Patents by Inventor Michael Bernard

Michael Bernard 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).

  • Patent number: 8563901
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for providing top heat to assist with baking in an oven appliance having a gas bake burner. The top heat is provided by a heating element positioned in the top of the oven cavity. This top heating element is operated in a manner that assists the bottom, gas bake burner with properly browning the food on both its top and bottom. The operation of the both the top heating element and the gas bake burner can be varied to provide proper cooking and browning based upon e.g., the type of food being cooked, the amount of food being cooked, and the level of browning desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Michael Bernard Hitchcock, Philip Ames Barber, John Mark Chilton, Michael Thomas Chezem, Leo Edward Hodapp, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130204808
    Abstract: Systems and methods for fault prediction are described to reduce equipment failure by effectively monitoring equipment, removing anomalous data, and reducing false alarms. Such systems and methods can be used to receive monitoring data, extract information from the data, and combine extracted information for establishing prediction models. Additionally, fault probabilities may be quantified and faults may be predicted based on the probabilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Xiaomo Jiang, Eric Gebhardt, Michael Bernard, Steven Hartman
  • Publication number: 20130132604
    Abstract: System and method for load-balancing a plurality of transmission media. A first plurality of packets of a first stream may be transmitted to a second device on a first transmission medium. It may be determined that current medium utilization of the first transmission medium exceeds a first threshold. The first stream may be selected for transmission on both of the first transmission medium and a second transmission medium based on said determining that current medium utilization of the first transmission medium exceeds the first threshold. A second plurality of packets of the first stream may then be transmitted to the second device using both the first transmission medium and the second transmission medium. A first portion of the second plurality of packets may be transmitted on the first transmission medium and a second portion of the second plurality of packets may be transmitted on the second transmission medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Etan Gur Cohen, Michael Bernard Smith
  • Publication number: 20120263013
    Abstract: A mixing assembly includes an inlet, an outlet and a mixing chamber, the inlet is fluidly connected to the outlet through a plurality of micro fluid flow paths in a direction perpendicular from the inlet. The micro fluid flow paths fluidly connect to the perpendicular inlet via a curved transition portion. The curved transition portion provides a more efficient flow path for the fluid to travel from the inlet to the micro fluid flow paths to the mixing chamber. By transitioning the direction change, flow resistance is decreased, and the fluid flow rate and shear rate is increased. Increased fluid flow rate and shear rate helps to increase consistency and quality of mixing, and to reduce particle size of the fluid in the mixing chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: Microfluidics International Corporation
    Inventors: RENQIANG XIONG, John Michael Bernard
  • Publication number: 20120263012
    Abstract: A mixing assembly includes an inlet, an outlet and a mixing chamber, the inlet is fluidly connected to the outlet through a plurality of micro fluid flow paths in a direction perpendicular from the inlet. The micro fluid flow paths fluidly connect to the perpendicular inlet via a transition portion. The micro fluid flow paths are constructed radially inwardly to a concentration area in the mixing chamber. By directing multiple fluid flows to a concentrated area within the mixing chamber at high speeds, the energy dissipated at the point of collision is maximized, which helps to increase consistency and quality of mixing, and to reduce particle size of the fluid in the mixing chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: Microfluidics International Corporation
    Inventors: RENQIANG XIONG, John Michael Bernard
  • Publication number: 20120175442
    Abstract: A compact interaction chamber is used to cause high shear, impact forces, and cavitation to reduce particle size and mix fluids while reducing waste and holdup volume. A first housing made of stainless steel holds an inlet mixing chamber element and an outlet mixing chamber element in a female bore using thermal expansion. The inlet and outlet mixing chamber elements are manufactured so that the diameter of the cooled female bore is slightly smaller than the diameter of the mixing chamber elements. The first housing is heated, expanding the diameter of the female bore enough to allow the inlet and outlet mixing chamber elements to be inserted. After the mixing chamber elements are inserted and aligned within the female bore, the first housing is allowed to cool. Once cooled, the female bore contracts and applies sufficient hoop stress to securely hold the mixing chamber elements during high shear force mixing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: Microfluidics International Corporation
    Inventors: RENQIANG XIONG, John Michael Bernard
  • Publication number: 20120168423
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for providing top heat to assist with baking in an oven appliance having a gas bake burner. The top heat is provided by a heating element positioned in the top of the oven cavity. This top heating element is operated in a manner that assists the bottom, gas bake burner with properly browning the food on both its top and bottom. The operation of the both the top heating element and the gas bake burner can be varied to provide proper cooking and browning based upon e.g., the type of food being cooked, the amount of food being cooked, and the level of browning desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Bernard Hitchcock, Philip Ames Barber, John Mark Chilton, Michael Thomas Chezem, Leo Edward Hodapp, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120100492
    Abstract: A lockout control system for a cooktop appliance having a surface heating unit includes a controller coupled to the cooktop, a lockout device coupled to the controller, a surface burner state switch coupled between the controller and the lockout device, the surface burner state switch configured to prevent operation of the lockout device when the surface heating unit is enabled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventors: Leo Edward Hodapp, JR., Michael Bernard Hitchcock, William Lee Holbrook
  • Publication number: 20120074123
    Abstract: A control system for an appliance having at least a first oven and a second oven includes an electronic range control device for regulating a temperature of the first oven, an electromechanical thermostat assembly for regulating a temperature of the second oven, and a relay circuit assembly under control of the electronic range control device, the relay circuit assembly being configured to selectively enable operation of the first oven and the electromechanical thermostat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: Leo Edward HODAPP, JR., William Lee Holbrook, Michael Thomas Chezem, Michael Bernard Hitchcock, Philip Ames Barber, Jose Pintor
  • Publication number: 20110210895
    Abstract: A covert antenna or radio frequency probe assembly for a motor vehicle includes a substantially planar antenna or probe element including a sheet of electrically conductive material, a first dielectric substrate, and a second dielectric substrate. A connector is coupled to the antenna element and is adapted to supply electrical energy to the antenna or probe element from an electrical power source. The antenna or probe element is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, and the first substrate is bonded to the second substrate to form a substantially planar antenna or probe assembly. The antenna or probe assembly has the form of a motor vehicle mud guard or another substantially planar motor vehicle component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: Peter Marcus Buff, III, Michael Bernard Steer, Jay H. McCandless, Russell Evans Winstead
  • Patent number: 8008533
    Abstract: Continuous process for regasifying a feed stream having (i) a slurry phase comprising gas hydrate particles suspended in a produced liquid hydrocarbon and optionally free produced water and (ii) optionally a gaseous phase comprising free produced gaseous hydrocarbon thereby generating a regasified multiphase fluid and for separating the regasified multiphase fluid into its component fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: BP Exoloration Operating Company Limited
    Inventors: Carl Boles Argo, Roger Neil Harper, David Charles King, Michael Bernard Power, Peter Willcox
  • Publication number: 20110207613
    Abstract: The present invention provides biomarkers valuable in diagnosing or detecting a susceptibility to lupus. The present invention also provides panels of biomarkers valuable in diagnosing or detecting a susceptibility to lupus with good specificity and selectivity. Said biomarkers and panels of biomarkers are also useful in monitoring the progression or regression of lupus, or monitoring the progression to a flare of the disease or transition from a flare into remission or monitoring the efficacy of a therapeutic agent to lupus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Martin Johannes Ebner, Colin Henry Wheeler, Rachel Alison Fallon, Sarah Paula Joyce, Jens-Oliver Koopman, Michael Bernard McAndrew, Nicholas Ian Workman
  • Publication number: 20100299763
    Abstract: Disclosed is a computer program that provides a secure workflow environment through a cloud computing facility, wherein the secure workflow environment may be adapted to (1) provide a plurality of users with a workspace adaptable to provide secure document management and secure communications management, wherein the users comprise at least two classes of user, including a participant and a subscriber, the subscriber having control authority within the workspace that exceeds that of the participant and the participant having control over at least some of the participants own interactions with the workspace, (2) maintain a secure instance of each communication provided by each of the users such that each communication can be managed, (3) maintain a secure instance of each document interaction provided by each user such that each interaction can be managed; and extending the secure workflow environment to the users through a secure network connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: REDCLIFF INVESTMENTS, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Bernard Marcus, William McDowall Wells
  • Publication number: 20100248193
    Abstract: Food products for the dietary management of a diet-responsive disease or condition, a method of dietary management of a diet-responsive disease or condition, and a system for providing such food products are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system involves (a) providing the name of at least one medical professional or medical professional's office or practice for consultation by participants and, if applicable, for writing orders for food products for participants; (b) providing controlled access to a supply of food products; and (c) providing the food products to the participants. The food products can be supplied in any suitable manner. Suitable manners of providing a supply of food products include, but are not limited to providing the food products at retail outlets, such as stores that have pharmacies, and drug stores, or through a website.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Scott Donald Whalen, Nathan Daniel Estruth, John Michael Jensen, Chaz Adam Giles, Michael Bernard Dugas, Tracie Vanessa Blenman, Sandeep Kumar Jandial
  • Publication number: 20100250272
    Abstract: Food products for the dietary management of a diet-responsive disease or condition, a method of dietary management of a diet-responsive disease or condition, and a system for providing such food products are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system involves (a) providing the name of at least one medical professional or medical professional's office or practice for consultation by participants and, if applicable, for writing orders for food products for participants; (b) providing controlled access to a supply of food products; and (c) providing the food products to the participants. The food products can be supplied in any suitable manner. Suitable manners of providing a supply of food products include, but are not limited to providing the food products at retail outlets, such as stores that have pharmacies, and drug stores, or through a website.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Scott Donald Whalen, Nathan Daniel Estruth, Chaz Adam Giles, Michael Bernard Dugas, Tracie Vanessa Blenman, Sandeep Kumar Jandial
  • Publication number: 20100072706
    Abstract: A rotary machine includes a machine rotor, a machine stator, and a fluid seal disposed between the machine rotor and the machine stator. The fluid seal includes a fluid seal stator, a fluid seal rotor, and an active gap control mechanism coupled to the fluid seal stator. The fluid seal is configured to control a gap between the fluid seal stator and the fluid seal rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Bernard Schmitz, Roderick Mark Lusted, Mohsen Salehi, Eric John Ruggiero, Leonardo Baldassarre
  • Publication number: 20090230025
    Abstract: A continuous process for regasifying a feed stream comprising (i) a slurry phase comprising gas hydrate particles suspended in a produced liquid hydrocarbon and optionally free produced water and (ii) optionally a gaseous phase comprising free produced gaseous hydrocarbon thereby generating a regasified multiphase fluid and for separating the regasified multiphase fluid into its component fluids, comprising the steps of: (a) heating the feed stream to above the dissociation temperature of the gas hydrate thereby regasifying the feed stream by converting the gas hydrate particles into gaseous hydrocarbon and water; (b) separating a gaseous hydrocarbon phase from the regasified multiphase fluid thereby forming a gaseous hydrocarbon product stream and a liquid stream comprising a mixture of liquid hydrocarbon and water; (c) separating the liquid stream comprising a mixture of the liquid hydrocarbon and water into a liquid hydrocarbon phase and an aqueous phase; and (d) removing the liquid hydrocarbon phase as a
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: BP EXPLORATION OPERATING COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Carl Boles Argo, Roger Neil Harper, David Charles King, Michael Bernard Power, Peter Willcox
  • Patent number: 7582710
    Abstract: An improved process for the polymerization of olefin monomer selected from (a) ethylene, (b) propylene, (c) mixtures of ethylene and propylene and (d) mixtures of (a), (b) or (c) with one or more alpha-olefins in a fluidized bed gas phase reactor, said process comprising passing a gaseous mixture of said olefin monomers(s) through the fluidized bed under effective polymerization conditions to provide a polymer product containing unreacted monomer(s) and a gaseous effluent stream comprising unreacted monomer(s), removing the polymer product to a degassing vessel, recycling a first portion of the gaseous effluent stream to the fluidized bed and passing a second portion of the gaseous effluent stream to counter currently contact the polymer product in said degassing vessel to produce a polymer product having a reduced amount of unreacted monomer(s), characterized in that the improvements to the process comprise: (i) removing heavy hydrocarbons from the second portion of the effluent stream and returning said hyd
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Ineos Europe Limited
    Inventors: Andrew David Bell, David Andrew Fargie, David Edward Noble, Michael Bernard Power, Iain David Ross
  • Publication number: 20090197032
    Abstract: This application relates to a multi-layer sheet suitable for printer infeed comprising a liner sheet and a label sheet. The sheets are bonded together with a dry release coating. The coating may comprise, for example a dry adhesive or the combination of a breakaway coating and an adhesive. In one embodiment the label sheet is formed of transparent plastic and is cut to define a plurality of labels. When a label is removed from the liner sheet, the adhesive remains on the liner sheet and the label is non-tacky Similarly, since the adhesive is quick drying or coated, the dry release coating ensures that the exposed liner layer 12 is also non-tacky after a label is removed. This permits the multi-layer sheet to be fed through a printer multiple times, even after some labels have been removed. For example, labels may be selectively printed with indicia such as the name or title of an employee or a corporate logo and the printed labels may then be used as part of a wearable name tag assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: ILLEN PRODUCTS LTD.
    Inventors: Miguel Jensen DIDULO, Michael Bernard WOYCHESHEN, Craig GRIFFITHS
  • Patent number: D609056
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Bernard Pierce