Patents by Inventor Michael J Kroger

Michael J Kroger 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: 11852765
    Abstract: An assembly with a first coupling having a forward bulkhead device is provided. The forward bulkhead device contains a first connector insert having first end connections for wires and optical fibers of an acoustic array. The assembly also includes a second coupling having an aft bulkhead device therein. The aft bulkhead device contains a second connector insert having second end connections for the wires and optical fibers of the acoustic array. The forward bulkhead device further includes an alignment assembly. The alignment assembly is matable with the aft bulkhead device to align the first connector insert with the second connector insert. The forward bulkhead device further includes a locking ring connecting the forward bulkhead device with the aft bulkhead device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Inventors: Eric H Kirchoff, Michael J Kroger
  • Patent number: 11745835
    Abstract: An assembly with a first coupling having a forward bulkhead device is provided. The forward bulkhead device contains a first connector insert having first end connections for wires and optical fibers of an acoustic array. The assembly also includes a second coupling having an aft bulkhead device therein. The aft bulkhead device contains a second connector insert having second end connections for the wires and optical fibers of the acoustic array. The forward bulkhead device further includes an alignment assembly. The alignment assembly is matable with the aft bulkhead device to align the first connector insert with the second connector insert. The forward bulkhead device further includes a locking ring connecting the forward bulkhead device with the aft bulkhead device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Inventors: Eric H Kirchoff, Michael J Kroger
  • Patent number: 11716821
    Abstract: A cable tray and method of use is provided with the cable tray having a bottom extending along a horizontal panel with two opposite side edges. A pair of side walls attaches to the two opposite side edges. A first positioning rack extends between the side walls. The first positioning rack is orthogonal to the tray bottom and the side walls. A second positioning rack extends between the side walls. The second positioning rack is orthogonal to the tray bottom and the side walls. A first foot bar affixes to an underside of the tray bottom. The first foot bar is vertically aligns with the first positioning rack. A second foot bar affixes to the underside of the tray bottom. The second foot bar vertically aligns with the second positioning rack. Each of the first positioning rack and second positioning rack includes cable support apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Inventors: Michael J Kroger, Brian K Amaral, Alia W Kroger, Robert F Cutler, III, Kimberly M Cipolla
  • Patent number: 11340255
    Abstract: A method for reducing bias drift in electrical-mechanical systems sensor such as an accelerometer is provided. The method includes the steps of arranging at least one accelerometer in a chamber and initiating a plurality of temperature cycle sets. Each temperature cycle set has a minimum temperature, a maximum temperature, and a ramp rate. The conditioning method monitors the accelerometers until a bias drift is stabilized within a desired bias drift range. The minimum temperature and the maximum temperature limit a temperature range in which the accelerometer is cycled. Use of temperature limiting can quickly accelerate stabilization of the bias drift while also reducing degradation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Inventors: Christopher C Moll, John G Miskimins, Ahmed S Zaki, William H Slater, Michael J Kroger
  • Patent number: 10316446
    Abstract: A strength member sewing machine is provided which comprises upper and lower feeder spools, a collection spool and idlers positioned on a support structure. A cord supply, a fabric shaper, a speed control and a pressure foot lift are positioned on the structure. Fabric from the spools is kept in tension with the idlers while moving toward the fabric shaper. The fabric from the upper spool is crimped while the fabric from the lower spool remains flat underneath the shaper. Between the fabric layers, pull cords are pulled through from the cord supply thru the fabric shaper. The fabric with crimps and with the pull cords inside the crimps is sewn to the fabric from the lower spool to create casings with a pull cord in the internal space of each casing. The joined fabrics with the pull cords are collected by the collection spool as a finished product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Inventors: Michael J. Kroger, Brian K. Amaral, Robert F. Cutler, III, Michael R. Williams, Charles A. Holicker, Eric A. Lee, Jason R. Bernier, Kathryn A. Best
  • Patent number: 9340262
    Abstract: An inflatable launch and recovery system for a towed body is provided. The system is containerized for ease of transport. A container houses a tow body, tow cable, a winch, winch controls, an inflatable ramp, deployment and retrieval equipment, power junctions and air line connections. Inflatable arch shaped tubes and spacer fabric form the ramp structure from which the tow body can be launched and recovered. The ramp can be ballasted to provide hydrodynamic stability and to provide sufficient system depth to accommodate retrieval of towed bodies operating below a liquid medium surface. Additional control can be achieved using inflatable or rigid fin elements or downward lifting surfaces. A rigid clamping fixture connects the ramp structure to the vessel. A snubber element dampens vibrations and transient tow loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Scott D Boyd, Paul V Cavallaro, Alyssa A Cosmo, Donald E Cressman, Robert F Cutler, III, Kurt M Czepizak, Richard E Dooley, Ryan F Galego, Michael J Kroger, Geoffrey R Moss, Joseph M Muhitch, David B Segala, Michael E Werbicki