Patents by Inventor Michael A. Bray

Michael A. Bray 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: 20140225515
    Abstract: An exemplary system comprises a power regulator and an emitting apparatus. The emitting apparatus is typically attached to or integrated with a display object, such as a merchandise package or container. A support structure, such as a point of purchase display, typically contains or supports one or more power regulators and display objects. The power regulator comprises a controller and a primary inductor, and the controller is adapted to provide a voltage or current to the primary inductor to generate a first primary inductor voltage. The emitting apparatus comprises an illumination source and a secondary inductor coupled to the illumination source. The illumination source is adapted to emit visible light when the power regulator is in an on state and when the secondary inductor is within a predetermined distance of the primary inductor. In exemplary embodiments, the first and second inductors are substantially planar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: NthDegree Technologies Worldwide Inc.
    Inventors: Mark David Lowenthal, William Johnstone Ray, Peter Michael Bray, David R. Bowden
  • Patent number: 8739441
    Abstract: An exemplary power regulator apparatus provides power for illumination of a display object, such as a merchandise package or container, which has a light emitting apparatus comprising a secondary inductor and an illumination source. A support structure, such as a point of purchase display, typically contains or supports one or more power regulators and display objects. The power regulator comprises a controller and a primary inductor, and the controller is adapted to provide a voltage or current to the primary inductor to generate a primary inductor voltage. The controller may also comprise a plurality of switches and a memory adapted to store values for switching frequency or switch on-time durations or pulse widths. The illumination source emits visible light when the power regulator is in an on state and when the secondary inductor is within a predetermined distance of the primary inductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: NthDegree Technologies Worldwide Inc
    Inventors: Mark D. Lowenthal, William Johnstone Ray, David R. Bowden, Peter Michael Bray
  • Patent number: 8739440
    Abstract: An exemplary system comprises a power regulator and an emitting apparatus. The emitting apparatus is typically attached to or integrated with a display object, such as a merchandise package or container. A support structure, such as a point of purchase display, typically contains or supports one or more power regulators and display objects. The power regulator comprises a controller and a primary inductor, and the controller is adapted to provide a voltage or current to the primary inductor to generate a first primary inductor voltage. The emitting apparatus comprises an illumination source and a secondary inductor coupled to the illumination source. The illumination source is adapted to emit visible light when the power regulator is in an on state and when the secondary inductor is within a predetermined distance of the primary inductor. In exemplary embodiments, the first and second inductors are substantially planar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: NthDegree Technologies Worldwide Inc.
    Inventors: Mark David Lowenthal, William Johnstone Ray, Peter Michael Bray, David R. Bowden
  • Publication number: 20130327797
    Abstract: An infant carrier which supports one or more infants in a recumbent position on the back of a user. The infant carrier of present invention includes a central frame upon which an infant support assembly is mounted for carrying an infant in a position which supports the head, neck and body of the infant, so that an infant without sufficiently developed head and neck control may be carried safely and comfortably. The carrier includes a removable canopy for protecting carried infants from the elements. Additionally, the infant carrier enables a user to attach a storage bag or other items selected by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: Kevin Michael Bray
  • Publication number: 20130141463
    Abstract: A simultaneously interactive map display and textual listing is presented where both are simultaneously displayed on a display device. The display area of the display device is divided between the map display and the textual listing with one of them receiving a greater proportion than the other. User input directed to the one receiving the greater proportion can be responded to in a traditional manner, while user input directed to the one receiving the lesser proportion can cause a transition whereby the display area is re-proportioned and, with such re-proportioning, the user input can also be responded to in a traditional manner. Additionally, user selections in the textual listing can be simultaneously reflected in the map display, and vice versa, irrespective of which has the greater proportion of the display area. Optionally, a re-proportioning transition can be triggered by such user selections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Donald A. Barnett, Tim Wantland, Hoon Kong, Lutz Gerhard, Michael Bray
  • Patent number: 8413359
    Abstract: An exemplary system comprises a power regulator and an emitting apparatus. The emitting apparatus is typically attached to or integrated with a display object, such as a merchandise package or container. A support structure, such as a point of purchase display, typically contains or supports one or more power regulators and display objects. The power regulator comprises a controller and a primary inductor, and the controller is adapted to provide a voltage or current to the primary inductor to generate a first primary inductor voltage. The emitting apparatus comprises an illumination source and a secondary inductor coupled to the illumination source. The illumination source is adapted to emit visible light when the power regulator is in an on state and when the secondary inductor is within a predetermined distance of the primary inductor. In exemplary embodiments, the first and second inductors are substantially planar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: NthDegree Technologies Worldwide Inc
    Inventors: Mark D. Lowenthal, William Johnstone Ray, David R. Bowden, Peter Michael Bray
  • Patent number: 8272752
    Abstract: A projection device (1) includes: a projector (2) adapted for projecting a mother image along a projection axis (11); and a convex mirror adapted for at least partially reflecting the mother image and projecting it onto a three-dimensional environment (7, 8a, 8b) such as the ground, a ceiling, one or more side walls and the content of a room. When combining the projector with a convex mirror, the mother image can for example be projected into a solid angle higher than 2? steradians (i.e. a half-sphere), or even substantially equal to or slightly lower than 4? steradians (i.e. a sphere). A method implemented by the device is also described. The field of the invention is particularly that of video projectors for virtual or mixed reality applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignees: Universite Clermont 1, MB Optique
    Inventors: Robert Andre Marcel Stehle, Michael Bray, Laurent Sarry, Eric Zeghers
  • Publication number: 20120169230
    Abstract: An exemplary system comprises a power regulator and an emitting apparatus. The emitting apparatus is typically attached to or integrated with a display object, such as a merchandise package or container. A support structure, such as a point of purchase display, typically contains or supports one or more power regulators and display objects. The power regulator comprises a controller and a primary inductor, and the controller is adapted to provide a voltage or current to the primary inductor to generate a first primary inductor voltage. The emitting apparatus comprises an illumination source and a secondary inductor coupled to the illumination source. The illumination source is adapted to emit visible light when the power regulator is in an on state and when the secondary inductor is within a predetermined distance of the primary inductor. In exemplary embodiments, the first and second inductors are substantially planar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: NTHDEGREE TECHNOLOGIES WORLDWIDE INC.
    Inventors: Mark D. Lowenthal, William Johnstone Ray, David R. Bowden, Peter Michael Bray
  • Publication number: 20120074861
    Abstract: An exemplary power regulator apparatus provides power for illumination of a display object, such as a merchandise package or container, which has a light emitting apparatus comprising a secondary inductor and an illumination source. A support structure, such as a point of purchase display, typically contains or supports one or more power regulators and display objects. The power regulator comprises a controller and a primary inductor, and the controller is adapted to provide a voltage or current to the primary inductor to generate a primary inductor voltage. The controller may also comprise a plurality of switches and a memory adapted to store values for switching frequency or switch on-time durations or pulse widths. The illumination source emits visible light when the power regulator is in an on state and when the secondary inductor is within a predetermined distance of the primary inductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: NTHDEGREE TECHNOLOGIES WORLDWIDE INC.
    Inventors: Mark D. Lowenthal, William Johnstone Ray, David R. Bowden, Peter Michael Bray
  • Patent number: 8127477
    Abstract: An exemplary system comprises a power regulator and an emitting apparatus. The emitting apparatus is typically attached to or integrated with a display object, such as a merchandise package or container. A support structure, such as a point of purchase display, typically contains or supports one or more power regulators and display objects. The power regulator comprises a controller and a primary inductor, and the controller is adapted to provide a voltage or current to the primary inductor to generate a first primary inductor voltage. The emitting apparatus comprises an illumination source and a secondary inductor coupled to the illumination source. The illumination source is adapted to emit visible light when the power regulator is in an on state and when the secondary inductor is within a predetermined distance of the primary inductor. In exemplary embodiments, the first and second inductors are substantially planar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: NthDegree Technologies Worldwide Inc
    Inventors: Mark D. Lowenthal, David R. Bowden, William Johnstone Ray, Peter Michael Bray
  • Publication number: 20110211175
    Abstract: A projection device (1) includes: a projector (2) adapted for projecting a mother image along a projection axis (11); and a convex mirror adapted for at least partially reflecting the mother image and projecting it onto a three-dimensional environment (7, 8a, 8b) such as the ground, a ceiling, one or more side walls and the content of a room. When combining the projector with a convex mirror, the mother image can for example be projected into a solid angle higher than 2? steradians (i.e. a half-sphere), or even substantially equal to or slightly lower than 4? steradians (i.e. a sphere). A method implemented by the device is also described. The field of the invention is particularly that of video projectors for virtual or mixed reality applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicants: UNIVERSITE CLERMONT 1, MB OPTIQUE
    Inventors: Robert Andre Marcel Stehle, Michael Bray, Laurent Sarry, Eric Zeghers
  • Patent number: 7992332
    Abstract: An exemplary power regulator apparatus provides power for illumination of a display object, such as a merchandise package or container, which has a light emitting apparatus comprising a secondary inductor and an illumination source. A support structure, such as a point of purchase display, typically contains or supports one or more power regulators and display objects. The power regulator comprises a controller and a primary inductor, and the controller is adapted to provide a voltage or current to the primary inductor to generate a primary inductor voltage. The controller may also comprise a plurality of switches and a memory adapted to store values for switching frequency or switch on-time durations or pulse widths. The illumination source emits visible light when the power regulator is in an on state and when the secondary inductor is within a predetermined distance of the primary inductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: NthDegree Technologies Worldwide Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Lowenthal, David R. Bowden, William Johnstone Ray, Peter Michael Bray
  • Patent number: 7953661
    Abstract: Personal qualified dividend income (QDI) is calculated for one or more investors for mutual fund dividend distributions made to accounts of the investors from one or more mutual funds. Personal QDI information may be automatically generated and provided to investors. A similar process may be performed for brokerage accounts that hold individual stocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: The Vanguard Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Dori Laskin, Michael A. Bray, Thomas J. Cresswell, Deanna J. Flores, Andrea A. Gasser, Mary H. Pichola, Robert P. Smith
  • Patent number: 7880902
    Abstract: The probe comprises a light source (20), means for shaping (24, 25, 21) the beam emitted by said light source and the beam coming from a surface arranged close to a target distance, an optical detector unit (22), comprising a pinhole diaphragm (26) and a photoelectric detector (28), providing a voltage peak (31) when said surface is at said target distance and further comprising a diaphragm (27) with a hole larger than said pinhole and a photoelectric detector (29), providing a voltage greater than that produced by said detection sensor (28), except when said surface is a the target distance. The method uses the probe to measure the thickness of an optical lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignees: Essilor International (Compagnie Generale d'Optique), MB Optique
    Inventors: Frederic Dubois, Michael Bray
  • Publication number: 20090284164
    Abstract: An exemplary system comprises a power regulator and an emitting apparatus. The emitting apparatus is typically attached to or integrated with a display object, such as a merchandise package or container. A support structure, such as a point of purchase display, typically contains or supports one or more power regulators and display objects. The power regulator comprises a controller and a primary inductor, and the controller is adapted to provide a voltage or current to the primary inductor to generate a first primary inductor voltage. The emitting apparatus comprises an illumination source and a secondary inductor coupled to the illumination source. The illumination source is adapted to emit visible light when the power regulator is in an on state and when the secondary inductor is within a predetermined distance of the primary inductor. In exemplary embodiments, the first and second inductors are substantially planar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: NTHDEGREE TECHNOLOGIES WORLDWIDE INC.
    Inventors: William Johnstone Ray, Mark D. Lowenthal, David R. Bowden, Peter Michael Bray
  • Publication number: 20090284165
    Abstract: An exemplary light emitting apparatus comprises an illumination source and a secondary inductor. Exemplary illumination sources include electroluminescent panels or displays and light emitting diodes. The emitting apparatus is typically attached to or integrated with a display object, such as a merchandise package or container, and receives power through the secondary inductor, generated by a voltage or current in a primary inductor of a power regulator apparatus. A support structure, such as a point of purchase display, typically contains or supports one or more power regulators and display objects. The illumination source is adapted to emit visible light when the power regulator is in an on state and when the secondary inductor is within a predetermined distance of the primary inductor. In exemplary embodiments, the first and second inductors are substantially planar, and the illumination source may also be directly coupled to the secondary inductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: NTHDEGREE TECHNOLOGIES WORLDWIDE INC.
    Inventors: William Johnstone Ray, Mark D. Lowenthal, David R. Bowden, Peter Michael Bray
  • Publication number: 20090284179
    Abstract: An exemplary power regulator apparatus provides power for illumination of a display object, such as a merchandise package or container, which has a light emitting apparatus comprising a secondary inductor and an illumination source. A support structure, such as a point of purchase display, typically contains or supports one or more power regulators and display objects. The power regulator comprises a controller and a primary inductor, and the controller is adapted to provide a voltage or current to the primary inductor to generate a primary inductor voltage. The controller may also comprise a plurality of switches and a memory adapted to store values for switching frequency or switch on-time durations or pulse widths. The illumination source emits visible light when the power regulator is in an on state and when the secondary inductor is within a predetermined distance of the primary inductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: NTHDEGREE TECHNOLOGIES WORLDWIDE INC.
    Inventors: William Johnstone Ray, Mark D. Lowenthal, David R. Bowden, Peter Michael Bray
  • Publication number: 20080137100
    Abstract: The probe comprises a light source (20), means for shaping (24, 25, 21) the beam emitted by said light source and the beam coming from a surface arranged close to a target distance, an optical detector unit (22), comprising a pinhole diaphragm (26) and a photoelectric detector (28), providing a voltage peak (31) when said surface is at said target distance and further comprising a diaphragm (27) with a hole larger than said pinhole and a photoelectric detector (29), providing a voltage greater than that produced by said detection sensor (28), except when said surface is a the target distance. The method uses the probe to measure the thickness of an optical lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicants: Essilor International (Compagnie Generale D' Optique, MB Optique
    Inventors: Frederic Dubois, Michael Bray
  • Patent number: 7154254
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing improved electromagnetic compatibility between a power source (20) and a switching element (22) in a switched mode power supply includes a device (24) for measuring an electrical variable, for example current, that fluctuates as the switching element (22) switches power received from the power source (20). A signal injector (28) is arranged to generate an electrical signal, for example current, of substantially the same amplitude, but opposite polarity, as the measured current, and to inject it between the power source (20) and the switching element (22) so as to tend to minimize fluctuations in the electrical variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David Michael Bray
  • Patent number: D576757
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Garrity Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Hesse, Michael Bray, James Sener