Patents by Inventor Lee Curtis
Lee Curtis 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: 7753754Abstract: A submersible device according to an embodiment of the invention includes a container configured to be selectively buoyant in a liquid. The container can have at least one of a variety of different buoyancy systems. For example, the container can include a reservoir where the volume can be adjusted. In another example, the container can include a reservoir in communication with a pump configured to control the intaking and expelling of a liquid. In another embodiment, the container also defines a first partitioned section and a second partitioned section. The first partitioned section is substantially liquid resistant and the second partitioned section defines a hole in communication with an exterior of the container. An actuator is configured to receive an input from a user and is configured to modify an interior volume of the second partitioned section based on the input.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Swimways CorporationInventors: Timothy Lee Curtis, Joseph Hewes Parrish, III, Cleighton Lee Hilbert, Jr.
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Publication number: 20100064487Abstract: A clamp for hanging things, the clamp having a pair of jaws and a lever. Manipulation of the lever causes the jaws to either open or close, depending on the direction of manipulation. The lever is connected to one of the jaws and to a plate attachment. The attachment of the lever to the jaw rotates around the point of the lever's attachment to the plate attachment, the structure of the plate attachment defining the boundaries of the rotation. One jaw is connected to the other jaw at a point of pivoting.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2009Publication date: March 18, 2010Inventor: Brian Lee Curtis
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Patent number: 7656602Abstract: A method for protecting a magnetic head according to one embodiment includes reducing a relative humidity in a vicinity of a magnetic head by passing an elevated bias current through a sensor of the head during at least some time periods when the sensor is not in use for reading data, the elevated bias current being chosen to be sufficient to heat the sensor to a level which will reduce the local relative humidity to below a threshold level for reducing or eliminating corrosion of the sensor. Additional methods are also presented.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2008Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Icko E. Tim Iben, Wayne Alan McKinley, Lee Curtis Randall
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Publication number: 20090274836Abstract: A method in one embodiment includes applying an organic coating to a magnetic head for reducing exposure of the head to oxidation promoting materials; and storing the magnetic head. A method in another embodiment includes applying an organic coating to a magnetic head for reducing exposure of the head to oxidation promoting materials, the organic coating being applied to the magnetic head after the head is installed in the magnetic storage system. Another method includes fabricating a tape having an applicator portion for applying an organic coating to a magnetic head for reducing exposure of the head to oxidation promoting materials; applying the organic coating to the applicator portion of the tape; and applying a lubricant to a data portion of the tape. A method in another embodiment includes fabricating a tape having a data portion, and a cleaning portion for removing an organic coating from a magnetic head.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2008Publication date: November 5, 2009Inventors: Richard Lionel Bradshaw, Icko E. Tim Iben, Wayne Alan McKinley, Lee Curtis Randall
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Publication number: 20090273857Abstract: A method for protecting a magnetic head according to one embodiment includes reducing a relative humidity in a vicinity of a magnetic head by passing an elevated bias current through a sensor of the head during at least some time periods when the sensor is not in use for reading data, the elevated bias current being chosen to be sufficient to heat the sensor to a level which will reduce the local relative humidity to below a threshold level for reducing or eliminating corrosion of the sensor. Additional methods are also presented.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2008Publication date: November 5, 2009Inventors: Icko E. Tim Iben, Wayne Alan McKinley, Lee Curtis Randall
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Patent number: 7430799Abstract: A method for preforming of two or more flexible cables in an arrangement consisting of a combination of rigid printed circuit boards and flexible cable sections extending therebetween. Moreover, also provided is an apparatus for the preforming of two or more flexible cable sections of a combination of rigid printed circuit boards and therewith interposed flexible cable sections which are adapted to interconnect the rigid printed circuit boards. The apparatus consists of a tool constituted of an elongated cylindrical member having a tapered leading end which narrows into an ultra-thin flat end section of a blade-like configuration, and which is adapted to be pushed between the flexible cables and so as to preform the flexible cable sections and cause them to yield in a predetermined outwardly bowed permanently relationship between the rigid printed circuit boards at the opposite ends thereof to lengthen the fatigue life of the conductors in the flexible cable sections.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2004Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Lee Curtis Randall, Thomas Stanley Truman, Daniel James Winarski, George G. Zamora
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Patent number: 7036466Abstract: A thermal management system of an electrochemical engine comprises a radiator provided with a wicking mechanism, a coolant pump fluidly connected to the radiator, a water tank, and a water pump. The water tank is located in the void spaces around fuel storage tanks, and may be filled directly or with reclaimed water from a vapor by-product of the electrochemical engine. The water pump is operable to supply water from the water tank to the wicking mechanism during peak power and/or hot day conditions. Moisture in the vapor by-product may be condensed with the excess cooling capacity of the radiator under less severe cooling conditions. Under freezing conditions, exhaust or coolant from the electrochemical engine may be used to unfreeze water in the tank and wicking mechanism supply lines.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2004Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Steven G. Goebel, Gerald W. Fly, Glenn William Skala, Lee Curtis Whitehead
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Patent number: 6918179Abstract: A method for preforming of two or more flexible cables in an arrangement consisting of a combination of rigid printed circuit boards and flexible cable sections extending therebetween. Moreover, also provided is an apparatus for the preforming of two or more flexible cable sections of a combination of rigid printed circuit boards and therewith interposed flexible cable sections which are adapted to interconnect the rigid printed circuit boards. The apparatus consists of a tool constituted of an elongated cylindrical member having a tapered leading end which narrows into an ultra-thin flat end section of a blade-like configuration, and which is adapted to be pushed between the flexible cables and so as to preform the flexible cable sections and cause them to yield in a predetermined outwardly bowed permanently relationship between the rigid printed circuit boards at the opposite ends thereof to lengthen the fatigue life of the conductors in the flexible cable sections.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2002Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Lee Curtis Randall, Thomas Stanley Truman, Daniel James Winarski, George G. Zamora
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Patent number: 6755207Abstract: A fluid transfer apparatus having a lid portion, and outer bucket and an insert container, forming a double wall container for the receipt of transferred fluid, the apparatus utilizes a compressed air to operate a venturi pump to remove fluids, such as oils and greases, from sources, such as engines and transmissions, for delivery to the double wall container. Activation of the venturi pump seals the lid to the inner and outer containers during liquid transfer operations. Safety checks are provided to ensure leak resistance should the unit inadvertently tip over.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2002Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Inventors: Raymond Lee Curtis, Dale Eugene Bagley
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Patent number: 6744592Abstract: A strip with an exterior sticky surface is judiciously selected for its ability to entrap dust and other loose debris without interfering with the operation of moving parts contacted thereby. The strip is attached to the sides of a magnetic tape cartridge, with the sticky surface facing outward, in places contacted by rollers and/or belts during the process of handling the cartridge in an automated system. Thus, any loose debris in the rollers or belts is retained by the tacky surface of the strip as the cartridge passes through the rollers and belts of the robotic system. The strips of the invention may be removably adhered to the data cartridge, or may be permanently attached. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the strips may be incorporated into a cleaner cartridge for the periodic maintenance of loading equipment.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2003Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Lee Curtis Randall
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Patent number: 6676026Abstract: A data storage and retrieval system such as a robotic library has a large plurality of removable storage media, such as tape cartridges, for purposes of I/O. To enhance performance and reliability of the library, a thermodynamic model of the library is constructed and stored in the library, and environmental conditions such as the temperature, humidity, and flow rate of cooling air coming into, flowing through, and leaving the library are monitored. The thermodynamic model of the library includes an acceptable operating range for the library in a psychrometric chart; and the product of the effective thermodynamic mass and specific heat of the library.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2002Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Wayne Alan McKinley, Lee Curtis Randall, Daniel James Winarski
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Publication number: 20030205244Abstract: A strip with an exterior sticky surface is judiciously selected for its ability to entrap dust and other loose debris without interfering with the operation of moving parts contacted thereby. The strip is attached to the sides of a magnetic tape cartridge, with the sticky surface facing outward, in places contacted by rollers and/or belts during the process of handling the cartridge in an automated system. Thus, any loose debris in the rollers or belts is retained by the tacky surface of the strip as the cartridge passes through the rollers and belts of the robotic system. The strips of the invention may be removably adhered to the data cartridge, or may be permanently attached. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the strips may be incorporated into a cleaner cartridge for the periodic maintenance of loading equipment.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2003Publication date: November 6, 2003Inventor: Lee Curtis Randall
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Publication number: 20030194913Abstract: A method for preforming of two or more flexible cables in an arrangement consisting of a combination of rigid printed circuit boards and flexible cable sections extending therebetween. Moreover, also provided is an apparatus for the preforming of two or more flexible cable sections of a combination of rigid printed circuit boards and therewith interposed flexible cable sections which are adapted to interconnect the rigid printed circuit boards. The apparatus consists of a tool constituted of an elongated cylindrical member having a tapered leading end which narrows into an ultra-thin flat end section of a blade-like configuration, and which is adapted to be pushed between the flexible cables and so as to preform the flexible cable sections and cause them to yield in a predetermined outwardly bowed permanently relationship between the rigid printed circuit boards at the opposite ends thereof to lengthen the fatigue life of the conductors in the flexible cable sections.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2002Publication date: October 16, 2003Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Lee Curtis Randall, Thomas Stanley Truman, Daniel James Winarski, George G. Zamora
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Patent number: 6615435Abstract: A strip with an exterior sticky surface is judiciously selected for its ability to entrap dust and other loose debris without interfering with the operation of moving parts contacted thereby. The strip is attached to the sides of a magnetic tape cartridge, with the sticky surface facing outward, in places contacted by rollers and/or belts during the process of handling the cartridge in an automated system. Thus, any loose debris in the rollers or belts is retained by the tacky surface of the strip as the cartridge passes through the rollers and belts of the robotic system. The strips of the invention may be removably adhered to the data cartridge, or may be permanently attached. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the strips may be incorporated into a cleaner cartridge for the periodic maintenance of loading equipment.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2001Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Lee Curtis Randall
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Patent number: 6588142Abstract: A method of reducing cold injury or damage to plants such as peanut, citrus trees, peaches, strawberries and other plants susceptible to cold injury such as frost or freezing comprises applying a pyridylaniline active agent such as fluazinam to the plant in an amount effective to reduce cold injury to the plant.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: North Carolina State UniversityInventors: Virginia Lee Curtis, Jack E. Bailey
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Publication number: 20030056808Abstract: A strip with an exterior sticky surface is judiciously selected for its ability to entrap dust and other loose debris without interfering with the operation of moving parts contacted thereby. The strip is attached to the sides of a magnetic tape cartridge, with the sticky surface facing outward, in places contacted by rollers and/or belts during the process of handling the cartridge in an automated system. Thus, any loose debris in the rollers or belts is retained by the tacky surface of the strip as the cartridge passes through the rollers and belts of the robotic system. The strips of the invention may be removably adhered to the data cartridge, or may be permanently attached. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the strips may be incorporated into a cleaner cartridge for the periodic maintenance of loading equipment.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2001Publication date: March 27, 2003Inventor: Lee Curtis Randall
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Publication number: 20020124462Abstract: A method of reducing cold injury or damage to plants such as peanut, citrus trees, peaches, strawberries and other plants susceptible to cold injury such as frost or freezing comprises applying a pyridylaniline active agent such as fluazinam to the plant in an amount effective to reduce cold injury to the plant.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2001Publication date: September 12, 2002Inventors: Virginia Lee Curtis, Jack E. Bailey
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Patent number: 6443253Abstract: A thermal management system for an electrochemical engine in a vehicle comprises a coolant pump and a radiator. The radiator is oriented substantially parallel to a plane defined by longitudinal and lateral vehicle axes and defined by an inlet face as the upper surface and an outlet face as the lower surface. The radiator is packaged in a rear underbody compartment of the vehicle to allow a large cooling surface area. An air duct delivers air from outside the vehicle to the inlet face of the radiator. A fan forces air from the air duct through the radiator. A coolant circuit extends between a fuel cell stack of the electrochemical engine, the coolant pump, and the radiator.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2000Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Lee Curtis Whitehead, Ronald J. Daum
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Patent number: 6367193Abstract: A method of reducing cold injury or damage to plants such as peanut, citrus trees, peaches, strawberries and other plants susceptible to cold injury such as frost or freezing comprises applying a pyridylaniline active agent such as fluazinam to the plant in an amount effective to reduce cold injury to the plant.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2000Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: North Carolina State UniversityInventors: Virginia Lee Curtis, Jack E. Bailey
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Patent number: 6195999Abstract: An electrochemical engine for a vehicle comprises a storage tank containing hydrogen-retention material which reversibly takes-up and stores hydrogen at a hydrogen-storage temperature and releases it upon heating to a release temperature. A fuel cell stack using the released hydrogen produces electricity and heat by-product. A primary coolant flow circuit extends from a radiator, through the fuel cell stack and the storage tank, and back to the radiator, and has a coolant-distribution valve intermediate the fuel cell stack and the storage tank. A bypass coolant flow line extends from the coolant-distribution valve to the radiator. During operation, the heat by-product of the fuel cell stack is transferred via the primary coolant flow circuit to the storage tank for heating the hydrogen-retention material to release hydrogen for fueling the fuel cell stack.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2000Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Gerd Arnold, Jonas Bereisa, Michael A. Stratton, James V. McManis, William S. Wheat, Lee Curtis Whitehead, Daniel B. O'Connell, Steve McIlwaine