Patents by Inventor John R. Power

John R. Power 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: 10039239
    Abstract: A stump cutter controller and operator presence system includes one or more capacitive sensors in each of the three control levers that control movement of the cutter wheel. A sensor circuit measures changes in the capacitance of the sensors. The controller automatically disengages a drive clutch and applies a brake to the cutter wheel when the controller senses that an operator has left the operating station—which is assumed when the operator has not touched any one of the three control levers of the operator station for a predetermined time. The controller logic is set to allow the clutch to remain engaged during a delay period, of predetermined duration, to permit the operator to move a hand off of one control lever to another control lever. Also, a grace period, of varying duration based on the speed of the cutter wheel, may be provided during which the clutch is reengaged if an operator returns to the controls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: VERMEER MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: Ivan R. Brand, Brent Allen Bartels, John R. Powers, Douglas E. Ammons
  • Patent number: 8425180
    Abstract: A steam turbine power plant that includes a first steam turbine, the steam turbine power plant including: a thrust piston operably connected to the first steam turbine via a shaft; and means for applying a supply of pressurized steam against the thrust piston such that the thrust piston applies a desired thrust force to the shaft. The desired thrust force may comprise a thrust force that partially balances a thrust force the first steam turbine applies to the shaft during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kristan B. Sears, Michael J. Bowman, John R. Powers
  • Publication number: 20110158790
    Abstract: A steam turbine power plant that includes a first steam turbine, the steam turbine power plant including: a thrust piston operably connected to the first steam turbine via a shaft; and means for applying a supply of pressurized steam against the thrust piston such that the thrust piston applies a desired thrust force to the shaft. The desired thrust force may comprise a thrust force that partially balances a thrust force the first steam turbine applies to the shaft during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Kristan B. Sears, Michael J. Bowman, John R. Powers
  • Patent number: 7645663
    Abstract: A method of forming a floating gate structure is disclosed, and includes modifying the etch chemistry of a plasma treated reactive ion etch process using an inert atom to physically damage a dielectric region. The damaged dielectric region is subsequently etched using a wet etch process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Danny Pak-Chum Shum, Haoren Zhuang, John R. Power
  • Publication number: 20090090434
    Abstract: A stump cutter controller and operator presence system includes one or more capacitive sensors in each of the three control levers that control movement of the cutter wheel. A sensor circuit measures changes in the capacitance of the sensors. The controller automatically disengages a drive clutch and applies a brake to the cutter wheel when the controller senses that an operator has left the operating station—which is assumed when the operator has not touched any one of the three control levers of the operator station for a predetermined time. The controller logic is set to allow the clutch to remain engaged during a delay period, of predetermined duration, to permit the operator to move a hand off of one control lever to another control lever. Also, a grace period, of varying duration based on the speed of the cutter wheel, may be provided during which the clutch is reengaged if an operator returns to the controls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: Vermeer Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Ivan R. Brand, Brent Allen Bartels, John R. Powers, Douglas E. Ammons
  • Patent number: 7493854
    Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a jam detection and safety system for machines prone to jamming, such as a baler. In particular embodiments, the system is implemented in a horizontal baler having a shear bar and a hydraulic ram that advances material being baled past the shear bar into a compression chamber. The system includes a strain gage mounted on the shear bar and a controller that is electrically connected to the strain gage. The controller receives strain signals from the stage gage and compares the strain of the shear bar to a predetermined strain threshold corresponding to a jamming condition. If the strain exceeds the predetermined threshold, the controller automatically deactivates the ram, such as by disconnecting line power from the baler and/or by turning off the control power of the baler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignees: The Government of the United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, West Virginia University
    Inventors: John R. Etherton, John R. Powers, Jr., Eugene Anthony McKenzie, Jr., Kenneth Means, Brad Newbraugh
  • Publication number: 20090023259
    Abstract: A method of forming a floating gate structure is disclosed, and includes modifying the etch chemistry of a plasma treated reactive ion etch process using an inert atom to physically damage a dielectric region. The damaged dielectric region is subsequently etched using a wet etch process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: Danny Pak-Chum Shum, Haoren Zhuang, John R. Power
  • Patent number: 6897783
    Abstract: A personal electrical injury protection system is provided which can be worn by electricians, construction workers, or other individuals working around or with low-voltage lines (i.e. generally less than about 600 volts). The personal electrical injury protection system has both a proximity warning component which provides a warning of potential electrical hazards upon close approach to the low-voltage power line and an electrical contact protection component which turns off the power upon actual electrical contact with the power line. The present personal electrical protection system relies on a radio frequency transmitter attached to the worker or person to be protected and a radio receiver/controller connected to the power line. The radio frequency transmitter has a low frequency generator which is used for electrical-contact protection and a high frequency generator which is used for proximity warning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Shengke Zeng, John R. Powers, Jr., Larry L. Jackson, David L. Conover
  • Publication number: 20030011484
    Abstract: A personal electrical injury protection system is provided which can be worn by electricians, construction workers, or other individuals working around or with low-voltage lines (i.e., generally less than about 600 volts). The personal electrical injury protection system has both a proximity warning component which provides a warning of potential electrical hazards upon close approach to the low-voltage power line and an electrical contact protection component which turns off the power upon actual electrical contact with the power line. The present personal electrical protection system relies on a radio frequency transmitter attached to the worker or person to be protected and a radio receiver/controller connected to the power line. The radio frequency transmitter has a low frequency generator which is used for electrical-contact protection and a high frequency generator which is used for proximity warning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Shengke Zeng, John R. Powers, Jr., Larry L. Jackson, David L. Conover
  • Patent number: 5629052
    Abstract: The invention comprises a method for applying a curable resin, such as a photosensitive resin, to a substrate such as a papermaker's dewatering felt. The method comprises the steps of providing a substrate; providing a curable liquid resin; providing a second material different from the curable liquid resin; applying the second material to the substrate to occupy at least some of the voids in the substrate intermediate the first and second surfaces of the substrate; applying the curable resin to the substrate; curing at least some of the resin to provide a resin layer on the substrate; and removing at least some of the second material from the substrate, wherein at least some of the second material is removed from the substrate after applying the curable resin to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Paul D. Trokhan, John R. Powers, James D. Miller, II, Glenn D. Boutilier
  • Patent number: 5602996
    Abstract: The display system includes at least one central processing unit (CPU) which is coupled through appropriate input/output (I/O) circuitry to input devices, such as a keyboard, digital pad, mouse and/or trackball. The CPU is coupled to a hard disk drive for the storage of programs and data, and may also be coupled to a network through which the CPU may communicate with a variety of other system resources and devices. The CPU is further coupled to a display device such as a CRT or liquid crystal display, on which the present invention is displayed. The windows include defined areas having window features such as menu bars, command options, text, icons and/or button functions to be executed by the CPU. The help system includes an access window having topics, index and look for button functions for selection by a user. Through the use of the topics, index or look for functions, a help inquiry is defined which results in the CPU generating and displaying a presentation window on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Powers, III, James E. Palmer, Patricia J. Coleman, Jeffrey A. Herman, Eli Cochran
  • Patent number: 5600779
    Abstract: A user interface includes an object oriented graphic user interface having overlapping windows and provides an access window having topics, index and look for button functions for selection by a user. Through the use of the topics, index or look for functions, a help inquiry is defined. The selection of one of the button functions results in the generation and display of entries in a predefined area of the access window. Upon the selection of one of the entries by a user, phrases related to the selected entry are displayed in a working area of the access window. The selection of one of the phrases results in the display of a presentation window containing help instruction data to guide the user in the particular help task specified by the entry and phrase selection. To further assist the user, visual cues in the form of coach marks are generated for identifying features on the display which relate to the information disposed within the presentation window, but may identify any feature on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Palmer, John R. Powers, III, Patricia J. Coleman, Gregory S. Brewer, Jeffrey A. Herman, Eli Cochran
  • Patent number: 5488685
    Abstract: A user interface includes an object oriented graphic user interface having overlapping windows and provides an access window having topics, index and look for button functions for selection by a user. Through the use of the topics, index or look for functions, a help inquiry is defined. The selection of one of the button functions results in the generation and display of entries in a predefined area of the access window. Upon the selection of one of the entries by a user, phrases related to the selected entry are displayed in a working area of the access window. The selection of one of the phrases results in the display of a presentation window containing help instruction data to guide the user in the particular help task specified by the entry and phrase selection. To further assist the user, visual cues in the form of coach marks are generated for identifying features on the display which relate to the information disposed within the presentation window, but may identify any feature on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Palmer, John R. Powers, III, Patricia J. Coleman, Gregory S. Brewer, Jeffrey A. Herman, Eli Cochran
  • Patent number: 5469540
    Abstract: The display system includes at least one central processing unit (CPU) which is coupled through appropriate input/output (I/O) circuitry to input devices, such as a keyboard, digital pad, mouse and/or trackball. The CPU is coupled to a hard disk drive for the storage of programs and data, and may also be coupled to a network through which the CPU may communicate with a variety of other system resources and devices. The CPU is further coupled to a display device such as a CRT or liquid crystal display, on which the present invention is displayed. The windows include defined areas having window features such as menu bars, command options, text, icons and/or button functions to be executed by the CPU. The help system includes an access window having topics, index and look for button functions for selection by a user. Through the use of the topics, index or look for functions, a help inquiry is defined which results in the CPU generating and displaying a presentation window on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Powers, III, James E. Palmer, Patricia J. Coleman, Jeffrey A. Herman, Eli Cochran
  • Patent number: 5428731
    Abstract: An engine for the interactive delivery and presentation of multimedia data. The delivery mechanism is premised on a topic and panel metaphor. A topic is comprised of a series of panels. Each panel further defines the multimedia data which will be used when the panel is displayed. Each panel may also contain control and qualifier elements which are used to determine the next panel to be displayed. Control elements are used to solicit information from the user. The information is then used by the qualifier elements in determining the next panel to be displayed. Each element is stored in a database as a discrete object. This allows sharing of objects amongst different panels or topics. Prior to delivery and presentation of the data, the topic must be set-up. Set-up occurs by retrieving all the necessary panel, control qualifier and data descriptor objects. The actual data associated with multimedia data objects is only retrieved when the data is to be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Powers, III
  • Patent number: 4889739
    Abstract: A method for obtaining commercial feed juices having textural, aroma and flavor properties more like hand-squeezed orange juice is disclosed. This method involves gentle extraction of orange fruit with commercial juice extractors, gentle and quick removal of rag, seeds and peel from the extracted juice, substantially complete removal of sensible pulp, and removal of at least some of the sinking pulp. The feed juices obtained have a relatively low viscosity and sinking pulp level, minimized levels of peel oil and flavanoid glycosides and a relatively high ratio of more desirable orange compounds to less desirable orange compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: John R. Powers, Gordon K. Stipp, Rudolf G. K. Strobel, Chee-Hway Tsai
  • Patent number: 4196134
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds of the general formula ##STR1## wherein x and y are integers from 3 to 9, x and y together equal 12, one Z is hydrogen and the other Z is a carboxylic acid group, and R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are fatty acid groups. A process for introducing approximately one carboxylic acid group per triglyceride molecule in vegetable oils has been developed, and the resulting acid adduct forms soaps with attractive properties. The process comprises first conjugation of the double bonds of the nonconjugated polyunsaturated groups present in the fatty acid ester and elaidinization with a catalyst, such as iodine, and then adduct formation with acrylic acid to form the compounds of the general formula. This process also greatly stabilizes the triglyceride against atmospheric oxidation and polymerization reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1980
    Assignee: Westvaco Corporation
    Inventors: Frank J. Ball, John R. Powers, William G. Vardell
  • Patent number: 4192835
    Abstract: The basic bubble cap assembly for sealing a hole in a tray deck for example, comprises an inner tubular sleeve having a lower flanged end telescopic with the inner surface of a tubular riser having a lower flanged end, and gasket means for sealing the lower flanged ends of both the telescopic tubular riser and the inner tubular sleeve to the upper and lower peripheral surfaces around the hole for providing a double seal between the tray deck and the bubble cap assembly, for minimizing leakage, and for assuring proper alignment of the bubble cap assembly relative to the tray deck. Three modifications are disclosed. One comprises a spider secured on the lower end of the hold-down stud for placing it in tension for compressing the two sealing gasket means. A second embodiment comprises a hold-down stud lower end fastened to a cross bar which is welded to the internal surfaces of the inner tubular sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1980
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Powers
  • Patent number: 4146950
    Abstract: One basic method for forming a bubble cap assembly held together with a hold-down stud for sealing a hole in a tray deck comprises (1) forming an inner tubular sleeve having a lower flanged end telescopic with the inner surface of a tubular riser having a lower flanged end, and (2) sealing the lower flanged ends of both the telescopic tubular riser and the inner tubular sleeve with gasket means to the upper and lower peripheral surfaces around the hole for providing a double seal between the tray deck and the bubble cap assembly, for minimizing leakage, and for assuring proper alignment of the bubble cap assembly relative to the tray deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1979
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Powers
  • Patent number: 4081462
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is full soaps and mono-soaps of a C.sub.22 -cycloaliphatic tricarboxylic acid of the formula ##STR1## wherein x and y are integers from 3 to 9, and x and y together equal 12. The C.sub.22 -cycloaliphatic tricarboxylic acids are made as Diels-Alder adducts of fatty acids, especially tall oil fatty acids and soya fatty acids, containing both non-conjugated and conjugated linoleic acids and fumaric acid reacted at from 170.degree. C. to 270.degree. C. in the presence of from 0.01% to 0.50% by weight of iodine. There is also disclosed herein the use of these C.sub.22 -cycloaliphatic tricarboxylic soaps as hydrotroping agents for normally insoluble nonionic synthetic detergents in alkaline mediums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1978
    Assignee: Westvaco Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Powers, Frances C. Miller