Patents by Inventor Robert Appleton

Robert Appleton 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).

  • Daughtercard-based system software and hardware functionality-defining mechanism
    Publication number: 20050165991
    Abstract: A test apparatus for telecommunication equipment includes motherboard that executes a resident operation control mechanism, so that the test apparatus exhibits default hardware functionality. However, if a daughtercard has been plugged into the motherboard, the motherboard ignores the default firmware and executes whatever replacement operation control software is provided on the daughtercard—causing the test apparatus to acquire a hardware functionality exclusive of the motherboard default.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Publication date: July 28, 2005
    Applicant: ADTRAN, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Appleton, Patrick Grant, David Etzkorn
  • Apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive
    Publication number: 20050051343
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive is provided. In one aspect, a body is connectable to said top drive. The body comprises at least one gripping element radially displaceable by hydraulic or pneumatic fluid to drivingly engage a tubular to permit a screw connection between said tubular and a further tubular to be tightened to the required torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Publication date: March 10, 2005
    Inventors: Bernd-Georg Pietras, Robert Appleton
  • Drill string member
    Publication number: 20050045386
    Abstract: A drill-string member includes at least one grooved portion on an outer surface thereof. A pair of axially spaced-apart grooved portions are typically provided, with two such pairs axially spaced along the longitudinal length of the member. A plurality of grooves are milled into the grooved portions, and the grooves intersect with one another to form a criss-cross pattern. As the member is rotated, fluid flows up the grooves, where fluid from one groove meets fluid from another groove at each intersection, causing turbulence to be created.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: March 3, 2005
    Inventor: Robert Appleton