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Fries, US

Alexander Fries, Saratoga, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110071901Online Advertising Methods and Systems and Revenue Sharing Methods and Systems Related to Same - The present teachings provide methods for a user (e.g., content contributor) of an online digital content platform to earn revenue on a per click-and-view business model by embedding their online digital content into an advertisement frame. In various embodiments, the user of the online digital content platform will choose an advertisement frame from a given category prior to distributing her online digital content. The selected advertisement frame can be shown during the entire viewing of the online digital content by a third party viewer. For each click-and-view by a third party viewer, the user will receive compensation from the advertiser. The payment system for the revenue sharing scheme can be provided by the online digital content platform.03-24-2011

Amanda Fries, Ellicott City, MD US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110231278GARMENT SIZING SYSTEM - The present invention is a garment sizing system that that identifies the correct garment size for a particular garment type for a plurality of brands. In an embodiment, the garment sizing system is a client-server system that uses at least one server to host a website, garment sizing software, and at least one database. The consumers access the website over a communication network using networked devices. The database is populated with garment data such as garment type, brand name, brand line, retailers that sell that sell the brand, garment size, and dimensional garment measurements. Using the website, the consumer inputs the consumer's body measurement or the size of a specific garment that is known to fit the consumer, and the system retrieves and displays from the database the correct sizes for a specific garment type from a variety of brands based on the inputted data.09-22-2011

Anita Denise Fries, Lake Villa, IL US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090318194Methods and Devices of a Communication Device and a Digital Picture Frame - Disclosed are devices and methods of a mobile communication device including receiving data related to an image exhibited on a display device of a digital frame and processing the received data to access at least one communication initiation address. The communication device and the digital frame may establish communication in any number of manners. For example, the communication device may be in the proximity of the digital frame or may touch the frame itself, for example on a touch screen of the digital frame. In any event, the digital frame may include a transceiver to transmit data to the communication device so that at least in part based on data of the digital frame the communication device may automatically or semi-automatically initiate a communication to a communication address associated with the data. Accordingly, a user's desire to place a call telephone based on viewing a photo may be simply initiated.12-24-2009

Bruce Fries, Fort Collins, CO US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090127101METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR SPUTTERING DEPOSITION USING DIRECT CURRENT - An apparatus and methods for plasma-based sputtering deposition using a direct current power supply is disclosed. In one embodiment, a plasma is generated by connecting a plurality of electrodes to a supply of current, and a polarity of voltage applied to each of a plurality of electrodes in the processing chamber is periodically reversed so that at least one of the electrodes sputters material on to the substrate. And an amount of power that is applied to at least one of the plurality of electrodes is modulated so as to deposit the material on the stationary substrate with a desired characteristic. In some embodiments, the substrate is statically disposed in the chamber during processing. And many embodiments utilize feedback indicative of the state of the deposition to modulate the amount of power applied to one or more electrodes.05-21-2009

Christopher L. Fries, Fresno, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120011637Weighted Apparatus for an Article of Clothing - A weighted apparatus for use with a dress, skirt, blouse or other article of clothing to prevent the wind or other moving air from raising a lower end of the clothing. The weighted apparatus has a first member comprising a metal plate positioned against the outer surface of the lower end of the clothing and a second member comprising one or more magnets positioned against the inner surface of the clothing to magnetically engage the metal plate with the clothing between the first and second members. The first member is coated, covered or otherwise configured in corresponding or contrasting relation to the outer surface of the clothing. The first member can have a cover material with a pattern that matches, compliments or contrasts with the clothing. The first member can have a decorative item with a design. The second member can have a base plate that supports the magnets.01-19-2012

David P. Fries, St. Petersburg, FL US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080291418Method and apparatus for maskless photolithography - A method and apparatus to create two dimensional and three dimensional structures using a maskless photolithography system that is semi-automated, directly reconfigurable, and does not require masks, templates or stencils to create each of the planes or layers on a multi layer two-dimensional or three dimensional structure. In an embodiment, the pattern generator comprises a micromirror array wherein the positioning of the mirrors in the micromirror array and the time duration of exposure can be modulated to produce gray scale patterns to photoform layers of continuously variable thickness. The desired pattern can be designed and stored using conventional computer aided drawing techniques and can be used to control the positioning of the individual mirrors in the micromirror array to reflect the corresponding desired pattern. A fixture for mounting of the substrate can be incorporated and can allow the substrate to be moved three dimensions. The fixture can be rotated in one, two, or three directions. 11-27-2008
20100058842SELF-PROPELLED SENSOR APPARATUS FOR IN SITU ANALYSIS OF ENVIROMENTAL PARAMETERS - A self-propelled apparatus for analyzing a component contained in a fluid medium. The self-propelled apparatus uses kinetic energy of the apparatus to drive a fluid under analysis through the apparatus. This is accomplished by use of a conveyance system that is attached to the analytical system of the apparatus. A sensor system is used to analyze the component collected within the confines of an analysis chamber, a part of the analysis system. The invention also includes a method of using the analytical apparatus.03-11-2010
20100058843SELF-PROPELLED SENSOR APPARATUS FOR IN SITU ANALYSIS OF ENVIROMENTAL PARAMETERS - A submersible, self-propelled apparatus for analyzing a component contained in a liquid medium. The submersible, self-propelled apparatus uses kinetic energy of the apparatus to drive a liquid under analysis through the apparatus. This is accomplished by use of a conveyance system that is attached to the analytical system of the apparatus. A sensor system is used to analyze the component collected within the confines of an analysis chamber, a part of the analysis system. The invention also includes a method of using the analytical apparatus.03-11-2010

Patent applications by David P. Fries, St. Petersburg, FL US

Gregory J. Fries, Hubertus, WI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110192749Package of Disposable Absorbent Pants - A package of disposable pants comprises a housing portion comprising a front panel comprising a front transparent window. The package further includes a plurality of disposable absorbent pants disposed within the housing portion, each pant defining a waist opening, two leg openings, a waist end, and a crotch end. At least a first pant and a second pant are positioned within the housing portion to be visible through the front transparent window, such that neither the waist end nor the crotch end of either the first pant or the second pant is visible through the front transparent window. In another embodiment, no elastically transversely gathered portions of either the first pant or the second pant are visible through the front transparent window. In another embodiment, first, second, and third pant folded heights are each approximately one-third of the height of a fourth pant.08-11-2011

Gregory James Fries, Hubertus, WI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120043244PACKAGE OF FOLDED DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT PANTS - The package includes a housing portion having a transparent window region. A plurality of disposable absorbent pants is disposed within the housing portion. Each pant defines a waistband region which abuts a waist end. Each waistband region comprises a front waistband portion and a back waistband portion. Each pant further defines a crotch region which abuts a crotch end. At least a first pant is folded and positioned such that at least a portion of the waistband region of the first pant is visible through the transparent window region. Specified portions of the first pant may be obscured by an opaque border region. The first pant may include a back-label indicator that is visible through the transparent window region. A second pant may also be visible through the transparent window region.02-23-2012
20120043245PACKAGE OF FOLDED DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT PANTS - The package comprises a housing portion having a transparent window region. A plurality of disposable absorbent pants is disposed within the housing portion. Each pant defines a waistband region which abuts a waist end. Each waistband region comprises a front waistband portion and a back waistband portion. Each pant further defines a crotch region which abuts a crotch end. At least a first pant is folded and positioned such that at least a portion of the waistband region of the first pant is visible through the transparent window region. Specified portions of the first pant may be obscured by an opaque border region. The first pant may include a back-label indicator that is visible through the transparent window region. A second pant may also be visible through the transparent window region.02-23-2012

James R. Fries, Fenton, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080257426INTEGRAL HINGE - A valve is provided. The valve may include a housing defining a cavity. A first end of the housing may define an opening configured to be closed by a flapper door. The valve may further include a hinge formed integrally with the housing. The hinge may extend from an upper portion of the housing and be configured to receive the flapper door. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the hinge extends beyond the opening. The hinge may provide a pivot point for the flapper door that is at or above the opening of the housing.10-23-2008

Jeffrey Michael Fries, Lee'S Summit, MO US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080296441System and method for broken rail and train detection - A rail break or rail vehicle detection system which includes a voltage source, capable of voltage source compensation, is coupled to each of a plurality of zones within a block of rail track devoid of insulated joints. A plurality of current sensors are provided, each coupled to a respective voltage source and configured to measure current flowing through the sensor in response to changing voltage patterns. Each current sensor is further configured in one embodiment to determine and compare signatures based on current measurements to a predetermined decision surface to detect the presence of a rail vehicle or rail break on a predetermined block of track. The voltage source or current sensor can be adapted to control voltage levels and polarity of each voltage source. A method of communicating the presence or absence of a rail break or rail vehicle employs an in-rail TDMA communication scheme to synchronize, test and communicate directly between the sensors without use of external controllers.12-04-2008
20090079560REMOTELY MONITORING RAILROAD EQUIPMENT USING NETWORK PROTOCOLS - Remote monitoring and diagnosis of railroad devices using data structures defined for each of the railroad devices. The railroad devices are configured to populate the data structures with status data. The railroad devices transmit the status data for analysis using a network protocol. The analysis of the data results in reduced maintenance.03-26-2009
20090173842METHODS AND SYSTEM OF AUTOMATING TRACK CIRCUIT CALIBRATION - A method for calibrating a track circuit is provided. The track circuit includes a transmit processing unit, a receive processing unit, and a plurality of rails coupled in series to form a track section having a first end and a second end. The transmit processing unit is coupled to the track section adjacent the first end. The receive processing unit is coupled to the track section adjacent the second end. The method includes operating the transmit processing unit so that a first voltage is applied to the track section, operating the receive processing unit to detect a first current signal, and if a parameter of the first current signal is not within a predetermined acceptable range, then communicating with the transmit processing unit so that the transmit processing unit applies a second voltage to the track section, the second voltage having a different magnitude than the first voltage.07-09-2009
20100258682SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTERFACING WAYSIDE SIGNAL DEVICE WITH VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM - In a transportation system (rail system or otherwise), a wayside device potentially operates in a plurality of operational modes. The wayside device is outfitted with an interface system for interfacing the wayside signal device with a vehicle control system. The interface system determines the present operational mode of the wayside device and independently communicates information relating to the determined present operational mode to the vehicle control system. The vehicle control system may control the vehicle based on the information relating to the determined present operational mode. The interface system includes functionality for validating the determined present operational mode prior to transmission of the information to the vehicle control system, to ensure that the vehicle control system is provided with correct and/or current information. The wayside device may be a wayside signal device whose operational modes (as determined by the interface system) are signal aspects conveyed to a vehicle.10-14-2010

Patent applications by Jeffrey Michael Fries, Lee'S Summit, MO US

Jennifer M. Fries, Franklin, OH US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120128494VARIABLE PERFORMANCE VANEAXIAL FAN WITH HIGH EFFICIENCY - The design of a high efficiency, variable performance vaneaxial fan, requires the utilization of typical fan and single stage compressor design methodologies. To be able to replace multiple fans, the variable vaneaxial fan design must be capable of operation at several different flow rates and total pressures. These operation points can be met by varying motor revolutions per minute (RPM) or geometric parameters such as the hub diameter, tip diameter, as well as blade geometry including number of blades, pitch, spacing, and length. An ideal design with variable performance can replace a family of current fan designs by providing the capability for efficient operation over a range of flow rates and total pressures. This level of variability would not only allow the fan to respond to changing environmental conditions but also to be fit into systems with different characteristics.05-24-2012

Karen Fries, Seattle, WA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080244401User interface teaching concepts in an application - Various embodiments provide a wizard integrated as part of an application to assist a user in operating within the application. In one or more embodiments, the wizard comprises an inline portion of the application's user interface and is designed to enable a user to express a desired goal and then present one or more choices that appear to satisfy the user's desired goal. The choices are titled in a manner that obscures or abstracts away more complex choices and concepts with which a user may not be familiar. When the user selects a particular displayed choice, the wizard can present further choices which are progressively narrowed to focus on the user's desired goal, thus directing the user to a suitable feature to accomplish his or her goal and providing just-in-time conceptual information about the feature to enable the user to use that feature.10-02-2008

Landon J. Fries, Spicer, MN US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110308870FLAT PLATE FRONT FRAME FOR A TRACTOR HAVING BALLAST, BUMPER, AND TOW CABLE CONNECTIONS - A flat plate nose frame design for a tractor in which a thick, flat structural plate is connected to and forwardly extends from the conventional frame rails of the tractor. The flat plate nose frame design increases vertical clearance under the hood without raising the hood height or reducing ground clearance. The nose plate is contoured to match the exterior contours of the tractor grill and hood eliminating the need for a separate aesthetic component covering the nose plate. The nose plate features a pair of vertically aligned short-height frame plates extending forwardly along the axis from the deep-section frame rails to increase strength in the flat nose plate without significantly increasing vertical height of the nose plate assembly. The flat plate nose frame is capable of withstanding operational loads as well as supporting a weight package or front-mounted implements. Additionally, a releasable connector for a tow cable common on large tractors may also be connected to and supported by the flat plate nose frame without adverse impact to its primary advantages.12-22-2011

Landon J. Fries, Fargo, ND US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080315560ATTACHMENT MOUNT FOR A TOW CABLE ON AN AGRICULTURAL TRACTOR - A tow cable mounting structure for an agricultural tractor that includes a pin-connection feature for a tow cable so that an easily accessible tow connection anchored to the tractor frame can be provided on the tractor. The mounting structure includes a contoured end portion and a bracing structure to manage stress distribution in the mounting structure and the tractor chassis thereby enabling the attachment mount to be added to a tractor with minimal alteration of the chassis12-25-2008

Louis F. Fries, Columbia, MD US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080260781PROTEOSOME INFLUENZA VACCINE - Improved forms of vaccines which comprise proteosomes and protein antigens are described. Vaccines which contain influenza HA as the antigen are used for illustration as to demonstrate efficacy. Improvements in the preparation of the vaccines themselves and the proteosome component are also included.10-23-2008

Robert Fries, Kirkland, WA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080270564Virtual machine migration - Virtual machine migration is described. In embodiment(s), a virtual machine can be migrated from one host computer to another utilizing LUN (logic unit number) masking. A virtual drive of the virtual machine can be mapped to a LUN mask associates the LUN with a host computer. The LUN mask can be changed to unmask the LUN to a second computer to migrate the virtual machine from the host computer to the second computer.10-30-2008
20100281482APPLICATION EFFICIENCY ENGINE - A system and a method are provided. Performance and capacity statistics, with respect to an application executing on one or more VMs, may be accessed and collected. The collected performance and capacity statistics may be analyzed to determine an improved hardware profile for efficiently executing the application on a VM. VMs with a virtual hardware configuration matching the improved hardware profile may be scheduled and deployed to execute the application. Performance and capacity statistics, with respect to the VMs, may be periodically analyzed to determine whether a threshold condition has occurred. When the threshold condition has been determined to have occurred, performance and capacity statistics, with respect to VMs having different configurations corresponding to different hardware profiles, may be automatically analyzed to determine an updated improved hardware profile. VMs for executing the application may be redeployed with virtual hardware configurations matching the updated improved profile.11-04-2010

Robert M. Fries, Redmond, WA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110258655INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATION SYSTEM USING TELEVISION SET-TOP BOX - An interactive entertainment and information system using a television set-top box, wherein pages of information are periodically provided to the set-top box for user interaction therewith. The pages include associated meta-data defining active locations on each page. When a page is displayed, the user interacts with the active locations on the page by entering commands via a remote control device, whereby the system reads the meta-data and takes the action associated with the location. Actions include moving to other active locations, hyperlinking to other pages, entering user form data and submitting the data as a form into memory. The form data may be read from memory, and the pages may be related to a conventional television program, thereby providing significant user interactivity with the television.10-20-2011

Robert M. Fries, Sammamish, WA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110209140AUTOMATED DEPLOYMENT AND SERVICING OF DISTRIBUTED APPLICATIONS - Deployment and servicing tasks associated with multi-tier, distributed applications, application environments and data centers are automated so that a person does not have to manually perform these tasks. All of the information describing and defining the distributed service is modeled and stored in a re-useable service template that can be used to drive an automated system to programmatically deploy and manage the service over time. Deployment and servicing of a distributed application can be automated using re-useable models that capture hardware and workload definitions. The re-useable models in the form of service templates enable delta-based servicing of the application. The service can be deployed to one or more physical machines, one or more virtual machines or to a combination thereof. A default deployment plan can be customized with instance-specific customizations of service parameters.08-25-2011

Robert M. Fries, Irvine, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090027262METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR GEOMETRY EXTRA-REDUNDANT ALMOST FIXED SOLUTIONS - Methods and apparatus for providing high integrity probability of connect fix (PCF) in GPS navigation applications, such as precision approach and landing and airborne refueling. In an exemplary embodiment, an enlarged pull in region is used to compute protection levels. In an exemplary embodiment, geometric extra-redundancy is used to enhance PCF and PAF (probability of almost fixed). In an exemplary embodiment, geometric extra-redundancy almost fixed solutions provide superior accuracy and integrity for GPS navigation applications.01-29-2009

Todd Fries, Waukesha, WI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100139868Label printer and applicator - An apparatus and method for printing and wrapping adhesive backed labels around elongate articles, such as electrical wires, including a rotatable puck assembly having an interrupted circumferential surface defining an opening for receiving an elongate object to be labeled and wing members for applying said label during rotation.06-10-2010
20100288440Label printer and applicator - An apparatus and method for printing and wrapping adhesive backed labels around elongate articles, such as electrical wires, including a rotatable puck assembly having an interrupted circumferential surface defining an opening for receiving an elongate object to be labeled and wing members for applying said label during rotation.11-18-2010

Patent applications by Todd Fries, Waukesha, WI US

William M. Fries, San Diego, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080226037System and method for normalization and calibration of an imaging system using a variable thickness filter - A system and method for calibrating a radiation imaging system include a dual use variable thickness radiation filter having a slit in one part thereof such that in a first position a radiation beam passing through is not attenuated and in a second position the radiation beam is attenuated according to the total filter thickness in the path of the radiation beam. The filter may be formed of multiple movable plates or a single piece of stepped high density material.09-18-2008