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Funk, US
Benjamin E. Funk, Hanover, MD US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20090043504 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LOCATING, TRACKING, AND/OR MONITORING THE STATUS OF PERSONNEL AND/OR ASSETS BOTH INDOORS AND OUTDOORS - A system and method for locating, tracking, and/or monitoring the status of personnel and/or assets (collectively “trackees”), both indoors and outdoors, is provided. Tracking data obtained from any number of sources utilizing any number of tracking methods (e.g., inertial navigation and signal-based methods) may be provided as input to a mapping application. The mapping application may generate position estimates for trackees using a suite of mapping tools to make corrections to the tracking data. The mapping application may further use information from building data, when available, to enhance position estimates. Indoor tracking methods including, for example, sensor fusion methods, map matching methods, and map building methods may be implemented to take tracking data from one or more trackees and compute a more accurate tracking estimate for each trackee. Outdoor tracking methods may be implemented to enhance outdoor tracking data by combining tracking estimates such as inertial tracks with magnetic and/or compass data if and when available, and with GPS, if and when available. | 02-12-2009 |
Brian R. Funk, Johnstown, CO US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20100293193 | DOCUMENT GEOSPATIAL SHAPE TAGGING, SEARCHING, ARCHIVING, AND RETRIEVAL SOFTWARE - Disclosed is a document geospatial tagging, searching, archiving, and retrieval software system. The software system includes a tool that tags electronic documents with a geospatial tag. The geospatial tag indicates the shape and the geospatial points, in order, that define the location and extent of the geospatial location associated with an electronic document. Each point in the geospatial tag may be comprised of an X coordinate value, a Y coordinate value, an elevation/height value, and a date and time value. Electronic documents may be tagged manually by the user, automatically by the software application creating the document, or via a tagging search engine that searches files for geospatial location data and then tags each file with the results of the search. Once the electronic documents have been geospatially tagged, a search engine may search a network, either an intranet or the Internet, in order to locate electronic documents associated with a user desired geospatial location. After electronic documents associated with a desired geospatial location have been found and retrieved, the electronic documents may be stored on an archival storage system for future use. The documents may also be moved to a different electronic storage device/location for easy access by the user. The documents may also be sorted according to different aspects of the geospatial tag linked to each document. Different types of sorts are possible using the geospatial data contained in the geospatial tag, including: sorting by size of the geospatial area, sorting by elevation/height values, date and time values, and the type of shape of the geospatial area. | 11-18-2010 |
Donald Gary Funk, Seattle, WA US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20110307865 | USER INTERFACE INVENTORY - User interface elements are identified and cataloged into a user interface inventory database keyed on a global user interface element identifier. Information is collected for user interface elements activated in an executing application or applications. Scenario information is collected and is used to update the user interface inventory database. Scenario information includes information concerning user interface element usage, state changes, etc. in time. The described information can be collected over a period of time and from a number of different computer systems. The information can be analyzed to determine and quantify usage and testing of user interface elements. The analyzed information can be used to determine how thoroughly a user interface element has been tested, how often the user interface element works as expected, most commonly used user interface elements and other information. The collected information can be used to track, quantify and identify ownership of user interface elements. | 12-15-2011 |
Eric E. Funk, Ouray, CO US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20090277630 | ANALYSIS OF RADAR RANGING DATA FROM A DOWN HOLE RADAR RANGING TOOL FOR DETERMINING WIDTH, HEIGHT, AND LENGTH OF A SUBTERRANEAN FRACTURE - Radar ranging data are collected from a down hole tool at various depths in a fractured well bore, and analyzed to provide a profile of the length of each wing of the fracture as a function of depth. The height of the fracture is determined from the vertical positions where the fracture is just observed or no longer observed as the tool is raised or lowered. For consecutive depths along the fracture (and for selected elevations from each depth for the case of a switchable antenna beam), reflection intensity as a function of range is measured. Simulated radar data are computed from a fracture model having the height of the fracture begin measured. The fracture model is varied and the resulting simulated data are correlated with the survey data until a match of minimal error is determined. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20100066560 | WELLBORE CASING MOUNTED DEVICE FOR DETERMINATION OF FRACTURE GEOMETRY AND METHOD FOR USING SAME - A logging system and method for measuring propped fractures and down-hole subterranean formation conditions including: a radar source; an optical source; an optical modulator for modulating an optical signal from the optical source according to a signal from the radar source; a photodiode for converting the modulated optical signal output from the optical modulator to the source radar signal. A transmitter and receiver unit receives the source radar signal from the photodiode and transmits the source radar signal via at least one antenna attached to the casing and in communication with at least one photodiode into the formation and receives a reflected radar signal. A mixer mixes the reflected radar signal with the source radar signal to provide an output. This can describe fractures connected to the wellbore and differentiate between the dimensions of the two vertical wings of a propped fracture. | 03-18-2010 |
Ethan A. Funk, Ouray, CO US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20090277630 | ANALYSIS OF RADAR RANGING DATA FROM A DOWN HOLE RADAR RANGING TOOL FOR DETERMINING WIDTH, HEIGHT, AND LENGTH OF A SUBTERRANEAN FRACTURE - Radar ranging data are collected from a down hole tool at various depths in a fractured well bore, and analyzed to provide a profile of the length of each wing of the fracture as a function of depth. The height of the fracture is determined from the vertical positions where the fracture is just observed or no longer observed as the tool is raised or lowered. For consecutive depths along the fracture (and for selected elevations from each depth for the case of a switchable antenna beam), reflection intensity as a function of range is measured. Simulated radar data are computed from a fracture model having the height of the fracture begin measured. The fracture model is varied and the resulting simulated data are correlated with the survey data until a match of minimal error is determined. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20100066560 | WELLBORE CASING MOUNTED DEVICE FOR DETERMINATION OF FRACTURE GEOMETRY AND METHOD FOR USING SAME - A logging system and method for measuring propped fractures and down-hole subterranean formation conditions including: a radar source; an optical source; an optical modulator for modulating an optical signal from the optical source according to a signal from the radar source; a photodiode for converting the modulated optical signal output from the optical modulator to the source radar signal. A transmitter and receiver unit receives the source radar signal from the photodiode and transmits the source radar signal via at least one antenna attached to the casing and in communication with at least one photodiode into the formation and receives a reflected radar signal. A mixer mixes the reflected radar signal with the source radar signal to provide an output. This can describe fractures connected to the wellbore and differentiate between the dimensions of the two vertical wings of a propped fracture. | 03-18-2010 |
James Funk US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20120005105 | SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT USING MOBILE DEVICES - A method for supply chain management using mobile devices with a server on an electronic data network includes receiving identifying information for a product transmitted from a mobile device via the network, the server being periodically updated with product recall data. The server queries a traceability server via the network for master data and event data related to the product using the identifying information. The server processes the recall data, master data, and event data to produce product data which is output to the mobile device. | 01-05-2012 |
Jeffrey S. Funk, Hillsboro, KS US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20090183484 | CROP PICKUP WITH TORSION BAR FLOTATION - The vertically swingable header of a farm machine utilizes a flotation mechanism having a torsion bar as the source of lifting force. The torsion bar is mounted on the header rather than the base machine and is operably coupled with the base machine through loading apparatus that includes a cam and cam follower system. An alternative embodiment utilizes a cam track fixedly mounted on the base machine. | 07-23-2009 |
John Funk, Evergreen, CO US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20080283537 | SPILL-RESISTANT CUPS WITH ACTIVE INGREDIENT DELIVERY SYSTEMS - Spill-resistant cups for consuming beverages with delivery systems for simultaneously dispensing one or more agents which can reduce the rate of beverage-induced tooth decay and/or enamel erosion are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the spill-resistant cup can include a hollow cup body defining a beverage holding chamber. The spill-resistant cup also includes a lid assembly with a drinking spout having one or more spaced-apart drinking holes. The drinking spout is configured to be engaged by a consumer's mouth. The lid assembly can positively engage the cup body to enclose the beverage holding chamber. The spill-resistant cup can also include an agent delivery system for controlled delivery of the active ingredient to the consumer's mouth. Further, the spill-resistant cup can include a flow control element configured to limit a flow rate of the beverage from the beverage holding chamber to the drinking holes disposed in the drinking spout. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20100263604 | WATER HEATER WITH PASSIVE AUTOMATIC HOT WATER CIRCULATION THROUGH A HOME OR BUILDING - A water heater unit is described for providing convective water flow through a water circulatory system. In one embodiment, the water heater unit has an outer housing, a water tank disposed within the housing, and a first cold water inlet coupled to the tank and connectable to a cold water supply line. A hot water outlet is coupled to the tank and connectable to a hot water supply line. A connection chamber adjacent to the tank has a second cold water inlet connectable to the cold water line, and a chamber outlet connected to the first cold water inlet of the tank. The connection chamber has at least one return inlet connectable to the hot water return line at a position to allow a substantially continuous flow of return hot water driven by convection forces without the benefit of a recirculation pump. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20110216988 | EXPANDABLE BAG ASSEMBLIES WITH AN INTEGRAL SUPPORT STRUCTURE FOR FILLING - Expandable bag assemblies and associated methods are disclosed herein. Certain aspects of the invention are directed toward an expandable bag assembly that includes a flexible bag with closed and open ends and collapsible sidewalls disposed between the ends. The assembly beneficially includes an integrated support structure provided with stiffeners and a mechanism for attachment to help hold a mouth of the bag in an open position while filling the bag. The assembly can be compressed for easy packaging and storage and be expanded into a self-supported, open position without memory folds. The assembly is also configured to retract during closure of the open end of the bag. | 09-08-2011 |
John D. Funk, Galveston, IN US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20100211708 | WIRELESS STREAMED DATA TO USB CONVERTER AND METHOD - A converter and method for converting wirelessly streamed data to USB compatible data is provided. The converter includes a USB connector for interfacing with a first electronic device that is USB ready to provide USB compatible data, such as file and directory data structure. The converter also includes a wireless communication link that is adapted to receive wirelessly streamed data from a second electronic device. The converter further includes control circuitry for processing the wirelessly streamed data and converting the streamed data to USB compatible data that is compatible with the USB ready first electronic device such that the streamed data from the second electronic device may be used by the first electronic device. | 08-19-2010 |
John L. Funk, Salt Lake City, UT US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20110112929 | DISTRIBUTING PRODUCTS FROM SUPPLIERS TO CONSUMERS IN A NETWORK ENVIRONMENT - Systems and methods enabling suppliers to control the distribution of products to consumers in a network environment while accommodating the concerns of its brick and mortar distribution channels are described. Consumer orders for products are received, and consumer product orders are routed in accordance with fulfillment policies respectively selected by the supplier(s). The system includes a graphical consumer interface configured to receive consumer orders for products, and an order flow controller configured to route consumer product orders in accordance with fulfillment policies respectively selected by the supplier(s). The system also includes a graphical consumer interface that is accessible over the Internet and is configured to display price and availability information for the products of each of the suppliers organized by product category and is configured to receive consumer orders for products. A consumer may search through displayable product information within a given category by supplier, by product type, by product feature, or by a combination of two or more of these identifiers using a search engine. | 05-12-2011 |
Kenneth H. Funk, Corvallis, OR US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20090299924 | INTELLIGENT HUMAN-MACHINE INTERFACE - Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to methods and apparatus for an intelligent human-machine interface. By way of example, but not limited thereto, embodiments of methods and apparatus are presented of an intelligent human-machine interface for the operating room, and more particularly, to systems and processes for real-time management and feedback of process control, situational awareness, logistics, communication, and documentation, herein referred to as system. One element of the system, among others, provides a knowledge base that organizes information and rules that enables an accurate, relevant and timely decision support system. The knowledge base is represented in a hierarchical structure of functions and systems. The system serves as platform for the avoidance, detection and timely correction of errors, and as such, acts as a countermeasure to error. | 12-03-2009 |
Merritt Lane Funk, Austin, TX US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20110307089 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PERFORMING A CHEMICAL OXIDE REMOVAL PROCESS - A processing system and method for chemical oxide removal (COR) is presented, wherein the processing system comprises a first treatment chamber and a second treatment chamber, wherein the first and second treatment chambers are coupled to one another. The first treatment chamber comprises a chemical treatment chamber that provides a temperature controlled chamber, and an independently temperature controlled substrate holder for supporting a substrate for chemical treatment. The substrate is exposed to a gaseous chemistry, such as HF/NH | 12-15-2011 |
Michael Funk, Rockford, IL US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20100083832 | VORTEX WASTE SEPARATOR APPARATUS - A vortex separator for drawing a substantially moisture-free airstream from a waste stream having an annular channel defining a first vortex flow path for separating liquid and solid waste from this waste stream and preferably a filter unit with an inverted conical cavity between nested inverted cones defining a second vortex flow path that is isolated from the first vortex flow path for separating additional liquid and solid waste from the waste stream before it exits the vortex separator. In preferred embodiments, the separator includes a removable filter unit cartridge positioned within the outer cone and a helix isolator to respectively make use of the separator more convenient to use and more efficient. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100084352 | MULTIPLE VORTEX WASTE SEPARATOR APPARATUS - A multiple vortex separator for drawing a substantially moisture-free airstream from a waste stream having an annular channel defining a first vortex flow path for separating liquid and solid waste from this waste stream and an inverted conical cavity between nested inverted cones defining a second vortex flow path that is isolated from the first vortex flow path for separating additional liquid and solid waste from the waste stream before it exits the vortex separator. | 04-08-2010 |
Michael J. Funk, North Bend, WA US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20080249568 | Crossbar Spinal Prosthesis Having a Modular Design and Systems for Treating Spinal Pathologies - An adaptable spinal facet joint prosthesis, including a pedicle fixation element; a laminar fixation element; and a facet joint bearing surface having a location adaptable with respect at least one of the pedicle fixation element and the laminar fixation element. The invention also includes a method of implanting an adaptable spinal facet joint prosthesis including the steps of determining a desired position for a facet joint bearing surface; and attaching a prosthesis comprising a facet joint bearing surface to a pedicle portion of a vertebra and a lamina portion of a vertebra to place the facet joint bearing surface in the desired position. The invention also provides a facet joint prosthesis implant tool including a tool guide adapted to guide a vertebra cutting tool; and first and second fixation hole alignment elements extending from the saw guide. The invention also provides systems for treating spinal pathologies that include intervertebral discs in combination with spinal and facet joint prostheses. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080287959 | MEASUREMENT AND TRIALING SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR ORTHOPEDIC DEVICE COMPONENT SELECTION - The present invention provides tools and methods designed to aid in the placement of artificial facet joints at virtually all spinal levels. One aspect of the present invention is a measurement tool for installing an artificial cephalad facet joint, the tool including a trial marker having a portion configured to be placed in a hole; and a trial body comprising a bore therethrough for slidaby receiving a portion of the trial marker. In some embodiments, the trial body further comprises an arm extending generally radially outward from the bore and configured to contact an opposing spinal prosthesis component. The trial body may further comprise a lower portion configured to be placed in the hole. The trial marker and the trial body are configured to cooperate to indicate a relative positioning between them. This measurement tool assists in the selection and/or configuration of an artificial cephalad facet joint for implantation in a patient. Another aspect is a method of using a spinal prosthesis component selection tool comprising accessing a target anatomy, creating a hole within a portion of the target anatomy, inserting a marker rod of a component selection tool in the hole, slidably adjusting a trial stem body along the marker rod until the trial body contacts an opposing spinal prosthesis component, determining the relative position between the trial body and marker rod, and selecting a component for implantation into the target anatomy based on the determined relative position. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080292161 | IMPLANTABLE ORTHOPEDIC DEVICE COMPONENT SELECTION INSTRUMENT AND METHODS - The present invention provides tools and methods designed to aid in the placement of artificial facet joints at virtually all spinal levels. One aspect of the present invention is a measurement tool for installing an artificial cephalad facet joint including a fixation measurement element and a support arm element. This measurement tool assists in the selection and/or configuration of an artificial cephalad facet joint for implantation in a patient. Another aspect is a measurement tool for installing a caudad facet joint including a stem element and a trial caudad bearing surface element. This measurement tool assists in the selection and/or configuration of a caudad facet joint for implantation in a patient. Yet another aspect is a measurement tool holder including a measurement surface connected to a holder element. This tool holder assists in determining the measurements obtained with the caudad facet joint measurement tool. | 11-27-2008 |
Michael N. Funk, Colbert, WA US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20090130008 | Process for Removing Hydrogen Disulfide from Gas - A reactor and process for removing hydrogen sulfide from gas. The reactor vessel contains an oxidizing solution and packing, where the packing fill about 25% to about 75% of the liquid volume of the vessel. | 05-21-2009 |
Nancy A. Funk, Grand Rapids, MI US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20090091228 | PEDESTAL SYSTEM - A pedestal system includes a cabinet having a bottom wall, a top wall, a pair of sidewalls, and a rear wall that cooperate to define a forwardly-opening aperture that slidably receives a plurality of drawer assemblies therein. The pedestal system further includes interchangeable face plates for covering the drawer assemblies, an attachment system for attaching a drawer lock/interlock assembly that locks the drawer assemblies in a closed position and prevents multiple drawer assemblies from being simultaneously opened, and a drawer divider for segmenting an interior space of each drawer assembly. The drawer lock/interlock system includes a cam assembly that allows a constant force to be applied to each drawer assembly while opening each drawer and activating the lock/interlock assembly. The pedestal system further includes an attachment system for attaching the pedestal system to a free-standing partition system. | 04-09-2009 |
Patrick G. Funk, Desoto, KS US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20110165673 | METHODS OF CULTURING BACTERIAL SPECIES OF THE ANAPLASMATACEAE FAMILY - The present invention relates to a method of culturing bacterial organisms belonging to the family Anaplasmataceae in mammalian embryonic or fetal cells. In particular, the present invention is directed to growth of bacterial organisms belonging to the family Anaplasmataceae including organisms belonging to the | 07-07-2011 |
Paul Funk, Cambridge, MA US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20100306542 | Password-authenticated asymmetric key exchange - Communicating keys between network devices on a network using asymmetric cryptographic techniques, for which asymmetric keys may be derived from a single (same) password. Knowledge or partial knowledge of the password may be the only information shared between parties prior to execution of a key exchange, and may be the only criteria by which one party will base trust in the other. A first network device may encrypt a key using a password-based key derived from a password, and authenticate a second device based on the second network device's ability to decrypt the encrypted key using a key derived from the same password. Knowledge of the password may be conveyed by the second device to the first device—a session key may be generated as a function of the decrypted key, and a function of this session key may be communicated from the second device to the first device. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20110107101 | PASSWORD-AUTHENTICATED ASYMMETRIC KEY EXCHANGE - Communicating keys between network devices on a network using asymmetric cryptographic techniques, for which asymmetric keys may be derived from a single (same) password. Knowledge or partial knowledge of the password may be the only information shared between parties prior to execution of a key exchange, and may be the only criteria by which one party will base trust in the other. A first network device may encrypt a key using a password-based key derived from a password, and authenticate a second device based on the second network device's ability to decrypt the encrypted key using a key derived from the same password. Knowledge of the password may be conveyed by the second device to the first device—a session key may be generated as a function of the decrypted key, and a function of this session key may be communicated from the second device to the first device. | 05-05-2011 |
Randall Brett Funk, Alpine, UT US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20090158270 | System and Method for Creating Platform-Specific Self-Extracting Client Packages Using a Production Server - System and method for creating platform-specific self-extracting client packages using a production server are described. In one embodiment, the method comprises compiling a source file on a first build server comprising a first computing platform to produce a first executable seed file for the first computing platform and compiling the source file on a second build server comprising a second computing platform to produce a second executable seed file for the second computing platform; and providing the first and second executable seed files to a production server comprising the first computing platform. The production server uses the first executable seed file to create a first client package and a second client package, wherein the first client package is designed to be installed and execute on a first workstation running on the first computing platform and the second client package is designed to be installed and execute on a second workstation running on the second computing platform. | 06-18-2009 |
Richard A. Funk, Tucson, AZ US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20120085895 | STRAY LIGHT BAFFLES FOR A CONFORMAL DOME WITH ARCH CORRECTOR OPTICS - Asymmetric rotating stray light baffles are provided for conformal dome two-axis seekers having arch corrector optics mounted on the outer gimbal. A pair of side skirt baffles are mounted on opposite sides of the arch corrector optics on the outer gimbal extending forward beyond the transparent arch adjacent but not touching the inner surface of the dome and extending aft beyond the forward most receiver optic for all fields of regard (FOR). The optical system may also include: (a) an annular objective baffle mounted on and around the receiver optics on the inner gimbal and between the pair of side skirt baffles, the objective baffle extending forward of the receiver optics without interfering with the receiver optics' FOV and without interfering with the transparent arch as the inner gimbal rotates, (b) a plurality of fin baffles mounted between the side skirt baffles on the outer gimbal that extend forward adjacent but not touching the inner surface of the dome and aft of the transparent arch, each fin baffle positioned to reduce the cross-section seen by the receiver optic when rotated in the direction of that fin baffle and (c) central baffles (short or long) along the axis of symmetry that obscure a portion of the receiver optics' FOV at a zero degree angle of rotation about the second axis. | 04-12-2012 |
Robert Funk, Lewisville, TX US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20090279453 | SHIRNK WRAP TECHNIQUE FOR ENCLOSING MULITPLE POLYGONS - A computer-implemented method receives a list of polygonal vertices associated with multiple polygons located in proximity to one another in a two-dimensional region and analyzes the polygonal vertices. The method automatically generates, based on the analysis, a polygonal hull that encloses the multiple polygons such that a line segment connecting any two polygonal vertices of the multiple polygons falls completely inside the generated polygonal hull. The multiple polygons may correspond to a two-dimensional geographic region. The computer-implemented method may be used for geographic regional segmentation. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090303903 | TECHNIQUE FOR SHIFTING NETWORK POINTS OR LINEAR FACILITIES IN A NETWORK PLAN - A computer-implemented method receives a set of data regarding a layout of a network, where the data specifies the interconnection of linear facilities and specifies at least one network point that is disconnected from the network. The computer-implemented method further determines a closest one of the linear facilities to the at least one network point based on the set of data and shifts the at least one network point to connect the at least one network point to the network based on a distance between a vertex associated with the closest one of the linear facilities and the at least one network point. The computer-implemented method also shifts the closest one of the linear facilities to connect the at least one network point in the network based on a distance associated with a linear projection from the at least one network point to the closest one of the linear facilities. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20100315977 | SHRINK WRAP TECHNIQUE FOR ENCLOSING MULTIPLE POLYGONS - A computer-implemented method receives a list of polygonal vertices associated with multiple polygons located in proximity to one another in a two-dimensional region and analyzes the polygonal vertices. The method automatically generates, based on the analysis, a polygonal hull that encloses the multiple polygons such that a line segment connecting any two polygonal vertices of the multiple polygons falls completely inside the generated polygonal hull. The multiple polygons may correspond to a two-dimensional geographic region. The computer-implemented method may be used for geographic regional segmentation. | 12-16-2010 |
Robert C. Funk, Auburn, IL US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20110171354 | METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING VISCOUS AND ELASTIC PROPERTIES OF A GLUTEN-CONTAINING SUBSTANCE - A method of measuring viscous and elastic properties of a gluten-containing substance includes: bringing the gluten-containing substance into a powder, adding a predetermined amount of aqueous liquid to a predetermined amount of the powder, kneading the powder and liquid to a dough to develop the viscoelastic character of the gluten in the dough—and extracting viscoelastic gluten from the dough by rinsing with the liquid. The method further includes: | 07-14-2011 |
Robert S. Funk, Morton, PA US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20100112327 | Composite Intersection Reinforcement - An assembly and method for manufacturing a composite reinforcement for unitizing a structure are provided. According to one embodiment, the assembly includes a base having a plurality of pins extending outwardly therefrom to define a structure about which a composite fiber is wound to define a composite reinforcement preform. The assembly also includes a plurality of mandrels positioned adjacent to the base and at least a portion of the composite reinforcement preform, and a cap that is positioned over at least a portion of the plurality of mandrels. The cap is configured to engage each of the mandrels to support the mandrels and the composite reinforcement preform during a curing process to form the composite reinforcement. | 05-06-2010 |
Sara A. Funk, Omro, WI US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20090324917 | Biodegradable Packaging Film - A biodegradable packaging film is provided. The film is formed from a blend that contains a thermoplastic starch and polylactic acid. Starch is a relatively inexpensive natural polymer that is also renewable and biodegradable. Polylactic acid is likewise an inexpensive synthetic polymer that is biodegradable and renewable, yet also capable of providing increased tensile strength to the film. Although providing a good combination of biodegradability/renewability and increased tensile strength, the polylactic acid is also relatively rigid and can result in films having a relatively high stiffness (e.g., high modulus of elasticity) and low ductility. While more ductile than polylactic acid, the thermoplastic starch is often difficult to melt process in film forming processes and very sensitive to moisture and water vapor, reducing its ability to be used as a stand alone packaging film. In an effort to counteract the effect of such polymers, an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester is also employed in the blend of the present invention. While such copolyesters are biodegradable, they also possess the melt properties and ductility that lend them well to the formation of films. Although the combination of these polymers may achieve a good balance between biodegradability/renewability, high tensile strength, and good ductility (e.g., high peak elongation), it is still often difficult to achieve a precise set of mechanical properties as desired for packaging films. In this regard, the blend also contains a filler. Due to its rigid nature, the amount of the filler may be readily adjusted to fine tune the blend to the desired degree of ductility (e.g., peak elongation) and stiffness (e.g., modulus of elasticity). | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090326093 | Fragranced Water-Sensitive Film - A film formed from a water-soluble polymer matrix within which is contained at least one fragrance is provided. The film is water-sensitive (e.g., water-soluble, water-dispersible, etc.) so that upon contact with a sufficient amount of water, the polymer matrix loses its integrity over time to increasingly expose the fragrance to the ambient environment for releasing its odor. The ability to incorporate a fragrance into the polymer matrix is achieved in the present invention by controlling a variety of aspects of the film construction, including the nature of the fragrance, the nature of the water-soluble polymer, the manner in which the polymer matrix and fragrance are melt processed, etc. For example, the fragrance may be injected directly into the extruder and melt blended with the water-soluble polymer. In this manner, the costly and time-consuming steps of pre-encapsulation or pre-compounding of the fragrance into a masterbatch are not required. Furthermore, to obtain a balance between the ability of the fragrance to release the desired odor during use and likewise to minimize the premature exhaustion of the odor during melt processing, the fragrance is selected to have a boiling point (at atmospheric pressure) within a certain range, such as from about 125° C. to about 350° C. | 12-31-2009 |
Sarah Funk, Canton, MI US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20100223910 | ENVIRONMENTAL FACTOR BASED PARTICULATE FILTER REGENERATION - A control module for a vehicle includes a correction module that generates a correction signal based on a regeneration state of an exhaust system of the vehicle and based on a received environmental signal. The environmental signal includes at least one of an altitude value, an ambient temperature, and an air flow value. The air flow value corresponds to air flow across an external area of the exhaust system. A first post injection module generates a first post injection signal. A second post injection module adjusts the first post injection signal based on the correction signal to generate a second post injection signal. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100269489 | OXIDATION CATALYST OUTLET TEMPERATURE CORRECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A temperature control system comprises a temperature determination module, a temperature correction module, a temperature control module, and an updating module. The temperature determination module determines a desired outlet temperature for an oxidation catalyst (OC) that is located upstream of a particulate filter (PF) in an exhaust system. The temperature correction module determines a temperature correction from a plurality of temperature corrections. The temperature control module controls an outlet temperature of the OC based on the desired outlet temperature and the temperature correction. The updating module selectively updates at least one of the plurality of temperature corrections when an engine speed and an engine load are within respective predetermined ranges. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20110167803 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING EXHAUST GAS TEMPERATURE DURING PARTICULATE MATTER FILTER REGENERATION - An engine control system includes an injection determination module, a correction factor determination module, and a regeneration control module. The injection determination module determines a desired amount of hydrocarbons (HC) to inject into exhaust gas produced by an engine based a flow rate of the exhaust gas. The correction factor determination module determines a correction factor for the desired amount of HC based on engine speed and engine load. The regeneration control module controls injection of an adjusted amount of HC into the exhaust gas during regeneration of a particulate matter filter, wherein the adjusted amount of HC is based on the desired amount of HC and the correction factor. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110173957 | DIESEL FUEL ALTERNATIVE DETECTION AND CORRECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A fuel control system for a vehicle comprises a fuel control module, a heat release determination module, and a detection module. The fuel control module supplies fuel to a cylinder of a diesel engine for combustion within the cylinder. The heat release determination module determines a heat release value based on a pressure within the cylinder during the combustion. The detection that selectively indicates that the fuel is a diesel fuel alternative when the heat release value is less than a predetermined heat release value. The predetermined heat release value is less than a second predetermined heat release value associated with diesel fuel. | 07-21-2011 |
Sarah A. Funk, Omro, WI US
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| 20090325854 | Fragranced Biodegradable Film - A film formed from a biodegradable polymer matrix within which is contained at least one fragrance is provided. The ability to incorporate a fragrance into the polymer matrix is achieved in the present invention by controlling a variety of aspects of the film construction, including the nature of the fragrance, the nature of the biodegradable polymer, the manner in which the polymer matrix and fragrance are melt processed, etc. For example, the fragrance may be injected directly into the extruder and melt blended with the biodegradable polymer. In this manner, the costly and time-consuming steps of pre-encapsulation or pre-compounding of the fragrance into a masterbatch are not required. Furthermore, to obtain a balance between the ability of the fragrance to release the desired odor during use and likewise to minimize the premature exhaustion of the odor during melt processing, the fragrance is selected to have a boiling point (at atmospheric pressure) within a certain range, such as from about 125° C. to about 350° C. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20100159170 | Injection Molding Material Containing Starch and Plant Protein - An injection molding material that includes a renewable resin containing a combination of renewable polymers (e.g., starch and plant protein) and a plasticizer is provided. Although such compounds are normally difficult to process into thermoplastics, the present inventors have discovered that injection molding materials may nevertheless be formed by melt blending the renewable resin with a synthetic resin (e.g., polyolefin) while selectively controlling the nature of the resins and their relative concentrations. In this manner, a morphology may be achieved in which the renewable resin is present as a discontinuous phase that is dispersed within a continuous phase of the synthetic resin (e.g., “island-in-the-sea” morphology). The discontinuous and continuous phases may each constitute from about 30 vol. % to about 70 vol. %, and in some embodiments, from about 40 vol. % to about 60 vol. %. With such a morphology, the continuity of the synthetic resin can minimize the aggregate properties of the renewable resin such that the molding material possesses melt properties similar to that of the synthetic resin. Further, this morphology may also minimize the need to use different molding tools as the shrinkage properties of the overall composition may be substantially similar to that of the synthetic resin. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100159203 | Biodegradable and Renewable Film - A biodegradable and renewable film that may be employed in a wide variety of applications is provided. The film is formed from a thermoplastic composition that contains at least one starch and at least one plant protein. Even at a high renewable material content, the present inventors have discovered that films may be readily formed from plant proteins and starches by selectively controlling the individual amount of the starch and plant proteins, the nature of the starch and plant proteins, and other components used in the film. Balancing the amount of starches and plant proteins within a certain range, for instance, can reduce the likelihood of plant protein aggregation and enhance the ability of the composition to be melt processed. The composition also contains at least one plasticizer that improves the thermoplastic nature of the protein and starch components. The selection of the plasticizer may also help reduce the tendency of the plant protein to aggregate during melt processing. For example, a relatively acidic plasticizer (e.g., carboxylic acid) may be employed in certain embodiments to minimize the formation of disulfide bonds in a gluten protein, and thereby decrease its tendency to aggregate. | 06-24-2010 |
Shawn Funk, Provo, TX US
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| 20100057004 | Extravascular System In-Line Venting - An extravascular system may include a fluid path and a gas vent in communication with the fluid path. A method of venting a medical device may include providing a closed extravascular system having a fluid path, providing a gas vent in communication with the fluid path, venting gas from the extravascular system through the gas vent, and maintaining closure of the extravascular system during and after venting. | 03-04-2010 |
Stephen Funk, Blacksburg, VA US
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| 20120074801 | Magnetic Rotor Having Inset Bridges To Promote Cooling - A rotor arrangement with decreased fluid flow impedance and improved rotary motor cooling is mountable on a shaft for rotation relative to the stator of a rotary motor arrangement The rotor arrangement has a plurality of laminations joined together to form a multilayer laminated rotor with a plurality of magnet receptacles. Each of the laminations has a solid central section surrounding an opening within which the shaft is receivable, spokes extending substantially radially outwardly from said solid central section, ribs interposed between adjacent spokes, and bridges interconnecting the spokes and ribs. At least some of the bridges are inset from an outer diameter of the lamination toward the solid central section to decrease fluid flow impedance and improve rotary motor cooling. | 03-29-2012 |
Troy A. Funk, Issaquah, WA US
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| 20110088025 | USE OF SOFTWARE UPDATE POLICIES - A portable device may be roamed from one host to another. In one example, the portable device stores software that is to be executed by a host. The host may maintain a policy that governs which software may be executed on the host. When the portable device is connected to a host, the host checks the software version installed on the guest to determine whether that software version is compatible with the host's policy. If the guest's software does not comply with the host's policy, then the host installs a compatible version. If the guest's version complies with the policy and is newer than the host's version, then the host copies the guest's version to the host and propagates it to other guests. In this way, newer versions of software propagate between hosts and guests, while also respecting specific execution policies of the various hosts. | 04-14-2011 |