Patents by Inventor William R. Frank
William R. Frank 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).
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Publication number: 20240109487Abstract: A method for providing a post-event alert includes receiving sensor data, detecting, based on the sensor data, at least one vehicle event, and determining a severity value associated with the at least one vehicle event. The method also includes determining whether the severity value is greater than a severity threshold and, in response to a determination that the severity value is greater than the severity threshold, identifying at least one aspect of a vehicle that is potentially damaged. The method also includes determining a potential damage value associated with the at least one aspect of the vehicle that is potentially damaged, determining whether the potential damage value is greater than a potential damage threshold, and, in response to determining that the potential damage value is greater than the potential damage threshold, generating an alert indicating at least the at least one aspect of the vehicle that is potentially damaged.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2023Publication date: April 4, 2024Inventors: MICHAEL R. STORY, ANDREW J. FRANK, WILLIAM D. BODEIS, PETER D. SCHMITT, JOACHIM J. KLESING, SAYEDMOHAMMAD HOSSEINI
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Publication number: 20240070637Abstract: A computing device retrieves a stabilized weight and a weight-based item count for one or more items to be purchased. Responsive to retrieving the stabilized weight, the computing device retrieves an image-based item count and an expected weight based on the image-based item count for the one or more items to be purchased. The computing device selects between authorizing and blocking checkout of the one or more items based on the weight-based item count, the image-based item count, the stabilized weight, and the expected weight.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2023Publication date: February 29, 2024Inventors: J. Wacho Slaughter, Brad M. Johnson, William Laird Dungan, Yevgeni Tsirulnik, Phil Brown, Charles R. Kirk, Evgeny Shevtsov, Tracy Cate, James L. Frank, Andrei Khaitas
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Patent number: 11829484Abstract: A control flow graph representing a plurality of controls is constructed, wherein each control comprises a measure taken to counter threats to an IT infrastructure. For each path through the control flow graph, a metric quantifying an efficacy of the controls along the path in countering the threats is calculated. A threat strength distribution for threats to the IT infrastructure is constructed. A visualization of an efficacy of a combination of the plurality of controls is generated, based on the metrics, the control flow graph, and the threat strength distribution. A weakness in the plurality of controls is identified, based on the visualization. The plurality of controls is modified based on the identifying.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2020Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: Monaco Risk Analytics IncInventors: James S. Lipkis, William R. Frank
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Publication number: 20210133331Abstract: A control flow graph representing a plurality of controls is constructed, wherein each control comprises a measure taken to counter threats to an IT infrastructure. For each path through the control flow graph, a metric quantifying an efficacy of the controls along the path in countering the threats is calculated. A threat strength distribution for threats to the IT infrastructure is constructed. A visualization of an efficacy of a combination of the plurality of controls is generated, based on the metrics, the control flow graph, and the threat strength distribution. A weakness in the plurality of controls is identified, based on the visualization. The plurality of controls is modified based on the identifying.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2020Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: James S. Lipkis, William R. Frank
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Patent number: 7530255Abstract: A testing module for use with a gas detector, includes a plurality of gas inlets and outlets, each outlet being in fluid connection with one of the inlets. Each of the outlets is adapted to mate with and form a fluid connection with one of the inlets of a second like testing module. Gases can then flow from the outlets of the testing module into the inlets of the second like testing module. A gas container module for use with a gas container, includes a plurality of gas inlets and outlets, each inlet being in fluid connection with one of the outlets. Each of the inlets is adapted to mate with and form a fluid connection with one of a the outlets on a second like gas container module. Gases can then flow from the outlets of the second like gas container module into the inlets of the gas container module.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2005Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Mine Safety Appliances CompanyInventors: William R. Frank, Daniel E. Bruce, Jon K. Haverstick
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Patent number: 6557622Abstract: Surface defects in rolled steel are remedied by quenching a surface layer of the steel product downstream of the caster and upstream of the reheat furnace by transversely differentiated quenching to match the transverse temperature profile of the steel product. The flow rate of the quench spray is differentially adjustable across the width and optionally the length of the steel product. An array of spray nozzles controlled in transversely or longitudinally arranged groups provides the quench spray.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2002Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: IPSCO Enterprises Inc.Inventors: William R. Frank, Jonathan Dorricott, Laurie E. Collins, Joseph D. Russo, Robert J. Boecker, Brian H. Wales
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Patent number: 6502627Abstract: An apparatus for providing a magnetic field in a casting mold to slow and redirect in a controllable fashion the flow of liquid steel exiting from a submerged entry nozzle into the casting mold uses selectable removable ferromagnetic and non-magnetic laminar elements stackable on the ends of core fingers in the vicinity of the poles of an electromagnetic yoke positioned adjacent the mold face. By selecting the type and location of the stackable elements on the ends of the fingers, one can modify the properties of the magnetic field permeating the interior of the mold. Optionally, independent field coils may be provided for energizing selected portions of the magnetic field core structure to provide further magnetic field control without having to remove and replace laminar elements.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2001Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Assignee: Ipsco Enterprises Inc.Inventors: William R. Frank, Jonathan Dorricott
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Publication number: 20020129921Abstract: Surface defects in rolled steel are remedied by quenching a surface layer of the steel product downstream of the caster and upstream of the reheat furnace by transversely differentiated quenching to match the transverse temperature profile of the steel product. The flow rate of the quench spray is differentially adjustable across the width and optionally the length of the steel product. An array of spray nozzles controlled in transversely or longitudinally arranged groups provides the quench spray.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2002Publication date: September 19, 2002Inventors: William R. Frank, Jonathan Dorricott, Laurie E. Collins, Joseph D. Russo, Robert J. Boecker, Brian H. Wales
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Publication number: 20020104597Abstract: A steel rolling mill including a Steckel mill is provided with an in-line upstream quench station located downstream of the caster and upstream of the reheat furnace, a shear located downstream of the Steckel mill, and a temperature reduction station downstream of the shear. The upstream quench station has spray nozzles that quench a surface layer of the steel to transform same from an austentitic to a non-austentitic microstructure. The shear provides a precise transverse vertical face on the leading end of the steel. The temperature reduction station applies cooling fluid to the rolled steel so as to obtain a preferred microstructure that may be either bainite or martensite. If bainite, the temperature reduction station includes laminar-flow cooling apparatus; if martensite, the station also includes an initial rapid quench, in which latter case the station is followed by a tempering furnace.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2001Publication date: August 8, 2002Applicant: IPSCO Enterprises Inc.Inventors: William R. Frank, Jonathan Dorricott, Laurie E. Collins, Joseph Duane Russo, Robert Joseph Becker, Brian H. Wales
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Publication number: 20020074103Abstract: An apparatus for providing a magnetic field in a casting mold to slow and redirect in a controllable fashion the flow of liquid steel exiting from a submerged entry nozzle into the casting mold uses selectable removable ferromagnetic and non-magnetic laminar elements stackable on the ends of core fingers in the vicinity of the poles of an electromagnetic yoke positioned adjacent the mold face. By selecting the type and location of the stackable elements on the ends of the fingers, one can modify the properties of the magnetic field permeating the interior of the mold. Optionally, independent field coils may be provided for energizing selected portions of the magnetic field core structure to provide further magnetic field control without having to remove and replace laminar elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2001Publication date: June 20, 2002Applicant: Ipsco Enterprises Inc.Inventors: William R. Frank, Jonathan Dorricott
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Patent number: 6374901Abstract: Surface defects in rolled steel are remedied by quenching a surface layer of the strand immediately downstream of the caster by transversely differential quenching to match the transverse temperature profile of the strand. The flow rate of the quench spray is differentially adjustable across the width and optionally the length of the strand. An array of spray nozzles controlled by groups provides the quench spray.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1999Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: IPSCO Enterprises Inc.Inventors: William R. Frank, Jonathan Dorricott, Laurie E. Collins, Joseph D. Russo, Robert J. Boecker, Brian H. Wales
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Patent number: 6341642Abstract: An apparatus for providing a magnetic field in a casting mold to slow and redirect in a controllable fashion the flow of liquid steel exiting from a submerged entry nozzle into the casting mold uses selectable removable ferromagnetic and non-magnetic laminar elements stackable on the ends of core fingers in the vicinity of the poles of an electromagnetic yoke positioned adjacent the mold face. By selecting the type and location of the stackable elements on the ends of the fingers, one can modify the properties of the magnetic field permeating the interior of the mold. Optionally, independent field coils may be provided for energizing selected portions of the magnetic field core structure to provide further magnetic field control without having to remove and replace laminar elements.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1999Date of Patent: January 29, 2002Assignee: IPSCO Enterprises Inc.Inventors: William R. Frank, Jonathan Dorricott
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Patent number: 6309482Abstract: The in-line combination of a reversing rolling mill (Steckel mill) and its coiler furnaces with accelerated controlled cooling apparatus immediately downstream thereof and associated method permits steel to be sequentially reversingly rolled to achieve an overall reduction of at least about 3:1, imparted by a first reduction while the steel is kept at a temperature above the Tnr by the coiler furnaces so as to preserve an optimum opportunity for controlled recrystallization of the steel after each rolling pass, and a second reduction while the temperature of the steel drops from about the Tnr to about the Ar3. The second reduction is preferably of the order of 2:1 as a result of which the steel reaches a final plate thickness.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2000Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Inventors: Jonathan Dorricott, William R. Frank
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Patent number: 6264767Abstract: A steel rolling mill including a Steckel mill is provided with an in-line upstream quench station located downstream of the caster and upstream of the reheat furnace, a shear located downstream of the Steckel mill, and a temperature reduction station downstream of the shear. The upstream quench station has spray nozzles that quench a surface layer of the steel to transform same from an austentitic to a non-austentitic microstructure. The shear provides a precise transverse vertical face on the leading end of the steel. The temperature reduction station applies cooling fluid to the rolled steel so as to obtain a preferred microstructure that may be either bainite or martensite. If bainite, the temperature reduction station includes laminar-flow cooling apparatus; if martensite, the station also includes an initial rapid quench, in which latter case the station is followed by a tempering furnace.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1999Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: IPSCO Enterprises Inc.Inventors: William R. Frank, Jonathan Dorricott, Laurie E. Collins, Joseph Duane Russo, Robert Joseph Boecker, Brian H. Wales
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Patent number: 6092992Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method for controlling and detecting faults in a pump system for use in a gas detection device. The system comprises a power source and a switch in operative or electrical connection with the power source. The system further comprises a pump motor in operative connection with the switch such that the pump motor receives energy from the power source when the switch in a first state, and the pump motor does not receive energy from the power source when the switch in a second state. The system preferably also comprises regeneration circuitry in operative connection with the pump motor. The regeneration circuitry operates to redirect energy produced from momentum of the pump motor while the switch is in the second state back to the pump motor. Transmitting circuitry is preferably provided to transmit a motor signal proportional to the speed of the pump motor during the second state of the switch.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1996Date of Patent: July 25, 2000Inventors: Gregory G. Imblum, Charles H. Etheridge, William R. Frank
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Patent number: 6006822Abstract: An apparatus for providing a magnetic field in a casting mold to slow and redirect in a controllable fashion the flow of liquid steel exiting a submerged entry nozzle in the casting mold using removable laminar elements arrangeable in a horizontal series of vertical stacked arrays in association with corresponding side-by-side laminar constituents of the magnetic field core, or independent field coils for energizing each laminar portion of the magnetic field core, or both. The removable elements are preferably stackable rectangular parallelepiped plates together forming selectably a portion or all of the poles of the core as they extend into proximity with the transverse mold sides at selected locations.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1998Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: IPSCO Enterprises Inc.Inventors: William R. Frank, Jonathan Dorricott
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Patent number: 5902371Abstract: In a melt shop for melting scrap to make steel, increased tonnage output for continuous casting for a given primary melt capacity can be obtained by stacking heated ladles of molten steel in inventory at a holding station before the ladles are transferred the ladle refining station or stacking refined ladles, or both, in advance of commencement of casting.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 1997Date of Patent: May 11, 1999Assignee: IPSCO Enterprises Inc.Inventor: William R. Frank
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Patent number: 5628958Abstract: A melt shop for melting scrap steel comprises a pair of primary melting furnaces and a pair of refining facility stations. The layout for the primary melting furnaces, refining facility, associated support, and peripheral equipment and caster is a single-aisle layout with general longitudinal alignment of the major constituent elements. Scrap delivery to the primary melt furnaces may comprise trackways running perpendicular to the longitudinal layout, the discharge end of each trackway being proximate to a primary melt furnace. A single trackway is preferably provided for a pair of overhead cranes running longitudinally from the caster to the primary melt furnaces.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1995Date of Patent: May 13, 1997Assignee: IPSCO Enterprises Inc.Inventor: William R. Frank
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Patent number: 5282397Abstract: The engine balancing system preferably has two pivoting counterbalance weights connected to eccentric journals on the crankshaft via their respective link arms. The use of the two pivoting weights and the particular geometrical relationships between the balancing system components enable the balancing system to substantially mimic and oppose the non-sinusoidal piston forces. Several methods of balancing the non-sinusoidal piston forces are disclosed. In a first method, the centers of gravity of the respective counterbalance weights are moved at non-sinusoidal angular accelerations. These angular accelerations are greater when the piston is near its Top Dead Center position than when the piston is near its Bottom Dead Center position to yield higher balancing forces when the piston is near Top Dead Center.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1992Date of Patent: February 1, 1994Assignee: Briggs & Stratton CorporationInventors: Joseph R. Harkness, Patrick J. Bruener, William R. Frank
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Patent number: 4249782Abstract: A dynamically self-aligning bearing and seal for use with agricultural groundworking tools which are exposed to contaminated environments and severe shock loadings. The improved bearing utilizes a spherically-shaped support housing and spherically-shaped outer race ring that are slidably engaged to permit dynamic oscillating movement of the outer race ring relative to the support housing. A multi-lipped seal is carried by the outer race ring and includes first lips extending radially inwardly to wipingly seal the anti-friction ball bearings against contaminates. A thicker second lip of the seal extends radially towards the inner surface of the housing and acts to frictionally and yieldably resist rotating and oscillating movement of the outer race ring relative to the housing. The second lip further serves to seal against entry of contaminates between the two spherically-shaped and interacting surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1979Date of Patent: February 10, 1981Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: William R. Frank