Patents by Inventor James Hughes

James Hughes 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: 12345352
    Abstract: A fluid transfer device can include a first attachment portion configured to engage a first port of a source container and a second attachment portion configured to engage a second port of an intermediate container. The first attachment portion can include a first projection defining a first fluid passage and the second attachment portion can include a second projection defining a second fluid passage. The fluid transfer device can further include a selector portion for selectively transitioning the fluid transfer device from a first configuration in which a flow path between the first and second fluid passages is closed to a second configuration in which the flow path between the first and second fluid passages is open. The fluid transfer device can further include a limiter configured to inhibit the selector portion from selectively transitioning the fluid transfer device from the first configuration to the second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2025
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Fangrow, Amanda Punim, David Nelson, Erik Scott Shauver, Christopher James Hughes
  • Patent number: 12272551
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to methods for selectively removing metal material from the top surface and sidewalls of a feature. The metal material which is covered by a flowable polymer material remains unaffected. In some embodiments, the metal material is formed by physical vapor deposition resulting in a relatively thin sidewall thickness. Any metal material remaining on the sidewall after removal of the metal material from the top surface may be etched by an additional etch process. The resulting metal layer at the bottom of the feature facilitates selective metal gapfill of the feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Liqi Wu, Feng Q. Liu, Bhaskar Jyoti Bhuyan, James Hugh Connolly, Zhimin Qi, Jie Zhang, Wei Dou, Aixi Zhang, Mark Saly, Jiang Lu, Rongjun Wang, David Thompson, Xianmin Tang
  • Patent number: 12211734
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a lift pin mechanism for substrate processing chambers are provided herein. In some embodiments, the lift pin mechanism includes a lift pin comprising a shaft with a top end, a bottom end, and a coupling end at the bottom end; a bellows assembly disposed about the shaft. The bellows assembly includes an upper bellows flange having an opening for axial movement of the shaft; a bellows having a first end coupled to a lower surface of the upper bellows flange such that the shaft extends into a central volume surrounded by the bellows; and a bellows guide assembly coupled to a second end of the bellows to seal the central volume. The shaft is coupled to the bellows guide assembly at the coupling end. The bellows guide assembly is axially movable to move the lift pin with respect to the upper bellows flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2025
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Alexander Sulyman, Carlaton Wong, Rajinder Dhindsa, Timothy Joseph Franklin, Steven Babayan, Anwar Husain, James Hugh Rogers, Xue Yang Chang
  • Patent number: 12125688
    Abstract: Embodiments of process kits for use in a process chamber are provided herein. In some embodiments, a process kit for use in a process chamber includes a slit door having an arcuate profile and including a first plate slidably coupled to a second plate, wherein the first plate is configured to be coupled to an actuator, wherein the second plate has an inner surface that includes silicon, and wherein the inner surface includes a plurality of grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Hamid Noorbakhsh, James Hugh Rogers
  • Patent number: 12078020
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of well control system for drilling an oil or gas well safely and efficiently by providing a mechanical actuator capable of transmitting a rotational force downhole, and converting the rotational force to an axial force for the purpose of operating downhole equipment, including subsurface safety valves, compressible bladder valves, and sliding sleeve valves. Because the actuator is mechanical and not hydraulic as in conventional equipment, the force applied is independent of the depth at which it is applied, overcoming a major deficiency seen in comparable hydraulic systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: Hughes Tool Company LLC
    Inventor: William James Hughes
  • Patent number: 12055764
    Abstract: Communications systems and methods for communicating data are provided. In one example, the communications system includes an outer ring having an inner surface and an inner ring having an outer surface. The inner surface and the outer surface are separated by a gap that extends around the inner ring to define a loop. A modulating light arrangement receives data and produces modulated light. A first light diffusing optical fiber and a second light diffusing optical fiber are disposed on a first side of the gap and extend in the loop to define an optical data ring. The first light diffusing optical fiber and the second light diffusing optical fiber cooperate to diffuse the modulated light along the optical data ring. A detector is disposed on the second side of the gap and detects the diffuse modulated light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: General Dynamics Land Systems—Canada
    Inventors: Philip Michael Wort, James Hugh Lougheed
  • Patent number: 11885439
    Abstract: A microvalve comprising a hard base 14, a clamping plate 12, an inlet port 96, 98, an outlet port 96, 98, a membrane 16, a ball bearing 18 and a drive head 20; wherein the hard base comprises a recess over which the membrane is clamped by the clamping plate, the recess defining a cup with a generally spherical cap shaped surface and a perimeter, both of the inlet and outlet ports being in the recess, and at least one of them being in the generally spherical cap shaped surface; wherein the membrane extends across the recess and is clamped thereover, and it is flexible for enabling the unclamped part of it to be flexed into the recess by the ball bearing in the clamping plate on the other side of the membrane to the recess upon actuation by the drive head behind the ball bearing for selective driving of the ball bearing against the membrane to flex the membrane into the recess as the membrane flexes around part of the ball bearing to move the membrane from a condition in which both ports are open to a port clo
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: CN Bio Innovations Limited
    Inventors: David James Hughes, Sia Bahrami
  • Publication number: 20230386833
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to methods for selectively removing metal material from the top surface and sidewalls of a feature. The metal material which is covered by a flowable polymer material remains unaffected. In some embodiments, the metal material is formed by physical vapor deposition resulting in a relatively thin sidewall thickness. Any metal material remaining on the sidewall after removal of the metal material from the top surface may be etched by an additional etch process. The resulting metal layer at the bottom of the feature facilitates selective metal gapfill of the feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2022
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Liqi Wu, Feng Q. Liu, Bhaskar Jyoti Bhuyan, James Hugh Connolly, Zhimin Qi, Jie Zhang, Wei Dou, Aixi Zhang, Mark Saly, Jiang Lu, Rongjun Wang, David Thompson, Xianmin Tang
  • Publication number: 20230349484
    Abstract: A fluid transfer device can include a first attachment portion configured to engage a first port of a source container and a second attachment portion configured to engage a second port of an intermediate container. The first attachment portion can include a first projection defining a first fluid passage and the second attachment portion can include a second projection defining a second fluid passage. The fluid transfer device can further include a selector portion for selectively transitioning the fluid transfer device from a first configuration in which a flow path between the first and second fluid passages is closed to a second configuration in which the flow path between the first and second fluid passages is open. The fluid transfer device can further include a limiter configured to inhibit the selector portion from selectively transitioning the fluid transfer device from the first configuration to the second configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Thomas F. Fangrow, Amanda Punim, David Nelson, Erik Scott Shauver, Christopher James Hughes
  • Publication number: 20230314720
    Abstract: Communications systems and methods for communicating data are provided. In one example, the communications system includes an outer ring having an inner surface and an inner ring having an outer surface. The inner surface and the outer surface are separated by a gap that extends around the inner ring to define a loop. A modulating light arrangement receives data and produces modulated light. A first light diffusing optical fiber and a second light diffusing optical fiber are disposed on a first side of the gap and extend in the loop to define an optical data ring. The first light diffusing optical fiber and the second light diffusing optical fiber cooperate to diffuse the modulated light along the optical data ring. A detector is disposed on the second side of the gap and detects the diffuse modulated light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2022
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Applicant: General Dynamics Land Systems - Canada Corporation d.b.a. General Dynamics Mission Systems - Canada
    Inventors: Philip Michael Wort, James Hugh Lougheed
  • Patent number: 11732542
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of an Annular Pressure Control Ram Diverter designed to be positioned below the conventional blowout preventer stack, and which will be activated during near balanced drilling operations to seal the annulus between the drill pipe and the casing. Returned drilling fluid and produced fluids are diverted up the annulus between the casing and intermediate casing and through a well head located below an all-inclusive BOP stack. The Annular Pressure Control Ram Diverter employs hydraulic rams to compress a flexible seal around the drill pipe. Some embodiments have an elliptical internal cavity which ensures that the elliptical seal elements cannot rotate. Other embodiments use ridges and grooves on the seal elements and housing to prevent rotation of the seal elements. Doors are provided on each side of the Annular Pressure Control Ram Diverter to permit changing of the seal elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Hughes Tool Company LLC
    Inventor: William James Hughes
  • Patent number: 11732929
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of systems for drilling and operating a well which may have dual uses. The well may be drilled and operated as a geothermal well using a hybrid approach where a heat transfer fluid is injected into a hot rock formation but is not removed, and heat is extracted using a closed loop method. The geothermal well is then evaluated for use as a carbon dioxide sequestration well. In other embodiments, the well is drilled as a carbon dioxide sequestration well and then evaluated for its potential for generating geothermal energy using a hybrid approach where supercritical carbon dioxide is injected into a hot rock formation but is not removed, and heat is extracted using a closed loop method. Both horizontal and vertical wells are disclosed, in sedimentary rocks and in basement granite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Inventor: William James Hughes
  • Patent number: 11674614
    Abstract: A fluid transfer device can include a first attachment portion configured to engage a first port of a source container and a second attachment portion configured to engage a second port of an intermediate container. The first attachment portion can include a first projection defining a first fluid passage and the second attachment portion can include a second projection defining a second fluid passage. The fluid transfer device can further include a selector portion for selectively transitioning the fluid transfer device from a first configuration in which a flow path between the first and second fluid passages is closed to a second configuration in which the flow path between the first and second fluid passages is open. The fluid transfer device can further include a limiter configured to inhibit the selector portion from selectively transitioning the fluid transfer device from the first configuration to the second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Fangrow, Amanda Punim, David Nelson, Erik Scott Shauver, Christopher James Hughes
  • Publication number: 20230150663
    Abstract: A method includes receiving a first navigation path risk request that includes first navigation path information associated with a first navigation path for a first unmanned vehicle through a first environment. The method also includes selecting a first risk model from a plurality of risk models based on the first navigation path information. The method also includes obtaining first data used as one or more inputs to run the first risk model from one or more data sources. The method also includes operating the first risk model with the first data to output a first risk score. The method also includes providing a first navigation path risk response in response to the first navigation path risk request that includes the first risk score that is associated with at least a portion of the first navigation path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2022
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventors: Micaela McCall, Boris Boiko, Matthew Scott Drew, John S. Eberhardt, III, Mitchell Horning, James Hughes, Eric Kucks, Cameron Peterson, Zack Radeka, Emily Richards
  • Publication number: 20230131856
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of an Annular Pressure Control Ram Diverter designed to be positioned below the conventional blowout preventer stack, and which will be activated during near balanced drilling operations to seal the annulus between the drill pipe and the casing. Returned drilling fluid and produced fluids are diverted up the annulus between the casing and intermediate casing and through a well head located below an all-inclusive BOP stack. The Annular Pressure Control Ram Diverter employs hydraulic rams to compress a flexible seal around the drill pipe. Some embodiments have an elliptical internal cavity which ensures that the elliptical seal elements cannot rotate. Other embodiments use ridges and grooves on the seal elements and housing to prevent rotation of the seal elements. Doors are provided on each side of the Annular Pressure Control Ram Diverter to permit changing of the seal elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2022
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Applicant: Hughes Tool Company LLC
    Inventor: William James Hughes
  • Publication number: 20230114197
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of systems for drilling and operating a well which may have dual uses. The well may be drilled and operated as a geothermal well using a hybrid approach where a heat transfer fluid is injected into a hot rock formation but is not removed, and heat is extracted using a closed loop method. The geothermal well is then evaluated for use as a carbon dioxide sequestration well. In other embodiments, the well is drilled as a carbon dioxide sequestration well and then evaluated for its potential for generating geothermal energy using a hybrid approach where supercritical carbon dioxide is injected into a hot rock formation but is not removed, and heat is extracted using a closed loop method. Both horizontal and vertical wells are disclosed, in sedimentary rocks and in basement granite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Inventor: William James Hughes
  • Patent number: 11586517
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for automated testing of Internet of Things devices are provided. The method generates a device table for a set of devices. The device table includes a set of inputs and a set of controllable outputs for each device. A set of input signals are detected for a device for a subset of inputs associated with the device. The set of input signals are detected from one or more controllable outputs of a subset of devices. The device table is modified based on the set of input signals and the one or more controllable outputs to generate an association table representing a relation of the subset of inputs with the one or more controllable outputs. The method detects a fault in one or more device of the set of devices based on a test input signal and the association table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John Jesse Wood, Gareth James Hugh Morgan
  • Publication number: 20230045573
    Abstract: An adapter for connecting a first connector to a second connector can include a proximal portion configured to linearly engage the first connector with a snap-fit engagement. The adapter can include a distal portion configured to rotationally engage the second connector. Rotation of the adapter relative to the second connector can advance a male luer of the first connector into substantially sealing engagement with a female luer on the second connector. The adapter can be configured to displace a collar on the first connector when coupled to the first connector. The second connector can include a proximal portion that is configured to engage the first connector, such as with a snap-fit engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2022
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Inventors: David Nelson, Christopher James Hughes
  • Patent number: D1034191
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: AbbVie Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Marshall, Marc Plew, Ted Klikuszowian, Joy Elizabeth Borgardt, James Hughes, Kelsey M. Coffey, Scott L. Fisher, Jason A. Rowe
  • Patent number: D1066015
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2024
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2025
    Assignee: ABBVIE INC.
    Inventors: Todd Marshall, Marc Plew, Ted Klikuszowian, Joy Elizabeth Borgardt, James Hughes, Kelsey M. Coffey, Scott L. Fisher, Jason A. Rowe