Patents by Inventor Robert A. Harris

Robert A. Harris 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).

  • Patent number: 9872690
    Abstract: A sizing caliper for facilitating the selection of a femoral component of a knee prosthesis includes a caliper body, two drill guide bodies, a stylus tower configured to be slidably linked to each other wherein as the caliper body and the stylus tower are linearly displaced at an equal rate relative to the drill guide body portions and the drill guide holes remain located at the midpoint of an anterior/posterior dimension defined by the distance between the tip of the stylus and the base portion. The caliper body comprises a base portion configured to couple and decouple from the caliper body using a sliding mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: MicroPort Orthopedics Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: John Michael Green, II, Brian Robert Harris
  • Patent number: 9844208
    Abstract: A leash includes a container housing to be carried on a collar, chain, harness or other similar restraint, readily available for use. An outer end of a leash strap can be pulled by a user to dispense the leash strap for use, and the leash can be retracted and rewound in the container housing. The leash can be latched in a retracted configuration to prevent unwanted extension of the leash, and can be unlatched by a user for extension or storage of the leash in the retracted configuration. In one form the leash includes a thumb wheel that can be turned by a user on an inner rotatable spool in an unlatched position, and rotation of the thumb wheel is prevented in a latched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Inventor: John Robert Harris, II
  • Patent number: 9797210
    Abstract: A milling-drilling section billet and anchoring device that is an improvement over current technology. The invention provides a device that incorporates an aluminum milling-drilling section billet and an anchoring device. The assembly is segregated into three main functional components: a setting tool connector system, an aluminum billet, and an anchoring section. The anchoring section has two slips, offset laterally and positioned 180 degrees apart on the device. When deployed, the slips lock the device in the formation and produce an offset of the billet within the formation. This angular positioning allows a milling head to be moved in a new direction from the existing well formation. Once the device is properly positioned in the wellbore, a frangible member breaks to allow removal of the setting tool prior to the renewed drilling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventors: Robert Harris, Carl Diller, Candice English, John Milne
  • Patent number: 9793715
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for portable load balancing and source optimization are described herein. One portable load balancing and source optimization system, includes one or more electric generators that supply three phase electrical power, at least one sensor to sense whether the three phases have become unbalanced beyond a threshold amount, a set of contactors that enable the contacts of the three phases to be changed to adjust the balance of the three phases, and a controller to determine which reversible contactors of the set of contactors to change to adjust that balance of the three phases based on information from the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Fischer, J. Rick Martin, Gregory Brainard, Robert Harris, Jonathan Gray Tugwell
  • Publication number: 20170211378
    Abstract: Data is communicated from sensors at a downhole location near a drill bit to surface equipment. Communication to the surface equipment may be direct or may pass through a series of nodes. The nodes in some cases are intelligently reconfigured to achieve desired data rates, achieve power management goals, and/or compensate for failed nodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Publication date: July 27, 2017
    Inventors: Patrick R. DERKACZ, Aaron William LOGAN, Justin C. LOGAN, Jili LIU, David A. SWITZER, Robert HARRIS, Barry Daniel BUTERNOWSKY, Kurtis WEST
  • Publication number: 20170164583
    Abstract: A leash includes a container housing to be carried on a collar, chain, harness or other similar restraint, readily available for use. An outer end of a leash strap can be pulled by a user to dispense the leash strap for use, and the leash can be retracted and rewound in the container housing. The leash can be latched in a retracted configuration to prevent unwanted extension of the leash, and can be unlatched by a user for extension or storage of the leash in the retracted configuration. In one form the leash includes a thumb wheel that can be turned by a user on an inner rotatable spool in an unlatched position, and rotation of the thumb wheel is prevented in a latched position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventor: John Robert Harris, II
  • Publication number: 20170157717
    Abstract: There is provided the use of at least one ionic liquid as a soldering/brazing flux. There is also provided a method of soldering a metal comprising applying a solder/braze comprising a flux to a surface of the metal and heating said metal to a desired soldering/brazing temperature, wherein the soldering/brazing flux comprises one or more ionic liquids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER
    Inventors: Karl Ryder, Andrew Ballantyne, Robert Harris, Christopher Zaleski
  • Patent number: 9609851
    Abstract: A leash includes a container housing to be carried on a collar, chain, harness or other similar restraint, readily available for use. An outer end of a leash strap can be pulled by a user to dispense the leash strap for use, and the leash can be retracted and rewound in the container housing. The leash can be latched in a retracted configuration to prevent unwanted extension of the leash, and can be unlatched by a user for extension or storage of the leash in the retracted configuration. In one form the leash includes a thumb wheel that can be turned by a user on an inner rotatable spool in an unlatched position, and rotation of the thumb wheel is prevented in a latched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Inventor: John Robert Harris, II
  • Patent number: 9560925
    Abstract: A multi-function tool includes a utensil, a handle pivotally attached to the utensil, and a compass magnet mounted on the handle or utensil. The multi-function tool has a center of gravity, in at least one configuration, aligned with a convex side of the utensil to balance the multi-function tool. A sundial may be mounted on the multi-function tool. Geographical direction is determined by configuring the multi-function into a folded configuration in which the handle and utensil extend in generally the same direction from a hinge, balancing the multi-function tool upon the convex side of the eating utensil thereby permitting the compass magnet to cause a rotational orientation of the multi-function tool; and determining a geographical direction from the rotational orientation of the multi-function tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Essential Adaptations, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Harris
  • Publication number: 20160363393
    Abstract: Embodiments described in this specification are generally directed to a bolted hinge assembly for a waterbox cover (a “waterbox hinge assembly”). The waterbox hinge assembly generally does not require welding on the waterbox cover or the heat exchanger in an HVAC system (“HVAC unit” hereinafter). Further, the waterbox hinge assembly may be installable to the HVAC unit without removing the heat exchange fluids (e.g., water, refrigerant, etc.) from the HVAC unit. In some embodiments, the waterbox hinge assembly can be installed on an HVAC unit without removing any bolts from the waterbox cover. Once installed, the waterbox hinge assembly can be left in place so that it can be reused anytime the HVAC unit is serviced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Steven E. Wolfgram, Daoud A. Jandal, Bradley S. Wickersham, Fred Eickstaedt, James M. McCool, Raymond S. Schafer, Ronald E. Schlicht, Robert A. Harris, Steven E. Meloling, Raghu Kumar, Kishore Prabakaran
  • Publication number: 20160350276
    Abstract: Described herein are mechanisms for automatically generating a computer-executable program that transforms a first table in a first format to a second table in a second format by way of user-provided examples. A user provides an exemplary input table of a first format, where the input table may be a portion of the first table. The user also provides an exemplary output table of a second format, wherein contents of the output table correspond to contents of the input table. Based upon these user-provided examples, a table transform program is automatically generated, wherein the table transform program, when executed over the first table generates the second table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Sumit Gulwani, William Robert Harris
  • Publication number: 20160332811
    Abstract: Bulk material storage units that can be placed on flatbeds that can be hauled in various manners, including rail cars or trucks, to the destination and removed from the flatbed for temporary storage at the destination, freeing the transportation mode, e.g., rail cars or trucks, to be used elsewhere. Embodiments of the bulk material storage unit of the present invention replace rail hopper cars or truck trailers to hold the bulk material during transportation as well as provide temporary storage at the desired location, e.g., the origin or destination, without tying up transportation resources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventor: Robert A. Harris
  • Publication number: 20160332809
    Abstract: Bulk material storage units that can be placed on flatbeds that can be hauled in various manners, including rail cars or trucks, to the destination and removed from the flatbed for temporary storage at the destination, freeing the transportation mode, e.g., rail cars or trucks, to be used elsewhere. Embodiments of the bulk material storage unit of the present invention replace rail hopper cars or truck trailers to hold the bulk material during transportation as well as provide temporary storage at the desired location, e.g., the origin or destination, without tying up transportation resources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventor: Robert A. Harris
  • Publication number: 20160296243
    Abstract: A sizing caliper for facilitating the selection of a femoral component of a knee prosthesis includes a caliper body, two drill guide bodies, a stylus tower configured to be slidably linked to each other wherein as the caliper body and the stylus tower are linearly displaced at an equal rate relative to the drill guide body portions and the drill guide holes remain located at the midpoint of an anterior/posterior dimension defined by the distance between the tip of the stylus and the base portion. The caliper body comprises a base portion configured to couple and decouple from the caliper body using a sliding mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Publication date: October 13, 2016
    Applicant: MICROPORT ORTHOPEDICS HOLDINGS INC.
    Inventors: John Michael Green, II, Brian Robert Harris
  • Publication number: 20160295524
    Abstract: Example implementations relate to detecting human presence in proximity of a user device. In example implementations, a portion of a first signal may be provided by a first directional coupler that is communicatively coupled to an antenna. A portion of a second signal may be provided by a second directional coupler that is communicatively coupled to a signal source. Transmit power of the signal source may be regulated based on the signal portions provided by the first and second directional couplers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventor: OTIS ROBERT HARRIS, III
  • Patent number: 9454137
    Abstract: A microgrid system may control power distribution among a plurality of interconnected microgrids operated under droop mode. The microgrids may operate both autonomously and as part of the system. Stable power distribution between the microgrids may be performed by monitoring operation of the microgrids and electrically disconnecting the microgrids from one another when a power outage or performance outside of a tolerance is detected. Network lines between the microgrids may remain in communication while the microgrids are disconnected from one another. The microgrids may operate autonomously under a preset operating droop frequency until power stability is detected at a boundary between adjacent microgrids. The microgrids may communicate with one another adjusting operating droop until synchronization among microgrids is achieved and the microgrids can be reconnected into the microgrid system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Gregory Brainard, Scott Fischer, Jeffrey M. Puffer, Robert Harris
  • Publication number: 20160262347
    Abstract: A grooming device includes hair collectors and a scraper. The scraper uncovers the hair collectors when the device is pressed down for use, and scrapes the hair collectors to eject hair collected when the device is released. Ejection of collected hair can also be controlled manually. A collection chamber may be provided, and multiple combs may be mounted on a rotatable dowel that recede within the rotatable barrel, or with sliding plates around and offset from the dowel as the dowel is rotated. A door or window on a surface of the collection chamber can be opened to empty the chamber of collected hair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventor: John Robert Harris, II
  • Patent number: 9435181
    Abstract: A replaceable gas lift valve system. In this system, the device is inserted into the production tubing (or gas producing zone) at a desired level. This allows gas to be pumped down the space between the casing and production tubing (or flowed from the zone). Although the tool is placed in the production tubing, space is provided to allow almost normal production through the tool. Once in place, the device has a metering valve that allows the appropriate amount of gas of other fluid to enter the production tubing to provide lift for the oil. If the device fails, it can be quickly extracted and a replacement device quickly installed. Once installed, the replacement device allows resumed production. The recovered device can be dismantled, repaired and staged for another quick replacement where needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Inventors: Robert Harris, Carl Diller, John Milne, Candice English
  • Patent number: 9430459
    Abstract: Described herein are mechanisms for automatically generating a computer-executable program that transforms a first table in a first format to a second table in a second format by way of user-provided examples. A user provides an exemplary input table of a first format, where the input table may be a portion of the first table. The user also provides an exemplary output table of a second format, wherein contents of the output table correspond to contents of the input table. Based upon these user-provided examples, a table transform program is automatically generated, wherein the table transform program, when executed over the first table generates the second table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Sumit Gulwani, William Robert Harris
  • Patent number: 9364346
    Abstract: A sizing caliper for facilitating the selection of a femoral component of a knee prosthesis includes a caliper body, two drill guide bodies, a stylus tower configured to be slidably linked to each other wherein as the caliper body and the stylus tower are linearly displaced at an equal rate relative to the drill guide body portions and the drill guide holes remain located at the midpoint of an anterior/posterior dimension defined by the distance between the tip of the stylus and the base portion. The caliper body comprises a base portion configured to couple and decouple from the caliper body using a sliding mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: MicroPort Orthopedics Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: John Michael Green, II, Brian Robert Harris