Patents by Inventor Robert Ford

Robert 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).

  • Patent number: 12541627
    Abstract: An apparatus for structured part quoting. The apparatus includes a processor and a memory, configured to receive part data from a user and generate a part model and a print for manufacture. The apparatus verifies an alignment datum and determines a machinability datum, and identifies any unmanufacturable features in the part. Based on this information, the apparatus generates a manufacturing quote using a first quoting process and an alternate manufacturing quote using a second quoting process, taking into consideration the machinability datum and the identification of any unmanufacturable features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2026
    Assignee: PROTOLABS, INC.
    Inventors: Austin Perry, Joshua Knutson, Robert Ford, Samuel Bosak, Shuji Usui
  • Patent number: 12282718
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating a manufacturability analysis is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least a processor and a memory communicatively connected to the at least a processor. The memory contains instructions configuring the at least a processor to receive a computer model that is representative of a part for manufacture, wherein the computer model comprises a plurality of model based definitions. The memory instructs the processor to transmit the computer model to a graphics processing unit (GPU). The memory instructs the processor to generate a manufacturability analysis as a function of the plurality of the model based definitions, wherein the manufacturability analysis is generated using the GPU. The memory instructs the processor to generate an adjusted computer model as a function of the manufacturability analysis and the computer model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2025
    Assignee: Proto Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Austin Perry, Joshua Knutson, Robert Ford, Samuel Bosak, Shuji Usui
  • Publication number: 20240411963
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating a manufacturability analysis is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least a processor and a memory communicatively connected to the at least a processor. The memory contains instructions configuring the at least a processor to receive a computer model that is representative of a part for manufacture, wherein the computer model comprises a plurality of model based definitions. The memory instructs the processor to transmit the computer model to a graphics processing unit (GPU). The memory instructs the processor to generate a manufacturability analysis as a function of the plurality of the model based definitions, wherein the manufacturability analysis is generated using the GPU. The memory instructs the processor to generate an adjusted computer model as a function of the manufacturability analysis and the computer model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2023
    Publication date: December 12, 2024
    Applicant: PROTOLABS, INC.
    Inventors: Austin Perry, Joshua Knutson, Robert Ford, Samuel Bosak, Shuji Usui
  • Publication number: 20240411946
    Abstract: An apparatus for structured part quoting. The apparatus includes a processor and a memory, configured to receive part data from a user and generate a part model and a print for manufacture. The apparatus verifies an alignment datum and determines a machinability datum, and identifies any unmanufacturable features in the part. Based on this information, the apparatus generates a manufacturing quote using a first quoting process and an alternate manufacturing quote using a second quoting process, taking into consideration the machinability datum and the identification of any unmanufacturable features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2023
    Publication date: December 12, 2024
    Applicant: PROTOLABS, INC.
    Inventors: Austin Perry, Joshua Knutson, Robert Ford, Samuel Bosak, Shuji Usui
  • Publication number: 20240412264
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for generating a manufacturing quote are provided. Part data for a part to be manufactured is received by a processor, where the part information includes information defining the part or specifying one or more aspects of the part. A model of the part is generated and at least a toolpath to create the part is generated. A manufacturing quote is generated using the model of the part. Feedback regarding part design may be provided and manufacturing of the part may be initiated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2024
    Publication date: December 12, 2024
    Applicant: Proto Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Austin Perry, Joshua Knutson, Robert Ford, Samuel Bosak, Shuji Usui
  • Patent number: 11966955
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for generating a manufacturing quote are provided. Part data for a part to be manufactured is received by a processor, where the part information includes information defining the part or specifying one or more aspects of the part. A model of the part is generated and at least a toolpath to create the part is generated. A manufacturing quote is generated using the model of the part. Feedback regarding part design may be provided and manufacturing of the part may be initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Proto Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Austin Perry, Joshua Knutson, Robert Ford, Samuel Bosak, Shuji Usui
  • Publication number: 20230283835
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for storing content. The content may be divided into user-specific portions and common portions. One or more selection rules may be used to divide the content into the user-specific portion and the common portions. The one or more selection rules may be selected such that the common portion is not decodable without the user-specific portions. The user-specific portions or data indicating a location of the user-specific portion may be stored in user-specific storage. The user-specific storage may be used to determine content for playback to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2023
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventors: Alexander GILADI, Weidong MAO, Robert FORD
  • Patent number: 11706479
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for storing content. The content may be divided into user-specific portions and common portions. One or more selection rules may be used to divide the content into the user-specific portion and the common portions. The one or more selection rules may be selected such that the common portion is not decodable without the user-specific portions. The user-specific portions or data indicating a location of the user-specific portion may be stored in user-specific storage. The user-specific storage may be used to determine content for playback to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Comcast Cable Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Giladi, Weidong Mao, Robert Ford
  • Publication number: 20210195279
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for storing content. The content may be divided into user-specific portions and common portions. One or more selection rules may be used to divide the content into the user-specific portion and the common portions. The one or more selection rules may be selected such that the common portion is not decodable without the user-specific portions. The user-specific portions or data indicating a location of the user-specific portion may be stored in user-specific storage. The user-specific storage may be used to determine content for playback to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Alexander Giladi, Weidong Mao, Robert Ford
  • Patent number: 10759640
    Abstract: A platform twist mitigation apparatus operable to extend jacks into engagement with a surface disposed below a platform carrying the jacks, and to alternately extend and retract the jacks to change platform attitude relative to the surface. Tilt sensors are supported at spaced locations on the platform. An electronic control module is programmed to detect a platform twist condition in response to angle data received from the tilt sensors and to mitigate the platform twist condition by operating or modifying the operation of the jacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Lippert Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Collin, Robert Ford, John Manfreda
  • Publication number: 20180343468
    Abstract: Methods and systems for encoding content are described. An encoder may receive content of a content asset e.g., content media, content distribution, content channel, online channel, show, media, etc.). The encoder may determine an attribute of the content, such as a content type. The encoder may transmit the attribute or other information to a remote device. The remote device may select an encoding profile for encoding of the content. The encoding profile may be selected based on attribute or other information. The encoder may encode the content based on the encoding profile. The encoding profile may be updated based on analysis of the encoded content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Harrell, Allen Broome, Jason Burgess, Robert Ford
  • Publication number: 20180127249
    Abstract: A platform twist mitigation apparatus operable to extend jacks into engagement with a surface disposed below a platform carrying the jacks, and to alternately extend and retract the jacks to change platform attitude relative to the surface. Tilt sensors are supported at spaced locations on the platform. An electronic control module is programmed to detect a platform twist condition in response to angle data received from the tilt sensors and to mitigate the platform twist condition by operating or modifying the operation of the jacks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Matthew A. Collin, Robert Ford, John Manfreda
  • Patent number: 9884410
    Abstract: A supplement support system sleeve. Descriptive of the tool part know as a Universal Joint that improves managing the flex when adapting parts are heavier than the resistance of the flex of the Universal Joint. Staying on the smooth surfaces with a directional system design to flex that includes a flex Stop with a per determined adjustment location within the tool part design. Offering limited resistance to the movement to no reduction to the tool part design values or intended use other then increasing the size when installed. Made from flexible material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Inventor: Robert Ford
  • Patent number: 9454897
    Abstract: An RV wireless remote control system comprising an HMI including a GUI coupled to an HMI RF transceiver and an HMI dock connector. The HMI RF transceiver receives RV device status signals over an RF fieldbus and the HMI dock connector receives RV device status signals over an RV localbus. The HMI generates control signals in response to the status signals and/or operator input signals. The HMI transmits the control signals to the RV devices over the RF fieldbus via the HMI RF transceiver or over the RV localbus via the HMI dock connector when the HMI dock connector is connected to the RV localbus. The HMI is configured for real time distributive control of the RV devices such that the RV localbus and the RF fieldbus operate in both directions enabling closed-loop control between the HMI and the RV devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Innovative Design Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: David Cattermole, Matt Collin, Robert Ford, John P. Manfreda, Mark Woloszyk
  • Publication number: 20140210593
    Abstract: An RV wireless remote control system comprising an HMI including a GUI coupled to an HMI RF transceiver and an HMI dock connector. The HMI RF transceiver receives RV device status signals over an RF fieldbus and the HMI dock connector receives RV device status signals over an RV localbus. The HMI generates control signals in response to the status signals and/or operator input signals. The HMI transmits the control signals to the RV devices over the RF fieldbus via the HMI RF transceiver or over the RV localbus via the HMI dock connector when the HMI dock connector is connected to the RV localbus. The HMI is configured for real time distributive control of the RV devices such that the RV localbus and the RF fieldbus operate in both directions enabling closed-loop control between the HMI and the RV devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: David Cattermole, Matt Colliln, Robert Ford, John P. Manfreda, Mark Woloszyk
  • Publication number: 20120323107
    Abstract: Systems and methods for assessment of the reduction of tophus burden with effective urate-lowering therapy were developed. The first application of computer-assisted methods for accessing tophus response included standardized digital photography, computer assisted measurement and analysis of tophi by an independent reader and blinded central reader paradigm. The ability of the method for computer-assisted analysis of digital photographs to quantify reduction in tophus size demonstrates its feasibility as a urate-lowering therapy monitoring tool in the treatment of tophaceous gout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicants: Corelab Partners, Inc., Savient Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Allan Maroli, Michelle Alton, Royce W. Waltrip, Claudia Rehrig, Bill Huang, Zebulun Horowitz, Robert Ford
  • Patent number: 8215673
    Abstract: A controller commands a jack drive to extend and retract a jack leg relative to a jack base along a stroke having retraction and extension limits. The controller updates a perceived present leg position value in response to position change signals from a position change sensor. The controller occasionally applies compensation factors to the perceived present leg position value in the extension direction. The controller resets the perceived present leg position value whenever the jack leg reaches the retraction limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Innovative Design Solutions
    Inventors: Robert Ford, Shawn Haley, Mark Woloszyk, John Manfreda
  • Patent number: 8028973
    Abstract: An electric actuator motor drives an actuator leg between inner and outer limits of an actuator stroke relative to an actuator base. A controller detects when the actuator leg is at one of the inner and outer stroke limits by monitoring and comparing actuator motor power draw to known actuator motor power draw values associated with the operation of an electric actuator when its leg has reached an actuator leg stroke limit. A position sensor senses changes in the position of a monitored actuator component and provides corresponding signals to the controller. The controller calculates the position of the monitored actuator component relative to the position that the monitored actuator component was in when the actuator leg was in a predetermined home position. The controller recognizes and records the concurrent position of the monitored actuator component as indicating that the actuator leg is in the home position whenever the leg reaches a stroke limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Innovative Design Solutions
    Inventors: Robert Ford, Shawn Haley, Mark Woloszyk, John Manfreda
  • Publication number: 20090189558
    Abstract: An electric actuator motor drives an actuator leg between inner and outer limits of an actuator stroke relative to an actuator base. A controller detects when the actuator leg is at one of the inner and outer stroke limits by monitoring and comparing actuator motor power draw to known actuator motor power draw values associated with the operation of an electric actuator when its leg has reached an actuator leg stroke limit. A position sensor senses changes in the position of a monitored actuator component and provides corresponding signals to the controller. The controller calculates the position of the monitored actuator component relative to the position that the monitored actuator component was in when the actuator leg was in a predetermined home position. The controller recognizes and records the concurrent position of the monitored actuator component as indicating that the actuator leg is in the home position whenever the leg reaches a stroke limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: Innovative Design Solutions
    Inventors: Robert Ford, Shawn Haley, Mark Woloszyk, John Manfreda
  • Publication number: 20090189134
    Abstract: A controller commands a jack drive to extend and retract a jack leg relative to a jack base along a stroke having retraction and extension limits. The controller updates a perceived present leg position value in response to position change signals from a position change sensor. The controller occasionally applies compensation factors to the perceived present leg position value in the extension direction. The controller resets the perceived present leg position value whenever the jack leg reaches the retraction limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: Innovative Design Solutions
    Inventors: Robert Ford, Shawn Haley, Mark Woloszyk, John Manfreda