Patents by Inventor Michael J. Simmons

Michael J. Simmons 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: 11456134
    Abstract: A magnet reed switch assembly. The magnetic reed switch assembly includes a reed switch having a body and a pair of electrical contacts disposed in the body. A ring magnet has a bore, and a portion of the body of the reed switch is disposed within the bore, with the ring magnet positioned close to the pair of electrical contacts. The ring magnet is movable along the axis of the body between a first position and a second position. A plunger includes a proximal end coupled to the ring magnet and a distal end having a sensing magnet. When a ferrous target is disposed near the sensing magnet, the plunger moves toward the ferrous target causing the ring magnet to move from the first position to the second position, and the reed switch to move from an open state to a closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: General Equipment and Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. LaFountain, Michael J. Simmons
  • Publication number: 20210217569
    Abstract: A magnet reed switch assembly. The magnetic reed switch assembly includes a reed switch having a body and a pair of electrical contacts disposed in the body. A ring magnet has a bore, and a portion of the body of the reed switch is disposed within the bore, with the ring magnet positioned close to the pair of electrical contacts. The ring magnet is movable along the axis of the body between a first position and a second position. A plunger includes a proximal end coupled to the ring magnet and a distal end having a sensing magnet. When a ferrous target is disposed near the sensing magnet, the plunger moves toward the ferrous target causing the ring magnet to move from the first position to the second position, and the reed switch to move from an open state to a closed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Robert L. LaFountain, Michael J. Simmons
  • Patent number: 9566907
    Abstract: Included is a lightweight portable sign which can be used in one aspect to protect stalled or broken down vehicles with passengers still on board, to prevent oncoming vehicles or traffic from colliding with the stalled vehicles. An infinite number of messages may be displayed by input to the display through the use of a keyboard, smart phone application, auditory input or a pre-set selection of messaged chosen by the user. The sign is computerized with onboard memory, processor and optionally, has sound and audio capabilities. An emergency communications system and method are also included. The method include providing software applications communications components of the sign of the invention which then transmits a signal to a communication center, which then can direct the communication to a hospital, police or roadside assistance entity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: SYLO SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventor: Michael J. Simmons
  • Patent number: 9545878
    Abstract: Included is a lightweight portable sign which can be used in one aspect to protect stalled or broken down vehicles with passengers still on board, to prevent oncoming vehicles or traffic from colliding with the stalled vehicles. An infinite number of messages may be displayed by input to the display through the use of a keyboard, smart phone application, auditory input or a pre-set selection of messaged chosen by the user. The sign is computerized with onboard memory, processor and optionally, has sound and audio capabilities. An emergency communications system and method are also included. The method include providing software applications communications components of the sign of the invention which then transmits a signal to a communications center, which then can direct the communication to a hospital, police or roadside assistance entity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Sylo Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Michael J. Simmons
  • Publication number: 20160167577
    Abstract: Included is a lightweight portable sign which can be used in one aspect to protect stalled or broken down vehicles with passengers still on board, to prevent oncoming vehicles or traffic from colliding with the stalled vehicles. An infinite number of messages may be displayed by input to the display through the use of a keyboard, smart phone application, auditory input or a pre-set selection of messaged chosen by the user. The sign is computerized with onboard memory, processor and optionally, has sound and audio capabilities. An emergency communications system and method are also included. The method include providing software applications communications components of the sign of the invention which then transmits a signal to a communication center, which then can direct the communication to a hospital, police or roadside assistance entity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Applicant: Sylo Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Michael J. Simmons
  • Publication number: 20160159277
    Abstract: Included is a lightweight portable sign which can be used in one aspect to protect stalled or broken down vehicles with passengers still on board, to prevent oncoming vehicles or traffic from colliding with the stalled vehicles. An infinite number of messages may be displayed by input to the display through the use of a keyboard, smart phone application, auditory input or a pre-set selection of messaged chosen by the user. The sign is computerized with onboard memory, processor and optionally, has sound and audio capabilities. An emergency communications system and method are also included. The method include providing software applications communications components of the sign of the invention which then transmits a signal to a communications center, which then can direct the communication to a hospital, police or roadside assistance entity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Applicant: Sylo Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Michael J. Simmons
  • Patent number: 9302617
    Abstract: Included is a lightweight portable sign which can be used in one aspect to protect stalled or broken down vehicles with passengers still on board, to prevent oncoming vehicles or traffic from colliding with the stalled vehicles. An infinite number of messages may be displayed by input to the display through the use of a keyboard, smart phone application, auditory input or a pre-set selection of messaged chosen by the user. The sign is computerized with onboard memory, processor and optionally, has sound and audio capabilities. An emergency communications system and method are also included. The method include providing software applications communications components of the sign of the invention which then transmits a signal to a communications center, which then can direct the communication to a hospital, police or roadside assistance entity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Sylo Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Michael J. Simmons
  • Publication number: 20150054660
    Abstract: Included is a lightweight portable sign which can be used in one aspect to protect stalled or broken down vehicles with passengers still on board, to prevent oncoming vehicles or traffic from colliding with the stalled vehicles. An infinite number of messages may be displayed by input to the display through the use of a keyboard, smart phone application, auditory input or a pre-set selection of messaged chosen by the user. The sign is computerized with onboard memory, processor and optionally, has sound and audio capabilities. An emergency communications system and method are also included. The method include providing software applications communications components of the sign of the invention which then transmits a signal to a communications center, which then can direct the communication to a hospital, police or roadside assistance entity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventor: Michael J. Simmons
  • Patent number: 8593241
    Abstract: An enclosed proximity switch assembly includes a top enclosure and a bottom enclosure that are coupled to form an interior volume. A shaft protrusion upwardly extends from a top surface of the top enclosure, and an interior bore portion having an enclosed volume is defined within the shaft protrusion to form a portion of the interior volume. A first end of a vertical shaft is rotatably disposed within the interior bore portion such that the shaft rotates relative to the top and bottom enclosures. A samarium cobalt target magnet is coupled to the shaft, and the target magnet interacts with a samarium cobalt driver magnet within a proximity switch when the target magnet is rotated within a predetermined distance of a top portion of the proximity switch. The interaction causes a switch to move from a first state to a second state, or vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: General Equipment and Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory C. Merrifield, Robert L. LaFountain, Brian P. Pate, Michael J. Simmons
  • Patent number: 8400241
    Abstract: A magnetically-triggered proximity switch includes a cylindrical switch body and a bias member non-movably secured within the switch body. The proximity switch also includes first and second normally-closed contacts and first and second normally-open contacts. The proximity switch further includes a spherical contact magnet disposed within the switch body, with the contact magnet being movable relative to the bias member from a first switch position and a second switch position. In the first switch position, an attraction to the bias member maintains the contact magnet in contact with the first and second normally-closed contacts, thereby completing a circuit between the first and second normally-closed contacts. In the second switch position, an attraction to a movable target external to the switch body moves the contact magnet into contact with the first and second normally-open contacts, thereby completing a circuit between the first and second normally-open contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: General Equipment and Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Simmons
  • Patent number: 8362859
    Abstract: A magnetically-triggered proximity switch includes a cylindrical switch body and a first magnet non-movably secured within the switch body. The proximity switch also includes a pivoting cross arm. A second magnet may be movably disposed within the switch body, and the second magnet may be rigidly connected to the cross arm. When a magnetic target is not located within a specified range of the second magnet, the first magnet attracts the second magnet, thereby pivoting the cross arm into a first switch position and closing a first circuit. However, when the magnetic target is located within the specified range, the magnetic attraction between the target and the second magnet is greater than between the second magnet and the first magnet. The second magnet is displaced towards the target away from the first magnet, thereby pivoting the cross arm into a second switch position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: General Equipment and Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Pearce, Robert L. LaFountain, Michael J. Simmons
  • Publication number: 20130021123
    Abstract: An enclosed proximity switch assembly includes a top enclosure and a bottom enclosure that are coupled to form an interior volume. A shaft protrusion upwardly extends from a top surface of the top enclosure, and an interior bore portion having an enclosed volume is defined within the shaft protrusion to form a portion of the interior volume. A first end of a vertical shaft is rotatably disposed within the interior bore portion such that the shaft rotates relative to the top and bottom enclosures. A samarium cobalt target magnet is coupled to the shaft, and the target magnet interacts with a samarium cobalt driver magnet within a proximity switch when the target magnet is rotated within a predetermined distance of a top portion of the proximity switch. The interaction causes a switch to move from a first state to a second state, or vice versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: General Equipment and Manufacturing Company, Inc. d/b/a TopWorx, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory C. Merrifield, Robert L. LaFountain, Brian P. Pate, Michael J. Simmons
  • Publication number: 20120206224
    Abstract: A magnetically-triggered proximity switch includes a cylindrical switch body and a bias member non-movably secured within the switch body. The proximity switch also includes first and second normally-closed contacts and first and second normally-open contacts. The proximity switch further includes a spherical contact magnet disposed within the switch body, with the contact magnet being movable relative to the bias member from a first switch position and a second switch position. In the first switch position, an attraction to the bias member maintains the contact magnet in contact with the first and second normally-closed contacts, thereby completing a circuit between the first and second normally-closed contacts. In the second switch position, an attraction to a movable target external to the switch body moves the contact magnet into contact with the first and second normally-open contacts, thereby completing a circuit between the first and second normally-open contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: General Equipment and Manufacturing Company, Inc.,d/b/a TopWorx, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Simmons
  • Publication number: 20120007702
    Abstract: A magnetically-triggered proximity switch includes a cylindrical switch body and a first magnet non-movably secured within the switch body. The proximity switch also includes a pivoting cross arm. A second magnet may be movably disposed within the switch body, and the second magnet may be rigidly connected to the cross arm. When a magnetic target is not located within a specified range of the second magnet, the first magnet attracts the second magnet, thereby pivoting the cross arm into a first switch position and closing a first circuit. However, when the magnetic target is located within the specified range, the magnetic attraction between the target and the second magnet is greater than between the second magnet and the first magnet. The second magnet is displaced towards the target away from the first magnet, thereby pivoting the cross arm into a second switch position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: General Equipment and Manufacturing Company, Inc. ,d/b/a TopWorx, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Pearce, Robert L. LaFountain, Michael J. Simmons
  • Patent number: 7380685
    Abstract: Containers, lids, and sleeve structures are disclosed. Particularly, sleeve structures configured for insulating, stabilizing, or both insulating and stabilizing a container are disclosed. Further, a sleeve structure including a plurality of circumferentially adjacent, longitudinally extending sections and a sleeve structure including one or more frustoconical regions are disclosed. Containers, lids, and sleeve structures including at least one stabilizing feature are disclosed. Assemblies including a lower container, associated lid and sleeve structure, wherein at least one of the lower container, the lid, or the sleeve structure includes at least one stabilizing feature for engaging at least a portion of a sleeve structure associated with an upper container, wherein the upper container is positioned longitudinally above and is substantially aligned or centered with respect to a lower container, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventors: Michael J. Simmons, Jack Simmons, John M. Simmons, Tom M. Simmons, David M. Simmons
  • Patent number: 7314148
    Abstract: Containers, lids, and sleeve structures are disclosed. Particularly, sleeve structures configured for insulating, stabilizing, or both insulating and stabilizing a container are disclosed. Further, a sleeve structure including a plurality of circumferentially adjacent, longitudinally extending sections and a sleeve structure including one or more frustoconical regions are disclosed. Containers, lids, and sleeve structures including at least one stabilizing feature are disclosed. Assemblies including a lower container, associated lid and sleeve structure, wherein at least one of the lower container, the lid, or the sleeve structure includes at least one stabilizing feature for engaging at least a portion of a sleeve structure associated with an upper container, wherein the upper container is positioned longitudinally above and is substantially aligned or centered with respect to a lower container, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Inventors: Michael J. Simmons, Jack Simmons, John M. Simmons, Tom M. Simmons, David M. Simmons
  • Patent number: 7291308
    Abstract: A system provides for high level disinfection or sterilization of an endoscope having a first portion adapted for immersion and a second portion not adapted for immersion. The system includes a container having a first basin sized and adapted to receive the first portion of the endoscope for immersion, a separate and adjacent second basin sized and adapted to receive the second portion of the endoscope, a wall between the first basing and the second basin, and a trough in an upper portion of the wall between the first basin and second basin through which a tube connecting the first portion of the endoscope and the second portion of the endoscope may extend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Su-Syin S. Wu, Josh Hagerman, Michael J. Simmons, Idemudia Ehigiato, Scott D. Godfrey
  • Patent number: 5420003
    Abstract: A photographic element is disclosed comprised of a support and a sequence of superimposed blue, green and red recording silver halide emulsion layer units that produce images of the same hue upon imagewise exposure and photographic development. A first interlayer unit overlies the emulsion layer unit nearest the support and is capable of transmitting to it imagewise exposing radiation this emulsion layer unit is intended to record. A second interlayer unit underlies the emulsion layer unit farthest from the support and is capable of transmitting to the emulsion layer units lying nearer the support imagewise exposing radiation these emulsion layer units are intended to record. The imagewise exposed photographic element is photographically developed and fixed to produce a silver image in each of the emulsion layer units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: John Gasper, Gareth B. Evans, Christopher B. Rider, Michael J. Simmons
  • Patent number: 4148417
    Abstract: A convenient squeeze dispenser package for fluids of economical construction featuring a principal body formed of easily molded plastic material configurated into plural compartments and having an exterior contour promoting, enhancing and improving the squeeze dispensement function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1979
    Inventor: Michael J. Simmons