Patents by Inventor William R. Frank

William R. Frank 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: 20240109487
    Abstract: A method for providing a post-event alert includes receiving sensor data, detecting, based on the sensor data, at least one vehicle event, and determining a severity value associated with the at least one vehicle event. The method also includes determining whether the severity value is greater than a severity threshold and, in response to a determination that the severity value is greater than the severity threshold, identifying at least one aspect of a vehicle that is potentially damaged. The method also includes determining a potential damage value associated with the at least one aspect of the vehicle that is potentially damaged, determining whether the potential damage value is greater than a potential damage threshold, and, in response to determining that the potential damage value is greater than the potential damage threshold, generating an alert indicating at least the at least one aspect of the vehicle that is potentially damaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventors: MICHAEL R. STORY, ANDREW J. FRANK, WILLIAM D. BODEIS, PETER D. SCHMITT, JOACHIM J. KLESING, SAYEDMOHAMMAD HOSSEINI
  • Publication number: 20240070637
    Abstract: A computing device retrieves a stabilized weight and a weight-based item count for one or more items to be purchased. Responsive to retrieving the stabilized weight, the computing device retrieves an image-based item count and an expected weight based on the image-based item count for the one or more items to be purchased. The computing device selects between authorizing and blocking checkout of the one or more items based on the weight-based item count, the image-based item count, the stabilized weight, and the expected weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: J. Wacho Slaughter, Brad M. Johnson, William Laird Dungan, Yevgeni Tsirulnik, Phil Brown, Charles R. Kirk, Evgeny Shevtsov, Tracy Cate, James L. Frank, Andrei Khaitas
  • Patent number: 11829484
    Abstract: A control flow graph representing a plurality of controls is constructed, wherein each control comprises a measure taken to counter threats to an IT infrastructure. For each path through the control flow graph, a metric quantifying an efficacy of the controls along the path in countering the threats is calculated. A threat strength distribution for threats to the IT infrastructure is constructed. A visualization of an efficacy of a combination of the plurality of controls is generated, based on the metrics, the control flow graph, and the threat strength distribution. A weakness in the plurality of controls is identified, based on the visualization. The plurality of controls is modified based on the identifying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Monaco Risk Analytics Inc
    Inventors: James S. Lipkis, William R. Frank
  • Publication number: 20210133331
    Abstract: A control flow graph representing a plurality of controls is constructed, wherein each control comprises a measure taken to counter threats to an IT infrastructure. For each path through the control flow graph, a metric quantifying an efficacy of the controls along the path in countering the threats is calculated. A threat strength distribution for threats to the IT infrastructure is constructed. A visualization of an efficacy of a combination of the plurality of controls is generated, based on the metrics, the control flow graph, and the threat strength distribution. A weakness in the plurality of controls is identified, based on the visualization. The plurality of controls is modified based on the identifying.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2020
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: James S. Lipkis, William R. Frank
  • Patent number: 7530255
    Abstract: A testing module for use with a gas detector, includes a plurality of gas inlets and outlets, each outlet being in fluid connection with one of the inlets. Each of the outlets is adapted to mate with and form a fluid connection with one of the inlets of a second like testing module. Gases can then flow from the outlets of the testing module into the inlets of the second like testing module. A gas container module for use with a gas container, includes a plurality of gas inlets and outlets, each inlet being in fluid connection with one of the outlets. Each of the inlets is adapted to mate with and form a fluid connection with one of a the outlets on a second like gas container module. Gases can then flow from the outlets of the second like gas container module into the inlets of the gas container module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Mine Safety Appliances Company
    Inventors: William R. Frank, Daniel E. Bruce, Jon K. Haverstick
  • Patent number: 6557622
    Abstract: Surface defects in rolled steel are remedied by quenching a surface layer of the steel product downstream of the caster and upstream of the reheat furnace by transversely differentiated quenching to match the transverse temperature profile of the steel product. The flow rate of the quench spray is differentially adjustable across the width and optionally the length of the steel product. An array of spray nozzles controlled in transversely or longitudinally arranged groups provides the quench spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: IPSCO Enterprises Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Frank, Jonathan Dorricott, Laurie E. Collins, Joseph D. Russo, Robert J. Boecker, Brian H. Wales
  • Patent number: 6502627
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a magnetic field in a casting mold to slow and redirect in a controllable fashion the flow of liquid steel exiting from a submerged entry nozzle into the casting mold uses selectable removable ferromagnetic and non-magnetic laminar elements stackable on the ends of core fingers in the vicinity of the poles of an electromagnetic yoke positioned adjacent the mold face. By selecting the type and location of the stackable elements on the ends of the fingers, one can modify the properties of the magnetic field permeating the interior of the mold. Optionally, independent field coils may be provided for energizing selected portions of the magnetic field core structure to provide further magnetic field control without having to remove and replace laminar elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Ipsco Enterprises Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Frank, Jonathan Dorricott
  • Publication number: 20020129921
    Abstract: Surface defects in rolled steel are remedied by quenching a surface layer of the steel product downstream of the caster and upstream of the reheat furnace by transversely differentiated quenching to match the transverse temperature profile of the steel product. The flow rate of the quench spray is differentially adjustable across the width and optionally the length of the steel product. An array of spray nozzles controlled in transversely or longitudinally arranged groups provides the quench spray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: William R. Frank, Jonathan Dorricott, Laurie E. Collins, Joseph D. Russo, Robert J. Boecker, Brian H. Wales
  • Publication number: 20020104597
    Abstract: A steel rolling mill including a Steckel mill is provided with an in-line upstream quench station located downstream of the caster and upstream of the reheat furnace, a shear located downstream of the Steckel mill, and a temperature reduction station downstream of the shear. The upstream quench station has spray nozzles that quench a surface layer of the steel to transform same from an austentitic to a non-austentitic microstructure. The shear provides a precise transverse vertical face on the leading end of the steel. The temperature reduction station applies cooling fluid to the rolled steel so as to obtain a preferred microstructure that may be either bainite or martensite. If bainite, the temperature reduction station includes laminar-flow cooling apparatus; if martensite, the station also includes an initial rapid quench, in which latter case the station is followed by a tempering furnace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Applicant: IPSCO Enterprises Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Frank, Jonathan Dorricott, Laurie E. Collins, Joseph Duane Russo, Robert Joseph Becker, Brian H. Wales
  • Publication number: 20020074103
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a magnetic field in a casting mold to slow and redirect in a controllable fashion the flow of liquid steel exiting from a submerged entry nozzle into the casting mold uses selectable removable ferromagnetic and non-magnetic laminar elements stackable on the ends of core fingers in the vicinity of the poles of an electromagnetic yoke positioned adjacent the mold face. By selecting the type and location of the stackable elements on the ends of the fingers, one can modify the properties of the magnetic field permeating the interior of the mold. Optionally, independent field coils may be provided for energizing selected portions of the magnetic field core structure to provide further magnetic field control without having to remove and replace laminar elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: Ipsco Enterprises Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Frank, Jonathan Dorricott
  • Patent number: 6374901
    Abstract: Surface defects in rolled steel are remedied by quenching a surface layer of the strand immediately downstream of the caster by transversely differential quenching to match the transverse temperature profile of the strand. The flow rate of the quench spray is differentially adjustable across the width and optionally the length of the strand. An array of spray nozzles controlled by groups provides the quench spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: IPSCO Enterprises Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Frank, Jonathan Dorricott, Laurie E. Collins, Joseph D. Russo, Robert J. Boecker, Brian H. Wales
  • Patent number: 6341642
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a magnetic field in a casting mold to slow and redirect in a controllable fashion the flow of liquid steel exiting from a submerged entry nozzle into the casting mold uses selectable removable ferromagnetic and non-magnetic laminar elements stackable on the ends of core fingers in the vicinity of the poles of an electromagnetic yoke positioned adjacent the mold face. By selecting the type and location of the stackable elements on the ends of the fingers, one can modify the properties of the magnetic field permeating the interior of the mold. Optionally, independent field coils may be provided for energizing selected portions of the magnetic field core structure to provide further magnetic field control without having to remove and replace laminar elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: IPSCO Enterprises Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Frank, Jonathan Dorricott
  • Patent number: 6309482
    Abstract: The in-line combination of a reversing rolling mill (Steckel mill) and its coiler furnaces with accelerated controlled cooling apparatus immediately downstream thereof and associated method permits steel to be sequentially reversingly rolled to achieve an overall reduction of at least about 3:1, imparted by a first reduction while the steel is kept at a temperature above the Tnr by the coiler furnaces so as to preserve an optimum opportunity for controlled recrystallization of the steel after each rolling pass, and a second reduction while the temperature of the steel drops from about the Tnr to about the Ar3. The second reduction is preferably of the order of 2:1 as a result of which the steel reaches a final plate thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventors: Jonathan Dorricott, William R. Frank
  • Patent number: 6264767
    Abstract: A steel rolling mill including a Steckel mill is provided with an in-line upstream quench station located downstream of the caster and upstream of the reheat furnace, a shear located downstream of the Steckel mill, and a temperature reduction station downstream of the shear. The upstream quench station has spray nozzles that quench a surface layer of the steel to transform same from an austentitic to a non-austentitic microstructure. The shear provides a precise transverse vertical face on the leading end of the steel. The temperature reduction station applies cooling fluid to the rolled steel so as to obtain a preferred microstructure that may be either bainite or martensite. If bainite, the temperature reduction station includes laminar-flow cooling apparatus; if martensite, the station also includes an initial rapid quench, in which latter case the station is followed by a tempering furnace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: IPSCO Enterprises Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Frank, Jonathan Dorricott, Laurie E. Collins, Joseph Duane Russo, Robert Joseph Boecker, Brian H. Wales
  • Patent number: 6092992
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method for controlling and detecting faults in a pump system for use in a gas detection device. The system comprises a power source and a switch in operative or electrical connection with the power source. The system further comprises a pump motor in operative connection with the switch such that the pump motor receives energy from the power source when the switch in a first state, and the pump motor does not receive energy from the power source when the switch in a second state. The system preferably also comprises regeneration circuitry in operative connection with the pump motor. The regeneration circuitry operates to redirect energy produced from momentum of the pump motor while the switch is in the second state back to the pump motor. Transmitting circuitry is preferably provided to transmit a motor signal proportional to the speed of the pump motor during the second state of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventors: Gregory G. Imblum, Charles H. Etheridge, William R. Frank
  • Patent number: 6006822
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a magnetic field in a casting mold to slow and redirect in a controllable fashion the flow of liquid steel exiting a submerged entry nozzle in the casting mold using removable laminar elements arrangeable in a horizontal series of vertical stacked arrays in association with corresponding side-by-side laminar constituents of the magnetic field core, or independent field coils for energizing each laminar portion of the magnetic field core, or both. The removable elements are preferably stackable rectangular parallelepiped plates together forming selectably a portion or all of the poles of the core as they extend into proximity with the transverse mold sides at selected locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: IPSCO Enterprises Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Frank, Jonathan Dorricott
  • Patent number: 5902371
    Abstract: In a melt shop for melting scrap to make steel, increased tonnage output for continuous casting for a given primary melt capacity can be obtained by stacking heated ladles of molten steel in inventory at a holding station before the ladles are transferred the ladle refining station or stacking refined ladles, or both, in advance of commencement of casting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: IPSCO Enterprises Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Frank
  • Patent number: 5628958
    Abstract: A melt shop for melting scrap steel comprises a pair of primary melting furnaces and a pair of refining facility stations. The layout for the primary melting furnaces, refining facility, associated support, and peripheral equipment and caster is a single-aisle layout with general longitudinal alignment of the major constituent elements. Scrap delivery to the primary melt furnaces may comprise trackways running perpendicular to the longitudinal layout, the discharge end of each trackway being proximate to a primary melt furnace. A single trackway is preferably provided for a pair of overhead cranes running longitudinally from the caster to the primary melt furnaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: IPSCO Enterprises Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Frank
  • Patent number: 5282397
    Abstract: The engine balancing system preferably has two pivoting counterbalance weights connected to eccentric journals on the crankshaft via their respective link arms. The use of the two pivoting weights and the particular geometrical relationships between the balancing system components enable the balancing system to substantially mimic and oppose the non-sinusoidal piston forces. Several methods of balancing the non-sinusoidal piston forces are disclosed. In a first method, the centers of gravity of the respective counterbalance weights are moved at non-sinusoidal angular accelerations. These angular accelerations are greater when the piston is near its Top Dead Center position than when the piston is near its Bottom Dead Center position to yield higher balancing forces when the piston is near Top Dead Center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph R. Harkness, Patrick J. Bruener, William R. Frank
  • Patent number: 4249782
    Abstract: A dynamically self-aligning bearing and seal for use with agricultural groundworking tools which are exposed to contaminated environments and severe shock loadings. The improved bearing utilizes a spherically-shaped support housing and spherically-shaped outer race ring that are slidably engaged to permit dynamic oscillating movement of the outer race ring relative to the support housing. A multi-lipped seal is carried by the outer race ring and includes first lips extending radially inwardly to wipingly seal the anti-friction ball bearings against contaminates. A thicker second lip of the seal extends radially towards the inner surface of the housing and acts to frictionally and yieldably resist rotating and oscillating movement of the outer race ring relative to the housing. The second lip further serves to seal against entry of contaminates between the two spherically-shaped and interacting surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1981
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: William R. Frank