Patents by Inventor John A. Ball
John A. Ball 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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Publication number: 20170031893Abstract: The invention concerns linguistic analysis. In particular the invention involves a method of operating a computer to perform linguistic analysis. In another aspect the invention is a computer system which implements the method, and in a further aspect the invention is software for programming a computer to perform the method. The method comprising the steps of: receiving a list of elements, storing them in a list of sets, and then repeatedly matching patterns stored in the set's elements and storing their result in the list until no new matches are found. For each match comprising the steps: Creating a new consolidated set (overphrase) to store the full representation of the phrase as a new element, migrating the head element specified in the phrase, all phrase attributes, storing the matched elements in sequence, and copying tagged copies of the matched elements. After the consolidated set is created and filled, linkset intersections to effect WSD is performed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2016Publication date: February 2, 2017Inventor: John Ball
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Patent number: 9485392Abstract: A scanned imaging system includes a lens system for directing radiation from a scene to be scanned onto external reflecting surfaces of a rotating polygon and onto a detector, the external reflecting surfaces including primary and secondary flat facets which rotate together on a common axis, the lens system including an image space lens system for focusing an image of the scene to be scanned in the vicinity of a primary facet, and further including an optical system for directing radiation from a primary facet to a focus at a point on or adjacent an associated secondary facet and to reflect the radiation from the secondary facet to the detector, the arrangement being such that a beam of radiation is incident on substantially the whole width of a primary facet and sweeps round with that facet as the polygon rotates.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1982Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: QINETIQ LIMITEDInventors: Alan Harold Lettington, Gregory John Ball
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Patent number: 9207342Abstract: A method is described for determining a shear wave velocity of a transversely isotropic region of an earth formation traversed by a wellbore with a non-zero relative dip angle between a longitudinal axis of the wellbore and an axis of symmetry of the TI region. A sonic tool is used to measure shear velocities in the TI region with polarizations orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the wellbore. One of the shear velocities is identified as a quasi-shear velocity. A shear wave velocity is calculated, as a function of the quasi-shear velocity, for propagation in a direction along the axis of symmetry of the TI region. Where the orientation of the sonic tool is not known and the measured shear velocities comprises a fast shear velocity and a slow shear velocity, the method comprises identifying either the fast or the slow shear velocity as a quasi-shear mode.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2012Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventor: Gregory John Ball
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Patent number: 8720927Abstract: One embodiment of a tricycle having a spine frame, supported by a rear wheel and a pair of steerable front wheels, and supporting a recumbent seat pivotably attached at its rear. A pedal boom extends forwardly of the spine and supports a pedal crank assembly. The front wheels each support a lateral arm with the front wheel pivotably attached at the distal end and an angular projection attached at the proximal end. A pivot connects each angular projection to the spine, allowing the lateral arms and attached front wheels to fold to a stowed position alongside the spine. Another pivot connects the boom to the spine, allowing the boom to fold back to a stowed position against the spine. In the travel position, a clamp arrests the angular projections, and can arrest the boom and seat. The tricycle is collapsible to several levels of compactness.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2012Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Inventors: Alan Roy Ball, Eric John Ball
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Patent number: 8600736Abstract: A method of operating a computer to perform linguistic analysis includes the steps of splitting an input text into words and sentences; for each sentence, comparing phrases in the sentence with known phrases stored in a database, as follows: for each word in the sentence, comparing its value and values of words following it with values of words of stored phrases, starting with the longest stored phrase that starts with that word, and working from longest to shortest; in the event a match is found for two or more consecutive words, and considering the words around the phrase, labelling the matched phrase with an overphrase that describes the grammar use of the matched phrase; after the penultimate word has been compared, recasting the sentence by replacing the matched phrases by their respective overphrases; and then repeating the comparison process with the recast sentence until there is no further recasting.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Thinking Solutions Pty LtdInventor: John Ball
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Publication number: 20130235693Abstract: A method is described for determining a shear wave velocity of a transversely isotropic region of an earth formation traversed by a wellbore with a non-zero relative dip angle between a longitudinal axis of the wellbore and an axis of symmetry of the TI region. A sonic tool is used to measure shear velocities in the TI region with polarisations orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the wellbore. One of the shear velocities is identified as a quasi-shear velocity. A shear wave velocity is calculated, as a function of the quasi-shear velocity, for propagation in a direction along the axis of symmetry of the TI region. Where the orientation of the sonic tool is not known and the measured shear velocities comprises a fast shear velocity and a slow shear velocity, the method comprises identifying either the fast or the slow shear velocity as a quasi-shear mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2012Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. IncInventor: Gregory John Ball
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Publication number: 20130093157Abstract: One embodiment of a tricycle having a spine frame, supported by a rear wheel and a pair of steerable front wheels, and supporting a recumbent seat pivotably attached at its rear. A pedal boom extends forwardly of the spine and supports a pedal crank assembly. The front wheels each support a lateral arm with the front wheel pivotably attached at the distal end and an angular projection attached at the proximal end. A pivot connects each angular projection to the spine, allowing the lateral arms and attached front wheels to fold to a stowed position alongside the spine. Another pivot connects the boom to the spine, allowing the boom fold back to a stowed position against the spine. In the travel position, clamping means arrest the angular projections, and can arrest the boom and seat. The tricycle is collapsible to several levels of compactness.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Inventors: Alan Roy Ball, Eric John Ball
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Patent number: 8342555Abstract: One embodiment of a tricycle (20) having a spine frame (22), supported by a rear wheel (34) and a pair of steerable front wheels (36), and supporting a recumbent seat (42) pivotably attached at its rear. A pedal boom (44) extends forwardly of the spine (26) and supports a pedal crank assembly (46). The front wheels each support a lateral arm (28) with the front wheel pivotably attached at the distal end and an angular projection (80) attached at the proximal end. A pivot (78) connects each angular projection to the spine, allowing the lateral arms and attached front wheels to fold to a stowed position alongside the spine. Another pivot (84) connects the boom to the spine, allowing the boom fold back to a stowed position against the spine. In the travel position, a clamp arrests the angular projections, and can arrest the boom and seat. The tricycle is collapsible to several levels of compactness. Other embodiments are described and shown.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Inventors: Alan Roy Ball, Eric John Ball
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Publication number: 20120059768Abstract: A web sharing system for shippers, carriers, factoring companies, consignee, brokers and other entities involved in the transportation industry will be available. The system will store and allow for creation, confirmation and manipulation of documents in the website. All documents will be secure and available only to designed users. The system will be accessible from any web friendly device for viewing, creation, confirmation, or manipulation as allowed by the originator of the document. Notification of creation, confirmation, manipulation or failure to create, confirm or manipulate will be sent to parties involved in the process of billing, invoicing or verification of shipments, to a predetermined email address. All creations, confirmations and manipulations of documents will be digitally signed by the party initiating such action. All creation, confirmation and manipulation of documents will be recorded, dated and time stamped digitally on the website.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2010Publication date: March 8, 2012Inventor: John Ball
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Publication number: 20110248467Abstract: One embodiment of a tricycle (20) having a spine frame (22), supported by a rear wheel (34) and a pair of steerable front wheels (36), and supporting a recumbent seat (42) pivotably attached at its rear. A pedal boom (44) extends forwardly of the spine (26) and supports a pedal crank assembly (46). The front wheels each support a lateral arm (28) with the front wheel pivotably attached at the distal end and an angular projection (80) attached at the proximal end. A pivot (78) connects each angular projection to the spine, allowing the lateral arms and attached front wheels to fold to a stowed position alongside the spine. Another pivot (84) connects the boom to the spine, allowing the boom fold back to a stowed position against the spine. In the travel position, clamping means arrest the angular projections, and can arrest the boom and seat. The tricycle is collapsible to several levels of compactness. Other embodiments are described and shown.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2010Publication date: October 13, 2011Inventors: Alan Roy Ball, Eric John Ball
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Publication number: 20100250360Abstract: A trading platform to allow holders of points or miles in loyalty programs to monetize their holdings, or to barter rewards, and connects parties interested in buying reward items or services with pointsholders capable of redeeming points to obtain the desired rewards. The trading platform creates matches between parties and can obtain a matchmaking or brokerage fee in the process without having to interact with the loyalty program itself.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2008Publication date: September 30, 2010Applicant: LOYALTYMATCH INC.Inventors: Michael Edward Ball, Bradley John Ball
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Publication number: 20100030553Abstract: A method of operating a computer to perform linguistic analysis includes the steps of splitting an input text into words and sentences; for each sentence, comparing phrases in the sentence with known phrases stored in a database, as follows: for each word in the sentence, comparing its value and values of words following it with values of words of stored phrases, starting with the longest stored phrase that starts with that word, and working from longest to shortest; in the event a match is found for two or more consecutive words, and considering the words around the phrase, labelling the matched phrase with an overphrase that describes the grammar use of the matched phrase; after the penultimate word has been compared, recasting the sentence by replacing the matched phrases by their respective overphrases; and then repeating the comparison process with the recast sentence until there is no further recasting.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2007Publication date: February 4, 2010Applicant: THINKING SOLUTIONS PTY LTDInventor: John Ball
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Publication number: 20090280558Abstract: A process for preparing a third compound stereo-selectively which process comprises reacting a substrate comprising a first enantiomeric compound with a racemisation catalyst to give a second enantiomeric compound, and concurrently reacting the second enantiomeric compound in the presence of a biological catalyst to give the third compound, wherein the process is performed in a solvent comprising at least one (hydro) fluorocarbon. The biological catalyst is preferably an enzyme. The substrate preferably comprises a racemate of the first and second enantiomeric compounds. The second enantiomeric compound may be reacted with a reagent, such as acyl donor, to form the third compound in the presence of the biological catalyst.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2007Publication date: November 12, 2009Inventors: Jason Micklefield, Anthony John Ball, Stuart Corr
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Patent number: 7120997Abstract: A connector axial compression tool having a lever end and a cable end, with a body slidably supporting a cradle in a cavity formed in the body. The cradle is slidable via a handle which pivots about the body, linked to the cradle by a lever mechanism. The cradle has a shoulder clamp adapted to mate with a connector body. Operation of the handle moves the cradle towards and away from a cable end of the cavity, against a cable clamp through which the cable may pass but against which a cable clamp sleeve of the connector abuts, axially compressing the connector to couple it to the cable. Because the shoulder clamp holds the connector body rather than pressing against the connector interface, a wide range of different connectors may be used with the same tool, without causing damage to the connector interface of the various connectors.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Andrew CorporationInventors: Nahid Islam, Joon Lee, David John Ball, Rodger Burke
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Publication number: 20060108235Abstract: Cathodic protection of steel in a building or other concrete or similar structure is provided by locating an anode in a suitable location adjacent to the steel and providing an impressed current from a power supply to the anode. The anode is formed from a material which is more electro-negative than the steel so that in the event that the power supply falls below the galvanic potential therebetween, current flows under galvanic action to replace the impressed current. A diode in the circuit prevents flow of current across the power supply but allows the galvanic current when the power supply fails open circuit. An additional diode can be provided in the event the power supply fails closed circuit to prevent reverse current flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2004Publication date: May 25, 2006Inventors: David Whitmore, John Ball
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Patent number: 6394303Abstract: The lid holding apparatus is a device that holds a lid at a tilt on a pot to prevent the contents of the pot from boiling over.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2000Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Inventor: David John Ball
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Patent number: 6108970Abstract: A plant guard 10 that may be used to deliver water to a plant adjacent to which the guard is positioned. The plant guard comprises an elongate tubular body 11 which is adapted to contain water, and the interior of the body is divided by vertical seams 18 into upper and lower reservoir compartments 19, 21 and a plurality of vertical reservoirs 22 interconnecting the upper and lower reservoirs. An aperture 12 adjacent the upper edge permits the addition of water, and a water release outlet 14 adjacent the lower edge permits delivery of the water to the plant in a controlled manner.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1999Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Inventor: Christopher John Ball
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Patent number: 6011522Abstract: A conformal log-periodic antenna assembly having a broadband frequency response as a printed circuit board having a plurality of log-periodic antennas etched thereupon. Each log-periodic antenna has a plurality of antenna elements extending from a common trunk. The trunk of each log-periodic antenna extends generally radially from a common point. A foam spacer is disposed at the backside of the printed wiring board. A dielectric layer is disposed at the backside of the foam spacer. An absorber layer is disposed at the backside of the dielectric layer. A metal backing is disposed at the backside of the absorber layer for reflecting lower frequency electromagnetic radiation back to the antenna so as to enhance an intensity thereof. The dielectric layer enhances response across a broad frequency band and the foam spacer positions the antennas a desired distance from the metal backing such that reflections therefrom enhance operation of the antennas.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1998Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Assignee: Northrop Grumman CorporationInventors: Allen Lee VanHoozen, John Ball
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Patent number: 5113494Abstract: Apparatus for a pipe-lined raster image processor (RIP), that is capable of driving a printing engine at a high rate illustratively for use in an image management system. Specifically, this RIP contains a bus and a number of separate image processing components such as a scaler, a decompressor and various interface circuits. Each of these components is connected to the bus and is capable of undertaking a respective image processing task substantially in parallel with those undertaken by other of these image processing components. In addition, a arbiter is also connected to the bus. The arbiter, typically a microcomputer system, receives a request, from any one of the image processing components (the source component), for service, from another one of the image processing components (the destination component).Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1990Date of Patent: May 12, 1992Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Juan G. Menendez, William P. Caterisano, John Ball
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Patent number: 4505179Abstract: A line throwing device adapted to be launched from a riot gun or similar tubular launching device comprises an elongated projectile that fits in the tubular launching device, a fin assembly slidably mounted on the body of the projectile such that the fin assembly slides forwardly to permit the rear end of the projectile to be positioned in the launching device for launching and slides rearwardly to a flight stabilizing position at the rear of the projectile as the projectile is launched from the tubular launching device. A rocket engine is mounted in the rear of the projectile for propelling the projectile. An ignition mechanism comprising a conventional shotgun primer cap mounted in a plastic casing fits on the end of the rocket and is ignited by the trigger and firing pin of the gun. A line is coiled in a canister removably attached to the gun, with one end of the line being attached to a harness mounted on the projectile so that the line can be carried to the desired target.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1982Date of Patent: March 19, 1985Assignee: Walker Limited PartnershipInventors: Steve Nelson, Frank Reynolds, George E. Roos, John Ball