Patents by Inventor Michael A. A'Hearn

Michael A. A'Hearn 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: 20230310691
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing an air quality control fluid over refuse includes a movable base with a self-contained fluid reservoir, a pump, and an array of nozzles for dispensing the fluid. A method for using the apparatus includes relocating the apparatus as locations of fresh refuse or air movement over the pile shifts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Applicant: ABOVE ALL MISTERS LLC
    Inventor: Michael Hearns
  • Publication number: 20170176985
    Abstract: A method for predicting an End of Line (EOL) quality of a product in an assembly plant is provided. The method includes performing a downstream test on a plurality of sub-components for determining a set of attributes. The method also includes receiving, by a control module, the set of attributes of the sub-components. The method further includes performing, by the control module, a root cause investigation on the set of attributes of the sub-components for identifying a subset of attributes from the set of attributes. The subset of attributes contributes to lowering the EOL quality of the assembled product. The method includes developing and validating, by the control module, dynamic prediction models based on the identified subset of attributes associated with the sub-components. The method also includes predicting, by the control module, the EOL quality of the assembled product based on the dynamically validated prediction model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Rahul Gajkumar Chougule, Michael A. A'Hearn, Cary J. Lyons, Ben P. Slater, Gary E. Bright, Keith Joseph Lensing, Yihong Yang
  • Publication number: 20070028292
    Abstract: A computer security system comprising security logic that is independent of the host CPU (13) for controlling access between the host CPU (13) and the storage device (21). A program memory (41) that is independent of the computer memory unalterably stores and provides computer programs for operating the processor (37) in a manner so as to control access to the storage device (21). The security logic comprises logic in bus bridge circuitry . The bus bridge circuitry can be embodied in the south bridge circuit (326) of a computer system (11) or alternatively in a SOC circuit (351) of a HDD. All data access by the host CPU (13) to the data storage device (21) is blocked before initialisation of the security system and is intercepted immediately after the initialisation under the control of the security logic. The security logic effects independent control of the host CPU (13) and configuration of the computer (11) to prevent unauthorised access to the storage device (21) during the interception phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Publication date: February 1, 2007
    Applicant: Secure Systems Limited
    Inventors: Richard Kabzinski, Michael Hearn, Russell Powers
  • Publication number: 20060257525
    Abstract: This invention relates to the combination of a clear or translucent alcoholic beverage, such as vodka, gin, rum, tequila, or whisky, with caffeine and flavorant additives, such as sweeteners, masking agents, natural and/or artificial flavoring agents, and/or other additives to eliminate or mitigate the bitter flavoring associated with caffeine. With the caffeinated vodka, gin, rum, tequila, or whisky of the invention, individuals will be able to achieve the stimulation of caffeine combined with the euphoria of a spirit in one beverage and be able to drink the beverage by itself or combined with a favorite mixer of choice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Publication date: November 16, 2006
    Applicant: Michael C. Hearn
    Inventor: Michael Hearn
  • Patent number: 6955115
    Abstract: A fluid system is provided wherein two different fluid circuits are connected in parallel with a single source of pressurized fluid and the two fluid circuits can function together even when one of the loads is lighter than the other. This is accomplished by having the lightly loaded circuit having a directional control that when operated in one of its operative positions the flow from the rod end of the cylinder is directed through the directional control valve and combined with the supply flow being directed to the head end of the cylinder. With the other heavier loaded circuit also being actuated, the pressure of the fluid from the rod end of the fluid cylinder is equalized with the pressure of the heavier loaded circuit. Consequently, the speed of the heavier loaded circuit does not stall or slow down relative to the lightly loaded circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. A'Hearn, Thomas J. Hajek, Sr., Larry W. Lorimor, Daniel T. Mather, Srikrishnan T. Tolappa
  • Publication number: 20050091522
    Abstract: A computer security device (35) comprising a processor (37) that is independent of the host CPU (13) for controlling access between the host CPU (13) and the storage device (21). A program memory (41) that is independent of the computer memory and the storage device (21) unalterably stores and provides computer programs for operating the processor (37) in a manner so as to control access to the storage device (21). The security device (35) is connected only in line with the data access channel (33) between the host CPU (13) and the storage device (21), and off the main data and control bus (15) of the host CPU (13). All data access by the host CPU (13) to the data storage device (21) is blocked before initialization of the security device (35) and is intercepted immediately after the initialization under the control of the processor (37).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: April 28, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Hearn, Richard Kabzinski
  • Patent number: 6357230
    Abstract: A hydraulic ride control system is disclosed and adapted to control the ride of a machine having a load. The ride control includes an accumulator arrangement that is selectively connected with the actuator that is carrying the load to provide a cushion ride during traveling and to enable the pressure in the accumulator arrangement to be maintained substantially the same as the pressure in the actuator when raising the load and to permit the pressure in the accumulator arrangement to be lowered to that of the pressure in the actuator in the event the load is lessened. The ride control system also provides an arrangement that permits the accumulator arrangement to be bled down whenever the machine becomes disabled or when the machine is shut off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. A'Hearn, David J. Carlson, Thomas J. Hajek, Jr., Andy Hatcher, Michael D. Hudson, Patrick Quinn, Srikrishnan T. Tolappa
  • Patent number: 6321534
    Abstract: A ride control system adapted for use in a fluid system of a machine to cushion the ride of the machine, the machine having a frame with an actuator arrangement disposed between the frame and a load to raise the load relative to the frame, the actuator arrangement having a raise port and being operative in a raise mode to raise the load to a desired height in response to pressurized fluid being directed to the raise port from a source of the pressurized fluid, the ride control system including an accumulator arrangement and a valve arrangement connected between the accumulator arrangement, the actuator arrangement, and the source of pressurized fluid, and operative to selectively connect the accumulator arrangement to the raise port of the actuator arrangement when in the raise mode while maintaining the load at the desired height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. A'Hearn, Thomas J. Hajek, Jr., Michael D. Hudson, Lawrence F. Schexnayder, Srikrishnan T. Tolappa
  • Patent number: 6205781
    Abstract: A fluid control system including a valve arrangement operable for selectively, controllably supplying pressurized fluid to a work element of the system from at least two pressurized fluid sources depending on load conditions on the pressurized fluid sources. The valve arrangement is operable for directing pressurized fluid from the first pressurized fluid source to the work element when a first or low load condition is present on the first pressurized fluid source and directing pressurized fluid from the second pressurized fluid source to the work element when a second or high load condition greater than the first load condition is present on the first pressurized fluid source and a low load condition is present on the second pressurized fluid source, such that operability of the work element and other work elements supplied by the pressurized fluid sources is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. A'Hearn
  • Patent number: 6173639
    Abstract: A fluid control circuit providing a float capability for a double-acting actuator having first and second actuating chambers is provided. The fluid circuit includes signal controlled load check valves disposed between the actuating chambers and a directional control valve. The directional control valve is movable from a centered, neutral position towards first and second operative positions and a float position. The directional control valve and the load check valves are cooperatively operable in one operable position to allow fluid flow from the first actuating chamber to the exhaust port, and fluid flow from the pump port to the second actuating chamber. In the float position of the directional control valve, both of the signal controlled load check valves are opened to allow open fluid flow between the first and second actuating chambers thus allowing the tool attached to the actuator to float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. A'Hearn, Thomas J. Hajek, Jr., Srikrishnan T. Tolappa
  • Patent number: 6161467
    Abstract: A fluid control system including a control valve providing a simple, easy to use regeneration capability in association with a pump, a tank, and a double acting actuator having a first actuating chamber and a second actuating chamber. The control valve has a first actuating chamber port connected to the first actuating chamber, a second actuating chamber port connected to the second actuating chamber, a tank port connected to the tank, a first pump port and a second pump port. The control valve includes a connecting passage connecting the first pump port and the second pump port to the pump, and is operable in a first position to allow fluid flow from the pump through the first pump port and the first actuating chamber port to the first actuating chamber and fluid flow from the second actuating chamber through the second actuating chamber port and the tank port to the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. A'Hearn, Thomas J. Hajek, Jr., Tony L. Marcott, Srikrishnan T. Tolappa
  • Patent number: 5826487
    Abstract: An unloader valve is connected to a pump and has first and second ends, a priority flow port communicating with the first end and being connected to a first conduit connected to a first hydraulic circuit, an excess flow port communicating with a tank, and a spring disposed at the second end biasing the unloader valve to a priority flow position with a force sufficient to maintain the pressure in the priority flow port above a predetermined minimum level. The unloader valve is biased toward an unloading position in opposition to the spring force by pressure generated force acting on the second end. A check valve is disposed between the first conduit and a second conduit connected to a second hydraulic circuit. A valve device controls the pressure at the second end of the unloader valve in response to pressure in the second conduit so that pressure in the second conduit is maintained above a second higher predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. A'Hearn