Patents by Inventor Joseph A. Franklin

Joseph A. Franklin 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: 9523406
    Abstract: A shock absorber includes a gas spring cylinder containing a piston moveable between an extended position and a compressed position within the gas spring cylinder. A mechanical actuator is arranged whereby a bleed port is automatically closed when the gas spring is compressed to a predetermined position corresponding to a desired sag setting. In one embodiment, the position corresponds to a predetermined sag setting whereby the gas spring is partially compressed. In another embodiment, a proper sag setting is determined through the use of a processor and sensor that in one instance measure a position of shock absorber components to dictate a proper sag setting and in another instance calculate a pressure corresponding to a preferred sag setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario Galasso, Dennis K. Wootten, Joseph Franklin
  • Publication number: 20160348747
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a gas spring having a travel control includes positive and negative chambers and a valve mechanism that controls the fluid communication between the chambers. The valve mechanism includes a valve bore that while only moving a small amount, allows for large changes in gas spring travel length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Applicant: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Franklin, Robert C. FOX
  • Publication number: 20160319899
    Abstract: A shock absorber includes a gas spring cylinder containing a piston moveable between an extended position and a compressed position within the gas spring cylinder. A mechanical actuator is arranged whereby a bleed port is automatically closed when the gas spring is compressed to a predetermined position corresponding to a desired sag setting. In one embodiment, the position corresponds to a predetermined sag setting whereby the gas spring is partially compressed. In another embodiment, a proper sag setting is determined through the use of a processor and sensor that in one instance measure a position of shock absorber components to dictate a proper sag setting and in another instance calculate a pressure corresponding to a preferred sag setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Inventors: Mario GALASSO, Dennis K. WOOTTEN, Joseph FRANKLIN
  • Publication number: 20160305739
    Abstract: Heat Mitigating handguards for rifles and method of manufacture thereof. The handguards are made from advanced thermoplastics that mitigate heat transfer, are 20% lighter than aluminum with like strength characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventor: Joseph Franklin Garst
  • Patent number: 9415653
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a gas spring having a travel control includes positive and negative chambers and a valve mechanism that controls the fluid communication between the chambers. The valve mechanism includes a valve bore that while only moving a small amount, allows for large changes in gas spring travel length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Franklin, Robert C. Fox
  • Publication number: 20160185178
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed that assist a user in performing proper setup of a vehicle suspension. A user may utilize a device equipped with an image sensor to assist the user in proper setup of a vehicle suspension. The device executes an application that prompts the user for input and instructs the user to perform a number of steps for adjusting the suspension components. In one embodiment, the application does not communicate with sensors on the vehicle. In another embodiment, the application may communicate with various sensors located on the vehicle to provide feedback to the device during the setup routine. In one embodiment, the device may analyze a digital image of a suspension component to provide feedback about a physical characteristic of the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Mario GALASSO, Joseph FRANKLIN, Andrew LAIRD, Charles BASS, Ryan BAVETTA
  • Publication number: 20160069411
    Abstract: A shock absorber includes a gas spring cylinder containing a piston moveable between an extended position and a compressed position within the gas spring cylinder. A mechanical actuator is arranged whereby a bleed port is automatically closed when the gas spring is compressed to a predetermined position corresponding to a desired sag setting. In one embodiment, the position corresponds to a predetermined sag setting whereby the gas spring is partially compressed. In another embodiment, a proper sag setting is determined through the use of a processor and sensor that in one instance measure a position of shock absorber components to dictate a proper sag setting and in another instance calculate a pressure corresponding to a preferred sag setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Mario GALASSO, Dennis K. WOOTTEN, Joseph FRANKLIN
  • Patent number: 9278598
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed that assist a user in performing proper setup of a vehicle suspension. A user may utilize a device equipped with an image sensor to assist the user in proper setup of a vehicle suspension. The device executes an application that prompts the user for input and instructs the user to perform a number of steps for adjusting the suspension components. In one embodiment, the application does not communicate with sensors on the vehicle. In another embodiment, the application may communicate with various sensors located on the vehicle to provide feedback to the device during the setup routine. In one embodiment, the device may analyze a digital image of a suspension component to provide feedback about a physical characteristic of the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario Galasso, Joseph Franklin, Andrew Laird, Charles Bass, Ryan Bavetta
  • Publication number: 20150375593
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a vehicle suspension system gas spring. In one embodiment, a vehicle suspension system gas spring includes a compressible main gas chamber and an additional volume combinable with the main chamber to change a gas spring rate of the system. In one embodiment, a low friction piston seal is created by a flexible seal member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: FOX FACTORY, INC.
    Inventors: Mario GALASSO, Joshua Benjamin YABLON, Andrew LAIRD, William M. BECKER, Joseph FRANKLIN, Dennis K. WOOTTEN
  • Patent number: 9186949
    Abstract: A shock absorber includes a gas spring cylinder containing a piston moveable between an extended position and a compressed position within the gas spring cylinder. A mechanical actuator is arranged whereby a bleed port is automatically closed when the gas spring is compressed to a predetermined position corresponding to a desired sag setting. In one embodiment, the position corresponds to a predetermined sag setting whereby the gas spring is partially compressed. In another embodiment, a proper sag setting is determined through the use of a processor and sensor that in one instance measure a position of shock absorber components to dictate a proper sag setting and in another instance calculate a pressure corresponding to a preferred sag setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario Galasso, Dennis K. Wootten, Joseph Franklin
  • Patent number: 9156325
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a vehicle suspension system gas spring. In one embodiment, a vehicle suspension system gas spring includes a compressible main gas chamber and an additional volume combinable with the main chamber to change a gas spring rate of the system. In one embodiment, a low friction piston seal is created by a flexible seal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario Galasso, Josh Yablon, Andrew Laird, William M. Becker, Joseph Franklin, Dennis K. Wootten
  • Publication number: 20150100206
    Abstract: A shock absorber includes a gas spring cylinder containing a piston moveable between an extended position and a compressed position within the gas spring cylinder. A mechanical actuator is arranged whereby a bleed port is automatically closed when the gas spring is compressed to a predetermined position corresponding to a desired sag setting. In one embodiment, the position corresponds to a predetermined sag setting whereby the gas spring is partially compressed. In another embodiment, a proper sag setting is determined through the use of a processor and sensor that in one instance measure a position of shock absorber components to dictate a proper sag setting and in another instance calculate a pressure corresponding to a preferred sag setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Mario GALASSO, Dennis K. WOOTTEN, Joseph FRANKLIN
  • Publication number: 20150073657
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed that assist a user in performing proper setup of a vehicle suspension. A user may utilize a device equipped with an image sensor to assist the user in proper setup of a vehicle suspension. The device executes an application that prompts the user for input and instructs the user to perform a number of steps for adjusting the suspension components. In one embodiment, the application does not communicate with sensors on the vehicle. In another embodiment, the application may communicate with various sensors located on the vehicle to provide feedback to the device during the setup routine. In one embodiment, the device may analyze a digital image of a suspension component to provide feedback about a physical characteristic of the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Mario GALASSO, Joseph FRANKLIN, Andrew LAIRD, Charles BASS, Ryan BAVETTA
  • Patent number: 8975166
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating and delivering atomic hydrogen to the growth front during the deposition of a III-V film are provided. The apparatus adapts HWCVD technology to a system wherein the Group III precursor and the Group V precursor are delivered to the surface in isolated processing environments within the system. Multiple HWCVD units may be incorporated so that the atomic hydrogen parameters may be varied in a combinatorial manner for the development of III-V films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventors: Thai Cheng Chua, Timothy Joseph Franklin, Philip A. Kraus
  • Patent number: 8936139
    Abstract: A shock absorber includes a gas spring cylinder containing a piston moveable between an extended position and a compressed position within the gas spring cylinder. A mechanical actuator is arranged whereby a bleed port is automatically closed when the gas spring is compressed to a predetermined position corresponding to a desired sag setting. In one embodiment, the position corresponds to a predetermined sag setting whereby the gas spring is partially compressed. In another embodiment, a proper sag setting is determined through the use of a processor and sensor that in one instance measure a position of shock absorber components to dictate a proper sag setting and in another instance calculate a pressure corresponding to a preferred sag setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario Galasso, Dennis K. Wootten, Joseph Franklin
  • Publication number: 20140327197
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a gas spring having a travel control includes positive and negative chambers and a valve mechanism that controls the fluid communication between the chambers. The valve mechanism includes a valve bore that while only moving a small amount, allows for large changes in gas spring travel length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Joseph Franklin, Robert C. FOX
  • Patent number: 8838335
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed that assist a user in performing proper setup of a vehicle suspension. A user may utilize a device equipped with an image sensor to assist the user in proper setup of a vehicle suspension. The device executes an application that prompts the user for input and instructs the user to perform a number of steps for adjusting the suspension components. In one embodiment, the application does not communicate with sensors on the vehicle. In another embodiment, the application may communicate with various sensors located on the vehicle to provide feedback to the device during the setup routine. In one embodiment, the device may analyze a digital image of a suspension component to provide feedback about a physical characteristic of the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario Galasso, Joseph Franklin, Andrew Laird, Charles Bass, Ryan Bavetta
  • Publication number: 20140014965
    Abstract: Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) systems and methods for forming layers on a substrate are disclosed. Embodiments of the system comprise a chamber having a controlled environmental temperature and pressure and containing a first environment for performing CVD on a substrate, and a second environment for contacting the substrate with a plasma; a substrate transport system capable of positioning a substrate for sequential processing in each environment, and a gas control system capable of maintaining site isolation. Methods of forming layers on a substrate comprise forming a first layer from a precursor on a substrate in a CVD environment, contacting the substrate with plasma in a plasma environment, wherein the forming and contacting steps are performed in the unitary system and repeating the forming and contacting steps until a layer of desired thickness is formed. The forming and contacting steps can be performed to form devices having multiple distinct layers, such as Group III-V thin film devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Philip A. Kraus, Thai Cheng Chua, Timothy Joseph Franklin, Sandeep Nijhawan
  • Publication number: 20130171350
    Abstract: A metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) system is provided for high throughput processing. The system comprises a chamber containing a substrate support system comprising a plurality of substrate support planets operable to support one or more substrates, and a gas emission system operable to provide a plurality of isolated environments suitable for depositing uniform layers on the substrates. The MOCVD system is operable to independently vary one or more process parameters in each isolated environment, and to provide common process parameters to all substrates for depositing one or more layers on all substrates. Methods of forming uniform layers on a substrate are provided wherein at least one of the layers is deposited in an isolated environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: Intermolecular Inc.
    Inventors: Philip A. Kraus, Tony P. Chiang, Timothy Joseph Franklin, Chi-I Lang, Sandeep Nijhawan
  • Patent number: D696940
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Solo Cup Company
    Inventors: Bryan Hale, Joseph Franklin, Paul Mueller