Patents by Inventor Michael L. Simmons
Michael L. 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).
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Patent number: 11955296Abstract: Electrical switch contact sets are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a movable platform having first and second contacts, where the first and second contacts electrically coupled via the movable platform, and a stationary portion having third and fourth contacts, where the movable platform is movable to bring the first and second contacts in contact with the third and fourth contacts, respectively, to simultaneously close a current path of an electrical circuit associated with the first, second, third and fourth contacts.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2022Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: GENERAL EQUIPMENT AND MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Robert L. LaFountain, Michael John Simmons
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Publication number: 20240096576Abstract: A method of converting a switch assembly from a non-contact switch assembly to a contact switch assembly to detect an event. The method includes securing an adapter body outside of an enclosed housing of the switch assembly, with an actuation body connected to the adapter body, so that a target connected to the actuation body is supported outside of the enclosed housing by the adapter body and so that the actuation body is disposed to be moved relative to the adapter body from a first orientation to second orientation, upon occurrence of the event, to activate the switch assembly by moving the target between a first location outside of the enclosed housing and a second location outside of the enclosed housing. In one example, the target may be one or more of a magnetic target or a ferrous target.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: Robert L. LaFountain, Michael John Simmons
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Publication number: 20230293924Abstract: There is provided networks, systems and displays for providing derived data and predictive information for use in emergencies; and in particular for use in wildfire emergencies. More particularly, there is provided systems, equipment and networks for the monitoring and collecting of raw data regarding fire emergencies, both real time and historic. In embodiments, this raw data is then analyzed to provide derived data, predictive data, virtual data, and combinations and variations of this data, which depending upon the nature of this data may be packaged, distributed, displayed and used in various setting and applications to mitigate, avoid and manage the emergency, including a wildfire emergency. In an embodiment the external fire management system has a control system that has hydration plan control commands.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2022Publication date: September 21, 2023Applicant: HAS LLCInventors: Harry A. Statter, Michael L. Simmons
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Patent number: 10309596Abstract: A lighting apparatus is provided that is able to illuminate despite the loss of a primary source of power. In implementation, a controller is provided for determining if a loss of normal power has occurred so that a first source of illumination cannot function. In that case, a second power source is provided to supply energy to a second source of illumination. Further, the first and second sources of illumination may use the same switch such that a users inconvenience is minimized.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2014Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Inventor: Michael L. Simmons
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Publication number: 20160377246Abstract: A lighting apparatus is provided that is able to illuminate despite the loss of a primary source of power. In implementation, a controller is provided for determining if a loss of normal power has occurred so that a first source of illumination cannot function. In that case, a second power source is provided to supply energy to a second source of illumination. Further, the first and second sources of illumination may use the same switch such that a users inconvenience is minimized.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2014Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventor: MICHAEL L. SIMMONS
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Publication number: 20160247369Abstract: A system, a device and a method for providing directional indication are provided. The system includes a detector configured to sense a condition, a guidance indicator configured to provide an indication regarding a path for egress, and a control unit configured to control the guidance indicator based on a signal from the detector.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2015Publication date: August 25, 2016Inventor: MICHAEL L. SIMMONS
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Patent number: 8486261Abstract: An aircraft fuel scavenge system incorporates a scavenge pump receiving fuel from a center tank and depositing the fuel in a wing tank. A water separator receives fuel through an inlet tube providing a plurality of momentum changes to incoming fuel, the water separator having a fuel outlet connected to the scavenge pump and a water outlet. A water manifold is connected from the water outlet to an input to a fuel supply line to an engine.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2011Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Joseph M. Buchholz, Matthew E. Leahy, Paul J. Maue, Edward M. Ducheane, J. Everett Groat, Arshad Nazir, Michael L. Simmons, Howard S. Veith, Peter K. Louden, Kevin K. Longwell
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Publication number: 20120298593Abstract: An aircraft fuel scavenge system incorporates a scavenge pump receiving fuel from a center tank and depositing the fuel in a wing tank. A water separator receives fuel through an inlet tube providing a plurality of momentum changes to incoming fuel, the water separator having a fuel outlet connected to the scavenge pump and a water outlet. A water manifold is connected from the water outlet to an input to a fuel supply line to an engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2011Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Joseph M. Buchholz, Matthew E. Leahy, Paul J. Maue, Edward M. Ducheane, J. Everett Groat, Arshad Nazir, Michael L. Simmons, Howard S. Veith, Peter J. Louden, Kevin K. Longwell
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Patent number: 7674120Abstract: A hand held electronic device, such as a flash memory drive, includes a mechanism for extending and withdrawing a connector, such as a USB plug, that is adapted for engaging a mating connector of a host device. A positive latch holds the connector with respect to an outer shell when in the extended and withdrawn positions. Movement of a separate housing portion unlatches the connector and outer shell, and also provides movement of the connector. A protective door closes over a connector opening when the connector is withdrawn into the device, and the door is withdrawn into the device when the connector is extended, thereby not interfering with the extended connector.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2007Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: SanDisk CorporationInventors: Michael Alan Morganstern, Derek Niizawa, Jeffrey A. Salazar, Junggi Sung, Michael L. Simmons, Arturo Meuniot, Michael S. Roberts
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Patent number: 7653504Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing shorted pin information for constructing a device under test (DUT) board for integrated circuit testing is described. In one example, an interface to an application module that implements pin-shorting rules associated generally with a plurality of integrated circuits and stores package files associated with specific ones of the integrated circuits is provided. A device and a package defining one of the plurality of integrated circuits are selected via the interface. At least one query is executed against the pin-shorting rules and the package files stored in the database via the interface. A shorted pin plan for the device and the package as selected is generated based on information obtained in response to the at least one query.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2007Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.Inventors: Tuyet Ngoc Simmons, Michael L. Simmons
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Patent number: 7496820Abstract: Method, apparatus, and computer readable medium for generating test vectors for an integrated circuit (IC) under test is described. In one example, a test function is specified using at least one elementary function that encapsulates program code associated with an architecture of the IC under test. An engine is configured with device description data for the IC under test. The engine is executed with the test function as parametric input to generate the test vectors. In one example, the IC under test comprises a programmable logic device (PLD) and the test vectors include configuration data for configuring a pattern in the PLD and at least one test vector for exercising the pattern. The test vectors may be applied directly to the device or through automatic test equipment (ATE). Alternatively, the test vectors may be applied to a IC design simulation of the device.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2006Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.Inventors: Conrad A. Theron, Michael L. Simmons, Walter H. Edmondson, Mihai G. Statovici
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Publication number: 20080160803Abstract: A hand held electronic device, such as a flash memory drive, includes a mechanism for extending and withdrawing a connector, such as a USB plug, that is adapted for engaging a mating connector of a host device. A positive latch holds the connector with respect to an outer shell when in the extended and withdrawn positions. Movement of a separate housing portion unlatches the connector and outer shell, and also provides movement of the connector. A protective door closes over a connector opening when the connector is withdrawn into the device, and the door is withdrawn into the device when the connector is extended, thereby not interfering with the extended connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: Michael Alan Morganstern, Derek Niizawa, Jeffrey A. Salazar, Junggi Sung, Michael L. Simmons, Arturo Meuniot, Michael S. Roberts
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Publication number: 20080160832Abstract: A hand held electronic device, such as a flash memory drive, includes a mechanism for extending and withdrawing a connector, such as a USB plug, that is adapted for engaging a mating connector of a host device. A positive latch holds the connector with respect to an outer shell when in the extended and withdrawn positions. Movement of a separate housing portion unlatches the connector and outer shell, and also provides movement of the connector. A protective door closes over a connector opening when the connector is withdrawn into the device, and the door is withdrawn into the device when the connector is extended, thereby not interfering with the extended connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: Michael Alan Morganstern, Derek Niizawa, Jeffrey A. Salazar, Junggi Sung, Michael L. Simmons, Arturo Meuniot, Michael S. Roberts
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Patent number: 7303411Abstract: A hand held electronic device, such as a flash memory drive, includes a mechanism for extending and withdrawing a connector, such as a USB plug, that is adapted for engaging a mating connector of a host device. A positive latch holds the connector with respect to an outer shell when in the extended and withdrawn positions. Movement of a separate housing portion unlatches the connector and outer shell, and also provides movement of the connector. A protective door closes over a connector opening when the connector is withdrawn into the device, and the door is withdrawn into the device when the connector is extended, thereby not interfering with the extended connector.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2006Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: SanDisk CorporationInventors: Michael Alan Morganstern, Derek Niizawa, Jeffrey A. Salazar, Junggi Sung, Michael L. Simmons, Arturo Meuniot, Michael S. Roberts
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Patent number: 7301596Abstract: A hand held electronic device, such as a flash memory drive, includes a mechanism for extending and withdrawing a connector, such as a USB plug, that is adapted for engaging a mating connector of a host device. A positive latch holds the connector with respect to an outer shell when in the extended and withdrawn positions. Movement of a separate housing portion unlatches the connector and outer shell, and also provides movement of the connector. A protective door closes over a connector opening when the connector is withdrawn into the device, and the door is withdrawn into the device when the connector is extended, thereby not interfering with the extended connector.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2006Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: SanDisk CorporationInventors: Michael Alan Morganstern, Derek Niizawa, Jeffrey A. Salazar, Junggi Sung, Michael L. Simmons, Arturo Meuniot, Michael S. Roberts
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Patent number: 6896134Abstract: A protective carrying case for a computer includes a top portion and a bottom portion for supporting the computer. The top portion is configured to close over the computer and mate with the bottom portion to form a complete enclosure around the computer, with padding to protect the computer. The bottom portion advantageously provides a low peripheral profile, allowing access to peripheral ports disposed on the sides of the computer while the computer is disposed thereon. The case may also include enlarged cushioned corners for providing additional protection to the corners of the computer, and an openable back portion, configured to selectively expose the computer's external connector ports, to allow connection of the computer to external components while the computer remains substantially enclosed within the case.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2002Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Paul G. Russell, Christopher M. Bradley, Michael L. Simmons, Benjamin Chu, John Christopher Edwon, Daren W. Hebold, Christophe Phillipe Guy Koch
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Publication number: 20030217940Abstract: A protective carrying case for a computer includes a top portion and a bottom portion for supporting the computer. The top portion is configured to close over the computer and mate with the bottom portion to form a complete enclosure around the computer, with padding to protect the computer. The bottom portion advantageously provides a low peripheral profile, allowing access to peripheral ports disposed on the sides of the computer while the computer is disposed thereon. The case may also include enlarged cushioned corners for providing additional protection to the comers of the computer, and an openable back portion, configured to selectively expose the computer's external connector ports, to allow connection of the computer to external components while the computer remains substantially enclosed within the case.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2002Publication date: November 27, 2003Inventors: Paul G. Russell, Christopher M. Bradley, Michael L. Simmons, Benjamin Chu, John Christopher Edwon, Daren W. Hebold, Christophe Philippe Guy Koch
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Patent number: 6443470Abstract: A scooter has a plurality of wheels, a steerer, a platform, and a steerer support. The steerer support connects the steerer to the platform. The steerer support can rotate with respect to the platform, allowing the scooter to be folded when not in use. The steerer support can nest within the platform, further allowing the scooter to collapse into a compact position. The steering axis, front wheel diameter, and fork geometry are arranged to provide stable steering. Specifically, the steering axis and the front wheel axis of rotation are both located aft of the centerline of the steerer. Further, the contact point between the front wheel and the ground and the axis about which the front wheel rotates are located aft of the steering axis about which the steerer rotates. The trail, measured between the steering axis and the front wheel contact point, is kept relatively small, between 0 and 75 mm. Also disclosed is a collapsing steerer, a parallel-rail support structure, and a compact braking element.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2000Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: Nova Cruz Products, Inc.Inventors: Nathan T. Ulrich, Karl T. Ulrich, Jeffrey A. Salazar, Michael L. Simmons
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Patent number: 6179213Abstract: This invention provides a novel, inexpensive, universal energy control computing accessory module for altering at programmed times the operation of existing adjunct thermal/ventilation systems. In the module, interactive programming of control timing permits the accessory to be easily adapted for different types of adjunct installations to produce timed control signals particularly adapted for control of the particular installed system. One typical mode of operation is to turn on or off cyclically the thermal/ventilation system to run at a prescribed timing duty cycle. The invention may be used for diverse utility modes of operation, such as providing periodic ventilation controls for an unattended beach vacation home or for providing semi-automatic control of installed heating or air conditioning systems during occupancy of hotel rooms, dwellings, or stations within commercial buildings, as sensed by auxiliary detection means.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Energy Rest, Inc.Inventors: Dominick Gibino, Michael L. Simmons
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Patent number: D596013Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2007Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Inventor: Michael L. Simmons