Patents by Inventor Robert A. Franklin
Robert A. Franklin 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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Composite structure with exposed conductive fiber for static dissipation, and method for making same
Patent number: 9775223Abstract: Provided is a storage tank or structure with conductive fiber material (e.g. carbon fiber) for dissipating electrostatic charge. The tank comprises a tank wall made of composite material, such as polyester-fiberglass composite. On an inner tank surface, open areas are provided in which the conductive fiber is exposed. The conductive fiber material has broken fiber tips and stray fibers for collecting electrostatic charge. Outside the open areas, the conductive fiber material is covered with a layer of cured resin. The conductive fiber is exposed only in the open areas. An impermeable film may be present under the conductive fiber in the open areas. The present invention also includes a method for making the tank, in which a liquid, gel, or impermeable film mask is applied to the conductive fiber material. The mask functions to prevent infiltration of liquid resin into the conductive fiber material.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2014Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Inventors: Dan Steinberg, Robert Franklin Morris, III, Benjamin Allen Hearst -
Publication number: 20170257336Abstract: Various embodiments include a conversation engine for facilitating a conversation between member accounts (e.g., personal accounts) and social network entities (e.g., corporate accounts) in a social networking system. The conversation engine can enable interactions between a member account and a social network entity via a messaging application when an end-user device associated with the member account is in proximity to a physical establishment associated with the social network entity. The end-user device can scan for available access points and determine its location based on the wireless source identifier(s) of the available access points. The end-user device and/or the social networking system can compare the wireless source identifier(s) to a set of known wireless source identifiers to determine the end-user device's location. Messages can be generated by the conversation engine that include content that is generated based at least in part on the location of the end-user device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2016Publication date: September 7, 2017Inventors: Robert Franklin Daniel, Deniz Demir, Ming Xiao, Michael Allen Sherron, Yoram Talmor
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Patent number: 9749583Abstract: This disclosure is directed to facilitating voice and video communication between users independent of a location or a device. A communication request can specify users, who may be identified and located in their respective environments. For example, users can be identified and located using facial recognition imaging techniques and/or by monitoring a radio frequency (RF) signal associated with a device that is carried or worn by a user. After determining a location of a user, individual devices can be configured as a functionally grouped device to allow the users to communicate. For example, capabilities of a television, microphone, speaker, and imaging device can be combined to allow a video communication between users. Further, as a user moves around his or her environment, the location of the user can be tracked and additional functionally grouped devices can be provided for seamless communication.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2016Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Adam Barry Fineberg, Robert Franklin Ebert, Tarun Yohann Morton, Eric Peter Raeber, Miroslav Ristic
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Patent number: 9729821Abstract: This disclosure is directed to facilitating voice and video communication between users independent of a location or a device. A communication request can specify users, who may be identified and located in their respective environments. For example, users can be identified and located using facial recognition imaging techniques and/or by monitoring a radio frequency (RF) signal associated with a device that is carried or worn by a user. After determining a location of a user, individual devices can be configured as a functionally grouped device to allow the users to communicate. For example, capabilities of a television, microphone, speaker, and imaging device can be combined to allow a video communication between users. Further, as a user moves around his or her environment, the location of the user can be tracked and additional functionally grouped devices can be provided for seamless communication.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2016Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Adam Barry Fineberg, Robert Franklin Ebert, Tarun Yohann Morton, Eric Peter Raeber, Miroslav Ristic
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Publication number: 20170132212Abstract: Techniques for graph based natural language processing are described. In one embodiment an apparatus may comprise a client service component operative on the processor circuit to receive a natural language user request from a device and to execute the natural language user request based on matched one or more objects and a social object relation component operative on the processor circuit to match the natural language user request to the one or more objects in an object graph, the object graph comprising token mappings for objects within the object graph, the token mappings based on data extracted from a plurality of interactions by a plurality of users of the network system, wherein the one or more objects are matched with the natural language user request based on the token mappings. Other embodiments are described and claimed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2017Publication date: May 11, 2017Applicant: Facebook, Inc.Inventors: Robert Franklin Daniel, Akash Guarav Gupta
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Publication number: 20170132211Abstract: Techniques for graph based natural language processing are described. In one embodiment an apparatus may comprise a client service component operative on the processor circuit to receive a natural language user request from a device and to execute the natural language user request based on matched one or more objects and a social object relation component operative on the processor circuit to match the natural language user request to the one or more objects in an object graph, the object graph comprising token mappings for objects within the object graph, the token mappings based on data extracted from a plurality of interactions by a plurality of users of the network system, wherein the one or more objects are matched with the natural language user request based on the token mappings. Other embodiments are described and claimed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2017Publication date: May 11, 2017Applicant: Facebook, Inc.Inventors: Robert Franklin Daniel, Akash Guarav Gupta
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Patent number: 9589305Abstract: Techniques for graph based natural language processing are described. In one embodiment an apparatus may comprise a client service component operative on the processor circuit to receive a natural language user request from a device and to execute the natural language user request based on matched one or more objects and a social object relation component operative on the processor circuit to match the natural language user request to the one or more objects in an object graph, the object graph comprising token mappings for objects within the object graph, the token mappings based on data extracted from a plurality of interactions by a plurality of users of the network system, wherein the one or more objects are matched with the natural language user request based on the token mappings. Other embodiments are described and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2014Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: FACEBOOK, INC.Inventors: Robert Franklin Daniel, Akash Guarav Gupta
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Publication number: 20170026318Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and devices for providing personal assistant service via messaging. In particular, one or more embodiments receive a request for personal assistant service in an electronic message from a user, assign the request to an agent, determine an intent of the request, and configure an agent user interface to include one or more options in accordance with the determined intent of the request.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2015Publication date: January 26, 2017Inventors: Robert Franklin Daniel, Yoram Talmor, Alexandre Lebrun, Laurent Nicolas Landowsk, Deniz Demir, Jeremy Harrison Goldberg, Willy Blandin
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Patent number: 9540170Abstract: Provided is an electrostatic charge dissipator for removing electrostatic charge inside a storage tank or other enclosed volume. The dissipator comprises yarns of electrically conductive polymeric fibers, such as carbon fiber. The yarns have broken fiber tips or stray fibers projecting away from the yarns, thereby functioning to concentrate electric fields and facilitate charge collection. The yarns are attached to a bracket for mechanical attachment to the tank, and are electrically connected to a feedthrough for providing an electrical path to ground potential. The present dissipator can also comprise a support, such as a rope, chain, or the like, and a weight for limiting the movement of the dissipator. The present dissipator is highly corrosion resistant and does not threaten pumps or valves with damaging metal debris.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2014Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Inventors: Robert Franklin Morris, III, Benjamin Allen Hearst, Dan Steinberg
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Patent number: 9489190Abstract: Techniques are described for updating applications installed on devices. The applications may include native applications having a web view component to handle interpreted language instructions. The applications may also include web applications executable within a browser. A message may be sent to a computing device, the message including update information specifying one or more updates to the state or the features of an application. The update information may be described using interpreted language instructions. To handle the updates to an application in instances when the application is inactive, a stand-alone interpreter engine may be employed instead of the web view component or instead of the interpreter engine included in a browser. Use of the stand-alone interpreter engine may mitigate possible performance effects or intrusive user interface elements from launching the web view component or the browser-based interpreter engine to perform update operations.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2013Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Fei Wang, Maxim Spivak, Robert Franklin Ebert, Tapas Kanti Roy, Arindam Bhattacharya
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Publication number: 20160323231Abstract: Techniques for coordinating a message experience across platforms are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a messaging application operative on a processor circuit to receive a request from a remote web browser to login to the messaging application. The messaging application may comprise an access code generator to generate a first access code and present the first access code on a messaging application website; an authenticator to receive a second access code from a second device associated with a user identifier, compare the second and first access codes, and lookup an account associated with the user identifier; and a messaging component to retrieve message data for an account associated with the user identifier in response the second access code matching the first access code, and to transmit the message data to the remote web browser for presentation. Other embodiments are described and claimed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2015Publication date: November 3, 2016Applicant: FACEBOOK, INC.Inventors: Jessica Lee, Robert Franklin Daniel, William Arthur Franklin, Harrison C. Wong
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Publication number: 20160284005Abstract: Techniques for product, service, and business recommendation are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a user context component operative to manage a user context associated with a user account for a messaging service; a user profile component operative to retrieve a user profile for the user account; and a recommendation component operative to determine one or more recommendations based on the user context and the user profile and configure a recommendation interface for a messaging endpoint on a client device based on the recommendations, the messaging endpoint associated with the user account for the messaging service. Other embodiments are described and claimed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2015Publication date: September 29, 2016Applicant: FACEBOOK, INC.Inventors: Robert Franklin Daniel, Akash Gaurav Gupta, Garima Sinha, David Alexandre Marcus
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Publication number: 20160283936Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward systems and methods for facilitating anonymous communications between a user and a merchant via a social networking system, wherein the user's identifying information is obfuscated from the merchant.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2015Publication date: September 29, 2016Applicant: FACEBOOK, INC.Inventors: Robert Franklin Daniel, Akash Gaurav Gupta, Garima Sinha
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Publication number: 20160217514Abstract: An electronic media trading or dealing system, when customer provides specifics of the desired item and traders are involved in a reverse bidding striving to entice the customer to purchase their product is disclosed. Traders are denied the knowledge of the customer's identity until their bid is selected. The customer is not involved in any direct communications with traders, until the desired price is negotiated and the offer is accepted. This system and method saves the customer hours of browsing through countless websites in search of the desired merchandise. Additionally, the described system and method promote integrity among traders. As a result, customers win by attaining a much better deal on the product through a much lesser hassle often associated with any direct purchase, and traders are provided with a much better tool to reach potential customers without the use of a large sales force.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2016Publication date: July 28, 2016Inventors: Robert Franklin Greer, Brian Scott Hockett, Michael Alan Beer
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Publication number: 20160188571Abstract: Techniques for graph based natural language processing are described. In one embodiment an apparatus may comprise a client service component operative on the processor circuit to receive a natural language user request from a device and to execute the natural language user request based on matched one or more objects and a social object relation component operative on the processor circuit to match the natural language user request to the one or more objects in an object graph, the object graph comprising token mappings for objects within the object graph, the token mappings based on data extracted from a plurality of interactions by a plurality of users of the network system, wherein the one or more objects are matched with the natural language user request based on the token mappings. Other embodiments are described and claimed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2014Publication date: June 30, 2016Applicant: FACEBOOK, INC.Inventors: Robert Franklin Daniel, Akash Guarav Gupta
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Publication number: 20160180316Abstract: Techniques to automatically predict and configure payment transaction are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a prediction component operative to receive context information for a user and predict a user interest in a payment transaction based on the context information, a user interface component operative to offer to initiate the payment transaction to the user based on the predicted user interest in the payment transaction and receive a user confirmation of the user interest in the payment transaction, and a payment component operative to initiate the payment transaction in response to the received user confirmation. Other embodiments are described and claimed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2014Publication date: June 23, 2016Applicant: FACEBOOK, INC.Inventors: Xiao Ou Wang, Sean Anthony Heywood, Stephen Moore Davis, Robert Franklin Daniel, Akash Gaurav Gupta
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Patent number: 9340945Abstract: One embodiment of an anchor device for ground application and of the type having a main shaft (28) which connects at its top with a ground plate (20) with oblong holes for additional shafts (22) so as to increase holding ability. In addition a coupler (24) connects to the top side of the anchor. Other possible embodiments are described.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2015Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: ROBERT FRANKLIN BYEInventor: Robert Franklin Bye
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Patent number: 9320481Abstract: X-ray imaging systems are provided that include an X-ray source and an X-ray detector. A filtering device is positioned between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector and includes one or more micro-filters each adapted to transition between an X-ray filtering position and an X-ray non-filtering position. A controller is programmed to control operation of the micro-filters.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2014Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Vance Scott Robinson, Ertugrul Berkcan, Peter Michael Edic, Sergiy Zalyubovsky, Marco Francesco Aimi, Yizhen Lin, Yannan Jin, Robert Franklin Senzig
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Publication number: 20160094425Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for configuring telematics behavior. The system includes a machine. The machine includes at least one communication module for communication to and from the machine over a network. The machine also includes a memory. The machine further includes a processor configured to receive a telematics behavior configuration file associated with a subscription number, the telematics behavior configuration file comprising at least a file transfer rule for communication over the network. The processor is also configured to store the telematics behavior configuration file in the memory. The processor is further configured to determine whether the network is available and, in response to a determination that the network is available, transfer and receive data over the network according to the telematics behavior configuration file.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2014Publication date: March 31, 2016Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: Robert Franklin SCHULZ, Shawn Clayton SARVER, Caleb Mark JORDEN, John David PARKER, Jason Robert WHITE
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Publication number: 20160015893Abstract: Disclosed are devices, apparatus, and methods for directly infusing one or more materials into a bone of a patient. More particularly, devices, apparatus and methods are provided for direct intra-bone infusion, wherein intra-bone pressure is continuously monitored and adjusted during infusion such that intra-bone pressure does not exceed levels of systemic blood pressure. Such devices, apparatus and methods are particularly suitable for use in performing bone marrow transplants.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2014Publication date: January 21, 2016Inventors: Robert Franklin Hoyt, Jeremy Mark Pantin, Omer Aras, Richard William Childs, Peter Choyke, Randall Ray Clevenger, Timothy John Hunt, Jan Davidson-Moncada