Patents by Inventor David L. Johnson

David L. Johnson 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: 9554517
    Abstract: Separably-driven rotor portions for a combine harvester and a method for threshing grain using separably-driven rotor portions are provided. The combine harvester is moved through harvest material comprising grain material and material-other-than-grain (“MOG”). The grain material is separated from the MOG using multiple processing areas. The auger portion may be stopped or rotated at a slower speed with respect to rotation of the threshing portion to simulate the gathering of a large amount of crop material even when small plots are involved, thereby providing the benefits of large-plot harvesting to small-plot applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: David L. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20160170962
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method of establishing influence relationships between data in a question-answering environment is disclosed. Establishing influence relationships can include determining a set of conditions indicating a set of user statuses and analyzing, using a first natural language processing technique, a corpus of data including a set of user data. Establishing influence relationships between data can include identifying, based on analyzing the corpus of data, a set of influence factors corresponding to a subset of the set of user data and to a subset of the set of conditions. In embodiments, establishing influence relationships can include establishing, based on the set of influence factors, a set of influence relationships between the subset of the set of user data and the subset of the set of conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: David L. Johnson, Brian R. Muras, Daniel J. Strauss, Eric G. Thiemann
  • Publication number: 20160171088
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method of establishing influence relationships between data in a question-answering environment is disclosed. Establishing influence relationships can include determining a set of conditions indicating a set of user statuses and analyzing, using a first natural language processing technique, a corpus of data including a set of user data. Establishing influence relationships between data can include identifying, based on analyzing the corpus of data, a set of influence factors corresponding to a subset of the set of user data and to a subset of the set of conditions. In embodiments, establishing influence relationships can include establishing, based on the set of influence factors, a set of influence relationships between the subset of the set of user data and the subset of the set of conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: David L. Johnson, Brian R. Muras, Daniel J. Strauss, Eric G. Thiemann
  • Publication number: 20160102032
    Abstract: Apparatuses and processes for converting an oxygenate feedstock, such as methanol and/or dimethyl ether, in a fluidized bed containing a catalyst to hydrocarbons, such as gasoline boiling components, olefins and aromatics are provided herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Bing Du, Samuel A. Tabak, Mitch L. Hindman, Eric B. Shen, David L. Johnson, Mohsen N. Harandi, Clay R. Sutton, Lu Han, Michael F. Raterman, Zhongcheng Wang, Samia Ilias, Brett Loveless, Stephen J. McCarthy
  • Publication number: 20160102031
    Abstract: Apparatuses and processes for converting an oxygenate feedstock, such as methanol and dimethyl ether, in a fluidized bed containing a catalyst to hydrocarbons, such as gasoline boiling components, olefins and aromatics are provided herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Bing Du, Samuel A. Tabak, Mitch L. Hindman, Eric B. Shen, David L. Johnson, Mohsen N. Harandi, Clay R. Sutton, Lu Han, Michael F. Raterman, Zhongcheng Wang, Rohit Vijay, Stephen J. McCarthy
  • Publication number: 20160007535
    Abstract: Separably-driven rotor portions for a combine harvester and a method for threshing grain using separably-driven rotor portions are provided. The combine harvester is moved through harvest material comprising grain material and material-other-than-grain (“MOG”). The grain material is separated from the MOG using multiple processing areas. The auger portion may be stopped or rotated at a slower speed with respect to rotation of the threshing portion to simulate the gathering of a large amount of crop material even when small plots are involved, thereby providing the benefits of large-plot harvesting to small-plot applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventor: David L. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20150181808
    Abstract: A combine harvester is provided that separates grain material from material other than grain using multiple processing areas, including a harvesting area, a feederhouse area, a threshing area, a cleaning area, and a grain delivery area. In a location at or prior to entering one of the processing areas, the material may be collected and held until a collection threshold is reached. Once it is determined that the collection threshold is reached, the material forming a first group of material may be transported from the location to the processing area or a subsequent processing area. The first group of material is transported from the location to the processing area or the subsequent processing area substantially simultaneously and thus simulates the gathering of a large amount of crop material even when small plots are involved. In this way, reduced cycle times may be achieved, and the efficiency benefits of large-plot harvesting may be extended to small-plot applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Inventors: DAVID L. JOHNSON, MATTHEW JOHN RIZZO, JAMES REUBEN SCHMIDT, BARRY STOTT, ZANE WESLEY UNRAU
  • Publication number: 20150168580
    Abstract: A downhole acoustic logging tool includes at least one acoustic transmitter and first and second arrays of acoustic receivers deployed on a tool body. The first array of acoustic receivers includes a plurality of axially spaced apart acoustic receivers and the second array of acoustic receivers includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart acoustic receivers. A method for making downhole acoustic logging measurements of a subterranean formation includes causing an acoustic logging tool to obtain axial acoustic logging measurements and circumferential acoustic logging measurements. The axial acoustic logging measurements and the circumferential acoustic logging measurements are then processed to compute each of five elastic constants of a transversely isotropic medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Romain C. A. Prioul, David L. Johnson, Ralph M. D'Angelo
  • Patent number: 9011222
    Abstract: A combine harvester is provided that separates grain material from material other than grain using multiple processing areas, including a harvesting area, a feederhouse area, a threshing area, a cleaning area, and a grain delivery area. In a location at or prior to entering one of the processing areas, the material may be collected and held until a collection threshold is reached. Once it is determined that the collection threshold is reached, the material forming a first group of material may be transported from the location to the processing area or a subsequent processing area. The first group of material is transported from the location to the processing area or the subsequent processing area substantially simultaneously and thus simulates the gathering of a large amount of crop material even when small plots are involved. In this way, reduced cycle times may be achieved, and the efficiency benefits of large-plot harvesting may be extended to small-plot applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Pioneer Hi Bred International, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Johnson, Matthew John Rizzo, James Reuben Schmidt, Barry Stott, Zane Wesley Unrau
  • Patent number: 9002070
    Abstract: An automated seed package identification apparatus is presented that may include a sensor device configured to read a machine-readable package identifier on a seed package which identifies the seed package and/or the seeds therein. A sensor positioning mechanism adjusts the position of the sensor device with respect to a seed tray assembly which is configured to retain seed packages. The sensor positioning mechanism may include a moveable track member which translates on a stationary track member, and the sensor device may translate along the moveable track member. A control unit may instruct the sensor positioning mechanism to move with respect to the seed tray assembly to thereby read the machine-readable package identifiers with the sensor device and record the positional layout of the seed packages. One or more cameras may be configured to capture one or more images of the plurality of seed packages retained in the seed tray assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Pioneer Hi Bred International Inc
    Inventors: David L. Johnson, Jacob T. Klocke, Lyndon J. Schroeder, Mark W. Spicer
  • Patent number: 8981171
    Abstract: The proposed process uses crystallization technology to purify paraxylene simultaneously of large concentrations of C8 aromatics and also small concentrations of oxygenated species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Mark P. Hagemeister, David L. Johnson, John J. Monson
  • Publication number: 20150034638
    Abstract: A package assembly for automated aliquot and/or dispersal processes is provided. Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to: first and second portions which cooperate to contain the aliquot, wherein a flexure channel is defined in each of opposite sides of at least one of the first or second portions, the flexure channels cooperating to define a flexure axis extending through the pair of flexure channels. Thus, embodiments of the present invention may allow at least one of first and second portions of the package assembly to flex about the flexure axis in response to an opening force exerted on the package assembly such that the first and second portions separate in response to the opening force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Daniel M. Goldman, Michael E. Hartman, James L. Hunter, David L. Johnson, Griffiths J. Tucker
  • Patent number: 8887938
    Abstract: A package assembly for automated aliquot and/or dispersal processes is provided. Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to: first and second portions which cooperate to contain the aliquot, wherein a flexure channel is defined in each of opposite sides of at least one of the first or second portions, the flexure channels cooperating to define a flexure axis extending through the pair of flexure channels. Thus, embodiments of the present invention may allow at least one of first and second portions of the package assembly to flex about the flexure axis in response to an opening force exerted on the package assembly such that the first and second portions separate in response to the opening force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Goldman, Michael E. Hartman, James L. Hunter, David L. Johnson, Griffiths J. Tucker
  • Patent number: 8834089
    Abstract: A package assembly handling system for handling package assemblies in an automated aliquot and/or dispersal processes is provided. Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, a package assembly handling system for handling a package assembly comprising first and second portions that cooperate to contain a particulate aliquot, the system including a package assembly handling device configured for applying a force to the package assembly so that the first and second portions at least partially separate, thus releasing at least a portion of the particulate aliquot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Goldman, Michael E. Hartman, James L. Hunter, David L. Johnson, Griffiths J. Tucker
  • Patent number: 8788322
    Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for providing access to government benefits is disclosed. The method comprises positioning a short-range transmitter in a predetermined product area in a store, and storing one or more marketing messages in the short-range transmitter, wherein the one or more marketing messages are associated with one or more specific products located in the predetermined product area. The one or more marketing messages are transmitted to a wireless computer, and a user is identified as a participant in a government benefits scheme. Available under a subsidy program are communicated to a user and upon purchase of an item, an analysis of benefits available under a subsidy program is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: David Lawrence Bennett, Robert James Demick, David L. Johnson, Thomas J. Prorock, Raymond Lee Waddell, Jr., Long-Kim Vo Yates
  • Publication number: 20140165356
    Abstract: A cost effective method for reutilizing exiting refinery equipment associated with either a Reformer Unit or Isomerization Unit by converting such units into units and associated processes for hydrodesulfurizing and cracking naphtha feedstocks into light plant gases and chemical feedstocks. These existing Reformer or Isomerization units and processes can be converted into the processes described herein with very little capital expenditures, essentially utilizing almost all of the existing unit equipment, and with little to no major equipment replacements. The processes disclosed herein also effectively reduce the overproduction of naphtha currently experienced in many modern refineries that have resulted from a reduction in overall demand of gasoline products relative to other refinery products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: William J. Novak, David L. Johnson, John H. Thurtell, John P. Greeley
  • Patent number: 8702371
    Abstract: A method for handling package assemblies in an automated aliquot and/or dispersal processes is provided. Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, a method of handling a package assembly containing a particulate aliquot (such as a selected type of agricultural seed) that includes first and second portions which cooperate to contain the aliquot, the method including receiving the package assembly in a package assembly handling device, and applying a force to the package assembly using the package assembly handling device so that the first and second portions at least partially separate in response to the force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Pioneer Hi Bred International Inc
    Inventors: Daniel M. Goldman, Michael E. Hartman, James L. Hunter, David L. Johnson, Griffiths J. Tucker
  • Patent number: 8639383
    Abstract: The present invention provides an automated research seed planting system, method, and apparatus. The system, method, and apparatus may include a planter configured for planting a research plot and comprising a seed package assembly handling device configured to receive a seed package assembly containing a research seed sample, and a controller configured to communicate with the seed package assembly handling device. The controller is configured to automatically control the seed package assembly handling device to release the research seed sample. In various embodiments, the research seed planter may include a positional data acquisition system configured to acquire position data associated with one or more research seed planting events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Pioneer Hi Bred International Inc
    Inventors: Daniel M. Goldman, James L. Hunter, David L. Johnson, Timothy P. Meyer, Lyndon J. Schroeder, Timothy J. Wilhelm
  • Publication number: 20130337876
    Abstract: Separably-driven rotor portions for a combine harvester and a method for threshing grain using separably-driven rotor portions are provided. The combine harvester is moved through harvest material comprising grain material and material-other-than-grain (“MOG”). The grain material is separated from the MOG using multiple processing areas. The auger portion may be stopped or rotated at a slower speed with respect to rotation of the threshing portion to simulate the gathering of a large amount of crop material even when small plots are involved, thereby providing the benefits of large-plot harvesting to small-plot applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: David L. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20130277302
    Abstract: A treatment system for removing a plurality of pollutants from wastewater includes a removal device for removing a plurality of gross solids from the wastewater, an aeration device for reducing a biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and a chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the wastewater and a bioreactor containing a bacterial biofilm, said bioreactor including a plurality of cells configured for operation on a predetermined drain fill cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Klaus Doelle, Steve Giarrusso, David L. Johnson