Patents by Inventor Dennis L. Shaffer

Dennis L. Shaffer 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: 20070271938
    Abstract: A control system and method are provided for the controlling of steam supplies used by a steam turbine driven chiller unit. The steam turbine can receive steam from a high pressure steam source and/or a low pressure steam source depending on the operating mode of the steam turbine. The high pressure steam is used for operating at the steam turbine at rated speed and to provide the breakaway torque when starting the steam turbine. The low pressure steam is used for extending idling of the steam turbine that enables the steam turbine to transition more quickly to rated speed when desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
    Inventor: Dennis L. SHAFFER
  • Patent number: 5553290
    Abstract: A software management structure is disclosed. A software application package is made up of several linked replaceable units (RU). Each RU is serviceable without adversely effecting the other RUs. The RUs are linked together in a hierarchical fashion in a series of levels. In the preferred embodiment, five levels are used: Application Group level (AG), Loadable Code Group level (LCG), Primary Functional Group level (PFG), Secondary Functional Group level (SFG), and Operational Code Group level (OCG). The AG level defines a group of computer programs combined to perform a high level application tailor fit to meet the needs of the user. The LCG level defines individual programs each created to perform a general task. The PFG level refines the common programs defined in the LCG level to a more specific set of primary functions. The SFG level refines the primary functions defined in the PFG level to an even more specialized set of secondary functions tailored closely to fit a specific user's needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Nathaniel Calvert, James S. Effle, David L. Johnston, James L. Naylor, Helen M. Olson-Williams, Robert H. Satin, Dennis L. Shaffer, Gary A. Turk
  • Patent number: 5237688
    Abstract: A software management structure is disclosed. A software application package is made up of several linked replaceable units (RU). Each RU is serviceable without adversely effecting the other RUs. The RUs are linked together in a hierarchical fashion in a series of levels. In the preferred embodiment, five levels are used: Application Group level (AG), Loadable Code Group level (LCG), Primary Functional Group level (PFG), Secondary Functional Group level (SFG), and Operational Code Group level (OCG). The AG level defines a group of computer programs combined to perform a high level application tailor fit to meet the needs of the user. The LCG level defines individual programs each created to perform a general task. The PFG level refines the common programs defined in the LCG level to a more specific set of primary functions. The SFG level refines the primary functions defined in the PFG level to an even more specialized set of secondary functions tailored closely to fit a specific user's needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Nathaniel Calvert, James S. Effle, David L. Johnston, James L. Naylor, Helen M. Olson-Williams, Robert H. Satin, Dennis L. Shaffer, Gary A. Turk