Patents by Inventor Thomas Hill

Thomas Hill 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: 20060034300
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments provide a method comprising a plurality of activities, comprising: initiating a communications connection between an audio device and a CPE gateway coupled to the audio device, the CPE gateway coupleable to a network; and negotiating between the audio device and the CPE gateway for a parameter associated with processing an audio signal to be transmitted across the network, the audio signal corresponding to a selected audio bandwidth from a plurality of audio bandwidths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Publication date: February 16, 2006
    Inventors: Farhad Barzegar, Irwin Gerszberg, Scott Mollica, Thomas Hill
  • Publication number: 20060035779
    Abstract: A process for regenerating a hydrogenation catalyst which has been used in a gas-phase hydrogenation, which comprises stripping at from 50 to 300° C. with a substance or a substance mixture which under the process conditions has no oxidizing action and is present in the gaseous state is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Publication date: February 16, 2006
    Applicant: BASF AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Thomas Hill, Mathias Haake, Harald Dialer
  • Publication number: 20060034299
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments provide a method comprising a plurality of activities, comprising: initiating a communications connection between a CPE gateway and a network coupled to the CPE gateway, the CPE gateway coupleable to an audio device; and negotiating between the CPE gateway and the network for a parameter associated with processing an audio signal to be transmitted across the network, the audio signal corresponding to a selected audio bandwidth from a plurality of audio bandwidths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Publication date: February 16, 2006
    Inventors: Farhad Barzegar, Irwin Gerszberg, Scott Mollica, Thomas Hill
  • Publication number: 20060021911
    Abstract: In a continuous process for fractionating a C4 fraction (C4) by extractive distillation using a selective solvent (LM) in an extractive distillation column (EDK), it is proposed that a dividing wall (TW) is installed in the longitudinal direction in the extractive distillation column (EDK) to form a first region (A), a second region (B) and a lower combined column region (C) and a top stream (C4H10) comprising the butanes is taken off from the first region (A), a top stream (C4H8) comprising the butenes is taken off from the second region (B) and a stream (C4H6) comprising the hydrocarbons from the C4 fraction which are more soluble in the selective solvent (LM) than are the butanes and the butenes is taken off from the lower combined column region (C).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Publication date: February 2, 2006
    Inventors: Till Adrian, Thomas Hill, Klaus Kindler, Hernd Heida
  • Publication number: 20050252761
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for recovering 3-aminomethyl-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohexylamine(isophoronediamine, IPDA) having a cis/trans isomer ratio of at least 73/27 by fractional distillation, which comprises the following steps: a) providing IPDA in a cis/trans isomer ratio of <73/27; b) feeding IPDA into the middle region of a distillation column having internals and distilling the IPDA in this distillation column at a temperature of from 5 to 300° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Publication date: November 17, 2005
    Applicant: Basf Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Frank Funke, Thomas Hill, Jobst Watzdorf, Wolfgang Mattmann, Wolfgang Harder, Erhard Henkes, Gerd Littmann, Manfred Julius
  • Publication number: 20050245767
    Abstract: The invention relates to processes for preparing 3-aminomethyl-3,5,5-trimethylcyclo-hexylamine (isophoronediamine, IPDA) having a high cis/trans isomer ratio. IPDA having a cis/trans isomer ratio in the range from 63/37 to 66/34 can be obtained in any desired cis/trans isomer ratio, irrespective of temperature, by reacting IPDA with H2 and NH3 in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst. IPDA having a cis/trans isomer ratio of at least 73/27 which is an important starting material for the synthesis of polyurethanes and polyamides can be obtained by combining this isomerization process with distillative processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Publication date: November 3, 2005
    Applicant: BASF AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Frank Funke, Thomas Hill, Jobst Von Watzdorf, Wolfgang Mattmann, Wolfgang Harder, Erhard Henkes, Gerd Littman, Manfred Jukius
  • Publication number: 20050201381
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to manage network address for private voice communication are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Publication date: September 15, 2005
    Inventors: Salman Abbasi, Farhad Barzegar, Irwin Gerszberg, Thomas Hill, Scott Mollica
  • Patent number: 6943274
    Abstract: A process for preparing cyclohexanol from benzene by: a) preparing cyclohexene by hydrogenating benzene in the presence of a catalyst, and b) preparing cyclohexanol by hydrating the cyclohexene in the presence of a catalyst, comprises: carrying out steps a) and b) in a reaction facility which has a bottom region at the lower end, a top region at the upper end, and a reaction zone between the top region and the bottom region which contains the catalyst according to steps a) and b), evaporating a portion of the benzene using the heat of reaction in the reaction zone, condensing it in the top region and returning it to the reaction zone, and withdrawing a reaction mixture containing cyclohexanol in the bottom region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Werner Peschel, Till Adrian, Harald Rust, Arnd Böttcher, Thomas Hill, Ulrich Müller, Rainer Papp
  • Publication number: 20050148803
    Abstract: A process for preparing cyclohexanol from benzene by a) preparing cyclohexene by hydrogenating benzene in the presence of a catalyst and b) preparing cyclohexanol by hydrating the cyclohexene in the presence of a catalyst, comprises carrying out steps a) and b) in a reaction facility which has a bottom region at the lower end, a top region at the upper end and a reaction zone between the top region and the bottom region which contains the catalyst according to steps a) and b), evaporating a portion of the benzene using the heat of reaction in the reaction zone, condensing it in the top region and returning it to the reaction zone, and withdrawing a reaction mixture containing cyclohexanol in the bottom region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: July 7, 2005
    Inventors: Werner Peschel, Till Adrian, Harald Rust, Arnd Bottcher, Thomas Hill, Ulrich Muller, Rainer Papp
  • Patent number: 6893558
    Abstract: The invention is a high pressure trap for removing particles from a flow stream of a high pressure well that maintains the full pressure of the high pressure well, wherein the trap has an inlet port connected to a Christmas tree, a chamber with a top flange, a bottom flange, and a side wall connecting the top flange and the bottom flange in fluid communication with a choke manifold, a dump outlet in communication with the bottom reservoir and connected to the bottom flange, a dump outlet controller for opening and closing the dump outlet, and a tube disposed between the bottom reservoir and the side outlet, wherein the tube is mounted within the chamber to the top flange without contacting the side wall, thereby the velocity of the flow stream is changed as the flow stream is passed from the tube into the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Schooner Petroleum Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Harvey McGee, Yong Fu Wang, Garry Thomas Hill
  • Publication number: 20050033762
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for measuring and assessing an organization's business adaptability is provided. In one embodiment, a taxonomy comprising a hierarchical list of taxonomy indicators that captures organizational elements that can be used to measure an organization's responsiveness to change is created. The taxonomy indicators are industry specific. A set of weights associated with the elements of the taxonomy, indicating a relevant contribution of each element to an overall adaptability of an organization, is assigned. The set of weights are industry specific. An enterprise profile is created assigning a level of adaptability to each taxonomy indicator indicating where, in a range of scores from low to high, an enterprise rates relative to the relevant taxonomy indicator. An adaptability result of the organization from the weights, taxonomy, and enterprise profile is then calculated. The adaptability result provides a quantitative assessment of the organization's adaptability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Publication date: February 10, 2005
    Inventors: Kasra Kasravi, William Rhodes, Reinier Aerdts, Thomas Hill, Edward Kettler, Jean Lehmann, William Markham, Randall Mears, William Phifer, Donna Stemmer, Jeffrey Wacker
  • Publication number: 20040249786
    Abstract: Method and system are disclosed for managing consumer feedback in an electronic content management system. The method and system of the invention includes a mechanism for consumers to provide feedback regarding the content that is published. The feedback is routed to the appropriate personnel responsible for publishing the content. In this way, the disconnect between what the consumer would like to see or cares about and the content that is published is closed. In addition, the consumer feedback triggers monitoring of the consumers content accessing activity, which allows the consumers consumption pattern to be tracked on an individual basis. This information may then be used to better define the content that get published in order to match the consumer's interests.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Michael Blane Dabney, David Thomas Hill, Lourdes Maria Trujillo, Melda Marie Washington, Ronald Gene Lee, James C. Jennings, Christopher J. Feola
  • Publication number: 20040225156
    Abstract: In a process for preparing 3-aminomethyl-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohexylamine (isophoronediamine, IPDA) having a cis/trans isomer ratio of at least 70/30 from 3-cyano-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohexanone (isophoronenitrile, IPN), NH3 and H2, the hydrogenation is carried out at from 50 to 200° C. and a pressure of from 50 to 300 bar in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst having an alkali metal content of ≦0.03% by weight, calculated as alkali metal oxide referring to the total weight of the catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Frank Funke, Thomas Hill, Johann-Peter Melder, Ekkehard Schwab, Walter Himmel, Erhard Henkes, Hermann Petersen, Reinhard Korner
  • Publication number: 20040188888
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a thermoplastic film is advanced onto a foraminous surface and impinged with hydraulic energy so as to impart an image or pattern into the film. In an effort to retain the image or pattern within the film, the film is exposed to a frequency range during the drying process, such as that frequency range which is provided by microwaves. It has been found that utilizing a frequency range of electro-magnetic radiation, like that of microwaves during the drying process of the film does not flatten or distort the image or pattern within the film, whereas a drying process utilizing hot air tends to soften the film, which has a deleterious on the image within the film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Michael Putnam, Thomas Hill
  • Patent number: 6764971
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a durable and imaged flame-retardant nonwoven fabric that can be used for flame-retardant apparel and other related applications. The fabric is formed by providing a precursor web consisting of a blend of melamine fibers and aramid fibers. The precursor web is hydroentangled on a three-dimensional image transfer device for formation of the fabric. The resultant fabric provides desirable air permeability and Thermal Protective Properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl Dewayne Kelly, Thomas A. Hill, Francois Lapierre, Spiro De Luca, Sergio Diaz de Leon
  • Patent number: 6643663
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a content management system for receiving, editing, and distributing data across a network. The method includes accessing the data stored in a database, presenting the data for inspection, and assigning the data to at least one target location for distribution. Another embodiment of the present invention is a user interface operating on a computing device for editing data in the content management system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: The Belo Company
    Inventors: Michael Blane Dabney, David Thomas Hill, Lourdes Maria Trujillo, Melda Marie Washington, Ronald Gene Lee
  • Publication number: 20030181772
    Abstract: In a process for the work-up of a C4 fraction, comprising the process steps
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Gerald Meyer, Gerd Kaibel, Gerd Bohner, Klaus Kindler, Till Adrian, Karin Pickenaecker, Melanie Pahl, Thomas Hill
  • Publication number: 20030069458
    Abstract: Alkynes, dienes, alkenynes and/or polyenes in an olefin-containing hydrocarbon stream are selectively hydrogenated catalytically in the gas phase in at least two reaction zones connected in series without introduction of part of this hydrocarbon stream between the penultimate reaction zone and the last reaction zone, wherein the hydrogen content in the reaction gas mixture upstream of the penultimate reaction zone and the degree of conversion in the penultimate reaction zone are set so that the reaction gas mixture contains at least 0.7% by volume of hydrogen at the outlet of the penultimate reaction zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas Hill, Mathias Haake, Ekkehard Schwab, Andrea Frenzel, Helmut Worz
  • Publication number: 20020004348
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a durable and imaged flame-retardant nonwoven fabric that can be used for flame-retardant apparel and other related applications. The fabric is formed by providing a precursor web consisting of a blend of melamine fibers and aramid fibers. The precursor web is hydroentangled on a three-dimensional image transfer device for formation of the fabric. The resultant fabric provides desirable air permeability and Thermal Protective Properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventors: Karl Dewayne Kelly, Thomas A. Hill, Francois Lapierre, Sirio De Luca, Sergio Diaz de Leon
  • Patent number: 5919266
    Abstract: A fault tolerant multiple processor data processing system is described. The system includes a number of processors linked together in a network. One processor is designated the master processor and coordinates the operation of all of the processors. The network is coupled to a number of memory devices which store information which is utilized by the processors. The apparatus includes a redundant mechanism for identifying a failure of a processor. If the master processor fails, a new master processor is selected, in a dynamic manner, from the remaining operative processors. The selection of a new master processor is based upon a contention operation in which the operative processors contend to become the new master processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Centigram Communications Corporation
    Inventors: Raman K. Sud, Chris Koverman, Jingsong Cai, Thomas Hill