Patents by Inventor Robert L. Ward

Robert L. Ward 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: 20240123736
    Abstract: An example method comprising requesting authorization to reprocess a replaceable supply component using first data stored in memory of the replaceable supply component and an interface, the first data including original manufacturing data for the replaceable supply component. The method further comprises, in response to the request, receiving second data using the interface, and appending the original manufacturing data stored in the memory with the second data to designate the replaceable supply component as reprocessed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Inventors: Steven T CASTLE, Paul L JERAN, Jefferson P WARD, Alex Michael OAKS, Jesse Otto SUTHERLAND, III, Robert TAYLOR
  • Publication number: 20240071917
    Abstract: Advanced lithography techniques including sub-10 nm pitch patterning and structures resulting therefrom are described. Self-assembled devices and their methods of fabrication are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Richard E. SCHENKER, Robert L. BRISTOL, Kevin L. LIN, Florian GSTREIN, James M. BLACKWELL, Marie KRYSAK, Manish CHANDHOK, Paul A. NYHUS, Charles H. WALLACE, Curtis W. WARD, Swaminathan SIVAKUMAR, Elliot N. TAN
  • Patent number: 6722405
    Abstract: A safety kit 10 is provided for use with a flexible hose 2 for interconnecting a portable tank 14 with a another tank 12 to transmit fluids between the tanks. The safety kit includes a control housing 5 adapted for securing to one end of the hose, and a cable support housing 36 for securing to the opposing end of the hose. A valve member 20 is moveable relative to a seating surface for opening and closing flow through the control housing. A cable 18 is provided for positioning within the flexible hose 2. The cable may be in compression in one embodiment and in tension in other embodiments. If in compression, the cable support housing includes a cable loading mechanism 210, 250. When the cable is in tension, the trigger moves in response to movement of the cable to close off flow to the flexible hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: PGI International, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kevin Cessac, Frank Gonzales, Spence M. Nimberger, Robert L. Ward
  • Publication number: 20030188799
    Abstract: A safety kit 10 is provided for use with a flexible hose 2 for interconnecting a portable tank 14 with a another tank 12 to transmit fluids between the tanks. The safety kit includes a control housing 5 adapted for securing to one end of the hose, and a cable support housing 36 for securing to the opposing end of the hose. A valve member 20 is moveable relative to a seating surface for opening and closing flow through the control housing. A cable 18 is provided for positioning within the flexible hose 2. The cable may be in compression in one embodiment and in tension in other embodiments. If in compression, the cable support housing includes a cable loading mechanism 210, 250. When the cable is in tension, the trigger moves in response to movement of the cable to close off flow to the flexible hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Kevin Cessac, Frank Gonzales, Spence M. Nimberger, Robert L. Ward
  • Patent number: 6513556
    Abstract: The flexible hose assembly 10 interconnects a portable tank and another tank for transmitting hazardous fluids. A back check housing 34 contains a valve member 56 and a seating surface 58 for closing off flow through the back check housing. A flexible hose 16 extends downstream from the back check housing, and a flexible sensing line 26 extends within the flexible hose downstream from the back check housing for transmitting fluid pressure to a piston 36. The piston 36 is axially movable between a locked and unlocked position, and when in a locked position maintains the valve member in the open flow position and when in the unlocked position allows the valve member to move to the closed position. A biasing member is provided for biasing at least one of the piston and valve members to the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: PGI International, Ltd.
    Inventors: Spencer M. Nimberger, Robert L. Ward, Frank Gonzales
  • Patent number: 6308753
    Abstract: A system for transferring a hazardous fluid product from a transport tank (10) of a roadway vehicle (12) to a fixed storage tank (14). A flexible transfer hose assembly (30) has end couplings (34, 36) which are detachably connected between the transport tank (10) and storage tank (14). A gas operated product supply valve (44) is opened by pressurized gas to permit flow of the hazardous product, such as propane, from tank (10). A gas control valve (46) controls the flow of pressurized gas to gas operated product supply valve (44). Upon a separation or rupture of flexible hose (31) or couplings (34, 36), the fluid pressure of the hazardous product in hose (31) is sensed at fluid sensing chamber (94) in gas control valve (46). A reduction in sensed fluid pressure to a predetermined maximum pressure results in movement of piston (82) to the position shown in FIG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: PGI International, Ltd.
    Inventors: Spencer M. Nimberger, Robert L. Ward
  • Patent number: 6203232
    Abstract: A calibrated gusset plate for joining a pair of abutting wooden members in the construction of roof trusses, floor or ceiling joists and the like. In a preferred embodiment the calibrated gusset plate is characterized by a rectangular sheet metal gusset plate stock having multiple prongs which are struck from the gusset plate stock and projected to one side thereof in a series of longitudinally-extending rows. A calibrating mark such as a notch is formed in the mid-point of each longitudinal edge and each transverse edge of the gusset plate for alignment with the abutting surfaces of a pair of wooden truss members which are to be joined by the calibrated gusset plate. In another embodiment, a calibrating bead projects from the gusset plate on the side of the prongs at the mid-point of each longitudinal edge and at the mid-point of each transverse edge of the gusset plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Robert L. Ward
  • Patent number: 6028781
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a selectable integrated circuit assembly (10) is disclosed. The assembly includes a first plurality of terminals (20) for communicating information to and from an integrated circuit device and a second plurality of terminals (22) for receiving an assembly address. The assembly (10) also includes select logic (14) connected to receive the assembly address and operable to generate select signals based upon the assembly address. The select signals have a selected state and a not-selected state. A plurality of switches (18) are connected between the first plurality of terminals (20) and the integrated circuit device. The plurality of switches (18) are connected to receive the select signals. The switches (18) operate, when the select signals are in the selected state, to connect the first plurality of terminals (20) to the integrated circuit device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Wilbur C. Vogley, Robert L. Ward
  • Patent number: 5674055
    Abstract: An improved sampling pump has utility for withdrawing fluid from a pressurized source and outputting fluid to a sampling container. The fluid pump assembly of the present invention includes an operator unit for reciprocating a plunger, and a side body port positioned within the pump body for receiving a removable filter. A pressure regulator has an inlet positioned within a side body port of the pump body and regulator outlet port in fluid communication with the operator unit. A collar rotatable with respect to a regulator housing is provided for reducing installation costs and for optionally removing condensate from the regulator. An adjustable discharge valve is pressure balanced for increasing the reliability of the pump. An improved seal is utilized for dynamic seal engagement between the pump body and the pump plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: PGI International, Ltd.
    Inventors: Spencer M. Nimberger, Robert L. Ward
  • Patent number: 5498138
    Abstract: An improved sampling pump has utility for withdrawing fluid from a pressurized source and outputting fluid to a sampling container. The fluid pump assembly of the present invention includes an operator unit for reciprocating a plunger, and a side body port positioned within the pump body for receiving a removable filter. A pressure regulator has an inlet positioned within a side body port of the pump body and regulator outlet port in fluid communication with the operator unit. A collar rotatable with respect to a regulator housing is provided for reducing installation costs and for optionally removing condensate from the regulator. An adjustable discharge valve is pressure balanced for increasing the reliability of the pump. An improved seal is utilized for dynamic seal engagement between the pump body and the pump plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: PGI International, Ltd.
    Inventors: Spencer M. Nimberger, Robert L. Ward
  • Patent number: 5316351
    Abstract: A swivel for transmitting fluid be sing and female housing includes a bearing assembly and seal ring assembly. The seal ring assembly comprises a pair of seal rings each including a plastic ring having a generally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration defining a stop leg for static sealing engagement with a stop surface of one housing and an opposing dynamic leg. Each seal ring member also includes an elastomeric ring which is fitted within the cavity for urging the dynamic leg axial away from the stop leg, and for maintaining a static seal with a static sealing surface on the respective housing. The swivel of the present invention is particular well suited for use between a hose and a fill valve of a propane or LPG gas tank. The swivel of the present invention is able to withstand jarring and shock, and has surprisingly long life and low maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: Precision General, Inc.
    Inventors: Arnold Czimny, Spencer M. Nimberger, Robert L. Ward
  • Patent number: 5245659
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for encoding signals for transmission to provide signals which simultaneously have specifiable autocorrelation properties and low predictability. To enhance the accuracy of time of arrival measurements in the presence of either noise or multipath due to skywaves in systems such as LORAN, the coding method provides for low autocorrelation function values at time offsets approximately equal to the expected delay between direct waves and skywaves. This is accomplished by constructing the codeword which is used to encode the signal, from an Nth difference constant ratio codeword, where the expected time delay is equal to N-bits. The constant ratio codewords and the transmitted codewords are both pseudo-randomly generated, resulting in a transmitted signal having very low predictability to an unintended recipient, thereby considerably reducing the effectiveness of attempts at jamming or other electronic countermeasures attacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Director, National Security Agency
    Inventors: Robert L. Ward, Richard W. Marsh, Ronald M. Benincasa
  • Patent number: 5215120
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a valve system which upon disconnection essentially eliminates the release of liquids and vapors to the atmosphere. The invention includes a precision machined poppet and valve seat such that the leading end of the poppet and the end of the valve housing are flush when the valve is closed and such that the sides of the poppet are flush with the surface of the valve seat. Fluids and vapors are eliminated as the valve closes. The valve is not sealed until after closing. The invention is normally used with two flushly abutting valves which close sequentially for the elimination of liquids and vapors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Precision General, Inc.
    Inventors: Spencer M. Nimberger, Robert L. Ward
  • Patent number: 5191801
    Abstract: A sampling pump is provided suitable for pumping a discrete quantity of either a liquid or a gas per pump stroke from a flow line to a sample vessel. An operator unit drives a piston within the pump bore, and controls the stroke of the piston and thus the quantity of fluid pumped per stroke. A balanced check valve mechanism controls flow from the pump bore to the pump outlet port, and is provided within and carried by the piston. Line pressure acts on the operator end of the piston to assist the operator in driving the piston during its power stroke. A manifold may be secured to the pump body, and has a flow path therein which is in communication with the inlet port to the pump bore. The pump may also be used for injection purposes to introduce a selected quantity of fluid to a high pressure line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: Precision General, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul V. Allen, Spencer M. Nimberger, Robert L. Ward
  • Patent number: 5109712
    Abstract: A portable sample cylinder assembly is provided for transporting a fluid. The sample cylinder assembly includes a housing defining in part an internal fluid chamber, a first end cap at one end of the housing, and a second end cap at an opposing end of the housing. At least one of the end caps includes a stop surface and an annular groove. An elastomeric seal is positioned within the groove for static sealing between the end cap and the housing. The end of the housing includes an end surface for metal-to-metal engagement with the stop surface, and a compressional surface for applying a compressional force to the elastomeric seal in response to axial movement of the end surface toward the stop surface. A plurality of connector rods may be used to controllably move the end cap axially toward the housing and thereby compress the elastomeric seal to reduce the permeability of the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: Precision General, Inc.
    Inventors: Spencer M. Nimberger, Robert L. Ward
  • Patent number: 5092742
    Abstract: A sampling pump is provided suitable for pumping a discrete quantity of either a liquid or a gas per pump stroke from a flow line to a sample vessel. An operator unit drives a piston within the pump bore, and controls the stroke of the piston and thus the quantity of fluid pumped per stroke. A balanced check valve mechanism controls flow from the pump bore to the pump outlet port, and is provided within and carried by the piston. Line pressure acts on the operator end of the piston to assist the operator in driving the piston during its power stroke. A manifold may be secured to the pump body, and has a flow path therein which is in communication with the inlet port to the pump bore. The pump may also be used for injection purposes to introduce a selected quantity of fluid to a high pressure line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Inventors: Paul V. Allen, Spencer M. Nimberger, Robert L. Ward
  • Patent number: 5074154
    Abstract: A sampling pump is provided suitable for pumping a discrete quantity of either a liquid or a gas per pump stroke from a flow line to a sample vessel. An operator unit drives a piston within the pump bore, and controls the stroke of the piston and thus the quantity of fluid pumped per stroke. A balanced check valve mechanism controls flow from the pump bore to the pump outlet port, and is provided within and carried by the piston. Line pressure acts on the operator end of the piston to assist the operator in driving the piston during its power stroke. A manifold may be secured to the pump body, and has a flow path therein which is in communication with the inlet port to the pump bore. The pump may also be used for injection purposes to introduce a selected quantity of fluid to a high pressure line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Assignee: Precision General Inc.
    Inventors: Paul V. Allen, Spencer M. Nimberger, Robert L. Ward
  • Patent number: 4985842
    Abstract: A display and printer subsystem for use in a sorting operation with sorting apparatus in which information can be displayed and labels printed for the catagories of materials resulting from the sorting operation is disclosed. The display and printer subsystem includes a microprocessor which develops and sends address, data and external control signals over system buses, a plurality of display units, and a plurality of printer units. Each display unit includes an alphanumeric display module responsive to the application of control, enable, and data signals to write specified characters in specified display positions. Each display unit also includes a logic interface circuit adapted to receive the address signals, the display unit using the address signals to select a particular display module. Similarly, each printer unit includes a printer responsive to data signals, control signals and enable signals for printing alphanumeric data at predetermined media positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Inventor: Robert L. Ward
  • Patent number: 4830822
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing an article having within its integral body a plurality of sections of varying density. The method involves successively loading a die with each of a plurality of powders, each powder having a specific composition and particle size and each powder being loaded in a predetermined amount to result in each section of the final article having a characteristic density, compacting the powders to produce a preformed article, and sintering the preformed article at a sufficient temperature for a sufficient time to produce the final article.A method is disclosed in which the powders are metal.A metal article is disclosed which is produced the above methods, with the preferred metals being tungsten powder and molybdenum powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventor: Robert L. Ward
  • Patent number: 4612162
    Abstract: An improvement is disclosed in a method for producing a metal article of high density comprising pressing a metal powder at a sufficient pressure to form a green article and sintering said green article at a sufficient temperature for a sufficient time to form a sintered article, the improvement being pressing the sintered article at a sufficient temperature for a sufficient time at a sufficient pressure of a non-oxidizing atmosphere to produce the final high density article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1986
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: Ricky D. Morgan, Vito P. Sylvester, Robert L. Ward