Patents by Inventor Kevin Forde
Kevin Forde 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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Patent number: 12241228Abstract: An electric or hybrid working machine includes a ground engaging structure, an electrical source of power, an electric motor arrangement, one or more hydraulically actuated devices, and a hydraulic pump configured to supply hydraulic fluid to the one or more hydraulically actuated devices. The working machine also includes a transmission operable to transmit drive from the electric motor arrangement to the ground engaging structure and the hydraulic pump. The transmission has a first input member connected to a first electric motor, a drive train comprising a first input gear connected to the first input member, and a coupling device connected between the first input member and the first input gear to selectively adjust transmission of drive to the hydraulic pump and the ground engaging structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2022Date of Patent: March 4, 2025Assignee: J. C. Bamford Excavators LimitedInventors: Alan Geoffrey Williams, Kevin Ford
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Patent number: 12176143Abstract: An input device comprising a processor(s), an input element, an electropermanent magnet (EPM) assembly including: a permanent magnet operable to generate a magnetic field; and a magnetizing assembly configured to set a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet, a first ferromagnetic element, and a second ferromagnetic element. The first ferromagnetic element is configured to part and move away from the second ferromagnetic element as the input element is depressed. When the EPM assembly magnetizes the permanent magnet to a first polarity, the first and second ferromagnetic elements are magnetically attracted to each other and provide an attracting that magnetically opposes the first and second ferromagnetic elements from parting, and when the EPM assembly magnetizes the permanent magnet to a second polarity, the first and second ferromagnetic elements are not magnetically attracted to each other and do not magnetically oppose the first and second ferromagnetic elements from parting.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2023Date of Patent: December 24, 2024Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.Inventors: Nuno Miguel Pereira Dos Anjos Valverde, Jan Stoeckli, Kevin Forde, Artur Miller
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Publication number: 20240079169Abstract: An input device comprising a processor(s), an input element, an electropermanent magnet (EPM) assembly including: a permanent magnet operable to generate a magnetic field; and a magnetizing assembly configured to set a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet, a first ferromagnetic element, and a second ferromagnetic element. The first ferromagnetic element is configured to part and move away from the second ferromagnetic element as the input element is depressed. When the EPM assembly magnetizes the permanent magnet to a first polarity, the first and second ferromagnetic elements are magnetically attracted to each other and provide an attracting that magnetically opposes the first and second ferromagnetic elements from parting, and when the EPM assembly magnetizes the permanent magnet to a second polarity, the first and second ferromagnetic elements are not magnetically attracted to each other and do not magnetically oppose the first and second ferromagnetic elements from parting.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2023Publication date: March 7, 2024Inventors: Nuno Miguel Pereira dos Anjos Valverde, Jan Stoeckli, Kevin Forde, Artur Miller
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Patent number: 11906038Abstract: An automatic transmission shifter mechanism that is selectable between an automatic transmission mode and a manual shifting mode, including a shifter assembly, a pin attached to the shifter assembly, a first slotted plate to selectively receive a first portion of the shifter assembly, and a detent plate configured to receive the pin at different gear positions, wherein selected shifter assembly positions in the automatic transmission mode are maintained by the pin being located within a corresponding detent of the detent plate, and wherein movement of the first portion of the shifter assembly into the first slotted plate causes the pin to move out of range of detents in the detent plate such that an operator can shift between drive gears in the manual shifting mode.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2020Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: LOKAR, INC.Inventors: Kevin Ford, Scott Thiel, Eric R. Burgan
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Publication number: 20230380684Abstract: An eye-tracking device and associated software together allow a patient to communicate with health-care providers (HCPs), family members, and other individuals via eye gaze technology. The system presents the patient with a hierarchical and intuitive set of graphical menus that, for example, allow the patient, via his or her eye-gaze location, to indicate basic needs (e.g., food, bathroom, bed adjustment), alert the nursing staff to an emergency situation, and/or indicate pain level associated with a specific part of the patient's body. In parallel, an administrator of the system may use traditional touch screen functionality to assist in calibration, select patient preferences, and otherwise configure the system for use. In yet another embodiment, improved systems and methods are provided for performing eye-tracking using a variety of machine learning techniques instead of, or in addition to, traditional geometric methods.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2023Publication date: November 30, 2023Inventors: Robert Chappell, Juan Zoppetti, Araz Vartanian, Caleb Hinton, Jessica Bruny, Kiuanta Canteen, Kevin Forde-Nihipali, Jessica Williams
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Patent number: 11721463Abstract: An input device comprising a processor(s), an input element, an electropermanent magnet (EPM) assembly including: a permanent magnet operable to generate a magnetic field; and a magnetizing assembly configured to set a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet, a first ferromagnetic element, and a second ferromagnetic element. The first ferromagnetic element is configured to part and move away from the second ferromagnetic element as the input element is depressed. When the EPM assembly magnetizes the permanent magnet to a first polarity, the first and second ferromagnetic elements are magnetically attracted to each other and provide an attracting that magnetically opposes the first and second ferromagnetic elements from parting, and when the EPM assembly magnetizes the permanent magnet to a second polarity, the first and second ferromagnetic elements are not magnetically attracted to each other and do not magnetically oppose the first and second ferromagnetic elements from parting.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2021Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.Inventors: Nuno Miguel Pereira dos Anjos Valverde, Jan Stoeckli, Kevin Forde, Artur Miller
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Publication number: 20230197323Abstract: An input device comprising a processor(s), an input element, an electropermanent magnet (EPM) assembly including: a permanent magnet operable to generate a magnetic field; and a magnetizing assembly configured to set a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet, a first ferromagnetic element, and a second ferromagnetic element. The first ferromagnetic element is configured to part and move away from the second ferromagnetic element as the input element is depressed. When the EPM assembly magnetizes the permanent magnet to a first polarity, the first and second ferromagnetic elements are magnetically attracted to each other and provide an attracting that magnetically opposes the first and second ferromagnetic elements from parting, and when the EPM assembly magnetizes the permanent magnet to a second polarity, the first and second ferromagnetic elements are not magnetically attracted to each other and do not magnetically oppose the first and second ferromagnetic elements from parting.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2021Publication date: June 22, 2023Inventors: Nuno Miguel Pereira dos Anjos Valverde, Jan Stoeckli, Kevin Forde, Artur Miller
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Patent number: 11441672Abstract: A shift lever mount assembly including a rotatable member having a ball portion formed with at least a partially arcuate surface and a shift lever connection portion extending from the ball portion to be connected to a shift lever, a casing formed to at least partially surround the ball portion of the rotatable member and having an inner surface forming a spherical bearing with the ball portion, the casing having a top opening through which the shift lever connection portion extends, a plurality of position fixing members to selectively contact the rotatable member so as to fix the rotatable member at a desired position, and a coupling member to selectively couple the casing to a control lever of a transmission shift assembly, wherein the spherical bearing allows rotational and angular movement of the rotatable member so that the rotatable member is selectively movable to the desired position.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2020Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Inventor: Kevin Ford
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Publication number: 20220235535Abstract: An electric or hybrid working machine includes a ground engaging structure, an electrical source of power, an electric motor arrangement, one or more hydraulically actuated devices, and a hydraulic pump configured to supply hydraulic fluid to the one or more hydraulically actuated devices. The working machine also includes a transmission operable to transmit drive from the electric motor arrangement to the ground engaging structure and the hydraulic pump. The transmission has a first input member connected to a first electric motor, a drive train comprising a first input gear connected to the first input member, and a coupling device connected between the first input member and the first input gear to selectively adjust transmission of drive to the hydraulic pump and the ground engaging structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2022Publication date: July 28, 2022Applicant: J. C. Bamford Excavators LimitedInventors: Alan Geoffrey Williams, Kevin Ford
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Publication number: 20210123523Abstract: A shift lever mount assembly including a rotatable member having a ball portion formed with at least a partially arcuate surface and a shift lever connection portion extending from the ball portion to be connected to a shift lever, a casing formed to at least partially surround the ball portion of the rotatable member and having an inner surface forming a spherical bearing with the ball portion, the casing having a top opening through which the shift lever connection portion extends, a plurality of position fixing members to selectively contact the rotatable member so as to fix the rotatable member at a desired position, and a coupling member to selectively couple the casing to a control lever of a transmission shift assembly, wherein the spherical bearing allows rotational and angular movement of the rotatable member so that the rotatable member is selectively movable to the desired position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2020Publication date: April 29, 2021Inventor: Kevin Ford
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Publication number: 20210102624Abstract: An automatic transmission shifter mechanism that is selectable between an automatic transmission mode and a manual shifting mode, including a shifter assembly, a pin attached to the shifter assembly, a first slotted plate to selectively receive a first portion of the shifter assembly, and a detent plate configured to receive the pin at different gear positions, wherein selected shifter assembly positions in the automatic transmission mode are maintained by the pin being located within a corresponding detent of the detent plate, and wherein movement of the first portion of the shifter assembly into the first slotted plate causes the pin to move out of range of detents in the detent plate such that an operator can shift between drive gears in the manual shifting mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2020Publication date: April 8, 2021Inventors: Kevin Ford, Scott Thiel, Eric R. Burgan
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Patent number: 10877579Abstract: In certain embodiments, an input device includes a chassis and a depressible actuator disposed on the chassis that, when depressed, generates and sends a control signal to a processor, where the actuator is coupleable to a removable button cover that provides user-access to activate the actuator, and a removable blank cover to prevent user access to activate the actuator. The button cover and blank cover can be separate from the chassis and may directly attach to the actuator. The input device can further include a second depressible actuator disposed on the chassis that, when depressed, generates and sends a second control signal to the processor, where the second actuator is coupleable to the button cover and the blank cover.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2018Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.Inventors: Davin O'Mahony, Kevin Forde, Niall White, Frederic Fortin, Christian Castellaro, Fabrice Sauterel, Christopher Pate
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Patent number: 10871220Abstract: An automatic transmission shifter mechanism that is selectable between an automatic transmission mode and a manual shifting mode, including a shifter assembly configured to move in a first range of movement to be positioned in the automatic transmission mode, and to move in a second range of movement to selectively shift gears up and down in the manual shifting mode, a first sensor configured to sense that the shifter assembly is in the automatic transmission mode in response to the shifter assembly being in the first range of movement, and at least a second sensor configured to sense gear changes in the manual shifting mode, wherein the shifter assembly is configured to be selectively moved laterally from the first range of movement to the second range of movement when in a drive mode in the first range of movement.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2018Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: Lokar, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Ford, Scott Thiel
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Patent number: 10627920Abstract: An input device can include a chassis, a housing coupled to the chassis and forming a top surface of the input device, a depressible key plate integrated with and forming a part of the housing, a biasing mechanism (e.g., a spring) disposed within the housing and coupled to a bottom portion of the key plate to provide a downward force on the key plate, and a force sensor (e.g., switch) disposed in the chassis and in contact with the bottom portion of the key plate to activate in response to receiving a threshold force by the bottom surface of the key plate. The key plate may depress in response to receiving at least a predetermined depression force on the top surface. In some cases, the downward force provided by the biasing mechanism can be substantially equal to the predetermined depression force.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2019Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.Inventors: Kevin Forde, Niall White, York Chang, Tony Lai
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Publication number: 20190310722Abstract: An input device can include a chassis, a housing coupled to the chassis and forming a top surface of the input device, a depressible key plate integrated with and forming a part of the housing, a biasing mechanism (e.g., a spring) disposed within the housing and coupled to a bottom portion of the key plate to provide a downward force on the key plate, and a force sensor (e.g., switch) disposed in the chassis and in contact with the bottom portion of the key plate to activate in response to receiving a threshold force by the bottom surface of the key plate. The key plate may depress in response to receiving at least a predetermined depression force on the top surface. In some cases, the downward force provided by the biasing mechanism can be substantially equal to the predetermined depression force.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2019Publication date: October 10, 2019Inventors: Kevin Forde, Niall White, York Chang, Tony Lai
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Patent number: 10436612Abstract: A capacitance probe monitors the distance between a blade tip and a fan, compressor or turbine case. The capacitance probe may be attached to a liner, and may travel with the liner as it radially expands due to thermal changes. The capacitance probe may include a circuit board sensor with a metallic plate, and one or more capacitors. The metallic plate may be encapsulated within an insulating material. A plurality of soft leads may be in electrical communication with the circuit board sensor, allowing a lower lead weight, reduced size and increased flexibility. The soft leads may also be embedded in the liner. In this way, the capacitance probe can record more accurate distance measurements and promote a gas turbine engine's continued and efficient operation.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2015Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Kevin Ford, Eli Warren, Corey A. Benoit, Edward F Dreger, Erik D. Rice, Mark W. Costa
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Patent number: 10423243Abstract: An input device can include a chassis, a housing coupled to the chassis and forming a top surface of the input device, a depressible key plate integrated with and forming a part of the housing, a biasing mechanism (e.g., a spring) disposed within the housing and coupled to a bottom portion of the key plate to provide a downward force on the key plate, and a force sensor (e.g., switch) disposed in the chassis and in contact with the bottom portion of the key plate to activate in response to receiving a threshold force by the bottom surface of the key plate. The key plate may depress in response to receiving at least a predetermined depression force on the top surface. In some cases, the downward force provided by the biasing mechanism can be substantially equal to the predetermined depression force.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2017Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.Inventors: Kevin Forde, Niall White, York Chang, Tony Lai
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Patent number: 10365731Abstract: An input device including a housing and a depressible key plate disposed thereon. The key plate includes a front user-accessible portion, a pivot support portion, and a rear portion. A shaft is disposed in the pivot support portion, where the key plate rotates with respect to the shaft. A force sensor is disposed in the housing and in contact with a bottom surface of the front portion of the key plate, and activates in response to receiving a predetermined force by the bottom surface of the front portion of the key plate. The depressible key plate depresses in response to receiving a predetermined depression force on the top surface. A biasing mechanism is disposed in the housing and in contact with the bottom surface of the rear portion of the key plate to provide an upward force tuned to be substantially equal to the predetermined depression force.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2018Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.Inventors: Kevin Forde, Davin O'Mahony, Niall White, Frederic Fortin, Christian Castellaro, Fabrice Sauterel
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Patent number: 10330455Abstract: A method is provided that involves a wall configured to circumscribe and be radially adjacent a rotor. During this method, a tri-axial capacitance probe is provided that includes a tri-axial conduit with an outer conductor member. The tri-axial capacitance probe is configured to output data indicative of a characteristic of the rotor. The tri-axial capacitance probe is configured within a wall aperture in the wall. The outer conductor member is electrically coupled with the wall. The wall is configured as a housing for the tri-axial capacitance probe.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2016Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Erik D. Rice, Corey A. Benoit, Marc Samit, Edward F. Dreger, III, Eli C. Warren, Kevin Ford, Michael G. Conigliaro, Timothy Jarvis
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Patent number: D858524Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2018Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.Inventors: Christopher Pate, George Barrett, Cormac O'Conaire, Andreas Connellan, Kevin Forde, Davin O'Mahony, Niall White, Noirin Curran, Fancois Morier, Fabrice Sauterel