Franz, US

Aaron Gregory Franz, San Diego, CA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20150233733	DISTRIBUTION INTERCONNECTION INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A distribution interconnection system processes and manages interconnections into the distribution system for utilities. Various embodiments may manage and facilitate the application process. In addition, utilities may track and manage unauthorized operators, for example, via a reverse power flow detection process.	08-20-2015

Aleks Franz, Medford, MA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20140308169	SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A MICROLABORATORY - A micro-laboratory system for performing chemical, mechanical and electrical experiments includes a set of experiment chips and a test system. Each experiment chip includes chemical, mechanical, or electrical experiments and the test system is configured to receive the experiment chips and to perform the chemical, mechanical, or electrical experiments comprised in the experiment chips. The system also includes fluidic and electrical interfaces connecting the experiment chips and the test system. A computing unit connects and communicates with the test system, and runs applications that provide instructions for selecting, designing and performing experiments, analyzing experimental results and explaining relevant principles of the experiments.	10-16-2014

Aleksander Franz, Winchester, MA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100003575	STRESSED THIN-FILM MEMBRANE ISLANDS - A structure including a support defining an opening, and a tensilely stressed thin-film membrane disposed to occlude the opening, the membrane contacting at least a portion of the support. The stressed membrane includes a material having a characteristic crack spacing greater than one-half of a minimum dimension of the membrane and less than ten times the minimum dimension. A structure including a support defining a opening having a minimum opening dimension, and a compressively stressed thin-film membrane disposed to occlude the opening, the membrane contacting at least a portion of the support. The stressed membrane includes a membrane material having a critical aspect ratio for buckling that is greater than a ratio of one-half of the minimum opening dimension to a thickness of the membrane, and the critical aspect ratio for buckling is less than a ratio of ten times the minimum opening dimension to the thickness of the membrane.	01-07-2010
20140168224	DISPLAY DEVICE INCORPORATING MULTIPLE DIELECTRIC LAYERS - This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for providing multiple dielectric coatings for a shutter assembly. The multiple dielectric coatings include an outer dielectric coating and one or more inner dielectric coatings. The outer dielectric coating has an electrical trap density that is lower than electrical trap densities of the one or more inner dielectric coatings. The lower electrical trap density reduces the amount of charge buildup over various surfaces of the shutter assembly. This reduction in charge buildup also reduces electrostatic forces that may cause incorrect operation of the shutter assembly.	06-19-2014

Alexander J. Franz, Westford, VT US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090183133	TOOL AND METHOD TO GRAPHICALLY CORRELATE PROCESS AND TEST DATA WITH SPECIFIC CHIPS ON A WAFER - A tool and method is provided to graphically correlate process and test data with specific chips on a multi-project wafer. The tool and method is configured and implemented to select certain sites and export these sites to an industry standard map that can be used in a variety of chip picking or test tools. In one embodiment, the method includes importing a wafer floor plan with chips of different design parameters and importing manufacturing logistical information of the chips. The method further includes graphically rendering each chip on the wafer to scale within a unit cell using the imported wafer floor plan and the manufacturing logistical information.	07-16-2009

Alexander Mark Franz, Palo Alto, CA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20080262828	Encoding and Adaptive, Scalable Accessing of Distributed Models - Systems, methods, and apparatus for accessing distributed models in automated machine processing, including using large language models in machine translation, speech recognition and other applications.	10-23-2008
20130046530	ENCODING AND ADAPTIVE, SCALABLE ACCESSING OF DISTRIBUTED MODELS - Systems, methods, and apparatus for accessing distributed models in automated machine processing, including using large language models in machine translation, speech recognition and other applications.	02-21-2013
20140257787	ENCODING AND ADAPTIVE, SCALABLE ACCESSING OF DISTRIBUTED MODELS - Systems, methods, and apparatus for accessing distributed models in automated machine processing, including using large language models in machine translation, speech recognition and other applications.	09-11-2014

Annaliese Kirsten Franz, Davis, CA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20130273620	METHODS FOR ALTERING LIPIDS IN ALGAE AND YEAST - The present disclosure relates to methods of increasing lipid levels in an algal or yeast cell population, methods of producing saturated or monounsaturated triacylglycerols in an algal or yeast cell population, and methods of decreasing polyunsaturated triacylglycerol production in an algal or yeast cell population by contacting the cell population with a chemical compound that is capable of increasing lipid levels or altering the lipid composition in the cell population.	10-17-2013

Benjamin Jared Franz, Napa, CA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20140324779	TRAVEL APPLICATION FOR MOBILE DEVICES - A travel application for a mobile device is described. The travel application can include an application database which resides on the mobile device and application code for processing instructions stored in the application database, such as instructions for creating pages of information output via the travel application on the mobile device. Without recompiling or reinstalling the travel application on the mobile device, via updates to the travel application database, the navigation structure of the travel application can be changed, a travel data section can be added or removed, a filter for an existing travel data section can be added or removed and the output structure for any of the plurality interface states associated with the travel application can be modified. By executing from an application database stored locally on the mobile device, the travel application can provide some amount of guaranteed functionality when network access is unavailable.	10-30-2014

Birkner Franz, Encinitas, CA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100283705	ANTENNAS, DEVICES AND SYSTEMS BASED ON METAMATERIAL STRUCTURES - Techniques, apparatus and systems that use one or more composite left and right handed (CRLH) metamaterial structures in processing and handling electromagnetic wave signals. Antenna, antenna arrays and other RF devices can be formed based on CRLH metamaterial structures. The described CRLH metamaterial structures can be used in wireless communication RF front-end and antenna sub-systems.	11-11-2010

Brian Franz, Flower Mound, TX US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090143845	NOTCHED ELECTRODE FOR ELECTROSTIMULATION LEAD - According to one embodiment, an electrode for use in electrostimulation is provided, where the electrode comprises a notch that operates to substantially eliminate gaseous material from being trapped about the electrode during a molding process of an electrostimulation lead.	06-04-2009
20120010671	NOTCHED ELECTRODE FOR ELECTROSTIMULATION LEAD - According to one embodiment, an electrode for use in electrostimulation is provided, where the electrode comprises a notch that operates to substantially eliminate gaseous material from being trapped about the electrode during a molding process of an electrostimulation lead.	01-12-2012
20120110846	COMPLIANT ELECTRICAL STIMULATION LEADS AND METHODS OF FABRICATION - In one embodiment, a neurostimulation lead for stimulating neural tissue of a patient, comprises: a lead body of insulative material; a plurality of electrodes; a plurality of terminals; a plurality of conductors, wherein the plurality of electrodes are electrically coupled to the plurality of terminals through the plurality of conductors; wherein the plurality of conductors are disposed in a helical manner in a repeating pattern of groups of conductors separated by gaps along a substantial length of the lead body, each gap being larger than an inter-conductor pitch within the groups of conductors; wherein the insulative material is a compliant material permitting elongation of the lead at low stretching forces and the insulative material of the lead body is fused through a substantial volume of the lead body and along a substantial length of the lead body.	05-10-2012
20120279063	ELECTRICAL STIMULATION LEAD WITH STIFFENERS HAVING VARYING STIFFNESS ZONES - In one embodiment, a neurostimulation lead comprises an elongated body of insulative material, comprising a first end portion and a second end portion; a plurality of terminals longitudinally positioned along the first end portion; a plurality of electrodes longitudinally positioned along the second end portion; a plurality of conductors electrically coupling the plurality of electrodes to the plurality of terminals; a flexible metal longitudinal stiffener positioned within the elongated body wherein the stiffener has a plurality of longitudinal zones and each zone has a different column strength, the column strength of one or more zones of the plurality of longitudinal zones being defined by cuts or gaps in the stiffener, the stiffener causing the neurostimulation lead to exhibit a greatest amount of column strength adjacent to one end portion of the elongated body and to transition to a lower column strength toward a medial portion of the elongated body.	11-08-2012
20130013039	DIRECTIONAL STIMULATION LEAD AND ORIENTATION SYSTEM - A lead, method of manufacturing same, and system for stimulation is provided. The lead includes an insulative member or layer that masks a portion of the electrode(s) to effectively generate a directional lead that focuses or directs the stimulation to desired location(s). In another embodiment, the lead further includes a marking system to allow a clinician to orient the directional lead, as desired, while the lead is within a body.	01-10-2013

Charlene Franz US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20130213795	Heavy Fossil Hydrocarbon Conversion And Upgrading Using Radio-Frequency or Microwave Energy - Conversion of heavy fossil hydrocarbons (HFH) to a variety of value-added chemicals and/or fuels can be enhanced using microwave (MW) and/or radio-frequency (RF) energy. Variations of reactants, process parameters, and reactor design can significantly influence the relative distribution of chemicals and fuels generated as the product. In one example, a system for flash microwave conversion of HFH includes a source concentrating microwave or RF energy in a reaction zone having a pressure greater than 0.9 atm, a continuous feed having HFH and a process gas passing through the reaction zone, a HFH-to-liquids catalyst contacting the HFH in at least the reaction zone, and dielectric discharges within the reaction zone. The HFH and the catalyst have a residence time in the reaction zone of less than 30 seconds. In some instances, a plasma can form in or near the reaction zone.	08-22-2013

Cyndi Franz, Lenexa, KS US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20120260400	ATTACHMENT SYSTEM FOR COMBINATION OUTER PANT AND LINER - A system for releasable attachment of a liner garment to an outer garment includes a tab extending from a waistband of the liner garment; a first half of a fastener pair disposed on a surface of the tab; at least one slot disposed near an upper edge of the outer garment, the at least one slot being adapted to receive the tab; and a second half of a fastener pair disposed below the at least one slot so that insertion of the tab into the at least one slot mates the first half and second half of the fastener pair and the outer garment is supported by the liner garment. The slot may be cut through the outer garment or may be provided in the form of a loop, pocket or mounting piece through which the tab may be inserted for attachment of the fastener pair.	10-18-2012

David Franz, Pasadena, MD US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100012849	DETECTOR FOR DUAL BAND ULTRAVIOLET DETECTION - The invention concerns a single detector with two designable wavelengths and bandwidths for ultraviolet detection based on n	01-21-2010

David E. Franz, Pasadena, MD US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110284756	DETECTOR FOR DUAL BAND ULTRAVIOLET DETECTION - The invention concerns a single detector with two designable wavelengths and bandwidths for ultraviolet detection based on n	11-24-2011
20120217389	ELECTROSPRAY IONIZATION FOR CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF ORGANIC MOLECULES FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY - An electrospray ionization laboratory on a chip for in situ detection of organic molecules includes a substrate, an input for accepting organic molecule samples, an enrichment column for concentrating organic molecule samples and delivering a concentrated sample to a micro fluidic channel, an analytical column connected in serial to the enrichment column for accepting the concentrated sample, a detector for accepting a pressurized fluid output from the analytical column, and an output nozzle assembly for generating an electrospray output for mass spectrometry analysis. The nozzle assembly may include 1, 2 or 4 (arranged in a rectangular fashion) nozzles.	08-30-2012

Dwight Franz, Haddonfield, NJ US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20130062409	SCANNER WITH WAKE-UP MODE - An indicia reader system includes an indicia reader provided at a point of transaction; a controller for controlling power to the indicia reader; a detector for detecting a customer, item or shopping cart at the point of transaction and providing an indication signal to the controller of the presence of customer, item or shopping cart at the point of transaction; wherein the controller interrupts power to the indicia reader during a power save mode and resumes power to the indicia reader upon receiving the indication signal.	03-14-2013
20130062413	INDIVIDUALIZED SCANNER - A method of operating a reader system includes: providing a reader for reading information data carriers; an operator loading a configuration overlay onto the configuration settings of the reader upon successful logging, wherein the configuration overlay is specific to the operator; and reading information data carriers utilizing the configuration overlay.	03-14-2013
20140070005	SCANNER WITH WAKE-UP MODE - An indicia reader system includes an indicia reader provided at a point of transaction; a controller for controlling power to the indicia reader; a detector for detecting a customer, item or shopping cart at the point of transaction and providing an indication signal to the controller of the presence of customer, item or shopping cart at the point of transaction; wherein the controller interrupts power to the indicia reader during a power save mode and resumes power to the indicia reader upon receiving the indication signal.	03-13-2014

Dwight L. Franz, Haddonfield, NJ US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20120193422	BAR CODE SYMBOL READING SYSTEM EMPLOYING EAS-ENABLING FACEPLATE BEZEL - A method of and apparatus for incorporating primary components of an EAS system into hand-supportable and countertop-supportable bar code symbol reading systems having a housing with a light transmission window covered by an optically transparent faceplate having outer dimensions closely matched to the light transmission window. About the optically transparent faceplate, a faceplate bezel is mounted embodying a coil of electrically conductive wire having terminals connected to an electrical interface circuit, which is connected to a flexible EAS cable extending from the electrical interface circuit. The flexible EAS cable extends towards electrical drive circuitry associated with the EAS subsystem, for powering the coil during EAS tag deactivation operations controlled by the host computer system.	08-02-2012
20130153659	BAR CODE SYMBOL READING SYSTEM EMPLOYING EAS-ENABLING FACEPLATE BEZEL - An apparatus includes the primary components of an EAS system and a hand-supportable and countertop-supportable bar code symbol reading system having a housing with a light transmission window covered by an optically transparent faceplate having outer dimensions closely matched to the light transmission window. About the optically transparent faceplate, a faceplate bezel is mounted embodying a coil of electrically conductive wire having terminals connected to an electrical interface circuit, which is connected to a flexible EAS cable extending from the electrical interface circuit. The flexible EAS cable extends towards electrical drive circuitry associated with the EAS subsystem, for powering the coil during EAS tag deactivation operations controlled by the host computer system.	06-20-2013

Heinz Franz, Lebanon, PA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20120272683	METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SHAPING THE FLOOR OF A GLASS VESSEL - A method for shaping a floor of a glass vessel, including the steps of bringing the floor region of the glass vessel up in temperature until the viscosity of the glass in the floor region is between 10	11-01-2012

James A. Franz, Kennewick, WA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090038932	DEVICE AND METHOD FOR NONINVASIVE ULTRASONIC TREATMENT OF FLUIDS AND MATERIALS IN CONDUITS AND CYLINDRICAL CONTAINERS - A system, method, and device are described for ultrasonic treatment of viscous fluids, including, e.g., crude oils that provide a variety of desired modifications. The invention includes a container having a circumvolving outer wall configured to allow passage of a quantity of a material within a passageway therein and ultrasonic transducers that attach to and circumvolve the outer wall of the container. The ultrasonic transducers transmit ultrasonic energy into material within the container at preselected frequencies thereby achieving desired effects.	02-12-2009
20130213795	Heavy Fossil Hydrocarbon Conversion And Upgrading Using Radio-Frequency or Microwave Energy - Conversion of heavy fossil hydrocarbons (HFH) to a variety of value-added chemicals and/or fuels can be enhanced using microwave (MW) and/or radio-frequency (RF) energy. Variations of reactants, process parameters, and reactor design can significantly influence the relative distribution of chemicals and fuels generated as the product. In one example, a system for flash microwave conversion of HFH includes a source concentrating microwave or RF energy in a reaction zone having a pressure greater than 0.9 atm, a continuous feed having HFH and a process gas passing through the reaction zone, a HFH-to-liquids catalyst contacting the HFH in at least the reaction zone, and dielectric discharges within the reaction zone. The HFH and the catalyst have a residence time in the reaction zone of less than 30 seconds. In some instances, a plasma can form in or near the reaction zone.	08-22-2013

Jason Franz, Austin, TX US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110176273	System and Method for Cooling Information Handling Resources - Systems and methods for reducing problems and disadvantages associated with traditional approaches to cooling information handling resources are provided. A method for cooling information handling resources, may include conveying a flowing fluid proximate to one or more information handling resources such that the flowing fluid is thermally coupled to the one or more information handling resources and heat generated by the one or more information handling resources is transferred to the flowing fluid. The method may also include conveying the flowing fluid to a cooling unit such that heat is transferred from the flowing fluid.	07-21-2011
20110286171	Adjustable Multi-Orientation Display Support System - A display support system includes a chassis housing an electronic display and defining a support member channel. A support member is moveably coupled to the chassis. The support member is operable to move between a stored position in which the support member is positioned in the support member channel and a support position in which the support member extends from the chassis. An adjustment member is moveably coupled to the support member. With the chassis engaging a support surface, the adjustment member is operable to engage the support surface and move relative to the support member such that an angle between the electronic display and the support surface may be adjusted. The system allows the electronic display to be supported in either a landscape orientation and a portrait orientation, while allowing the angle between the support surface and the electronic display to be adjusted in either orientation.	11-24-2011
20120320514	TABLET SUPPORT SYSTEM - A tablet support system includes a chassis housing a plurality of components that provide a critical mechanical stack of the system. The plurality of components include a display that faces a first direction. The chassis includes a second surface facing a second direction that is opposite the first direction. A support member channel extends into the second surface. A subset of the plurality of components are positioned in the chassis such that they are not located between the support member channel and the display screen. A support member is moveably coupled to the chassis and operable to move into a stored position in which the support member is positioned in the support member channel. The subset of the plurality of components are positioned to allow the support member to be flush with the second surface when in the stored position without adding to a maximum thickness of the system.	12-20-2012
20130229770	SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COOLING INFORMATION HANDLING RESOURCES - Systems and methods for reducing problems and disadvantages associated with traditional approaches to cooling information handling resources are provided. A method for cooling information handling resources, may include conveying a flowing fluid proximate to one or more information handling resources such that the flowing fluid is thermally coupled to the one or more information handling resources and heat generated by the one or more information handling resources is transferred to the flowing fluid. The method may also include conveying the flowing fluid to a cooling unit such that heat is transferred from the flowing fluid.	09-05-2013

Jason R. Franz, Madison, WI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20140336003	SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR MEASURING PROPULSIVE FORCE DURING AMBULATION AND PROVIDING REAL-TIME FEEDBACK - The invention measures propulsive force of an ambulating subject to provide real-time feedback, which may be used for clinical assessment or rehabilitation/training such as that related to walking ability, or any other form of ambulation. Subjects with propulsive deficits have a considerable and underutilized propulsive reserve available during level ambulation. The invention uses real-time propulsive feedback as a therapeutic strategy to encourage a subject to access the propulsive reserve and improve forward propulsion during ambulation.	11-13-2014

Jason T. Franz, Austin, TX US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20150205331	Convertible Information Handling System Input Device Surface and Support - A convertible information handling system transitions to tablet and tablet stand configurations having a keyboard with a friction enhanced surface disposed against a support surface, the keyboard resisting movement of the information handling system relative to the support surface. For example, the keyboard has a rubberized plastic outer surface on non-moving keys to effectively increase the surface area of the keyboard in contact with the support surface. In one embodiment, the friction enhanced surface has its friction characteristics increased when proximate a support surface and decreased when distal a support surface.	07-23-2015
20150309540	Information Handling System Hinge Support Frame - Low profile portable information handling systems rotationally couple a lid and chassis portion with a dual axis hinge that couples at one axis with an extension and countersink engagement to enhance system strength. For example, a conical boss in a lid support frame extends into a countersink formed in a hinge axis and includes threads to accept a screw inserted from the hinge axis into the conical boss. The conical boss inner diameter extends the space available for placement of threads to engage a screw to provide enhanced coupling strength between the hinge axis and lid support frame.	10-29-2015

Jason Tait Franz, Austin, TX US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20150277598	NON-LINE-OF-SIGHT TOUCH INPUT DEVICE - A portable information handling system may be used in tablet-laptop mode, where a first body and a second body are rotatable about each other within an angular range of about 360° . Depending on the detected angular rotation of the first body about the second body, among other detectable usage aspects, line-of-sight operation or non-line-of-sight operation of touch input devices, such as a touch pad and/or a keyboard, may be activated.	10-01-2015

Jean Franz, Tinley Park, IL US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090254423	Sales Management System and Method - A method and system facilitates management of sales activities of sales associates. Sales information from a remote computer is received by a server computer. The server computer processes the sales information, and the system identifies weaknesses of the sales associates based on the sales information. Once a weakness is identified, the system further identifies advice content based on the identified weaknesses of the sales associates. In one component, the system utilizes an activity curve, which tracks aggregate sales information through the sales cycle. The advice content may be determined based on a shape of the activity curve.	10-08-2009

Jeffrey Franz, Madison, WI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20140252079	ANALYZER WITH MACHINE READABLE PROTOCOL PROMPTING - An analysis system utilizes a reagent with a machine-readable label for performing a biological assay on a sample. A scanner reads the label, and generates a scanner signal in response to reading the label. A memory stores a plurality of protocols for the automation of one or more assays performed on one or more samples. A detector generates a detector signal in response to the sample. A controller receives the scanner signal and selecting a corresponding protocol from the plurality of protocols in response to at least the scanner signal. The detector signal is received by the controller and processed into a data set. A user input module facilitates user selection of assay protocol parameters. The user input module is in communication with the controller. A data processing module is in communication with the controller. The data processing module receives the data set and processes the data set according to the protocol.	09-11-2014

Joann Franz, St. Clair Shores, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110005542	POROUS ARTIFICIAL FINGERNAIL AND METHOD FOR APPLYING THE SAME - An artificial fingernail/extension for attachment to a natural fingernail includes a flexible polyethylene body that is flexible to conform to the shape of the nail and having a lower surface contacting the upper surface of a natural fingernail over the activator. The body is sized to provide a forward extension from the natural fingernail and the body. The body is made of a porous material that wicks applied adhesive from the top surface of the body to the lower surface of the body to bond to the fingernail. The polyethylene body can be provided on a strip of material carrying a plurality of material bodies separated by perforations and having scallops formed therein.	01-13-2011

John Franz, Houston, TX US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090231800	Blade Enclosure With Replaceable Hard Drives - One embodiment has plural servers stacked in an enclosure. The servers have a front surface and at least two hard disk drives that are each hot-swappable and replaceable through an opening in the front surface.	09-17-2009
20140233178	Fan Impeller with Multiple Blades Shaped and Disposed to Provide High Air-Power Efficiency - A fan impeller with multiple blades shaped and disposed to provide high air-power efficiency. The fan impeller includes a hub, a first plurality of primary blades and a second plurality of secondary blades. The leading edge of the first secondary blade is disposed proximately to the trailing edge of the first primary blade. A leading edge portion of the first secondary blade is also disposed in an inter-blade space between the first primary blade and a second primary blade. A trailing edge portion of the first secondary blade is disposed outside of the inter-blade space and towards a bottom of the hub. A cooling fan including the fan impeller, and an electrical apparatus including the cooling fan that includes the fan impeller are also provided.	08-21-2014

Joseph A. Franz, Baltimore, MD US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090048717	Multiple input building controller - Controllers associated with the high energy devices may are programmed or configured with processing rules by a building manager or an energy usage coordinator such that the controllers can respond to various changing conditions without having to be contacted by the energy usage controller. Such autonomous control allows the controllers to react more quickly to potentially take advantage of advantageous conditions and/or avoid disadvantageous conditions. For example, by tracking information from market information services and/or from historical, current and predicted information services, a controller may be programmed to reduce energy usage autonomously under a number of programmable conditions.	02-19-2009
20090048718	Multi-building control for demand response power usage control - An energy usage coordinator controls the energy usage of individual buildings of a group (or portfolio) of buildings in one or more load zones. These buildings have all contracted with an energy company which controls (directly or indirectly) the energy usage coordinator. By agreeing to lower energy usage during times of peak usage (when the energy company may otherwise have to pay very high prices on the spot or short term market), the owners or managers of the buildings receive a preferential energy rate from the energy company. Such a preferential rate may be in the form of a fixed rate reduction or a variable rate reduction. Alternatively, the energy company may determine that the energy is currently selling for twice what its building portfolio has contracted to pay for it so it requests some portion of the portfolio to reduce usage so that it can sell the excess/saved energy in the market.	02-19-2009
20090048901	Energy usage prediction and control system and method - A controller and/or a gateway acts as a feedback-based energy estimator for controlling initial and refined estimates of energy usage of one or more buildings controlled by the controller or gateway. An initial estimate of a building's energy needs for a specified time in the future (e.g., a month or a week ahead) are calculated, and then over time, in conjunction with an energy company, the initial estimate (and subsequent estimates) is revised based on the costs of the energy predicted or quoted by the energy company. The controller may examine jobs to be performed at the time as well as predictive information that may affect the building's energy needs (e.g., the predicted temperature for the time of the predicted energy needs). As expectations change (or as predicted factors such as temperature change), the energy company may be informed of the additional energy that will be needed (e.g., if the predicted temperature is increasing and cooling will be needed) or the excess energy that is expected (e.g., if the predicted temperature is decreasing and less cooling will be needed).	02-19-2009

Kale J. Franz, Burlington, CO US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20080273565	EXCITED STATE QUANTUM CASCADE PHOTON SOURCE - A quantum cascade source, such as a QC laser, is provided comprising a plurality of repeat units each including an active region and an injector region. The active region includes at least two quantum wells that, in response to an applied electrical bias, provide a first, second, and third electron energy level, each resulting from a respective quantum well excited state. The first and second energy levels are configured so that an electron transition from the first energy level to the second energy level emits a photon of a selected wavelength. The second and third energy levels are configured so that an electron transition from the second energy level to the third energy level comprises a nonradiative transition to empty the second energy level sufficiently quickly to promote a population inversion between the first and second energy levels.	11-06-2008
20110080930	Highly Power-efficient and Broadband Quantum Cascade Lasers - The present invention relates generally to highly power-efficient quantum cascade sources, such as highly power-efficient quantum cascade lasers having ultra-strong coupling between injector and active regions which may be configured to provide broadband quantum cascade lasers.	04-07-2011

Karyn Elizabeth Franz, Rapid City, SD US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20120122420	Automated Alert Generation in Response to a Predetermined Communication on a Telecommunication Device - A cell phone software application that automatically informs a person's ICE contacts when their cell phone has made an emergency 911 call. Also included are systems for sending the GPS location of the cell phone to both the emergency service responders and to the ICE contacts. Personal medical information can also be transmitted automatically to the emergency service when the emergency call has been made. A system for disabling the alerting of the person's ICE contacts is also included such that the cell phone user is free to make emergency calls on behalf of other people.	05-17-2012
20120258684	Automated Alert Generation in Response to a Predetermined Communication on a Telecommunication Device - A cell phone software application that automatically informs a person's ICE contacts when their cell phone has made an emergency 911 call. Also included are systems for sending the GPS location of the cell phone to both the emergency service responders and to the ICE contacts. Personal medical information can also be transmitted automatically to the emergency service when the emergency call has been made. A system for disabling the alerting of the person's ICE contacts is also included such that the cell phone user is free to make emergency calls on behalf of other people.	10-11-2012

Katherine J. Franz, Durham, NC US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090253161	FLUORESCENT PROCHELATORS FOR CELLULAR IRON DETECTION - Fluorescent probe compound of Formula Ia or Formula Ib:	10-08-2009
20100004204	ROS-SENSITIVE IRON CHELATORS AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I): along with compositions containing the same and methods of use thereof in treating oxidative stress.	01-07-2010
20110184333	PHOTOLABILE CAGED TRANSITION METAL COMPLEXES AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - The present invention provides compounds of Formula I: (I) along with compositions comprising the same and methods of using the same, such as for photodynamic therapy in the treatment of cancer.	07-28-2011
20130035311	PROCHELATORS FOR INHIBITING METAL-PROMOTED OXIDATIVE STRESS - The present invention provides compounds of Formula I along with compositions containing the same and methods of use thereof in treating oxidative stress.	02-07-2013
20130096085	PROCHELATORS USEFUL FOR INHIBITING METAL-ASSOCIATED TOXICITY - Prochelator compounds of Formula (I) or Formula (II) are described, along with methods of using the same and pharmaceutical formulations or compositions containing the same.	04-18-2013
20130210793	PHOTOLABILE CAGED TRANSITION METAL COMPLEXES AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - The present invention provides compounds of Formula I:	08-15-2013
20140148414	PROCHELATORS USEFUL FOR INHIBITING METAL-ASSOCIATED TOXICITY - Prochelator compounds of Formula I or Formula II:	05-29-2014
20140274955	PROCHELATORS AS BROAD-SPECTRUM ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND METHODS OF USE - The present disclosure provides methods of treating (including ameliorating and/or preventing) pathogenic infections by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a prochelator. The present disclosure further provides pharmaceutical compositions and a kit comprising the prochelator therein.	09-18-2014

Laura P. Franz, Madison, WI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20150198533	LUCIGEN YELLOW (LucY), A YELLOW FLUORESCENT PROTEIN - Described herein are isolated polynucleotides that encode a fluorescent protein which is at least 80% sequence identical to a protein selected from the group consisting of SEQ. ID. NOS: 2, 4, 6, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26, 30, 34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 70, and 74. Also described are expression constructs containing the polynucleotides, transformed host cells containing the expression constructions, the encoded fluorescent proteins themselves, and methods of using the nucleotides and encoded fluorescent proteins for bioanalytical research.	07-16-2015

Lawrence Franz, Tinley Park, IL US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090254423	Sales Management System and Method - A method and system facilitates management of sales activities of sales associates. Sales information from a remote computer is received by a server computer. The server computer processes the sales information, and the system identifies weaknesses of the sales associates based on the sales information. Once a weakness is identified, the system further identifies advice content based on the identified weaknesses of the sales associates. In one component, the system utilizes an activity curve, which tracks aggregate sales information through the sales cycle. The advice content may be determined based on a shape of the activity curve.	10-08-2009

Matthew G. Franz, Norfolk, VA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090055429	METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DATA COLLECTION - A system and method for collecting data are disclosed. The system generates tables in a database corresponding to source data selected for collection. Using a first program thread, the system receives source data from a data source and stores the source data in a data storage device. Using a second program thread executed substantially concurrent with the first thread, the system extracts the selected source data from the data storage device, and stores the selected source data in the corresponding tables of the database.	02-26-2009

Michael Franz, Cumberland, RI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20130265537	SAFETY EYEWEAR WITH LENS FRAME EYEWIRE HAVING RECTANGULAR CROSS-SECTION FOR IMPROVED LENS RETENTION - A lens frame for retaining a prescription lens in safety eyewear includes an eyewire having a rectangular cross-sectional shape. The lens has a continuous channel in a peripheral edge thereof and is received within the lens frame with the eyewire being received within the channel in the lens and the front and rear surfaces of the eyewire continuously engaging the front and rear walls of the continuous channel in the lens. The rectangular cross-sectional shape of the eyewire allows the lens frame to flex when the lens is impacted.	10-10-2013

Michael Franz, San Diego, CA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20120122601	GOLF CLUB HEAD - A golf club head comprises a sole, a recessed sole port in the sole; and a rotatably adjustable sole piece adapted to be at least partially received within the sole port and comprising a central body having a plurality of contact surfaces adapted to contact the sole port and being offset from each other along a central axis extending through the central body of the sole piece. The sole piece can be positioned at least partially within the sole port at five or more rotational and axial positions with respect to the central axis, wherein at each rotational position, at least one of said contact surfaces of the central body contacts the sole port to set the axial position of the sole piece. The sole port and/or the sole piece can be generally pentagonal in shape.	05-17-2012
20130085010	GOLF CLUBS - An exemplary golf club head can comprise a body comprising a hosel bore defining a hosel bore axis and an adjustable sleeve comprising a plurality of longitudinal splines that engage with the body within the hosel bore such that the sleeve is configured to be secured within the hosel bore in a plurality of discrete rotational positions relative to the hosel bore axis. The sleeve can further comprise a shaft bore defining a shaft bore axis that forms a sleeve angle with the hosel bore axis when the sleeve is secured within the hosel bore. The square loft angle of the golf club head can be adjusted by changing the rotational position of the sleeve within the hosel bore. The club head can further comprise an adjustable sole piece that can be locked on the sole at a plurality of discrete positions to adjust face angle.	04-04-2013
20140080622	GOLF CLUB HEAD - A golf club head comprises a sole, a recessed sole port in the sole; and a rotatably adjustable sole piece adapted to be at least partially received within the sole port and comprising a central body having a plurality of contact surfaces adapted to contact the sole port and being offset from each other along a central axis extending through the central body of the sole piece. The sole piece can be positioned at least partially within the sole port at five or more rotational and axial positions with respect to the central axis, wherein at each rotational position, at least one of said contact surfaces of the central body contacts the sole port to set the axial position of the sole piece. The sole port and/or the sole piece can be generally pentagonal in shape.	03-20-2014
20140080628	GOLF CLUB HEAD - A golf club head comprises a sole, a recessed sole port in the sole; and a rotatably adjustable sole piece adapted to be at least partially received within the sole port and comprising a central body having a plurality of contact surfaces adapted to contact the sole port and being offset from each other along a central axis extending through the central body of the sole piece. The sole piece can be positioned at least partially within the sole port at five or more rotational and axial positions with respect to the central axis, wherein at each rotational position, at least one of said contact surfaces of the central body contacts the sole port to set the axial position of the sole piece. The sole port and/or the sole piece can be generally pentagonal in shape.	03-20-2014
20140080629	GOLF CLUB HEAD - A golf club head comprises a sole, a recessed sole port in the sole; and a rotatably adjustable sole piece adapted to be at least partially received within the sole port and comprising a central body having a plurality of contact surfaces adapted to contact the sole port and being offset from each other along a central axis extending through the central body of the sole piece. The sole piece can be positioned at least partially within the sole port at five or more rotational and axial positions with respect to the central axis, wherein at each rotational position, at least one of said contact surfaces of the central body contacts the sole port to set the axial position of the sole piece. The sole port and/or the sole piece can be generally pentagonal in shape.	03-20-2014
20140274448	GOLF CLUB HEAD WITH STEPPED CROWN - Golf club head embodiments disclosed herein comprise a crown having a stepped portion located between a front portion of the crown and rear portion of the crown, such that the crown transitions steeply in height across the stepped portion from the front portion down to the rear portion. The stepped portion of the crown may extend from adjacent to the hosel in a toeward and rearward direction.	09-18-2014
20150045138	GOLF CLUB HEAD - A golf club head comprises a sole, a recessed sole port in the sole; and a rotatably adjustable sole piece adapted to be at least partially received within the sole port and comprising a central body having a plurality of contact surfaces adapted to contact the sole port and being offset from each other along a central axis extending through the central body of the sole piece. The sole piece can be positioned at least partially within the sole port at five or more rotational and axial positions with respect to the central axis, wherein at each rotational position, at least one of said contact surfaces of the central body contacts the sole port to set the axial position of the sole piece. The sole port and/or the sole piece can be generally pentagonal in shape.	02-12-2015

Michael David Franz, Macomb Twp, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20130307302	HAPTIC MOTOR - A seat cushion of a vehicle seat includes a cushion made of foam and at least one motor assembly located in the cushion. The at least one motor assembly includes a housing having a first portion and a second portion, and one of the first portion and the second portion includes a meltable feature located near a location of contact of the first portion and the second portion. The meltable feature melts to secure the first portion of the housing to the second portion of the housing to retain a motor within the housing.	11-21-2013

Michael E. Franz, San Diego, CA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20140357397	PROGRESSIVE IRON SET - The present invention is direct to a set of golf clubs comprising long irons, mid-irons and short irons. The long irons have a first center of gravity positioned horizontally from the face center by a first distance. The mid-irons have a second center of gravity positioned horizontally from the face center by a second distance. The short irons have a third center of gravity positioned horizontally from the face center by a third distance.	12-04-2014

Michael E. Franz, Dublin, OH US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100313969	FUEL FILLER ASSEMBLY - A fuel filler adapter for a vehicle including a rigid housing connected to the vehicle and having a fuel pipe opening defined therethrough; and a flexible plastic overmold formed to the rigid housing. The overmold includes a radial wall defining an aperture that is in registry with the fuel pipe opening, a drainage skirt at least partially encircling the aperture for catching overflow fuel, and an overflow channel disposed below the aperture. The overflow channel may be defined by the radial wall and/or the skirt.	12-16-2010
20110121605	ANTI-EXTREMITY PINCH GARNISH - An anti-extremity pinch garnish for preventing pinching of extremities between a hinged edge portion of a vehicle closure and an adjacent portion of a vehicle body to which the vehicle closure is pivotally mounted includes a first portion secured to the vehicle body adjacent an opening defined therein and a second portion integral with said first portion and configured to obstruct entry of an extremity between the hinged edge portion of the closure and the adjacent portion of the vehicle body.	05-26-2011
20110175389	FUEL DOOR ASSEMBLY WITH VIBRATION DAMPER - A fuel door assembly may use a vibration damper made as a single part with a contact surface of the vehicle body or a contact surface of the fuel door.	07-21-2011

Michael E. Franz, Encinitas, CA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20150217364	METHOD OF FORMING AN IRON SET - The present invention is directed to a set of golf clubs comprising long irons, mid-irons and short irons. The irons have a progressive horizontal CG location. Preferably, the long and MID irons have a CG located between about 1 mm and 3 mm towards the hosel and the short iron CG is located between about 3 mm and 4 mm toward the hosel. Further the irons can have a substantially constant blade width with progressively increasing toe height and progressively decreasing scoreline width.	08-06-2015

Patrick Edward Franz, San Diego, CA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110133987	Apparatus and Method for a Directional Finder - The invention provides a determination of direction to a remote object which omnidirectionally transmits a signal. The invention includes a handheld directional and omnidirectional antenna at a user's location and a handheld circuit coupled to the antennas to determine field strengths of the signal received from the remote object by the two antennas. A comparison of the received signals at the antennas during a sweep a field of observation is made and a probable direction of the remote object relative to the user's location is selected from the data sweep. The apparatus may further comprise a digital compass which generates a compass heading corresponding to each direction in which the directional antenna is pointed. The circuit stores field strength data by compass heading and averages the field strength data according to a predetermined protocol over compass headings.	06-09-2011

Patrick Joseph Franz, Portland, OR US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090071992	Adjustable accessory mount - In accordance with one embodiment, an adjustable accessory mount mechanism uses two arms, a mount, and two attachment connections to the support structure. The arms are pivotably connected at the mount itself and at their attachments to the support structure. This arrangement produces an adjustable triangulated mechanism with the mount at one vertex and the existing support structure as one side of the triangle. The mount can be perpendicular or parallel to the support structure. The arms may be curved or otherwise shaped to avoid other objects. The accessory mount both spreads the load on the support structure and provides an inherently strong triangulated structure for mounting the object or accessory.	03-19-2009

Paul Martin Franz, Shelburne, VT US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20150316929	Runway Traction Estimation and Reporting System - A runway traction estimation and reporting method and computer readable medium is provided. Upon detection of a landing event, a runway traction estimation and reporting method provides for various measurements and calculations to estimate the traction of the runway and create a traction map of the runway. A computer readable medium may contain instructions for a runway traction estimation and reporting processor directing the processor to perform various measurements and calculations to estimate the traction of the runway. The processor may communicate with a ground station or with other aircraft to produce collaborative results.	11-05-2015

Perry D. Franz, Elk Mound, WI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20140124168	Closed-loop Cooling System for High-Density Clustered Computer System - A cooling system for a high performance computing system includes a closed-loop cooling cell having two compute racks and a cooling tower between the compute racks. Each compute rack includes at least one blade enclosure, and the cooling tower includes at least one water-cooled heat exchanger and one or more blowers configured to draw warm air from a side of the compute racks towards a back, across the water-cooled heat exchanger, and to circulate cooled air to a side of the compute racks towards a front. The cooling cell further includes a housing enclosing the compute racks and the cooling tower to provide a closed-loop air flow within the cooling cell. The cooling system further includes cooling plate(s) configured to be disposed between two computing boards within the computing blade, and a fluid connection coupled to the cooling plate and in fluid communication with the blade enclosure.	05-08-2014

Perry Dennis Franz, Elk Mound, WI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20150146354	Remote Actuated Leveling Machanism - A computer server rack has a platform, configured to support at least one server, with a front end and an opposed back end. The server rack also has a height adjuster coupled to the platform, and a control positioned a first distance from the front end and a second distance from the back end. The first distance is smaller than the second distance, and the control is configured to control the height adjuster to change a height of the back end of the platform.	05-28-2015
20150160702	Hot Swappable Computer Cooling System - A computer system has a liquid cooling system with a main portion, a cold plate, and a closed fluid line extending between the main portion and the cold plate. The cold plate has an internal liquid chamber fluidly connected to the closed fluid line. The computer system also has a hot swappable computing module that is removably connectable with the cold plate. The cold plate and computing module are configured to maintain the closed fluid line between the main portion and the cold plate when the computing module is being connected to or removed from the cold plate.	06-11-2015

Peter H. Franz, Edina, MN US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20080241227	Composition for Treating Dehydration in Large Mammals - A re-hydration supplement composition particularly suitable to counteract dehydration stresses in mature bovine mammals in the form of a pelletized feed supplement is disclosed which includes relatively large fractions of carbohydrates including saccharides, cationic and anionic electrolytes and a minor amount of betaine osmolyte. A process for pelleting is also disclosed.	10-02-2008
20080260897	Method of Treating Dehydration in Large Mammals - A re-hydration supplement composition particularly suitable to counteract dehydration stresses in mature bovine mammals in the form of a pelletized feed supplement is disclosed which includes relatively large fractions of carbohydrates including saccharides, cationic and anionic electrolytes and a minor amount of betaine osmolyte. A process for pelleting is also disclosed.	10-23-2008

Peter Joseph Franz, Rapid City, SD US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20120122420	Automated Alert Generation in Response to a Predetermined Communication on a Telecommunication Device - A cell phone software application that automatically informs a person's ICE contacts when their cell phone has made an emergency 911 call. Also included are systems for sending the GPS location of the cell phone to both the emergency service responders and to the ICE contacts. Personal medical information can also be transmitted automatically to the emergency service when the emergency call has been made. A system for disabling the alerting of the person's ICE contacts is also included such that the cell phone user is free to make emergency calls on behalf of other people.	05-17-2012
20120258684	Automated Alert Generation in Response to a Predetermined Communication on a Telecommunication Device - A cell phone software application that automatically informs a person's ICE contacts when their cell phone has made an emergency 911 call. Also included are systems for sending the GPS location of the cell phone to both the emergency service responders and to the ICE contacts. Personal medical information can also be transmitted automatically to the emergency service when the emergency call has been made. A system for disabling the alerting of the person's ICE contacts is also included such that the cell phone user is free to make emergency calls on behalf of other people.	10-11-2012

Robert Franz, Independence, IA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20150035656	REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM - A remote control system includes a control unit configured to send a control signal to a machine to be controlled from a position remote from the machine. A sensor system is operatively linked with the control unit, and is configured for registering a presence of an operator in a predetermined proximity to a predetermined location. Operation of the machine to be controlled is responsive to the sensor system.	02-05-2015

Robert D. Franz, Ottumwa, IA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20150322634	SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SENSING WEAR OF REDUCING ELEMENTS OF A MATERIAL REDUCING MACHINE - The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for sensing wear in machines designed to reduce or break-down material. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for sensing wear of reducing elements used by excavation machines such as surface excavation machines. The present disclosure relates to a wear sensing system including a multilevel wear sensor protection system. The multi-level wear sensor protection system includes a first level of protection, a second level of protection, and a third level of protection.	11-12-2015

Robert D. Franz US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20150322634	SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SENSING WEAR OF REDUCING ELEMENTS OF A MATERIAL REDUCING MACHINE - The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for sensing wear in machines designed to reduce or break-down material. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for sensing wear of reducing elements used by excavation machines such as surface excavation machines. The present disclosure relates to a wear sensing system including a multilevel wear sensor protection system. The multi-level wear sensor protection system includes a first level of protection, a second level of protection, and a third level of protection.	11-12-2015

Robert F. Franz, Bridgewater, NJ US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20120101776	EMBEDDED PROGNOSTIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR AERONAUTICAL MACHINES AND DEVICES AND METHODS THEREOF - Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system for monitoring the characteristics of key components of aeronautical machines (e.g., airplanes, helicopters, etc.), processing obtained data, and delivering prognostic health indicators to improve machine performance and detect early warning signs of failure. In one embodiment, a method of maintaining prognostic health management accuracy of an aeronautic system comprises providing a control module and a sensor pod having a plurality of sensors, and physically positioning the plurality of sensors on a mechanical component of an aircraft; obtaining operational data from the sensors while the aircraft is operating in a native environment; transmitting operational data to the control module and determine real-time system performance characteristics; processing real-time system performance characteristics against a set of historical records containing past system performance characteristics and generating predictive indicators for forecasting remaining component lifetime and future component failures; and providing predictive indicators on an indicator means.	04-26-2012

Roger L. Franz, Mundelein, IL US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090015547	Electronic Device with Physical Alert - An electronic device (	01-15-2009
20110254383	SMART MODULE AND METHOD WITH MINIMAL STANDBY LOSS - A smart method (	10-20-2011
20110273376	Stylus Devices Having Variable Electrical Characteristics for Capacitive Touchscreens - Disclosed are devices and methods of stylus devices that when in contact with a capacitive touchscreen and a grounding element, can vary the signal level detected on a capacitive touchscreen to create a more realistic writing experience. Disclosed are elements of a touchscreen stylus, which individually or in combination, can enable a touchscreen stylus to have at least one electrical characteristic that is variable. In this way the resistive link between the touchscreen and a grounding element can be varied to enable features such as a capability to vary the width of line being drawn, to vary a region of influence on the touchscreen and/or to vary a temperament of action. The elements of a disclosed stylus can include at least one mechanical feature to provide at least one electrical characteristic that is variable and/or at least one material in an arrangement to provide at least one electrical characteristic that is variable.	11-10-2011
20130249862	Dynamic Impedance Circuit - In embodiments of a dynamic impedance circuit, a power circuit of a device charges and/or powers the device when the device is connected to a power source. A dynamic impedance circuit is coupled to the power circuit of the device and to the power source. The dynamic impedance circuit can operate with low impedance, and alternatively, can operate with high impedance responsive to an increased voltage across the dynamic impedance circuit, such as when a chassis of the device is coupled to ground.	09-26-2013

Ryan W. Franz, Boulder, CO US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20150207964	Small UAS With High Definition Video - A sensor system comprising specific subassemblies provides high definition video in small unmanned aerial systems. The sensor system provides for efficient space and power utilization.	07-23-2015

Ryan Wayne Franz, Boulder, CO US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20150241562	LASER NAVIGATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A laser navigation system for measuring the position of a vehicle or object. An environmental housing with first and second optical windows contains a first laser source with a steering optic oriented to the first optical window; and a second laser source with a scanning optic oriented to the second optical window. A system controller operates the first laser source with at least one of modulation and signal encoding information and provides steering commands to the steering optic to generate at least three or more adjoining or near-adjoining differentiated steered beams, and operates the second laser source and scanning optic to provide a distance measurement information, wherein the position of a vehicle or object is determined from its angular location within the differentiated steered beams in combination with the distance measurement information.	08-27-2015

Scott M. Franz, Clawson, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090033084	Sensor assembly for a vehicle occupant protection device - A vehicle occupant protection device (	02-05-2009

Scott M. Franz, Clinton Township, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20120097781	SEAT BELT RETRACTOR WITH DEEP DRAWN SPOOL - A seat belt retractor (	04-26-2012
20140014758	SEATBELT RETRACTOR - In a belt retractor (	01-16-2014

Steven A. Franz, Buffalo, NY US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20120298691	Dispensing Device - A dispensing device having a housing capable of receiving a pre-packaged charge of pre-whipped topping or icing. The housing has an inner wall with a slot formed therein for receiving a rack that is capable of rotational and translational motion within the slot. The rack has a set of gear teeth that engage with a catch on a plunger. The piston moves in the axial direction to force the pre-whipped topping or icing through the outlet in its packaging. The catch on the piston is locked in one direction and pivots in the opposite direction such that the rack engages with the piston when it moves in a first direction and the rack disengages with the piston when it is moved in a second direction opposite the first direction.	11-29-2012

Sue Franz, Zeeland, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20150346573	ELECTROCHEMICAL ENERGY STORAGE DEVICES - An energy storage device includes a cathodic material in an activated state; and an anodic material in an activated state; wherein: the cathodic material is a viologen covalently attached to, or confined within, a first polymer matrix, the first polymer matrix is configured to prevent or minimize substantial diffusion of the cathodic material in the activated state; and the anodic material is a phenazine, a phenothiazine, a triphenodithiazine, a carbazole, a indolocarbazole, a biscarbazole, or a ferrocene covalently attached to, or confined within, a second polymer matrix, the second polymer matrix is configured to prevent or minimize substantial diffusion of the anodic material in the activated state.	12-03-2015

Sue F. Franz, Holland, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100033319	NOTIFICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF - A notification system and method of visual notification of different types of events by flashing different colors is provided, wherein the notification system includes a master controller and a notification device. The master controller is configured to communicate at least one signal. The notification device includes an enclosure accepting a plurality of conductors providing both signaling and electrical power to the notification device, and at least one strobe drive circuit configured to supply an electrical signal for periodically flashing at least one strobe. The notification device further includes a strobe system configured to flash at least one strobe, such that the strobe system flashes one of at least two different colors, and a control logic configured to determine which color of the at least two different colors to flash at least one strobe based upon the signal received from at least one of the plurality of conductors.	02-11-2010
20150085338	PRE-FORMED POLYMER MATRIX DISC TO MAINTAIN UNIFORM CELL SPACING - An emissive display system includes an electro-optic device having a first substantially transparent substrate including a first electrically conductive material associated therewith. A second substantially transparent substrate is spaced apart from the first substrate to define a cavity and includes a second electrically conductive material associated therewith. One or more spacing members are positioned within the cavity and include one or more polymer matrix discs configured to maintain a cell spacing between the first and second substrates. An electro-optic medium is disposed within the cavity and is variably transmissive such that the electro-optic device is operable between substantially clear and darkened states, and includes at least one solvent, at least one anodic material, and at least one cathodic material. A substantially transparent light emitting display is operably coupled to the electro-optic device, which is in the darkened state when the light emitting display is emitting light.	03-26-2015
20150085339	EMISSIVE DISPLAY SYSTEM - An emissive display system includes an electro-optic device having a first substantially transparent substrate. A second substantially transparent substrate is spaced apart from the first substrate to define a cavity therebetween. An electro-optic medium is disposed within the cavity and is variably transmissive such that the electro-optic device is operable between substantially clear and darkened states, and includes at least one solvent, at least one anodic material, and at least one cathodic material. One or more spacing members are deposited on one of the first substrate and the second substrate and are configured to maintain a cell spacing between the first and second substrates. The one or more spacing members at least substantially dissolve upon association with the electro-optic medium. A substantially transparent light emitting display is operably coupled to the electro-optic device, which is in the darkened state when the light emitting display is emitting light.	03-26-2015
20150085340	EMISSIVE DISPLAY SYSTEM - An emissive display system includes an electro-optic device having a first substantially transparent substrate including first and second surfaces disposed on opposite sides thereof. At least one of the first and second surfaces includes a first electrically conductive layer. A second substantially transparent substrate includes third and fourth surfaces disposed on opposite sides thereof. At least one of the third and fourth surfaces includes a second electrically conductive layer. A primary seal disposed between the first and second substrates. The seal and the first and second substrates define a cavity therebetween. An electro-optic medium is disposed in the cavity and is variably transmissive such that the electro-optic device is operable between substantially clear and darkened states. A substantially transparent light emitting display is disposed adjacent to the electro-optic device, which is converted to the darkened state when the light emitting display is emitting light.	03-26-2015
20150085341	ELECTRO-OPTIC DEVICE - An emissive display system includes an electro-optic device having a first substantially transparent substrate including first and second surfaces, at least one of which includes a first electrically conductive layer. A second substantially transparent substrate includes third and fourth surfaces, at least one of which includes a second electrically conductive layer. A primary seal is disposed around perimeter portions of the first and second substrates, which define a cavity therebetween. An electro-optic medium is disposed in the cavity and is variably transmissive such that the electro-optic device is operable between substantially clear and darkened states. A plurality of beads are disposed in a central portion of the cavity and are movable to a perimeter portion of the cavity. A substantially transparent light emitting display is disposed adjacent to the electro-optic device, which is in the darkened state when the light emitting display is emitting light.	03-26-2015

Susan Franz, Arlington Heights, IL US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100196541	Frozen Sheeted Icing Formulation - A frozen sheeted icing comprising 2 to 10% by weight water; 10-30% by weight fat; 60-75% by weight sweetener solids; and 0.2 to 5.2% by weight of one or more gums. The composition can be prepared by mixing the ingredients to form an icing composition. The composition is then sheeted into desired shape, size and thickness. The sheeted icing is frozen and can be stored in the freezer until use. Also a method for icing a food product comprising the steps of providing a frozen sheet of icing; disposing the frozen sheet of icing on a surface of the food product; and exposing the disposed frozen sheet of icing to a temperature such that the frozen sheet of icing becomes sufficiently pliable and conforms or can be conformed to a surface of the food product. This results in forming an icing layer on the desired surfaces of the food product.	08-05-2010

Sylvia Franz, Laguna Beach, CA US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20080262610	BIOMECHANICAL DESIGN OF INTRACORNEAL INLAYS - Provided herein are intracorneal inlays for correcting vision impairments by altering the shape of the anterior corneal surface. The physical design of the inlay to induce the desired change of the anterior corneal surface includes consideration of the biomechanical response of the corneal tissue to the physical shape of the inlay. This biomechanical response can differ depending on the thickness, diameter, and profile of the inlay. In one embodiment, inlays having diameters smaller than the pupil are provided for correcting presbyopia. To provide near vision, an inlay is implanted centrally in the cornea to induce an “effect” zone on the anterior corneal surface, within which diopter power is increased. Distance vision is provided by a region of the cornea peripheral to the “effect” zone. In another embodiment, small diameter inlays are provided that induce “effect” zones on the anterior corneal surface that are much larger in diameter than the inlays.	10-23-2008