Patents by Inventor John A. Willis

John A. Willis 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: 20060155010
    Abstract: A method is provided for pretreating metallic fillers adapted to be added into an organic polymer resin matrix adapted to cure into a material, wherein pretreating the fillers enhances the mechanical and electrical properties of the cured material. The method includes selecting an organofunctional silane based on compatibility of a functional organic with a selected polymer; determining an amount of silane required for treatment of the fillers by calculating the amount of silane required to provide monomolecular coverage of the particle surfaces of the filler based on a specific surface area measurement of the particle surfaces; uniformly dispersing the required amount of silane over the filler; allowing adequate time for the silane to react with particle surfaces of the filler; and mixing the treated filler into the polymer resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Publication date: July 13, 2006
    Inventors: Joanne McLaughlin, John Willis, John Weir, Madeleine Low
  • Publication number: 20060080263
    Abstract: An information monitoring and alert system is provided which registers subscribers and verifiers with a central alert system. The alert system provides an interface for the verifiers to submit queries relating to identification information. Information in this query is compared to the stored data submitted by the subscriber during registration and if a match occurs the subscriber is notified that the identification has been used for a certain purpose. The alert system only stores an encrypted value of the identification with only contact information which is preferably anonymous. Any other information is deleted after registration. The subscriber upon being alerted of the use of the identification is instructed to authorize or reject the transaction pertaining to the query.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Publication date: April 13, 2006
    Inventors: John Willis, David Foster, Igor Divjak
  • Publication number: 20060062083
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for depth migrating seismic data. The method includes pre-stack time migrating the seismic data to form a stacked, time migrated image. The stacked, time migrated image is demigrated, and post-stack depth migration is then performed on the demigrated image. In some embodiments, the pre-stack time migration and the demigration account for ray bending in vertically transversely isotropic media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Publication date: March 23, 2006
    Inventors: Shu-Schung Lee, John Willis, Yeashung Lin
  • Publication number: 20050289485
    Abstract: An innovative hardware/software design tool provides four modes of operation for converting an electronic design specification and zero or more technology specifications into realization of the electronic design in computer hardware, software and firmware. The first mode of operation compiles design and logic technology specifications into a model which can be utilized for behavioral analysis (such as simulation or formal verification) of logical characteristics (the model). The second mode of operation translates (compiles) partitions of the design and one or more logic technologies into one or more processor intermediates or binaries (embedded binary) suitable for execution on multi-purpose processing units (embedded or general purpose processors).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Publication date: December 29, 2005
    Applicant: FTL Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John Willis
  • Patent number: 6968798
    Abstract: An anchor has a shank pivotally connected to a fluke structure via a pivot mount for rotation between locked and release configurations. The shank has a locking surface distal from the pivot mount engaging a portion of the fluke structure to resist the rotation in the locked configuration. An elastically deformable member couples the shank to the pivot mount and the rotation of the shank may require the deformable member to be elastically deformed and the locking surface to be displaced toward the pivot mount. A float may be attached to the shank at a position spaced away from the fluke structure. A pulling force component applied to the shank in a direction from the pivot mount toward the locking surface may provide greater resistance to rotation of the shank. Other anchor embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Anchor Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Willis
  • Publication number: 20050257730
    Abstract: An anchor has a shank pivotally connected to a fluke structure via a pivot mount for rotation between locked and release configurations. The shank has a locking surface distal from the pivot mount engaging a portion of the fluke structure to resist the rotation in the locked configuration. An elastically deformable member couples the shank to the pivot mount and the rotation of the shank may require the deformable member to be elastically deformed and the locking surface to be displaced toward the pivot mount. A float may be attached to the shank at a position spaced away from the fluke structure. A pulling force component applied to the shank in a direction from the pivot mount toward the locking surface may provide greater resistance to rotation of the shank. Other anchor embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Publication date: November 24, 2005
    Inventor: John Willis
  • Patent number: 6965334
    Abstract: A variable bandgap reference includes a fixed bandgap reference source and a supply voltage dependent voltage divider module. The fixed bandgap produces a fixed reference voltage. The supply voltage dependent voltage adjust module adjusts the fixed reference voltage to produce the reference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Sigmatel, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus W. May, John Willis
  • Patent number: 6960184
    Abstract: Injection devices, such as needleless injection devices, and methods of making the using the same are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Biovalve Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Willis, Thaddeus Minior, Robert Gonnelli
  • Publication number: 20050154350
    Abstract: Injection devices, such as needleless injection devices, and methods of making and using the same are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Publication date: July 14, 2005
    Applicant: BioValve Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Willis, Thaddeus Minior, Robert Gonnelli
  • Patent number: 6859156
    Abstract: A variable bandgap reference includes a fixed bandgap reference source and a supply voltage dependent voltage divider module. The fixed bandgap produces a fixed reference voltage. The supply voltage dependent voltage adjust module adjusts the fixed reference voltage to produce the reference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Sigmatel, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus W. May, John Willis
  • Publication number: 20050030213
    Abstract: A variable bandgap reference includes a fixed bandgap reference source and a supply voltage dependent voltage divider module. The fixed bandgap produces a fixed reference voltage. The supply voltage dependent voltage adjust module adjusts the fixed reference voltage to produce the reference voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Publication date: February 10, 2005
    Inventors: Marcus May, John Willis
  • Publication number: 20050025983
    Abstract: A method for forming an elevated temperature durable coating on a surface of a substrate includes applying an aqueous slurry comprising lithium silicate, sodium silicate, potassium silicate, zirconia powder, a fibrous agent, and a magnetic powder to a surface of a substrate in one or more layers of substantially uniform thickness to form a coating. A substantially controlled humidity environment is maintained during application of the aqueous slurry and the coating is ambient dried for a period. A drying agent is applied to the coating and formation of a dry crust is prevented on the coating during ambient drying. After the period, the coating is heat cured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Publication date: February 3, 2005
    Inventors: John Willis, Steven Null
  • Publication number: 20040249339
    Abstract: Injection devices, such as needleless injection devices, and methods of making the using the same are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Applicant: BIOVALVE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: John Willis, Thaddeus Minior, Robert Gonnelli
  • Patent number: 6827803
    Abstract: A belt press use a combination of vacuum and atmospheric pressure to provide the majority of the compressive force between platens. A first platen has a substantially rigid proximal side and a plurality of vacuum ports communicating therewith. The compressive force is generated by pulling a vacuum at the vacuum ports associated with the first platen while allowing atmospheric pressure to act against its distal side. Heat may be applied via at least one of the platens while generating the compressive force. Evolved gases are vented via the vacuum ports while applying the heat by continuing to pull the vacuum during heating. When the now-joined belt ends have cooled after the application of heat, the compressive force is relieved by ceasing the pulling the vacuum at the vacuum ports associated with the first platen. The second platen of the belt press may be similar to the first platen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: John A. Willis
  • Publication number: 20040208327
    Abstract: A microphone bias circuit includes a first integrated circuit (IC) pin, a second IC pin, a first resistor, and a variable supply voltage buffer. The first resistor is operably coupled to the first IC pin and a return voltage. The second IC pin is operably coupled to receive analog signals from a microphone. The variable supply voltage buffer is operably coupled to produce a buffered supply voltage based on a variable impedance setting, wherein at least one off-chip component couples the second IC pin to the first IC pin and wherein the variable supply voltage buffer provides the buffered supply voltage to second IC pin as a microphone bias voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Matthew Brady Henson, Marcus W. May, John Willis
  • Publication number: 20040202788
    Abstract: A method for forming an elevated temperature durable coating on a surface of a substrate includes applying an aqueous slurry comprising lithium silicate, sodium silicate, potassium silicate, zirconia powder, a fibrous agent, and a magnetic powder to a surface of a substrate in one or more layers of substantially uniform thickness to form a coating. A substantially controlled humidity environment is maintained during application of the aqueous slurry and the coating is ambient dried for a period. A drying agent is applied to the coating and formation of a dry crust is prevented on the coating during ambient drying. After the period, the coating is heat cured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Applicant: NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORPORATION
    Inventors: John Willis, Steven J. Null
  • Patent number: 6797327
    Abstract: A method for forming an elevated temperature durable coating on a surface of a substrate includes applying an aqueous slurry comprising lithium silicate, sodium silicate, potassium silicate, zirconia powder, a fibrous agent, and a magnetic powder to a surface of a substrate in one or more layers of substantially uniform thickness to form a coating. A substantially controlled humidity environment is maintained during application of the aqueous slurry and the coating is ambient dried for a period. A drying agent is applied to the coating and formation of a dry crust is prevented on the coating during ambient drying. After the period, the coating is heat cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: John Willis, Steven J. Null
  • Patent number: 6768443
    Abstract: An improved switch capacitor circuit includes a capacitor, a 1st voltage reference module, a 2nd voltage reference module, and a plurality of switching elements. The capacitor is operably coupled via the plurality of switching elements to sample an input signal during a 1st interval of a sampling period and during a 2nd interval of the sampling period to provide a representation of the input signal. The 2nd reference module produces a 2nd reference voltage that is representative of the common mode of the supply (e.g. VDD and VSS). The 1st voltage reference module produces a 1st reference voltage that is representative of the common mode of the analog input signal. As such, the capacitor is charged during the 1st interval based on the 1st reference voltage and discharged during the 2nd interval based on the 2nd reference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Inventor: John Willis
  • Publication number: 20040104831
    Abstract: A variable bandgap reference includes a fixed bandgap reference source and a supply voltage dependent voltage divider module. The fixed bandgap produces a fixed reference voltage. The supply voltage dependent voltage adjust module adjusts the fixed reference voltage to produce the reference voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Marcus W. May, John Willis
  • Patent number: 6544589
    Abstract: A method of controlling drying stresses through controlled shrinkage of a ceramic coating coated onto a substrate. The method first includes applying a non-cured ceramic coating onto the substrate and permitting the coating to dry until a mechanically stable outer surface layer of the coating is formed. Once this layer is formed, a drying control is applied in a quantity sufficient to penetrate into the surface layer, with the result of such application being the inhibition of formation of a dry outer skin as continued drying is permitted to occur. Once such drying is complete, the outer surface layer is subjected to an elevated temperature for curing and for evaporating therefrom the drying control agent to thereby produce a cured-ceramic coated substrate whose coating is void of large cracks and whose durability is beneficially opportune.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: John Willis, Thomas A. Seitz, Steven J. Null, James W. Bohlen, Michael L. Peters, Blake T. Tatsuta