Patents by Inventor Michael J. Roberts
Michael J. Roberts 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).
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Publication number: 20240145831Abstract: A battery pack includes a housing, a set of battery cells, and a latch assembly mechanism. The latch assembly mechanism includes a user activation button that pivots about a first axis and an engaging portion that pivots about a second axis, where the first axis is parallel to the second axis and the user activation button actuates the engaging portion. In another aspect, a battery pack includes a housing and a set of battery cells. The housing includes a top portion, a first side portion connected to the top portion, a second side portion connected to the top portion, the second side portion opposite the first side portion, and a bottom portion connected to the first side portion and the second side portion, the bottom portion opposite the top portion. An insert is molded into at least one of the first side portion and the second side portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2024Publication date: May 2, 2024Inventors: Mark Cherry, Timothy J. Hennesy, Michael W. Roberts, Michael Varipatis
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Patent number: 11938382Abstract: A method of making a golf club head includes the steps of providing a face of a club head, the face having a ball striking surface and a perimeter defining a border of the ball striking surface, providing a golf club head body that includes a crown, a sole, a toe, and a heel, attaching the face to a front portion of the club head body, and milling the ball striking surface and an edge portion of the face to cut a machined surface into the ball striking surface and the edge portion. The milled surface includes a plurality of first grooves located along the ball striking surface and defining a first depth, and a plurality of second grooves located adjacent the perimeter along the edge portion and defining a second depth. The first depth is different than the second depth.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2022Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: COBRA GOLF INCORPORATEDInventors: D. Clayton Evans, Cameron J. Day, Michael T. McDonnell, Ryan L. Roach, Douglas E. Roberts, Bryce Hobbs, Yi-Ching Liao
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Publication number: 20230135141Abstract: An antenna heater for heating an antenna includes a heating panel that is configured for attachment to the antenna and comprising heating tracks. The heating tracks are spaced apart from each other and each includes an electrically-conductive trace and positive temperature coefficient (PTC) elements. The PTC elements are electrically connected to the electrically-conductive trace, spaced apart along the electrically-conductive trace, and made of a PTC material having an equilibrium temperature greater than 0° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2021Publication date: May 4, 2023Inventors: John D. Seaton, Michael J. Roberts, Christopher P. Kinder, David R. Tolman
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Publication number: 20210232600Abstract: Methods and systems for synchronizing distributed databases are provided. In one aspect, a method includes transmitting a request to determine a schema of a first database and updating a metadata store with the schema. The method includes generating at least one database query. The method includes, responsive to the database query, selectively determining a data block size for a second database; segmenting a data source stored in the second database into sink data blocks; processing the data source into sink hashes; and transmitting, to an agent, at least one selected sink hash, wherein the agent transmits instructions to segment a table associated with the first database into source data blocks; process the table into source hashes; and generate, in response to a determination that the at least one selected sink hash differs from a corresponding source hash, query results. The method includes updating the data source with the query results.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2021Publication date: July 29, 2021Inventors: Nicholaus J. Bauer, Michael J. Roberts, Dennis Payonk
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Patent number: 10977275Abstract: Methods and systems for synchronizing distributed databases are provided. In one aspect, a method includes transmitting a request to determine a schema of a first database and updating a metadata store with the schema. The method includes generating at least one database query. The method includes, responsive to the database query, selectively determining a data block size for a second database; segmenting a data source stored in the second database into sink data blocks; processing the data source into sink hashes; and transmitting, to an agent, at least one selected sink hash, wherein the agent transmits instructions to segment a table associated with the first database into source data blocks; process the table into source hashes; and generate, in response to a determination that the at least one selected sink hash differs from a corresponding source hash, query results. The method includes updating the data source with the query results.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2018Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: VILLAGE PRACTICE. MANAGEMENT COMPANY, LLCInventors: Nicholaus J. Bauer, Michael J. Roberts, Dennis Payonk
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Publication number: 20210055167Abstract: An improved ultrasonic waveguide for an ultrasonic thermometry system is provided. The waveguide includes a series of sensing zones, each of which is tuned to a specific narrow frequency band. The waveguide is acoustically coupled to a transducer, which launches a longitudinal elastic wave of desired waveform and frequency. The wave propagates down the waveguide, and is reflected from the sensing zone that is tuned to that frequency. Each sensing zone is designed to be highly reflective to a narrow frequency band while being transparent to other frequencies.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2020Publication date: February 25, 2021Inventors: Nesrin O. Cetiner, Mustafa S. Cetiner, Michael J. Roberts, Thomas R. Muth, Venugopal K. Varma, Rosemary A. Montgomery, Govindarajan Muralidharan
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Publication number: 20210008209Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for the treatment of transthyretin-associated (TTR) amyloidosis and in particular, compositions and methods that employ an effective amount of tolcapone and an RNAi molecule in combination for the treatment of transthyretin-associated amyloidosis.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2019Publication date: January 14, 2021Inventor: Michael J. Roberts
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Patent number: 10647933Abstract: Hydropyrolysis processes that accompany the generation of activated carbon as an end product, as well as processes for the production of activated carbon from hydropyrolysis char, are described. Representative processes comprise upgrading, by steam activation, char that is formed from solid biomass-containing feedstocks and/or solid biomass derived feedstocks, such as lignocellulosic feedstocks (e.g., wood). Such processes are associated with a number of advantages in terms of achieving operating synergies, obtaining desirable intermediate material and end product properties, reducing environmental impact, and significantly improving economic attractiveness.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2015Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: Gas Technology InstituteInventors: Terry L. Marker, Martin B. Linck, Michael J. Roberts
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Patent number: 10619105Abstract: Various techniques are disclosed for pretreating municipal solid waste (MSW) and other biomass-containing feedstocks that may be of a poorer quality and consequently more difficult, or even impossible, to convert to higher value liquid products (e.g., transportation fuels) using conventional processes. Such conventional processes may otherwise be satisfactory for the conversion of the biomass portion of the feedstock alone. The pretreatment of biomass-containing feedstocks may generally include steps carried out prior to a hydropyrolysis step and optionally further steps, in order to change one or more characteristics of the feedstock, rendering it more easily upgradable.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2017Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: Gas Technology InstituteInventors: Larry G. Felix, Martin B. Linck, Terry L. Marker, Michael J. Roberts
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Patent number: 10392566Abstract: Hydropyrolysis processes are described, in which differing types of feedstocks, including at least one biorenewable feedstock, namely a biomass-containing feedstock, may be co-processed to allow enhancements in operating conditions and/or product properties, depending on changing customer requirements and/or overall market demands. According to specific embodiments, an aliphatic hydrocarbon precursor or an aromatic hydrocarbon precursor is co-processed with the biomass-containing feedstock to enhance an operating condition (e.g., a reactor temperature profile) of the hydropyrolysis process and/or a property (e.g., cetane number) of a liquid product (e.g., a diesel boiling range fraction) obtained from a substantially fully deoxygenated hydrocarbon liquid.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2015Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: Gas Technology InstituteInventors: Martin B. Linck, Terry L. Marker, Michael J. Roberts, Larry G. Felix
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Patent number: 9938466Abstract: A hydropyrolysis process comprises feeding both (i) hydrogen and (ii) a biomass-containing feedstock or a biomass-derived feedstock, to a hydropyrolysis reactor vessel. The process comprises producing a CO2-containing vapor stream and at least one liquid product. A CO2 product, separated from the CO2-containing vapor stream, is advantageously used for at least one inertization function of the hydropyrolysis process. Representative inertization functions include operation of solids transport equipment, blanketing of liquid containers, drying of biomass-containing feedstock or biomass-derived feedstock, conveying or separating solids, and combinations thereof. Importantly, CO2 products utilized for these inertization functions may be obtained predominantly, if not completely (depending on the nature of the feedstock), from renewable carbon in biomass.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2014Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Gas Technology InstituteInventors: Martin B. Linck, Terry L. Marker, Michael J. Roberts, Larry G. Felix
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Publication number: 20170204333Abstract: Various techniques are disclosed for pretreating municipal solid waste (MSW) and other biomass-containing feedstocks that may be of a poorer quality and consequently more difficult, or even impossible, to convert to higher value liquid products (e.g., transportation fuels) using conventional processes. Such conventional processes may otherwise be satisfactory for the conversion of the biomass portion of the feedstock alone. The pretreatment of biomass-containing feedstocks may generally include steps carried out prior to a hydropyrolysis step and optionally further steps, in order to change one or more characteristics of the feedstock, rendering it more easily upgradable.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2017Publication date: July 20, 2017Inventors: Larry G. FELIX, Martin B. LINCK, Terry L. MARKER, Michael J. ROBERTS
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Publication number: 20170137294Abstract: Hydropyrolysis processes that accompany the generation of activated carbon as an end product, as well as processes for the production of activated carbon from hydropyrolysis char, are described. Representative processes comprise upgrading, by steam activation, char that is formed from solid biomass-containing feedstocks and/or solid biomass derived feedstocks, such as lignocellulosic feedstocks (e.g., wood). Such processes are associated with a number of advantages in terms of achieving operating synergies, obtaining desirable intermediate material and end product properties, reducing environmental impact, and significantly improving economic attractiveness.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2015Publication date: May 18, 2017Inventors: Terry L. MARKER, Martin B. LINCK, Michael J. ROBERTS
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Patent number: 9650574Abstract: Various techniques are disclosed for pretreating municipal solid waste (MSW) and other biomass-containing feedstocks that may be of a poorer quality and consequently more difficult, or even impossible, to convert to higher value liquid products (e.g., transportation fuels) using conventional processes. Such conventional processes may otherwise be satisfactory for the conversion of the biomass portion of the feedstock alone. The pretreatment of biomass-containing feedstocks may generally include steps carried out prior to a hydropyrolysis step and optionally further steps, in order to change one or more characteristics of the feedstock, rendering it more easily upgradable.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2014Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: Gas Technology InstituteInventors: Larry G. Felix, Martin B. Linck, Terry L. Marker, Michael J. Roberts
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Patent number: 9593282Abstract: A system and method for processing biomass into hydrocarbon fuels that includes processing a biomass in a hydropyrolysis reactor resulting in hydrocarbon fuels and a process vapor stream and cooling the process vapor stream to a condensation temperature resulting in an aqueous stream. The aqueous stream is sent to a catalytic reactor where it is oxidized to obtain a product stream containing ammonia and ammonium sulfate. A resulting cooled product vapor stream includes non-condensable process vapors comprising H2, CH4, CO, CO2, ammonia and hydrogen sulfide.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2014Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: Gas Technology InstituteInventors: Terry L. Marker, Larry G. Felix, Martin B. Linck, Michael J. Roberts
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Patent number: 9512364Abstract: This invention relates to a process for thermochemically transforming biomass or other oxygenated feedstocks into high quality liquid hydrocarbon fuels. In particular, a catalytic hydropyrolysis reactor, containing a deep bed of fluidized catalyst particles is utilized to accept particles of biomass or other oxygenated feedstocks that are significantly smaller than the particles of catalyst in the fluidized bed. The reactor features an insert or other structure disposed within the reactor vessel that inhibits slugging of the bed and thereby minimizes attrition of the catalyst. Within the bed, the biomass feedstock is converted into a vapor-phase product, containing hydrocarbon molecules and other process vapors, and an entrained solid char product, which is separated from the vapor stream after the vapor stream has been exhausted from the top of the reactor.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2014Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: Gas Technology InstituteInventors: Terry L. Marker, Larry G. Felix, Martin B. Linck, Michael J. Roberts
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Publication number: 20160312125Abstract: Hydropyrolysis processes are described, in which differing types of feedstocks, including at least one biorenewable feedstock, namely a biomass-containing feedstock, may be co-processed to allow enhancements in operating conditions and/or product properties, depending on changing customer requirements and/or overall market demands. According to specific embodiments, an aliphatic hydrocarbon precursor or an aromatic hydrocarbon precursor is co-processed with the biomass-containing feedstock to enhance an operating condition (e.g., a reactor temperature profile) of the hydropyrolysis process and/or a property (e.g., cetane number) of a liquid product (e.g., a diesel boiling range fraction) obtained from a substantially fully deoxygenated hydrocarbon liquid.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2015Publication date: October 27, 2016Inventors: Martin B. LINCK, Terry L. MARKER, Michael J. ROBERTS, Larry G. FELIX
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Patent number: 9436257Abstract: A system includes power supply units (PSUs) to supply power to components. For each PSU, a power conversion efficiency profile is determined. A maximum amount of power consumed during operation of the components is determined. A minimum number of PSUs capable of providing the maximum amount of power is determined. A first amount of power consumed at inputs of the minimum number of PSUs is calculated based on the maximum amount of power and based on the determined power conversion efficiency profile of each of the PSUs. A first number of PSUs to engage is determined, the first number greater than the minimum number of PSUs, wherein a total amount of power consumed at inputs of the first number of PSUs during operation of the system is less than the first amount of power, the determining based on the power conversion efficiency profile of each PSU.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2014Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: DELL PRODUCTS, LPInventors: Ashish Munjal, Jaydev Reddy, Michael J. Roberts
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Publication number: 20160106694Abstract: The present invention provides combinations of droxidopa and one or more further pharmaceutically active compounds, said further compounds preferentially being selected from the group of COMT inhibiting compounds, cholinesterase inhibiting compounds, and monoamine oxidase inhibiting compounds. The invention further provides methods of treating conditions, such as orthostatic hypotension, comprising administering the combinations.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2015Publication date: April 21, 2016Inventors: Michael J. Roberts, Simon Pedder
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Publication number: 20160068758Abstract: A hydropyrolysis process comprises feeding both (i) hydrogen and (ii) a biomass-containing feedstock or a biomass-derived feedstock, to a hydropyrolysis reactor vessel. The process comprises producing a CO2-containing vapor stream and at least one liquid product. A CO2 product, separated from the CO2-containing vapor stream, is advantageously used for at least one inertization function of the hydropyrolysis process. Representative inertization functions include operation of solids transport equipment, blanketing of liquid containers, drying of biomass-containing feedstock or biomass-derived feedstock, conveying or separating solids, and combinations thereof. Importantly, CO2 products utilized for these inertization functions may be obtained predominantly, if not completely (depending on the nature of the feedstock), from renewable carbon in biomass.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2014Publication date: March 10, 2016Inventors: Martin B. LINCK, Terry L. MARKER, Michael J. ROBERTS, Larry G. FELIX