Patents by Inventor John Frank

John Frank 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: 7056435
    Abstract: A refrigerator water filter assembly is provided in the ceiling of a refrigerator and is adapted to hinge downwardly from the ceiling for changing the filter cartridge. The cartridge is normally partially recessed within the ceiling so as to minimize the use of space in the food compartment of the refrigerator. The filter assembly includes a base mounted in the refrigerator ceiling, a manifold pivotally mounted on the base, a filter cartridge attached to the manifold, and a cover pivotally mounted on the manifold so as to be movable between open and closed positions. When the cover is opened, the filter cartridge is angled downwardly from the ceiling for easy grasping by a person for replacement of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: James H. Jenkins, David J. Olberding, Michael J. Eveland, Todd E. Kniffen, John Frank Zinni, Timothy Mark Nugent, Ravi Kumar Sawhney
  • Patent number: 7011091
    Abstract: A ventilator supplies a plurality of volumes of fluid to a patient during a like plurality of inhalations by the patient. Each volume of fluid is supplied at an inspiratory positive airway pressure during a corresponding inhalation by the patient. A volume of fluid received by the patient is determined for each of the plurality of inhalations by the patient and an average volume of fluid received by the patient during each of the plurality of inhalations is determined. The average volume of fluid received by the patient during each inhalation is compared to a predetermined target volume and the inspiratory positive airway pressure each volume of fluid is supplied to the patient is adjusted as a function of the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: RIC Investments, LLC.
    Inventors: Peter D. Hill, Michael H. Kissel, John Frank, Michael T. Kane, Susan L. Bann, Winslow K. Duff
  • Patent number: 7001311
    Abstract: Playground equipment comprising a revolving ring for standing or sitting on is according to the invention composed of ring segments (1) which are connected by means of connecting pieces (2) for forming a closed ring. The revolving ring is mounted somewhat above the base by means of legs (3) and by adapting the length of the legs, an inclined revolving plane may be obtained. The structure itself comprises a stationary ring (5, 6) on which a revolving ring (4) provided with wheels or rolls (9, 10) may roll. The revolving ring (1) fits tightly about the stationary part of the playground equipment and it is not possible to separate the parts apart once the playground equipment has been assembled and held together by means of locking rings (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Kompan A/S
    Inventor: John Frank
  • Publication number: 20060036588
    Abstract: An interface program stored on a computer-readable medium for causing a computer system with a display device to perform the functions of: accepting search criteria from a user including a free text entry query and a domain identifier identifying a domain; in response to accepting the search criteria, retrieving a plurality of record identifiers each of which identifies a corresponding record which: (1) has associated therewith a location identifier that locates it at a specific location within the domain identified by the domain identifier; and (2) contains information that is responsive to the free text entry query; displaying a representation of the domain on the display device; and displaying on the display device a plurality of icons as representations of the records identified by the plurality of record identifiers, wherein for each of the record identifiers, a corresponding one of the plurality of icons is displayed within the representation of the domain that is being displayed on the display device,
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Publication date: February 16, 2006
    Applicant: MetaCarta, Inc.
    Inventors: John Frank, Erik Rauch
  • Patent number: 6983615
    Abstract: A chiller compartment is provided that secures to the inside of a refrigerator door. The chiller compartment includes a pair of french doors that are connected by a linkage that causes the doors to simultaneously open or close. The french doors of the chiller compartment open and close automatically when the refrigerator door is open and shut. The chiller compartment also includes a tray of sufficient height to secure tall beverages or food items and prevent such items from toppling out of the chiller compartment while the refrigerator door is opened or closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis E. Winders, Eric S. Svenby, Jonathan J. Tiemeier, David J. Olberding, Michael J. Eveland, Todd E. Kniffen, Ravi Kumar Sawhney, Timothy Mark Nugent, John Frank Zinni, Raymond J. Chekal
  • Publication number: 20050278378
    Abstract: A method of processing a document, the method involving: identifying a plurality of one or more geospatial references within the document; and for each identified geospatial reference of the plurality of geospatial references: (1) associating a geographical location with the identified geospatial reference, the geographical location being represented by a set of coordinates of a selected coordinate system; (2) generating a geographical text string that encodes the geographical location, wherein generating involves the geographical text string may involve interleaving the coordinates to form a hierarchical representation; and (3) associating the geographic text string with the identified geospatial reference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Publication date: December 15, 2005
    Applicant: MetaCarta, Inc.
    Inventor: John Frank
  • Patent number: 6974131
    Abstract: A board game which combines traditional board game elements with an unrelated activity, that of preparing a meal. The board has three paths of serially arranged spaces along which player tokens travel. A chance device determines the number of spaces moved. Upon alighting on any particular space, a card is drawn, which card is color coordinated to the space just occupied. The card specifies an interactivity such as a question to be answered or a musical theme to be tapped, hummed or whistled. The player must interactively respond. Upon completion of the first path, players select, on a first-to-arrive basis, a task associated with meal preparation, serving, and cleanup. An example is mixing and serving of a beverage, or cooking the entree. One option is to be relieved of any task. Upon completion of the path by his or her token, each player receives an instructional card advising details of the associated task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventor: John Frank
  • Publication number: 20050208239
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible article such as a roll-up sign comprising a pocket, such pocket suitable for receipt of a support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Publication date: September 22, 2005
    Inventors: Steven Nielsen, David Schueler, John Frank
  • Patent number: 6920875
    Abstract: A ventilator supplies a plurality of volumes of fluid to a patient during a like plurality of inhalations by the patient. Each volume of fluid is supplied at an inspiratory positive airway pressure during a corresponding inhalation by the patient. A volume of fluid received by the patient is determined for each of the plurality of inhalations by the patient and an average volume of fluid received by the patient during each of the plurality of inhalations is determined. The average volume of fluid received by the patient during each inhalation is compared to a predetermined target volume and the inspiratory positive airway pressure each volume of fluid is supplied to the patient is adjusted as a function of the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Respironics, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter D. Hill, Michael H. Kissel, John Frank
  • Patent number: 6905183
    Abstract: An improved door bucket assembly is provided for a refrigerator or freezer door. The assembly includes a bucket pivotally mounted in a retainer mounted in the door, such that the bucket is movable between an upright position and tilt-out position. The bucket is open at the top such that items stored in the bucket are accessible when the bucket is in both the upright and tilt-out positions. A stop member limits the tilt-out movement of the bucket to 30°-45°. A clip on the retainer releasably engages a tab on the bucket to prevent accidental tilt-out of the bucket during movement of the door between open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Scott W. Leimkuehler, Roger K. Bush, Michael J. Eveland, Todd E. Kniffen, J. Michael Nurre, Ravi Kumar Sawhney, Timothy Mark Nugent, John Frank Zinni
  • Publication number: 20050091193
    Abstract: An interface program stored on a computer-readable medium for causing a computer system with a display device to perform the functions of: accepting search criteria from a user including a free text entry query and a domain identifier identifying a domain; in response to accepting the search criteria, retrieving a plurality of record identifiers each of which identifies a corresponding record which: (1) has associated therewith a location identifier that locates it at a specific location within the domain identified by the domain identifier; and (2) contains information that is responsive to the free text entry query; displaying a representation of the domain on the display device; and displaying on the display device a plurality of icons as representations of the records identified by the plurality of record identifiers, wherein for each of the record identifiers, a corresponding one of the plurality of icons is displayed within the representation of the domain that is being displayed on the display device,
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Publication date: April 28, 2005
    Applicant: MetaCarta, Inc.
    Inventors: John Frank, Erik Rauch, Karen Donoghue
  • Publication number: 20050091209
    Abstract: An interface program stored on a computer-readable medium for causing a computer system with a display device to perform the functions of: accepting search criteria from a user including a free text entry query and a domain identifier identifying a domain; in response to accepting the search criteria, retrieving a plurality of record identifiers each of which identifies a corresponding record which: (1) has associated therewith a location identifier that locates it at a specific location within the domain identified by the domain identifier; and (2) contains information that is responsive to the free text entry query; displaying a representation of the domain on the display device; and displaying on the display device a plurality of icons as representations of the records identified by the plurality of record identifiers, wherein for each of the record identifiers, a corresponding one of the plurality of icons is displayed within the representation of the domain that is being displayed on the display device,
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Publication date: April 28, 2005
    Applicant: MetaCarta, Inc.
    Inventors: John Frank, Erik Rauch, Karen Donoghue
  • Patent number: 6876744
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enhanced CMEA, or ECMEA, processing. A forward ECMEA and a reverse ECMEA process are provided. The forward ECMEA process decrypts text encrypted by the reverse ECMEA process and the reverse ECMEA process decrypts text encrypted by the forward ECMEA process. The forward ECMEA process employs a first transformation, an iteration of the CMEA process, and a second transformation. The reverse ECMEA process employs a first inverse transformation, an iteration of the CMEA process, and a second inverse transformation. The transformations and inverse transformations, and the iterations of the CMEA process, employ secret offsets to improve security. The transformations and the iteration of the CMEA process also employ an enhanced tbox function using an involutary lookup table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Mark H. Etzel, Robert John Frank, Daniel Nelson Heer, Robert Joseph McNelis, Semyon B. Mizikovsky, Robert John Rance, R. Dale Shipp
  • Patent number: 6841026
    Abstract: A simple, inexpensive, drillable, reduced CTE laminate and circuitized structures comprising the reduced CTE laminate, is provided. One embodiment of the reduced CTE laminate comprises: from about 40% to 75%, preferably from about 55% to 65%, by weight resin; from about 0.05% to 0.3%, preferably from about 0.08% to 0.10%, by weight curing agent; from about 25% to 60%, preferably from about 30% to 40%, by weight, woven cloth; from about 1% to 15%, preferably from about 5% to 10%, by volume, non-woven quartz mat. The method for making reduced CTE laminate and laminate structures comprises the following steps: providing non-woven quartz mat; providing a prepreg, preferably B-stage cured to not more than about 40%, preferably not more than 30% of full cure; sandwiching the non-woven quartz mat between two layers of prepreg, and reflowing the resin of the prepreg into the quartz mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence Robert Blumberg, Robert Maynard Japp, William John Rudik, John Frank Surowka
  • Publication number: 20040248492
    Abstract: A nonwoven fabric printing medium comprises a first nonwoven fabric layer formed of thermoplastic polymer continuous filaments and at least one additional nonwoven fabric layer bonded to the first nonwoven fabric layer to form an integral unitary composite sheet material. The first nonwoven fabric layer has an outer surface adapted to receive printing ink, and the nonwoven fabric printing medium has a porosity of no more than 75 CFM pursuant to ASTM D-737-80, and in a preferred embodiment no more than 25 CFM. The first nonwoven fabric layer includes a thermoplastic polymer binder bonding together the thermoplastic polymer continuous filaments and also bonding the first nonwoven fabric layer to the one or more additional nonwoven fabric layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Applicant: Reemay, Inc.
    Inventor: John Frank Baker
  • Patent number: 6782710
    Abstract: A kid's zone compartment assembly for a refrigerator includes a compartment frame, a top tray, a cover for the top tray, a lower tray, and two tall package retainers. The top tray cover is pivotally hinged to the top tray. The cover is molded and configured in the likeness of a character, particularly an animal caricature. The various compartment components are carried by the compartment frame which, in turn, is supported by a fresh food compartment door liner of the refrigerator. The overall assembly defines a special place for the storage of food items dedicated for access by a child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Eveland, Tamara Kappler, Todd E. Kniffen, Timothy M. Nugent, David J. Olberding, Robert Pohl, Ravi K. Sawhney, Eric Svenby, Dennis E. Winders, John Frank Zinni
  • Publication number: 20040147194
    Abstract: Nonwoven fabric fabrics suitable for undergoing pleating to form filtration media are provided. The fabrics generally include at least three layers. The fibers forming the inner layer has a cross section providing greater stiffness, while the fibers forming the outer layers have a cross section providing greater durability. The resulting fabrics provide improved particulate holding and pressure drop characteristics at no sacrifice to durability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Applicant: Reemay, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Keith Willis, Harry Barnes, John Frank Baker
  • Publication number: 20040084582
    Abstract: A cross-arm 5 for a utility pole 4 for use in low to medium voltage electricity distribution and transmission is disclosed. The cross-arm is metallic and coated with an insulatory coating. The steel cross-arm 5 is mounted to the utility pole 4 by way of a steel saddle 6 which incorporates a similar insulatory coating. The saddle extends about one of the pole or the cross-arm and is secured at its opposite ends to the other of the pole or cross-arm and is arranged to be elastically strained so as to cause the two members to be in clamping engagement. A tape 7 may be located between the cross-arm and the utility pole to provide a further insulatory barrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: John Frank Kralic
  • Patent number: 6701781
    Abstract: A mass air flow sensor 10 including a housing 14, an air foil element 16, and at least one sensor element 22 mounted on the surface of the air foil element 16, whereby disruption to the air flow is minimized and performance of the mass air flow sensor 10 in lower air flows is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Michael Lutowsky, Jr., James Christopher Driscoll, Edward Paul McLeskey, John Frank Foss
  • Patent number: D493204
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: John Frank