Patents by Inventor James W. Franks

James W. Franks 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: 11974412
    Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for managing a processing load of a processing module and thermal energy produced by the processing load. In one example, a method includes identifying a hot water profile that contains usage information of hot water from a hot water tank that serves as a heat sink for the thermal energy. A determination may be made as to whether it is economically desirable to increase or decrease the processing load based on factors such as an economic value generated by the processing load, a cost of energy needed to support the processing load, and an economic value of the thermal energy transferred to the hot water tank based on the hot water profile. The processing load may be dynamically modulated by a local or remote controller in response to the economic desirability of increasing or decreasing the processing load as well as other possible parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Hunt Energy, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Todd W. Benson, Lovis Kauf, John-Paul Adams, James A. Hancock, John S. Burkhart, James D. Franks, Hunter L. Hunt
  • Patent number: 6199623
    Abstract: A tissue chuck for use with a chuck holder for preparing a tissue sample for sectioning in a cryostat or the like, includes a base, having a tissue mounting surface and a heat transfer surface, and a plurality of fins for transferring heat from the heat transfer surface. Each fin terminates in a fin end, and each fin end is in spaced relation to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: James W. Franks
  • Patent number: 5983991
    Abstract: A tissue chuck for use with a chuck holder for preparing a tissue sample for sectioning in a cryostat or the like, includes a base, having a tissue mounting surface and a heat transfer surface, and a plurality of fins for transferring heat from the heat transfer surface. Each fin terminates in a fin end, and each fin end is in spaced relation to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: James W. Franks
  • Patent number: 5958388
    Abstract: A material in powder form having a plurality of particles containing alumina trihydrate and polymethyl methacrylate, and a method of using same to remove sebum from human skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: James W. Franks
  • Patent number: 5776298
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a tissue specimen on a chuck for sectioning in a cryostat including a base, a clamp for receiving a tissue preparation slide, a chuck holder secured to the base for holding the chuck in a predetermined orientation relative to the clamp, a support secured to the base and extending therefrom and terminating in a distal end, and, means for slideably securing said clamp to said support. The clamp is positionable between a first location in which the clamp is at a minimum distance from the chuck holder and a second location in which the clamp is at a maximum distance from the chuck holder. A method for using the apparatus is likewise disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: James W. Franks
  • Patent number: 5168843
    Abstract: Disclosed is a poppet valve for an internal combustion engine. The poppet valve includes an internal port which provides a second flow path for fuel-air mixture entering the combustion chamber. The valve body includes two annular seals which cooperate with two annular seats in the cylinder head of the engine to seal the valve when the valve body is in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Inventor: James W. Franks