Patents by Inventor Frank A. Richards

Frank A. Richards 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).

  • Patent number: 12163935
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for analysing hydrocarbons, with the implementation of a gas chromatography separation according to a first controlled temperature profile, to separate a sample into a plurality of analytes and the detection of at least one of said analytes by measurement of a variation of the resonance frequency of at least one resonator of nano-electromechanical system (NEMS) type covered with a functional layer made to vibrate at the resonance frequency thereof, under the effect of an adsorption or desorption of the analyte by the functional layer, the resonator being subjected to a second controlled temperature profile, lower than the first profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: TOTALENERGIES ONETECH
    Inventors: Eric Colinet, Philippe Andreucci, Pierre Puget, Matthieu Loriau, John Richard Ordonez Varela, Frank Haeseler
  • Publication number: 20240404066
    Abstract: A system and method for segmenting an anatomical structure in ultrasound imaging data. First ultrasound imaging data of a first region, which includes the anatomical structure, is acquired at a high resolution. Second ultrasound imaging data of a second region, which includes a region neighboring the first region, is acquired at a low resolution. The first and second ultrasound imaging data are processed to segment the anatomical structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2022
    Publication date: December 5, 2024
    Inventors: Frank Michael Weber, Faik Can Meral, Irina Waechter-Stehle, Francois Guy Gerard Marie Vignon, Tanja Lossau, Man M. Nguyen, Sebastian Wild, Jason Richard Yu, André Goossen, Alexandra Groth
  • Patent number: 12151023
    Abstract: The disclosure provides products configured for oral use, the products including one or more active ingredients and a beet material, at least a portion of the one or more active ingredients being bound to the beet material. In some embodiments, oral products as described herein may include a beet material, a filler material, and one or more active ingredients, at least a portion of the one or more active ingredients being bound to the beet material and the filler material. Active ingredients included in the product may be configured for release according to different release rates, which rates may depend at least in part on the material to which the active ingredient is bound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: Nicoventures Trading Limited
    Inventors: Darrell Eugene Holton, Jr., Dwayne William Beeson, Anthony Richard Gerardi, Chris J. Grimes, Ronald K. Hutchens, Christopher Keller, Thomas H. Poole, Frank Kelley St. Charles
  • Publication number: 20240382688
    Abstract: A data collection device for attachment to an injection device, such as an injector pen, includes a sensor arrangement to detect movement of a movable component of the injection device relative to the data collection device during delivery of a medicament by the injection device, and a processor arrangement configured to, based on said detected movement, determine a medicament dosage administered by the injection device. The processor arrangement may monitor the time that has elapsed since the medicament dosage was administered, and control a display to show the mediacament dosage and elapsed time to provide a memory aid to the user. In an example embodiment, the sensor arrangement includes an optical encoder and the movable component includes a plurality of light barrier formations. The movable component may be a number sleeve that provides a visual indication of a dose programmed into the injection device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2024
    Publication date: November 21, 2024
    Inventors: Frank Erbstein, Paul Richard Draper, Robert Frederick Veasey, David Aubrey Plumptre, Joseph Butler
  • Patent number: 12134291
    Abstract: A system for checking or verifying an electrical connection of a trailer with a vehicle. The system includes a first connector integrated with the vehicle, one or more light sources on the vehicle each configured to emit a light ray of one or more colors, and a controller. The first connector includes a plurality of first wires configured for providing power for one or more electrical components on or within the trailer when the first connector integrated with the vehicle is connected to a second connector integrated with the trailer. The controller is configured to determine whether each one of the one or more electrical components on or within the trailer is working and control, based on the determination, the one or more light sources such that each one of the one or more light sources emits a light ray of one of the one or more colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2024
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Alexander L Paradis, Frank A Richards
  • Patent number: 12070584
    Abstract: A data collection device for attachment to an injection device, such as an injector pen, includes a sensor arrangement to detect movement of a movable component of the injection device relative to the data collection device during delivery of a medicament by the injection device, and a processor arrangement configured to, based on said detected movement, determine a medicament dosage administered by the injection device. The processor arrangement may monitor the time that has elapsed since the medicament dosage was administered, and control a display to show the mediacament dosage and elapsed time to provide a memory aid to the user. In an example embodiment, the sensor arrangement includes an optical encoder and the movable component includes a plurality of light barrier formations. The movable component may be a number sleeve that provides a visual indication of a dose programmed into the injection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GMBH
    Inventors: Frank Erbstein, Paul Richard Draper, Robert Frederick Veasey, David Aubrey Plumptre, Joseph Butler
  • Publication number: 20240279825
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for utilization of an absorption chiller for hydrogen production can include an arrangement configured for providing at least one heated waste stream of fluid from at least one hydrogen production unit to an absorption chiller generator to power the absorption chiller. Coolant can be generated via the heated waste stream for feeding coolant from the generator to an evaporator for cooling a chilling medium to a pre-selected chilling temperature to provide cooling to one or more process elements. The warmed chilling medium can be returned to the absorption chiller evaporator for subsequent cooling back to the pre-selected chilling temperature to provide a closed-circuit cooling arrangement. The waste fluid fed to the generator can be output as a cooled waste fluid for returning to hydrogen production for further use or be output for treatment and/or disposal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2023
    Publication date: August 22, 2024
    Applicant: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: GOWRI KRISHNAMURTHY, FRANK J. DOBEK, GRAEME RICHARD WILSON, FEI CHEN, MICHAEL T. MORGENSTERN
  • Patent number: 12064424
    Abstract: The disclosure provides for an oral composition, the oral composition including at least one active agent, at least one filler component, and water in an amount sufficient such that the oral composition has a total moisture content of about 15% to about 30% by weight or greater based on the total weight of the oral composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Assignee: Nicoventures Trading Limited
    Inventors: Darrell Eugene Holton, Jr., Dwayne William Beeson, Andinet Amare Gessesse, Philip Richard Hunt, Ronald K. Hutchens, Christopher Keller, Thomas H. Poole, Frank Kelley St. Charles
  • Publication number: 20240249246
    Abstract: Systems and methods to provide verified automated employment screening are described. In one aspect, a system collects, synthesizes, analyzes, and communicates historical employment data of employees and of employers to provide a verified screening service to a user. Employment data from multiple employers, other verified data sources, and/or the employee candidate are used to calculate a set of scores for the candidate employee. Any conflict between data sources is automatically resolved. The system employment scores may include an employee screening score and projected employment longevity score. A potential employer may select data used to generate the system scores, set analytical parameters, and filter available data. The system scores may be compared against employment benchmark data. The employment data may be used to calculate an employer score which may be compared against employment benchmark data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2024
    Publication date: July 25, 2024
    Applicant: Employment Screening Plus LLC
    Inventors: Andrew D. Carr, Frank Richards
  • Patent number: 12012033
    Abstract: Backup light systems and methods for use in a vehicle. The system includes a backup light configured to generate light in an illumination pattern, a sensor configured to detect data corresponding to a vehicle condition, and an electronic control unit (ECU) coupled to the backup light and the sensor. The ECU is configured to determine the vehicle condition based on the detected data, and adjust an intensity of the light generated by the backup light based on the vehicle condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Alexander L Paradis, Frank A. Richards, David N Osborne, Stuart R Wuerthele, John P. Jaaska, Clinton Williams
  • Publication number: 20240075869
    Abstract: Systems and methods of indirectly illuminating a step surface of a vehicle running board are provided. A running board may include an upper step surface and at least one lighting element provided at an inboard underside of the running board to directly illuminate the undercarriage of the vehicle and a ground surface below the running board. The lighting element may be configured to direct light to a reflecting element provided at the undercarriage for reflecting light provided by the at least one lighting element to indirectly illuminate the upper step surface of the running board. Associated vehicles including the running board are provided. Associated methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2022
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Applicants: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Stuart R. Wuerthele, Frank A. Richards, Alexander L. Paradis
  • Publication number: 20240010222
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for increasing driver awareness of external audible and visual alerts. The external alerts may be detected by external sensors of a vehicle. Systems may use internal sensors to determine whether a driver of the vehicle appears aware of the external alert or whether the external alert is detectable inside the vehicle. If the driver does not appear aware of the external alert, or the external alert is not detectable inside the vehicle, the vehicle may broadcast an internal alert to the driver. The internal alert may be one or more of a visual alert, an audible alert, or a tactile alert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2023
    Publication date: January 11, 2024
    Inventors: ALEXANDER L. PARADIS, FRANK A. RICHARDS
  • Publication number: 20230398824
    Abstract: A system for checking or verifying an electrical connection of a trailer with a vehicle. The system includes a first connector integrated with the vehicle, one or more light sources on the vehicle each configured to emit a light ray of one or more colors, and a controller. The first connector includes a plurality of first wires configured for providing power for one or more electrical components on or within the trailer when the first connector integrated with the vehicle is connected to a second connector integrated with the trailer. The controller is configured to determine whether each one of the one or more electrical components on or within the trailer is working and control, based on the determination, the one or more light sources such that each one of the one or more light sources emits a light ray of one of the one or more colors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2022
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Alexander L. Paradis, Frank A. Richards
  • Patent number: 11833949
    Abstract: Systems are provided for integrating a deployable grip with a vehicle. The deployable grip may comprise a support coupled to a portion of a vehicle and a handle attached to the support and configured to move between a deployed position and a retracted position relative to the support upon application of a force on the handle. The handle provides a physical aid, when deployed, to an occupant of the vehicle while the occupant is entering or exiting the vehicle, is deployable when a door of the vehicle proximal to which the support is coupled to the portion of the vehicle is open, is not deployable when the door is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Alexander L. Paradis, Frank A. Richards
  • Publication number: 20230382294
    Abstract: Backup light systems and methods for use in a vehicle. The system includes a backup light configured to generate light in an illumination pattern, a sensor configured to detect data corresponding to a vehicle condition, and an electronic control unit (ECU) coupled to the backup light and the sensor. The ECU is configured to determine the vehicle condition based on the detected data, and adjust an intensity of the light generated by the backup light based on the vehicle condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Alexander L. Paradis, Frank A. Richards, David N. Osborne, Stuart R. Wuerthele, John P. Jaaska, Clinton Williams
  • Patent number: 11828314
    Abstract: A clamping device and a clamping system using the same are disclosed herein. The clamping device includes a first clamp component formed from bent wire configured to partially circumscribe a pole, and including at least one offset portion for defining an accessory receiving space between the first clamp component and a sidewall of the pole; a second clamp component rotatably coupled to the first clamp component, formed from bent wire, and configured to partially circumscribe the pole; and a handle component configured to couple the second clamp component to the first clamp component. When the handle component is rotated in a first tightening direction, the first clamp component and the second clamp component are brought into secure engagement about the circumference of the pole. When the handle component is rotated in a second loosening direction, the clamping device is capable of being disengaged from the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Inventor: Frank Richard Markusic
  • Publication number: 20230371944
    Abstract: A composite suture needle configured for passing through a smaller cannula used in minimally invasive surgery includes a curved elongated body made of stainless steel. The curved elongated body has a proximal end and a distal end with a pointed tip. The composite suture needle includes a sheath overlying the curved elongated body. The sheath is curved for conforming to the shape of the curved elongated body. The sheath is made of a material that is more elastic than the curved elongated body. The pointed tip of the curved elongated body extends distally beyond the distal end of the sheath. The curved elongated body is made of stainless steel and the sheath is made of a material, such as nitinol, that is more elastic than the elongated body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: Robert J. TANNHAUSER, Frank Richard CICHOCKI, JR.
  • Publication number: 20230356690
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a lighting control system including a sensor that is located at an exterior movable component of the vehicle. When the exterior movable component is moved from one position to another position, the pressure sensor sends a signal to a controller that activates exterior lights of the vehicle based on the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2022
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Applicants: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Alexander L. Paradis, Frank A. Richards
  • Publication number: 20230356694
    Abstract: A vehicle system for a vehicle is provided. The vehicle system includes an electronic control unit configured to receive a signal from a key fob, and determine whether the key fob is within a predetermined distance from the vehicle based on the received signal. Upon determination that the key fob is within the predetermined distance from the vehicle, the electronic control unit determines whether a predetermined action has been performed by a user based on an output from one or more vehicle sensors. Upon determination that the predetermined action has been performed, the electronic control unit causes a component of the vehicle to at least one of unlock and open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2022
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Applicants: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Alexander L. Paradis, Frank A. Richards
  • Patent number: 11794772
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for increasing driver awareness of external audible and visual alerts. The external alerts may be detected by external sensors of a vehicle. Systems may use internal sensors to determine whether a driver of the vehicle appears aware of the external alert or whether the external alert is detectable inside the vehicle. If the driver does not appear aware of the external alert, or the external alert is not detectable inside the vehicle, the vehicle may broadcast an internal alert to the driver. The internal alert may be one or more of a visual alert, an audible alert, or a tactile alert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Alexander L. Paradis, Frank A. Richards