Patents by Inventor William A. Barker

William A. Barker 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: 20240107957
    Abstract: A smart irrigation system including a mechanized irrigation machine having a main machine controller, a plurality of distributed controllers, and a communications network. The distributed controllers may be located at a plurality of spaced apart locations on the mechanized irrigation machine. The communications network may communicably couple the plurality of distributed controllers, the main machine controller, and local or remote cloud storage. Furthermore, the main machine controller and the plurality of distributed controllers may retrieve or store information from the local or remote cloud storage for maintenance, firmware updates, or troubleshooting of the mechanized irrigation machine. The distributed controllers may perform the following functions: individual tower motor control, span joint control, corner arm control, GPS guidance or positioning of one or more actuatable features of the smart irrigation system, and/or valve control of individual sprinklers for variable rate irrigation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2022
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventors: Mark William Miller, Luke Joseph Barker
  • Patent number: 11918748
    Abstract: A respiratory assistance apparatus has a gases inlet configured to receive a supply of gases, a blower unit configured to generate a pressurised gases stream from the supply of gases; a humidification unit configured to heat and humidify the pressurised gases stream; and a gases outlet for the heated and humidified gases stream. A flow path for the gases stream extends through the respiratory device from the gases inlet through the blower unit and humidification unit to the gases outlet. A sensor assembly is provided in the flow path before the humidification unit. The sensor assembly has an ultrasound gas composition sensor system for sensing one or more gas concentrations within the gases stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Dean Antony Barker, Mikael Douglas Stewart, Peter Geoffrey Hawkins, Kevin Peter O'Donnell, Russel William Burgess
  • Publication number: 20240071060
    Abstract: Example aspects of the present disclosure relate to an example computer-implemented method for data annotation for training machine perception models. The example method can include (a) receiving source sensor data descriptive of an object, the source sensor data having a source reference frame of at least three dimensions, wherein the source sensor data includes annotated data associated with the object; (b) receiving target sensor data descriptive of the object, the target sensor data having a target reference frame of at least two dimensions; (c) providing an input to a machine-learned boundary recognition model, wherein the input includes the target sensor data and a projection of the source sensor data into the target reference frame; and (d) determining, using the machine-learned boundary recognition model, a bounded portion of the target sensor data, wherein the bounded portion indicates a subset of the target sensor data descriptive of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Jeffrey William Barker, Brendan Meeder
  • Publication number: 20240017321
    Abstract: A cooling pad for a belt casting system includes a first nozzle arrangement and a second nozzle arrangement. In some embodiments, the first nozzle arrangement includes an elongated nozzle assembly that includes a base defining a receiving area, a first insert positionable within the receiving area, and a second insert positionable within the receiving area. The first insert and the base together define a first elongated dispensing slot. The second insert is adjustable relative to the first insert, and the second insert and the base together define a second elongated dispensing slot. In various embodiments, the second nozzle arrangement includes a plurality of multi-position nozzles, each movable between a base position and an offset position such that the heat transfer rate may be locally controlled across the cooling cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2022
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Applicant: Novelis Inc.
    Inventors: Heinz BECKER, Edward S. LUCE, Kevin M. GATENBY, Dennis P. CHADWICK, Simon William BARKER
  • Publication number: 20240001437
    Abstract: Described are processes for continuously casting aluminum alloys, wherein the alloys comprise or are modified to comprise Mg. The processes involve adding Ca to the molten aluminum alloy prior to casting in order to decrease surface defects and exudates in the cast aluminum alloys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2022
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Applicant: NOVELIS INC.
    Inventors: Robert Bruce Wagstaff, Samuel Robert Wagstaff, Kumar Sundaram, Carlos R. Morais, Simon William Barker
  • Patent number: 11746400
    Abstract: Provided herein are ultra-high strength aluminum alloys and products prepared therefrom, along with methods of processing the ultra-high strength aluminum alloys. The aluminum alloys described herein are high solute alloys, including significant amounts of zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), and other elements in addition to aluminum. The aluminum alloys described herein are amenable to post-aging processing without cracking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Novelis Inc.
    Inventors: Sazol Kumar Das, Rajeev G. Kamat, Samuel Robert Wagstaff, Simon William Barker, Rajasekhar Talla, Tudor Piroteala
  • Publication number: 20230226598
    Abstract: A continuous casting and rolling line for casting, rolling, and otherwise preparing metal strip can produce distributable metal strip without requiring cold rolling or the use of a solution heat treatment line. A metal strip can be continuously cast from a continuous casting device and coiled into a metal coil, optionally after being subjected to post-casting quenching. This intermediate coil can be stored until ready for hot rolling. The as-cast metal strip can undergo reheating prior to hot rolling, either during coil storage or immediately prior to hot rolling. The heated metal strip can be cooled to a rolling temperature and hot rolled through one or more roll stands. The rolled metal strip can optionally be reheated and quenched prior to coiling for delivery. This final coiled metal strip can be of the desired gauge and have the desired physical characteristics for distribution to a manufacturing facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2023
    Publication date: July 20, 2023
    Applicant: NOVELIS INC.
    Inventors: MILAN FELBERBAUM, SAZOL KUMAR DAS, AURELE MARIAUX, DUANE E. BENDZINSKI, CYRILLE BEZENCON, SIMON WILLIAM BARKER, CORRADO BASSI, RAJEEV G. KAMAT, TUDOR PIROTEALA, RAJASEKHAR TALLA, ROBERT BRUCE WAGSTAFF
  • Patent number: 11590565
    Abstract: A continuous casting and rolling line for casting, rolling, and otherwise preparing metal strip can produce distributable metal strip without requiring cold rolling or the use of a solution heat treatment line. A metal strip can be continuously cast from a continuous casting device and coiled into a metal coil, optionally after being subjected to post-casting quenching. This intermediate coil can be stored until ready for hot rolling. The as-cast metal strip can undergo reheating prior to hot rolling, either during coil storage or immediately prior to hot rolling. The heated metal strip can be cooled to a rolling temperature and hot rolled through one or more roll stands. The rolled metal strip can optionally be reheated and quenched prior to coiling for delivery. This final coiled metal strip can be of the desired gauge and have the desired physical characteristics for distribution to a manufacturing facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Novelis Inc.
    Inventors: Milan Felberbaum, Sazol Kumar Das, Aurele Mariaux, Duane E. Bendzinski, Cyrille Bezencon, Simon William Barker, Corrado Bassi, Rajeev G. Kamat, Tudor Piroteala, Rajasekhar Talla, Robert Bruce Wagstaff
  • Patent number: 11417214
    Abstract: A controller for a first vehicle is configured to, when a security system of the first vehicle is activated, transmit a vehicle-to-vehicle signal to a second vehicle, the signal comprising instructions that, when executed by a controller of the second vehicle, cause the controller of the second vehicle to activate a security system of the second vehicle. A method includes determining whether a security system of a first vehicle is activated and, if it is determined that the security system is activated, transmitting a vehicle-to-vehicle signal to a second vehicle, the signal comprising instructions that, when executed by a controller of the second vehicle, cause the controller of the second vehicle to activate a security system of the second vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James Nicholas Murray, Benjamin Moffatt, William Barker, Gemma Lord
  • Patent number: 11180838
    Abstract: Provided herein are high performance aluminum alloy products having desirable mechanical properties and methods of making the same. The high performance aluminum alloy products described herein contain a high content of recycled material and are prepared by casting an aluminum alloy to form a cast aluminum alloy product and processing the cast aluminum alloy product. The method of processing the cast aluminum alloy product can include two hot rolling steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: NOVELIS INC.
    Inventors: Milan Felberbaum, Sazol Kumar Das, Simon William Barker, Tudor Piroteala, Duane E. Bendzinski
  • Publication number: 20210129793
    Abstract: A controller for a first vehicle is configured to, when a security system of the first vehicle is activated, transmit a vehicle-to-vehicle signal to a second vehicle, the signal comprising instructions that, when executed by a controller of the second vehicle, cause the controller of the second vehicle to activate a security system of the second vehicle. A method includes determining whether a security system of a first vehicle is activated and, if it is determined that the security system is activated, transmitting a vehicle-to-vehicle signal to a second vehicle, the signal comprising instructions that, when executed by a controller of the second vehicle, cause the controller of the second vehicle to activate a security system of the second vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2020
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: James Nicholas Murray, Benjamin Moffatt, William Barker, Gemma Lord
  • Patent number: 10975461
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for casting high-strength and highly formable metal products from recycled metal scrap without the addition of substantial or any amounts of primary aluminum. Additional alloying elements, such as magnesium, can be added to metal scrap, which can be cast and processed to produce a desirable metal coil at final gauge having desirable metallurgical and mechanical properties, such as high strength and formability. Thus, inexpensive and recycled metal scrap can be efficiently repurposed for new applications, such as automotive applications and beverage can stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Novelis Inc.
    Inventors: Sazol Kumar Das, Simon William Barker, Milan Felberbaum, Rajeev G. Kamat, Duane E. Bendzinski, Robert Bruce Wagstaff, Samuel R. Wagstaff
  • Publication number: 20210046540
    Abstract: A continuous casting and rolling line for casting, rolling, and otherwise preparing metal strip can produce distributable metal strip without requiring cold rolling or the use of a solution heat treatment line. A metal strip can be continuously cast from a continuous casting device and coiled into a metal coil, optionally after being subjected to post-casting quenching. This intermediate coil can be stored until ready for hot rolling. The as-cast metal strip can undergo reheating prior to hot rolling, either during coil storage or immediately prior to hot rolling. The heated metal strip can be cooled to a rolling temperature and hot rolled through one or more roll stands. The rolled metal strip can optionally be reheated and quenched prior to coiling for delivery. This final coiled metal strip can be of the desired gauge and have the desired physical characteristics for distribution to a manufacturing facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Applicant: NOVELIS INC.
    Inventors: MILAN FELBERBAUM, SAZOL KUMAR DAS, AURELE MARIAUX, DUANE E. BENDZINSKI, CYRILLE BEZENCON, SIMON WILLIAM BARKER, CORRADO BASSI, RAJEEV G. KAMAT, TUDOR PIROTEALA, RAJASEKHAR TALLA, ROBERT BRUCE WAGSTAFF
  • Patent number: 10913107
    Abstract: A continuous casting and rolling line for casting, rolling, and otherwise preparing metal strip can produce distributable metal strip without requiring cold rolling or the use of a solution heat treatment line. A metal strip can be continuously cast from a continuous casting device and coiled into a metal coil, optionally after being subjected to post-casting quenching. This intermediate coil can be stored until ready for hot rolling. The as-cast metal strip can undergo reheating prior to hot rolling, either during coil storage or immediately prior to hot rolling. The heated metal strip can be cooled to a rolling temperature and hot rolled through one or more roll stands. The rolled metal strip can optionally be reheated and quenched prior to coiling for delivery. This final coiled metal strip can be of the desired gauge and have the desired physical characteristics for distribution to a manufacturing facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Novelis Inc.
    Inventors: Milan Felberbaum, Sazol Kumar Das, Aurele Mariaux, Duane E. Bendzinski, Cyrille Bezencon, Simon William Barker, Corrado Bassi, Rajeev G. Kamat, Tudor Piroteala, Rajasekhar Talla, Robert Bruce Wagstaff
  • Patent number: 10906093
    Abstract: A continuous casting device having multi-stage convergence control is disclosed. Cooling surfaces of the continuous casting device can be articulated in stages, providing individual convergence control to longitudinally spaced-apart regions of the casting cavity. In a proximal region, during which the molten metal exhibits solidification shrinkage, a first convergence profile can be used to optimally account for the solidification shrinkage. In a subsequent distal region, a second convergence profile can be used, such as to provide optimal control of exit temperature of the continuously cast article. Multi-stage convergence control can be achieved through individually articulatable cooling pads or other supports positioned opposite the cooling surfaces from the casting cavity to displace the cooling surfaces and thereby adjust the convergence profile of the casting cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: NOVELIS INC.
    Inventor: Simon William Barker
  • Publication number: 20200377976
    Abstract: Provided herein are ultra-high strength aluminum alloys and products prepared therefrom, along with methods of processing the ultra-high strength aluminum alloys. The aluminum alloys described herein are high solute alloys, including significant amounts of zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), and other elements in addition to aluminum. The aluminum alloys described herein are amenable to post-aging processing without cracking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Applicant: Novelis Inc.
    Inventors: Sazol Kumar Das, Rajeev G. Kamat, Samuel Robert Wagstaff, Simon William Barker, Rajasekhar Talla, Tudor Piroteala
  • Publication number: 20190284667
    Abstract: Provided herein are continuously cast aluminum alloy products exhibiting uniform surface characteristics. The aluminum alloy products have a first surface comprising a width, wherein the first surface comprises an average of 50 exudates or less per square centimeter across the width of the first surface. Also provided herein are methods of making aluminum alloy products having improved surface characteristics. Further provided are methods and systems for manufacturing aluminum alloy products, such as sheets, having reduced surface defects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventors: Simon William BARKER, Rajasekhar TALLA, Sazol Kumar DAS, Tudor PIROTEALA, Milan FELBERBAUM, Samuel Robert WAGSTAFF
  • Publication number: 20190054519
    Abstract: A continuous casting device having multi-stage convergence control is disclosed. Cooling surfaces of the continuous casting device can be articulated in stages, providing individual convergence control to longitudinally spaced-apart regions of the casting cavity. In a proximal region, during which the molten metal exhibits solidification shrinkage, a first convergence profile can be used to optimally account for the solidification shrinkage. In a subsequent distal region, a second convergence profile can be used, such as to provide optimal control of exit temperature of the continuously cast article. Multi-stage convergence control can be achieved through individually articulatable cooling pads or other supports positioned opposite the cooling surfaces from the casting cavity to displace the cooling surfaces and thereby adjust the convergence profile of the casting cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2018
    Publication date: February 21, 2019
    Applicant: Novelis Inc.
    Inventor: Simon William Barker
  • Publication number: 20190010592
    Abstract: Provided herein are high performance aluminum alloy products having desirable mechanical properties and methods of making the same. The high performance aluminum alloy products described herein contain a high content of recycled material and are prepared by casting an aluminum alloy to form a cast aluminum alloy product and processing the cast aluminum alloy product. The method of processing the cast aluminum alloy product can include two hot rolling steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Publication date: January 10, 2019
    Applicant: Novelis Inc.
    Inventors: Milan Felberbaum, Sazol Kumar Das, Simon William Barker, Tudor Piroteala, Duane E. Bendzinski
  • Publication number: 20180274072
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for casting high-strength and highly formable metal products from recycled metal scrap without the addition of substantial or any amounts of primary aluminum. Additional alloying elements, such as magnesium, can be added to metal scrap, which can be cast and processed to produce a desirable metal coil at final gauge having desirable metallurgical and mechanical properties, such as high strength and formability. Thus, inexpensive and recycled metal scrap can be efficiently repurposed for new applications, such as automotive applications and beverage can stock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Applicant: Novelis Inc.
    Inventors: Sazol Kumar Das, Simon William Barker, Milan Felberbaum, Rajeev G. Kamat, Duane E. Bendzinski, Robert Bruce Wagstaff, Samuel R. Wagstaff