Patents by Inventor Michael A. Blackstone

Michael A. Blackstone 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: 9052100
    Abstract: A system for replacing an LED driver of an LED fixture without having to wire the LED driver to the LED fixture, wherein the LED fixture has a hood, a set of power supply wires, and a set of LED socket wires. The system includes a socket, an LED driver, and an apparatus for electrically, thermally, mechanically, and interchangeably connecting the LED driver to the socket without having to wire the LED driver to the LED fixture. The socket mounts to the hood of the LED fixture, is electrically connected to the set of power supply wires of the LED fixture, and is electrically connected to the set of LED socket wires of the LED fixture. The LED driver is electrically, mechanically, and interchangeably connected to the socket so as to allow the LED driver to be replaced without having to wire the LED driver to the LED fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Rapid Electronics, LLC
    Inventor: Michael A. Blackstone
  • Patent number: 8912122
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for increasing the wetting rate of a plant growth medium utilizing a wetting agent composition. The composition is comprised of at least one modified block copolymer. The modified block copolymer is comprised of an ester of an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymer and a fatty acid. The composition of the present invention also enhances plant growth and productivity by increasing the water uptake and the nutrient uptake by the plant roots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Blackstone, Nathan A. Welch
  • Patent number: 8851703
    Abstract: A combination for replacing a ballast of a conventional fluorescent fixture without ever having to wire the ballast to the conventional fluorescent fixture, wherein the conventional fluorescent fixture has a conventional hood, a conventional set of power supply wires, and a conventional set of lamp socket wires. The combination includes a socket, a ballast, and apparatus for electrically, mechanically, and interchangeably connecting the ballast to the socket without ever having to wire the ballast to the conventional fluorescent fixture. The socket mounts to the conventional hood of the conventional fluorescent fixture, is electrically spliced to the conventional set of power supply wires of the conventional fluorescent fixture, and is electrically spliced to the conventional set of lamp socket wires of the conventional fluorescent fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Michael A. Blackstone
  • Publication number: 20140160741
    Abstract: A system for replacing an LED driver of an LED fixture without having to wire the LED driver to the LED fixture, wherein the LED fixture has a hood, a set of power supply wires, and a set of LED socket wires. The system includes a socket, an LED driver, and an apparatus for electrically, thermally, mechanically, and interchangeably connecting the LED driver to the socket without having to wire the LED driver to the LED fixture. The socket mounts to the hood of the LED fixture, is electrically connected to the set of power supply wires of the LED fixture, and is electrically connected to the set of LED socket wires of the LED fixture. The LED driver is electrically, mechanically, and interchangeably connected to the socket so as to allow the LED driver to be replaced without having to wire the LED driver to the LED fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: MICHAEL A. BLACKSTONE, DELBERT C. ARNOLD
  • Publication number: 20120092860
    Abstract: A combination for replacing a ballast of a conventional fluorescent fixture without ever having to wire the ballast to the conventional fluorescent fixture, wherein the conventional fluorescent fixture has a conventional hood, a conventional set of power supply wires, and a conventional set of lamp socket wires. The combination includes a socket, a ballast, and apparatus for electrically, mechanically, and interchangeably connecting the ballast to the socket without ever having to wire the ballast to the conventional fluorescent fixture. The socket mounts to the conventional hood of the conventional fluorescent fixture, is electrically spliced to the conventional set of power supply wires of the conventional fluorescent fixture, and is electrically spliced to the conventional set of lamp socket wires of the conventional fluorescent fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Michael A. Blackstone
  • Patent number: 5298120
    Abstract: A novel composition for use in a process for cooking wood to form pulp and processes for using same are provided. The composition and variations thereof are useful in enhancing the uniformity of wood cooking and reducing the rejects in a pulping process for the production of pulp. The composition comprises esters of block copolymers having the general formula ##STR1## wherein x, y, and z each have a value of at least one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Inventor: Michael Blackstone
  • Patent number: 3936922
    Abstract: Insulated wire, cable, and the like, is stripped of its insulation without damaging the wire. The insulated wire is preferably cooled to a low temperature, rendered brittle, and then continuously passed over roller means to effect fracturing and removal of the insulation. The bare wire is continuously recovered in an undamaged condition and the particles of insulation recycled where necessary. Wire straightening is optionally provided for straightening the bent wire after the insulation is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1974
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1976
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventors: Michael Blackstone, Bryant K. Maddox, Bobby A. Rowland, Stanley L. Tate