Patents by Inventor Christopher A. Hall

Christopher A. Hall 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: 20200084331
    Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for identifying, isolating, and/or aligning sheets. An identification system can facilitate accurate identification of a sheet by (i) vacating one or more components of the system that are not the sheet from a zone of detection, and/or (ii) determining a reference axis of the sheet. An isolation system can facilitate accurate isolation of a sheet by (i) providing targeted air flow, and/or (ii) introducing a wave into the sheet. Identification systems and/or isolation systems described herein may facilitate isolation of sheets that were previously fastened together by one or more fasteners. An alignment system can facilitate accurate alignment of a first sheet at an upstream location relative to a second sheet at a downstream location via machine learning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Kevin Christopher HALL, Jens Jordan HURLEY, Jonathan Floyd GRUBB, Joseph David Dills HARTNAGLE, Arthur Joseph PETRON, Alex FIELDING
  • Patent number: 10542167
    Abstract: Method and systems of automated document processing described herein include activating in sequence a plurality of illumination modules of an illumination source to illuminate a document, where the plurality of illumination modules are located at different positions relative to the document. The document can be imaged each time the document is illuminated by an illumination module to provide a plurality of images. A shadow profile of the document can be obtained based on the plurality of images. One or more of a boundary of the document and presence of a fastener attached to the document can be identified using the shadow profile. Any fasteners present may be removed using a robot arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: RIPCORD INC.
    Inventors: Alex Fielding, Kevin Christopher Hall, Kirk H. Knight, Jens Jordan Hurley, Jonathan Floyd Grubb, Joseph David Dills Hartnagle
  • Publication number: 20190388961
    Abstract: An investment casting pattern including: a consumable body formed of: a first body portion; and a second body portion; and a fastener arranged to form an interface between the first body portion and the second body portion, and to locate the first body portion relative to the second body portion, wherein the fastener is formed of a different material than the first body portion and the second body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Applicants: ROLLS-ROYCE plc, Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
    Inventors: David Stefan ISLES, Mareike WIEBALCK, Peter JESSON, Mark MULLAN, Christopher A HALL
  • Patent number: 10508660
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of controlling the position of a variable vane in a compressor and a kit for adding such apparatus to the compressor are disclosed. The vane is coupled to a unison ring, a cam is secured to a torque tube, a cam follower is secured to the unison ring. The cam follower is secured such that a wall of the cam follower is in contact with the cam. Rotation of the torque tube causes movement of the cam, and movement of the cam moves the cam follower, thereby moving the unison ring and the variable vane coupled thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignees: Rolls-Royce Corporation, Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Hall, Russell White, Jonathan Acker, Lyle Helvie
  • Patent number: 10494281
    Abstract: According to various aspects and embodiments, a system and method for treated contaminated groundwater is provided. The groundwater is contaminated with an initial concentration of recalcitrant organic contaminant. According to some embodiments, the contaminated groundwater is treated by introducing a persulfate to produce a first treated aqueous solution and then exposing the first treated aqueous solution to ultraviolet light to produce a second treated aqueous solution. The second treated aqueous solution may have a concentration of the recalcitrant organic contaminant that is at least 50% less than the initial concentration of recalcitrant organic contaminant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Adam Szczesniak, Jonathan H Wood, Bruce L Coulter, Christopher Hall, Sevang Doung
  • Publication number: 20190345838
    Abstract: A variable diffuser comprises a passage, at least two vanes disposed within the passage, and at least two pennies. The passage is defined between opposing disk faces of a hub and a tip. Each of the vanes comprises a body having a leading edge and a trailing edge. The body extends between the hub face and the disk face. Each of the pennies is coupled to a respective vane body near an edge of the penny and an actuator. Rotation of at least one penny changes the orientation of the respective vane relative to the hub face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Applicants: Rolls-Royce Corporation, Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Christopher Hall, Glenn Knight
  • Publication number: 20190345839
    Abstract: A variable diffuser comprises a passage, at least two vanes disposed within the passage, and at least two pennies. The passage is defined between opposing disk faces of a hub and a tip. Each of the vanes comprises a body having a leading edge and a trailing edge. The body extends between the hub face and the disk face. Each of the pennies is coupled to a respective vane body near an edge of the penny and an actuator. Rotation of at least one penny changes the orientation of the respective vane relative to the hub face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Applicants: Rolls-Royce Corporation, Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Christopher Hall, Glenn Knight
  • Publication number: 20190332601
    Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for the contextual retrieval and contextual display of records. A search query and/or search results may be contextually enhanced based on (i) natural language processing (NLP) models, (ii) user behavior, and/or (iii) relationships between various entities involved in a search, such as between users, records, and/or fields of expertise. Contextually enhanced search results may be delivered and displayed to a user on a user interface in a contextually relevant order.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Inventors: Michael MOSKWINSKI, Alex FIELDING, Kevin Christopher HALL, Kimberly LEMBO
  • Publication number: 20190284568
    Abstract: A method of making an antibody in plants that binds to ricin is described. The method comprises (a) introducing a nucleic acid molecule encoding a heavy chain variable region of the antibody and a nucleic acid molecule encoding a light chain variable region of the antibody into a plant or plant cell; and (b) growing the plant or plant cell to obtain a plant that expresses the antibody or antibody fragment. The disclosure also relates to anti-ricin antibodies and antibodies fragments as well as methods of using same in therapy and prophylaxis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventors: J. Christopher Hall, Ashley J. Meyers, Krishnaraj Tiwari, Jyoti Latawa
  • Patent number: 10403270
    Abstract: Techniques are described for automatically distributing validated user safety alerts from a networked computing device. The networked computing device may be configured to operate as an autonomous agent to perform actions on behalf of a user without receiving direct instructions from the user. For example, the autonomous agent computing device may be configured to make certain purchases, send alerts or reminders, or perform other functions in accordance with preprogrammed rules. According to the disclosed techniques, the autonomous agent computing device is configured to automatically generate and send an alert to one or more computing devices associated with the user upon detecting a safety concern for the user. The autonomous agent also uses a signing key associated with its digital certificate, which verifies the identity of the autonomous agent, to sign the alert such that a third-party server may validate the alert prior to distribution to the destination computing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
    Inventors: Rita M. Homewood, Christopher M. Ruiz, Scott Christopher Hall, Michael J. Foster, Michelle E. Masters, Lawrence R. Belton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10387456
    Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for classifying and tagging records in a record management system using information extracted and analyzed from specific areas or regions of records. A specific area or region of the record may be scanned, and the content disposed therein processed against a plurality of classification templates. Based on proximity to the classification templates, the record may be assigned one or more tags corresponding to the classification templates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: RIPCORD INC.
    Inventors: Michael Moskwinski, Alex Fielding, Kevin Christopher Hall, Kimberly Lembo
  • Patent number: 10364640
    Abstract: A packer is used for setting downhole in tubing subject to downhole flow at a high flow rate. The packer includes a setting element, a slip element, and a packing element. The setting element is disposed on the packer toward an uphole end and is activated hydraulically to move in a downhole direction toward a downhole end of the packer. The slip element is disposed toward the downhole end and is moveable outward toward the tubing in a first stage in response to the movement of the setting element. The packing element is disposed on the other elements and is at least partially carried by the setting element. The packing element is compressible outward toward the tubing in a second stage, after the first stage, in response to the movement of the setting element. Additionally, a choke ring or other element disposed on the packer at least downhole of the packing element can move outward toward the tubing in response to the setting movement to restrict the downhole flow in the annulus to a lower flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: James A. Rochen, Shawn J. Treadaway, Tracy M. Martin, Christopher A. Hall
  • Publication number: 20190152143
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to methods and apparatuses for additive manufacturing using reduced amounts of powder-based built materials. Such methods and apparatuses mitigate several drawbacks of conventional power-based methods, including high powder overhead, increased costs, ergonomic strain on machine operators, health risks, and risk of short powder feeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Zachary FIELDMAN, Michelle Lynn HABIB, Laura BANKS, Christopher HALL
  • Patent number: 10280718
    Abstract: A device and method allows a bore valve in the washpipe and in certain instances a port valve or sliding sleeve to open or close upon command from the surface so that gravel slurry may be placed in a wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: John P. Broussard, Christopher A. Hall, Ronald van Petegem
  • Publication number: 20190120250
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of controlling the position of a variable vane in a compressor and a kit for adding such apparatus to the compressor are disclosed. The vane is coupled to a unison ring, a cam is secured to a torque tube, a cam follower is secured to the unison ring. The cam follower is secured such that a wall of the cam follower is in contact with the cam. Rotation of the torque tube causes movement of the cam, and movement of the cam moves the cam follower, thereby moving the unison ring and the variable vane coupled thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher Hall, Russell White, Jonathan Acker, Lyle Helvie
  • Patent number: 10260512
    Abstract: According to one aspect, a method of releasing a fan blade for testing a turbofan engine includes arranging an external shaped charge about an airfoil and modifying the airfoil by extricating one or more portions of material from one or more sides of the airfoil. The method further includes detonating the external shaped charge such that the airfoil is released at a selected time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Hall, Graham Burkholder, Xuekun Sun, Jeff Crutchfield, Ben Hodgson
  • Publication number: 20190045246
    Abstract: Systems and methods of generating a synchronized media content presentation using a plurality of media output systems communicably coupled to a respective plurality of network connected platforms are provided. A first network connected platform receives an IEEE 802.1AS master timing signal generated by “Grand Master” timing circuitry disposed in a second network connected platform. IEEE 802.1AS application service circuitry disposed in the first network connected platform determines an offset between a local timing signal and the receive master timing signal. Talker circuitry disposed in the first network connected platform synchronizes a media content presentation to the master timing signal and communicates a media/master timing signal synchronization signal to each of the network connected platforms. The media/master timing signal synchronization signal includes data representative of a media start location and a media start time referenced to the master timing signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Applicant: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sangeeta GHANGAM, Kevin STANTON, Eric AUZAS, Christopher HALL
  • Patent number: 10198479
    Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for the contextual retrieval and contextual display of records. A search query and/or search results may be contextually enhanced based on (i) natural language processing (NLP) models, (ii) user behavior, and/or (iii) relationships between various entities involved in a search, such as between users, records, and/or fields of expertise. Contextually enhanced search results may be delivered and displayed to a user on a user interface in a contextually relevant order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: RIPCORD INC.
    Inventors: Michael Moskwinski, Alex Fielding, Kevin Christopher Hall, Kimberly Lembo
  • Patent number: 10184350
    Abstract: A centralizing assembly for an engine having a plurality or rotatable vanes is provided including an engine casing and at least one unison ring disposed concentrically there about. A spacing gap is formed between the unison ring and the engine casing and is variable between a maximum spacing gap and a minimum spacing gap in response to thermal expansion of the engine casing. A centralizer element includes a plunger element movably mounted to unison ring and spanning the spacing gap. At least one conical spring washer is mounted to the plunger element and exerts a centralizing force through the plunger element onto the engine casing. The at least one conical spring washer maintains the centralizing force between the maximum spacing gap and the minimum spacing gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Hall
  • Patent number: 10174633
    Abstract: According to one aspect, a fan blade containment apparatus for turbofan engines includes a containment hook and a fan case barrel. The containment hook and the fan case barrel are formed from composite materials, and the containment hook is attached to the fan case barrel such that the containment hook contains forward motion of a fan blade during a fan blade off event. The apparatus further includes the containment hook being arranged to shorten the axial length of the fan case barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Hall, Benedict N. Hodgson