Patents by Inventor Dale Frank
Dale 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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Patent number: 11572759Abstract: A downhole well system can use a fiber optic cable that can be positioned downhole along a length of a wellbore. The well system may include a top plug, a bottom plug, or both that are used to contain a cement slurry during a cementing operation. The movement of the top plug and bottom plug may cause acoustic noise along the downhole portion of the casing. A reflectometer may detect the acoustic noise from strain in the fiber optic cable and determine a location of the top plug or bottom plug downhole.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2019Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Paul M. Osborne, Francis Joel Pereira, Dale Frank Hopwood, John Singh, Paul Meier
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Patent number: 11168627Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining and correcting air/fuel imbalance between cylinders of an internal combustion engine. A deactivation strategy is determined and implemented. An evaluation is made of whether the engine is operating with an air/fuel imbalance between cylinders. When an imbalance is identified, an alternate deactivation strategy is implemented. Based on outcomes of the alternate deactivation strategy, a source cylinder of the air/fuel imbalance is identified, and fuel flow to the source cylinder is corrected.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2019Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Michael A. Smith, Dale A. Frank, Ryan J. Prescott, Manoj K. Moningi, Michael J. Lucido, Vijay Ramappan
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Patent number: 11143287Abstract: A hydraulic control valve for controlling hydraulic circuits comprises a valve housing defining a valve bore, a first spool valve slidably positioned within the valve bore and adapted to control a first hydraulic circuit, and a second spool valve slidably positioned within the valve bore and adapted to control a second hydraulic circuit. The first spool valve and the second spool valve are positioned co-axially within the valve bore and are independently slidable within the valve bore to allow the first and second spool valves to control the first and second hydraulic valves independently of one another.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2019Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Dale A. Frank
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Publication number: 20210148293Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining and correcting air/fuel imbalance between cylinders of an internal combustion engine. A deactivation strategy is determined and implemented. An evaluation is made of whether the engine is operating with an air/fuel imbalance between cylinders. When an imbalance is identified, an alternate deactivation strategy is implemented. Based on outcomes of the alternate deactivation strategy, a source cylinder of the air/fuel imbalance is identified, and fuel flow to the source cylinder is corrected.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2019Publication date: May 20, 2021Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Michael A. Smith, Dale A. Frank, Ryan J. Prescott, Manoj K. Moningi, Michael J. Lucido, Vijay Ramappan
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Publication number: 20210032957Abstract: A downhole well system can use a fiber optic cable that can be positioned downhole along a length of a wellbore. The well system may include a top plug, a bottom plug, or both that are used to contain a cement slurry during a cementing operation. The movement of the top plug and bottom plug may cause acoustic noise along the downhole portion of the casing. A reflectometer may detect the acoustic noise from strain in the fiber optic cable and determine a location of the top plug or bottom plug downhole.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2019Publication date: February 4, 2021Inventors: Paul M. Osborne, Francis Joel Pereira, Dale Frank Hopwood, John Singh, Paul Meier
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Publication number: 20200309247Abstract: A hydraulic control valve for controlling hydraulic circuits comprises a valve housing defining a valve bore, a first spool valve slidably positioned within the valve bore and adapted to control a first hydraulic circuit, and a second spool valve slidably positioned within the valve bore and adapted to control a second hydraulic circuit. The first spool valve and the second spool valve are positioned co-axially within the valve bore and are independently slidable within the valve bore to allow the first and second spool valves to control the first and second hydraulic valves independently of one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2019Publication date: October 1, 2020Inventor: Dale A. Frank
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Patent number: 10443487Abstract: A vehicle powertrain includes an engine having an air intake system and an exhaust system. A turbocharger includes a turbine section connected to the exhaust system and a compressor section connected to the air intake system. A wastegate is disposed in the exhaust system and movable between an open and a closed position by an actuator system. The actuator system includes a gear mechanism for moving the waste gate from a closed to an open position and including a pair of noncircular gears.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2017Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Mark R. Claywell, Dale A. Frank, Maqsood Rizwan Ali Khan
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Patent number: 10398425Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for distracting adjacent vertebrae during surgical procedures for implanting spinal prostheses. In an exemplary embodiment, a distractor is disclosed that maintains the empty space between adjacent vertebrae following a discectomy, and that can removably mate with other surgical instruments, such as, for example, a filler bar, an implanting tool, or a funnel. In other embodiments of the present invention a distractor is disclosed having various features to assist in implanting a spinal prosthesis, such as, for example, an angled distal end and/or an expandable paddle. In another embodiment of the present invention, an articulating inserter is disclosed. Moreover, various implants and funnels are also disclosed herein.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2015Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: Medos International SarlInventors: Michael Mahoney, Sara Dziedzic, Paul Birkmeyer, Timothy Beardsley, Dale Frank, Ron Naughton
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Publication number: 20180306103Abstract: A vehicle powertrain includes an engine having an air intake system and an exhaust system. A turbocharger includes a turbine section connected to the exhaust system and a compressor section connected to the air intake system. A wastegate is disposed in the exhaust system and movable between an open and a closed position by an actuator system. The actuator system includes a gear mechanism for moving the waste gate from a closed to an open position and including a pair of noncircular gears.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2017Publication date: October 25, 2018Inventors: Mark R. CLAYWELL, Dale A. FRANK, Maqsood Rizwan ALI KHAN
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Publication number: 20160030029Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for distracting adjacent vertebrae during surgical procedures for implanting spinal prostheses. In an exemplary embodiment, a distractor is disclosed that maintains the empty space between adjacent vertebrae following a discectomy, and that can removably mate with other surgical instruments, such as, for example, a filler bar, an implanting tool, or a funnel. In other embodiments of the present invention a distractor is disclosed having various features to assist in implanting a spinal prosthesis, such as, for example, an angled distal end and/or an expandable paddle. In another embodiment of the present invention, an articulating inserter is disclosed. Moreover, various implants and funnels are also disclosed herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2015Publication date: February 4, 2016Inventors: Michael Mahoney, Sara Dziedzic, Paul Birkmeyer, Timothy Beardsley, Dale Frank, Ron Naughton
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Patent number: 9180024Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for distracting adjacent vertebrae during surgical procedures for implanting spinal prostheses. In an exemplary embodiment, a distractor is disclosed that maintains the empty space between adjacent vertebrae following a discectomy, and that can removably mate with other surgical instruments, such as, for example, a filler bar, an implanting tool, or a funnel. In other embodiments of the present invention a distractor is disclosed having various features to assist in implanting a spinal prosthesis, such as, for example, an angled distal end and/or an expandable paddle. In another embodiment of the present invention, an articulating inserter is disclosed. Moreover, various implants and funnels are also disclosed herein.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2011Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: Medos International SarlInventors: Michael Mahoney, Sara Dziedzic, Paul Birkmeyer, Timothy Beardsley, Dale Frank, Ron Naughton
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Patent number: 8521853Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for updating software applications in a processor cluster, in which the cluster is divided into first and second processor groups and the first group is isolated from clients and from the second group with respect to network and cluster communications by application of IP filters. The first group of processors is updated or retrofitted with the new software and brought to a ready-to-run state while the second group is active to serve clients. The first group is then transitioned to an in-service state after isolating the then-active service providing application on second group. Thereafter, the second group of processors is offlined, updated or retrofitted, and transitioned to an in-service state to complete the installation of the new application version across the cluster with reduced or zero downtime and without requiring backward software compatibility.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Alcatel LucentInventors: Dale Frank Rathunde, Paul M. Susa, Saju George Oommen
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Publication number: 20110276139Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for distracting adjacent vertebrae during surgical procedures for implanting spinal prostheses. In an exemplary embodiment, a distractor is disclosed that maintains the empty space between adjacent vertebrae following a discectomy, and that can removably mate with other surgical instruments, such as, for example, a filler bar, an implanting tool, or a funnel. In other embodiments of the present invention a distractor is disclosed having various features to assist in implanting a spinal prosthesis, such as, for example, an angled distal end and/or an expandable paddle. In another embodiment of the present invention, an articulating inserter is disclosed. Moreover, various implants and funnels are also disclosed herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2011Publication date: November 10, 2011Applicant: DePuy Spine, Inc.Inventors: Michael Mahoney, Sara Dziedzic, Paul Birkmeyer, Timothy Beardsley, Dale Frank, Ron Naughton
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Patent number: 8016829Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for distracting adjacent vertebrae during surgical procedures for implanting spinal prostheses. In an exemplary embodiment, a distractor is disclosed that maintains the empty space between adjacent vertebrae following a discectomy, and that can removably mate with other surgical instruments, such as, for example, a filler bar, an implanting tool, or a funnel. In other embodiments of the present invention a distractor is disclosed having various features to assist in implanting a spinal prosthesis, such as, for example, an angled distal end and/or an expandable paddle. In another embodiment of the present invention, an articulating inserter is disclosed. Moreover, various implants and funnels are also disclosed herein.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2005Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: DePuy Spine, Inc.Inventors: Michael Mahoney, Sara Dziedzic, Paul Birkmeyer, Timothy Beardsley, Dale Frank, Ron Naughton
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Publication number: 20090007135Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for updating software applications in a processor cluster, in which the cluster is divided into first and second processor groups and the first group is isolated from clients and from the second group with respect to network and cluster communications by application of IP filters. The first group of processors is updated or retrofitted with the new software and brought to a ready-to-run state while the second group is active to serve clients. The first group is then transitioned to an in-service state after isolating the then-active service providing application on second group. Thereafter, the second group of processors is offlined, updated or retrofitted, and transitioned to an in-service state to complete the installation of the new application version across the cluster with reduced or zero downtime and without requiring backward software compatibility.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2007Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: LUCENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Dale Frank Rathunde, Paul M. Susa, Saju George Oommen
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Publication number: 20080071293Abstract: A method and apparatus assisting safe one-handed insertion of an implant. An implant implantation device has a frame which includes a trigger mechanism, an outer sleeve mechanically coupled to the frame, an inner shaft having a grabber for mechanically engaging an implant, the inner shaft slidably disposed within the outer sleeve, and a retaining element disposed over the inner shaft for directing the grabber toward a closed position. An implant clip has a first member, a second member pivotally coupled to the first member, a first implant holder pivotally coupled to the first member, the coupling causing the implant clip to have a closed position and an open position, and a second implant holder, the second implant holder pivotally coupled to the second member, a surface of the first implant holder and a surface of the second implant holder remaining substantially parallel to each other while the first member and the second member pivot between the closed position and the open position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2007Publication date: March 20, 2008Applicant: DePuy Spine, Inc.Inventors: Edward Zalenski, Dale Frank, Michael Sorrenti, Alexander Grinberg
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Publication number: 20070276406Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for distracting adjacent vertebrae during surgical procedures for implanting spinal prostheses. In an exemplary embodiment, a distractor is disclosed that maintains the empty space between adjacent vertebrae following a discectomy, and that can removably mate with other surgical instruments, such as, for example, a filler bar, an implanting tool, or a funnel. In other embodiments of the present invention a distractor is disclosed having various features to assist in implanting a spinal prosthesis, such as, for example, an angled distal end and/or an expandable paddle. In another embodiment of the present invention, an articulating inserter is disclosed. Moreover, various implants and funnels are also disclosed herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2005Publication date: November 29, 2007Applicant: DEPUY SPINE, INCInventors: Michael Mahoney, Sara Dziedzic, Paul Birkmeyer, Timothy Beardsley, Dale Frank, Ron Naughton
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Patent number: 7219254Abstract: A plurality of local network groups of computers (102) are coupled together by a network (104). Independent processing systems that execute a single operating system are coupled together by a network (220) to form the local network groups. The independent processing systems may have more than one CPU (202). One or more of the independent processing systems may share power, cooling and a housing, thereby forming a common fault processor group (200). An application is written to execute across multiple independent processing systems and common fault processor groups. That is, the application runs in many instances that each run on independent processing systems. The multiple instances of the application provide some measure of high availability by using N+K sparing or the like. The application is for example, call processing or radio control. A processor notification list (304) keeps track of the independent processing systems that cooperatively provide an application.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2003Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventors: Dale Frank Rathunde, Jerome Edward Rog, William E. Witt
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Patent number: 7149918Abstract: A plurality of local network groups of computers (102) are coupled together by a network (104). Independent processing systems that execute a single operating system are coupled together by a network (220) to form the local network groups. The independent processing systems may have more than one CPU (202). One or more of the independent processing systems may share power, cooling and a housing, thereby forming a common fault processor group (200). An application is written to execute across multiple independent processing systems and common fault processor groups. That is, the application runs in many instances that each run on independent processing systems. The multiple instances of the application provide some measure of high availability by using N+K sparing or the like. The application is for example, call processing or radio control. A processor notification list (304) keeps track of the independent processing systems that cooperatively provide an application.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2003Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventors: Dale Frank Rathunde, Jerome Edward Rog, William E. Witt
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Patent number: 7134046Abstract: A plurality of local network groups of computers (102) are coupled together by a network (104). Independent processing systems that execute a single operating system are coupled together by a network (220) to form the local network groups. The independent processing systems may have more than one CPU (202). One or more of the independent processing systems may share power, cooling and a housing, thereby forming a common fault processor group (200). An application is written to execute across multiple independent processing systems and common fault processor groups. That is, the application runs in many instances that each run on independent processing systems. The multiple instances of the application provide some measure of high availability by using N+K sparing or the like. The application is for example, call processing or radio control. A processor notification list (304) keeps track of the independent processing systems that cooperatively provide an application.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2003Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventors: Dale Frank Rathunde, Jerome Edward Rog, William E. Witt