Patents by Inventor Richard Francis

Richard 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: 20120167388
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for disassembling turbine components. A system is provided that includes a turbine tool. The turbine tool is configured to loosen an interference fit between a first component and a second component of a turbine system. The turbine tool is also configured to apply a thermal medium to an inner portion of the first component of the turbine system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Stephen Hugh Black, Richard Francis Gutta, Anil Mishra, Kumaran Vale Mudaliar
  • Patent number: 8210135
    Abstract: A ventilation system for use with an internal combustion engine having a crankcase is disclosed. The ventilation system may have a breather housing connected to ventilate gases from the crankcase, and a filtration canister fluidly connected downstream of the breather housing. The filtration canister may have a filter housing, a filtering medium located within the filter housing to collect oil from the gases, and an oil collection container disposed within the filter housing and being configured to receive at least a portion of the filtering medium. The oil collection container may have a drain port in fluid communication with the crankcase. The filtration canister may also have at least one port configured to discharge the gases from the housing after the gases have passed through the filtering medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Seth Evan Slaughter, James Richard Weber, James Carl Durand, Richard Francis Norton, Mark Andrew McElroy, Mark Taylor Allott, Joseph John Stabnik, Nilkanth Dinesh Desai, Seth Carl Studnicka
  • Publication number: 20120122486
    Abstract: A method/system for estimating a state of a device and at least one target in an environment. The process involves computing a state vector using an error state form of the position of the device in a local coordinate reference frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: BAE SYSTEMS plc
    Inventors: Peter Stephen Day, Richard Francis Grover
  • Publication number: 20120118284
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for creating a negative bias pressure within a liquid reservoir. Embodiments may include providing a liquid reservoir coupled with an aerosol generator. The liquid reservoir may be sealed to create the sealed reservoir. An ambient pressure may be maintained while the liquid reservoir is being sealed and the ambient pressure may be maintained in the sealed liquid reservoir until a portion of the liquid is dispensed. Further, embodiments may include vibrating the aperture plate to dispense the portion of the liquid. The portion of the liquid dispensed may decreases the amount of the liquid in the sealed reservoir. By decreasing the amount of liquid in the sealed reservoir, a negative bias pressure between an air side and a liquid side of the aperture plate may be created.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: Nektar Therapeutics
    Inventors: David Mark Blakey, Richard Francis Day
  • Patent number: 8166072
    Abstract: One or more data structures are received by a computing device, wherein the one or more data structures include at least one or more user credentials. The one or more user credentials are normalized by the computing device to generate a first graph. One or more nodes of the first graph and one or more nodes of at least a second graph are analyzed by the computing device, wherein analyzing includes at least identifying a logical correlation between the one or more nodes of the first graph and the one or more nodes of at least the second graph. A third graph is generated by the computing device based, at least in part, upon the analysis of the one or more nodes of the first graph and the one or more nodes of at least the second graph. An output data structure is generated by the computing device based, at least in part, upon the third graph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: David Scott Kern, Richard Francis Annicchiarico, Nancy Ellen Kho, Robert John Paganetti
  • Publication number: 20120056297
    Abstract: A magnetically-coupled structure is integrated with an integrated circuit in back end-of-line (BEOL) digital CMOS fabrication processes. A differential primary (or secondary) coil is formed by patterning a thick copper (Cu) metal layer, and a single-ended secondary (or primary) coil is formed by patterning a thick aluminum (Al) top metal bonding layer. Crossovers and/or cross-unders are formed using thin metal layers. One embodiment provides a stacked balun with a differential primary input winding defined in the copper layer, directly underneath a single-ended spiral winding defined in the aluminum layer. The spiral forms the single-ended secondary output of the balun and is rotated by 90° to prevent metal shorting for its cross-under connections. Another embodiment provides a transformer with one differential primary (or secondary) coil defined in the copper layer and another differential secondary (or primary) coil defined in the aluminum layer and adding a center tap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Siraj Akhtar, Richard Francis Taylor, Petteri Litmanen
  • Patent number: 8128371
    Abstract: A method facilitates assembling a turbine. The method includes coupling buckets to a turbine wheel. The method also includes coupling a first end of a cover plate to the turbine wheel such that at least one projection extending from the turbine wheel retains the cover plate in position relative to the turbine wheel and inserting a fastening mechanism through an opening defined in the turbine wheel to secure the cover plate against the turbine wheel. The cover plate facilitates reducing dovetail leakage across the buckets coupled to the turbine wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Srinivas Ravi, Robert Crag Akin, Richard Francis Gutta, Roger Clayton Walker, Fernando Casanova
  • Patent number: 8070883
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for removing particles from vials includes the use of a one sided pressure sensitive filament tape to remove external particles from vials. A roll of tape is juxtaposed relative to a line of vials moving along the production line. As each vial moves within the space between the tape the outside of the vial contacts the tape causing the particles to be removed and imbedded in the adhesive on the tape. A feed roll and a rewind roll provides for the tape to unwind while in contact with the outside of the vials and in conjunction with the movement of the vials along the production line. By causing the feed roll and the rewind roll to advance unused tape while in contact with the outside surface of the vials, the vials are caused to rotate at least 360 degrees while advancing down the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Francis Hurst
  • Patent number: 8060718
    Abstract: A memory leveling system updates physical memory blocks, or blocks, to maintain generally even wear. The system maintains an update count for each block, incrementing a wear level count when the update count reaches a wear level threshold. The system compares a wear level of blocks to determine whether to update a block in place or move data on the block to a less-worn physical block. The system groups the blocks into wear level groups identified by a common wear level to identify blocks that are being worn at a faster or slower than average rate. If an empty block count of a least worn group drops below a threshold, the system moves data from one of the blocks in the least worn group to an empty block in a most worn group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines
    Inventors: Richard Francis Freitas, Michael Anthony Ko, Norman Ken Ouchi
  • Publication number: 20110260667
    Abstract: A motor control system for controlling two or more motor groups includes a power converter that receives power from a power source and converts the power to an intermediate power and an intermediate power link coupled to the power converter. The motor control system also includes at least one motor driver coupled to the intermediate power link configured to provide power to one or more motors and a controller coupled to the power converter and the at least one motor driver. The controller is configured to cause the at least one motor driver to limit the amount of power delivered to the one or more motors based on the amount of power that the power converter can produce.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Shyam Sunder Ramamurthy, Timothy Ray Jackson, Richard Francis Whalen, JR.
  • Patent number: 7993102
    Abstract: A cooling circuit serves to provide cooling air in a rotor having a compressor rotor and a turbine rotor. The cooling circuit includes a first cooling path through the compressor rotor in series with a second cooling path through the turbine rotor such that one amount of cooling air is used for cooling both the compressor rotor and the turbine rotor. The construction enables a reduction in cooling air requirements, thereby increasing power plant efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Tushar S. Desai, Roger Clayton Walker, Richard Francis Gutta, Fernando J. Casanova, Ravi Meenaksh
  • Patent number: 7971889
    Abstract: A wheeled loading machine includes a body mounting a loading arm, a ground engaging structure including a front axle which carries a front pair of ground engaging wheels and a rear axle which carries a rear pair of ground engaging wheels, the loading arm being mounted at a position towards a rear of the machine for up and down movement about a generally horizontal axis, and the loading arm extending forwardly beside a cab which is mounted at one side of the body, to an outermost end which is beyond a front of the body, and the loading arm having at its outermost end a mounting for a loading implement and the arm being extendible to vary the length of the loading arm, and each axle being suspended from the body by a respective suspension, each of the ground engaging wheels being drivable by an engine of the machine through a mechanical transmission, and the machine including a braking system for braking each wheel, the braking system including a brake control system which provides a brake anti-locking function
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: J. C. Bamford Excavators Limited
    Inventors: Richard Francis Way, Mark Alan Carson
  • Patent number: 7956419
    Abstract: A very low VCEON non punch through trench IGBT built-in non-epitaxial float zone silicon has a depletion stop layer structure added to its bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: International Rectifier Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Francis, Chiu Ng
  • Patent number: 7887391
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for polishing media discs by removing or reducing scratches or substances from the surface of damaged discs, including computer data CDs, DVDs, gaming discs and other media discs. The apparatus enables removal or reduction of scratches and materials that prevent the information or data contained on the disc from being read by a conventional disc reading device. The polishing pressure and time are uniformly controlled at predetermined and precision levels sufficient to remove or reduce scratches from the surface of the disc. Also disclosed is a method of removing or reducing scratches from the surface of media discs by using the apparatus of the present invention. The method can be repeated as many times as necessary or desired in order to obtain a finely polished disc from which data is obtainable by conventional disc reading devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Francis Sando
  • Patent number: 7849469
    Abstract: A system uses generative aspect oriented programming to propagating context between components in a component server, the system produces code that, when executed, implicitly propagates authenticating context between a client component and an invoked component which the client component invokes in a component server. The system generates a function that allows the specification of a timeout between the client component and the invoked component that the client component invokes in the component server. The timeout function receives a user-defined timeout value to be applied for interface invocations between the client component and the invoked component. The system further generates a function declaration that, upon execution, discloses a target component identity between a client component and an invoked component that the client component invokes in the component server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventors: Ruben Michel, Stanislav Sosnovsky, Richard Francis Cormier, Vitaly Rozenman
  • Publication number: 20100269855
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for removing particles from vials includes the use of a one sided pressure sensitive filament tape to remove external particles from vials. A roll of tape is juxtaposed relative to a line of vials moving along the production line. As each vial moves within the space between the tape the outside of the vial contacts the tape causing the particles to be removed and imbedded in the adhesive on the tape. A feed roll and a rewind roll provides for the tape to unwind while in contact with the outside of the vials and in conjunction with the movement of the vials along the production line. By causing the feed roll and the rewind roll to advance unused tape while in contact with the outside surface of the vials, the vials are caused to rotate at least 360 degrees while advancing down the line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Richard Francis Hurst
  • Publication number: 20100263669
    Abstract: An anti-asphyxiation valve is disclosed, which is adapted for incorporation within a breathing circuit including a ventilator. The valve comprises one or more apertures for enabling passage of gas between the breathing circuit and the atmosphere, and a valve member deformable between an open configuration in which the one or more apertures are at least partially exposed and the passage of gas therethrough is enabled, and a closed configuration in which the valve member occludes the one or more apertures and the passage of gas therethrough is substantially prevented. The valve member is adapted such that the pressure within the breathing circuit at which the valve member deforms from the open configuration to the closed configuration is greater than the pressure within the breathing circuit at which the valve member deforms from the closed configuration to the open configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventor: Richard Francis Bowsher
  • Publication number: 20100268747
    Abstract: One or more data structures are received by a computing device, wherein the one or more data structures include at least one or more user credentials. The one or more user credentials are normalized by the computing device to generate a first graph. One or more nodes of the first graph and one or more nodes of at least a second graph are analyzed by the computing device, wherein analyzing includes at least identifying a logical correlation between the one or more nodes of the first graph and the one or more nodes of at least the second graph. A third graph is generated by the computing device based, at least in part, upon the analysis of the one or more nodes of the first graph and the one or more nodes of at least the second graph. An output data structure is generated by the computing device based, at least in part, upon the third graph.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: David Scott Kern, Richard Francis Annicchiarico, Nancy Ellen Kho, Robert John Paganetti
  • Patent number: 7797675
    Abstract: A system produces a component framework that insulates components from an underlying communication infrastructure by receiving a component descriptor that specifies fundamental properties of a component and receiving a definition of remotable interfaces associated with the component. A generation tool emits a component framework that includes: i) a coInterface interface that exposes the component's remotable interfaces; ii) a coFactories interface that declares factories for component operation; iii) a template for a coClass class, the coClass class operable to receive developer programmed functionality; and iv) a coBridge class that extends the coClass class and functions as a morphism from an IDL-defined component to an object model based, middleware-independent component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventors: Ruben Michel, Stanislav Sosnovsky, Ilya Liubovich, Richard Francis Cormier
  • Patent number: 7788677
    Abstract: A code generator generates component controllers by receiving, as input, an identity of a component and identities of dependent components of the component and applying a categorical-based generator that applies at least one morphism to generate at least one component controller to manage both collocated and remote access to the dependent components of the component in a strongly typed manner. Application of the categorical based generator includes generating at least one service-component controller for controlling service components that, during operation, are instantiated upon component server initialization to provide services to other components during component server operation and generating at least one session-component controller for controlling session components instantiated, utilized for services during a session, and terminated as needed by other components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventors: Ruben Michel, Stanislav Sosnovsky, Richard Francis Cormier