Patents by Inventor G. Bullock

G. Bullock has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240168558
    Abstract: A finger-mounted device may include finger-mounted units. The finger-mounted units may each have a body that serves as a support structure for components such as force sensors, accelerometers, and other sensors and for haptic output devices. The body may have sidewall portions coupled by a portion that rests adjacent to a user's fingernail. The body may be formed from deformable material such as metal or may be formed from adjustable structures such as sliding body portions that are coupled to each other using magnetic attraction, springs, or other structures. The body of each finger-mounted unit may have a U-shaped cross-sectional profile that leaves the finger pad of each finger exposed when the body is coupled to a fingertip of a user's finger. Control circuitry may gather finger press input, lateral finger movement input, and finger tap input using the sensors and may provide haptic output using the haptic output device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2024
    Publication date: May 23, 2024
    Inventors: Paul X. Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, Michael J. Rockwell, Michael Y. Cheung, Ray L. Chang, Hongcheng Sun, Ian M. Bullock, Kyle J. Nekimken, Madeleine S. Cordier, Seung Wook Kim, David H. Bloom, Scott G. Johnston
  • Publication number: 20240149287
    Abstract: Embodiments include individual physical spray nozzles that have passageways inside to combine fluids that flow out of the spray nozzles. The nozzles have at least two valves that are opened and closed in an interleaved manner. The nozzles have multiple outlets. Such nozzles are mounted on a variety of implements including agricultural or industrial spray booms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2023
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Inventors: Travis G. Funseth, Stacy L. Bullock, Richard A. Humpal
  • Patent number: 11970313
    Abstract: An insulating container having a base and a lid is provided. The lid may be rotatable about a hinge from a closed configuration to an open configuration and may be secured, via one or more latching devices, in the closed configuration. In some examples, the insulating container further includes a pull handle assembly with a telescopic three-stage arm configuration defined by a stowed configuration, a partially extended configuration, and a fully extended configuration. In other examples, the insulating container further includes a wheel assembly with a pair of wheels mounted with one or two axles, and further including a wheel grommet for absorbing shock and cushioning the axle. In still other examples, the insulating container further includes a drain plug assembly on the rear sidewall adjacent to the bottom portion of the base, the drain plug assembly comprising a main tube that cooperatively engages with an outer tube with a plurality of ratchet teeth that engage one or more ratchet keys on the main tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: YETI Coolers, LLC
    Inventors: Liza Morris, Andrew J. Winterhalter, Robert Secker, Dustin R. Bullock, Elizabeth Ruchte, Ryan Nixon, Derek G. Sullivan, John Loudenslager, John Fritz, Erik Steven Larson, Lance Harrison, Michael Christopher Cieszko
  • Patent number: 11914780
    Abstract: A finger-mounted device may include finger-mounted units. The finger-mounted units may each have a body that serves as a support structure for components such as force sensors, accelerometers, and other sensors and for haptic output devices. The body may have sidewall portions coupled by a portion that rests adjacent to a user's fingernail. The body may be formed from deformable material such as metal or may be formed from adjustable structures such as sliding body portions that are coupled to each other using magnetic attraction, springs, or other structures. The body of each finger-mounted unit may have a U-shaped cross-sectional profile that leaves the finger pad of each finger exposed when the body is coupled to a fingertip of a user's finger. Control circuitry may gather finger press input, lateral finger movement input, and finger tap input using the sensors and may provide haptic output using the haptic output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Paul X Wang, Alex J. Lehmann, Michael J. Rockwell, Michael Y. Cheung, Ray L. Chang, Hongcheng Sun, Ian M. Bullock, Kyle J. Nekimken, Madeleine S. Cordier, Seung Wook Kim, David H. Bloom, Scott G. Johnston
  • Patent number: 10584537
    Abstract: An over-bit backreamer. The backreamer is configured to be placed over a bit without detaching the bit from a drill string associated with a pilot bore. The backreamer has an internal surface that conforms to a steering surface of the bit. Rotation is transferred from the bit to the backreamer at the internal surface. The backreamer further defines a flange which interacts with a feature, such as a heel, on the bit. The flange and heel form a shoulder which transfers pullback force to the bit. The backreamer comprises a pullback eye that pulls a product pipe back through the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Radius HDD Direct LLC
    Inventors: David G. Bullock, Ronald F. Wright, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20190242190
    Abstract: An over-bit backreamer. The backreamer is configured to be placed over a bit without detaching the bit from a drill string associated with a pilot bore. The backreamer has an internal surface that conforms to a steering surface of the bit. Rotation is transferred from the bit to the backreamer at the internal surface. The backreamer further defines a flange which interacts with a feature, such as a heel, on the bit. The flange and heel form a shoulder which transfers pullback force to the bit. The backreamer comprises a pullback eye that pulls a product pipe back through the borehole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Inventors: David G. Bullock, Ronald F. Wright, JR.
  • Patent number: 10350441
    Abstract: The instant invention relates to an apparatus and method for enhancing the fire extinguishing properties of water for use with fire fighting aircraft. The apparatus and method includes the steps of, and equipment for, transferring media into a holding tank in aircraft; filling a reservoir hopper with water in the aircraft; calculating the amount of media to be added to the reservoir; drawing the calculated amount of media into the reservoir to form an enhanced fire fighting admixture while the aircraft is in flight, wherein the admixture is offloaded by a controlled discharge for use in fighting forest fires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: GelTech Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Cordani, Matthew E. Struzziero, Edward G. Kleiman, Michael C. Story, Marc A. Gerth, Reagan G. Bullock, James B. Story, Victor D. Trotter
  • Patent number: 10301880
    Abstract: An over-bit backreamer. The backreamer is configured to be placed over a bit without detaching the hit from a drill string associated with a pilot bore. The backreamer has an internal surface that conforms to a steering surface of the hit. Rotation is transferred from the bit to the backreamer at the internal surface. The backreamer further defines a flange which interacts with a feature, such as a heel, on the bit. The flange and heel form a shoulder which transfers pullback force to the bit. The backreamer comprises a pullback eye that pulls a product pipe back through the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Radius HDD Direct, LLC
    Inventors: David G. Bullock, Ronald F. Wright, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20170109712
    Abstract: A method for generating a maintenance schedule for a machine is provided. The method includes receiving an identification code of the machine to be maintained. The method includes identifying the machine based on the identification code. The method includes obtaining at least one machine parameter associated with the maintenance of the machine. The method includes receiving a first input indicative of selecting a component in the machine. The method also includes receiving a second input indicative of a notification frequency for the selected component. The method also sending a notification based on the notification frequency. The method also includes receiving a third input, in response to the notification. The third input is indicative of an operational parameter of the component. The method further includes generating the maintenance schedule of the component based on the received operational parameter of the component and the predetermined maintenance schedule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventor: Robert G. Bullock
  • Publication number: 20170089143
    Abstract: An over-bit backreamer. The backreamer is configured to be placed over a bit without detaching the hit from a drill string associated with a pilot bore. The backreamer has an internal surface that conforms to a steering surface of the hit. Rotation is transferred from the bit to the backreamer at the internal surface. The backreamer further defines a flange which interacts with a feature, such as a heel, on the bit. The flange and heel form a shoulder which transfers pullback force to the bit. The backreamer comprises a pullback eye that pulls a product pipe back through the borehole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: DAVID G. BULLOCK, RONALD F. WRIGHT, JR.
  • Publication number: 20170072236
    Abstract: The instant invention relates to an apparatus and method for enhancing the fire extinguishing properties of water for use with fire fighting aircraft. The apparatus and method includes the steps of, and equipment for, transferring media into a holding tank in aircraft; filling a reservoir hopper with water in the aircraft; calculating the amount of media to be added to the reservoir; drawing the calculated amount of media into the reservoir to form an enhanced fire fighting admixture while the aircraft is in flight, wherein the admixture is offloaded by a controlled discharge for use in fighting forest fires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventors: Peter Cordani, Matthew E. Struzziero, Edward G. Kleiman, Michael C. Story, Marc A. Gerth, Reagan G. Bullock, James B. Story, Victor D. Trotter
  • Publication number: 20140338982
    Abstract: A drill bit for use in horizontal directional drilling. In a preferred embodiment the drill bit has a connector section having a first axis of rotation. The connector section is used to connect the drill bit to a beacon housing for thrust and rotation therewith. A bit body is disposed next to the connector section and slopes from the connector section to a front nose section. The front nose section has a frontwardly facing surface that supports a plurality of cutting teeth. The front nose section and the bit body comprise a second axis of rotation about which the front nose section and the bit body are rotated. The first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation are angularly offset at an offset angle of between four degrees and ten degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Radius HDD Direct LLC
    Inventors: Ronald F. Wright, JR., David G. Bullock
  • Patent number: 8662201
    Abstract: An assembly for housing a beacon comprising a number of tools for tracking and locating a drill bit. The assembly is for use as part of a drill string for horizontal directional drilling applications. The housing allows the beacon to be loaded at an end, and provides a side window at an opposite end for viewing the orientation of the beacon within the housing. The housing comprises a locating tab for pairing with a locating slot of the beacon to provide proper orientation. The window has a removable cover to secure the beacon when the access window is not needed for inspection of the beacon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Radius HDD Direct, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald F. Wright, Jr., David G. Bullock
  • Patent number: 8544569
    Abstract: An offset rock bit (12) has a steering face (28) and a shoe (30) provided by a recess formed into the steering face (28). A slot (66) formed into the shoe (30) for receiving a pull back adapter (50) in a centrally located position in the forward end of the offset rock bit (12). The pull back 5 adapter (50) has a pull back eye (52) with a central axis (62) which is aligned with a centrally disposed longitudinal axis (20) of the offset rock bit (12) and the tool string (10). This aligns the pull back eye (52) of the pull back adapter (50) with a borehole formed using the offset rock bit (12). The pull back adapter (50) also includes side edges (54, 56) which are configured for centering the pull back adapter (50) and pull back conduit within the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Radius HDD Direct, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald F. Wright, David G. Bullock
  • Publication number: 20120152621
    Abstract: An offset rock bit (12) has a steering face (28) and a shoe (30) provided by a recess formed into the steering face (28). A slot (66) formed into the shoe (30) for receiving a pull back adapter (50) in a centrally located position in the forward end of the offset rock bit (12). The pull back 5 adapter (50) has a pull back eye (52) with a central axis (62) which is aligned with a centrally disposed longitudinal axis (20) of the offset rock bit (12) and the tool string (10). This aligns the pull back eye (52) of the pull back adapter (50) with a borehole formed using the offset rock bit (12). The pull back adapter (50) also includes side edges (54, 56) which are configured for centering the pull back adapter (50) and pull back conduit within the borehole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Radius HDD Direct, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald F. Wright, JR., David G. Bullock
  • Patent number: 8122979
    Abstract: An offset rock bit (12) has a steering face (28) and a shoe (30) provided by a recess formed into the steering face (28). A slot (66) formed into the shoe (30) for receiving a pull back adapter (50) in a centrally located position in the forward end of the offset rock bit (12). The pull back adapter (50) has a pull back eye (52) with a central axis (62) which is aligned with a centrally disposed longitudinal axis (20) of the offset rock bit (12) and the tool string (10). This aligns the pull back eye (52) of the pull back adapter (50) with a borehole formed using the offset rock bit (12). The pull back adapter (50) also includes side edges (54, 56) which are configured for centering the pull back adapter (50) and pull back conduit within the borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Radius HDD Direct, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald F. Wright, Jr., David G. Bullock
  • Publication number: 20110017032
    Abstract: Trimming apparatus for books and similar materials are detailed. Dynamic variability of the apparatus allows sizes of successive materials to differ in two dimensions—both from spine to face and from head to foot. The result is a processing system with substantially greater utility than presently available, as the system may process respective materials of multiple different sizes without stopping the apparatus to adjust positions of the cutting implements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: World Color Press Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Hutchins, Ricky G. Bullock
  • Patent number: 7600582
    Abstract: An instrument housing for a drill string, comprising: a cylindrical housing having a cavity for receiving an instrument assembly such as a transmitter sonde; an elongated side load opening disposed parallel with and toward one end of the cavity and formed through a side of the cylindrical housing into the cavity. The side load opening is substantially shorter than the length of the instrument assembly; and an elongated side load door assembly is configured to fit within the side load opening, to enclose and secure the instrument assembly within the cylindrical housing such that the instrument is protected from loss or damage due to loss or damage to the side load door during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Texas HDD, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald (Riff) F. Wright, Jr., David G. Bullock
  • Publication number: 20020072430
    Abstract: A putter and putter head for use during putting practice. The practice putter has a shaft with a grip at an upper end and a putter head that is designed to improve a golfer's ability to contact the golf ball on the sweet spot of the putter head. The putter head has a body having a front surface with a relatively small, centrally-located, flat ball contact surface that comprises a sweet spot of the putter head and lateral portions that taper rearwardly away from the ball contact surface. Striking a golf ball with the flat ball contact surface propels the ball in a desired direction, while a mishit propels the ball in an undesirable direction. This clearly indicates to the golfer whether or not the ball was stuck on the sweet spot of the putter head and induce the golfer to properly contact the sweet spot to correctly strike the golf ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Michael D. Bullock, Jeffrey G. Bullock
  • Patent number: 6085784
    Abstract: A quick connect hose assembly is provided for a widespread faucet including a spout and a pair of end bodies mounted to a deck at spaced locations from the spout. The quick connect hose assembly includes a T-connector slidably mounted on an end of a waterway tube connected to the spout. The T-connector includes a pair of serrated hose connecting portions. A pair of connector members are provided including a hollow body portion which slidably receives a bottom portion of the end bodies and an outwardly extending serrated hose connecting portion extending from the hollow body portion. A first hose is connected between the T-connector and one of the connector members and a second hose is connected between the T-connector and the other connector member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Bloom, Donald J. Segien, Jr., Neil G. Bullock