Patents by Inventor Michael A. Francis

Michael A. Francis 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: 20220030974
    Abstract: A faceshield for attachment with a bridge portion of a pair of eyewear that includes a shield portion configured to cover a nose portion and a mouth portion of a face. An attachment mechanism, such as a strap or hook, is configured to removably attach with the bridge of the pair of eyewear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventor: Michael Francis Kane
  • Patent number: 11236442
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrospinning apparatus and method of use thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: LIFENET HEALTH
    Inventors: Michael Francis, Andy Pritchard, Nathan Kemper
  • Patent number: 11226208
    Abstract: Methods and systems for planning and creating transportation routes with multiple modalities are provided. In one embodiment, a method is provided that includes receiving a transportation request that includes a first location and a second location. A transportation proposal may then be generated including a route for transportation between the first location and the second location. The method may then include determining modalities available to provide transportation and determining respective transportation segments for the modalities, and at least a subset of the transportation segments may be combined to form the route for transportation. The transportation proposal, including the route for transportation, may then be transmitted for display on a mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: LYFT, INC.
    Inventors: Charles Parker Spielman, Mayank Gulati, Karina Goot, Priyanka Madhav Phatak, Michael Francis Lodick, Jatin Chopra
  • Publication number: 20220014621
    Abstract: A method of providing blockchain wireless services in a controlled environment is provided. The method comprises a wireless communication device associated with an inmate of a controlled environment receiving one of a voice and video call from a device external to the controlled environment. The method further comprises the device placing the received call into a hold state and sending a request for validation of the call via a blockchain, the request identifying at least parties to the call. The method further comprises the device, upon receipt of validation, removing the call from the hold state; and enabling at least one of voice and video functionality for the parties. The method further comprises the wireless communication device sending the request for validation to a telecommunications server and the server conducting real time monitoring of the call. The method further comprises the device continuously recording the call.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2021
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Inventors: Michael Francis Byrne, Brian Francis Byrne
  • Patent number: 11219244
    Abstract: A method of forming a carbon material from the stalk or roots of a plant of the Nicotiana species is provided herein, wherein the method includes i) receiving a tobacco material comprising at least one of a stalk material and a root material of a harvested plant of the Nicotiana species; and ii) pyrolyzing the tobacco material to remove volatiles and to form a tobacco-derived carbon material. Optionally, the method can further include activating the tobacco-derived carbon material. The tobacco-derived carbon material can be incorporated into a tobacco product. A carbon material derived from pyrolyzing a tobacco material in the form of at least one of a tobacco stalk material and a tobacco root material of a harvested plant of the Nicotiana species is also provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Michael Francis Dube, Thomas Albert Perfetti, Rick Lehman, Bob Horvath
  • Publication number: 20220001430
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tubular core on which sheets of metal or other material can be wound and supported, for shipment, handling and dispersal, and a method for forming the core. The core comprises a metal sheet or strip which has a rectangular-ribbed cross-sectional profile comprising rectangular, flat ribs, and which is wound spirally into a tubular configuration. The core is formed by passing the strip through a plurality of roll-forming stands, to progressively form sections of the ribs and progressively define the sections into the rectangular ribbed profile in which the flat ribs collectively form a support surface for the sheets which are to be wound on the core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Applicant: Pacific Roller Die Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Miller, Garrett Colin Gersten, Russell L. Hinckley, SR., Michael Francis Kraut
  • Publication number: 20220000168
    Abstract: A method of isolating compounds from a tobacco-derived black liquor, including receiving a black liquor from a pulping process of an input material comprising a plant of the Nicotiana species, treating the black liquor with an acid to lower the pH of the black liquor to about 7 or lower in order to produce a precipitate and an acidified black liquor, separating the precipitate and the acidified black liquor, extracting the acidified black liquor with an organic solvent in order to produce an organic layer extract and an aqueous layer extract, and separating the organic layer extract and the aqueous layer extract.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: Christopher Junker, Michael Francis Dube, Anthony Richard Gerardi
  • Publication number: 20210403437
    Abstract: Methods of selectively forming substituted pyrazines are provided. Methods of the present invention can include receiving a reaction solution including at least one carbon source and at least one nitrogen source, and heating the reaction solution to a reaction temperature and holding the reaction solution at the reaction temperature for a time sufficient to produce a reaction product comprising at least one substituted pyrazine. The carbon source can be selected from the group consisting of hydroxy ketone(s), sugar(s) treated with at least one buffer, and combinations thereof. Tobacco products incorporating substituted pyrazines are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2021
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Inventors: Michael Francis Dube, William Monroe Coleman, III
  • Publication number: 20210379242
    Abstract: Compositions and blends of biopolymers and copolymers are described, along with their use to prepare biocompatible scaffolds and surgically implantable devices for use in supporting and facilitating the repair of soft tissue injuries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2021
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Applicant: EMBODY, INC.
    Inventors: Michael FRANCIS, Nathan KEMPER, Hilary WRIGGERS
  • Publication number: 20210360963
    Abstract: A filtered cigarette possesses at least one breakable capsule in its filter element. The filter element can possess a central cavity extending from the cigarette tobacco rod towards the middle of the filter element. The central cavity may be defined by an inner filter portion. The inner filter portion can be surrounded by an outer filter portion comprised of filter tow material that is generally permeable to the smoke generated by the cigarette. At least one breakable capsule is disposed in the central cavity of the filter element. The breakable capsules are spherical in shape, and are composed of a gelatin outer shell that encloses a payload of triglycerides and flavoring agents. The breakable capsules are adapted to rupture in response to pressure applied by the smoker to the outside region of the filter element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: Michael Francis Dube, Kenneth Wayne Smith, Vernon Brent Barnes
  • Publication number: 20210337857
    Abstract: The invention provides a tobacco product including a flavorful tobacco composition in the form of an extract of a fire-cured tobacco material. Exemplary tobacco products include smoking articles, smokeless tobacco compositions, and aerosol-generating devices that do not burn tobacco. The invention also provides a process for preparing a smokeless tobacco composition, the method including: mixing a fire-cured tobacco material having a first benzo[a]pyrene concentration with water to produce an aqueous slurry; maintaining the slurry for a time and at a temperature sufficient to form a fire-cured tobacco extract, the aqueous fire-cured tobacco extract exhibiting a second benzo[a]pyrene concentration lower than the first benzo[a]pyrene concentration; separating the aqueous fire-cured tobacco extract from a residual pulp material, and mixing the aqueous fire-cured tobacco extract with a tobacco or non-tobacco plant material to form a smokeless tobacco composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Crystal Dawn Hege Byrd, William Monroe Coleman, III, Michael Francis Dube, Anthony Richard Gerardi, Eric Taylor Hunt, Darrell Eugene Holton, JR., Charles Bradford Rhoades, JR., Jack Gray Flinchum, JR., Dwayne William Beeson, Jeremy Barrett Mabe
  • Publication number: 20210340902
    Abstract: The Rotary Roller Motor (RRM) is a four cycle rotary internal combustion engine that uniquely overcomes many of the drawbacks of other rotary type engines, by having the Rotor ‘roll’ around the inside of the engine block, rather than scraping it. This is accomplished with a two part rotor. The inner part of the rotor is composed of a Rotor Shaft (RS-12) with an Offset Circular Lobe (OCL-11) rigidly attached to it. The Outer Rotor (OR-9) fits symmetrically around the Offset Circular Lobe, with Inter Rotor Bearings (IRB-10) between the two to allow free movement. The four cycles are separated by two barriers; the Compression/Power Barrier (CPB-13), and the Exhaust/Intake Barrier (EIB-6). Compression is controlled by two non-reversing barriers, the Non-reversing Compression Barrier (NCB-3) and the Compression Hold Barrier (CHB-14), on either side of the Combustion Chamber (CC-2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventor: MICHAEL FRANCIS O'CONNOR
  • Publication number: 20210329826
    Abstract: Provided herein are processes for the preparation of treated seeds. Generally, the processes described herein include providing a single, solid one-piece body. The single, solid one-piece body has a selected mass and volume. The process further includes reducing the single, solid one-piece body, and contacting the seeds with the seed treatment component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Applicant: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Darrell Allen Basler, Damien Douglas Brewer, Michael Francis Migliazzo, Daniel James Seyer
  • Patent number: 11154087
    Abstract: A method of isolating compounds from a tobacco-derived black liquor, including receiving a black liquor from a pulping process of an input material comprising a plant of the Nicotiana species, treating the black liquor with an acid to lower the pH of the black liquor to about 7 or lower in order to produce a precipitate and an acidified black liquor, separating the precipitate and the acidified black liquor, extracting the acidified black liquor with an organic solvent in order to produce an organic layer extract and an aqueous layer extract, and separating the organic layer extract and the aqueous layer extract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Christopher Junker, Michael Francis Dube, Anthony Richard Gerardi
  • Patent number: 11156483
    Abstract: Systems and methods herein provide for floating sensors. In one embodiment, a system includes a waterproof housing, an electronics assembly mounted within the waterproof housing, and a wing structure hingeably attached to the waterproof housing and operable to float the system on a water surface. The system also includes a solar panel configured on the wing structure to provide power to the electronics assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Arete Associates
    Inventors: Michael Francis Marnon, Guy Joseph Farruggia, Jr., James Edward Friel, Justin Peel, Steven Richard Charles Floyd
  • Patent number: 11146620
    Abstract: The present disclosure involves systems and methods for (a) model distributed applications for multi-cloud deployments, (b) derive, by way of policy, executable orchestrator descriptors, (c) model underlying (cloud) services (private, public, server-less and virtual-private) as distributed applications themselves, (d) dynamically create such cloud services if these are unavailable for the distributed application, (e) manage those resources equivalent to the way distributed applications are managed; and (f) present how these techniques are stackable. As applications may be built on top of cloud services, which themselves can be built on top of other cloud services (e.g., virtual private clouds on public cloud, etc.) even cloud services themselves may be considered applications in their own right, thus supporting putting cloud services on top of other cloud services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Peter Bosch, Jeffrey Napper, Alessandro Duminuco, Michael Francis O'Gorman, Sean Chandler, Roman Sorokin, David Delano Ward, Baton Daullxhi, Florin Stelian Balus
  • Publication number: 20210308534
    Abstract: A lacrosse ball, wherein the lacrosse ball has a textured surface. The surface may have a depth ranging from 0.1 millimeters to 0.5 millimeters, which may vary on an individual lacrosse ball wherein the depth ranges from between 0.1 millimeters to 0.15 millimeters or from 0.30 millimeters to 0.5 millimeters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: WALLACE LEE HANSON, Jr., JACQUES JOHAN GOUWS, MICHAEL FRANCIS CRAWFORD, MICHAEL OSETH, JAMES OLIVER HANSON
  • Patent number: 11140263
    Abstract: A method of providing blockchain wireless services in a controlled environment is provided. The method comprises a wireless communication device associated with an inmate of a controlled environment receiving one of a voice and video call from a device external to the controlled environment. The method further comprises the device placing the received call into a hold state and sending a request for validation of the call via a blockchain, the request identifying at least parties to the call. The method further comprises the device, upon receipt of validation, removing the call from the hold state; and enabling at least one of voice and video functionality for the parties. The method further comprises the wireless communication device sending the request for validation to a telecommunications server and the server conducting real time monitoring of the call. The method further comprises the device continuously recording the call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Inventors: Michael Francis Byrne, Brian Francis Byrne
  • Publication number: 20210293382
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sorption-based gas storage structure (10) comprising: —a first layer (100) comprising a sorption-based storage material, —a second layer (200) comprising: º a first portion (201, 203) of the second layer, in contact with the first layer (100), and º a second portion (202) of the second layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Applicant: AAQIUS & AAQIUS SA
    Inventors: Michael Francis LEVY, Jorn OUBRAHAM, Carsten POHLMANN, Jean-Baptiste DEMENTHON
  • Publication number: 20210293383
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sorptive gas storage device (1) comprising: a sorptive gas storage structure (10) comprising a sorptive gas storage material, said storage structure (10) having a circumferential edge (B), —heating means (3) configured to heat the storage material, and facilitate the desorption of the gas, said heating means (3) comprising: •a first heating part (30) arranged in the storage structure (10), at a distance from the circumferential edge (B), •a second heating part (32) arranged in the storage structure (10), at a distance from the circumferential edge (B) on the one hand and from the first heating part (30) on the other hand, the first heating part (30) and the second heating part (32) defining between them a space whereinto a first portion (11) of the storage structure (10) extends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Applicant: AAQIUS & AAQIUS SA
    Inventors: Michael Francis LEVY, Jorn OUBRAHAM, Carsten POHLMANN, Jean-Baptiste DEMENTHON