Patents by Inventor Michael Ratliff

Michael Ratliff 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: 11960803
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for modeling and analyzing utility structures according to applied loads. Particularly, a model engine can utilize inputs related to a utility structure, environmental conditions to which the utility structure is subjected, and engineering standards expected of the utility structure, and analyze the structure's loading and performance based on analysis configuration inputs. An engine or multiple engines can be run locally, or can be instantiated in a cloud to assist with multiple or complex calculations. Hybrid and geometric non-linear analyses and outputs can be performed or provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Bentley Systems, Incorporated
    Inventors: William Schulze, Brett Willitt, David Cain, Michael H. Ford, Kevan Kramb, Timothy G. S. Overly, Michael Ratliff, Jeremy Wentworth
  • Publication number: 20200387651
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for modeling and analyzing utility structures according to applied loads. Particularly, a model engine can utilize inputs related to a utility structure, environmental conditions to which the utility structure is subjected, and engineering standards expected of the utility structure, and analyze the structure's loading and performance based on analysis configuration inputs. An engine or multiple engines can be run locally, or can be instantiated in a cloud to assist with multiple or complex calculations. Hybrid and geometric non-linear analyses and outputs can be performed or provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2019
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Inventors: William SCHULZE, Brett WILLITT, David CAIN, Michael H. FORD, Kevan KRAMB, Timothy G.S. OVERLY, Michael RATLIFF, Jeremy WENTWORTH
  • Patent number: 10748343
    Abstract: A computer device is provided that includes an input device, a sensor device, a display device, and a processor. The processor is configured to detect a physical object in a physical environment based on sensor data received via the sensor device, measure one or more physical parameters of the physical object based on the sensor data, determine a physical behavior of the physical object based on the measured one or more physical parameters, present a graphical representation of the physical behavior of the physical object via the display device, generate a simulation of the physical behavior of the physical object based on the measured one or more physical parameters, receive a user input to modify the one or more physical parameters for the simulation via the input device, and present the simulation with the modified one or more physical parameters via the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Robert Menard, Donna Katherine Long, James Michael Ratliff, Aaron Daniel Krauss, Evan L. Jones
  • Publication number: 20200020166
    Abstract: A computer device is provided that includes an input device, a sensor device, a display device, and a processor. The processor is configured to detect a physical object in a physical environment based on sensor data received via the sensor device, measure one or more physical parameters of the physical object based on the sensor data, determine a physical behavior of the physical object based on the measured one or more physical parameters, present a graphical representation of the physical behavior of the physical object via the display device, generate a simulation of the physical behavior of the physical object based on the measured one or more physical parameters, receive a user input to modify the one or more physical parameters for the simulation via the input device, and present the simulation with the modified one or more physical parameters via the display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Robert MENARD, Donna Katherine LONG, James Michael RATLIFF, Aaron Daniel KRAUSS, Evan L. JONES
  • Patent number: 8838282
    Abstract: A method and system provides a central controller that can communicate across different types of networks to reach various energy load control devices. Energy load control devices can include, but are not limited to, thermostats, load control switches such as Digital Control Units (DCUs), and gateways or network interfaces coupled to the Internet, etc. This ability to communicate across different types of networks allows the central controller to monitor as well as issue command signals to the various energy load control devices. The central controller can provide geographic maps on displays, such as a computer display, which list the relative locations of energy load control devices with respect to their geography or physical locations. The central controller can also provide a topology that can be customized so that a user can visualize and select groups of energy load control devices according to the user's customized topology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Comverge, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Ratliff, Arthur Vos, John Mani
  • Publication number: 20050060280
    Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for encouraging applicants or others completing electronic forms to complete the forms and to become associated with the institution to which the form is directed. While completing the form or afterward, the applicant follows a hyperlink that presents a personal communication from an identified individual associated with the institution. The communication typically relates to the underlying purpose of the form rather than providing instructions on completing the form. For example, the communication may include a personalized message encouraging the applicant to attend the university. By varying the communication depending on the information entered onto the form by the applicant, the communication can be tailored to the specific background and interests of the applicant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Publication date: March 17, 2005
    Applicant: CollegeNet, Inc.
    Inventors: James Wolfston, Michael Hitchcock, David Fogarty, Michael Ratliff