Patents by Inventor Michael A. Baker

Michael A. Baker 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: 7264145
    Abstract: A bicycle rack is provided for connection to a vehicle, and especially a bus for the transport of a bicycle. The bicycle rack has a frame pivotally connected to a bracket which is connectable to a front of a bus. A pair of elongate cradles traverse the frame of the rack. Each elongate cradle is capable of receiving a bicycle. Each elongate cradle includes a rear wheel cradle and a front wheel cradle. The front wheel cradle has a spring operated wheel lock. The wheel lock includes a rotatable armature which overlays and holds the front tire of the bicycle in a locked position. The armature is actuated by the weight of the front wheel or by the manual activation of an adjacent handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Altair Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Lloyd, Wesley J. Blanchard, H. Dieter Featherman, Michael Baker
  • Publication number: 20070199857
    Abstract: A child resistant, senior friendly packaging system is designed to securely hold multiple unit dose products and formed out of natural fiber or synthetic materials, or any combination thereof. The packaging system comprises a movable insert that can locked in an inaccessible position and comprises a physically detachable unlocking mechanism that can engage the locking mechanism of the movable insert in order to unlock the movable insert permitting movement into an accessible position. The unlocking mechanism can be in the form of an access card that is a part of the system or is user supplied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Baker, Richard Schmerling, Leonard Ekdahl, Dawn Kempf, Gregory Davis, Kregg Albrecht
  • Patent number: 7237426
    Abstract: A crimp die set for use in a crimping tool is provided, including: a rotating crimp die having a plurality of differently sized male die parts; and a stationary female crimp die having a plurality of differently sized female nests which correspond to one or more of the plurality of male die parts, wherein a rotation of the rotating crimp die permits different crimping action to accommodate different terminal and wire sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: James Michael Baker, George Robertson
  • Publication number: 20070136473
    Abstract: A method for utilizing a personal agent in a communications device for selecting the method of delivery of at least one communication having multiple networking type modes (200) includes discovering all available delivery options (203). One or more operational parameters are detected (205) including information based on the agent's knowledge of the user's schedule. The impact on battery consumption of the communication is also estimated (209) and a key metric is determined (211) based on the type of delivery options that are available. Finally, an optimal delivery option is determined (213) where it can be either automatically selected or presented to the user of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Publication date: June 14, 2007
    Inventors: Mark Birchler, Michael Baker, Michael Johnson, Robert Johnson, Surender Kumar
  • Patent number: 7210422
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fin stabilization system adapted to minimize roll about the longitudinal axis of the boat during sharp cornering at very high speeds. In one form, equipment such as a machine gun is mounted to the bow of the boat and targets are adapted to be engaged in high-speed maneuvers when cornering and the deck of the boat is not excessively rolled whereby blocking visibility in a turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Aluminum Chambered Boats LLC, Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Hickok, Mark R. Morgan, Richard M Benson, Michael A. Baker
  • Publication number: 20070045147
    Abstract: A child resistant, senior friendly packaging system is designed to securely hold multiple unit dose products and formed out of natural fiber or synthetic materials, or any combination thereof. The packaging system comprises a movable insert that can locked in an inaccessible position and comprises a physically detachable unlocking mechanism that can engage the locking mechanism of the movable insert in order to unlock the movable insert permitting movement into an accessible position. The unlocking mechanism can be in the form of an access card that is a part of the system or is user supplied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: Nosco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Baker, Richard Schmerling, Leonard Ekdahl, Dawn Kempf, Gregory Davis, Kregg Albrecht
  • Patent number: 7183693
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of battery and capacitor charging. In particular, the present invention provides pulsed current charging using changes, regardless of polarity, in the local energy environment to obtain power. The present invention relates, for example, to ambient energy charging thin film batteries, other batteries, or capacitors, via, for example, polyvinyladine fluoride homopolymer (PVDF), PVDF bi-axially poled, or other piezoelectric materials. Ambient energy may be defined as any change in energy within the local environment. Charging can be accomplished with, and is not limited to, positive or negative changes of the following energy types: thermal; visible light, including infrared and ultraviolet; mechanical motion or impact; triboelectric, including airflow or physical contact; movement in relation to a gravitational plane (increase or decrease in gravitational potential energy); and radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic energy, regardless of specific frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Infinite Power Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Brantner, Michael Baker Pearce, Adolph Trujillo
  • Publication number: 20070008968
    Abstract: A gateway is used to segment a network, such as a Fault Tolerant Ethernet (FTE) network, into islands. The gateway receives traffic from a first island, forwards part of the traffic to a second island, and blocks another part of the traffic from being forwarded to the second island. The forwarded traffic could include unicast traffic. The blocked traffic could include broadcast or multicast traffic, including diagnostic messages from one or more nodes in the first island.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Publication date: January 11, 2007
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Baker, Alexander Chernoguzov, Paul Gerhart, W. Massey
  • Patent number: 7124959
    Abstract: A dual fuel injection valve separately and independently injects two different fuels and comprises a dual needle assembly with a hollow open-ended outer needle and an inner needle disposed within the hollow interior. A cap cooperates with the outer needle to cover the open end, and the outer needle and the cap together comprise the inner valve body. The outer and inner needles are each movable independently from each other between respective open and closed positions. A spring disposed between the cap and the inner needle contributes to biasing the inner needle in the closed position. The cap can be joined to the outer needle, whereby the cap can provide a limit to the movement of the inner needle. In another embodiment the cap can be detached from the outer body, allowing the spring to space the cap away from the outer needle, assisting with biasing the outer needle closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Westport Power Inc.
    Inventors: S. Michael Baker, David Mumford, Adrian Post, Tim Lennox, Bradley D. Douville, Alain M. J. Touchette
  • Publication number: 20060216116
    Abstract: A protection apparatus protects a harbor or an area in a body of water or adjacent to a body of water. The protection apparatus floats on the body of water, and includes a plurality of barrier units positioned side-by-side, each of the barrier units includes a composite-based durable barrier structure. The barrier structure is configured to hold a net in place in order to protect an area in the body of water or abutting the body of water from waterborne craft. At least one of the barrier units includes a gate that allows passage of waterborne craft into and out of the protected body of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Publication date: September 28, 2006
    Inventors: Michael Baker, Stephen Lisse, Christopher Pacheco, Clark Whitman
  • Patent number: 7090145
    Abstract: A liquid cooled fuel injection valve is operable to inject fuel directly into a combustion chamber through a nozzle orifice provided in an injector tip. The fuel injection valve further comprises a cooling system for draining fuel from a fuel cavity disposed within the injector tip and a drain valve that opens when pressure within the fuel cavity is greater than a predetermined set point. Fuel drained through the cooling system is directed to a drain system that may be combined with drain passages typically found in fuel injection valves. In a preferred embodiment, the drain valve is disposed within the fuel injection valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Westport Research Inc.
    Inventors: S. Michael Baker, Victor J. Perr, P. Douglas Free
  • Patent number: 7088031
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of battery and capacitor charging. In particular, the present invention provides pulsed current charging using changes, regardless of polarity, in the local energy environment to obtain power. The present invention relates, for example, to ambient energy charging thin film batteries, other batteries, or capacitors, via, for example, polyvinyladine fluoride homopolymer (PVDF), PVDF bi-axially poled, or other piezoelectric materials. Ambient energy may be defined as any change in energy within the local environment. Charging can be accomplished with, and is not limited to, positive or negative changes of the following energy types: thermal; visible light, including infrared and ultraviolet; mechanical motion or impact; triboelectric, including airflow or physical contact; movement in relation to a gravitational plane (increase or decrease in gravitational potential energy); and radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic energy, regardless of specific frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Infinite Power Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Brantner, Michael Baker Pearce, Adolph Trujillo
  • Publication number: 20060146834
    Abstract: In the present invention, the subscriber unit (200) obtains a set of access point identifiers and measurement opportunity information for each access point identifier. A first measurement is performed on a first access point identified from the set of access point identifiers. A current timer value is determined after completing the step of performing, and a second access point identified from the set of access point identifiers in which to perform a second measurement is selected. Selecting the second access point is based on at least the measurement opportunity information for the second access point in relation to the current timer value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Publication date: July 6, 2006
    Inventors: Michael Baker, Stephen Emeott, Aparna Pandey, Floyd Simpson, Brian Smith, Timothy Wilson
  • Patent number: 7047825
    Abstract: Weight sensor assemblies for measuring weight on a vehicle seat are mounted at the connecting points between a seat bottom frame and a seat mounting member. The weight sensor assemblies each include a beam member having a bendable center body portion for supporting a strain gage. The strain gage and associated traces are screen printed on the surface of the beam. The beam acts similar to a dual constrained cantilever beam, concentrating the bending at a reduced neck section that narrows in the middle of the center body portion. The strain gage measures strain resulting from bending in the center body portion caused by a weight force being applied against the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Brian M. Curtis, Michael Baker
  • Publication number: 20060020495
    Abstract: A structured healthcare claims processing mechanism for use with funded accounts (e.g., healthcare reimbursement arrangements, healthcare savings accounts and flexible spending accounts) is disclosed, including a claims processing mechanism, a registration mechanism, a claim submission mechanism, a payment mechanism and an insurance submission mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Publication date: January 26, 2006
    Inventors: Michael Baker, Stephen Jenkins, John Bornacorso, Stephen Platz
  • Patent number: 6968986
    Abstract: A bicycle rack is provided for connection to a vehicle, and especially a bus for the transport of a bicycle. The bicycle rack has a frame pivotally connected to a bracket which is connectable to a front of a bus. A pair of elongate cradles traverse the frame of the rack. Each elongate cradle is capable of receiving a bicycle. Each elongate cradle includes a rear wheel cradle and a front wheel cradle. The front wheel cradle has a spring operated wheel lock. The wheel lock includes a rotatable armature which overlays and holds the front tire of the bicycle in a locked position. The armature is actuated by the weight of the front wheel or by the manual activation of an adjacent handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Altair Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Lloyd, Wesley J. Blanchard, H. Dieter Featherman, Michael Baker
  • Publication number: 20050247501
    Abstract: A decorative covering for a motorcycle is disclosed. The covering comprises a material which is affixed to the cycle. The material may comprise a leather, cloth, plastic or sheet polymer. The materials have decorative designs. The material may be attached or affixed by velcro, snaps or adhesives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Publication date: November 10, 2005
    Inventor: Michael Baker
  • Publication number: 20050199670
    Abstract: A bicycle rack is provided for connection to a vehicle, and especially a bus for the transport of a bicycle. The bicycle rack has a frame pivotally connected to a bracket which is connectable to a front of a bus. A pair of elongate cradles traverse the frame of the rack. Each elongate cradle is capable of receiving a bicycle. Each elongate cradle includes a rear wheel cradle and a front wheel cradle. The front wheel cradle has a spring operated wheel lock. The wheel lock includes a rotatable armature which overlays and holds the front tire of the bicycle in a locked position. The armature is actuated by the weight of the front wheel or by the manual activation of an adjacent handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Publication date: September 15, 2005
    Inventors: Jeffrey Lloyd, Wesley Blanchard, H. Featherman, Michael Baker
  • Publication number: 20050150313
    Abstract: Weight sensor assemblies for measuring weight on a vehicle seat are mounted at the connecting points between a seat bottom frame and a seat mounting member. The weight sensor assemblies each include a beam member having a bendable center body portion for supporting a strain gage. The strain gage and associated traces are screen printed on the surface of the beam. The beam acts similar to a dual constrained cantilever beam, concentrating the bending at a reduced neck section that narrows in the middle of the center body portion. The strain gage measures strain resulting from bending in the center body portion caused by a weight force being applied against the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Publication date: July 14, 2005
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Curtis, Michael Baker
  • Patent number: D550625
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Osborn, Jr., Andrew C. Cole, James Michael Baker