Patents by Inventor Thomas Ferry
Thomas Ferry 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).
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Publication number: 20240224955Abstract: A farming system for use in water-based farming of a product includes a structural frame arranged to define a farming cell. The structural frame includes a first edge member, a second edge member vertically offset from the first edge member, a third edge member extending between the first edge member and the second edge member, and a fourth edge member offset from the third edge member and extending between the first edge member and the second edge member. The first edge member, the second edge member, the third edge member, and the fourth edge member, cooperate to define a first wall perimeter. The farming system also includes a plurality of cable assemblies coupled to the first edge member. Each cable assembly includes a cable having a first end and a second end with the second end fixedly attached to the second edge member. A cable tensioner is coupled to the first edge member and the first end of the cable, and a sensor is coupled to the cable and operable to measure a tension level of the cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2024Publication date: July 11, 2024Inventors: Andrew Robert Eastoe, Thomas Ferry
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Patent number: 11663928Abstract: The embodiments disclose a method including using an on-demand roleplay network with internet connectivity to role playing study materials and real-time role playing sessions, connecting an on-demand roleplay application installed on role playing participant digital devices with the on-demand roleplay network to facilitate role playing partners real-time practice sessions, incorporating an artificial intelligence communicator coach analyzer with the on-demand roleplay network to provide role playing participants with nonverbal communication analysis and coaching, and providing role playing participants with a means to rate live practice sessions including the nonverbal communication skills.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2020Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Inventors: Thomas Ferry, David Shanks, Raymond Jones
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Publication number: 20220130278Abstract: The embodiments disclose a method including using an on-demand roleplay network with internet connectivity to role playing study materials and real-time role playing sessions, connecting an on-demand roleplay application installed on role playing participant digital devices with the on-demand roleplay network to facilitate role playing partners real-time practice sessions, incorporating an artificial intelligence communicator coach analyzer with the on-demand roleplay network to provide role playing participants with nonverbal communication analysis and coaching, and providing role playing participants with a means to rate live practice sessions including the nonverbal communication skills.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2020Publication date: April 28, 2022Inventors: Thomas Ferry, David Shanks, Raymond Jones
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Patent number: 9904690Abstract: A method of determining a geographic area having similar characteristics to a first geographic area associated with a user includes receiving a plurality of inputs related to characteristics of a plurality of geographic areas and constructing a feature vector for each of the geographic areas based on the plurality of inputs. The method also includes receiving a plurality of inputs related to characteristics of the first geographic area and constructing a feature vector for the first geographic area associated with the user. The method further includes receiving an input from the user related to a city of interest, comparing the feature vector for the first geographic area to feature vectors associated with geographic areas located in or adjacent to the city of interest, and ranking the geographic areas located in or adjacent to the city of interest using the comparing step.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2014Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)Inventors: John Robert Thomas Ferries, Barrington R. Young, Michael Patrick Bueche, Jr.
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Patent number: 8732219Abstract: A method of determining a geographic area having similar characteristics to a first geographic area associated with a user includes receiving a plurality of inputs related to characteristics of a plurality of geographic areas and constructing a feature vector for each of the geographic areas based on the plurality of inputs. The method also includes receiving a plurality of inputs related to characteristics of the first geographic area and constructing a feature vector for the first geographic area associated with the user. The method further includes receiving an input from the user related to a city of interest, comparing the feature vector for the first geographic area to feature vectors associated with geographic areas located in or adjacent to the city of interest, and ranking the geographic areas located in or adjacent to the city of interest using the comparing step.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2011Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)Inventors: John Robert Thomas Ferries, Barrington R. Young, Michael Patrick Bueche, Jr.
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Patent number: 8712805Abstract: A method of displaying geohazard information to a user includes providing a computer having a processor and receiving a search query from the user. The method also includes accessing, using the processor, a real estate database, determining, using the processor, a plurality of homes in the real estate database matching the search query, and displaying information related to the plurality of homes to the user. The method further includes accessing, using the processor, a geohazard database, determining, using the processor, one or more geohazards for one or more of the plurality of homes, and displaying information related to the one or more geohazards to the user.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2010Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)Inventors: John Robert Thomas Ferries, John Chandler Hopkins, III
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Patent number: 7362696Abstract: An automatic transfer switch includes; a housing, at least one switch for switching electrical connection from a first external power source to a second external power source, and a first and at least a second timer disposed within the housing, wherein the first and the at least a second timer have a first and at least a second time delay, respectively. The at least one switch being responsive to the first and the at least a second timer, and the at least a second time delay being nested within the first time delay.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2002Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas Ferry, Edward Kassel
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Patent number: 6857558Abstract: A method of forge welding laminates of titanium and titanium alloys includes interleaving first and second pluralities of metal pieces in an enclosure, filling the enclosure with an inert gas, heating the enclosure and the first and second pluralities of metal pieces, and mechanically pressing the enclosure on a first axis with a force sufficient to cause the first and second pluralities of metal pieces to forge-weld together. The first and second pluralities of metal pieces may be metallurgically dissimilar from each other, and may each comprise a percentage of titanium.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2003Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Inventors: Robert Thomas Ferry, III, William Cottrell, Charles Bybee
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Publication number: 20040076148Abstract: An automatic transfer switch includes; a housing, at least one switch for switching electrical connection from a first external power source to a second external power source, and a first and at least a second timer disposed within the housing, wherein the first and the at least a second timer have a first and at least a second time delay, respectively. The at least one switch being responsive to the first and the at least a second timer, and the at least a second time delay being nested within the first time delay.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2002Publication date: April 22, 2004Inventors: Thomas Ferry, Edward Kassel
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Publication number: 20030162050Abstract: A method of forge welding laminates of titanium and titanium alloys includes interleaving first and second pluralities of metal pieces in an enclosure, filling the enclosure with an inert gas, heating the enclosure and the first and second pluralities of metal pieces, and mechanically pressing the enclosure on a first axis with a force sufficient to cause the first and second pluralities of metal pieces to forge-weld together. The first and second pluralities of metal pieces may be metallurgically dissimilar from each other, and may each comprise a percentage of titanium.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2003Publication date: August 28, 2003Inventors: Robert Thomas Ferry, William Cottrell, Charles Bybee
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Patent number: 6052444Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for transferring caller information or tele-communication information to a video device adapted to convert video format signals into a medium of expression. The caller information may include Calling Identity Delivery information. A detecting device detects the presence of a communication present on an incoming tele-communication line; a decoder device decodes the information present on the tele-communication line to produce caller information or tele-communication information related to the communication; and a transfer device causes the caller information or tele-communication information to be converted to the medium of expression by the video device. A frequency band capability conversion apparatus is also disclosed which accepts a composite signal and processes the composite signal so that it falls within the frequency band of a prescribed channel of a receiver.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1998Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Assignee: SBC Technology Resources, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Ferry, Jann Wilson
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Patent number: 5805677Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for transferring caller information or tele-communication information to a video device adapted to convert video format signals into a medium of expression. The caller information may include Calling Identity Delivery information. A detecting device detects the presence of a communication present on an incoming tele-communication line; a decoder device decodes the information present on the tele-communication line to produce caller information or tele-communication information related to the communication; and a transfer device causes the caller information or tele-communication information to be converted to the medium of expression by the video device. A frequency band capability conversion apparatus is also disclosed which accepts a composite signal and processes the composite signal so that it falls within the frequency band of a prescribed channel of a receiver.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1992Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: SBC Technology Resources, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Ferry, Jann Wilson