Patents by Inventor Neil Francis

Neil 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: 20150018435
    Abstract: The present invention includes a solid fat composition that includes an oil having saturated fat and a microbial oil having a long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid and an emulsifier. In particular, the solid fat composition can have high levels of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid and low amounts of emulsifiers. In preferred embodiments, the polyunsaturated oil is an unwinterized microbial oil. The invention also relates to methods for making such compositions and food, nutritional, and pharmaceutical products comprising said compositions. The present invention also includes a microbial oil product prepared by extracting an oil-containing fraction comprising at least one LC-PUFA from a microbial biomass, and treating the fraction by a process of vacuum evaporation, wherein the oil product has not been subject to one or more of a solvent winterization step, a caustic refining process, a chill filtration process, or a bleaching process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Jaouad FICHTALI, Neil Francis LEININGER, Jesus Ruben ABRIL, Naseer AHMED, S. P. Janaka Namal SENANAYAKE
  • Publication number: 20140336623
    Abstract: The invention relates to a data communication system (100) and a method that can particularly be applied for communicating data from a medical instrument like a catheter or a guide-wire via a high-speedlink (101). The system (100) comprises (in-vivo) a slave component (150) with a controllable slave clock (153) and a transmitter (151) for transmitting a data signal (ds) that is clocked by the slave clock signal (clk). Moreover, it comprises (ex-vivo) a master component (110) with a clock controller (114,115,116) that receives a master clock signal (ref_clk) and the data signal (ds) and that generates a clock control signal (ccs) for adjusting the slave clock (153) to the master clock (113). The slave clock (153) may thus be realized with low space and energy requirements, e.g. by a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO). Moreover, the link (101) via which the data signal (ds) and the clock control signal (ccs) are exchanged may be realized by just two signal wires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Antonia Cornelia Van Rens, Neil Francis Joye, Bout Marcelis
  • Patent number: 8753707
    Abstract: The present invention includes a solid fat composition that includes an oil having saturated fat and a microbial oil having a long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid and an emulsifier. In particular, the solid fat composition can have high levels of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid and low amounts of emulsifiers. In preferred embodiments, the polyunsaturated oil is an unwinterized microbial oil. The invention also relates to methods for making such compositions and food, nutritional, and pharmaceutical products comprising said compositions. The present invention also includes a microbial oil product prepared by extracting an oil-containing fraction comprising at least one LC-PUFA from a microbial biomass, and treating the fraction by a process of vacuum evaporation, wherein the oil product has not been subject to one or more of a solvent winterization step, a caustic refining process, a chill filtration process, or a bleaching process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: DSM IP Assets B.V.
    Inventors: Jaouad Fichtali, Neil Francis Leininger, Naseer Ahmed, S.P. Janaka Namal Senanayake
  • Patent number: 8725477
    Abstract: Methods and systems for creating a numerical pseudocore model, comprising: a) obtaining logging data from a reservoir having depth-defined intervals of the reservoir, and processing the logging data into interpretable borehole image data having unidentified borehole image data; b) examining one of the interpretable borehole image data, other processed logging data or both to generate the unidentified borehole image data, processing the generated unidentified borehole image data into the interpretable borehole image data to generate warped fullbore image data; c) collecting one of a core from the reservoir, the logging data or both and generating a digital core data from one of the collected core, the logging data or both such that generated digital core data represents features of one or more depth-defined interval of the reservoir; and d) processing generated digital core data, interpretable borehole image data or the logging data to generate realizations of the numerical pseudocore model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Tuanfeng Zhang, Neil Francis Hurley, Weishu Zhao
  • Patent number: 8311788
    Abstract: Methods for characterizing a sample of porous media using a measuring device along with a multipoint statistical (MPS) model. Retrieving a set of reflected measured data provided by the measuring device of a surface of the sample in order to produce a sample imaging log, wherein the retrieved set of measured data is communicated to a processor. Selecting depth-defined surface portions of the sample from the sample imaging log as a training image for inputting in the MPS model. Determining pattern based simulations from the training image using one of a pixel-based template which is applied to the training image. Constructing from the pattern based simulations a complete-sampling image log of surface portions of the sample. Repeat the above steps in order to construct three dimensional (3D) sample images from stacked successive pattern based simulations so as to construct at least one 3D model of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Francis Hurley, Tuanfeng Zhang, Guangping Xu, Lili Xu, Mirna Slim
  • Publication number: 20120221306
    Abstract: Methods for upscaling digital rock modeling data are described. Core-plug samples for pore-scale modeling are strategically chosen using whole-core minipermeability grids and conventional CT (Computed Tomography) scans. Pore models or pore-network models are used for flow modeling. Computed numerical SCAL (Special Core AnaLysis) properties are validated using laboratory-derived data, then they are used to populate borehole-scale models. Borehole-scale models use MPS (Multi-Point Statistics) to combine minipermeability grids and conventional CTscans of whole core with electrical borehole images to create 3D numerical pseudocores for each RRT (Reservoir Rock Type). SCAL properties determined from pore-scale models are distributed for each petrophysical facies in numerical pseudocores. Effective SCAL properties computed from various MPS borehole-scale realizations or models are used to populate interwell-scale models for each RRT.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Francis Hurley, Weishu Zhao, Tuanfeng Zhang
  • Publication number: 20120129676
    Abstract: A system for separating components defining a cavity for receiving the fluid. The system further includes a rigid insert slidably disposed in the cavity, the insert including a funnel-shaped upper portion and a hole therethrough. The insert has a density such that upon centrifugation a selected component of the fluid resides within the upper portion of the insert. A bone marrow aspiration device includes an introducer needle assembly and an aspiration needle assembly. The introducer needle assembly includes an introducer cannula and a removable trocar. The aspiration needle assembly includes a flexible aspiration cannula and a flexible stylet. The length of the aspiration cannula is substantially greater than the length of the introducer cannula. The aspiration needle assembly is receivable in the introducer cannula when the trocar is removed from the introducer needle assembly. The aspiration cannula forms a channel for aspirating bone marrow when the stylet is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Neil Francis Duffy, Jeffrey R. Chabot
  • Publication number: 20110295028
    Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for obtaining a lipid from a cell by lysing the cell, contacting the cell with a base and/or salt, and separating the lipid. The present invention is also directed to a lipid prepared by the processes of the present invention. The present invention is also directed to microbial lipids having a particular anisidine value, peroxide value, and/or phosphorus content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Stephen Robert Cherinko, Robert Cody Kertis, Kirk E. Apt, Paul Warren Behrens, Jon Milton Hansen, Joseph W. Pfeifer, III, Tracey Lynn Stahl, Ross Zirkle, Nasrin Tabayeh Burke, Krishna Raman, Neil Francis Leininger
  • Publication number: 20110004448
    Abstract: Methods for characterizing a sample of porous media using a measuring device along with a multipoint statistical (MPS) model. Retrieving a set of reflected measured data provided by the measuring device of a surface of the sample in order to produce a sample imaging log, wherein the retrieved set of measured data is communicated to a processor. Selecting depth-defined surface portions of the sample from the sample imaging log as a training image for inputting in the MPS model. Determining pattern based simulations from the training image using one of a pixel-based template which is applied to the training image. Constructing from the pattern based simulations a complete-sampling image log of surface portions of the sample. Repeat the above steps in order to construct three dimensional (3D) sample images from stacked successive pattern based simulations so as to construct at least one 3D model of the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Francis Hurley, Tuanfeng Zhang, Guangping Xu, Lili Xu, Mirna Slim
  • Publication number: 20110004447
    Abstract: Methods for characterizing a three-dimensional (3D) sample of porous media using at least one measuring tool that retrieves two or more set of transmitted measured data at two or more depths of the sample, such that the retrieved two or more set of transmitted measured data is communicated to a processor and computed in at least one multi-point statistical (MPS) model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Francis Hurley, Tuanfeng Zhang, Weishu Zhao, Guangping Xu
  • Patent number: 7807054
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a chromatography column that removes the longitudinal load from the column tube altogether and transfers it to a yoke and stanchion arrangement situated around but external to the column tube. By using the yoke/stanchion system, the central adjuster can be used to move the top end into and out of the housing. Thus, when internal pressure is applied to the column, the tube experiences no longitudinal load. Additionally, the yoke and stanchion design allows for complete removal of the end from the tube without cumbersome disassembly. Moreover, the yoke provides a place to retain the end while the tube is being filled, emptied, cleaned or repaired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: John Graham Dunkley, Neil Francis Frazer, Melvyn John Gill
  • Publication number: 20090262603
    Abstract: Methods for characterizing a geological formation, the methods include retrieving measured data provided by a measuring tool along one or more logged borehole length for a borehole, another borehole or both in order to produce a borehole imaging log. Selecting depth-defined intervals of the borehole imaging log as training images for inputting in a multi-point geostatistical model. Determining pattern based simulations for each training image using a pixel-based template of the multi-point geostatistical model so as to obtain training image patterns. Using the pattern based simulation of each training image to assign to each of the training image a corresponding training image pattern. Constructing from the training image patterns one or more fullbore image log of a borehole wall of the borehole. Repeat the second to fourth steps through the one or more logged borehole length in order to construct fullbore images from successive, adjacent training images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Francis Hurley, Tuanfeng Zhang
  • Publication number: 20090259446
    Abstract: Methods and systems for creating a numerical pseudocore model, comprising: a) obtaining logging data from a reservoir having depth-defined intervals of the reservoir, and processing the logging data into interpretable borehole image data having unidentified borehole image data; b) examining one of the interpretable borehole image data, other processed logging data or both to generate the unidentified borehole image data, processing the generated unidentified borehole image data into the interpretable borehole image data to generate warped fullbore image data; c) collecting one of a core from the reservoir, the logging data or both and generating a digital core data from one of the collected core, the logging data or both such that generated digital core data represents features of one or more depth-defined interval of the reservoir; and d) processing generated digital core data, interpretable borehole image data or the logging data to generate realizations of the numerical pseudocore model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Tunfeng Zhang, Neil Francis Hurley, Weishu Zhao
  • Patent number: 7578934
    Abstract: A seal on a movable top or bottom plate for use in a chromatography column. The plate is formed of a flow distributor connected to one or more movement rods that control the movement of the top plate within a chromatography column. The plate is formed of two pieces, a flow distributor and a seal plate. The seal plate is mounted on top of the flow distributor and has a seal that is essentially co-terminal with the outer edge of the flow distributor. The seal plate is attached to the flow distributor by one or more pins or threaded bolts and forms a space between them. The one or more pins contain one or more compression means for biasing the seal plate against the flow distributor. An opening is formed in the seal plate for the selective introduction of a pressurized energy source such as compressed air, gas or hydraulic fluid into the space to overcome the compression means. One or more seals are arranged between the seal plate and distributor to maintain the pressurized energy source between the two of them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Melvyn Gill, Neil Francis Frazer, John Graham Dunkley, Geoff Purdom
  • Patent number: 7534346
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a chromatography column that removes the longitudinal load from the column tube altogether and transfers it to a yoke and stanchion arrangement situated around but external to the column tube. By using the yoke/stanchion system, the central adjuster can be used to move the top end into and out of the housing. Thus, when internal pressure is applied to the column, the tube experiences no longitudinal load. Additionally, the yoke and stanchion design allows for complete removal of the end from the tube without cumbersome disassembly. Moreover, the yoke provides a place to retain the end while the tube is being filled, emptied, cleaned or repaired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: John Graham Dunkley, Neil Francis Frazer, Melvyn John Gill
  • Publication number: 20090078634
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a chromatography column that removes the longitudinal load from the column tube altogether and transfers it to a yoke and stanchion arrangement situated around but external to the column tube. By using the yoke/stanchion system, the central adjuster can be used to move the top end into and out of the housing. Thus, when internal pressure is applied to the column, the tube experiences no longitudinal load. Additionally, the yoke and stanchion design allows for complete removal of the end from the tube without cumbersome disassembly. Moreover, the yoke provides a place to retain the end while the tube is being filled, emptied, cleaned or repaired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: John Graham Dunkley, Neil Francis Frazer, Melvyn John Gill
  • Publication number: 20080262224
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of preparation of benzofuran-2-carboxylic acid {(S)-3-methyl-1-[(4S,7R)-7-methyl-3-oxo-1-(pyridine-2-sulfonyl)-azepan-4-ylcarbamoyl]-butyl}-amide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: William M. Clark, Neil Francis Badham, Qunying Dai, Ann Marie Eldridge, Hayao Matsuhashi
  • Publication number: 20080107791
    Abstract: The present invention includes a solid fat composition that includes an oil having saturated fat and a microbial oil having a long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid and an emulsifier. In particular, the solid fat composition can have high levels of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid and low amounts of emulsifiers. In preferred embodiments, the polyunsaturated oil is an unwinterized microbial oil. The invention also relates to methods for making such compositions and food, nutritional, and pharmaceutical products comprising said compositions. The present invention also includes a microbial oil product prepared by extracting an oil-containing fraction comprising at least one LC-PUFA from a microbial biomass, and treating the fraction by a process of vacuum evaporation, wherein the oil product has not been subject to one or more of a solvent winterization step, a caustic refining process, a chill filtration process, or a bleaching process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: Jaouad Fichtali, Neil Francis Leininger, Jesus Ruben Abril, Naseer Ahmed, S.P. Janaka Namal Senanayake
  • Patent number: 7109705
    Abstract: A method of nuclear quadrupole resonance testing a sample is disclosed in which the excitation applied to the sample is arranged so that phase and amplitude information may be obtained from the response signal, and in which the signal is resolved into two components. Particularly if a parameter such as radio-frequency field strength varies with position, this may give an indication of the distribution of nuclei in the sample, preferably from the phase of the response signal. Positional information can also be obtained by measuring from two or more reference points. This may be employed in imaging. The phase information may be employed to improve the signal to noise ratio obtainable in other methods where only amplitude information was previously available, for example in distinguishing genuine NQR response signals from spurious signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: BTG International Limited
    Inventors: John A. S. Smith, Neil Francis Peirson
  • Patent number: D708192
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Research Now Limited
    Inventor: Neil Francis