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Frank, CA

Aaron Frank, Irvine, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110172981HIGH THROUGHPUT ENSEMBLE-BASED DOCKING AND ELUCIDATION OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL STRUCTURAL CONFIRMATIONS OF FLEXIBLE BIOMOLECULAR TARGETS - Methods for generating putative ligand structures capable of altering the activity of a target effector molecule comprise: constructing an elongated monomer of the target effector molecule; constructing a three dimensional model of the target effector molecule under the influence of elongation using empirical three dimensional data, the model including a conformation revealing the binding portion of the target effector molecule to a putative ligand structure; generating a plurality of computational models of the target effector molecule; filtering the plurality of computational models against the three dimensional model created experimentally using a reiterative simulation analysis algorithm operable to identify and select a plurality of computational models having a root-mean square deviation below a predetermined threshold when compared to the three dimensional model of the target effector molecule; screening a plurality of ligands to rank the binding strength of each ligand with the plurality of computational models selected and selecting one or more ligands based on the ranking.07-14-2011

Andrew A. Frank, Davis, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090044996METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS OF A HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE - A control method for operating internal combustion engine electric hybrid vehicles with smaller battery packs, particularly in configurations where an electric motor (E/M) or electric motor/generator (E/MG), a battery, and associated controls are inserted between the engine and a continuously variable or automatic transmission. The interaction between the combustion engine and battery operated electric motor is controlled by taking energy into the batteries only if it is more efficient than throttling the engine and operating the engine at a lower efficiency. Additionally, the batteries are charged to a certain state or the batteries are maintained at a particular state of charge. A goal of the invention is to obtain the best possible fuel economy while maintaining good driveability.02-19-2009
20100280722METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING RATE OF CHANGE OF RATIO IN A CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION - Systems and methods for efficiently and effectively controlling the rate of change of ratio, not simply the ratio, in a CVT. By controlling the rate of change of ratio, the acceleration or deceleration of a vehicle can be controlled in an efficient manner. Furthermore, the rate of change of ratio can be controlled by controlling the clamping pressure of the pulleys and/or differential pressure between the pulleys with minimal slip by using a servo control mechanism adapted for control by a system controller based on equilibrium mapping and other control parameters.11-04-2010
20120122628METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING RATE OF CHANGE OF RATIO IN A CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION - Systems and methods for efficiently and effectively controlling the rate of change of ratio, not simply the ratio, in a CVT. By controlling the rate of change of ratio, the acceleration or deceleration of a vehicle can be controlled in an efficient manner. Furthermore, the rate of change of ratio can be controlled by controlling the clamping pressure of the pulleys and/or differential pressure between the pulleys with minimal slip by using a servo control mechanism adapted for control by a system controller based on equilibrium mapping and other control parameters.05-17-2012

Patent applications by Andrew A. Frank, Davis, CA US

Andrew Alfonso Frank, Davis, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100308586 Wind Turbine Systems Using Continuously Variable Transmissions and Controls - A wind turbine system is disclosed comprising: a plurality of turbine blades; a continuously variable transmission coupled to said plurality of turbine blades; a generator coupled to said continuously variable transmission; wherein said generator generates electricity and outputs said electricity to a load/grid; and a controller providing control signals as a filtered function of power to said continuously variable transmission. The controller of said wind turbine system may also continuously maintain the parameter dP/dR substantially zero where P is power and R is the ratio of the transmission.12-09-2010

Charles Frank, Irvine, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110138057LOW LEVEL STORAGE PROTOCOLS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Communication protocols, systems, and methods that facilitate communication between disaggregated elements, and also to devices adapted to function as such disaggregated elements, particularly across peer-to-peer (masterless) and include one or more unique features such as packet atomicity, blind ACKs, NAT bridging, locking, multicast spanning and mirroring, and authentication.06-09-2011
20110283084DATA STORAGE DEVICES HAVING IP CAPABLE PARTITIONS - Apparatuses, methods, and systems related to IP-addressable partitions are disclosed. In some embodiments an IP address is used to uniquely identify a selected subset of partitions. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.11-17-2011

Charles William Frank, Irvine, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100095023VIRTUAL DEVICES AND VIRTUAL BUS TUNNELS, MODULES AND METHODS - Modules and methods that provide virtual device communication via information packets addressed to the virtual devices. Virtual devices aggregate capabilities of target devices and represent the aggregate as an operational device to remote systems. Physical device elements and virtual devices contained within modules are able to communicate and cooperate over extended distances in a peer-to-peer fashion via a virtual bus tunnel offering addressing and data transport functionality. Such modules and methods can be combined with disk drives to form RAID-like storage structures.04-15-2010

Patent applications by Charles William Frank, Irvine, CA US

Christopher Frank, Penn Valley, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100101561SOLAR PANELS SYSTEMS AND METHODS - According to various embodiments of the invention, systems and methods for attaching a solar panel to a roof are provided. A solar panel generally comprises a solar cell and a frame enclosing the solar cell. The frame may be configured to interface with a conventional roof shingle in an overlapping fashion. In some embodiments, the frame includes an integrated rain-rail configured to provide a conduit for rainwater and mate with a rain-rail on another solar panel providing a mechanical interconnection between the panels. The solar cell may also include a tack-down strip configured to connect the solar panel to a roof. This tack-down strip may be configured to overlap a shingle on a roof.04-29-2010
20100294341APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR FRAMELESS BUILDING INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAIC PANEL - The present invention is directed toward apparatus and methods for solar panels capable of rooftop installation. In some embodiments, a low profile solar laminate is provided, comprising: a base layer; a photovoltaic layer; a semi-rigid panel; an ultraviolet resistant layer; wherein a first adhesive adheres the base layer to the semi-rigid panel, a second adhesive adheres the semi-rigid panel to the photovoltaic layer, and a third adhesive adheres the ultraviolet resistant layer to the photovoltaic layer.11-25-2010

Christopher Frank, Rough And Ready, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100101634THIN PROFILE SOLAR PANEL ROOF TILE - The present invention is directed toward apparatuses, systems and methods for solar panels capable of rooftop installation. In some embodiments, a low profile solar panel is provided, comprising: a solar laminate; and a flexible material sheet adhered to the solar laminate, wherein the flexible material sheet is configured to operate as a frame that supports and houses the solar laminate. In some such embodiments, the low profile solar panel further comprises a secondary sheet, wherein the secondary sheet is disposed on an edge formed by adhering the flexible material sheet to the solar laminate.04-29-2010

Christopher H. Frank, San Jose, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090073648DUST-PROOF, BEZEL-ALIGNING, SPRING-LOADED CONNECTOR COVER - A hard disk drive filler assembly has a hard disk drive bracket and a hard disk drive filler disposed in the hard disk drive bracket. The hard disk drive bracket has a front bezel and a bracket body attached to the back of the front bezel. The hard disk drive filler has a filler body attached to the bracket body of the hard disk drive bracket, a connector cover disposed behind the filler body and operable to be disposed over a connector on a server module or a computer server rack, and at least one spring disposed between the dust cover and the filler body.03-19-2009
20090322192AERODYNAMIC STRUCTURAL SAFETY BARRIER DESIGN - A barrier disposed within a computer housing includes a frame adapted to be secured to the computer housing; and a plurality of elongated members attached to the frame. The plurality of elongated members are disposed across the frame such that the plurality of elongated members are attached to an inner surface of the frame. The barrier defines separate compartments within the computer housing and at least one fan is disposed in a compartment separated by the barrier from another compartment in which at least one electronic component is disposed. A method of manufacturing a barrier includes providing a frame; attaching a plurality of elongated members to the frame; disposing the frame within the housing such that the frame defines separate compartments within the housing; disposing at least one fan in a compartment separated by the barrier from another compartment; and disposing at least one electronic component in the another compartment.12-31-2009

Ed H. Frank, Atherton, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110134866METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING BANDWIDTH ALLOCATION AND SHARING IN A HYBRID WIRED/WIRELESS NETWORK - Aspects of the invention provide a method and system for bandwidth allocation and sharing in a hybrid wired/wireless network. Bandwidth allocation and sharing may include reserving bandwidth for a first access device, a first access point and/or a first switch. In response to a communication session associated with one or more of the first access device, first access point and first switch, at least a portion of the reserved bandwidth may be allocated for use by the first access device, first access point and/or first switch. At least a portion of the reserved bandwidth may be utilized during the communication session. At least an unused remaining portion of the reserved bandwidth may be utilized for communication by one or more of a second access device, a second access point and a second switch.06-09-2011

Edward H. Frank, Portola Valley, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090040940OFF-LINE BROADBAND NETWORK INTERFACE - A system for processing a data packet is disclosed and may include at least one processor that enables receiving of a data packet at a station on a network, the data packet having a preamble which includes a destination tag and a training sequence. The at least one processor may enable obtaining a channel model using the training sequence, and encoding each of one or more addresses that the station receives with the channel model to produce a result. The at least one processor may also enable comparing the result with the destination tag. The at least one processor may enable convolving of each of the one or more addresses that the station receives with the channel model to produce the result.02-12-2009
20090046769METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING SIGNAL PROCESSING REQUIREMENTS FOR TRANSMITTING PACKET-BASED DATA - A modem and method for operating same. A receiver circuit of the modem is coupled to receive a continuous analog signal from a communication channel. This analog signal includes both packet and idle information. The receiver circuit monitors the analog signal to detect the presence of idle information. Upon detecting idle information, the receiver circuit enters a standby mode in which the processing requirements of the receiver circuit are reduced. A burst mode protocol is also provided, in which packets of digital information are modulated by a transmitter circuit the modem, thereby converting the packets of digital information into analog signal bursts of discrete duration. These analog signal bursts are transmitted from the transmitter circuit to a telephone line. However, the transmitter circuit does not generate any signals between the analog signal bursts. A receiver circuit monitors the telephone line to detect the analog signal bursts. Upon detecting the presence of the analog signal bursts on the telephone line, the receiver circuit demodulates the analog signal bursts using full processing capabilities of the receiver circuit. However, upon detecting the absence of the analog signal bursts on the telephone line, the demodulating function of the receiver circuit is disabled. The burst mode protocol enables multi-drop and multi-cast operation, as well as reducing required DSP resources.02-19-2009

Edward H. Frank, Atherton, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080279264High speed data bus for communicating between wireless interface devices of a host device - A circuit includes a first wireless interface circuit that communicates packetized data to a first external device in accordance with a first wireless communication protocol. A second wireless interface circuit communicates packetized data to a second external device in accordance with a second wireless communication protocol. A plurality of signal lines communicate at least four lines of cooperation data between the first wireless interface circuit and the second wireless interface circuit, wherein the cooperation data relates to cooperate transceiving in a common frequency spectrum.11-13-2008
20090016318SYNCHRONIZED UWB PICONETS FOR SOP (SIMULTANEOUSLY OPERATING PICONET) PERFORMANCE - Synchronized UWB piconets for SOP (Simultaneously Operating Piconet) performance. A common backbone (either wired or wireless) is employed that provides a common CLK (clock signal) to all of the various PNCs (piconet coordinators) of various piconets that may operate within a sufficiently close region such that interference could undesirably occur. By providing a very reliable CLK signal from a common backbone to all of the PNCs of the various piconets operating within a substantially close proximity to one another, very precise synchronization may be ensured for all of the communications performed therein. The various piconets may then even operate using TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access)—whose performance would be substantially compromised without effective synchronization. In addition, combined TFC (time frequency code) and TDMA may also be employed to support the communications therein thereby providing even another degree of orthogonality that provided by TDMA alone.01-15-2009
20100088516Systems and Methods For Providing Security to Different Functions - Methods and systems are provided that use smartcards, such as subscriber identity module (SIM) cards to provide secure functions for a mobile client. One embodiment of the invention provides a mobile communication network system that includes a mobile network, a mobile terminal, a server coupled to the mobile terminal via the mobile network, and a subscriber identity module (SIM) card coupled to the mobile terminal. The SIM card includes a first key and a second key. The first key is used to authenticate an intended user of the mobile terminal to the mobile network. Upon successful authentication of the intended user to the mobile network, the mobile terminal downloads a function offered from the server through the mobile network. The second key is then used by the mobile terminal to authenticate the intended user to the downloaded function so that the intended user can utilize the function.04-08-2010
20100290451Synchronized UWB piconets for SOP (Simultaneously Operating Piconet) performance - Synchronized UWB piconets for SOP (Simultaneously Operating Piconet) performance. A common backbone (either wired or wireless) is employed that provides a common CLK (clock signal) to all of the various PNCs (piconet coordinators) of various piconets that may operate within a sufficiently close region such that interference could undesirably occur. By providing a very reliable CLK signal from a common backbone to all of the PNCs of the various piconets operating within a substantially close proximity to one another, very precise synchronization may be ensured for all of the communications performed therein. The various piconets may then even operate using TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access)—whose performance would be substantially compromised without effective synchronization. In addition, combined TFC (time frequency code) and TDMA may also be employed to support the communications therein thereby providing even another degree of orthogonality that provided by TDMA alone.11-18-2010
20110271111Systems and Methods For Providing Security to Different Functions - Methods and systems are provided that use smartcards, such as subscriber identity module (SIM) cards to provide secure functions for a mobile client. One embodiment of the invention provides a mobile communication network system that includes a mobile network, a mobile terminal, a server coupled to the mobile terminal via the mobile network, and a subscriber identity module (SIM) card coupled to the mobile terminal. The SIM card includes a first key and a second key. The first key is used to authenticate an intended user of the mobile terminal to the mobile network. Upon successful authentication of the intended user to the mobile network, the mobile terminal downloads a function offered from the server through the mobile network. The second key is then used by the mobile terminal to authenticate the intended user to the downloaded function so that the intended user can utilize the function.11-03-2011
20120021723System and Method for Protecting Data in a Synchronized Environment - A system includes a mobile device providing a plurality of applications and an agent providing first and second authentication procedures for authenticating a user of the mobile device to first and second applications running on the mobile device. A first application is enabled by authenticating a user through a first authentication procedure, and a second application is enabled by authenticating a user through a second authentication procedure. The agent authenticates the user to the first application following the first authentication procedure, and the agent authenticates the user to the second application following the second authentication procedure.01-26-2012
20120106457COOPERATIVE TRANSCEIVING BETWEEN WIRELESS INTERFACE DEVICES OF A HOST DEVICE - A method and/or apparatus for cooperative transceiving between wireless interface devices of a host device includes processing that begins by providing an indication of receiving an inbound packet from one wireless interface device (e.g., Bluetooth compliant radio transceiver, IEEE 802.11 compliant radio transceiver, etc.) to another. The wireless interlace device receiving the indication processes the indication and, based on the processing, transmits an outbound packet in accordance with the processing of the indication. For example, the wireless interface device receiving the indication may delay transmission until the other wireless interface device has received the packet, or, if transmission of the packet would not interfere with the receiving of the packet by the other wireless interface device, the wireless interface device receiving the indication would transmit its packet.05-03-2012

Patent applications by Edward H. Frank, Atherton, CA US

Edward H. Frank, Irvine, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100202601Selective Unblocking of Caller ID Based on Security Level - A system for selectively blocking and unblocking the sending of outgoing caller ID information from a communication device comprises a communication device, a processor coupled to the communication device and a storage medium coupled to the processor containing a directory of information entries. The information entries include both telephone numbers and associated security levels. When a call is placed to a number using the communication device, the processor seeks the number in the directory of the storage medium. If an entry is found for the number by the processor, caller ID information is prevented from being sent to the number unless a security level associated with the number is at or above a predefined cut-off level.08-12-2010

Gary Liebling Frank, San Francisco, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080295376Book shelf display device - A spring loaded display device is described particularly suited for attachment to the leading edge of a shelf such as a bookshelf, the display unit including a clip mechanism for securely grasping the top and bottom surfaces of a shelf at its edge, the clip mechanism hingedly connected to a display unit which can freely rotate about the hinged connection. The display unit itself, generally of rectangular configuration, is designed to receive a document, and includes a transparent face so that the document contents may be easily viewed.12-04-2008

George Frank, Pacifica, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100208583PATH-LEVEL PROTECTION FOR DIGITALLY WRAPPED PAYLOADS - A node, of a group of nodes, may detect a failure on a first path; establish a connection associated with a second path when the failure on the first path is detected; store an identifier in a field in an overhead portion of a data frame when the failure on the first path is detected, the data frame including a payload portion that contains a client signal, the identifier instructing another one of the nodes to establish a connection associated with the second path; and transmit the data frame to the other one of the nodes via the second path.08-19-2010

Gregory F. Frank, Walnut Creek, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110039614GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A CASUAL WAGERING GAME - Various embodiments of the disclosed gaming system, gaming device and method provide a casual wagering game which includes a matrix having a plurality of positions. A plurality of path endpoints are positioned along a perimeter of the matrix. In various embodiments, each of the path endpoints are associated with one of an award, a symbol indicating advancement to a subsequent level or a terminator symbol. Each position of the matrix, except a starting position, is configured to accommodate one of a plurality of tiles. Each tile includes one or a plurality of path segments. When the tiles are placed in certain configurations, path segments of bordering tiles form a complete path between the starting position and one or more of the path endpoints. The general objective of the game is for a player to place tiles at positions in the matrix such that connecting path segments form a complete path between the start position and one or more path endpoints in order to win the path endpoint awards.02-17-2011

Gregory F. Frank, Tiburon, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100120495GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD PROVIDING ACCUMULATION GAME - A gaming system and method enables a player to assign at least one amplifier to at least one accumulator. In one embodiment, the amplifier causes an increase in the rate of advancement for the accumulator. In one embodiment, the gaming system provides the player any awards associated with the level of one or more of the accumulators.05-13-2010
20100120521GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD OF PROVIDING COLLECTORS AND TOKENS ASSOCIATED WITH COLLECTORS - Various embodiments of the disclosed gaming system, gaming device and method provide a selection game having a plurality of tokens which are assignable to a plurality of token collectors. Each of the token collectors has a designated capacity which may be the same or different for the token collectors. In one embodiment, the designated capacity of one or more token collectors is a number of tokens. In various other embodiments, the designated capacity of one or more token collectors is a total award value.05-13-2010
20120034973GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A CASCADING SYMBOL GAME INCLUDING SHIFTING DIFFERENT DETERMINED SYMBOLS - During a play of a game, the disclosed gaming system determines that an ending condition has occurred. For example, the gaming system determines that an ending condition has occurred when no winning symbol combinations are displayed for the play of the game. Following determination that the ending condition has occurred, the gaming system determines whether to provide access to an additional win opportunity for the play of the game. If the additional win opportunity is to be provided, the gaming system removes one or more symbols from a plurality of symbol positions even though such symbols do not form a winning symbol combination. The gaming system fills any resulting empty symbol positions by shifting symbols and/or displaying generated symbols, and provides awards for any then-generated winning symbol combinations. The additional win opportunity may be accessed because of a player wager or because other additional win opportunity criteria are satisfied.02-09-2012
20120100914GAMING SYSTEM, GAMNG DEVICE AND METHOD PROVIDING ACCUMULATION GAME - A gaming system and method enables a player to assign at least one amplifier to at least one accumulator. In one embodiment, the amplifier causes an increase in the rate of advancement for the accumulator. In one embodiment, the gaming system provides the player any awards associated with the level of one or more of the accumulators.04-26-2012

James Frederick Frank, San Diego, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100157238EYEGLASS SUPPORT - A device for enhancing support of eyeglasses on the head of a person. The device is in the form of an independent support member or an adjustable strap having a support member to enhance support of eyeglasses. The strap may include a cushion to provide comfort. The support member includes a hook for supporting the eyeglasses. The device is useful for supporting eyeglasses from the bridge of the nose of a person who has undergone rhinoplasty surgery or for supporting heavy equipment associated with eyeglasses used for surgical applications. The independent support member is easily attached to a head-engaging device and eyeglasses to enhance support of the eyeglasses.06-24-2010

Jeffrey D. Frank, Santa Barbara, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100309315INFRARED CAMERA SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DUAL SENSOR APPLICATIONS - Systems and methods disclosed herein provide for infrared camera systems and methods for dual sensor applications. For example, in one embodiment, an enhanced vision system comprises an image capture component having a visible light sensor to capture visible light images and an infrared sensor to capture infrared images. The system comprises a first control component adapted to provide a plurality of selectable processing modes to a user, receive a user input corresponding to a user selected processing mode, and generate a control signal indicative of the user selected processing mode, wherein the plurality of selectable processing modes includes a visible light only mode, infrared only mode, and a combined visible-infrared mode. The system comprises a processing component adapted to receive the generated control signal from the control component, process the captured visible light images and the captured infrared images according to the user selected processing mode, and generate processed images based on the processing mode selected by the user. The system comprises a display component adapted to display the processed images based on the processing mode selected by the user.12-09-2010
20110279673MARITIME CONTROLS SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Systems and methods disclosed herein provide for various embodiments of maritime control components. For example in one embodiment, a control component, adapted to be used with a watercraft, includes a mounting feature adapted to mount the control component to a steering wheel of the watercraft, and a mode selector of the control component adapted to receive and transmit a first user input signal corresponding to a user selected mode of operation from a plurality of selectable modes of operation including a map mode, a sonar mode, a fishfinder mode, a radar mode, an autopilot pattern mode, an entertainment mode, and/or a maritime mode. The control component further includes an increase/decrease actuator adapted to receive and transmit a second user input signal corresponding to a user selection within the user selected mode of operation. Embodiments of a watercraft and a method of display control are also provided.11-17-2011

Joel Hudson Frank, San Diego, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110296813VARIABLE AREA FAN NOZZLE WITH BYPASS FLOW - The exit area of a nozzle assembly is varied by translating a ring assembly located at a rear of the engine nacelle. The ring may be axially translatable along the axis of the engine. As the ring translates, the trailing edge of the ring defines a variable nozzle exit area. Translation of the ring creates an upstream exit at a leading edge of the ring assembly. The upstream exit can be used to bleed or otherwise spill flow excess from the engine bypass duct. As the engine operates in various flight conditions, the ring can be translated to obtain lower fan pressure ratios and thereby increase the efficiency of the engine. Fairings partially enclose actuator components for reduced drag.12-08-2011

Jonathan D. Frank, Los Gatos, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090173476SPRAY COOLING THERMAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SEMICONDUCTOR PROBING, DIAGNOSTICS, AND FAILURE ANALYSIS - A micro-spray cooling system beneficial for use in testers of electrically stimulated integrated circuit chips is disclosed. The system includes micro-spray heads disposed about a probe head. The spray heads and probe head are disposed in a sealed manner inside a spray chamber that, during operation, is urged in a sealing manner onto a sealing plate holding the integrated circuit under test. The atomized mist cools the integrated circuit and then condenses on the spray chamber wall. The condensed fluid is pumped out of the chamber and is circulated in a chiller, so as to be recirculated and injected again into the micro-spray heads. The pressure inside the spray chamber may be controlled to provide a desired boiling point.07-09-2009
20100230198AUTOMATED VEHICLE AND SYSTEM UTILIZING AN OPTICAL SENSING SYSTEM - An automated vehicle includes a vehicle body, a power source, one or more motors, running gear for facilitating movement, and an optical system. The one or more motors are housed within the vehicle body and are in operable connection with the power source, and the running gear are in operable connection with the one or more motors. The optical system includes one or more optical sensors positioned generally at an underside of the vehicle body. The one or more optical sensors are configured to generate an output in response to a path. The optical system is configured to regulate an amount of power supplied to the one or more motors in response to the output generated by the one or more optical sensors.09-16-2010
20120007623SPRAY COOLING THERMAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SEMICONDUCTOR PROBING, DIAGNOSTICS, AND FAILURE ANALYSIS - A micro-spray cooling system beneficial for use in testers of electrically stimulated integrated circuit chips is disclosed. The system includes micro-spray heads disposed about a probe head. The spray heads and probe head are disposed in a sealed manner inside a spray chamber that, during operation, is urged in a sealing manner onto a sealing plate holding the integrated circuit under test. The atomized mist cools the integrated circuit and then condenses on the spray chamber wall. The condensed fluid is pumped out of the chamber and is circulated in a chiller, so as to be re-circulated and injected again into the micro-spray heads. The pressure inside the spray chamber may be controlled to provide a desired boiling point.01-12-2012

Patent applications by Jonathan D. Frank, Los Gatos, CA US

Julee Frank, Long Beach, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090234720Method and System for Tracking and Coaching Service Professionals - A method and system for tracking and managing a service professional's business includes a server coupled to the Internet for receiving business parameter data from a service professional on a remote computer. Business parameter data includes a variety of data of relevance to the service professional's particular type of business. Current and historical business parameter data are subjected to a multivariate regression analysis to determine a business model equation's coefficients which may be linear or polynomial. Current week business parameter data can be applied to the business model to determine whether the business is operating within the business model or is achieving performance goals. The business model equation can be used to suggest measures to improve business performance. Coefficients of other service professional business models may be mined to provide peer comparisons. Analysis results can be used to generate coaching suggestions which the server can deliver to the service professional.09-17-2009

Matthew Frank, Woodside, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120121513PLATFORM TECHNOLOGIES FOR SPONTANEOUSLY OCCURRING DISEASES - The invention provides platform technologies for spontaneously occurring diseases that can be used for translational medicine. Non-human companion animals, such as dogs, spontaneously develop diseases that mirror human diseases. Using companion animals that develop spontaneously occurring diseases can benefit the time and cost for translational medicine by allowing for testing of one or more parameters that would otherwise not be permitted under FDA regulations. Furthermore, that could cure or treat their spontaneously occurring diseases.05-17-2012

Matthias Frank, Oakland, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090221087Safe biodegradable fluorescent particles - A human-safe fluorescence particle that can be used for fluorescence detection instruments or act as a safe simulant for mimicking the fluorescence properties of microorganisms. The particle comprises a non-biological carrier and natural fluorophores encapsulated in the non-biological carrier. By doping biodegradable-polymer drug delivery microspheres with natural or synthetic fluorophores, the desired fluorescence can be attained or biological organisms can be simulated without the associated risks and logistical difficulties of live microorganisms.09-03-2009

Michael L. Frank, Menlo Park, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080297282ACOUSTIC POWER TRANSFORMER INCLUDING LENS - An acoustic power transformer includes: an input port adapted to receive an input signal; a transmitting acoustic transducer coupled to the input port and adapted to transmit an acoustic wave in response to the input signal received at the input port; a receiving acoustic transducer adapted to receive the acoustic wave and in response thereto to produce an output signal; an output port adapted to output the output signal; and an acoustic medium disposed in an acoustic wave propagation path between the transmitting acoustic transducer and the receiving acoustic transducer. In one case, at least one of the transmitting acoustic transducer and receiving acoustic transducer includes a Fresnel lens. In another case, the transformer includes an acoustic lens disposed in the acoustic wave propagation path between the transmitting acoustic transducer and the receiving acoustic transducer.12-04-2008
20090273415BULK ACOUSTIC RESONATOR ELECTRICAL IMPEDANCE TRANSFORMERS - An electrical impedance transformer comprises a first film bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR), having a first electrical impedance and a first resonance frequency. The electrical impedance transformer also comprises: a second FBAR, having a second electrical impedance and a second resonance frequency, and being disposed over the first FBAR. The electrical impedance transformer also includes a decoupling layer disposed between the first and the second FBARs. The first electrical impedance differs from the second electrical impedance and the first and second resonance frequencies are substantially the same.11-05-2009

Patent applications by Michael L. Frank, Menlo Park, CA US

Michael Louis Frank, Menlo Park, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090101999ELECTRONIC DEVICE ON SUBSTRATE WITH CAVITY AND MITIGATED PARASITIC LEAKAGE PATH - An electronic device. The electronic device includes a first electrode and a coating layer. The electronic device is fabricated on a substrate; the substrate has a cavity created in a top surface of the substrate; and the first electrode is electrically coupled to the substrate. The coating layer coats at least part of a substrate surface in the cavity, and the presence of the coating layer results in a mitigation of at least one parasitic leakage path between the first electrode and an additional electrode fabricated on the substrate.04-23-2009

Patent applications by Michael Louis Frank, Menlo Park, CA US

Palathingal Frank, Santa Clara, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100106985SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GLOBAL POWER MANAGEMENT IN A POWER OVER ETHERNET CHASSIS - A system and method for global power management in a power over Ethernet (PoE) chassis. Power supply status signals indicative of an operating condition of a plurality of power supplies are provided to a plurality of power sourcing equipment (PSE) controller chips in a plurality of blades of a chassis system. Pre-configured combination logic within each of the PSE controller chips converts an indicated operational state of the plurality of power supplies into a powering decision for each of the ports served by the PSE controller chip. Global power management is also effected through the use of scaling factors for the various blades to ensure that the lowest priority powered port (LPPP) in a first blade does not have a lower priority than the highest priority non-powered port (HPNPP) in a second blade.04-29-2010

Peter E. Frank, Redwood City, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100293100Authenticated Payment11-18-2010