Patents by Inventor Michael A. Ford

Michael A. Ford 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: 20190387875
    Abstract: The present application provides, in one embodiment, a modular shelf system having spaced apart upright subassemblies that each include a first and second removable support standard recessed within. The system further provides at least one shelf fixture configured to be removably mounted to at least one of the support standards in each of a first and second upright subassemblies selected. The shelf may receive retail product trays via snap-fit fasteners. And, a variably configurable hanger bar may support the modular shelf system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher Peck, Craig Fluegge, Michael Ford
  • Publication number: 20190387902
    Abstract: A modular shelf system having spaced apart upright subassemblies that each include multiple recesses conductive support standards, which are configured for receiving a low voltage current and illuminating the LED arrays of shelf fixtures that span adjacent upright subassemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher Peck, Craig Fluegge, Michael Ford
  • Patent number: 10489563
    Abstract: A method, system and computing device for incorporating marketing into a user authentication enables valuable marketing information to be received from or provided to users, in an authentication context where the users are likely to be attentive and focused. Thus marketing information is likely to be thoroughly reviewed by the users, easily recalled by the users at a later time, and user profile data collected from the users is likely to be accurate. The method includes presenting an authentication challenge to a user of a computing device, the authentication challenge including a number of challenge elements; receiving a response to the authentication challenge from the user; and presenting a non-authentication marketing activity to the user, the non-authentication marketing activity including a number of activity elements, and where the activity elements correspond with the challenge elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Swipe ADS Holdings Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Matthew Michael Ford, Kevin John Gosschalk
  • Publication number: 20190294767
    Abstract: A method, system and computing device for incorporating marketing into a user authentication enables valuable marketing information to be received from or provided to users, in an authentication context where the users are likely to be attentive and focused. Thus, marketing information is likely to be thoroughly reviewed by the users, easily recalled by the users at a later time, and user profile data collected from the users is likely to be accurate. The method includes presenting an authentication challenge to a user of a computing device, the authentication challenge including a number of challenge elements; receiving a response to the authentication challenge from the user; and presenting a non-authentication marketing activity to the user, the non-authentication marketing activity including a number of activity elements, and where the activity elements correspond with the challenge elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Inventors: Matthew Michael Ford, Kevin John Gosschalk
  • Publication number: 20190159923
    Abstract: An off-the-shelf oral splint that is operatively secured to the maxilla and mandible to assist in reduction and provide maintenance of reduction of maxillary and mandibular fractures in the edentulous or partially edentulous patient. The oral splint is fabricated into a plurality of standardized sizes. These sizes are determined by imaging a population of jaws, measuring dimensions thereof, manipulating (e.g., calculating the mean) these dimensions, and generating a size that is representative of a subset of that population. This can be done for all sizes that would represent individuals in that population. The splint itself is fabricated virtually by creating “U-shapes”, splitting them horizontally into halves, creating an evacuation channel, and generating a coupling mechanism to hold the halves together. The splint can then be printed or otherwise manufactured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2019
    Publication date: May 30, 2019
    Applicant: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Summer Joy Decker, Jonathan Michael Ford, Jessica Allen Ching
  • Patent number: 10259621
    Abstract: A container (10) to dispense a liquid such as sauce. The container (1.0) has a resilient deformable body (11) that may be compressed to dispense the liquid from the interior (55) of the body (11). Mounted on the body (11) is a cap (37) that is movable along a path (axis 13) between a closed position and an open position. In the open position the upper opening (38) is open to allow the liquid to be dispensed. Preferably the path is linear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: Matthew Cutts, Michael Ford, Lynne Morrison, James Brennan, Stuart May, Matthew Cormack
  • Publication number: 20180126034
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide implants for augmentation, stabilization, or defect reconstruction of bone tissue, comprising a scaffold portion structured to provide shape to the implant, the scaffold portion comprising one or more of the following: one or more polylactic acid isomer; one or more polyglycolic acid isomer; and/or allogenic bone material, or similar compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
    Inventors: Jessica A. Ching, Jonathan Michael Ford, Summer Joy Decker
  • Patent number: 9954800
    Abstract: A multi-path network for use in a bridge, switch, router, hub or the like, includes a plurality of network ports; a plurality of network elements; and a plurality of network links interconnecting the network elements and the network ports, for transporting data packets. Each network element has a fault monitor for detecting faults on the network links to which the network element is connected, a plurality of dynamically selectable output ports and output port selection mechanism. Each network element also being adapted to communicate the existence of a fault back to one or more other network elements so that network elements connected to the faulty network link can be bypassed, and each network element being adapted to update the output port selection mechanism when communication of the existence of a fault is received so that only those output ports which ensure the faulty network link is bypassed are dynamically selectable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Cray UK Limited
    Inventors: Jon Beecroft, Anthony Michael Ford, David Charles Hewson
  • Publication number: 20180099790
    Abstract: A container (10) to dispense a liquid such as sauce. The container (1.0) has a resilient deformable body (11) that may be compressed to dispense the liquid from the interior (55) of the body (11). Mounted on the body (11) is a cap (37) that is movable along a path (axis 13) between a closed position and an open position. In the open position the upper opening (38) is open to allow the liquid to be dispensed. Preferably the path is linear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Publication date: April 12, 2018
    Inventors: Matthew Cutts, Michael Ford, Lynne Morrison, James Brennan, Stuart May, Matthew Cormack
  • Patent number: 9815598
    Abstract: A container (10) to dispense a liquid such as sauce. The container (1.0) has a resilient deformable body (11) that may be compressed to dispense the liquid from the interior (55) of the body (11). Mounted on the body (11) is a cap (37) that is movable along a path (axis 13) between a closed position and an open position. In the open position the upper opening (38) is open to allow the liquid to be dispensed. Preferably the path is linear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventors: Matthew Cutts, Michael Ford, Lynne Morrison, James Brennan, Stuart May, Matthew Cormack
  • Patent number: 9775712
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide implants for augmentation, stabilization, or defect reconstruction of bone tissue, comprising a scaffold portion structured to provide shape to the implant, the scaffold portion comprising one or more of the following: one or more polylactic acid isomer; one or more polyglycolic acid isomer; and/or allogenic bone material, or similar compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
    Inventors: Jessica Allen Ching, Jonathan Michael Ford, Summer Joy Decker
  • Publication number: 20170202659
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a reversible anchoring device includes a base having a threaded shaft and an internal passage that extends through the base along a longitudinal direction of the base and a cap having a top surface, a bottom surface, a threaded circular opening formed in the bottom surface adapted to thread onto the threaded shaft of the base, and a suture opening that extends from the top surface of the cap to the threaded circular opening through which a suture can pass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Inventors: Charles Cole Nofsinger, Summer Joy Decker, Jonathan Michael Ford, William E. Lee, Charli H. Regel, Mahmoud Y. Dweik
  • Publication number: 20170000612
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide implants for augmentation, stabilization, or defect reconstruction of bone tissue, comprising a scaffold portion structured to provide shape to the implant, the scaffold portion comprising one or more of the following: one or more polylactic acid isomer; one or more polyglycolic acid isomer; and/or allogenic bone material, or similar compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
    Inventors: Jessica Allen Ching, Jonathan Michael Ford, Summer Joy Decker
  • Patent number: 9527559
    Abstract: A boat brush tool for cleaning a boat pontoon, the boat brush tool having a generally J-shaped tubular support member with an upper section for manipulating the tool and a lower section carrying a plurality of brush bristles and having a curved shape corresponding to the outer surface of the pontoon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Inventor: Thomas Michael Ford
  • Publication number: 20160354227
    Abstract: A custom oral splint that is operatively secured to the maxilla and mandible of a subject/patient to assist in reduction and provide maintenance of reduction of maxillary and mandibular fractures in the edentulous or partially edentulous subject/patient. In this difficult patient population, there are very limited options for maxillomandibular fixation, and none provide stable reduction of fractures. The novel device minimizes operative time and equipment, as well as offers the ability to transition the patient from rigid fixation to elastics postoperatively. The novel device is custom-designed for each patient's degree of bone atrophy, ensuring a high quality, and effective product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Applicant: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Summer Joy Decker, Jonathan Michael Ford, Jessica Allen Ching
  • Publication number: 20160337146
    Abstract: The invention provides an Ethernet bridge or router comprising a network fabric adapted to provide interconnectivity to a plurality of Ethernet ports, each of the Ethernet ports being adapted to receive and/or transmit Ethernet frames, and wherein the Ethernet bridge or outer further comprises an encapsulator connected to receive Ethernet Protocol Data Units from the Ethernet ports, wherein the encapsulator is operable to generate a Fabric Protocol Data Unit from a received Ethernet Protocol Data Unit, the Fabric Protocol Data Unit comprising header portion, and a payload portion which comprises the Ethernet Protocol Data Unit concerned, and wherein the encapsulator is operable to transform Ethernet destination address information from the Ethernet Protocol Data Unit into a routing definition for the network fabric, and to include this routing definition in the header portion of the Fabric Protocol Data Unit. Also provided is a method of data delivery across a network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Jon Beecroft, David Charles Hewson, Anthony Michael Ford, Mark Owen Homewood
  • Patent number: 9413690
    Abstract: A switch device for use in telecommunications apparatus, the switch device comprising: a substantially planar substrate having first substantially planar face and an opposing second substantially planar face; a first plurality of ports mounted on the first face of the substrate, and having a first arrangement of locating pins which extend into the substrate from the first face towards the second face thereof; and a second plurality of ports mounted on the second face of the substrate, and having a second arrangement of locating pins which extend into the substrate from the second face towards the first face thereof, wherein the first arrangement of locating pins is offset with respect to the second arrangement of locating pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Cray UK Limited
    Inventors: Anthony Michael Ford, James Tilbrook Corke, Neil Alexander Shute, Mark Owen Homewood
  • Publication number: 20160214770
    Abstract: A container (10) to dispense a liquid such as sauce. The container (1.0) has a resilient deformable body (11) that may be compressed to dispense the liquid from the interior (55) of the body (11). Mounted on the body (11) is a cap (37) that is movable along a path (axis 13) between a closed position and an open position. In the open position the upper opening (38) is open to allow the liquid to be dispensed. Preferably the path is linear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Matthew CUTTS, Michael FORD, Lynne MORRISON, James BRENNAN, Stuart MAY, Matthew CORMACK
  • Patent number: 9401876
    Abstract: The invention provides an Ethernet bridge or router comprising a network fabric adapted to provide interconnectivity to a plurality of Ethernet ports, each of the Ethernet ports being adapted to receive and/or transmit Ethernet frames, and wherein the Ethernet bridge or router further comprises an encapsulator connected to receive Ethernet Protocol Data Units from the Ethernet ports, wherein the encapsulator is operable to generate a Fabric Protocol Data Unit from a received Ethernet Protocol Data Unit, the Fabric Protocol Data Unit comprising a header portion, and a payload portion which comprises the Ethernet Protocol Data Unit concerned, and wherein the encapsulator is operable to transform Ethernet destination address information from the Ethernet Protocol Data Unit into a routing definition for the network fabric, and to include this routing definition in the header portion of the Fabric Protocol Data Unit. Also provided is a method of data delivery across a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Cray UK Limited
    Inventors: Jon Beecroft, David Charles Hewson, Anthony Michael Ford, Mark Owen Homewood
  • Patent number: 9192505
    Abstract: A custom oral splint that is operatively secured to the maxilla and mandible of a subject/patient to assist in reduction and provide maintenance of reduction of maxillary and mandibular fractures in the edentulous or partially edentulous subject/patient. In this difficult patient population, there are very limited options for maxillomandibular fixation, and none provide stable reduction of fractures. The novel device minimizes operative time and equipment, as well as offers the ability to transition the patient from rigid fixation to elastics postoperatively. The novel device is custom-designed for each patient's degree of bone atrophy, ensuring a high quality, and effective product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Summer Joy Decker, Jonathan Michael Ford, Jessica Allen Ching