Patents by Inventor William McDonald

William McDonald 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).

  • Publication number: 20140006973
    Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to an on-line collaboration system. The system comprises at least one server in communication with multiple client devices over one or more networks, the at least one server executing program code to host an on-line collaborative environment in which users of the client devices can collaborate. The at least one server executes program code to facilitate discussion threads in the on-line collaborative environment and, for each discussion thread, to provide a selectable option to allow proposal of an outcome for the discussion thread.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: JadeLynx Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: James Angus Cattermole, Jason William McDonald, Robert Evan Homewood, Yao-Hsing Chiang
  • Patent number: 8511520
    Abstract: A fluent material dispensing system comprising: a bottle, a plunger engaged inside the bottle, and a dispensing mechanism having a lever for operation of the plunger for fluid expulsion. The plunger may frictionally engage the bottle to a degree sufficient for holding the plunger in place against a force applied due to return motion of the lever. The dispensing mechanism may comprise a cap for attachment to an end of the bottle opposite a fluid outlet and a handle attached to the cap, the lever pivotally coupled to the cap, the lever and the handle aligned with the bottle. The dispensing mechanism may comprise a portioning mechanism configured to limit distance travelled by the lever from the rest position to the engaged position to a defined amount, thereby limiting expulsion of the fluid to a corresponding defined portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: JDi Design Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian Albert Van Wijk, Samuel Charles Richards, James William McDonald
  • Patent number: 8371188
    Abstract: A transmission control assembly having a housing and a bracket pivotally coupled to the housing for movement along a first path. A yoke is selectively coupled to the bracket for concurrent movement with the bracket along the first path. The yoke is also selectively pivotal about a second pivot axis substantially transverse to the first pivot axis for movement along a second path. A tactile device is supported by the bracket and engageable with the housing. The tactile device moves about the bracket during the movement of the bracket along the first path. A locking mechanism is coupled between the bracket and the yoke. The locking mechanism moves between an unlocked position when the yoke is coupled to the bracket for allowing movement of the tactile device and a locked position engaged with the tactile device when the yoke moves along the second path for preventing movement of the tactile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Kongsberg Driveline Systems I, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Bortolon, William McDonald
  • Publication number: 20120228334
    Abstract: A fluent material dispensing system comprising: a bottle, a plunger engaged inside the bottle, and a dispensing mechanism having a lever for operation of the plunger for fluid expulsion. The plunger may frictionally engage the bottle to a degree sufficient for holding the plunger in place against a force applied due to return motion of the lever. The dispensing mechanism may comprise a cap for attachment to an end of the bottle opposite a fluid outlet and a handle attached to the cap, the lever pivotally coupled to the cap, the lever and the handle aligned with the bottle. The dispensing mechanism may comprise a portioning mechanism configured to limit distance travelled by the lever from the rest position to the engaged position to a defined amount, thereby limiting expulsion of the fluid to a corresponding defined portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Adrian Albert Van Wijk, Samuel Charles Richards, James William McDonald
  • Patent number: 8066029
    Abstract: A sewer backup alarm and overflow prevention device eliminates raw sewage spills by preventing pressure buildup in sewer drains. One or more sewage level sensors may be coupled to an alarm and/or to an automatic water main shut-off valve. The level sensor may detect excess fluid levels in a sewer lateral line. The sewer backup alarm and overflow prevention device may include a joggle which is a component of a non-mechanical backflow prevention device. The level sensor may detect fluid levels in the lower portion of the joggle and activate the automatic water main shut-off valve and/or the alarm. The sewer backup alarm and overflow prevention device may include at least one two-way, in-line cleanout tube which may extend vertically upwardly from the joggle. The level sensor may be mounted in the vertical cleanout tube. The components may be contained within a seamless polyethylene vault for ease of installation and protection against root intrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventors: William McDonald, Walter L. Dabbs, Paul Willman
  • Publication number: 20110125593
    Abstract: A method of collecting and correlating information about user interactions with a plurality of websites including adding a first cookie from a first website, the first cookie recording information concerning interactions of a user with the first website; adding a second cookie from a second website, the second cookie recording information concerning interactions of the user with the second website; initiating a tracking pixel on a third website; capturing information from the first and second cookie; and determining a first contribution of the first website and a second contribution of the second website to interests in the third website.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: Channel Intelligence, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Wright, David M. Schrader, Dale Couch, Robert Charest, Anibal Santiago, William McDonald, Edward H. Benson, III, Josh Griffin, Robert Sefick, Mark Ebel
  • Publication number: 20110118754
    Abstract: Mechanisms, assemblies, systems, tools, and methods incorporating the use of an offset drive shaft within an independently rotating member are provided. An example mechanism includes a base and a main shaft mounted to rotate relative to the base, a first drive shaft mounted inside the main shaft, and a first drive feature engaged with the first drive shaft. The main shaft includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a main shaft rotational axis defined therebetween. The first drive shaft is offset from the main shaft rotational axis. A first drive feature rotational axis is defined for the first drive feature and is fixed relative to the base as the main shaft rotates. The first drive feature rotates the first drive shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory W. Dachs, II, Todd E. Murphy, William A. Burbank, William A. McDonald, Bruce Michael Schena
  • Publication number: 20100083784
    Abstract: A transmission control assembly having a housing and a bracket pivotally coupled to the housing for movement along a first path. A yoke is selectively coupled to the bracket for concurrent movement with the bracket along the first path. The yoke is also selectively pivotal about a second pivot axis substantially transverse to the first pivot axis for movement along a second path. A tactile device is supported by the bracket and engageable with the housing. The tactile device moves about the bracket during the movement of the bracket along the first path. A locking mechanism is coupled between the bracket and the yoke. The locking mechanism moves between an unlocked position when the yoke is coupled to the bracket for allowing movement of the tactile device and a locked position engaged with the tactile device when the yoke moves along the second path for preventing movement of the tactile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: KONGSBERG DRIVELINE SYSTEMS III PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Christopher Bortolon, William McDonald
  • Publication number: 20090314351
    Abstract: A sewer backup alarm and overflow prevention device eliminates raw sewage spills by preventing pressure buildup in sewer drains. One or more sewage level sensors may be coupled to an alarm and/or to an automatic water main shut-off valve. The level sensor may detect excess fluid levels in a sewer lateral line. The sewer backup alarm and overflow prevention device may include a joggle which is a component of a non-mechanical backflow prevention device. The level sensor may detect fluid levels in the lower portion of the joggle and activate the automatic water main shut-off valve and/or the alarm. The sewer backup alarm and overflow prevention device may include at least one two-way, in-line cleanout tube which may extend vertically upwardly from the joggle. The level sensor may be mounted in the vertical cleanout tube. The components may be contained within a seamless polyethylene vault for ease of installation and protection against root intrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: William McDonald, Walter Dabbs, Paul Willman
  • Publication number: 20080063657
    Abstract: Compositions comprise at least a portion of an antigen and at least a portion of a flagellin that lacks a hinge region. Compositions, fusion proteins and polypeptides comprise at least a portion of at least one pathogen-associated molecular pattern and at least a portion of at least one viral protein. The viral protein of the compositions, fusion proteins and polypeptides of the invention are flaviviral proteins, including a West Nile flaviviral protein, a Dengue flaviviral protein, a Langat flaviviral protein, a Kunjin flaviviral protein, a Murray Valley encephalitis flaviviral protein, a Japanese encephalitis flaviviral protein, a Tick-borne encephalitis flaviviral protein, a Yellow fever flaviviral protein and a hepatitis C flaviviral protein. The compositions, fusion proteins and polypeptides are used to stimulate an immune response and protective immunity in a subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas Powell, Valerian Nakaar, Langzhou Song, James Huleatt, William McDonald, Duane Hewitt
  • Publication number: 20070277623
    Abstract: A flowmeter is provided that comprises a leadframe assembly (140) and a body (144) disposed at least partially around the leadframe assembly (140). The body (144) has a flow passage therethrough that comprises a first channel (178) having a first port (166), a second channel (180) having a second port (168), and a flow altering element (182) disposed within the second channel (180). First and second pressure sensors (174 and 176) are disposed within the body (144) and coupled to the leadframe assembly (140) for measuring a first pressure within the first channel (178) and a second pressure within the second channel (180), respectively. An integrated circuit (155), which is coupled to the leadframe assembly (140), to the first pressure sensor (174), and to the second pressure sensor (176), is configured to determine the rate of flow through the flow passage from the first pressure and the second pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Applicant: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC.
    Inventors: William McDonald, David Monk
  • Publication number: 20070263274
    Abstract: System and method for storing energy using electromechanically active materials in micro electromechanical systems. A preferred embodiment comprises a movable element, an intermediate layer formed under the movable element, and electrical addressing circuitry formed under the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer contains a hinge and at least one flexible member associated with the movable element, with the flexible member comprising a layer made from an electromechanically active material. The electromechanically active material contracts or deforms when an electric field is applied, helping the movable element move from a first position to a second position. The use of the electromechanically active material enables the flexible member to apply a greater force on the movable element to help the movable element overcome stiction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Publication date: November 15, 2007
    Inventors: Patrick Oden, William McDonald
  • Publication number: 20070238848
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sulfur-containing polyureaurethane and a method of preparing said polyureaurethane. In an embodiment, the sulfur-containing polyureaurethane adapted to have a refractive index of at least 1.57, an Abbe number of at least 32 and a density of less than 1.3 grams/cm3, when at least partially cured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventors: Nina Bojkova, Robert Smith, Robert Herold, Chandra Rao, William McDonald, Vidhu Nagpal, Marvin Graham, Phillip Yu, Suresh Sawant, Michael Okoroafor
  • Publication number: 20070188847
    Abstract: A micro-mirror hinge assembly for use in a MEMS device such as a DMD, and method. In a preferred embodiment, a first hinge member is mounted to a substrate by one or more via structures that may be integrally-formed with the hinge-member to facilitate torsional deformation. A second hinge member also configured for torsional deformation is mounted to and usually above the first hinge member so that deformation of the second hinge member occasions deformation of the first. Additional hinge members, each mounted to at least one other hinge member, may also be present. A mirror or similar reflecting surface is mounted to the second hinge member at one or more mirror vias. The MEMS device may include means for selectively inducing mirror reorientation, which in turn causes deformation in the hinge members of the hinge assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Inventors: William McDonald, Armando Gonzalez
  • Publication number: 20070151366
    Abstract: A flowmeter is provided that comprises a leadframe assembly (140) and a body (144) disposed at least partially around the leadframe assembly (140). The body (144) has a flow passage therethrough that comprises a first channel (178) having a first port (166), a second channel (180) having a second port (168), and a flow altering element (182) disposed within the second channel (180). First and second pressure sensors (174 and 176) are disposed within the body (144) and coupled to the leadframe assembly (140) for measuring a first pressure within the first channel (178) and a second pressure within the second channel (180), respectively. An integrated circuit (155), which is coupled to the leadframe assembly (140), to the first pressure sensor (174), and to the second pressure sensor (176), is configured to determine the rate of flow through the flow passage from the first pressure and the second pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Inventors: William McDonald, David Monk
  • Publication number: 20070155940
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a polyether-containing polyureaurethane lens. The polyureaurethane lens can include a prepolymer comprising a polyisocyanate and a polyether-containing polyol material that can be reacted with an amine-containing curing agent to produce the polyureaurethane lens of the present invention. The polyether-containing polyureaurethane lens can have a hard coating on both surfaces and a maximum center thickness of 2.2 mm in a piano configuration, with an impact resistance of at least 148 feet per second as defined by The High Impact Test.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Applicant: PPG INDUSTRIES OHIO, INC.
    Inventors: Vidhu Nagpal, William McDonald, Robert Smith
  • Publication number: 20070142605
    Abstract: The present invention provides polythiol oligomer formed by the reaction of at least two or more different dienes and at least one or more dithiol wherein stoichiometric ratio of the sum of the number of equivalents of all polythiols to the sum of the number of equivalents of all dienes used to form said polythiol oligomer is greater than 1.0:1.0; and wherein said two or more different dienes comprise (a) at least one non-cyclic diene and at least one cyclic diene; or (b) at least one aromatic ring-containing diene and at least one non-aromatic cyclic diene; or (c) at least one non-aromatic monocyclic diene and at least one non-aromatic polycyclic diene; Sulfur-containing polyurethane of the present invention can be prepared by combining polyisocyanate, polyisothiocyanate, or mixture thereof; the polythiol oligomer described above; and active hydrogen-containing material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventors: Nina Bojkova, Robert Herold, William McDonald, Marvin Graham, Robert Smith
  • Publication number: 20070125578
    Abstract: A wellbore motor includes a means for converting flow of fluid in the wellbore into rotational energy. A magnetic gear member is operatively coupled at an input thereof to the means for converting. A wellbore rotary tool is coupled to an output of the magnetic gear member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventors: William McDonald, Timothy Price, Gareth Hatch
  • Publication number: 20060286707
    Abstract: A MEMS device (100) is provided that includes a handle layer (108) having a sidewall (138), a cap (132) overlying said handle layer (108), said cap (132) having a sidewall (138), and a conductive material (136) disposed on at least a portion of said sidewall of said cap (138) and said sidewall of said handle layer (138) to thereby electrically couple said handle layer (108) to said cap (132). A wafer-level method for manufacturing the MEMS device from a substrate (300) comprising a handle layer (108) and a cap (132) overlying the handle layer (108) is also provided. The method includes making a first cut through the cap (132) and at least a portion of the substrate (300) to form a first sidewall (138), and depositing a conductive material (136) onto the first sidewall (138) to electrically couple the cap (132) to the substrate (300).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Publication date: December 21, 2006
    Inventors: Stephen Hooper, Hemant Desai, William McDonald, Arvind Salian
  • Patent number: D545934
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventors: Richard O. Hardy, Jr., William McDonald