Patents by Inventor Spencer A Roberts

Spencer A Roberts 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).

  • Publication number: 20240094445
    Abstract: A liquid lens with flexible transparent active layers on both sides of a fluid is transformed along two distinct deformation axes. The flexible transparent active layers include piezoelectric materials that actuate the lens in response to applied voltage(s). The piezoelectric properties and actuation mechanism of the transparent layers are arranged to deform the lens cylindrically along different axes resulting in a net spherical deformation or a combination of spherical and cylindrical deformation with substantially less distortion than spherically deforming layers. The piezoelectric active layers may be polymer or ceramic with isotropic or anisotropic mechanical stiffness. Alternatively, a pair of transparent, internal layers are positioned between the front and rear surfaces. The active layers, front and/or rear, are dual layers affixed together with an adhesive or single layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2022
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Applicant: Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Nagi ELABBASI, Christopher Yuan Ting LIAO, Jonathan Robert PETERSON, Sheng YE, Eugene CHO, Spencer Allan WELLS, Andrew John OUDERKIRK, Emma MULLEN
  • Patent number: 11932387
    Abstract: A tailsitter aircraft includes an airframe, a thrust array attached to the airframe and a flight control system. The thrust array includes propulsion assemblies configured to transition the airframe from a forward flight orientation to a VTOL orientation at a conversion rate for an approach to a target ground location in a forward flight-to-VTOL transition phase. The flight control system implements an adaptive transition system including a transition parameter monitoring module configured to monitor parameters including a ground speed and a distance to the target ground location. The adaptive transition system includes a transition adjustment determination module configured to adjust the conversion rate of the airframe from the forward flight orientation to the VTOL orientation based on the ground speed and the distance to the target ground location such that the airframe is vertically aligned with the target ground location in the VTOL orientation of the forward flight-to-VTOL transition phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: John Robert Wittmaak, Jr., Russell C. Peters, William Alexander Dean, Spencer Hancock
  • Publication number: 20240034197
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly is provided that includes a pivot bracket coupled to a vehicle floor and disposed at a front of a seat frame, a gear assembly and a locking disk assembly disposed around an axis of rotation defined by the pivot bracket, wherein the gear assembly and the locking disk assembly are configured to each alternatively move the seating assembly from a sitting position to a standing position, and a track assembly disposed on the vehicle floor and between opposing side brackets of a seat frame. The track assembly includes a cam assembly movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The vehicle seating assembly further includes a crank assembly extending between the pivot bracket and the cam assembly and configured to move the cam assembly from the locked position to the unlocked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Macit Aktas, Johnathan Andrew Line, Joseph Michael Kish, Spencer Robert Hoernke, Jung Jeon
  • Patent number: 11807137
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly is provided that includes a pivot bracket coupled to a vehicle floor and disposed at a front of a seat frame, a gear assembly and a locking disk assembly disposed around an axis of rotation defined by the pivot bracket, wherein the gear assembly and the locking disk assembly are configured to each alternatively move the seating assembly from a sitting position to a standing position, and a track assembly disposed on the vehicle floor and between opposing side brackets of a seat frame. The track assembly includes a cam assembly movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The vehicle seating assembly further includes a crank assembly extending between the pivot bracket and the cam assembly and configured to move the cam assembly from the locked position to the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Macit Aktas, Johnathan Andrew Line, Joseph Michael Kish, Spencer Robert Hoernke, Jung Jeon
  • Patent number: 11705872
    Abstract: Embodiments of RF amplifiers and packaged RF amplifier devices each include an amplification path with a transistor die, and an output-side impedance matching circuit having a T-match circuit topology. The output-side impedance matching circuit includes a first inductive element (e.g., first wirebonds) connected between the transistor output terminal and a quasi RF cold point node, a second inductive element (e.g., second wirebonds) connected between the quasi RF cold point node and an output of the amplification path, and a first capacitance connected between the quasi RF cold point node and a ground reference node. The RF amplifiers and devices also include a baseband termination circuit connected to the quasi RF cold point node, which includes an envelope resistor, an envelope inductor, and an envelope capacitor coupled in series between the quasi RF cold point node and the ground reference node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: NXP USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Spencer Roberts, Ning Zhu, Olivier Lembeye, Damon G. Holmes, Jeffrey Kevin Jones
  • Patent number: 11654811
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat and a lower leg support. The seat includes a first end and a second end. The first and second ends are opposite to one another. The lower leg support is coupled to the seat at the second end and is movable relative to the seat between a retracted position and an extended position. A suspension assembly is coupled to the lower leg support. The suspension assembly includes a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion. The first end of the suspension assembly is coupled to a portion of the seat. The second end of the suspension assembly is coupled proximate to a distal end of the lower leg support. A distance between an interior surface of the intermediate portion and an adjacent surface of each of the seat and the lower leg support may vary based on lower leg support position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Jimmy Moua, Deeptej Kudav, S. M. Akbar Berry, Spencer Robert Hoernke, Macit Aktas, Spencer Hoin
  • Publication number: 20230079916
    Abstract: Embodiments of RF amplifiers and packaged RF amplifier devices each include an amplification path with a transistor die, and an output-side impedance matching circuit having a T-match circuit topology. The output-side impedance matching circuit includes a first inductive element connected between the transistor output terminal and a quasi RF cold point node, a second inductive element connected between the quasi RF cold point node and an output of the amplification path, and a first capacitance connected between the quasi RF cold point node and a ground reference node. The RF amplifiers and devices also include a baseband termination circuit connected to the quasi RF cold point node, which includes a third inductive element, a resistor, and a second capacitance in series between the quasi RF cold point node and the ground reference node and a third capacitance between a baseband termination circuit node and the ground reference node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2021
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Inventors: Jeffrey Spencer Roberts, Ning Zhu, Damon G. Holmes
  • Patent number: 11535134
    Abstract: A seating assembly includes a seatback frame movable between a reclined position, an upright position, and a folded position and having opposing sides defining a central space. Each opposing side includes a non-linear front edge and a non-linear rear edge. A pivot assembly includes a first plate pivotally coupled with the seatback frame. The first plate includes a forward stop. A second plate is pivotally coupled with the first plate and is fixedly coupled with a seat base frame. The second plate includes a post configured to selectively contact the forward stop. A panel is configured to be coupled with the seatback frame to cover the central space and form a planar surface along the seatback frame. The panel includes upper retention hooks and side retention hooks configured to be engaged with the seatback frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Robert Charles Shipley, Anna Frances Hardig Hendrickson, Spencer Robert Hoernke, Keith Allen Godin, Macit Aktas
  • Patent number: 11522497
    Abstract: An amplifier includes a package that includes a carrier amplifier having a carrier amplifier input and output, a peaking amplifier having a peaking amplifier input and output, and corresponding input and output leads. The package includes a first integrated passive device including a first capacitor structure. The first integrated passive device includes a first contact pad coupled to the peaking amplifier output and a second contact pad coupled to the peaking output lead. The package includes a second integrated passive device including a second capacitor structure. The second integrated passive device includes a third contact pad coupled to the carrier amplifier output and a fourth contact pad coupled to the carrier output lead. The amplifier includes input circuitry a combining node configured to combine a carrier output signal and a peaking output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: NXP USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Ramanujam Srinidhi Embar, Jeffrey Spencer Roberts
  • Patent number: 11515847
    Abstract: A packaged RF amplifier device includes input and output leads and a transistor die. The transistor die includes a transistor with a drain-source capacitance below 0.1 picofarads per watt. The device also includes a conductive connection between the transistor output terminal and the output lead, and a baseband termination circuit between the transistor output terminal and a ground reference node. The baseband termination circuit presents a low impedance to signal energy at envelope frequencies and a high impedance to signal energy at RF frequencies. The baseband termination circuit includes an inductive element, a resistor, and a capacitor connected in series between the transistor output terminal and the ground reference node. Except for a minimal impedance transformation associated with the conductive connection, the device is unmatched between the transistor output terminal and the output lead by being devoid of impedance matching circuitry between the transistor output terminal and the output lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: NXP USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Damon G. Holmes, Ning Zhu, Jeffrey Spencer Roberts, Jeffrey Kevin Jones
  • Publication number: 20220324353
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly is provided that includes a pivot bracket coupled to a vehicle floor and disposed at a front of a seat frame, a gear assembly and a locking disk assembly disposed around an axis of rotation defined by the pivot bracket, wherein the gear assembly and the locking disk assembly are configured to each alternatively move the seating assembly from a sitting position to a standing position, and a track assembly disposed on the vehicle floor and between opposing side brackets of a seat frame. The track assembly includes a cam assembly movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The vehicle seating assembly further includes a crank assembly extending between the pivot bracket and the cam assembly and configured to move the cam assembly from the locked position to the unlocked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Macit Aktas, Johnathan Andrew Line, Joseph Michael Kish, Spencer Robert Hoernke, Jung Jeon
  • Patent number: 11444586
    Abstract: A radio frequency amplifier includes a transistor, an input impedance matching circuit (e.g., a single-section T-match circuit or a multiple-section bandpass circuit), and a fractional harmonic resonator circuit. The input impedance matching circuit is coupled between an amplification path input and a transistor input terminal. An input of the fractional harmonic resonator circuit is coupled to the amplification path input, and an output of fractional harmonic resonator circuit is coupled to the transistor input terminal. The fractional harmonic resonator circuit is configured to resonate at a resonant frequency that is between a fundamental frequency of operation of the RF amplifier and a second harmonic of the fundamental frequency. According to a further embodiment, the fractional harmonic resonator circuit resonates at a fraction, x, of the fundamental frequency, wherein the fraction is between about 1.25 and about 1.9 (e.g., x?1.5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: NXP USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Spencer Roberts, Ning Zhu, Damon g. Holmes, Jeffrey Kevin Jones
  • Publication number: 20220274518
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat and a lower leg support. The seat includes a first end and a second end. The first and second ends are opposite to one another. The lower leg support is coupled to the seat at the second end and is movable relative to the seat between a retracted position and an extended position. A suspension assembly is coupled to the lower leg support. The suspension assembly includes a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion. The first end of the suspension assembly is coupled to a portion of the seat. The second end of the suspension assembly is coupled proximate to a distal end of the lower leg support. A distance between an interior surface of the intermediate portion and an adjacent surface of each of the seat and the lower leg support may vary based on lower leg support position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2022
    Publication date: September 1, 2022
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Jimmy Moua, Deeptej Kudav, S. M. Akbar Berry, Spencer Robert Hoernke, Macit Aktas, Spencer Hoin
  • Publication number: 20220258650
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly is provided that includes a pivot bracket coupled to a vehicle floor and disposed at a front of a seat frame, a gear assembly and a locking disk assembly disposed around an axis of rotation defined by the pivot bracket, wherein the gear assembly and the locking disk assembly are configured to each alternatively move the seating assembly from a sitting position to a standing position, and a track assembly disposed on the vehicle floor and between opposing side brackets of a seat frame. The track assembly includes a cam assembly movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The vehicle seating assembly further includes a crank assembly extending between the pivot bracket and the cam assembly and configured to move the cam assembly from the locked position to the unlocked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Macit Aktas, Johnathan Andrew Line, Joseph Michael Kish, Spencer Robert Hoernke, Jung Jeon
  • Patent number: 11407332
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly is provided that includes a pivot bracket coupled to a vehicle floor and disposed at a front of a seat frame, a gear assembly and a locking disk assembly disposed around an axis of rotation defined by the pivot bracket, wherein the gear assembly and the locking disk assembly are configured to each alternatively move the seating assembly from a sitting position to a standing position, and a track assembly disposed on the vehicle floor and between opposing side brackets of a seat frame. The track assembly includes a cam assembly movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The vehicle seating assembly further includes a crank assembly extending between the pivot bracket and the cam assembly and configured to move the cam assembly from the locked position to the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Macit Aktas, Johnathan Andrew Line, Joseph Michael Kish, Spencer Robert Hoernke, Jung Jeon
  • Publication number: 20220227275
    Abstract: A seating assembly includes a seatback frame movable between a reclined position, an upright position, and a folded position and having opposing sides defining a central space. Each opposing side includes a non-linear front edge and a non-linear rear edge. A pivot assembly includes a first plate pivotally coupled with the seatback frame. The first plate includes a forward stop. A second plate is pivotally coupled with the first plate and is fixedly coupled with a seat base frame. The second plate includes a post configured to selectively contact the forward stop. A panel is configured to be coupled with the seatback frame to cover the central space and form a planar surface along the seatback frame. The panel includes upper retention hooks and side retention hooks configured to be engaged with the seatback frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2021
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Robert Charles Shipley, Anna Frances Hardig Hendrickson, Spencer Robert Hoernke, Keith Allen Godin, Macit Aktas
  • Patent number: 11377000
    Abstract: A support mechanism for a vehicle seating assembly includes a seat frame moveable between a sitting position and a standing position and a support bracket coupled to a vehicle floor. A linkage assembly extends between the support bracket and the seat frame. The linkage assembly is positionable between a collapsed position if the seat frame is in the sitting position and an extended position if the seat frame is in the standing position and includes a first end rotatably coupled to the support bracket and a second end slidably coupled to the seat frame. A pawl assembly is engageable with the linkage assembly and positionable in an unlocked position if the linkage assembly is in the collapsed position and a locked position if the linkage assembly is in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Macit Aktas, Joseph Michael Kish, Spencer Robert Hoernke, Jason Matthew Koberstein, Anna Hendrickson, David Frederick Lyons
  • Patent number: 11370341
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat and a lower leg support. The seat includes a first end and a second end. The first and second ends are opposite to one another. The lower leg support is coupled to the seat at the second end and is movable relative to the seat between a retracted position and an extended position. A suspension assembly is coupled to the lower leg support. The suspension assembly includes a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion. The first end of the suspension assembly is coupled to a portion of the seat. The second end of the suspension assembly is coupled proximate to a distal end of the lower leg support. A distance between an interior surface of the intermediate portion and an adjacent surface of each of the seat and the lower leg support may vary based on lower leg support position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Jimmy Moua, Deeptej Kudav, S. M. Akbar Berry, Spencer Robert Hoernke, Macit Aktas, Spencer Hoin
  • Patent number: 11364870
    Abstract: A seatback carrier module includes first and second side portions spaced-apart from one another and interconnected by an upper portion. A cradle portion is disposed along the first and second side portions and the upper portion of the seatback carrier module. The cradle portion includes inner and outer edges with a rearwardly extending body portion. A mounting portion is disposed along a portion of the inner edge of the cradle portion. The mounting portion includes inner and outer edges with a body portion disposed therebetween. The mounting portion further includes a rearwardly extending sidewall disposed along the inner edge of the mounting portion. An airbag assembly is received within the cradle portion and has an inverted U-shaped configuration to substantially surround the outer perimeter of the seatback frame. The airbag assembly is an elongate member defining an overhead airbag assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Marcos Silva Kondrad, Johnathan Andrew Line, Alan George Dry, S. M. Akbar Berry, Derek Board, Srinivasan Sundararajan, Spencer Robert Hoernke
  • Publication number: 20220185151
    Abstract: A bench seating assembly for a vehicle includes an outboard seating assembly disposed on a pair of outboard rails slidably coupled to a pair of outboard tracks and an inboard seating assembly disposed on an inboard rail slidably coupled to an inboard track. A release bar assembly is disposed below the outboard seating assembly and the inboard seating assembly, and includes a driver movable between a first position and a second position. A latch mechanism is operably coupled to the driver such that if the driver is in the first position, then the latch mechanism is in a locked position, and if the driver is in the second position, then the latch mechanism is in an unlocked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Ratan Howlader, Spencer Robert Hoernke, Macit Aktas, Joseph Michael Kish