Patents by Inventor John Stark

John Stark 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: 7270106
    Abstract: In a nutating engine (or more generally a rotary displacement device) the cycling of combustion occurs between inner and outer spherical surfaces. The combustion chambers are additionally defined only by the surfaces of teeth of specially designed gears. These gears are the Rotator (2), two consecutive of some number of free-planetary gears (3A-E), and the lobed Nutating Member (1). The latter is enjoined to execute precessional rotation relative to the former and maybe both affixed with counterweights (11A,B; 12A,B) and subjected to reverse-English transforming the precessional rotation to a stress-free mode in both the Newtonian and Eulerian sense. The insertion of optional butterfly-shaped plugs (4A-E, 5A-E, 8A-E) boosts the compression ratio. Truly, no past engine possesses the characteristics of the instant invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: John Stark
  • Publication number: 20070155588
    Abstract: Orthoses with microprocessor control placed around the joint of a patient are used to perform and to monitor isometric, range-of-motion, proprioception and isotonic exercises of the joint. A variety of improved hardware elements result in an orthosis that is easier to use and interacts more efficiently with the controller to allow the monitoring of a greater range of motions while holding down cost and provide suitable accurate evaluation of the exercises. Efficient ways of programming the exercises, monitoring the exercises and evaluating the exercise provide a comprehensive program for the rehabilitation of an injured or weakened joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Inventors: John Stark, Duane Oyen, Thomas Bybee, Arthur Lohmann, Joel Boyd
  • Publication number: 20070084739
    Abstract: A box for storing fishing flies including a cover assembly having two dish-like cover portions, each having a continuous distal edge portion; and a hinge affording pivotal movement of the cover portions between an open position and a closed position with the distal edge portions of the cover portions opposed to and closely spaced from each other. A fly retaining assembly included in the box comprises a support plate that extends between the distal edge portions of the cover portions in their closed position, can be engaged by flies, can pivot relative to the hinge independent of the cover portions, and can be removed from between the cover portions when they are open. A layer of over molded sealing material provided on the support plate is in sealing engagement with the edge portions of the adjacent cover portions when they are in their closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Jeffrey Wieringa, John Stark, Gary Albrecht, Steven Lambert
  • Publication number: 20060288977
    Abstract: In a nutating engine (or more generally a rotary displacement device) the cycling of combustion occurs between inner and outer spherical surfaces. The combustion chambers are additionally defined only by the surfaces of teeth of specially designed gears. These gears are the Rotator (2), two consecutive of some number of free-planetary gears (3A-E), and the lobed Nutating Member (1). The latter is enjoined to execute precessional rotation relative to the former and may be both affixed with counterweights (11A,B; 12A,B) and subjected to reverse-English transforming the precessional rotation to a stress-free mode in both the Newtonian and Eulerian sense. The insertion of optional butterfly-shaped plugs (4A-E,5A-E, 8A-E) boosts the compression ratio. Truly, no past engine possesses the characteristics of the instant invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Publication date: December 28, 2006
    Inventor: John Stark
  • Publication number: 20060271112
    Abstract: Medical implants can comprise various instrumentation to impart desirable functionality to the implant. In some embodiments, the implants comprise functional structures, such as sensors, energy propagating transducers, drug delivery systems and the like. Additional instrumentation to facilitate the functionality of these devices can include, for example, microprocessors, communication systems, power sources or the like. Drug delivery systems can comprise, for example, an isolated reservoir with a control system to control the delivery of a biological agent from the reservoir. The implants can be orthopedic implants that are designed to interface with a patient's skeletal system wherein the orthopedic implant may itself embody sensors, processors, power supplies, memory and/or communication capability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Publication date: November 30, 2006
    Inventors: James Martinson, John Stark, Timothy Hanson, Steven Backes
  • Publication number: 20060226077
    Abstract: The present invention removes contaminants from well water without creating the problem of large volumes of waste liquid disposal. It uses double-cone devices (102, 116, 125) as pressure amplifiers which due to their lack of moving parts avoid the risk of additional contamination of the well and provide a prolonged lifetime. For toxic contaminants, a periodic purging of the concentrated contaminants is required. In the case of (sea) salt contamination, there is no waste brine to be continuously handled at all and the system may be run without interruption over an extended period. In this case, the brine is dumped into the well simply by periodically stopping the plant. The brine pours out of the double-cone unit(s) (102, 302) and due to its higher density, sinks down in the well without disturbing the operation of the purification plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Publication date: October 12, 2006
    Inventor: John Stark
  • Patent number: 7077207
    Abstract: The performance of a double-cone device (1) is increased, not only by moving the gap or inlet openings (22) a short distance into the exit cone (47), but also by making the conicity ?3 (55) of the so-formed small diffuser less than the conicity ?2 (109) of the remaining part (53) of the exit cone. Double cone units (7, 60), particularly the ones with this improved diffuser, may be used in pump installations (1, 60), like well-pumps (1), where liquids must be pumped from great depths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: DCT Double-Cone Technology AG
    Inventors: John Stark, Hansjörg Wagenbach, Jörg Schār
  • Publication number: 20060140780
    Abstract: The present invention deals with a double-cone device that produces enhanced suction, pressure amplification and reduced noise. The enhancement is achieved is by using a continuous geometry for the two frustroconical sections of the double-cone device. Further, a plurality of holes on the exit cone is used to suck the material into the device. Continuous geometry results in a stable flow profile that leads to reduced noise and enhanced amplification. Holes increase the suction force since they can be placed very close to the orifice. Further enhancements are also achieved by choosing the appropriate range of entry cone and exit cone angles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: June 29, 2006
    Inventor: John Stark
  • Publication number: 20060129050
    Abstract: Several different smart stent structures are described for placement in vessel of a mammal. The stents can be advantageously used to perform measurements of the conditions in the vessel and transmit the measurements wireless out from the patient. In some embodiments, the stent performs therapy within the vessel and may be controlled with a microprocessor, which may or may not communicate wirelessly. Some implantable devices comprise a drug delivery system based, for example, on either a microelectromechanical structure or a cover that opens upon application of an electrical current. Smart devices can be used, for example, the detect deposits in a vessel, aneurysms in the vessel or other modifications of flow in the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Publication date: June 15, 2006
    Inventors: James Martinson, John Stark, Timothy Hanson, Steven Backes
  • Patent number: 6994148
    Abstract: A casting machine furnace apparatus that includes a furnace adapted to receive molten metal is described herein. The furnace includes an outer wall structure, a cover adapted to seal the furnace, a source of fluid, and a casting apparatus in fluid communication with the molten metal. The fluid is supplied into the furnace for applying fluid pressure on the molten metal. The application of fluid pressure on the molten metal causes the molten metal to supply the casting apparatus. The outer wall structure of the furnace is provided with a plurality of exhaust ports where the ports are provided in the outer wall structure at predetermined locations. The ports are selectively controllable between a first closed position, where the exhaust ports do not allow air to be exhausted from the furnace, and a second opened position, where the exhaust ports enable air to be exhausted from the furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth D. McKibben, Daniel D. Minor, Alan P. Gould, Robert L. Macheske, Dean VanderJagt, Rick Van Horn, Khushal Wardak, Roger Mucci, John Starks
  • Publication number: 20050279012
    Abstract: A box for storing flies used for fishing including a cover assembly having two dish-like cover portions, each of which cover portions includes a central wall part, and side wall parts around the periphery of the central wall part projecting generally in the same direction away from the central wall part and having a continuous distal edge portion; and a hinge having hinge portions attached to the side wall parts adjacent second sides of the central wall parts. The hinge affords pivotal movement of the cover portions between a closed position with the distal edge portions of the cover portions opposed to, closely spaced from, and generally aligned with each other, and an open position with the distal edge portions spaced away from and out of alignment with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Publication date: December 22, 2005
    Inventors: Jeffrey Wieringa, John Stark, Gary Albrecht, Steven Lambert
  • Publication number: 20050113652
    Abstract: Instrumented orthoses with more sophisticated structures provide for coordinated support and rehabilitation of complex joints and multiple injured joints. Improved instrumented orthoses can include hinges that can rotate in multiple different planes. Particularly preferred embodiments include a shoulder brace with a hand hold and a lower extremities brace. Preferably, a control unit monitors the output of transducers used to instrument the brace. A patient can be prompted by the control unit for the performance of a variety of different monitored exercises.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Publication date: May 26, 2005
    Inventors: John Stark, Duane Oyen, Blair Mowery
  • Publication number: 20050101887
    Abstract: Orthoses with microprocessor control placed around the joint of a patient are used to perform and to monitor isometric, range-of-motion, proprioception and isotonic exercises of the joint. A variety of improved hardware elements result in an orthosis that is easier to use and interacts more efficiently with the controller to allow the monitoring of a greater range of motions while holding down cost and provide suitable accurate evaluation of the exercises. Efficient ways of programming the exercises, monitoring the exercises and evaluating the exercise provide a comprehensive program for the rehabilitation of an injured or weakened joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Publication date: May 12, 2005
    Inventors: John Stark, Duane Oyen, Thomas Bybee, Arthur Lohmann, Joel Boyd
  • Publication number: 20050077248
    Abstract: A stormwater treatment system designed to separate floating pollutants, liter, and contaminated settling solids from drainage discharge. The system uses a cylindrical tank, buried below the ground, which enables separation of the pollutants. The stormwater flows around the inside perimeter of the tank until it flows into an inner cylinder through a weir (or weirs). This causes a delayed flow due to the limited entry point through the vertical weir. The extended amount of resonance time allows for separation of pollutants, liter, and contaminated solids. The stormwater continues to separate itself as it flows around the inner cylinder, up through a vertical pipe and out an outlet pipe. The solid contaminants which are left behind are stored and able to be removed later.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2003
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Applicant: Royal Environmental Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Stark, Thomas Fleischanderl, Hannes Brandstaetter
  • Publication number: 20050043660
    Abstract: Exercise orthoses are described that include a frame, a fluid bladder held by the frame, a pressure sensor attached to the fluid bladder and a microprocessor receiving the pressure measurements. The microprocessor monitors variations in pressure and determines differences between the measured pressures and predetermined target values. The frame can be designed to support a hinge joint or at least one vertebra. Furthermore, corrective back orthoses are described that include a frame force applicators connected to the frame to apply force to the patient's spine, a sensor that measures forces associated with the force applicators and a control unit that monitors forces measured by the sensor. The corrective back orthosis can include fluid bladders as force applicators. The control unit can include a microprocessor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Publication date: February 24, 2005
    Inventors: John Stark, Duane Oven
  • Publication number: 20050039376
    Abstract: A splice system for linear connection of fishing lines includes a female connector and a male connector. Each connector has first and second opposite ends, a longitudinal axis, and a shaped exterior surface. The first end of the female connector is connected to a first fishing line section; the second end has a first opening; and the connector has a raised interior feature. The second end of the male connector is connected to a second fishing line section; the first end is configured for coaxial insertion into the first opening of the female connector, and the first end has a raised exterior feature. The connectors have a first relative position representing a disengaged state and a second relative position representing an engaged state. The first relative position and the second relative position are rotationally displaced about the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Publication date: February 24, 2005
    Inventors: Russell Blette, John Stark, Jameel Qiblawi
  • Publication number: 20050034356
    Abstract: A splice system and method for linear connection of fishing lines include a female connector and a male connector. The female connector has an outer surface, first and second opposite ends, and a longitudinal axis. The first end is connected to a first fishing line section and the second end has an opening therein. The connector has a co-axial interior feature with a radial extent. The male connector has first and second opposite ends and a longitudinal axis. The second end is connected to a second fishing line section and the first end is configured for coaxial insertion into the opening of the female connector. The second end has a radial extent greater than the radial extent of the interior feature of the female connector. At least one of the connectors is resilient to allow passage of the second end of the male connector axially past the interior feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: Russell Blette, John Stark, Jeffrey Wieringa
  • Publication number: 20050028426
    Abstract: A fishing line splice tool includes a card and a lever. The card has a first slot with a first terminus. The lever has a second slot with a second terminus. The second terminus and the first terminus can be aligned along an axis, the axis being substantially perpendicular to both the first slot and the second slot. One method for linear connection of fishing lines includes providing a female connector, providing a male connector, providing the card, inserting an end of the female connector into the first terminus to thereby hold the female connector; and inserting the male connector into the first opening of the female connector. One method further includes providing the lever and inserting an end of the male connector into the second terminus to thereby hold the male connector. One method further includes providing manual force on the lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Publication date: February 10, 2005
    Inventors: Russell Blette, John Stark
  • Publication number: 20050022441
    Abstract: A splice system and method for linear connection of fishing lines include a female connector and a male connector. Each connector has first and second opposite ends and a longitudinal axis, about which the connector is symmetric. The first end of the female connector is connected to a first fishing line section and the second end has a first opening; the connector has an interior feature with a radial extent. The second end of the male connector is connected to a second fishing line section and the first end has a projection configured for coaxial insertion into the first opening of the female connector. The projection has a radial extent greater than the radial extent of the interior feature of the female connector. At least one of the connectors is resilient so that the projection compresses or the interior feature expands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Publication date: February 3, 2005
    Inventors: Russell Blette, John Stark, Jeffrey Wieringa
  • Publication number: 20040104023
    Abstract: The performance of a double-cone device (1) is increased, not only by moving the gap or inlet openings (22) a short distance into the exit cone (47), but also by making the conicity &thgr;3 (55) of the so-formed small diffuser less than the conicity &thgr;2 (109) of the remaining part (53) of the exit cone. Double cone units (7, 60), particularly the ones with this improved diffuser, may be used in pump installations (1, 60), like well-pumps (1), where liquids must be pumped from great depths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: John Stark, Hansjorg Wagenbach, Jorg Schar