Patents by Inventor Frank E. Davis
Frank E. Davis 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: 11978931Abstract: Molten carbonate fuel cell configurations are provided that allow for introduction of an anode input gas flow on a side of the fuel cell that is adjacent to the entry side for the cathode input gas flow while allowing the anode and cathode to operate under co-current flow and/or counter-current flow conditions. It has been discovered that improved flow properties can be achieved within the anode or cathode during co-current flow or counter-current flow operation by diverting the input flow for the anode or cathode into an extended edge seal region (in an extended edge seal chamber) adjacent to the active area of the anode or cathode, and then using a baffle to provide sufficient pressure drop for even flow distribution of the anode input flow across the anode or cathode input flow across the cathode.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2021Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: ExxonMobil Technology and Engineering CompanyInventors: Christopher Howard, Brandon J. O'Neill, Paul J. Rubas, Frank Hershkowitz, Lu Han, Lawrence J. Novacco, Frank J. Dobek, Jr., Keith E. Davis, Brian Bullecks
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Patent number: 11051539Abstract: Making a salt substitute includes forming a salt substitute precursor, providing the salt substitute precursor to a centrifuge, and centrifuging the salt substitute precursor to yield a salt substitute in the form of a solid and a centrate. The salt substitute precursor includes water, a chloride salt, a food grade acid, and an anticaking agent. The chloride salt includes potassium chloride. A pH of the salt substitute precursor is between 2 and 4, and the salt substitute precursor is a saturated or supersaturated solution, a suspension, or a slurry. The salt substitute includes a chloride salt, a food grade acid, and an anticaking agent. The salt substitute includes potassium chloride and is in the form of a crystalline solid including at least 95 wt % of the chloride salt, up to 1 wt % of the food grade acid, and up to 1 wt % of the anticaking agent.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2018Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: S & P INGREDIENT DEVELOPMENT, LLCInventors: James S. Brophy, Frank E. Davis, Sambasiva Rao Chigurupati, Chris Trotter
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Publication number: 20190281875Abstract: Making a salt substitute includes forming a salt substitute precursor, providing the salt substitute precursor to a centrifuge, and centrifuging the salt substitute precursor to yield a salt substitute in the form of a solid and a centrate. The salt substitute precursor includes water, a chloride salt, a food grade acid, and an anticaking agent. The chloride salt includes potassium chloride. A pH of the salt substitute precursor is between 2 and 4, and the salt substitute precursor is a saturated or supersaturated solution, a suspension, or a slurry. The salt substitute includes a chloride salt, a food grade acid, and an anticaking agent. The salt substitute includes potassium chloride and is in the form of a crystalline solid including at least 95 wt % of the chloride salt, up to 1 wt % of the food grade acid, and up to 1 wt % of the anticaking agent.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2018Publication date: September 19, 2019Applicant: S & P INGREDIENT DEVELOPMENT, LLCInventors: James S. Brophy, Frank E. Davis, Sambasiva Rao Chigurupati, Chris Trotter
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Patent number: 9668513Abstract: A leaf removal apparatus for removing one or more wrapper leaves of a harvested produce and its method of use is provided. The apparatus includes a framework, a conveyor comprising a set of parallel rods having a space therebetween, a stripping roller, and a plurality of flexible members. The methods of using the apparatus include feeding a harvested produce onto a conveyor comprising a set of parallel rods having a space therebetween; transporting the harvested produce on the conveyor towards a stripping roller connected to a framework of the leaf removal apparatus; contacting the harvested produce with a plurality of flexible members connected to the framework, and the stripping roller, and loosening or removing one or more wrapper leaves of the harvested produce, wherein one or more of the removed wrapper leaves fall through the space between the rods of the conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2016Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc.Inventors: Ignacio Barajas, Maximino Corral, Edgar Enrique Valdivia Rodriguez, Gabriel Fuentes Villasenor, Manuel Maldonado Magana, Carlos Uribe Meza, Jose De Jesus Valdez, Dennis Johnny Castillo, Serafin Albarran, Stephen Jens, Richard L. Bascou, Frank E. Davis
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Publication number: 20170042211Abstract: A leaf removal apparatus for removing one or more wrapper leaves of a harvested produce is provided. The leaf removal apparatus includes a framework, a conveyor, a stripping roller, and a plurality of flexible members. The conveyor is configured to transport the harvested produce in a forward direction to the stripping roller. The stripping roller is connected to the framework and rotates in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the conveyor. The stripping roller applies a friction force on the harvested produce. The plurality of flexible members are connected to the framework and are configured to loosen or remove one or more wrapper leaves of the harvested produce and prolong the duration of contact between the harvested produce and the stripping roller. The flexible members may also cause the harvested produce to rotate, helping to remove one or more wrapper leaves.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2016Publication date: February 16, 2017Applicant: DOLE FRESH VEGETABLES, INC.Inventors: IGNACIO BARAJAS, Maximino CORRAL, Edgar Enrique VALDIVIA RODRIGUEZ, Gabriel FUENTES VILLASENOR, Manuel MALDONADO MAGANA, Carlos URIBE MEZA, Jose DE JESUS VALDEZ, Dennis Johnny CASTILLO, Serafin ALBARRAN, Stephen JENS, Richard L. BASCOU, Frank E. DAVIS
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Patent number: 9486008Abstract: A system for trimming a lettuce head using a digital imaging system and cutting mechanism. The lettuce head is conveyed between a lower feed conveyor and an upper feed conveyor that is disposed a fixed distance over and substantially aligned with a lower feed conveyor. The digital imaging system is configured to capture an image of the lettuce head and determine a cutting profile using the image. The cutting mechanism is disposed over the lower feed conveyor and includes: a servo motor mechanically coupled to a drive shaft; an armature with a pivot end mounted to the drive shaft and a sweep end disposed a radial distance from the pivot end; a cutting nozzle, mounted to the sweep end of the armature, configured to trim the lettuce head; and servo-control circuitry configured to articulate the cutting nozzle through a cutting arc based on the cutting profile.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2013Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: DOLE FRESH VEGETABLES, INC.Inventors: Rosser W. Pryor, Roland C. Myers, Jr., Stephan C. Robinson, Roger D. Billingsley, Stephen Chris Jens, Frank E. Davis, Robert Ragon
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Patent number: 9307785Abstract: Wrapper leaves of a harvested produce can be removed using a leaf removal apparatus. The leaf removal apparatus includes a framework, a conveyor, a stripping roller, and a plurality of flexible members. The method of using the leaf removal apparatus includes feeding a harvested produce onto a conveyor; transporting the harvested produce on the conveyor towards a stripping roller connected to a framework of the leaf removal apparatus; and contacting the harvested produce with a plurality of flexible members connected to the framework, and the stripping roller.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2015Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignee: DOLE FRESH VEGETABLES, INC.Inventors: Ignacio Barajas, Maximino Corral, Edgar Enrique Valdivia Rodriguez, Gabriel Fuentes Villasenor, Manuel Maldonado Magana, Carlos Uribe Meza, Jose De Jesus Valdez, Dennis Johnny Castillo, Serafin Albarran, Stephen Jens, Richard L. Bascou, Frank E. Davis
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Publication number: 20150282519Abstract: A leaf removal apparatus for removing one or more wrapper leaves of a harvested produce is provided. The leaf removal apparatus includes a framework, a conveyor, a stripping roller, and a plurality of flexible members. The conveyor is configured to transport the harvested produce in a forward direction to the stripping roller. The stripping roller is connected to the framework and rotates in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the conveyor. The stripping roller applies a friction force on the harvested produce. The plurality of flexible members are connected to the framework and are configured to loosen or remove one or more wrapper leaves of the harvested produce and prolong the duration of contact between the harvested produce and the stripping roller. The flexible members may also cause the harvested produce to rotate, helping to remove one or more wrapper leaves.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2015Publication date: October 8, 2015Applicant: Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc.Inventors: Ignacio BARAJAS, Maximino CORRAL, Edgar Enrique VALDIVIA RODRIGUEZ, Gabriel FUENTES VILLASENOR, Manuel MALDONADO MAGANA, Carlos URIBE MEZA, Jose DE JESUS VALDEZ, Dennis Johnny CASTILLO, Serafin ALBARRAN, Stephen JENS, Richard L. BASCOU, Frank E. DAVIS
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Patent number: 9078468Abstract: A leaf removal apparatus for removing one or more wrapper leaves of a harvested produce is provided. The leaf removal apparatus includes a framework, a conveyor, a stripping roller, and a plurality of flexible members. The conveyor is configured to transport the harvested produce in a forward direction to the stripping roller. The stripping roller is connected to the framework and rotates in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the conveyor. The stripping roller applies a friction force on the harvested produce. The plurality of flexible members are connected to the framework and are configured to loosen or remove one or more wrapper leaves of the harvested produce and prolong the duration of contact between the harvested produce and the stripping roller. The flexible members may also cause the harvested produce to rotate, helping to remove one or more wrapper leaves. The friction force applied by the stripping roller removes one or more wrapper leaves of the harvested produce.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2013Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: Dole Fresh Vegtables, Inc.Inventors: Ignacio Barajas, Maximino Corral, Edgar Enrique Valdivia Rodriguez, Gabriel Fuentes Villasenor, Manuel Maldonado Magana, Carlos Uribe Meza, Jose De Jesus Valdez, Dennis Johnny Castillo, Serafin Albarran, Stephen Jens, Richard L. Bascou, Frank E. Davis
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Publication number: 20140030394Abstract: A system for trimming a lettuce head using a digital imaging system and cutting mechanism. The lettuce head is conveyed between a lower feed conveyor and an upper feed conveyor that is disposed a fixed distance over and substantially aligned with a lower feed conveyor. The digital imaging system is configured to capture an image of the lettuce head and determine a cutting profile using the image. The cutting mechanism is disposed over the lower feed conveyor and includes: a servo motor mechanically coupled to a drive shaft; an armature with a pivot end mounted to the drive shaft and a sweep end disposed a radial distance from the pivot end; a cutting nozzle, mounted to the sweep end of the armature, configured to trim the lettuce head; and servo-control circuitry configured to articulate the cutting nozzle through a cutting arc based on the cutting profile.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2013Publication date: January 30, 2014Applicant: DOLE FRESH VEGETABLES, INC.Inventors: Rosser W. PRYOR, Roland C. MYERS, JR., Stephan C. ROBINSON, Roger D. BILLINGSLEY, Stephen Chris JENS, Frank E. DAVIS, Robert RAGON
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Patent number: 8631635Abstract: A mechanical harvester for harvesting produce with a core planted in a field is provided. The mechanical harvester includes a chassis, a positioning apparatus, a decoring device, and a transport assembly. The positioning apparatus is connected to the chassis and configured to position the produce in the ground for harvesting and decoring. The decoring device is connected to the positioning apparatus and configured to sever the core of the produce while the produce is in the ground. The transport assembly is connected to the chassis and configured to lift the cut produce from the ground and transport the cut produce to a processing unit or a storage container.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2012Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc.Inventors: Serafin Albarran, Daniel Albarran, Jorge Alejo, Ignacio Barajas, Richard Bascou, Dennis Castillo, Maximino Corral, Whit Frans, Frank E. Davis, Stephen C. Jens, Raul Machuca, Manuel Magana, Carlos Meza, Gabriel Villasenor, Terry Young
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Patent number: 8549996Abstract: A system for trimming a lettuce head using a digital imaging system and cutting mechanism. The lettuce head is conveyed between a lower feed conveyor and an upper feed conveyor that is disposed a fixed distance over and substantially aligned with a lower feed conveyor. The digital imaging system is configured to capture an image of the lettuce head and determine a cutting profile using the image. The cutting mechanism is disposed over the lower feed conveyor and includes: a servo motor mechanically coupled to a drive shaft; an armature with a pivot end mounted to the drive shaft and a sweep end disposed a radial distance from the pivot end; a cutting nozzle, mounted to the sweep end of the armature, configured to trim the lettuce head; and servo-control circuitry configured to articulate the cutting nozzle through a cutting arc based on the cutting profile.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2010Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc.Inventors: Rosser W. Pryor, Roland C. Myers, Jr., Stephan C. Robinson, Roger D. Billingsley, Stephen Chris Jens, Frank E. Davis, Robert Ragon
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Publication number: 20120311989Abstract: A mechanical harvester for harvesting produce with a core planted in a field is provided. The mechanical harvester includes a chassis, a positioning apparatus, a decoring device, and a transport assembly. The positioning apparatus is connected to the chassis and configured to position the produce in the ground for harvesting and decoring. The decoring device is connected to the positioning apparatus and configured to sever the core of the produce while the produce is in the ground. The transport assembly is connected to the chassis and configured to lift the cut produce from the ground and transport the cut produce to a processing unit or a storage container.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2011Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: DOLE FRESH VEGETABLES, INC.Inventors: Serafin Albarran, Daniel Albarran, Jorge Alejo, Ignacio Barajas, Richard Bascou, Dennis Castillo, Maximino Corral, Whit Frans, Frank E. Davis, Stephen C. Jens, Raul Machuca, Manuel Magana, Carlos Meza, Gabriel Villasenor, Terry Young
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Patent number: 8312701Abstract: A mechanical harvester for harvesting produce with a core planted in a field is provided. The mechanical harvester includes a chassis, a positioning apparatus, a decoring device, and a transport assembly. The positioning apparatus is connected to the chassis and configured to position the produce in the ground for harvesting and decoring. The decoring device is connected to the positioning apparatus and configured to sever the core of the produce while the produce is in the ground. The transport assembly is connected to the chassis and configured to lift the cut produce from the ground and transport the cut produce to a processing unit or a storage container.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2011Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc.Inventors: Serafin Albarran, Daniel Albarran, Jorge Alejo, Ignacio Barajas, Richard Bascou, Dennis Castillo, Maximino Corral, Whit Frans, Frank E. Davis, Stephen C. Jens, Raul Machuca, Manuel Magana, Carlos Meza, Gabriel Villasenor, Terry Young
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Publication number: 20110293797Abstract: A system for trimming a lettuce head using a digital imaging system and cutting mechanism. The lettuce head is conveyed between a lower feed conveyor and an upper feed conveyor that is disposed a fixed distance over and substantially aligned with a lower feed conveyor. The digital imaging system is configured to capture an image of the lettuce head and determine a cutting profile using the image. The cutting mechanism is disposed over the lower feed conveyor and includes: a servo motor mechanically coupled to a drive shaft; an armature with a pivot end mounted to the drive shaft and a sweep end disposed a radial distance from the pivot end; a cutting nozzle, mounted to the sweep end of the armature, configured to trim the lettuce head; and servo-control circuitry configured to articulate the cutting nozzle through a cutting arc based on the cutting profile.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2010Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: DOLE FRESH VEGETABLES, INC.Inventors: Rosser W. PRYOR, Roland C. Meyers, JR., Stephan C. Robinson, Roger D. Billingsley, Stephen Chris Jens, Frank E. Davis, Robert Ragon
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Patent number: 4204596Abstract: A one-piece, integrally molded plastic carrier adapted for supporting a plurality of bottles (such as beverage bottles) in a space envelope which is essentially the same as that space previously utilized by cardboard cartons. In an embodiment for carrying six bottles, a pair of non-planar handle supports extend upwardly from the base, with each of the supports resting in the central space between groupings of four bottles that are arranged to form a "square". The handle supports may be generally cylindrical or T-shaped, or a combination thereof; but in any case they are non-planar. The moment of inertia of the handle supports is high, so that the stiffness of the carrier is correspondingly high. A substantial slot is provided in the base between the two handle supports, and the slot is sized so that two bottle carriers may be nested together--with the handle of one carrier passing through the slot and into the bottom of another carrier.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1978Date of Patent: May 27, 1980Assignee: Robert E. SmithInventor: Frank E. Davis
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Patent number: 4142720Abstract: A billiard ball having magnetically attractable characteristics such that it may be utilized on pool tables where separation of a scratched cue ball from the object balls is accomplished by use of a magnet. The ball has a spherical core of non-magnetic cured resinous material, selected from the group of polyester, epoxy, polyurethane and phenolic resins; the diameter of said ball is 21/8-21/4 inches and its weight is within the range of about 142 to 190 grams. Distributed within the core are magnetically attractable particles which are dispersed with such uniformity that the ball's anisotropy factor is not more than about 10 percent as the ball rotates about any of its axes. The preferred magnetically attractable material constitutes iron particles having a maximum size of about 0.020 inch, and ideally no larger than about -325 mesh. Another magnetically attractable filler is barium ferrite. The filler is positioned in such a way that a magnet in a table made in accordance with U.S. Pat. No.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1978Date of Patent: March 6, 1979Inventor: Frank E. Davis
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Patent number: 4104352Abstract: Method of making a hollow bowling pin comprising a base, body and cap wherein at least said body is composed of a thermoset composition, and said base and cap are composed of a thermoset or thermoplastic composition. The body of said pin may be composed of two or more sections of different hardness.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1977Date of Patent: August 1, 1978Assignee: Columbia Industries, Inc.Inventors: Wesley W. Morgan, Frank E. Davis
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Patent number: D259099Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 1979Date of Patent: May 5, 1981Inventor: Frank E. Davis