Patents by Inventor Sharon Flank

Sharon Flank 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: 20240109125
    Abstract: The invention pertains to the use of sophisticated chemical formulation and spectroscopic design methods to select taggants compatible with the 3D print medium that are easily detected spectroscopically but otherwise compatible with the product, structural integrity and stability, and aesthetics. A spectral pattern employs a different chemical or combination of chemicals to alter the formulation of all or some portion of the printed object so that its authenticity can be monitored later using a spectrometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventors: Gary Ritchie, Rebecca Maksimovic, Sharon Flank, William Flank
  • Publication number: 20240033310
    Abstract: A plurality of heterogeneous microparticles can be provided, each having a shell, a payload, and a cap. The shell can define a core and an orifice in fluid communication with the core. The payload can be disposed within the core. The cap can be coupled to the shell so as to seal the orifice. The shell and cap of the microparticles can be formed by an additive manufacturing method, for example, by patterning of photomaterials using electromagnetic radiation or a particle beam. When subjected to a triggering event, at least a portion of each orifice can be exposed from the respective cap so as to release, through the exposed orifice portion, the corresponding payload from the core of the shell. The microparticles can be used in various applications, such as controlled delivery of drugs, chemicals, or biological agents, self-healing or self-lubricating materials, and failure prevention or mitigation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2021
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventors: Ryan SOCHOL, Michael AZARIAN, Ruben ACEVEDO, Sharon FLANK, Stephen HOAG
  • Patent number: 11666972
    Abstract: The invention pertains to the use of sophisticated chemical formulation and spectroscopic design methods to select taggants compatible with the 3D print medium that are easily detected spectroscopically but otherwise compatible with the product, structural integrity and stability, and aesthetics. A spectral pattern employs a different chemical or combination of chemicals to alter the formulation of all or some portion of the printed object so that its authenticity can be monitored later using a spectrometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: VERRANA, LLC
    Inventors: Gary Ritchie, Rebecca Maksimovic, Sharon Flank, William Flank
  • Publication number: 20200398549
    Abstract: The invention pertains to the use of sophisticated chemical formulation and spectroscopic design methods to select taggants compatible with the 3D print medium that are easily detected spectroscopically but otherwise compatible with the product, structural integrity and stability, and aesthetics. A spectral pattern employs a different chemical or combination of chemicals to alter the formulation of all or some portion of the printed object so that its authenticity can be monitored later using a spectrometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Gary Ritchie, Rebecca Maksimovic, Sharon Flank, Edward R. Poznysz, William Flank
  • Publication number: 20200107566
    Abstract: A savory, healthy cruciferous vegetable formula includes cruciferous vegetable, aromatic, edible fruit ingredient, acid ingredient and seasoning. In one embodiment the formula is a pourable, dense, finely grained cruciferous vegetable condiment. In another embodiment, the formula is a carbonated cruciferous vegetable beverage. In one method a cruciferous vegetable condiment is produced by preparing, cooking and finely pureeing the nutrient-rich ingredients, then hot fill processing and packaging the shelf-stable condiment. In another method, a carbonated cruciferous vegetable beverage is produced by preparing, cooking, cooling and carbonating the nutrient-rich ingredients, then cold fill processing and packaging the shelf-stable beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2018
    Publication date: April 9, 2020
    Applicant: Snack Kraken LLC
    Inventors: David Ian Forbes, Kristan Leigh Anderson, Sharon Flank, David D Austin, II
  • Publication number: 20160375676
    Abstract: The invention pertains to the use of sophisticated chemical formulation and spectroscopic design methods to select taggants compatible with the 3D print medium that are easily detected spectroscopically but otherwise compatible with the product, structural integrity and stability, and aesthetics. A spectral pattern employs a different chemical or combination of chemicals to alter the formulation of all or some portion of the printed object so that its authenticity can be monitored later using a spectrometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Applicant: Verrana, LLC
    Inventors: Gary Ritchie, Rebecca Maksimovic, Sharon Flank, Edward R Poznysz, William Flank
  • Publication number: 20130327671
    Abstract: Multisource fusion of data is used on a handheld device to create a portable analytical verifier, including the ability to verify based on product wrapping or using a returned code to check the product or wrapping. Data words are extracted from authentication media by testing to see whether particular taggants are present, using spectroscopic analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Emil Walter Ciurczak, Sharon Flank, William H. Flank, Vojislav Maksimovic, Gary Ritchie, Donna Romer
  • Patent number: 8517274
    Abstract: Multisource fusion of data is used on a handheld device to create a portable analytical verifier, including the ability to verify based on product wrapping or using a re-turned code to check the product or wrapping. Data words are extracted from authentication media by testing to see whether particular taggants are present, using spectroscopic analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Verrana LLC
    Inventors: Emil Walter Ciurczak, Sharon Flank, William H. Flank, Vojislav Maksimovic, Gary Ritchie, Donna Romer
  • Publication number: 20120286046
    Abstract: Multisource fusion of data is used on a handheld device to create a portable analytical verifier, including the ability to verify based on product wrapping or using a re-turned code to check the product or wrapping. Data words are extracted from authentication media by testing to see whether particular taggants are present, using spectroscopic analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: VERRANA, LLC
    Inventors: Emil Walter Ciurczak, Sharon Flank, William H. Flank, Vojislav Maksimovic, Gary Ritchie, Donna Romer
  • Publication number: 20120019823
    Abstract: A box 14 having a body 13 is used with a transparent flexible bag containing a liquid such as an IV bag. First and second faces 12 are positioned relative to each other. The faces each have therewithin an end or fiber optic port 11 of a respective light path. A light source is optically coupled with the light path of the first face and a spectrometer is optically coupled with the light path of the second face. The light paths are coaxial and are disposed so that the transparent flexible bag is positionable therebetween. The spectrometer is disposed to detect an anomaly in the liquid within the transparent flexible bag, and to annunciate the anomaly to a human user. The box defines a reproducible light path length through the liquid. A caliper 29 having a body 22 may be used in spectrometric analysis of a transparent tube containing a liquid such as a syringe or an IV line. The caliper has finger pads 27 which permit opening the spring-loaded caliper as needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: VERRANA, LLC
    Inventors: William H. Flank, Sandra Glassman Flank, Sharon Flank, Emil W. Ciurczak, Carl Oppedahl
  • Patent number: 7952710
    Abstract: A box 14 having a body 13 is used with a transparent flexible bag containing a liquid such as an IV bag. First and second faces 12 are positioned relative to each other. The faces each have therewithin an end or fiber optic port 11 of a respective light path. A light source is optically coupled with the light path of the first face and a spectrometer is optically coupled with the light path of the second face. The light paths are coaxial and are disposed so that the transparent flexible bag is positionable therebetween. The spectrometer is disposed to detect an anomaly in the liquid within the transparent flexible bag, and to annunciate the anomaly to a human user. The box defines a reproducible light path length through the liquid. A caliper 29 having a body 22 may be used in spectrometric analysis of a transparent tube containing a liquid such as a syringe or an IV line. The caliper has finger pads 27 which permit opening the spring-loaded caliper as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Verrana LLC
    Inventors: William H. Flank, Sandra Glassman Flank, Sharon Flank, Emil Walter Ciurczak, Carl Oppedahl
  • Publication number: 20100309468
    Abstract: A box 14 having a body 13 is used with a transparent flexible bag containing a liquid such as an IV bag. First and second faces 12 are positioned relative to each other. The faces each have therewithin an end or fiber optic port 11 of a respective light path. A light source is optically coupled with the light path of the first face and a spectrometer is optically coupled with the light path of the second face. The light paths are coaxial and are disposed so that the transparent flexible bag is positionable therebetween. The spectrometer is disposed to detect an anomaly in the liquid within the transparent flexible bag, and to annunciate the anomaly to a human user. The box defines a reproducible light path length through the liquid. A caliper 29 having a body 22 may be used in spectrometric analysis of a transparent tube containing a liquid such as a syringe or an IV line. The caliper has finger pads 27 which permit opening the spring-loaded caliper as needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: VERRANA, LLC
    Inventors: William H. Flank, Sandra Glassman Flank, Sharon Flank, Emil Walter Ciurczak, Carl Oppedahl
  • Publication number: 20100169233
    Abstract: A software system that uses the rigor and rules of business process automation to capture and structure organizational expertise, processes, and procedures—the non-automatable activities and actions of an organization—into a single, common, enterprise-wide, information framework. The capture function is engineered for usability and structured to reflect the patterns and semantics of business users rather than imposing software or process terminology. The produced framework generates a process-driven, centralized taxonomy of information and resources as business requirements are captured. The framework delivers users an organization-specific context to activities and information to be used for learning, training, reference, improvisation, collaboration, and operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: David Ian Forbes, Sharon Flank, David Austin
  • Patent number: 7584161
    Abstract: A software system that uses the rigor and rules of business process automation to capture and structure organizational expertise, processes, and procedures—the non-automatable activities and actions of an organization—into a single, common, enterprise-wide, information framework. The capture function is engineered for usability and structured to reflect the patterns and semantics of business users rather than imposing software or process terminology. The produced framework generates a process-driven, centralized taxonomy of information and resources as business requirements are captured. The framework delivers users an organization-specific context to activities and information to be used for learning, training, reference, improvisation, collaboration, and operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Contextware, Inc.
    Inventors: David Ian Forbes, Sharon Flank, David Austin
  • Patent number: 7418444
    Abstract: A system stories digital media records and includes a search engine searching the stored digital media records. It receives search requests from users, logs the search requests, expands the search requests, applies a statistical clustering algorithm, thereby grouping similar search requests together, identifies, using a semantic net hierarchy, a lowest-level term in the hierarchy that subsumes all of the queries in a grouping of search requests, and communicates the identified term to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Corbis Corporation
    Inventors: Sharon Flank, Ruth Sperer, Donna Romer
  • Publication number: 20080059416
    Abstract: In one embodiment, data associated with a process rules query is received. The data includes values associated with a predetermined constraint. Results for the process query are obtained from at least one data store. The obtained results for the process query are output in a first form and a second form. In another embodiment, a searchable process knowledgebase is created based on a business process (e.g., a structure consisting of activities and sub-activities). The business process is integrated into a process-based algorithm. Obtained process query results are added to the process knowledgebase. Executed process queries are analyzed so that the process-based query algorithm learns and improves precision of obtained query results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: DAVID FORBES, Sharon Flank, David Austin
  • Patent number: 7177879
    Abstract: The software according to the invention incorporates a glossary management tool that makes it easy for each client to customize terminology to the needs of a particular business. With this tool, termed a glossary manager, a company can customize a number of feature names in the system to provide a more familiar context for their users. A system administrator can also customize the manner in which “thumbnail” or “preview” images are presented. The system performs clustering on search queries, and searches media records multi-modally, using two or more approaches such as image searching and text searching. An administrator can tune search parameters. Two or more streams of metadata may be aligned and correlated with a media file, facilitating later searching. The system evaluates itself. It folds popularity information into rankings of search results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Corbis Digital Asset Management Services, LLC
    Inventors: Sharon Flank, Keith Simonsen, Robert Griffin
  • Publication number: 20060074726
    Abstract: A software system that uses the rigor and rules of business process automation to capture and structure organizational expertise, processes, and procedures—the non-automatable activities and actions of an organization—into a single, common, enterprise-wide, information framework. The capture function is engineered for usability and structured to reflect the patterns and semantics of business users rather than imposing software or process terminology. The produced framework generates a process-driven, centralized taxonomy of information and resources as business requirements are captured. The framework delivers users an organization-specific context to activities and information to be used for learning, training, reference, improvisation, collaboration, and operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Publication date: April 6, 2006
    Applicant: Contextware, Inc.
    Inventors: David Forbes, Sharon Flank, David Austin
  • Patent number: 6944611
    Abstract: A system stores digital media records and has a search engine searching the stored digital media records. The system receives first search requests from a plurality of first users. The system performs, by the search engine, searches based upon the first search requests, yielding respective first search results, each first search result defining first selected digital media records. The first search results are logged. Information is received from the first users indicative of subsequent actions by the first users selecting particular ones of the selected digital media records. A second search request is received from a second user. A search is performed, by the search engine, based upon the second search request, yielding respective second search results, the second search results defining second selected digital media records. The second selected media records are then ranked differently, for example upward or downward, based upon the longed first search results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Emotion, Inc.
    Inventors: Sharon Flank, Ruth Sperer, Donna Romer
  • Patent number: 6941294
    Abstract: A system stores digital media records, and comprising a vocabulary file of words keyed to the digital media records. A search query is received by computer from a user, the search query including words. The search query is logged by computer, yielding a query log. The query log is processed by computer to identify words in the query log which are not words already included in the vocabulary file and which are not words which are variants of words already included in the vocabulary file. Such words are defined as “not-found words.” The not-found words are added to the vocabulary file, and the not-found words are keyed to the digital media records.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Emotion, Inc.
    Inventor: Sharon Flank