Patents by Inventor Mark Stephens

Mark Stephens 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).

  • Publication number: 20120274564
    Abstract: A system and method for reducing power consumption in an inactive device. Based upon inputs received from one or more sensors, a processor in a device determines that the device has not moved or has been inactive for a predetermined period. One or more components of the device are placed in an inactive state or in a sleep mode when the device has been inactive for the predetermined period. The inactive state or sleep mode requires less power consumption by the components than an active mode of operation. A piezoelectric sensor in the device is used to detect movement. The piezoelectric sensor provides an input signal to the processor upon detecting movement of the device. The one or more components are placed in the active mode in response to the input signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Mark Stephen Cronjaeger, Eduardo Bartolome
  • Patent number: 8272186
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vent pipe protection cover for repairing damaged flashing or for any new construction for waterproofing the vent pipe. A two piece construction which allows one device to accommodate roof pitches and various size vent pipes without the need to custom make the device is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventor: Mark Stephen Manning
  • Publication number: 20120234483
    Abstract: An open-cavity, reduced-pressure treatment device and system for treating a cavity in a patient's body, such as an abdominal cavity, is presented. In one instance, an open-cavity, reduced-pressure treatment device includes a plurality of encapsulated leg members, each having an interior portion with a leg manifold member and formed with fenestrations operable to allow fluid flow into the interior portion, and a central connection member fluidly coupled to the plurality of encapsulated leg members. The central connection member has a connection manifold member. The open-cavity, reduced-pressure treatment devices, systems, and methods allow for, among other things, removal of fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Ian Hardman, James Joseph Sealy, Colin John Hall, Mark Stephen James Beard, David George Whyte
  • Patent number: 8267182
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for installing control lines and pipe into a well. The pipe-holding spider that is normally mounted on the rig floor is adapted for easy disassembly and reassembly when the pipe slips within the spider are not engaged with the outer surface of the pipe string so that upon disassembly, a control line guide becomes vertically movable. The control line guide is adapted for being controllably elevated to a distance above the rig floor, thereby providing personnel access to a portion of the length of the pipe string below the elevated control line guide and above the rig floor for securing control line to the pipe string using a fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Frank's Casing Crew and Rental Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Michael Webre, Vernon Joseph Bouligny, Brian David Begnaud, Mark Stephen Sibille
  • Publication number: 20120225112
    Abstract: The method and apparatus for the administration of alcohol to a person provides an alcohol “patch” in the form of an adhesive patch or bandage-like structure bearing a quantity of alcohol for transdermal delivery to the user. Permeation enhancers, either chemical or structural, may be included for increased efficacy of delivery of the alcohol to the user. The alcohol to be delivered via the inventive apparatus may be plain ethyl alcohol (ethanol) of any suitable concentration or proof. Alternatively, the alcohol may be in the form of various distilled or undistilled spirits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Mark Stephen Saia
  • Patent number: 8232026
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an electrochemical cell such as a fuel cell is provided to include a bipolar plate. The bipolar plate includes a metal substrate defining at least one flow channel having a channel span of no greater than 1.0 millimeter; and the metal substrate includes a stainless steel material less precious than stainless steel SS316L. In certain instances, the channel span is of 0.7 to 0.9 millimeters. In certain other instances, the flow channel has a channel depth of 0.3 to 0.5 millimeters. In yet other instances, the plate substrate includes stainless steel SS301, stainless steel SS302, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the electrochemical cell further includes a gas diffusion layer disposed next to the bipolar plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Atul Kumar, Mark Stephens Ricketts, Shinichi Hirano
  • Publication number: 20120145277
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed a method for reducing and/or controlling compression of stacked layers in a micro fluidic device, wherein the method comprises stacking at least two layers wherein at least one of the stacked layers comprises a microstructure. The microstructure comprises a fluid passage, a plurality of walls configured to define a spacing A1 between layers and a plurality of uniformly spaced pneumatic struts wherein the pneumatic struts define sealed containers comprising entrapped gas. The method further comprises the step of sintering the stacked layers wherein the sintering pressurizes the entrapped gas inside the pneumatic struts to oppose compression of the walls and compression of the spacing A1 between stacked layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Jean Francois Bruneaux, Mark Stephen Friske, Jean-Pierre Henri Rene Lereboullet, Olivier Lobet, Yann Patrick Marie Nedelec
  • Patent number: 8192159
    Abstract: Described herein is a rigid rotor assembly configured to allow rotation of helicopter rotor blades attached to the rigid rotor assembly from a deployed position to a stowed position. The rigid rotor assembly includes a base including a shaft extending therethrough, a first spindle configured to engage the shaft, and a second spindle configured for placement onto the shaft. The second spindle is operable to maintain a first position with respect to the first spindle via an attachment mechanism therebetween, the second spindle further operable to maintain a second position with respect to the first spindle via the attachment mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Neal W. Muylaert, Lyndon Claudius Lamborn, Mark Stephen Durst
  • Patent number: 8192409
    Abstract: An open-cavity, reduced-pressure treatment device and system for treating a cavity in a patient's body, such as an abdominal cavity, is presented. In one instance, an open-cavity, reduced-pressure treatment device includes a plurality of encapsulated leg members, each having an interior portion with a leg manifold member and formed with fenestrations operable to allow fluid flow into the interior portion, and a central connection member fluidly coupled to the plurality of encapsulated leg members. The central connection member has a connection manifold member. The open-cavity, reduced-pressure treatment devices, systems, and methods allow for, among other things, removal of fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Hardman, David George Whyte, Christopher Brian Locke, Timothy Mark Robinson, James Joseph Sealy, Colin John Hall, Mark Stephen James Beard
  • Patent number: 8185184
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, fiducial marker devices, tools, and methods. One example illustrates a combined computed tomography (CT) imagable fiducial locator head, an integral bone screw, and an integral divot for receiving a positioning wand of an image-guided surgical (IGS) workstation. A further example includes a fluid/gel-absorbing coating or cover into which a magnetic resonance (MR) imagable fluid is introduced, thereby permitting both CT and MR imaging. Protective caps and collars may be used to protect the fiducial marker from mechanical impact and/or to guide the fiducial marker during affixation. A bull's-eye or other template is used to select a center of a substantially spherical fiducial marker head on an image, such as for use during patient registration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew S. Solar, Thomas L. Bridges, David M. Lee, Mark Stephen Freas
  • Publication number: 20120116331
    Abstract: A reduced pressure treatment system includes a control unit having a control system and a reduced pressure source. The reduced pressure treatment system further includes a manifold unit in fluid communication with the reduced pressure source and a component module to augment treatment. The component module is configured to communicate with the control system of the control unit, and the component module includes a first mounting region configured to be coupled to a complimentary mounting region of the control unit. The component module further includes a second mounting region identical to the complimentary mounting region of the control unit to allow a second component module to be coupled to the first component module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Locke, Timothy Mark Robinson, Mark Stephen James Beard, Aldan Marcus Tout
  • Patent number: 8170645
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a fiducial marker kit. In one example, the kit includes a fiducial marker assembly that includes a bone screw base for receiving an imageable marker or locatable divot. A valved protective sleeve prevents debris from accumulating in a receptacle portion of the base, which may otherwise degrade the accuracy of patient registration in an image-guided surgical procedure. In one example, the valve automatically opens or closes upon insertion or removal of a screwdriver or other tool, or a shaft portion of the imageable marker or locatable divot. Various bone screw base and receptacle combinations are also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew S. Solar, Mark Stephen Freas, Thomas L. Bridges, David M. Lee
  • Publication number: 20120090828
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for installing control lines and pipe into a well. The pipe-holding spider that is normally mounted on the rig floor is adapted for easy disassembly and reassembly when the pipe slips within the spider are not engaged with the outer surface of the pipe string so that upon disassembly, a control line guide becomes vertically movable. The control line guide is adapted for being controllably elevated to a distance above the rig floor, thereby providing personnel access to a portion of the length of the pipe string below the elevated control line guide and above the rig floor for securing control line to the pipe string using a fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: Frank's Casing Crew and Rental Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Michael Webre, Vernon Joseph Bouligny, Brian David Begnaud, Mark Stephen Sibille
  • Publication number: 20120094203
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an electrochemical cell such as a fuel cell is provided to include a bipolar plate. The bipolar plate includes a metal substrate defining at least one flow channel having a channel span of no greater than 1.0 millimeter; and the metal substrate includes a stainless steel material less precious than stainless steel SS316L. In certain instances, the channel span is of 0.7 to 0.9 millimeters. In certain other instances, the flow channel has a channel depth of 0.3 to 0.5 millimeters. In yet other instances, the plate substrate includes stainless steel SS301, stainless steel SS302, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the electrochemical cell further includes a gas diffusion layer disposed next to the bipolar plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Atul Kumar, Mark Stephens Ricketts, Shinichi Hirano
  • Patent number: 8158815
    Abstract: A process for the carbonylation of dimethyl ether, dimethyl carbonate and/or methanol with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a mordenite catalyst to produce at least one of acetic acid and methyl acetate in which process the mordenite catalyst is regenerated in-situ by contacting the catalyst with a regenerating gas comprising a molecular oxygen-containing gas and an inert diluent at a total pressure in the range 1 to 100 bar and wherein the partial pressure of the molecular oxygen-containing gas is such that the temperature of the catalyst is maintained within the range 225 to 325° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: BP Chemicals Limited
    Inventors: Evert Jan Ditzel, David John Law, George Ernest Morris, Mark Stephen Roberts, Stephan Andreas Schunk, Martin Smit, John Glenn Sunley
  • Publication number: 20120085551
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for installing control lines and pipe into a well. The pipe-holding spider that is normally mounted on the rig floor is adapted for easy disassembly and reassembly when the pipe slips within the spider are not engaged with the outer surface of the pipe string so that upon disassembly, a control line guide becomes vertically movable. The control line guide is adapted for being controllably elevated to a distance above the rig floor, thereby providing personnel access to a portion of the length of the pipe string below the elevated control line guide and above the rig floor for securing control line to the pipe string using a fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: FRANK'S CASING CREW AND RENTAL TOOLS, INC.
    Inventors: Charles Michael Webre, Vernon Joseph Bouligny, Brian David Begnaud, Mark Stephen Sibille
  • Patent number: 8151644
    Abstract: A portable non-contact sensor system including a laser generator subsystem, a laser detector subsystem, a beam steering subsystem, an analysis subsystem, a power management subsystem, a user interface, and a communications interface. The laser generator subsystem is configured to project a plurality of laser pulses at a surface of an object that is to be characterized. The laser detector subsystem is configured to receive return laser pulses from the object. The analysis subsystem is configured to analyze the received return pulses and characterize the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Brandt Innovative Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Kurt Brandt, Mark Stephen Williamsen
  • Publication number: 20120069246
    Abstract: An electronic device operates a television located in a premises to simulate occupation of the premises, and thereby deter intrusion. The electronic device is caused to operate automatically, without any input from a user, and activates the television at different times according to a predetermined schedule not set by the user. During automatic operation, the television is caused not only to present television programming, but also to present visual and sound effects simulating human activity, whereby occupation of the premises is simulated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: ELDON TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Kevin Thornberry, Mark Stephens
  • Publication number: 20120046626
    Abstract: The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to a system and method for administering reduced pressure at a tissue site. The apparatus includes a reduced pressure source. The reduced pressure source generates a reduced pressure. The apparatus includes a tube having a plurality of lumens. The plurality of lumens includes at least one collection lumen. The reduced pressure source applies the reduced pressure to the tissue site through the plurality of lumens such that the at least one collection lumen receives fluid from the tissue site. The at least one collection lumen stores the fluid received from the tissue site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: T. Blane Sanders, Keith Patrick Heaton, Ian James Hardman, Christopher Brian Locke, Timothy Mark Robinson, Mark Stephen James Beard, Jonathan Paul Jaeb, Kristine Kieswetter, Royce W. Johnson, Shannon C. Ingram
  • Publication number: 20120045478
    Abstract: A method of preparing a compound of formula (III): wherein x is from 1 to 6, y is from 1 to 12, z is from 0 to 10, each M and each M? is independently a mycolic acid residue including a ?-hydroxy acid moiety and each S is a monosaccharide unit; the method comprising reacting one or more mycolic acids with one or more saccharide units wherein the hydroxyl group of each ?-hydroxy acid moiety is protected prior to reaction with the one or more saccharide units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: BANGOR UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Mark Stephen Baird, Juma'a Raheem Najeem Al Dulayymi, Johan Adriaan Marc Grooten, Seppe Vander Beken, Maximilliano Maza-Inglesias