Patents by Inventor Michael G. Sullivan

Michael G. Sullivan 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: 11976498
    Abstract: A 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 assemblies. The latching assembly may comprise a latch body, a locking member, a biasing member, and an activating member. Additional features of the container may include handles and strength increasing features. The base and lid may also feature attachment points for various accessories. A carry strap may attach to the base of the container to allow a user to lift and carry the container. The container may also have a wheels attached to the bottom portion and/or across the bottom portion to one side of the sidewall structure. In addition, in exemplary containers with wheels, a pull handle may be attached to a side opposite the wheels. The lid may include a lid support member that can act as a molle board to releasably secure items to the lid support member while also providing structural support to the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: YETI Coolers, LLC
    Inventors: Roy Joseph Seiders, Steve Charles Nichols, Kyle Ellison, Andy Bondhus, Tobias Hotchkiss, Liza Morris, Dennis Zuck, Ryan Nixon, Mark Carlson Rane, Walter T. Blanchard, Nicholas James Lombardi, Dustin Bullock, Michael Christopher Cieszko, Derek G. Sullivan
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20240109066
    Abstract: A microfluidic device may have at least one inlet channel; a microfluidic channel having a first portion fluidly connected to the at least one inlet channel; and at least one outlet channel fluidly connected to a second portion of the microfluidic channel, wherein the microfluidic channel has a plurality of dimples extending away from an axis of the microfluidic channel. The at least one inlet channel includes a first inlet channel and a second inlet channel, and/or the at least one outlet channel includes a first outlet channel and a second outlet channel. In some embodiments, the plurality of dimples may be configured to separate nanoparticles of different sizes to the first outlet channel and the second outlet channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventors: James G. GUTHLEIN, Michael J. SULLIVAN, Rajiv KUMAR
  • Patent number: 11629958
    Abstract: A process for determining and indicating an incremental point on a target surface comprises independently rotating a first laser to project a first laser point on the target surface; independently rotating a second laser to project a second laser point on the target surface; measuring an angle of rotation for each of the first laser and the second laser; and based on the measured angle of rotation for each of the first laser and the second laser, calculating a target angle of rotation corresponding to an incremental point between the first laser point and the second laser point on the target surface. A third laser is independently rotated until it reaches the target angle of rotation and projects a third laser point at the incremental point on the target surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Inventor: Michael G. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20210102806
    Abstract: A process for determining and indicating an incremental point on a target surface comprises independently rotating a first laser to project a first laser point on the target surface; independently rotating a second laser to project a second laser point on the target surface; measuring an angle of rotation for each of the first laser and the second laser; and based on the measured angle of rotation for each of the first laser and the second laser, calculating a target angle of rotation corresponding to an incremental point between the first laser point and the second laser point on the target surface. A third laser is independently rotated until it reaches the target angle of rotation and projects a third laser point at the incremental point on the target surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Inventor: Michael G. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 10900781
    Abstract: A device for measuring an increment on a surface comprises a housing having a left light source, a right light source and center light source each configured to project a light beam onto a target surface. Each light source is independently rotatable, and in communication with a rotation measuring element configured to measure a degree of rotation of each respective light source. A computing unit is configured to receive a measured degree of rotation value from the rotation measuring element for each of the left light source and the right light source, and to calculate a rotation target value for the center light source corresponding to a desired incremental point on the target surface between a projected left light beam from the left light source and a projected right light beam from the right light source, such that the center light source can be rotated according to the rotation target value and project a center light beam at the desired incremental point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Inventor: Michael G. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20190086207
    Abstract: A device for measuring an increment on a surface comprises a housing having a left light source, a right light source and center light source each configured to project a light beam onto a target surface. Each light source is independently rotatable, and in communication with a rotation measuring element configured to measure a degree of rotation of each respective light source. A computing unit is configured to receive a measured degree of rotation value from the rotation measuring element for each of the left light source and the right light source, and to calculate a rotation target value for the center light source corresponding to a desired incremental point on the target surface between a projected left light beam from the left light source and a projected right light beam from the right light source, such that the center light source can be rotated according to the rotation target value and project a center light beam at the desired incremental point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Inventor: Michael G. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 9248492
    Abstract: A panel system has an insulating material with a first channel disposed over a surface of the insulating material. A transporter is disposed over the first channel. A thermal transfer medium is disposed over the surface of the first panel to attain desired surface characteristics. The first panel includes a second channel intersecting the first channel. A second panel includes a second channel. The first panel is adjacent to the second panel. The first and second channels of the adjacent first and second panels are aligned. The transporter is disposed over the first and second channels. The first and second panels are mounted over a mounting surface. Keyways are formed in the channels. Retention clips are disposed over the keyways. Panels include panel wings with hinges mounted over the panel wings. The thermal transfer medium includes graphite. The transporter includes tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Inventors: Michael G. Sullivan, Diane Reker
  • Patent number: 8881476
    Abstract: A panel includes an insulating material, first channels disposed in a first surface of the insulating material, and second channels disposed in the first surface of the insulating material. The second channels are disposed at a first angle relative to the first channels. Additionally, the first channels and second channels are arranged such that each of the first channels is substantially parallel to the other first channels and each of the second channels is substantially parallel to the other second channels. The panel further includes a first retention clip disposed in one of the first channels. The first retention clip is configured to suspend an object having a substantially round cross-section within the one of the first channels. The first retention clip is further configured to prevent the object from contacting walls of the one of the first channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: BTU Comfort Systems, LLC.
    Inventors: Michael G. Sullivan, Diane M. Reker, Bruce B. Solper
  • Publication number: 20140069605
    Abstract: A panel system has an insulating material with a first channel disposed over a surface of the insulating material. A transporter is disposed over the first channel. A thermal transfer medium is disposed over the surface of the first panel to attain desired surface characteristics. The first panel includes a second channel intersecting the first channel. A second panel includes a second channel. The first panel is adjacent to the second panel. The first and second channels of the adjacent first and second panels are aligned. The transporter is disposed over the first and second channels. The first and second panels are mounted over a mounting surface. Keyways are formed in the channels. Retention clips are disposed over the keyways. Panels include panel wings with hinges mounted over the panel wings. The thermal transfer medium includes graphite. The transporter includes tubing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventors: Michael G. Sullivan, Diane Reker
  • Publication number: 20120267067
    Abstract: A panel includes an insulating material, first channels disposed in a first surface of the insulating material, and second channels disposed in the first surface of the insulating material. The second channels are disposed at a first angle relative to the first channels. Additionally, the first channels and second channels are arranged such that each of the first channels is substantially parallel to the other first channels and each of the second channels is substantially parallel to the other second channels. The panel further includes a first retention clip disposed in one of the first channels. The first retention clip is configured to suspend an object having a substantially round cross-section within the one of the first channels. The first retention clip is further configured to prevent the object from contacting walls of the one of the first channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Michael G. Sullivan, Diane M. Reker, Bruce B. Solper
  • Patent number: 8251815
    Abstract: Time implementation feature for video games. The time feature employs a synchronic construct of time for use in a computer software program, including a video game. The synchronic construct of time comprises assigning to each action in the game a specific number of synchronic timekeeping units. The number of synchronic timekeeping units assigned to an action may approximate how long the action might take in real time and/or may be used to weight the importance of the action. The invention can be implemented via a stand-alone computing system or such a system interconnected with other platforms or data stores by a network, such as a corporate intranet, a local area network, or the Internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Michael G. Sullivan, Michael Alan Gardner, Jason Merrill
  • Patent number: 8042045
    Abstract: Help implementation feature for video games. A two-tiered approach for offering guidance and assistance to the user of a computer software program. Event-generated help is activated when the user first initiates an event within the video game software program. Context-sensitive help is always available to the user but remains inactive until help is requested by the user. The event-generated help and context-sensitive help act in tandem to fully support the user at all times during game play. The invention can be implemented via a stand-alone computing system or such a system interconnected with other platforms or data stores by a network, such as a corporate intranet, a local area network, or the Internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Michael G. Sullivan, Michael Alan Gardner, Jason Merrill
  • Publication number: 20110251896
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically matching in real-time an advertisement with a video desired to be viewed by a user are provided. A database is created that stores one or more attributes (e.g., visual metadata relating to objects, faces, scene classifications, pornography detection, scene segmentation, production quality, fingerprinting) associated with a plurality of videos. Supervised machine learning can be used to create signatures that uniquely identify particular attributes of interest, which can then be used to generate the attributes associated with the plurality of videos. When a user requests to view an on-line video having associated with it an advertisement, an advertisement can be selected for display with the video based on matching an advertiser's requirements or campaign parameters with the stored attributes associated with the requested video, with the user's information, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: Affine Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P. Impollonia, Michael G. Sullivan, Ali Zandifar
  • Publication number: 20040225025
    Abstract: Provided are curable compositions for the preparation of displays. The compositions are particularly suitable as adhesives, sealants, and/or encapsulants for displays. Compositions according to the invention include those having an epoxy resin and a hydroxy-functional compound, wherein the compositions provide good barrier properties after cure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Michael G. Sullivan, Chander Prakash Chawla
  • Patent number: 6702680
    Abstract: A flexible shaft coupling device having two hubs with jaws extending from each hub toward the other hub. A flexible elastomeric belt or cushions fill the gaps between adjacent pairs of jaws. A retaining ring is mounted around the belt or cushions to keep the belt or cushions securely in place. There are a plurality of locking pins adjacent to the edges of the retaining ring and preferably on the interior surface of the ring. These are received in grooves cut in the exterior surface of the belt. When the retaining ring is placed over the belt, the belt is retained between the locking pins. Raised portions or nubs are placed at the entrance and exits of the grooves so that when the ring is rotated with respect to the belt, the locking pins pass over the nubs to securely lock the retaining ring around the edges of the belt. Alternatively the edges of the belt or cushions are tapered to engage the pins in locking engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Lovejoy, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Sullivan, Daniel R. Fagan
  • Patent number: 6692387
    Abstract: A tool for realigning or straightening the strings of a racquet. The tool has a generally rectangular tip which is precisely dimensioned to fit within the normal space between the strings of a racquet. To realign the racquet strings, the tip is placed into the space defined by the strings and the strings are automatically adjusted to their preferred alignment. The string straightening tool is portable and compact, allowing the user to carry the device on his/her person and to use the device during lulls in play during the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventors: Randall S. Berens, Michael G. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20030022721
    Abstract: A flexible shaft coupling device having two hubs with jaws extending from each hub toward the other hub. A flexible elastomeric belt or cushions fill the gaps between adjacent pairs of jaws. A retaining ring is mounted around the belt or cushions to keep the belt or cushions securely in place. There are a plurality of locking pins adjacent to the edges of the retaining ring and preferably on the interior surface of the ring. These are received in grooves cut in the exterior surface of the belt. When the retaining ring is placed over the belt, the belt is retained between the locking pins. Raised portions or nubs are placed at the entrance and exits of the grooves so that when the ring is rotated with respect to the belt, the locking pins pass over the nubs to securely lock the retaining ring around the edges of the belt. Alternatively the edges of the belt or cushions are tapered to engage the pins in locking engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Michael G. Sullivan, Daniel R. Fagan
  • Publication number: 20030008950
    Abstract: Optical disc adhesives and lacquers comprising components that undergo free-radical polymerization when exposed to radiation and a cure-enhancing amount of R-SH, wherein R is a heterocycle; cationic, free-radical, and hybrid adhesives for digital versatile discs (DVD) comprising components that undergo cationic and/or free-radical polymerization when exposed to radiation and a corrosion-inhibiting amount of R-SH, R1-R2 and/or an acyclic thiol, wherein R is a heterocycle, R1 is a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl as a substituent of R2 or forming with R2 a bicyclic structure, and R2 is a heterocycle comprising at least one double bond and at least two N atoms; and optical media, e.g., CD-DA, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD, and the like, that include one, or a combination, of the foregoing inventive adhesive or lacquer compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Applicant: DSM N.V.
    Inventors: Chander P. Chawla, Michael G. Sullivan, Vadim V. Krongauz, Christopher F. Tronche
  • Patent number: D467477
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Inventors: Randall S. Berens, Michael G. Sullivan, John Hunter