Patents by Inventor John E. Francis

John E. 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).

  • Patent number: 6725105
    Abstract: The present invention is a control system for conditioning movement of a work implement during a work cycle. In one embodiment, the control system comprises an electronic-hydraulic valve connected to the work implement and a computer system having a central processing unit and a memory device. The control system further comprises a mode control module stored on the memory device. The mode control module is generally adapted to detect whether the control handle of the work implement is signaling for operating in a smooth mode or an abrupt mode, and to output a control signal to the electronic-hydraulic valve to control operation of the work implement during the smooth mode or the abrupt mode. The mode control module comprises a smooth mode module and an abrupt mode module. The smooth mode module and the abrupt mode module are adapted to optimize movement of the work cycle during the smooth mode, and abrupt mode, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: John E. Francis, Mark D. Shane
  • Patent number: 6481749
    Abstract: Automatic and simultaneous retraction of a pair of stabilizer legs for a backhoe loader machine 10 is beneficial for the operator when operation of the backhoe loader is complete. Instead of retracting the stabilizer legs by manually holding a pair of control switches continuously in a control position, the operator may simply push an auto-up switch with a single, “one-touch” contact. Once the auto-up switch has been activated by the “one-touch” contact, a timer relay is enabled. The timer relay acts independently of the auto-up switch to control the simultaneously retraction of the stabilizer legs without any further contact to the auto-up switch. When the timer relay is enabled, it sends a signal to activate the control switches for a preselected time. The activation of the control switches actuates a pair of solenoid valves which control the movement of the stabilizer legs from any one of a plurality of extended positions to a fully retracted position within the preselected time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Kem D. Ahlers, Robert Q. Elliott, John E. Francis, Gerald L. Graf, Kenneth J. McGuire, Terry A. Moore
  • Publication number: 20020065575
    Abstract: The present invention is a control system for conditioning movement of a work implement during a work cycle. In one embodiment, the control system comprises an electronic-hydraulic valve connected to the work implement and a computer system having a central processing unit and a memory device. The control system further comprises a mode control module stored on the memory device. The mode control module is generally adapted to detect whether the control handle of the work implement is signaling for operating in a smooth mode or an abrupt mode, and to output a control signal to the electronic-hydraulic valve to control operation of the work implement during the smooth mode or the abrupt mode. The mode control module comprises a smooth mode module and an abrupt mode module. The smooth mode module and the abrupt mode module are adapted to optimize movement of the work cycle during the smooth mode, and abrupt mode, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: John E. Francis, Mark D. Shane
  • Publication number: 20020060450
    Abstract: Automatic and simultaneous retraction of a pair of stabilizer legs for a backhoe loader machine 10 is beneficial for the operator (not shown) when operation of the backhoe loader is complete. Instead of retracting the stabilizer legs by manually holding a pair of control switches continuously in a control position, the operator (not shown) may simply push an auto-up switch with a single, “one-touch” contact. Once the auto-up switch has been activated by the “one-touch” contact, a timer relay is enabled. The timer relay acts independently of the auto-up switch to control the simultaneously retraction of the stabilizer legs without any further contact to the auto-up switch. When the timer relay is enabled, it sends a signal to activate the control switches for a preselected time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventors: KEM D. AHLERS, ROBERT Q. ELLIOTT, JOHN E. FRANCIS, GERALD L. GRAF, KENNETH J. MCGUIRE, TERRY A. MOORE
  • Patent number: 6363832
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for minimizing the loader frame stress induced by the twisting action which results from unequal travel in the actuators. The method includes the use of electro-hydraulics in conjunction with feedback from actuators displacement sensors. Each actuator is controlled by an individual control valve. The amount of extension of each actuator's piston is monitored. Control signals are sent to the control valves which control fluid flow to each actuator to maintain the actuators' piston extensions at the same amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Francis
  • Patent number: 6182634
    Abstract: The present invention includes preventing an engine from stalling at a preselected low idle range during operation of a work machine. To accomplish this, a controller is located within a tachometer and disposed on the work machine. The controller is responsive to a first specified low idle RPM signal from the engine. The controller converts the RPM signal to an electrical signal that is directed to a relay. The relay is responsive to the electrical signal to automatically switch at least one device operating on the work machine from a first power output level to a second power output level lower than the first power output level. The controller is responsive to a second specified low idle RPM signal from the engine and converts it to another electrical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Sarah D. Caldwell, Robert Q. Elliott, John E. Francis, W. Frank Landon, David M. Smith, Stephen M. Sturhahn
  • Patent number: 5557073
    Abstract: A re-enterable seal (25) for sealing an elongate object (16) passing through a barrier (24) between two environments (53, 54) includes an invertible enclosing member (30) containing a sealant (40). The sealant (40) is adhered to the inside surface (31) of the enclosing member (30). During insertion of the elongate member (16), the enclosing member (30) is inverted inside-out, with the sealant remaining on the inside surface (31) (now positioned outside the enclosing member). The elongate member (16) is then pulled back, causing the enclosing member (30) to re-invert, and bringing the sealant (40) into sealing compression against the elongate member (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Raychem Corporation
    Inventors: Robert G. Truesdale, Jr., John E. Francis
  • Patent number: 5360945
    Abstract: A re-enterable seal (25) for sealing an elongate object (16) passing through a barrier (24) between two environments (53, 54) includes an invertible enclosing member (30) containing a sealant (40). The sealant (40) is adhered to the inside surface (31) of the enclosing member (30). During insertion of the elongate member (16), the enclosing member (30) is inverted inside-out, with the sealant remaining on the inside surface (31) (now positioned outside the enclosing member). The elongate member (16) is then pulled back, causing the enclosing member (30) to re-invert, and bringing the sealant (40) into sealing compression against the elongate member (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Raychem Corporation
    Inventors: Robert G. Truesdale, Jr., John E. Francis
  • Patent number: 5359654
    Abstract: Modules integral with the body of the assembly include one for drop wire connections, one for subscriber wire connections, one for an electronics interface, and one for a network interface device. Protective sealant material within the assembly protects contacts from corrosion and other deterioration, and from shorting. Sealant plungers and a chamber containing a compressed gas impose compressive forces upon the sealant material. Shunt plugs associated with two of the modules permit signal transmission across the modules at desired times, and when removed eliminate the possibility of a subscriber being shocked or transmitting a spark when accessing subscriber components of the assembly. The main body and the modules of the assembly preferably are integrally connected and form a unitary sealed assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Raychem Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Jensen, Thomas M. Baum, John E. Francis, John C. Mason, Jack A. Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5034381
    Abstract: Disclosed are 2-substituted adenosine derivatives of the formula ##STR1## in which R represents a substituted amino grouping of the formula ##STR2## as defined herein; pharmaceutically acceptable ester derivatives thereof in which free hydroxy groups are esterified in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable prodrug ester; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds; methods for their preparation; and their use in mammals as therapeutically effective adenosine-2 (A-2) agonists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Ciba-Geigy Corporation
    Inventors: Alan J. Hutchison, John E. Francis
  • Patent number: 4977144
    Abstract: Disclosed are the compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein R represents hydrogen, lower alkyl, aryl or aryl-lower alkyl; R.sub.1 represents hydrogen, lower alkyl, C.sub.3 -C.sub.7 -alkenyl, carbocyclic or heterocyclic aryl, carbocyclic or heterocyclic aryl-lower alkyl, C.sub.3 -C.sub.7 -cycloalkyl, or optionally lower alkyl substituted (C.sub.3 -C.sub.7 -cycloalkyl, bicycloheptyl, bicycloheptenyl, adamantyl, tetrahydropyranyl or tetrahydrothiopyranyl)-lower alkyl, or diaryl-lower alkyl; R.sub.2 represents hydrogen or lower alkyl; R.sub.3 represents hydroxymethyl or --CONHR.sub.4 in which R.sub.4 represents hydrogen, lower alkyl, aryl-lower alkyl, C.sub.3 -C.sub.7 -cycloalkyl, C.sub.3 -C.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: Ciba-Geigy Corporation
    Inventors: Roger A. Fujimoto, John E. Francis, Alan J. Hutchison
  • Patent number: 4912125
    Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein each R is hydrogen or one R is hydrogen and the other is lower alkyl, R.sub.1 is hydrogen, lower alkyl, aryl, aralkyl or lower carboalkoxy, R.sub.2 is hydrogen or lower alkyl, and the ring A is unsubstituted or substituted by lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, halo or trifluoromethyl, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions and the uses thereof, such as .alpha..sub.2 -adrenergic blocking agents, e.g. antidepressants, cognition enhancers and appetite supressants, and as intraocular pressure reducing agents are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Ciba-Geigy Corporation
    Inventors: Charles F. Huebner, John E. Francis
  • Patent number: 4908376
    Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein each R is hydrogen or one R is hydrogen and the other is lower alkyl, R.sub.1 is hydrogen, lower alkyl, aryl, aralkyl or lower carboalkoxy, R.sub.2 is hydrogen or lower alkyl, and the ring A is unsubstituted or substituted by lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, halo or trifluoromethyl, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions and the uses thereof, such as .alpha..sub.2 -adrenergic blocking agents, e.g. antidepressants, cognition enhancers and appetite suppressants, and as intraocular pressure reducing agents are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: Ciba-Geigy Corporation
    Inventors: Charles F. Huebner, John E. Francis
  • Patent number: 4831013
    Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is optionally substituted phenyl, pyridyl, thienyl, furyl, pyrrolyl, thiazolyl, or ribofuranosyl; X is oxygen, NR, or sulfur; R is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, or lower alkynyl; and ring A is (a) an optionally substituted 5-8 membered monocycloalken-1,2-diyl; (b) an optionally substituted carbobicyclic ring of the formula ##STR2## wherein n and m are each independently one or two; or (c) an optionally substituted 5-6 membered heterocycle having one or two heteroatoms, the atoms of which are selected from carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur. Also disclosed are tautomers of the above and pharmaceutically acceptable salts; compositions thereof; and methods of using the compounds, tautomer, or salts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: Ciba-Geigy Corporation
    Inventor: John E. Francis
  • Patent number: 4713383
    Abstract: [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]quinazoline compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is optionally substituted phenyl, pyridyl, furyl thienyl, dihydro or tetrahydro furanyl or thienyl, pyranyl, or 0-ribofuranosyl; R.sub.2 is hydrogen or lower alkyl; X is oxygen or NR.sub.3, R.sub.3 is as defined in the claims, and ring A is unsubstituted or substituted as set forth in the claims. The compounds wherein X is N--R.sub.3 are especially useful as adenosine antagonists and for the treatment of asthma. The compounds wherein X is oxygen are useful as benzodiazepine antagonists and as intermediates in the synthesis of the compounds wherein X is N--R.sub.3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Assignee: Ciba-Geigy Corporation
    Inventors: John E. Francis, Karl O. Gelotte
  • Patent number: 4329367
    Abstract: 1-(Aralkoxyphenyl)-2 or 3-(bis-arylalkylamino)-alkanes, e.g. those of the formula: ##STR1## or therapeutically acceptable salts thereof are hypotensive and cardioactive agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1982
    Assignee: Ciba-Geigy Corporation
    Inventor: John E. Francis
  • Patent number: 4110457
    Abstract: New 1-(azacyclic aralkoxyphenyl)-2 or 3-(diphenylalkylamino)-alkanes, e.g. those of the formula ##STR1## Py=pyridyl unsubst. or subst. by 1-2 alkyl, alkoxy, F or Cl; Ph=phenyl unsubst. or subst. as Py or by CF.sub.3R.degree. =h or OH; m, n, p, =1 or 2Or therapeutically acceptable salts thereof, are hypotensive and cardioactive agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1978
    Assignee: Ciba-Geigy Corporation
    Inventor: John E. Francis
  • Patent number: D335650
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Raychem Corporation
    Inventors: Richard C. Powell, John E. Francis, Daniel P. Sedlecky
  • Patent number: D335866
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Inventors: Richard C. Powell, John E. Francis, Daniel P. Sedlecky
  • Patent number: D339794
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Inventors: Richard C. Powell, John E. Francis, Daniel P. Sedlecky