Patents by Inventor James Michael Hightower

James Michael Hightower 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).

  • Systems and methods for brake systems with engagement sensing
    Patent number: 9371876
    Abstract: Present embodiments relate generally to brake systems, and more specifically, to caliper-based brake systems. In an embodiment, a method includes electrifying at least a portion of a first inner surface of a first brake block with a first potential. The method also includes electrifying at least a portion of a second inner surface of a second brake block with a second potential that is different from the first potential. The method includes performing an electrical measurement between the first brake block and the second brake block, wherein the electrical measurement include a voltage measurement, a current measurement, a resistance measurement, a frequency measurement, or a combination thereof. The method further includes determining a position of the first and brake blocks relative to a brake member based on the electrical measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Michael Roy Kiddoo, James Michael Hightower, Bradley Dwight Okeson
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR BRAKE SENSING
    Publication number: 20150233439
    Abstract: Present embodiments relate generally to brake systems, and more specifically, to caliper-based brake systems. In an embodiment, a method includes electrifying at least a portion of a first inner surface of a first brake block with a first potential. The method also includes electrifying at least a portion of a second inner surface of a second brake block with a second potential that is different from the first potential. The method includes performing an electrical measurement between the first brake block and the second brake block, wherein the electrical measurement include a voltage measurement, a current measurement, a resistance measurement, a frequency measurement, or a combination thereof. The method further includes determining a position of the first and brake blocks relative to a brake member based on the electrical measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Applicant: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Michael Roy Kiddoo, James Michael Hightower, Bradley Dwight Okeson