Patents by Inventor Robert A. Ferguson
Robert A. Ferguson 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).
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Publication number: 20130221255Abstract: A solenoid fluid control valve having a valve body containing a solenoid coil, a fluid channel, and a seat, each coaxially disposed about a central longitudinal axis of the body, and a one-piece armature of MRE material. The armature is disposed within the fluid channel and magnetically actuable to seal against the seat, with operation of the solenoid coil actuating the armature with respect to the seat to alter the closure state of a fluid port. Also, a fluid check valve having a first valve body part defining a seat, a fluid port, and a first portion of a fluid chamber, with the seat including a permanent magnet element disposed adjacent the fluid port proximate the fluid chamber. A one-piece armature of MRE material is disposed across the fluid port and magnetically sealable against the magnet element. The armature and magnet element are configured to create a preselected magnetization offset pressure portion of a valve cracking pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 29, 2012Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicant: Vernay Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Robert Ferguson
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Publication number: 20130082448Abstract: An apparatus, particularly a chuck for retaining a thin part for micro-machining processing, is disclosed. The chuck is formed of a plate-shaped body having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The plate-shaped body includes a light-transmissive material, and at least one of the first surface or the second surface is a roughened surface. The chuck can be incorporated into a micro-machining system using a chuck support that allows light through to backlight a processed part for inspection.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2011Publication date: April 4, 2013Applicant: ELECTRO SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventor: Robert A. Ferguson
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Publication number: 20120306387Abstract: A current balancer arrangement constituted of a plurality of current mirror circuits, each of the current mirror circuits comprising a master leg and at least one slave leg is enabled. A constant current source is provided, arranged to provide power for a plurality of LED strings in parallel. Each of the plurality of LED strings is further arranged in series with a master leg of a particular one of the plurality of current mirror circuits, and with the slave leg of each of the balance of the current mirror circuits.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2012Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: MICROSEMI CORPORATIONInventor: Bruce Robert FERGUSON
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Patent number: 8038132Abstract: A hydraulic bushing assembly includes an inner tube, an elastomeric bushing disposed around the inner tube, an insert disposed around the elastomeric bushing and an outer tube disposed around the insert. The elastomeric bushing and the insert define a pair of chambers which are connected by a passageway defined by the insert. A pair of intermediate tubes are disposed in the elastomeric bushing at opposite axial ends of the insert.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2006Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: The Pullman CompanyInventors: Jay Thornhill, Robert Goudie, Richard Butch Brown, Mark Morman, Bill Burk, Hal Henry, Daniel Wittler, Robert Ferguson, David Stewart, Andrew Franzen, David Baker
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Patent number: 7889322Abstract: A specimen inspection stage implemented with a processing stage coupling mechanism provides a capability to conduct with maximum efficiency post-processing specimen inspections on-board a processing platform. Heavy inspection equipment is mounted on a specimen inspection stage that is separate from a processing stage. In a preferred embodiment, the processing stage moves in response to an applied motive force and performs laser-based processing operations on a specimen. While laser processing is ongoing, the specimen inspection stage remains parked in its home position. When it is time for post-processing inspection, a stage coupling and decoupling mechanism couples together the specimen inspection stage and the processing stage, which transports the specimen inspection stage to and from the specimen position.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2007Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Electro Scientific Industries, Inc.Inventors: Mark T. Kosmowski, Robert Ferguson, Jeremy Willey
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Patent number: 7798014Abstract: A test coupon has a waisted central section from which respective load introduction sections extend, each load introduction section having a pair of divergent load introduction surfaces extending from a respective curved surface of the central section. Test apparatus includes a test coupon as described above and a plurality of angled pivotable load introduction blocks such that the test coupon may self-align during application of a load.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2008Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Airbus UK LimitedInventors: Robert Ferguson, Matthew Jevons
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Patent number: 7666381Abstract: High-power inductively coupled plasma technology is used for thermal cracking and vaporization of continuously fed carbonaceous materials into elemental carbon, for reaction with separate and continuously fed metal catalysts inside a gas-phase high-temperature reactor system operating at or slightly below atmospheric pressures. In one particularly preferred embodiment, in-flight growth of carbon nanomaterials is initiated, continued, and controlled at high flow rates, enabling continuous collection and product removal via gas/solid filtration and separation methods, and/or liquid spray filtration and solid collection methods suitable for producing industrial-scale production quantities. In another embodiment, the reaction chamber and/or filtration/separation media include non-catalytic or catalytic metals to simultaneously or separately induce on-substrate synthesis and growth of carbon nanomaterials.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2004Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: Plasmet CorporationInventors: Mark Henderson, John Vavruska, Andreas Blutke, Robert Ferguson
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Publication number: 20100025225Abstract: High-power inductively coupled plasma technology is used for thermal cracking and vaporization of continuously fed carbonaceous materials into elemental carbon, for reaction with separate and continuously fed metal catalysts inside a gas-phase high-temperature reactor system operating at or slightly below atmospheric pressures. In one particularly preferred embodiment, in-flight growth of carbon nanomaterials is initiated, continued, and controlled at high flow rates, enabling continuous collection and product removal via gas/solid filtration and separation methods, and/or liquid spray filtration and solid collection methods suitable for producing industrial-scale production quantities. In another embodiment, the reaction chamber and/or filtration/separation media include non-catalytic or catalytic metals to simultaneously or separately induce on-substrate synthesis and growth of carbon nanomaterials.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2008Publication date: February 4, 2010Applicant: Plasmet CorporationInventors: Mark Henderson, John Vavruska, Andreas Blutke, Robert Ferguson
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Publication number: 20090209396Abstract: Apparatus and a method for attachment to an exercise machine, generally in place of hand grips provided with the machine, to enable hands-free operation of the machine by a user, the apparatus having at least one forearm and/or upper arm adjacent the elbow engaging cup-like device, and means for attaching the engaging cup-like device to the exercise machine. The apparatus may have a pair of cup-like devices to enable the user to use the machine using both forearms and upper arm adjacent the elbows without use of the hands and lower arm portions of the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2006Publication date: August 20, 2009Inventor: Robert Ferguson
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Publication number: 20090099004Abstract: High-power inductively coupled plasma technology is used for thermal cracking and vaporization of continuously fed carbonaceous materials into elemental carbon, for reaction with separate and continuously fed metal catalysts inside a gas-phase high-temperature reactor system operating at or slightly below atmospheric pressures. In one particularly preferred embodiment, in-flight growth of carbon nanomaterials is initiated, continued, and controlled at high flow rates, enabling continuous collection and product removal via gas/solid filtration and separation methods, and/or liquid spray filtration and solid collection methods suitable for producing industrial-scale production quantities. In another embodiment, the reaction chamber and/or filtration/separation media include non-catalytic or catalytic metals to simultaneously or separately induce on-substrate synthesis and growth of carbon nanomaterials.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2004Publication date: April 16, 2009Applicant: Nuvotec, Inc.Inventors: Mark Henderson, John Vavruska, Andreas Blutke, Robert Ferguson
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Publication number: 20090007692Abstract: A test coupon has a waisted central section from which respective load introduction sections extend, each load introduction section having a pair of divergent load introduction surfaces extending from a respective curved surface of the central section. Test apparatus includes a test coupon as described above and a plurality of angled pivotable load introduction blocks such that the test coupon may self-align during application of a load.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2008Publication date: January 8, 2009Applicant: AIRBUS UK LIMITEDInventors: Robert FERGUSON, Matthew JEVONS
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Publication number: 20080198373Abstract: A specimen inspection stage implemented with a processing stage coupling mechanism provides a capability to conduct with maximum efficiency post-processing specimen inspections on-board a processing platform. Heavy inspection equipment is mounted on a specimen inspection stage that is separate from a processing stage. In a preferred embodiment, the processing stage moves in response to an applied motive force and performs laser-based processing operations on a specimen. While laser processing is ongoing, the specimen inspection stage remains parked in its home position. When it is time for post-processing inspection, a stage coupling and decoupling mechanism couples together the specimen inspection stage and the processing stage, which transports the specimen inspection stage to and from the specimen position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2007Publication date: August 21, 2008Applicant: Electro Scientific Industries, Inc.Inventors: Mark T. Kosmowski, Robert Ferguson, Jeremy Willey
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Publication number: 20080114616Abstract: A method for improving clinical trial compliance for a business entity using a computer system including a database is provided. The method includes selecting a clinical trial facility and at least one clinical trial subject, creating a clinical trial protocol including at least medical service cost data for an insurance company and a clinical trial sponsor, establishing a second subsystem including a software application that schedules appointments, establishing a third subsystem including a software application that that generates invoices, storing the clinical trial protocol, the second subsystem and the third subsystem in the database.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2006Publication date: May 15, 2008Inventor: John Robert Ferguson
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Publication number: 20080041829Abstract: Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) reforming converts carbonaceous compounds into a fuel for use in generating electrical power. Energy rich hydrocarbon fuels, such as coal, marine diesel, oils, and hydrocarbon wastes are employed as a feedstock for the ICP, which transforms the feedstock into a fuel that can be used by fuel cells and gas turbines for the production of electricity. The overall efficiency of an ICP-based electrical power system can be increased by providing partial oxidation within the reaction vessel. The partial oxidation conditions consume a small amount of the reformed fuel gas, thereby liberating sufficient thermal energy to reduce the electrical power requirements of the ICP to maintain desired reactor temperatures, and providing an increase in the overall net electrical power production. The integrated power production system can also adjust to meet an increased requirement for process heat and steam by balancing the effect of partial oxidation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2007Publication date: February 21, 2008Applicant: PlasMet CorporationInventors: Andreas Blutke, John Vavruska, Mark Henderson, Robert Ferguson
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Publication number: 20070241047Abstract: A filter element comprising an annular filtering media defining first and second axial ends and surrounding an interior area having a central axis, a first end cap sealing attached to said first axial end of said filter media, a second annular end cap sealing attached to said second axial end of said filter media, said second end cap defining a central opening, and a central tube extending from the opening of the second end cap, wherein the central tube includes an actuator exclusive of keys, free ends, or projections.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2007Publication date: October 18, 2007Applicant: Wix Filtration Corp.Inventors: Mark Roll, Willie Stamey, Robert Ferguson
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Patent number: 7279655Abstract: Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) reforming converts carbonaceous compounds into a fuel for use in generating electrical power. Energy rich hydrocarbon fuels, such as coal, marine diesel, oils, and hydrocarbon wastes are employed as a feedstock for the ICP, which transforms the feedstock into a fuel that can be used by fuel cells and gas turbines for the production of electricity. The overall efficiency of an ICP-based electrical power system can be increased by providing partial oxidation within the reaction vessel. The partial oxidation conditions consume a small amount of the reformed fuel gas, thereby liberating sufficient thermal energy to reduce the electrical power requirements of the ICP to maintain desired reactor temperatures, and providing an increase in the overall net electrical power production. The integrated power production system can also adjust to meet an increased requirement for process heat and steam by balancing the effect of partial oxidation.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2004Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: Plasmet CorporationInventors: Andreas Blutke, John Vavruska, Mark Henderson, Robert Ferguson
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Publication number: 20070205147Abstract: A filter assembly for removing particulate contaminants from a fluid, comprises a annular filter element having first and second ends, a filter housing containing the filter element and having first and second ends and a substantially cylindrical side wall defining an annular space between the side wall and the filter element, an end plate secured to the first end of the filter housing and having at least one fluid inlet therethrough adjacent to the first end of the filter element so that the fluid enters the filter housing through the at least one fluid inlet and flows into the annular space, and a directional fluid insert having at least one of fm disposed between the first end of the filter element and the end plate. The fins provided to cause the fluid entering the filter housing through the at least one fluid inlet to swirl around the filter element.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2007Publication date: September 6, 2007Applicant: Wix Filtration Corp.Inventors: Brian Crawford, Robert Ferguson
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Publication number: 20070045918Abstract: A hydraulic bushing assembly includes an inner tube, an elastomeric bushing disposed around the inner tube, an insert disposed around the elastomeric bushing and an outer tube disposed around the insert. The elastomeric bushing and the insert define a pair of chambers which are connected by a passageway defined by the insert. A pair of intermediate tubes are disposed in the elastomeric bushing at opposite axial ends of the insert.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2006Publication date: March 1, 2007Applicant: The Pullman CompanyInventors: Jay Thornhill, Robert Goudie, Butch Brown, Mark Morman, Bill Burk, Hal Henry, Daniel Wittler, Robert Ferguson, David Stewart, Andrew Franzen, David Baker
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Publication number: 20060247828Abstract: A method of accounting for errors in the altitude reporting of a terrain alert and warning system (TAWS) is disclosed wherein errors due to non-standard atmospheric conditions, incorrect altimeter setting and air data computer (ADC) sensor error are detected and corrected for by compensating ADC altitudes for cold temperatures as well as using global positioning system (GPS) altitude data to confirm the accuracy of the ADC altitude information at all times.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2005Publication date: November 2, 2006Inventors: Ricardo Ardila, Dean Farnham, Nick Feng, Robert Ferguson, Patrick Krohn, Steven Moss
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Publication number: 20060231596Abstract: A process for making an untempered martensite-free welded steel tubular is disclosed. The process includes rapid quenching of the steel tubular without formation of untempered martensite, at rates up to about 1600° F./second. There is no post-weld seam annealing process required. Also a welded steel tubular made in accordance with the disclosed process is described.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2005Publication date: October 19, 2006Inventors: Jack Gruber, Robert Ferguson