Patents by Inventor Michael Ward

Michael Ward 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).

  • Systems, methods, and apparatuses for optical systems in flow cytometers
    Patent number: 10018553
    Abstract: The present set of embodiments relate to a system, method, and apparatus for an optical configuration in a flow cytometer that allows for independent adjustment of focusing for each light source. Such systems, methods, and apparatuses require a final focusing element to be moved near the beginning of the optical train and for each optical element coming after the final focusing element to be configured to accommodate converging light beams while minimizing the introduction of aberrations into those beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gregory Kaduchak, Wesley Smith, Michael Ward
  • Systems and methods for diagnosing a fluidics system and determining data processing settings for a flow cytometer
    Patent number: 10001434
    Abstract: The present set of embodiments relates to systems and methods for diagnosing a fluidics system and determining data processing settings for a flow cytometer. Systems and methods for diagnosing a fluidics system require accurate measurement and interpretation of fluctuations within the fluid delivery system. Systems and methods for determining data processing settings require an accurate measurement of peak times among various channels and being able to adjust time delay settings wherein peak time is the measurement of time elapsed from the beginning of the data collection time window to the highest peak in the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gregory Kaduchak, Jace Akerlund, Jason Malkin, Michael Ward
  • WATER HEATER APPLIANCE AND A METHOD FOR OPERATING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20180163993
    Abstract: A water heater appliance and associated methods of operation are provided for regulating an output temperature of a mixing valve to a target temperature. The method includes determining the output temperature and an error value between the output temperature and the target temperature. A controller regulates the mixing valve according to a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control algorithm for adjusting the output temperature to the predetermined target temperature. A proportional gain, an integral gain, and a derivative gain of the PID control algorithm vary according to a gain schedule depending on the error value between the output temperature and the predetermined target temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Inventors: Paul Goodjohn, Shaun Michael Ward
  • System aspects of an audio codec
    Patent number: 9990935
    Abstract: The present document relates to the design of anti-aliasing and/or anti-imaging filters for resamplers using rational resampling factors. In particular, the present document relates to a method for implementing such anti-aliasing and/or anti-imaging filters with reduced computational complexity. In addition, the present document relates to further aspects of an audio encoding and decoding system, such as the phase relation between the channels of a multi-channel audio signal and/or the structure of the bitstream of an encoded audio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignees: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation, Dolby International AB
    Inventors: Alexander Groeschel, Jens Popp, Martin Wolters, Jeffrey Riedmiller, Michael Ward, Karl Jonas Roeden, Holger Hoerich, Karsten Linzmeier, Tobias Friedrich
  • AUDIO ENCODER AND DECODER WITH PROGRAM LOUDNESS AND BOUNDARY METADATA
    Publication number: 20180151188
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for generating an encoded audio bitstream, including by including program loudness metadata and audio data in the bitstream, and optionally also program boundary metadata in at least one segment (e.g., frame) of the bitstream. Other aspects are apparatus and methods for decoding such a bitstream, e.g., including by performing adaptive loudness processing of the audio data of an audio program indicated by the bitstream, or authentication and/or validation of metadata and/or audio data of such an audio program. Another aspect is an audio processing unit (e.g., an encoder, decoder, or post-processor) configured (e.g., programmed) to perform any embodiment of the method or which includes a buffer memory which stores at least one frame of an audio bitstream generated in accordance with any embodiment of the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Publication date: May 31, 2018
    Applicant: DOLBY LABORATORIES LICENSING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael GRANT, Scott Gregory NORCROSS, Jeffrey RIEDMILLER, Michael WARD
  • Bioprocess method and system
    Patent number: 9977862
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for performing a biological process are provided, wherein the method comprises implementation of at least one unit operation, and wherein the unit operation is defined according to a standardised element structure, the element structure comprising a plurality of functional section blocks, and wherein the section blocks comprise at least one of the group consisting of: imports; parameters; data; physical inputs; requirements; setup; and execution steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: SYNTHACE LIMITED
    Inventors: Michael Ian Sadowski, Sean Michael Ward
  • Water heater appliance
    Patent number: 9970681
    Abstract: A water heater appliance includes a tank and a heated water conduit that extends from the tank. A mixing valve is coupled to the heated water conduit, and a mixed water conduit extends from the mixing valve. A thermal mass is positioned on the mixed water conduit, and a thermal safety sensor is positioned at the thermal mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Shaun Michael Ward, Timothy Scott Shaffer
  • BGL6 beta-glucosidase and nucleic acids encoding the same
    Patent number: 9961909
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel ?-glucosidase nucleic acid sequence, designated bgl6, and the corresponding BGL6 amino acid sequence. The invention also provides expression vectors and host cells comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding BGL6, recombinant BGL6 proteins and methods for producing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: DANISCO US INC.
    Inventors: Nigel Dunn-Coleman, Michael Ward
  • Audio encoder and decoder with dynamic range compression metadata
    Patent number: 9959878
    Abstract: An audio processing unit (APU) is disclosed. The APU includes a buffer memory configured to store at least one frame of an encoded audio bitstream, where the encoded audio bitstream includes audio data and a metadata container. The metadata container includes a header and one or more metadata payloads after the header. The one or more metadata payloads include dynamic range compression (DRC) metadata, and the DRC metadata is or includes profile metadata indicative of whether the DRC metadata includes dynamic range compression (DRC) control values for use in performing dynamic range compression in accordance with at least one compression profile on audio content indicated by at least one block of the audio data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Riedmiller, Michael Ward
  • Method for supplying heated water from a water heater appliance to a washing machine appliance
    Patent number: 9951462
    Abstract: A method for supplying heated water from a water heater appliance to a washing machine appliance includes initiating a wash cycle of the washing machine appliance, directing heated water from a water heater appliance into the washing machine appliance if a set point temperature of the water heater appliance is equal to or greater than a specific temperature and/or if the water heater appliance contains a volume of heated water required for the wash cycle of the washing machine appliance, and delaying the wash cycle of the washing machine appliance if the set point temperature of the water heater appliance is not equal to or greater than the specific temperature and/or if the water heater appliance does not contain the volume of heated water required for the wash cycle of the washing machine appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan James Scheckelhoff, James Quentin Pollett, Shaun Michael Ward
  • DECODING OF ENCODED AUDIO BITSTREAM WITH METADATA CONTAINER LOCATED IN RESERVED DATA SPACE
    Publication number: 20180108367
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for generating an encoded audio bitstream, including by including program loudness metadata and audio data in the bitstream, and optionally also program boundary metadata in at least one segment (e.g., frame) of the bitstream. Other aspects are apparatus and methods for decoding such a bitstream, e.g., including by performing adaptive loudness processing of the audio data of an audio program indicated by the bitstream, or authentication and/or validation of metadata and/or audio data of such an audio program. Another aspect is an audio processing unit (e.g., an encoder, decoder, or post-processor) configured (e.g., programmed) to perform any embodiment of the method or which includes a buffer memory which stores at least one frame of an audio bitstream generated in accordance with any embodiment of the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Grant, Scott Gregory Norcross, Jeffrey Riedmiller, Michael Ward
  • WATER HEATER APPLIANCE
    Publication number: 20180094833
    Abstract: A water heater appliance defining a vertical direction includes a tank for holding water. The water heater appliance further includes a shroud and a fan. The shroud may be positioned at a top portion of the tank. In addition, the shroud may define a chamber positioned over the tank along the vertical direction, and the shroud may further define a vent assembly extending through the shroud from the chamber of the shroud. The fan may be positioned within the chamber. In addition, the fan may include a hub and a plurality of blades extending from the hub. The plurality of fan blades may be rotatable in a first direction. Further, each of the plurality of blades may be positioned and oriented on the hub such that the fan discharges air in a direction that is substantially tangential to the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Craig Iung-Pei Tsai, Shaun Michael Ward
  • BGL7 Beta-Glucosidase and Nucleic Acids Encoding the Same
    Publication number: 20180087037
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel ?-glucosidase nucleic acid sequence, designated bgl7, and the corresponding BGL7 amino acid sequence. The invention also provides expression vectors and host cells comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding BGL7, recombinant BGL7 proteins and methods for producing the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Inventors: NIGEL DUNN-COLEMAN, MICHAEL WARD
  • Water heater appliance
    Patent number: 9920953
    Abstract: A water heater appliance includes a tank and a heated water conduit extending from the tank. A mixing valve is coupled to the heated water conduit, and a heat trap is mounted to the heated water conduit upstream of the mixing valve. The heat trap includes a membrane disposed within the heated water conduit. The membrane of the heat trap may assist with obstructing recirculation of heated water from the tank into the heated water conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Shaun Michael Ward, Timothy Scott Shaffer
  • Audio encoder and decoder with program loudness and boundary metadata
    Patent number: 9916838
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for generating an encoded audio bitstream, including by including program loudness metadata and audio data in the bitstream, and optionally also program boundary metadata in at least one segment (e.g., frame) of the bitstream. Other aspects are apparatus and methods for decoding such a bitstream, e.g., including by performing adaptive loudness processing of the audio data of an audio program indicated by the bitstream, or authentication and/or validation of metadata and/or audio data of such an audio program. Another aspect is an audio processing unit (e.g., an encoder, decoder, or post-processor) configured (e.g., programmed) to perform any embodiment of the method or which includes a buffer memory which stores at least one frame of an audio bitstream generated in accordance with any embodiment of the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Grant, Scott Gregory Norcross, Jeffrey Riedmiller, Michael Ward
  • Systems, Methods, and Apparatuses For Optical Systems In Flow Cytometers
    Publication number: 20180067037
    Abstract: The present set of embodiments relate to a system, method, and apparatus for an optical configuration in a flow cytometer that allows for independent adjustment of focusing for each light source. Such systems, methods, and apparatuses require a final focusing element to be moved near the beginning of the optical train and for each optical element coming after the final focusing element to be configured to accommodate converging light beams while minimizing the introduction of aberrations into those beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Gregory KADUCHAK, Wesley SMITH, Michael WARD
  • APPARATUSES, SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIA FOR ACOUSTIC FLOW CYTOMETRY
    Publication number: 20180067044
    Abstract: A flow cytometer includes a capillary having a sample channel; at least one vibration producing transducer coupled to the capillary, the at least one vibration producing transducer being configured to produce an acoustic signal inducing acoustic radiation pressure within the sample channel to acoustically concentrate particles flowing within a fluid sample stream in the sample channel; and an interrogation source having a violet laser and a blue laser, the violet and blue lasers being configured to interact with at least some of the acoustically concentrated particles to produce an output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Gregory KADUCHAK, Michael WARD, Jolene BRADFORD, Andrew PARKER
  • Audio encoder and decoder with program loudness and boundary metadata
    Patent number: 9911426
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for generating an encoded audio bitstream, including by including program loudness metadata and audio data in the bitstream, and optionally also program boundary metadata in at least one segment (e.g., frame) of the bitstream. Other aspects are apparatus and methods for decoding such a bitstream, e.g., including by performing adaptive loudness processing of the audio data of an audio program indicated by the bitstream, or authentication and/or validation of metadata and/or audio data of such an audio program. Another aspect is an audio processing unit (e.g., an encoder, decoder, or post-processor) configured (e.g., programmed) to perform any embodiment of the method or which includes a buffer memory which stores at least one frame of an audio bitstream generated in accordance with any embodiment of the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Grant, Scott Gregory Norcross, Jeffrey Riedmiller, Michael Ward
  • Decoding of encoded audio bitstream with metadata container located in reserved data space
    Patent number: 9905237
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for generating an encoded audio bitstream, including by including program loudness metadata and audio data in the bitstream, and optionally also program boundary metadata in at least one segment (e.g., frame) of the bitstream. Other aspects are apparatus and methods for decoding such a bitstream, e.g., including by performing adaptive loudness processing of the audio data of an audio program indicated by the bitstream, or authentication and/or validation of metadata and/or audio data of such an audio program. Another aspect is an audio processing unit (e.g., an encoder, decoder, or post-processor) configured (e.g., programmed) to perform any embodiment of the method or which includes a buffer memory which stores at least one frame of an audio bitstream generated in accordance with any embodiment of the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Grant, Scott Gregory Norcross, Jeffrey Riedmiller, Michael Ward
  • HOT WATER HEATER SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING ELECTRONIC MIXING VALVES
    Publication number: 20180052473
    Abstract: Hot water heater systems including electronic mixing valves and methods for controlling such valves are provided. An electronic mixing valve provides a flow of water in a mixed output line. A method includes monitoring an input temperature of cold water supplied to the valve, storing a value of the input temperature, and setting a position limit of the valve based on the stored value, wherein the position limit of the valve is greater than a fully closed position of the valve and less than a fully open position of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Shaun Michael Ward, Paul Goodjohn