Patents by Inventor Robert O'Brien

Robert O'Brien 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: 20100146886
    Abstract: A composite article includes a first pane comprising a first window layer formed from a vitreous material and a reinforced silicone layer disposed adjacent to and in contact with the first window layer. The reinforced silicone layer includes a cured silicone composition and a fiber reinforcement. The composite article includes a second pane spaced from the first pane to define a gap therebetween and a frame disposed adjacent to and in contact with the first pane and the second pane to enclose the gap. The composite article may be suitable for load-bearing applications requiring thermal and acoustic insulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Bizhong Zhu, William Robert O'Brien, Yukinari Harimoto, Nathan P. Greer
  • Publication number: 20100116021
    Abstract: Methods and systems for analyzing samples, such as gas samples, are described. One method comprises providing a gas sample, increasing pressure applied to the gas sample to compress the sample to a smaller volume and provide a pneumatically focused gas sample, and analyzing the pneumatically focused gas sample using any of a variety of analytical techniques. Also disclosed are systems for gas analysis, including systems for analysis of pneumatically focused, and thereby concentrated, gas samples and for analysis of particulate matter in gas samples. Analytical systems constructed within personal computer cases also are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Robert O'Brien
  • Patent number: 7716661
    Abstract: A method and system for updating an OS of an embedded device. The embedded device provides its current OS version information to a mobile operation network via a SMS message. The embedded device can provide its current OS version information to a mobile operation network in response to a request from a mobile operator network that has implemented the SyncML specifications promulgated by the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA). The mobile operator network interacts with the datacenter to provide the embedded devices's current OS version and get the address of the image update. The mobile operator service sends the address to the embedded device via another SMS message. The embedded device downloads the image update using the RF link via a global packet radio service (GPRS) connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Michael Paul, Yuguo Liu, Donghoon Park, Raymond Robert O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20100093242
    Abstract: A composite article includes a first window layer formed from a vitreous material and a reinforced silicone layer disposed adjacent the first window layer. The reinforced silicone layer includes a cured silicone composition and a fiber reinforcement. Due to the presence of the cured silicone composition in the reinforced silicone layer, the composite article exhibits excellent fire resistance and will not emit as much smoke and toxic gases as composite articles including primarily carbon-based materials. Further, due to the presence of the fiber reinforcement in the reinforced silicone layer, the composite article maintains excellent structural integrity even after a breach is formed in the composite article due to heat. As such, the composite articles of the subject invention may be suitable for load-bearing applications that are not possible with existing composite articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Dimitris Elias Katsoulis, Widland Robert O'Brien, Aaron Seitz, Bizhong Zhu
  • Patent number: 7621171
    Abstract: Methods and systems for analyzing samples, such as gas samples, are described. One method comprises providing a gas sample, increasing pressure applied to the gas sample to compress the sample to a smaller volume and provide a pneumatically focused gas sample, and analyzing the pneumatically focused gas sample using any of a variety of analytical techniques. Also disclosed are systems for gas analysis, including systems for analysis of pneumatically focused, and thereby concentrated, gas samples and for analysis of particulate matter in gas samples. Analytical systems constructed within personal computer cases also are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: State of Oregon acting by and through the State Board of Higher Education on behalf of Portland State University
    Inventor: Robert O'Brien
  • Patent number: 7560412
    Abstract: A method for producing a cobalt on alumina catalyst is disclosed. The catalyst is prepared by thoroughly mixing cobalt nitrate into a peptized alumina slurry, and then spray-drying the slurry to form attrition resistant microspheres. The cobalt prepared by this invention is fully reducible. Optionally, metals such as ruthenium can be added to the cobalt/alumina catalyst by impregnation or methods known in the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Sud-Chemie Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Osbourne, Robert O'Brien, Jeff Kirchner, X. D. Hu
  • Publication number: 20090101336
    Abstract: A drill-in liner assembly including a tubular and a plurality of substantially radially oriented openings in the tubular arranged in a pattern; the pattern selected to substantially maintain torsional strength of the tubular while facilitating in-flow of target fluid. Also including a plurality of beaded matrix plugs disposed within one or more of the plurality of openings such that torsional load placed upon the plurality of openings in the tubular is borne by the plugs. An erosion resistant filtering arrangement including a tubular, a plurality of openings in the tubular arranged in a pattern, and a plurality of beaded matrix plugs disposed within one or more of the plurality of openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: MICHAEL H. JOHNSON, ROBERT O'BRIEN
  • Patent number: 7418750
    Abstract: A patient support and software evaluate spinal instability by controlled isocentric rotation of the spine and measurement of rotation among vertebra to detect damaged vertebra having disproportionately large rotations. The patient support comprises a first support, adapted to support the shoulders of a patient, and a second rotatable support adapted to support the hips and legs of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Wisconcin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Victor M. Haughton, M. Elizabeth Meyerand, Baxter P. Rogers, Ryan Henry Sydnor, Anthony Carl Nelson, Jeremy Robert O'Brien, Brian Peter Asti, Rafael Davis Connemara, Michael John Hallam, Scott Richard Wiese, John Paul Puccinelli
  • Publication number: 20070271997
    Abstract: Methods and systems for analyzing samples, such as gas samples, are described. One method comprises providing a gas sample, increasing pressure applied to the gas sample to compress the sample to a smaller volume and provide a pneumatically focused gas sample, and analyzing the pneumatically focused gas sample using any of a variety of analytical techniques. Also disclosed are systems for gas analysis, including systems for analysis of pneumatically focused, and thereby concentrated, gas samples and for analysis of particulate matter in gas samples. Analytical systems constructed within personal computer cases also are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventor: Robert O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20070218321
    Abstract: It is suggested to make a lithium secondary battery that has magnetized current collectors in its electrodes, and paramagnetic free radicals in its nonaqueous electrolyte solution, thereby procuring decreased internal resistance for this battery, compared to a similar one not utilizing techniques for magnetic field promoted stirring of the electrolyte solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Inventor: Robert O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20070175631
    Abstract: An anchor features a mandrel with ramps that extent through apertures in slip segments giving the slips a longer ramp to ride out on in a radial direction. The slip segments have ramps adjacent the apertures and in the preferred embodiment ride out on a plurality of spaced ramps on the mandrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventor: Robert O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20070173115
    Abstract: High reliability electrical connections between a helical strand and flat electrodes, such as strip electrodes found in implantable neurostimulator system, are described. The connection consists of a crimp joint in which an inside diameter mandrel is used to provide the coil with sufficient radial rigidity to ensure structual intergrity of the crimp. The mandrel is made of a relatively soft biocompatible material that deforms rather than damages the fine wires of the helical strand during crimping. The crimp is biocomplished by radial deformation of an annular or semi-annular crimping member that receives the helical strand/mandrel assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Applicant: GREATBATCH LTD.
    Inventors: Robert O'Brien, Robert Naugler, Warren Dabney, Christine Frysz, Andrew Fisk
  • Publication number: 20070153501
    Abstract: A hands free magnification device is provided that is capable of illuminating an area adjacent the user. A method of use of the device is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Inventors: William Kinsman, Robert O'Brien, David O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20070149048
    Abstract: High reliability electrical connections between a helical strand and flat electrodes, such us strip electrodes found in implantable neurostimulator system, are described. The connection consists of a crimp joint in which an inside diameter mandrel is used to provided the coil with sufficient radial rigidity to ensure structural integrity of the crimp. The mandrel is made of a relatively soft biocompatible material that deforms rather than damages the fine wires of the helical strand during crimping. The crimping is acomplished by radial deformation of an annular or semi-annular crimping member that receives the helical strand/mandrel assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Applicant: GREATBATCH LTD.
    Inventors: Robert O'Brien, Robert Naugler, Warren Dabney, Christine Frysz, Andrew Fisk
  • Publication number: 20070117928
    Abstract: The present invention provides aqueous dispersions that, for example, include the reaction product of an oxirane-functional vinyl addition polymer having an oxirane functionality between 0.5 and 5; an acid-functional polymer having an acid number 30 to 500; and a tertiary amine. Also described are coating compositions containing the dispersion and methods of forming the dispersion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Applicant: VALSPAR SOURCING, INC.
    Inventors: Robert O'Brien, Grant Schutte, Jeffrey Niederst, John Condit, Dawn Herko, Daniel Rardon
  • Publication number: 20070099797
    Abstract: The Fischer-Tropsch catalyst of the present invention is a transition metal-based catalyst having a high surface area, a smooth, homogeneous surface morphology, an essentially uniform distribution of cobalt throughout the support, and a small metal crystallite size. In a first embodiment, the catalyst has a surface area of from about 100 m2/g to about 250 m2/g; an essentially smooth, homogeneous surface morphology; an essentially uniform distribution of metal throughout an essentially inert support; and a metal oxide crystallite size of from about 40 ? to about 200 ?. In a second embodiment, the Fischer-Tropsch catalyst is a cobalt-based catalyst with a first precious metal promoter and a second metal promoter on an aluminum oxide support, the catalyst having from about 5 wt % to about 60 wt % cobalt; from about 0.0001 wt % to about 1 wt % of the first promoter, and from about 0.01 wt % to about 5 wt % of the second promoter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Publication date: May 3, 2007
    Inventors: X.D. Hu, Patrick Loi, Robert O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20070087146
    Abstract: This invention provides a coating composition for use on a food-contact surface of a container (e.g., a food or beverage can) that includes a polymer having one or more segments of Formula I: —O—Ar—Rn—C(O)—O—R1—O—C(O)—Rn—Ar—0— wherein each Ar is independently a divalent aryl group (i.e., an arylene group) or heteroarylene group; R1 is a divalent organic group; each R is independently a divalent organic group; and n is 0 or 1. Containers comprising the polymer and methods of making such containers are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: VALSPAR SOURCING, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Evans, Robert O'Brien, Rachael Spynda
  • Patent number: 7179766
    Abstract: The present development relates to a process for enrobing active catalytic materials with a protective coating to form pastilles, and to an apparatus for making the pastilles. The process comprises mixing an active catalyst powder with a hydrocarbon material in a low-shear jacketed blender at a temperature slightly above the congealing point of the hydrocarbon, and then making pastilles from the catalyst/hydrocarbon mixture while cooling the mixture to temperature below the congealing point of the hydrocarbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Sud-Chemie Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Wolfe, Paul D. Schneider, Robert O'Brien, X. D. Hu, Jeff Braden, Patrick McLaughlin, Joe Stack
  • Patent number: 7159734
    Abstract: A paint container liner system including disposable liners and an open container for receiving at least one of the disposable liners, the liners being sized and configured to fit into the inside of the container and around the rim of the container, the liners being maintained in position in the container by a suction generated during installation in one embodiment and by a noncuring adhesive interposed between the liner and container in another embodiment, the liners also being stretched around the rim of the container and in another embodiment configured with a rounded bottom to retain the liner in place during use, the system also including a container cap with a slot for supporting a paint brush during periods of nonuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Dripless, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20060272827
    Abstract: An apparatus to protect the mounting area of casing and a locating profile and optionally a sliding sleeve valve and a flow path from the outside of the valve to the annulus when subsequent attachment of an expanded liner is intended and the expanded liner is to be cemented in place. A barrier sleeve, nose, and outer sleeve define a sealed cavity having a loose incompressible material inside that covers the mounting location on the casing. A locating profile and an optional sliding sleeve valve and a flow path from the outside of the valve to the annulus can be provided. The cementing of the casing takes place through the barrier sleeve. After the cementing, the sleeve and nose are drilled out and the incompressible material is removed to the surface with the drill cuttings. A liner is inserted in the casing and is preferably expanded into sealing contact with the mounting location on the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Publication date: December 7, 2006
    Inventors: Mark Adam, Michael Carmody, Matthew Jabs, Robert O'Brien, Dennis Jiral, Harold Payne