Patents by Inventor Shawn M. Browning

Shawn M. Browning 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: 10604498
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for purifying a 5-(halomethyl)furfural composition, including 5-(chloromethyl)furfural, at operating conditions that decrease or minimize the decomposition or degradation of 5-(chloromethyl)furfural during the process. The methods may employ certain solvents, operating conditions, and/or techniques (e.g., gas stripping). The gaseous 5-(halomethyl)furfural produced from the process can be condensed or deposited to yield 5-(halomethyl)furfural in liquid or solid form. The solid 5-(halomethyl)furfural may be amorphous or crystalline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: MICROMIDAS, INC.
    Inventors: Alex B. Wood, Shawn M. Browning, Makoto N. Masuno, Ryan L. Smith, John Bissell, II
  • Patent number: 10414742
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods of producing dialkylfurans, such as 2,5-dimethylfuran, and other alkyl furans, such as 2-methylfuran. For example, 2,5-dimethylfuran may be produced by reducing (5-methylfuran-2-yl)methanol or 2-(chloromethyl)-5-methylfuran.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: MICROMIDAS, INC.
    Inventors: Dennis A. Hucul, Dimitri A. Hirsch-Weil, Makoto Nathanael Masuno, John Albert Bissell, II, Alex B. Wood, Robert Joseph Araiza, Daniel R. Henton, Shawn M. Browning, Ryan L. Smith
  • Patent number: 10053441
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for purifying a 5-(halomethyl)furfural composition, including 5-(chloromethyl)furfural, at operating conditions that decrease or minimize the decomposition or degradation of 5-(chloromethyl)furfural during the process. The methods may employ certain solvents, operating conditions, and/or techniques (e.g., gas stripping). The gaseous 5-(halomethyl)furfural produced from the process can be condensed or deposited to yield 5-(halomethyl)furfural in liquid or solid form. The solid 5-(halomethyl)furfural may be amorphous or crystalline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: MICROMIDAS, INC.
    Inventors: Alex B. Wood, Shawn M. Browning, Makoto N. Masuno, Ryan L. Smith, John Bissell, II
  • Patent number: 9840486
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods of producing dialkylfurans, such as 2,5-dimethylfuran, and other alkyl furans, such as 2-methylfuran. For example, 2,5-dimethylfuran may be produced by hydrogenation of (5-methylfuran-2-yl) methanol or 2-(chloromethyl)-5-methylfuran in the presence of a solid supported metal catalyst having an excess of either basic or acidic sites (as determined by chemisorption of CO2 or NH3). The process could further include a urea reagent (TMU, DMPU, TMI) and an alkyl benzene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Micromidas, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis A. Hucul, Dimitri A. Hirsch-Weil, Makoto Nathanael Masuno, John Albert Bissell, II, Alex B. Wood, Robert Joseph Araiza, Daniel R. Henton, Shawn M. Browning, Ryan L. Smith
  • Patent number: 9718798
    Abstract: Provided are solid forms of 5-(halomethyl)furfural, including a crystalline form of 5-(chloromethyl)furfural. Provided are also methods for preparing solid forms of 5-(halomethyl)furfural by crystallization using certain solvents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: MICROMIDAS, INC.
    Inventors: Shawn M. Browning, Makoto N. Masuno, John Bissell, II, Benjamin F. Nicholson
  • Patent number: 9586922
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for purifying a 5-(halomethyl)furfural composition, including 5-(chloromethyl)furfural, at operating conditions that decrease or minimize the decomposition or degradation of 5-(chloromethyl)furfural during the process. The methods may employ certain solvents, operating conditions, and/or techniques (e.g., gas stripping). The gaseous 5-(halomethyl)furfural produced from the process can be condensed or deposited to yield 5-(halomethyl)furfural in liquid or solid form. The solid 5-(halomethyl)furfural may be amorphous or crystalline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: MICROMIDAS, INC.
    Inventors: Alex B. Wood, Shawn M. Browning, Makoto N. Masuno, Ryan L. Smith, John Bissell, II
  • Publication number: 20160358030
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments for performing server-assisted object recognition and tracking are disclosed herein. For example, in certain embodiments of the disclosed technology, one or more objects are efficiently recognized and tracked on a mobile device by using a remote server that can provide high capacity computing and storage resources. With the benefit of high-speed image processing on a remote server and high-bandwidth communication networks connecting the mobile device and the remote server, it is possible to identify an object and to track changes in the object's characteristics or location, so that a user experiences seamless, real-time tracking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Pengelly, Stephen Cosman, Shawn M. Brown
  • Patent number: 9424255
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments for performing server-assisted object recognition and tracking are disclosed herein. For example, in certain embodiments of the disclosed technology, one or more objects are efficiently recognized and tracked on a mobile device by using a remote server that can provide high capacity computing and storage resources. With the benefit of high-speed image processing on a remote server and high-bandwidth communication networks connecting the mobile device and the remote server, it is possible to identify an object and to track changes in the object's characteristics or location, so that a user experiences seamless, real-time tracking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Pengelly, Stephen Cosman, Shawn M. Brown
  • Patent number: 9388151
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods to produce 5-(halomethyl)furfural, including 5-(chloromethyl)furfural, by acid-catalyzed conversion of biomass. The methods make use of certain organic solvents with temperature-dependent solubility for 5-(halomethyl)furfural. This allows for temperature-dependent phase separation of the 5-(halomethyl)furfural from the reaction mixture. In certain embodiments, solid 5-(halomethyl)furfural may be obtained. The solid 5-(halomethyl)furfural obtained may be amorphous or crystalline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Micromidas, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn M. Browning, John Bissell, II, Ryan L. Smith, Makoto N. Masuno, Benjamin F. Nicholson, Alex B. Wood
  • Publication number: 20150266843
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods to produce 5-(halomethyl)furfural, including 5-(chloromethyl)furfural, by acid-catalyzed conversion of biomass. The methods make use of certain organic solvents with temperature-dependent solubility for 5-(halomethyl)furfural. This allows for temperature-dependent phase separation of the 5-(halomethyl)furfural from the reaction mixture. In certain embodiments, solid 5-(halomethyl)furfural may be obtained. The solid 5-(halomethyl)furfural obtained may be amorphous or crystalline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Applicant: MICROMIDAS, INC.
    Inventors: Shawn M. Browning, John Bissell, II, Ryan L. Smith, Makoto N. Masuno, Benjamin F. Nicholson, Alex B. Wood
  • Patent number: 8983227
    Abstract: Techniques and tools are described for performing perspective correction using a reflection. Reflective properties of a surface being photographed can be used to determine a rotation of the device taking the photograph relative to the surface. Light sourced or produced by the device can be used to create a reflection spot in the picture. A position of the reflection spot within the picture is calculated and used to determine the rotation. The rotation can be used for performing perspective correction on the picture, or on another picture taken by the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Suhel Sheikh, Shawn M. Brown, Stephen Cosman, Robert Pengelly
  • Publication number: 20140354831
    Abstract: Techniques and tools are described for performing perspective correction using a reflection. Reflective properties of a surface being photographed can be used to determine a rotation of the device taking the photograph relative to the surface. Light sourced or produced by the device can be used to create a reflection spot in the picture. A position of the reflection spot within the picture is calculated and used to determine the rotation. The rotation can be used for performing perspective correction on the picture, or on another picture taken by the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Suhel Sheikh, Shawn M. Brown, Stephen Cosman, Robert Pengelly
  • Patent number: 8804029
    Abstract: Example apparatus and methods concern controlling a variable flash to improve image detection. One example apparatus includes a digital camera and a variable flash configured to be controllable to operate at different selected illumination levels. The apparatus may be configured to identify a current imaging condition associated with the digital camera and to then determine a lux setting for the variable flash as a function of the current imaging condition. The flash may then be controlled as a function of the lux setting for subsequent image acquisition. The acquisition, analysis, and flash control may be exercised until a desired illumination is achieved. In one embodiment, determining the current imaging condition may include analyzing a frame acquired from the digital camera for attributes including image brightness, and edge detectability. In one embodiment, input from a light sensor may also be considered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventors: Shawn M. Brown, John A. Yovin
  • Patent number: 8774556
    Abstract: Techniques and tools are described for performing perspective correction using a reflection. Reflective properties of a surface being photographed can be used to determine a rotation of the device taking the photograph relative to the surface. Light sourced or produced by the device can be used to create a reflection spot in the picture. A position of the reflection spot within the picture is calculated and used to determine the rotation. The rotation can be used for performing perspective correction on the picture, or on another picture taken by the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Suhel Sheikh, Shawn M. Brown, Stephen Cosman, Robert Pengelly
  • Patent number: 8750677
    Abstract: Transfer of media playback from a first device to a second device is based on a media entry point identifier. For example, a movie playing on a source device such as a movie theater screen may be quickly and easily transferred to a user's handheld device for playback on the handheld device or vice versa. Playback of the transferred media begins at or near a point within the transferred media at which the user requested media playback transfer. In one embodiment, media playback transfer relies on information captured from the source device, such as a video frame, a media progress bar, or a visual code. In another embodiment, the user device is associated with a user account that is different from the user account associated with the source device or the source device simply is not associated with a user account. In another embodiment, transfer of the media playback involves applying to the user device the settings of the source device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Shawn M. Brown, Robert Pengelly
  • Publication number: 20130342757
    Abstract: Example apparatus and methods concern controlling a variable flash to improve image detection. One example apparatus includes a digital camera and a variable flash configured to be controllable to operate at different selected illumination levels. The apparatus may be configured to identify a current imaging condition associated with the digital camera and to then determine a lux setting for the variable flash as a function of the current imaging condition. The flash may then be controlled as a function of the lux setting for subsequent image acquisition. The acquisition, analysis, and flash control may be exercised until a desired illumination is achieved. In one embodiment, determining the current imaging condition may include analyzing a frame acquired from the digital camera for attributes including image brightness, and edge detectability. In one embodiment, input from a light sensor may also be considered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shawn M. Brown, John A. Yovin
  • Publication number: 20130137482
    Abstract: Techniques and tools are described for performing perspective correction using a reflection. Reflective properties of a surface being photographed can be used to determine a rotation of the device taking the photograph relative to the surface. Light sourced or produced by the device can be used to create a reflection spot in the picture. A position of the reflection spot within the picture is calculated and used to determine the rotation. The rotation can be used for performing perspective correction on the picture, or on another picture taken by the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Suhel Sheikh, Shawn M. Brown, Stephen Cosman, Robert Pengelly
  • Publication number: 20130114849
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments for performing server-assisted object recognition and tracking are disclosed herein. For example, in certain embodiments of the disclosed technology, one or more objects are efficiently recognized and tracked on a mobile device by using a remote server that can provide high capacity computing and storage resources. With the benefit of high-speed image processing on a remote server and high-bandwidth communication networks connecting the mobile device and the remote server, it is possible to identify an object and to track changes in the object's characteristics or location, so that a user experiences seamless, real-time tracking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Pengelly, Stephen Cosman, Shawn M. Brown
  • Publication number: 20130117464
    Abstract: Personalized media filtering for a mobile electronic device can be implemented. By supporting receipt of personal media filter criteria, flexible personalization options can be implemented. Personalized media filtering can allow for interactively receiving personal media filter criteria and applying the filter criteria to the media content during the media presentation. One possible blocking response is to block portions of the content. Other possible responses include switching between broadcast stations or playlists. A prevalence metric can indicate how often a particular content item, such as a word, has been filtered from the media content. When the prevalence metric exceeds a threshold, the technology can automatically respond in a variety of ways, such as by blocking a source of the presented media content from future presentation. Interactively establishing personalized filter criteria can be implemented during ongoing presentation, for immediate use in filtering during the presentation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Shawn M. Brown, Jason Deakins, Robert Pengelly
  • Publication number: 20130051755
    Abstract: Transfer of media playback from a first device to a second device is based on a media entry point identifier. For example, a movie playing on a source device such as a movie theater screen may be quickly and easily transferred to a user's handheld device for playback on the handheld device or vice versa. Playback of the transferred media begins at or near a point within the transferred media at which the user requested media playback transfer. In one embodiment, media playback transfer relies on information captured from the source device, such as a video frame, a media progress bar, or a visual code. In another embodiment, the user device is associated with a user account that is different from the user account associated with the source device or the source device simply is not associated with a user account. In another embodiment, transfer of the media playback involves applying to the user device the settings of the source device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Shawn M. Brown, Robert Pengelly