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).

  • Publication number: 20060159595
    Abstract: An olefin polymerization process and apparatus wherein a fluid slurry comprising monomer, diluent and catalyst is circulated in a continuous loop reactor by two or more pumps. The process and apparatus allow operating the reaction at significantly higher solids content in the circulating fluid slurry. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid slurry is circulated by two impellers arranged so that the downstream impeller benefits from the rotational energy imparted by the upstream impeller. An olefin polymerization process operating at higher reactor solids by virtue of more aggressive circulation has improved efficiencies, particularly in larger-volume reactors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Publication date: July 20, 2006
    Inventors: John Hottovy, Dale Zellers, Robert Franklin
  • Patent number: 7047309
    Abstract: Available bandwidth utilization during transfer of large files over a TCP/IP network is improved by load balancing data streams and dynamically controlling the number of data streams utilized. A determination is made of the optimum number of data streams for a particular data file transfer in the early stage of transmission. An initial number of data streams, which is one unless otherwise specified or determined, is used to transmit one or more file segments, each on a different data stream, immediately followed by a second initial number of data streams, which is at least two greater than the initial number of data streams, is used to transmit another portion of the large data file. During each transmission, individual and aggregate transmission bandwidths are determined. Responsive to a determination that the latest aggregate transmission bandwidth is significantly different from the previous aggregate transmission bandwidth, the number of data streams is modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald Walter Baumann, Robert Franklin Pryor, Marc Steinbrecher
  • Patent number: 7017707
    Abstract: An HQ tube arrangement suitable for packaging within a vehicle may be designed by creating a mathematical model representing a tube arrangement having a first passageway and a second passageway fluidly connected to the first passageway at first and second junctions. The second passageway is divided by the junctions into first, second, and third passages. Lengths are associated with each of the first passageway and the first, second, and third passages. A filter parameter, based upon an average transmission loss for a particular frequency over a standard deviation, is analyzed as a function of the lengths. Lengths are chosen based upon analysis of the filter parameter. Portions of the outer walls of the first and second passageways may be secured to or common to one another so that lengths of the passageways run along side of each other to provide a more compact HQ tube arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Zhouxuan Zia, James Kenneth Vanderveen, Ian McLean, Jason Pettipiece, Phillip Edward Arthur Stuart, Robert Franklin Glassford
  • Publication number: 20050281517
    Abstract: A multi-layer buffer tube for a fiber optic cable comprises: a radially inward first layer formed into an elongate cylinder, the first layer being formed of a first polymeric material; and a radially outward second layer formed into an elongate cylinder that circumferentially overlies the radially inner layer, the second layer being formed of a second polymeric material that differs from the second material. In this configuration, the buffer tube can be formed of materials that can provide the benefits associated with those materials, and the combination of materials can compensate for some of the shortcomings of the materials when used alone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Publication date: December 22, 2005
    Inventors: Robert Wessels, Robert Franklin
  • Patent number: 6947584
    Abstract: A volume imaging system which progressively constructs, analyzes, and updates three dimensional models while acquiring cross-sectional data is described. The system constructs and displays three-dimensional renderings, and performs quantitative calculations in real time during the imaging system data collection process, displays interactive three-dimensional renderings in a traditional post-data collection process, as well as prescribes, archives, films, and transmits rendering procedures, parameters, renderings, measurements, and processed data, during data collection and post-acquisition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ricardo Scott Avila, James Vradenburg Miller, Robert Franklin Senzig, Hui David He, Darin Robert Okerlund
  • Patent number: 6920432
    Abstract: A technique is provided for selecting a portfolio of securities for investment purposes. Specifically, the technique utilizes two types of securities-related data: dividend yields and buyback ratios. A group of securities is ranked by the sum of each security's dividend yield and buyback ratio; a number of the securities having the highest combined dividend yields and buyback ratios are selected for investment. The technique may include a computer for storing the buyback ratios and dividend yields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Nike Securities, L.P.
    Inventor: Robert Franklin Carey
  • Patent number: 6917946
    Abstract: A method and system for storing a plurality of filter rules in a computer system is disclosed. The plurality of filter rules uses at least one range of values in at least one dimension. The method and system include separating a portion of the plurality of filter rules into a plurality of pure subsets of filter rules. Each of the plurality of pure subsets of filter rules includes at least one of the plurality of filter rules. The method and system also include combining a portion of the plurality of pure subsets of filter rules to provide a combined subset and determining whether an efficiency of utilizing the plurality of filter rules is improved by combining the portion of the plurality of pure subsets of filter rules. The method and system further includes storing the plurality of filter rules including storing the portion of the plurality of subsets of filter rules as the combined subset if the efficiency of searching the plurality of filter rules is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Everett Arthur Corl, Jr., Olga Golovanevsky, Clark Debs Jeffries, Robert Franklin Kantner, Jr., Randall William Worzella, Avraham Zehavi
  • Patent number: 6854061
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a method of creating a trial software product on a target system is provided. The method consists of intercepting file system calls from an installation process associated with a full software product and, responsive to a write request from the installation process, encrypting data associated with the write request if the write request is associated with one of a predetermined set of critical product files. The predetermined set of critical product files including those product files comprising the full software product that have been identified as files to which access is to be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Edward Cooper, Robert Franklin Pryor
  • Patent number: 6816829
    Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for independently verifying the Execution Rate of individual tasks by a device through simulation. Described is a situation in which a system has a main device through which data flows to and from other devices. Bus transfers must fall within required rates. A simulation of the configuration utilizes models of the various devices, including the “Main device”. This simulation is used to verify the data traffic and associated transfer rates. Data transfer includes random bursts, with randomly chosen periods between bursts. The data rate and data validity are measured during each burst period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Franklin Clark, Robert Brian Likovich, Jr., Darryl Jonathan Rumph, Chad Everett Winemiller
  • Patent number: 6816567
    Abstract: A system and method of acquiring x-ray data, comprising: acquiring a series of x-ray data for generating at least one x-ray image using an x-ray detector to receive x-ray beams from an x-ray source, wherein an object being imaged is displaced along an axis, the axis extending perpendicularly through a plane defined by the x-ray beams, wherein the displacement occurs at, at least one of a constant, accelerating, and decelerating rates; varying the rate of displacement thus enabling the x-ray detector to acquire data for at least one x-ray image during accelerating or decelerating displacement; and employing current modulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: GE Medical System Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventors: Danielle Drummond, Jiang Hsieh, Ting-Yim Lee, Robert Franklin Senzig, Robert James Young
  • Publication number: 20040180025
    Abstract: The present invention relates to therapeutic, cosmetic, and nutraceutical applications for eggshell membrane, processed eggshell membrane preparations and eggshell membrane isolates. The invention is directed to treating a mammal that will benefit from the administration of naturally occurring material found in eggshell membrane, processed eggshell membrane, eggshell membrane isolates and combinations thereof by administering to the mammal a composition containing eggshell membrane, processed eggshell membrane, eggshell membrane isolates and combinations thereof, alone or in combination with other active ingredients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: New Life Resources, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Daniel Long, Randall Gene Adams, Dale Paul DeVore, Marshall Robert Franklin
  • Publication number: 20040152013
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a limited play optical storage media and a method for limiting access to data thereon. This storage media includes a first substrate; a reflective layer; a data storage layer disposed between said first substrate and said reflective layer; a reactive layer comprising at least one reactive material disposed on said at least one reflective layer; an optically transparent second substrate disposed between the reactive layer and a laser incident surface of the optical storage media; and an oxygen permeable barrier layer disposed between the reactive layer and a laser incident surface of the optical storage media, said reactive layer having an initial percent reflectivity of about 50% or greater and a percent reflectivity of about 45% or less after exposure to oxygen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel Robert Olson, Marc Brian Wisnudel, Marc Schaepkens, Robert Franklin Thompson
  • Publication number: 20040118631
    Abstract: An HQ tube arrangement suitable for packaging within a vehicle may be designed by creating a mathematical model representing a tube arrangement having a first passageway and a second passageway fluidly connected to the first passageway at first and second junctions. The second passageway is divided by the junctions into first, second, and third passages. Lengths may be associated with each of the first passageway and the first, second, and third passages to produce a particular length combination. A filter parameter, which may be passed upon an average transmission loss for a particular frequency over a standard deviation, is calculated for the particular length combination. Other lengths may be associated with the tube arrangement to calculate other filter parameters for the other length combinations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhouxuan Zia, James Kenneth Vanderveen, Ian McLean, Jason Pettipiece, Phillip Edward Arthur Stuart, Robert Franklin Glassford
  • Patent number: 6739862
    Abstract: An injection molding apparatus for injecting resin into a mold comprises an injection cylinder in fluid communication with the mold, wherein movement of a piston relative to the cylinder injects a selected quantity of resin into the mold. A plasticizing unit includes a flighted screw rotating in a heated containment barrel for plasticizing resin. The plasticizing unit is in fluid communication with the injection cylinder for supplying the injection cylinder with plasticized resin. A valve is provided for selectively placing the injection cylinder in fluid communication with the mold and placing the plasticizing unit in fluid communication with the injection cylinder, wherein the valve exerts pressure on resin in the mold independently of the injection cylinder or plasticizing unit. The valve is actuated by relative movement between the mold and one of the injection cylinder and the plasticizing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Franklin Dray
  • Publication number: 20040030424
    Abstract: A method and system for storing a plurality of filter rules in a computer system is disclosed. The plurality of filter rules uses at least one range of values in at least one dimension. The method and system include separating a portion of the plurality of filter rules into a plurality of pure subsets of filter rules. Each of the plurality of pure subsets of filter rules includes at least one of the plurality of filter rules. The method and system also include combining a portion of the plurality of pure subsets of filter rules to provide a combined subset and determining whether an efficiency of utilizing the plurality of filter rules is improved by combining the portion of the plurality of pure subsets of filter rules. The method and system further includes storing the plurality of filter rules including storing the portion of the plurality of subsets of filter rules as the combined subset if the efficiency of searching the plurality of filter rules is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Everett Arthur Corl, Olga Golovanevsky, Clark Debs Jeffries, Robert Franklin Kantner, Randall William Worzella, Avraham Zehavi
  • Publication number: 20040008819
    Abstract: A system and method of acquiring x-ray data, comprising: acquiring a series of x-ray data for generating at least one x-ray image using an x-ray detector to receive x-ray beams from an x-ray source, wherein an object being imaged is displaced along an axis, the axis extending perpendicularly through a plane defined by the x-ray beams, wherein the displacement occurs at, at least one of a constant, accelerating, and decelerating rates; varying the rate of displacement thus enabling the x-ray detector to acquire data for at least one x-ray image during accelerating or decelerating displacement; and employing current modulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Danielle Drummond, Jiang Hsieh, Ting-Yim Lee, Robert Franklin Senzig, Robert James Young
  • Patent number: 6661866
    Abstract: A combined emission-transmission imaging apparatus, the apparatus comprising oppositely facing first and second photon detector segments disposed on opposite sides of an imaging area and defining the imaging area there between and a radiation source disposed adjacent and outside the imaging area and adjacent at least one of the detector segments, the source generating a fan beam of radiation that emanates from a focal point and juxtaposed such that the fan beam is directed along a trajectory through the imaging area and toward the other of the detector segments, wherein the segments collect both emission and transmission radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Kenneth Limkeman, Alexander Ganin, Charles William Stearns, David Leo McDaniel, Robert Franklin Senzig
  • Patent number: 6654888
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a method of creating a trial software product on a target system is provided. The method consists of intercepting file system calls from an installation process associated with a full software product and, responsive to a write request from the installation process, encrypting data associated with the write request if the write request is associated with one of a predetermined set of critical product files. The predetermined set of critical product files including those product files comprising the full software product that have been identified as files to which access is to be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Edward Cooper, Robert Franklin Pryor
  • Patent number: 6577711
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for identifying defective communications lines. The method generally involves passively detecting signals symptomatic of and generated by a defective communications line rather than by a user accessing a communication network via the line. One alternative involves monitoring calls to a selected number having low digit and set values. Analysis of the pattern of calls to the selected number, or directly monitoring the frequencies upon the communications line, identify calls that are effectively generated by defects in a communications line rather than legitimate calls generated by network users. Spurious calls are associated with the originating communications line. The line can then be automatically tested or service dispatched. More automated alternatives are also disclosed that make use of switch reconfigurations. Central office switches may be programmed to detect a variety of events that indicate a spurious pulse or seizure is being generated by a communication line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: William A. Williamson, III, William Halliburton Greer, Robert Franklin Jones
  • Patent number: 6578138
    Abstract: An exemplary processor or trace cache according to the present invention includes a cache unit, which includes a data array that stores traces. The processor or trace cache also includes a control block connected to the cache unit, the control block unrolling loops when building the traces. In one exemplary method of unrolling loops, the processor or trace cache unrolls loops until the trace is a minimum length. In another exemplary embodiment, the processor or trace cache unrolls only those loops in which the head of the loop is the trace head. In a third exemplary embodiment, the processor or trace cache unrolls loops based on a predicted number of iterations of the loop when executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Beecher Kyker, Robert Franklin Krick