Patents by Inventor Michael A. Connor

Michael A. Connor 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: 8011309
    Abstract: The invention provides an innovative yet straightforward approach to driving the seed distribution system in planters which feature hinged winged extensions. The flexibility of the hinged winged extensions may allow the planter to adjust to the contours of a field and to fold to facilitate transport of the planter. In one embodiment, for example, the invention may provide a mechanical coupling between several sections of a seed drive shaft which may support and be driven by a hydraulic motor for each of the winged sections. The seed drive system may also be coupled to row units to synchronize and power the distribution of seeds by the planter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. Jaime, Michael Connors, Leonard A. Bettin, Rodney Samuel Horn
  • Patent number: 7966953
    Abstract: The invention provides an innovative yet straightforward approach to driving the seed distribution system in planters which feature hinged winged extensions. The flexibility of the hinged winged extensions may allow the planter to adjust to the contours of a field and to fold to facilitate transport of the planter. In one embodiment, for example, the invention may provide a mechanical coupling between several sections of a seed drive shaft which may support and be driven by a hydraulic motor for each of the winged sections. The seed drive system may also be coupled to row units to synchronize and power the distribution of seeds by the planter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. Jaime, Michael Connors, Leonard A. Bettin, Rodney Samuel Horn
  • Patent number: 7850277
    Abstract: A printhead maintenance station comprises a base including a spitting zone, a maintenance sled movable relative to the base, a wiper assembly for cleaning a printhead orifice plate, a capping assembly for capping a printhead orifice plate, a pick motor operating a paper picking assembly and the maintenance sled and the capping assembly, and, wherein the maintenance station provides for spitting, wiping, and capping of a printhead orifice plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Michael Morris, William Michael Connors
  • Publication number: 20100251948
    Abstract: The invention provides an innovative yet straightforward approach to driving the seed distribution system in planters which feature hinged winged extensions. The flexibility of the hinged winged extensions may allow the planter to adjust to the contours of a field and to fold to facilitate transport of the planter. In one embodiment, for example, the invention may provide a mechanical coupling between several sections of a seed drive shaft which may support and be driven by a hydraulic motor for each of the winged sections. The seed drive system may also be coupled to row units to synchronize and power the distribution of seeds by the planter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Richard J. Jaime, Michael Connors, Leonard A. Bettin, Rodney Samuel Horn
  • Publication number: 20100251949
    Abstract: The invention provides an innovative yet straightforward approach to driving the seed distribution system in planters which feature hinged winged extensions. The flexibility of the hinged winged extensions may allow the planter to adjust to the contours of a field and to fold to facilitate transport of the planter. In one embodiment, for example, the invention may provide a mechanical coupling between several sections of a seed drive shaft which may support and be driven by a hydraulic motor for each of the winged sections. The seed drive system may also be coupled to row units to synchronize and power the distribution of seeds by the planter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Richard J. Jaime, Michael Connors, Leonard A. Bettin, Rodney Samuel Horn
  • Patent number: 7766568
    Abstract: A printhead carrier having a zero clearance bearing arrangement includes a first open-faced bearing coupled to a dampener frame. The first open-faced bearing has a first bearing surface positioned to contact the cylindrical guide surface of a guide rod of an imaging apparatus. A second open-faced bearing is coupled to the dampener frame. The second open-faced bearing has a second bearing surface positioned to contact the cylindrical guide surface of the guide rod. The guide rod is diametrically positioned between the first open-faced bearing and the second open-faced bearing. An elastic foam member is interposed between the first open-faced bearing and the dampener frame. The elastic foam member is compressed to exert an expansion force between the first open-faced bearing and the dampener frame to load the second open-faced bearing on the guide rod in a zero-clearance relationship with the guide rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: William Michael Connors, Stephen Edward Stewart
  • Patent number: 7762201
    Abstract: The invention provides an innovative yet straightforward approach to driving the seed distribution system in planters which feature hinged winged extensions. The flexibility of the hinged winged extensions may allow the planter to adjust to the contours of a field and to fold to facilitate transport of the planter. In one embodiment, for example, the invention may provide a mechanical coupling between several sections of a seed drive shaft which may support and be driven by a hydraulic motor for each of the winged sections. The seed drive system may also be coupled to row units to synchronize and power the distribution of seeds by the planter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. Jaime, Michael Connors, Leonard A. Bettin, Rodney Samuel Horn
  • Patent number: 7642450
    Abstract: A solar collector arrangement includes a number of assemblies (1), which are immersed or partially immersed in a pond of water (2). Each assembly (1) includes a parabolic reflector (3) and an absorber (6). Barriers (10) are located on or near the surface of the water (2) and operate to reduce waves which may otherwise disturb the direct passage of sunlight in windy conditions. The complete immersion of the assembly (1) in the liquid serves to simultaneously protect and cool the apparatus, while allowing ease of sun 10 tracking movements by buoyancy induced rotation. Partially immersed versions have higher efficiency and protect against severe weather by inverting into the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Sunengy Pty Limited
    Inventor: Philip Michael Connor
  • Patent number: 7591456
    Abstract: An auto-document feeder re-ingestion stop includes an auto-document feeder having a lower input tray and an upper output tray, the upper output tray having a length which is shorter than the length of input tray so that exiting or exited media depends onto the input tray, a flexible stopper depending from the upper output tray and inhibiting the exited media from being re-ingested by paper-to-paper friction during feeding of media in the input tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: William Michael Connors, Walter Kevin Cousins, Stephen Kelly Cunnagin, John Andrew Schmelz, Stephen Edward Stewart
  • Publication number: 20090229501
    Abstract: The invention provides an innovative yet straightforward approach to driving the seed distribution system in planters which feature hinged winged extensions. The flexibility of the hinged winged extensions may allow the planter to adjust to the contours of a field and to fold to facilitate transport of the planter. In one embodiment, for example, the invention may provide a mechanical coupling between several sections of a seed drive shaft which may support and be driven by a hydraulic motor for each of the winged sections. The seed drive system may also be coupled to row units to synchronize and power the distribution of seeds by the planter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. Jaime, Michael Connors, Leonard A. Bettin, Rodney Samuel Horn
  • Patent number: 7559737
    Abstract: A new type of pallet stacking assembly line. Two pick-and-place robots are used. The first robot has a relatively low position. The second robot is in an elevated position. A pallet dispenser dispenses a first pallet onto a pallet conveyor. The pallet conveyor then moves the first pallet to a first build position in front of the first robot. The first robot then begins picking products from a first pick position and stacking them on the first pallet. Once the products on the first pallet reach approximately half the finished height, the pallet conveyor carries the first pallet over to a second build position in front of the second robot. At the same time, the pallet dispenser dispenses a second pallet which is carried to the first build position. The second robot picks products from a second pick position and places them on the upper portion of the first pallet in order to complete the stack. Meanwhile, the first robot is picking and placing products on the lower portion of the second pallet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Sentry Equipment Erectors Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Ray, David N. Cooley, Gary D. Hunt, J. Michael Connor, Gert B. Gast, Donald Peter Welch, Mark T. Brogan, John P. Choufani, Kevin F. Keyes
  • Publication number: 20090097896
    Abstract: A printhead carrier having a zero clearance bearing arrangement includes a first open-faced bearing coupled to a dampener frame. The first open-faced bearing has a first bearing surface positioned to contact the cylindrical guide surface of a guide rod of an imaging apparatus. A second open-faced bearing is coupled to the dampener frame. The second open-faced bearing has a second bearing surface positioned to contact the cylindrical guide surface of the guide rod. The guide rod is diametrically positioned between the first open-faced bearing and the second open-faced bearing. An elastic foam member is interposed between the first open-faced bearing and the dampener frame. The elastic foam member is compressed to exert an expansion force between the first open-faced bearing and the dampener frame to load the second open-faced bearing on the guide rod in a zero-clearance relationship with the guide rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: William Michael Connors, Stephen Edward Stewart
  • Publication number: 20080290580
    Abstract: An auto-document feeder re-ingestion stop includes an auto-document feeder having a lower input tray and an upper output tray, the upper output tray having a length which is shorter than the length of input tray so that exiting or exited media depends onto the input tray, a flexible stopper depending from the upper output tray and inhibiting the exited media from being re-ingested by paper-to-paper friction during feeding of media in the input tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: William Michael Connors, Walter Kevin Cousins, Stephen Kelly Cunnagin, John Andrew Schmels, Stephen Edward Stewart
  • Publication number: 20080198197
    Abstract: A printhead maintenance station comprises a base including a spitting zone, a maintenance sled movable relative to the base, a wiper assembly for cleaning a printhead orifice plate, a capping assembly for capping a printhead orifice plate, a pick motor operating a paper picking assembly and the maintenance sled and the capping assembly, and, wherein the maintenance station provides for spitting, wiping, and capping of a printhead orifice plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Edward Michael Morris, William Michael Connors
  • Patent number: 7396173
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a mid-frame for supporting a back side of a sheet of media. A carrier system is configured to transport a carriage in a reciprocating manner with respect to the mid-frame. The carriage includes a bay. A perforation cartridge is configured to be received in the bay. The perforation cartridge contains a perforation forming mechanism. A controller is coupled to the perforation forming mechanism, the controller being configured to select at least one of a vertical perforation resolution and a horizontal perforation resolution of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Lexmark International Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Jude Ahne, William Michael Connors, Mark Joseph Edwards, William George Goff, III
  • Publication number: 20080109285
    Abstract: Techniques for determining relevant advertisements in response to queries is disclosed. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the techniques may be realized as a computer implemented method for determining relevant advertisements in response to a query. The method may comprise: receiving a query from a user device; categorizing the query to identify one or more relevant advertisement sources; formatting the query according to one or more advertisement source specifics for the one or more advertisement sources; transmitting the formatted query to the one or more advertisement sources; merging results in response to the formatted query to the one or more advertisement sources; merging results based at least in part on one or more factors; and formatting the results for delivering to the user device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: Mobile Content Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Phyllis Reuther, David Kurtz, Michael Connor
  • Patent number: 7354211
    Abstract: An apparatus for perforating a sheet of print media having a front side and a back side includes a printhead carriage for carrying a printhead. A perforator carriage carries a perforation forming mechanism. An isolation damper having elastic, vibration absorbing, characteristics couples the printhead carriage to the perforator carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Jude Ahne, William Michael Connors, Mark Joseph Edwards, William George Goff, III, Brian Keith Owens, Ricky Earl Robbins, Douglas Laurence Robertson
  • Publication number: 20070289915
    Abstract: One embodiment is a filter element including an outer filter media and an inner filter media. The outer filter media is operable to remove particulates present in a flow of fluid and/or coalesce water contained in the flow of fluid. The inner filter media is operable to remove particulates from the flow of fluid, separate water form the flow of fluid, and remove particulates from the flow of fluid. Other embodiments include unique apparatus, devices, systems, and methods relating to fuel filters and filtration. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits of the present application shall become apparent from the detailed description and figures included herewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Zemin Jiang, Melvin McCormick, David Genter, Norman Blizard, Jeffrey Husband, Michael Connor, Wassem Abdalla, Barry Verdegan
  • Patent number: 7290762
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a printing mechanism and a print media source for supplying print media sheets to the printing mechanism. The print media source includes a first media tray for holding a first print media, a second media tray for holding a second print media, and a sheet feeder mechanism having a sheet picking roller located to pick a top sheet of print media in the print media source, the top sheet of print media being located in one of the first media tray and the second media tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: William Michael Connors, Victor David Hair, Tommy Otis Lowe
  • Publication number: 20070192300
    Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a computer implemented method and system for processing a query may include receiving a query from a user device; categorizing the query to identify one or more content sources; formatting the query according to one or more content source specifics for the one or more content sources; transmitting the formatted query for the one or more content sources to the one or more content sources; merging results in response to the formatted query from the one or more content sources based at least in part on one or more factors; and formatting the results for delivering to the user device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Applicant: MOBILE CONTENT NETWORKS, INC.
    Inventors: PHYLLIS REUTHER, DAVID KURTZ, MICHAEL CONNOR