Patents by Inventor Michael Free

Michael Free 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).

  • Patent number: 12394079
    Abstract: A computer implemented method for determining a physical size of a feature represented in an image is provided together with computer systems and programs for carrying out the method. The method receives initial data comprising an indication of a respective physical size of one or more known types of object. The method uses the initial data to generate reference data from a first reference image. The generated reference data comprises an indication of a respective inferred physical size of one or more reference types of object. The method uses the generated reference data to determine the physical size of the feature based, at least in part, on: a size of a representation of one of the reference types of object in the image; the inferred physical size of that reference type of object; and a size of the representation of the feature in the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2025
    Assignee: BRITISH TELECOMMUNICATIONS public limited company
    Inventors: Robert Claxton, Michael Free
  • Publication number: 20230154028
    Abstract: A computer implemented method for determining a physical size of a feature represented in an image is provided together with computer systems and programs for carrying out the method. The method receives initial data comprising an indication of a respective physical size of one or more known types of object. The method uses the initial data to generate reference data from a first reference image. The generated reference data comprises an indication of a respective inferred physical size of one or more reference types of object. The method uses the generated reference data to determine the physical size of the feature based, at least in part, on: a size of a representation of one of the reference types of object in the image; the inferred physical size of that reference type of object; and a size of the representation of the feature in the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventors: Robert CLAXTON, Michael FREE
  • Patent number: 10190191
    Abstract: A method (400) for producing a titanium product is disclosed. The method (400) can include obtaining TiO2-slag (401), and producing a titanium product from the TiO2-slag using a metallic reducing agent (402) at a moderate temperature and a pressure to directly produce a titanium product chemically separated from metal impurities in the TiO2 slag (403). The titanium product can comprise TiH2 and optionally elemental titanium. Impurities in the titanium product can then removed (404) by leaching, purifying and separation to form a purified titanium product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Zhigang Zak Fang, Peng Fan, Scott Middlemas, Jun Guo, Ying Zhang, Michael Free, Amarchand Sathyapalan, Yang Xia
  • Publication number: 20070281369
    Abstract: Detection systems and methods for detecting target biological analytes within sample material using acousto-mechanical energy generated by a sensor are disclosed. The acousto-mechanical energy may be provided using an acousto-mechanical sensor, e.g., a surface acoustic wave sensor such as, e.g., a shear horizontal surface acoustic wave sensor (e.g., a LSH-SAW sensor). A variety of techniques for modifying the effective mass of the target biological analytes in sample material are disclosed, including fractionating or disassembling the target biological analytes in the sample material (e.g., lysing the target biological analyte), adding a detectable mass to the target biological analyte or enhancing coupling of the target biological analyte (e.g., through the use of magnetic particles), exposing the sample material to a reagent that causes a change in at least detectable physical property in the sample material if the target biological analyte is present (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventors: Chad Carter, Moses David, Larry Dodge, Michael Free, Samuel Gason, John Huizinga, Raymond Johnston, Brinda Lakshmi, Patrick Mach, Larry Martin
  • Publication number: 20070184214
    Abstract: Various methods and fluid delivery systems are described for printing digitally imaged signs. One method of applying pigmented material to a print medium involves using a fluid delivery system to coat at least a portion of an exterior surface of a cable with a pigmented material and then placing the coated portion of the cable in close proximity to the print medium. An air stream is then directed at the portion of the cable coated with the pigmented material such that a the pigmented material is removed from the exterior surface of the cable and is deposited onto the print medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventors: Scott Boyd, Billy Weaver, Michael Free, Daniel Hennen
  • Publication number: 20070182797
    Abstract: A printer for digital printing in which ink is deposited in metered amounts on a substrate. The printer includes a wheel rotatable by a shaft of a motor, an idler disposed in a paint reservoir, and a segment of wire disposed around the wheel and the idler. A computer controls movement of the wire by controlling the rotation of the wheel. As the motor rotates the wheel, ink contained within the paint reservoir coats the wire and is drawn by the wire in front of an air stream, which pulls the ink from the wire and carries it toward the substrate. The wire has alternatively hydrophilic and hydrophobic areas, causing the ink to form droplets on the wire for printing them as discrete pixels onto the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Free, Daniel Hennen, Scott Boyd, Jennifer Lee, Richard Severance, Billy Weaver