Patents by Inventor Gary Francis

Gary Francis 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: 20150102525
    Abstract: A low constant pressure injection molding machine forms molded parts by injecting molten thermoplastic material into a mold cavity at low constant pressures of 6,000 psi and lower. As a result, the low constant pressure injection molding machine includes a mold formed of easily machineable material that is less costly and faster to manufacture than typical injection molds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Gene Michael ALTONEN, Charles John BERG, JR., Ralph Edwin NEUFARTH, Gary Francis SCHILLER
  • Patent number: 8911228
    Abstract: A low constant pressure injection molding machine forms molded parts by injecting molten thermoplastic material into a mold cavity at low constant pressures of 6,000 psi and lower. As a result, the low constant pressure injection molding machine includes a mold formed of easily machineable material that is less costly and faster to manufacture than typical injection molds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: iMFLUX, Inc.
    Inventors: Gene Michael Altonen, Ralph Edwin Neufarth, Gary Francis Schiller, Charles John Berg, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8887549
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining leakby in a flow controller (100) comprising a flow sensor (102), a flow control valve (106) and electronics (104). The electronics are coupled to the flow sensor, the flow control valve and configured to adjust the flow control valve in response to the signal of the flow sensor indicating the flow rate of the material such that a set flow rate of material through the flow controller is maintained. The steps of the method comprise determining (302) a zero drift (Qdrift) value for the flow sensor (102). Determining (304) a flow rate (Qflow) through the flow controller (100) when the control valve (106) is in the fully closed position. And determining (306) the leakby through the flow controller (100) where the leakby is equal Qflow-Qdrift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Brooks Instrument, LLC
    Inventors: Jay J. Mendelson, Christopher A. Mazza, Scott Amsbaugh, Gary Francis Conner, Edward T. Fisher
  • Publication number: 20140272073
    Abstract: Particulate natural cheese products having a modified starch composition as an anticaking agent as well as methods of melting the shredded cheese product are provided. The modified starch anticaking agent provides intact starch granules including amylopectin and substantially no amylose for the particulate cheese. During heating, the natural cheese melt is resistant to separation, and retains desirable organoleptic properties such as texture and flavor in the final product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Gary Francis Smith, Wibul Charintranond, Paul V. Gass, Brian E. LeVine, Andrew E. McPherson
  • Publication number: 20140255530
    Abstract: A melt pressure regulating mechanism for an injection molding apparatus having a melt holder for pressurizing molten plastic prior to injection into a mold, the molten plastic having a melt pressure, and an injection element for advancing the molten plastic from the melt holder through a nozzle and into the mold, the melt pressure regulating mechanism comprising a pressure regulating device, comprising at least one of a fluid pressure regulating valve and a pressure relief valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: iMFLUX Inc.
    Inventors: Gene Michael Altonen, Ralph Edwin Neufarth, Gary Francis Schiller, Charles John Berg, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140187658
    Abstract: Process for producing a thermoplastic polymer foam article includes preparing an expandable polymeric formulation comprising a thermoplastic polymer and a blowing agent blend, forming the formulation into an expandable bead, and expanding the expandable bead to form a thermoplastic polymer foam article. The blowing agent blend includes methyl formate, hydrocarbon, and either carbon dioxide or 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a). The blowing agent blend has a higher effective volatility than that of methyl formate alone. A thermoplastic polymer foam article prepared by a process is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Pactiv LLC
    Inventors: Y. Paul Handa, Gary A. Francis, Glenn C. Castner, Mohammad Zafar
  • Patent number: 8757999
    Abstract: A low constant pressure injection molding machine forms molded parts by injecting molten thermoplastic material into a mold cavity at low constant pressures of 6,000 psi and lower. As a result, the low constant pressure injection molding machine includes a mold formed of easily machineable material that is less costly and faster to manufacture than typical injection molds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gene Michael Altonen, Ralph Edwin Neufarth, Gary Francis Schiller, Charles John Berg, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140161954
    Abstract: Emulsifying salt-free processed cheese products as well as methods of preparing emulsifying salt-free processed cheese products are provided. The emulsifying salt-free processed cheese products are prepared with modified starch containing amylopectin and substantially no amylase and without emulsifying salts. The emulsifying salt-free processed cheese products are advantageously resistant to separation during heating and retain desirable organoleptic properties, such as texture and flavor, without using emulsifying salts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Andrew Edward McPherson, Tori Ann Boomgaarden, Brian E. LeVine, Gary Francis Smith
  • Patent number: 8703835
    Abstract: A blowing agent blend for making thermoplastic polymer foams includes methyl formate. The blowing agent blend can further comprise at least one co-blowing agent. The co-blowing agent is either a physical co-blowing agent (e.g. an inorganic agent, a hydrocarbon, a halogenated hydrocarbon, a hydrocarbon with polar, functional group(s), water or any combination thereof), or a chemical co-blowing agent, or combinations thereof. The thermoplastic polymer foam can be an alkenyl aromatic polymer foam, e.g. a polystyrene foam. The blowing agent blend includes methyl formate and one or more co-blowing agents. The methyl formate-based blowing agent blends produce dimensionally stable foams that have improved resistance to flame spread. A process for the preparation of such foams is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Pactiv LLC
    Inventors: Y. Paul Handa, Gary A. Francis, Glenn C. Castner, Mohammad Zafar
  • Patent number: 8617625
    Abstract: Dairy compositions are provided having a high pH, of about 4.8 to about 6.2, comprising desirable probiotic cultures as well as an anti-microbial system for inhibiting undesirable pathogenic and/or spoilage microbial growth without significantly reducing the beneficial effect of the probiotic cultures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Group Brands LLC
    Inventors: Gary Francis Smith, Alice Shen Cha, Zuoxing Zheng, Michael Gerard Roman, Benjamin Emanuel Dias
  • Patent number: 8598244
    Abstract: A blowing agent blend for making thermoplastic polymer foams includes methyl formate. The blowing agent blend can further comprise at least one co-blowing agent. The co-blowing agent is either a physical co-blowing agent (e.g. an inorganic agent, a hydrocarbon, a halogenated hydrocarbon, a hydrocarbon with polar, functional group(s), water or any combination thereof), or a chemical co-blowing agent, or combinations thereof. The thermoplastic polymer foam can be an alkenyl aromatic polymer foam, e.g. a polystyrene foam. The blowing agent blend includes methyl formate and one or more co-blowing agents. The methyl formate-based blowing agent blends produce dimensionally stable foams that have improved resistance to flame spread. A process for the preparation of such foams is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Pactiv LLC
    Inventors: Y. Paul Handa, Gary A. Francis, Glenn C. Castner, Mohammad Zafar
  • Patent number: 8588776
    Abstract: A communication system for controlling with which base station a mobile station exchanges user communications. A first base station of a plurality of base stations with which the mobile station communicates is configured to receive a user selection from a user. The user selection indicates that the mobile station is near the first base station. In response to the user selection, the first base station transfers a notification message indicating that the mobile station is nearby the first base station. A communication control system receives the notification message from the first base station. In response to receiving the notification message, the communication control system transfers a control message for delivery to the mobile station to limit the mobile station to exchanging user communications only with the first base station. The first base station exchanges user communications with the mobile station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventor: Gary Francis Vaughan
  • Patent number: 8568853
    Abstract: A fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite having an improved combination of flexural, impact, and heat distortion characteristics. The composite comprises a fiber reinforced thermoplastic core containing fibers bonded together with a first thermoplastic resin in which the core has a first surface and a second surface and at least one first skin applied to the first surface. The first skin comprises one or more bi-directional continuous fiber tapes having a plurality of continuous fibers bonded together with one or more thermoplastic resins. The fibers in each first skin are arranged in a first and a second direction, with the fibers in each direction being unidirectionally oriented within the skin. Bi-directional orientation of the continuous fiber tapes is present in at least one of the tapes, or is achieved through the use of two or more tapes having unidirectional continuous fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Hanwha Azdel, Inc.
    Inventors: Venkat Raghavendran, Gary Francis Smith
  • Publication number: 20130202745
    Abstract: A chewy and intermediate moisture bar is provided that uses a dairy-based binder generally without the need to employ gums, humectants, and sugar syrups as a binder to achieve the moist and chewy texture. In one aspect, the bar includes a dry base uniformly blended with a dairy-based binder that uses high levels of dairy proteins as the main binding component. A method of forming the chewy and intermediate moisture bar is also provided that may use a lay or delay period to allow moisture equilibration or migration from the binder to the dry base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Gary Francis Smith, Olaf C. Kortum, Yinqing Ma, Amanda Jane Criezis, Kelly K. Harman, Edward Charles Coleman, Juan R. Peebles
  • Publication number: 20130179215
    Abstract: Assessing risks arising from relationships with third-parties that support the operations or strategic goals of an organization, such as a bank, are provided. A risk assessment system receives risk assessment values respectively corresponding to the likelihood, severity, and control for a risk item associated with a third-party relationship. The risk assessment system then determines a risk priority value for the risk item based on the risk assessment values. The risk assessment system may prioritize multiple risk items according to their respective risk priority values, risk categories, or both. In some arrangements, the risk assessment system may identify a risk item for additional risk mitigation and determine a risk mitigation action plan for the identified risk item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Racquel Clough Foster, Gary Francis Page, Brett D. Briggs, Amy Marie Williams, Jay C. DeDomenico, Stephen M. Miner
  • Publication number: 20130164410
    Abstract: Dairy compositions are provided having a high pH, of about 4.8 to about 6.2, comprising desirable probiotic cultures as well as an anti-microbial system for inhibiting undesirable pathogenic and/or spoilage microbial growth without significantly reducing the beneficial effect of the probiotic cultures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventors: Gary Francis Smith, Alice Shen Cha, Zuoxing Zheng, Michael Gerard Roman, Benjamin Emanuel Dias
  • Publication number: 20130084364
    Abstract: A dairy-based food component is provided that includes high levels of lactose in moisture, but still retains a smooth and creamy consistency. The compositions and methods provide for higher levels of lactose in moisture phase than previously found possible and still retain low crystal sizes in a finished product to maintain a smooth and creamy texture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: Gary Francis Smith, Andrew Thomas Mackey, Amanda Jane Criezis
  • Publication number: 20130011647
    Abstract: A blowing agent blend for making thermoplastic polymer foams includes methyl formate. The blowing agent blend can further comprise at least one co-blowing agent. The co-blowing agent is either a physical co-blowing agent (e.g. an inorganic agent, a hydrocarbon, a halogenated hydrocarbon, a hydrocarbon with polar, functional group(s), water or any combination thereof), or a chemical co-blowing agent, or combinations thereof. The thermoplastic polymer foam can be an alkenyl aromatic polymer foam, e.g. a polystyrene foam. The blowing agent blend includes methyl formate and one or more co-blowing agents. The methyl formate-based blowing agent blends produce dimensionally stable foams that have improved resistance to flame spread. A process for the preparation of such foams is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: Y. Paul Handa, Gary A. Francis, Glenn C. Castner, Mohammad Zafar
  • Publication number: 20130011648
    Abstract: A blowing agent blend for making thermoplastic polymer foams includes methyl formate. The blowing agent blend can further comprise at least one co-blowing agent. The co-blowing agent is either a physical co-blowing agent (e.g. an inorganic agent, a hydrocarbon, a halogenated hydrocarbon, a hydrocarbon with polar, functional group(s), water or any combination thereof), or a chemical co-blowing agent, or combinations thereof. The thermoplastic polymer foam can be an alkenyl aromatic polymer foam, e.g. a polystyrene foam. The blowing agent blend includes methyl formate and one or more co-blowing agents. The methyl formate-based blowing agent blends produce dimensionally stable foams that have improved resistance to flame spread. A process for the preparation of such foams is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: Y. Paul Handa, Gary A. Francis, Glenn C. Castner, Mohammad Zafar
  • Patent number: 8349313
    Abstract: Dairy compositions are provided having a high pH, of about 4.8 to about 6.2, comprising desirable probiotic cultures as well as an anti-microbial system for inhibiting undesirable pathogenic and/or spoilage microbial growth without significantly reducing the beneficial effect of the probiotic cultures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Global Brands LLC
    Inventors: Gary Francis Smith, Alice Shen Cha, Zuoxing Zheng, Michael Gerard Roman, Benjamin Emanuel Dias