a motor, and a steering wheel, where the front and rear wheels are disposed on a surface, the motor is configured to provide power to the front wheels to propel the passenger vehicle, and the steering wheel is configured to adjust a position of the rear wheels and enable the passenger vehicle to drift, a track forming a trough in the surface, and a bogie hingedly coupled to the passenger vehicle, where the bogie is disposed in the trough, and where the bogie is configured to direct movement of the passenger vehicle along the track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Keith Michael McVeen, Eric A. Vance
  • COMPRESSOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEMS AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20160298627
    Abstract: A system for controlling capacity of a compressor comprises a minimum determination module (204) selectively increasing a minimum capacity of a compressor when a temperature of the compressor is greater than a first predetermined temperature; and a control module (104) increasing an actual capacity of the compressor in response to an increase in the minimum capacity. A method for controlling capacity of a compressor is also disclosed. The system and method modulate the capacity of the compressor according to the different temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: October 13, 2016
    Applicant: EMERSON CLIMATE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Keith Michael KNIPPEN, Guoping WU, Richard Allen MIU, Michael J. MONNIN
  • BOOM COASTER
    Publication number: 20160288000
    Abstract: A boom coaster includes a passenger vehicle, a track, a bogie coupled to the passenger vehicle and the track and configured to move along the track, and a simulated ride surface positioned above the track and beneath the passenger vehicle. The simulated ride surface is configured to imitate a path of the passenger vehicle, the bogie is coupled to a surface of the passenger vehicle via a leg member extending around the simulated ride surface, and the leg member suspends the passenger vehicle above the simulated surface such that the bogie and the track are blocked from a passenger view perspective of the passenger vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventors: Keith Michael McVeen, Eric Parr, Thierry Coup, Eric A. Vance
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR POSITIONING VEHICLES OF AN AMUSEMENT PARK ATTRACTION
    Publication number: 20160287999
    Abstract: An apparatus for an amusement park includes a bogie system positioned on a track. The bogie system directs motion along the track. The apparatus also includes an arm extending radially outward from the bogie system. The arm is rotatably coupled to a body of the bogie system. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a vehicle positioned on the arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventors: Patrick Devin Boyle, Keith Michael McVeen, Eric A. Vance, Thierry Coup
  • Method and system for binary flow turbine control
    Patent number: 9441533
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting the opening of a scroll valve of a binary flow turbine. Scroll valve adjustments are used at different engine operating conditions to improve engine performance and boost response. Scroll valve adjustments are coordinated with wastegate and EGR valve adjustments for improved engine control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brad Alan Boyer, Julia Helen Buckland, Stephen Lee Cooper, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Barbara Westrate, Keith Michael Plagens
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR BINARY FLOW TURBINE CONTROL
    Publication number: 20160258350
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting the opening of a scroll valve of a binary flow turbine. Scroll valve adjustments are used at different engine operating conditions to improve engine performance and boost response. Scroll valve adjustments are coordinated with wastegate and EGR valve adjustments for improved engine control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Inventors: Brad Alan Boyer, Julia Helen Buckland, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Barbara Westrate, Stephen Lee Cooper, Keith Michael Plagens
  • Multi-staged wastegate
    Patent number: 9416724
    Abstract: Embodiments for controlling boost pressure are provided. In one example, a method of controlling a turbocharger of an engine via a multi-staged wastegate comprises during a first condition, actuating a first stage of the wastegate based on boost pressure generated by the turbocharger, and actuating a second stage of the wastegate based on a temperature of a catalyst downstream of the turbocharger. In this way, catalyst heating and boost control may be provided by a common wastegate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Durand Byrd, Keith Michael Plagens, William Charles Ruona
  • Method and system for operating an engine turbocharger
    Patent number: 9404415
    Abstract: A system and method for operating an engine turbocharger is described. In one example, the turbocharger is rotated in different directions in response to operating conditions. The system and method may reduce engine emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William Charles Ruona, Kevin Durand Byrd, Keith Michael Plagens
  • Port-based dynamic network parameter assignment
    Patent number: 9401889
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods described herein are configured to dynamically assign network parameters based on a location (e.g., port) of a network parameter associated with a requesting device. In some embodiments, the systems, apparatus and methods described herein are further configured to facilitate network parameter assignment by an external network parameter assignment server based on the location (e.g., port) where a network parameter of requesting device is coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Allied Telesis Holdings Kabushiki
    Inventor: Keith Michael Andrews
  • Process for producing volatile organic compounds from biomass material
    Patent number: 9359557
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for efficient and economical production and recovery of ethanol or other volatile organic compounds, such as acetic acid, from solid biomass material, particularly on a larger scale, such as on the commercialization or industrial scale. According to one aspect of the invention, the method comprises (a) generating at least about 10 tons of prepared biomass material by adding a microbe, optionally an acid, and optionally, an enzyme to a solid biomass; (b) storing the prepared biomass material for at least about 24 hours in a storage facility to allow production of at least one volatile organic compound from at least a portion of the sugar in the solid biomass; and (c) capturing the at least one volatile organic compound by using a solventless recovery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Phillip Guy Hamilton, Corey William Radtke, Keith Michael Kreitman
  • Method and system for binary flow turbine control
    Patent number: 9341109
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting the opening of a scroll valve of a binary flow turbine. Scroll valve adjustments are used at different engine operating conditions to improve engine performance and boost response. Scroll valve adjustments are coordinated with wastegate and EGR valve adjustments for improved engine control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brad Alan Boyer, Julia Helen Buckland, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Barbara Westrate, Stephen Lee Cooper, Keith Michael Plagens
  • Introduction of exhaust gas recirculation at a compressor blade trailing edge
    Patent number: 9303650
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for injecting exhaust gases from an exhaust gas recirculation system proximate to a trailing edge of a compressor wheel of a compressor. In one example, a compressor of a turbocharger may include an exhaust gas recirculation inlet volute within a casting of the compressor. The exhaust gas recirculation inlet volute may include an injection port positioned downstream of the trailing edge of the compressor wheel for injecting exhaust gases into intake air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Keith Michael Plagens, Gregory Patrick McConville, Daniel Joseph Styles
  • SYSTEM DESIGN AND METHOD FOR VERIFYING 3D DOSIMETRIC IMAGING OF CHARGED PARTICLES IN MEDIA
    Publication number: 20160074675
    Abstract: A method of verifying therapeutic proton beam delivery accuracy by ultrasound tomographic imaging to map three dimensional (3D) proton dose through the detection of ionizing radiation induced thermo-acoustic signal from the proton beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Applicant: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Inc.
    Inventors: Vadim Moskvin, Keith Michael Stantz
  • “At least” operator for combining audio search hits
    Patent number: 9275139
    Abstract: System and method to search audio data, including: receiving audio data representing speech; receiving a search query related to the audio data; compiling, by use of a processor, the search query into a hierarchy of scored speech recognition sub-searches; searching, by use of a processor, the audio data for speech identified by one or more of the sub-searches to produce hits; and combining, by use of a processor, the hits by use of at least one combination function to provide a composite search score of the audio data. The combination function may include an at-least-M-of-N function that produces a high score when at least M of N function inputs exceed a predetermined threshold value. The composite search score employ a soft time window such as a spline function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Aurix Limited
    Inventor: Keith Michael Ponting
  • VEHICLE TRANSPORTATION ROOM SYSTEM AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20160023121
    Abstract: A vehicle transportation room system and method are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system may include a ride vehicle disposed on a ride path and a launch room vehicle may be configured to align with the ride vehicle on the ride path and include an at least partial room. The launch room vehicle may be configured to house the ride vehicle in the at least partial room and to move with the ride vehicle and then break coordination with the ride vehicle such that the ride vehicle launches from the at least partial room. Further, the launch room vehicle may include a show element that is operated as the at least partial room moves with the ride vehicle to simulate that the show element is interacting with the ride vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Inventor: Keith Michael McVeen
  • Process for producing volatile organic compounds from biomass material
    Patent number: 9242915
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for production and recovery of ethanol or other volatile organic compounds, such as acetic acid, from solid biomass material. One embodiment comprises introducing a biomass material to a compartment of a solventless recovery system, wherein the biomass material contains one or more volatile organic compounds; contacting the biomass material with a superheated vapor stream in the compartment to vaporize at least a portion of an initial liquid content in the biomass material, said superheated vapor stream comprising at least one volatile organic compound; separating a vapor component and a solid component from the heated biomass material, said vapor component comprising at least one volatile organic compound; and retaining at least a portion of the vapor component for use as part of the superheated vapor stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Corey William Radtke, Phillip Guy Hamilton, Keith Michael Kreitman
  • INCEPTOR APPARATUS
    Publication number: 20160004270
    Abstract: An inceptor apparatus and method for operating a machine, the operation of the machine providing an output from at least one inertial sensor. The apparatus comprises a stick member having a base portion, and a grip portion extending from the base portion in only one direction. The apparatus further comprises at least one sensor for generating actual stick member position data, and a control unit configured to receive an inertial force signal from the or each inertial sensor and the actual stick member position data. The control unit is operable generate a first stick member position compensation signal in dependence upon the inertial force signal and actual stick member position data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 7, 2016
    Applicant: BAE SYSTEMS plc
    Inventors: ADAM TAYLOR, KEITH MICHAEL DESALVO
  • CANCER THERAPY USING miRNAs
    Publication number: 20150366895
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions for the treatment of cancers expressing the type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF1R) or a constituent of an IGF1R signaling pathway, in particular melanoma, using the microRNA miR-7-5p. Also provided are methods for increasing the sensitivity of such cancers to therapeutic agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Inventors: Peter Jeffery LEEDMAN, Keith Michael GILES, Ann Mary BROWN