Patents by Inventor Christopher M. White

Christopher M. White 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: 9692176
    Abstract: An electrical connection system connecting a flexible conduit to electrical conductors, comprising a conduit portion and a removably attachable base portion. The conduit portion retains an end of the conduit, via a retention mechanism within a first housing at a first end. The conduit portion comprises a first electrical connector housing and electrical terminals within a second end of the first housing. The base portion comprises a base mount and a second housing having a first end pivotably connected to the base mount, the second housing being pivotable at a joint. The base portion may also comprise a second electrical connector housing and electrical terminals within a second end of the second housing for electrical connection to the conduit portion. Mechanical fastening components of the base portion and the conduit portion enable a mechanical connection between the base portion and the conduit portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: TerraLUX, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Howard Ray, Christopher M. White, Brett James Pardikes
  • Patent number: 9631789
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a downlight illumination device is upgraded to an illumination device based on one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) via a retrofit kit that includes (i) a lighting module comprising one or more LEDs, (ii) a driver module comprising circuitry for receiving power from the power source and supplying compatible power to the one or more LEDs, (iii) a flexible conduit connecting the lighting module to the driver module and containing therewithin a plurality of wires electrically connecting the lighting module to the driver module, and (iv) an alignment bracket for attachment within the housing and configured to receive the lighting module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: TerraLUX, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher M. White, Brett James Pardikes, Steven Howard Ray
  • Publication number: 20160327252
    Abstract: A lighting system and related methods are disclosed herein. The lighting system may have a mounting fixture and a light fixture. The mounting fixture is configured to engage a mounting surface. The light fixture is configured to engage the mounting fixture and has a driver configured to drive a light source. A first fastener having a movable elongated member is configured to removably couple the light fixture to the mounting fixture in an extended configuration. A second fastener having a quick connect feature is configured to removably couple the light fixture to the mounting fixture in a retracted configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Inventors: Steven Howard Ray, Brett James Pardikes, Christopher M. White
  • Patent number: 9420908
    Abstract: An insulated drink holder with various attachments that aid in personal survival. The drink holder is dimensioned to receive a beverage within its interior. The drink holder includes a handle, a light, and a compass. It further includes a removable, mirrored storage cap for retaining small items and which has a magnet. If the drink holder receives a bottle it can have a zipper to selectively tightened the holder on the bottle. The drink holder includes a battery to power the light and a switch to selectively apply power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventor: Christopher M. White
  • Publication number: 20160190737
    Abstract: An electrical connection system connecting a flexible conduit to electrical conductors, comprising a conduit portion and a removably attachable base portion. The conduit portion retains an end of the conduit, via a retention mechanism within a first housing at a first end. The conduit portion comprises a first electrical connector housing and electrical terminals within a second end of the first housing. The base portion comprises a base mount and a second housing having a first end pivotably connected to the base mount, the second housing being pivotable at a joint. The base portion may also comprise a second electrical connector housing and electrical terminals within a second end of the second housing for electrical connection to the conduit portion. Mechanical fastening components of the base portion and the conduit portion enable a mechanical connection between the base portion and the conduit portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Steven Howard Ray, Christopher M. White, Brett James Pardikes
  • Patent number: 9272423
    Abstract: Systems and methods for mounting and using various different accessories on a robotic system such as a unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). A tool library may include interchangeable modules, each module having a number of tool holders. Electronic components may be mounted to each of the modules adjacent to each of the of tool holders that identify the module and tool that is associated with the tool holder. The UGV may have a reader that is capable of reading the electronic components to determine the module and tools that are available for use on the UGV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Stratom, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Gordon, Jeffrey P. Davies, Christopher M. White, William H. Vermeer, Timothy J. Kelly, Michael J. Vega, Matthew A. Whitlock
  • Publication number: 20150276141
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a downlight illumination device is upgraded to an illumination device based on one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) via a retrofit kit that includes (i) a lighting module comprising one or more LEDs, (ii) a driver module comprising circuitry for receiving power from the power source and supplying compatible power to the one or more LEDs, (iii) a flexible conduit connecting the lighting module to the driver module and containing therewithin a plurality of wires electrically connecting the lighting module to the driver module, and (iv) an alignment bracket for attachment within the housing and configured to receive the lighting module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher M. White, Brett James Pardikes, Steven Howard Ray
  • Patent number: 8851541
    Abstract: A system is provided in which a robot may be used having a robotic arm with a camera and gripper assembly, that enables the use of tools while also allowing use of a gripper assembly located at the end of the robotic arm. Mounting rails may be secured to the gripper assembly to provide a system that is easily adaptable to allow the relatively fast exchange of different tools. Tools may be secured to the mounting rails to allow for both the use of the tools and the existing gripper assembly on the robotic arm. The accessories may be configured to allow enhanced viewing of the accessory through a camera mounted to the robotic arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Stratom, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher M. White
  • Publication number: 20120298706
    Abstract: Systems and methods for mounting and using various different accessories on a robotic system such as a unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). A tool library may include interchangeable modules, each module having a number of tool holders. Electronic components may be mounted to each of the modules adjacent to each of the of tool holders that identify the module and tool that is associated with the tool holder. The UGV may have a reader that is capable of reading the electronic components to determine the module and tools that are available for use on the UGV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: STRATOM, INC.
    Inventors: Mark D. Gordon, Jeffrey P. Davies, Christopher M. White, William H. Vermeer, Timothy J. Kelly, Michael J. Vega, Matthew A. Whitlock
  • Publication number: 20120299322
    Abstract: A system is provided in which a robot may be used having a robotic arm with a camera and gripper assembly, that enables the use of tools while also allowing use of a gripper assembly located at the end of the robotic arm. Mounting rails may be secured to the gripper assembly to provide a system that is easily adaptable to allow the relatively fast exchange of different tools. Tools may be secured to the mounting rails to allow for both the use of the tools and the existing gripper assembly on the robotic arm. The accessories may be configured to allow enhanced viewing of the accessory through a camera mounted to the robotic arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: STRATOM, INC.
    Inventor: Christopher M. White
  • Patent number: 8234592
    Abstract: A system for accessing the World Wide Web or other information sources using the Internet incorporates scaled-down versions of images associated with recently-viewed documents or documents designated as favorites into a recent menu or a favorites menu, respectively. As a user accesses a Web page, a scaled-down version of the Web page is inserted into a recent menu. The user can view the recent menu and visually determine the identity of the recently-viewed Web pages, which allows the user to conveniently select Web pages to access. This recent menu also enables the user to access recently-viewed documents in any order, which does not need to be in the chronological order in which the pages were originally viewed or in a reverse chronological order. Scaled-down versions of Web pages designated as favorites are stored in the favorites menu, thereby assisting the user in recalling the content of the favorite documents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher M. White, Phillip Y. Goldman, David R. Anderson, Keith R. Ohlfs, Bruce A. Leak
  • Patent number: 7913283
    Abstract: An entertainment head-end provides broadcast programming, video-on-demand services, and HTML-based interactive programming through a distribution network to client terminals in subscribers' homes. A number of different features are provided, including novel user interfaces, enhanced video-on-demand controls, a variety of interactive services (personalized news, jukebox, games, celebrity chat), and techniques that combine to provide user experiences evocative of conventional television.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher M. White, Timo Bruck, Lee S. Mighdoll, Phillip Y. Goldman
  • Patent number: 7849226
    Abstract: A viewer of television programming is alerted to the availability of content related to the programming (e.g. an associated Internet web page) by an icon momentarily displayed on the screen. Using a remote control, the viewer can select the icon. A control panel then appears, superimposed over the television image, and provides additional detail about the related content. By further operating the remote control, the viewer can select the associated content for viewing, or return to watching the television. Various other features and variations are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel J. Zigmond, David R. Anderson, Christopher M. White, Jeffrey D. Yaksick
  • Patent number: 7793325
    Abstract: An entertainment head-end provides broadcast programming, video-on-demand services, and HTML-based interactive programming through a distribution network to client terminals in subscribers' homes. A number of different features are provided, including novel user interfaces, enhanced video-on-demand controls, a variety of interactive services (personalized news, jukebox, games, celebrity chat), and techniques that combine to provide user experiences evocative of conventional television.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher M. White, Timo Bruck, Lee S. Mighdoll, Phillip Y. Goldman
  • Patent number: 7777986
    Abstract: A cartridge library (30) comprises at least one drive (60); a cartridge magazine (52); and, a transport mechanism (54) configured to transport the cartridge between the magazine and the drive. The transport mechanism (54) is configured to transport the cartridge between, e.g., cells of the magazine (52) and/or between the magazine (52) and the drive (60). The transport mechanism (54) comprises a robot (300) and a robot motive system. The robot comprises a robot carriage (308) and a robot tray (302). The robot carriage (308) carries or comprises cartridge engagement elements (310) configured to selectively engage and release the cartridge. The robot tray (302) facilitates linear motion of the robot carriage, the robot carriage being situated on a first side of the robot tray. The robot motive system comprises three robot motive subsystems (312, 360, 450) and a (robot) carriage motive subsystem (380).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Tandberg Data Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Barkley, Christopher M. White, Jeffrey P. Davies
  • Patent number: 7716598
    Abstract: Methods and systems for scaling down a Web page image enables the image to be displayed on a standard television without horizontal scrolling of the image. A Web page image that initially has a horizontal dimension larger than the horizontal dimension of a television display is received from a web server and subsequently scaled down by a scaling factor that is based only upon the amount of scaling that is necessary to fit the image within the horizontal dimension of the television display. This scaling factor is used to scale the image horizontally and vertically, thus preserving the aspect ratio of the image. When a hyperlink from the scaled down Web page image is selected, coordinates to the hyperlink are scaled up based on the same scaling factor so that they will correspond with the server-side image map of the Web page image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher M. White, Phillip Y. Goldman, David R. Anderson, Keith R. Ohlfs, Bruce A. Leak
  • Patent number: 7493647
    Abstract: An entertainment head-end provides broadcast programming, video-on-demand services, and HTML-based interactive programming through a distribution network to client terminals in subscribers' homes. A number of different features are provided, including novel user interfaces, enhanced video-on-demand controls, a variety of interactive services (personalized news, jukebox, games, celebrity chat), and techniques that combine to provide user experiences evocative of conventional television.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher M. White, Timo Bruck, Lee S. Mighdoll, Phillip Y. Goldman
  • Publication number: 20080278839
    Abstract: A cartridge library (30) comprises at least one drive (60); a cartridge magazine (52); and, a transport mechanism (54) configured to transport the cartridge between the magazine and the drive. The transport mechanism (54) is configured to transport the cartridge between, e.g., cells of the magazine (52) and/or between the magazine (52) and the drive (60). The transport mechanism (54) comprises a robot (300) and a robot motive system. The robot comprises a robot carriage (308) and a robot tray (302). The robot carriage (308) carries or comprises cartridge engagement elements (310) configured to selectively engage and release the cartridge. The robot tray (302) facilitates linear motion of the robot carriage, the robot carriage being situated on a first side of the robot tray. The robot motive system comprises three robot motive subsystems (312, 360, 450) and a (robot) carriage motive subsystem (380).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: Tandberg Data Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Barkley, Christopher M. White, Jeffrey P. Davies
  • Publication number: 20080282275
    Abstract: A cartridge library (30) comprises a library frame; at least one drive (60); a cartridge magazine (52); a transport mechanism (54) configured to transport the cartridge between the magazine and the drive; and an entry/exit port. The cartridge magazine comprises at least one cell configured to accommodate a cartridge of information storage media. The entry/exit port (200) is configured to permit selective passage of the cartridge between an exterior of the frame and the at least one cell, the passage being through an aperture provided in the frame. The entry exit port (200) comprises an entry/exit port handle (210) and a cartridge caddy (220). The entry/exit port handle (210) is configured both for selective closure of the aperture and selective translation with respect to the frame for opening the aperture. The cartridge caddy (220), to which the handle (210) is attached, is configured to carry the cartridge out of the at least one cell and through the aperture upon translation of the handle (210).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas E. ZACZEK, Stephan W. Small, Christopher M. White, John D. Miller
  • Publication number: 20080282281
    Abstract: A cartridge library (30) comprises at least one drive (60); a cartridge magazine (52) comprising at least one cell configured to accommodate a cartridge of information storage media; and a transport mechanism (54) configured to transport the cartridge between the magazine (52) and the drive (60). The transport mechanism (60) is configured to transport the cartridge in a first linear direction toward and away from the cell and in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The transport mechanism comprises two cartridge engagement hooks (310) carried by the transport mechanism. Each hook (310) engages a recessed feature (500) of the cartridge when the cartridge is between the two hooks (310). A distal end of each hook is also configured so that the hook withdraws from the recessed feature of the cartridge when the transport mechanism travels in the second direction and the cartridge is in the at least one cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher M. WHITE