Patents by Inventor Michael A. Mueller

Michael A. Mueller 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: 11596882
    Abstract: A water filter system with a filter housing, a filter media, a filter coupling, and a dynamic seal. The filter housing has a top plate and a bottom plate which are both water-permeable, as well as a cavity between the top plate and the bottom plate. The filter media is within the cavity of the filter housing and extends through the bottom plate of the filter housing. The filter coupling extends upward from the top plate and is configured to attach to a float with at least one air chamber. The dynamic seal is coupled to the filter housing along a perimeter of the filter housing and is configured to extend beyond a perimeter of the float, maintain contact with a wall of a water container, and restrict water from passing between the dynamic seal and the wall of the water container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Plenty Company, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Mueller, Mark Yeary, George L. Hagen, Marcus J. Shotey, Kenneth C. Booth
  • Publication number: 20200376420
    Abstract: A water filter system with a filter housing, a filter media, a filter coupling, and a dynamic seal. The filter housing has a top plate and a bottom plate which are both water-permeable, as well as a cavity between the top plate and the bottom plate. The filter media is within the cavity of the filter housing and extends through the bottom plate of the filter housing. The filter coupling extends upward from the top plate and is configured to attach to a float with at least one air chamber. The dynamic seal is coupled to the filter housing along a perimeter of the filter housing and is configured to extend beyond a perimeter of the float, maintain contact with a wall of a water container, and restrict water from passing between the dynamic seal and the wall of the water container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: Michael A. Mueller, Mark Yeary, George L. Hagen, Marcus J. Shotey, Kenneth C. Booth
  • Patent number: 10846842
    Abstract: A key identification system that includes a key identification system housing, a key clamp, a key ring support tray, and two digital identifiers is disclosed. The key identification system housing may include a key receiving aperture extending through housing and sized to receive at least some of a key blade of a key. The key clamp is positioned adjacent to the key receiving aperture and allows the system to maintain the key blade in a fixed position within the key identification system housing when the key is inserted into the key receiving aperture. The key ring support tray is typically coupled to the key identification system housing below the key receiving aperture. The two digital identifiers are positioned within the key identification system housing and designed to capture key blade information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Mueller, George Lynn Hagen, Scott Basham, Ryan Hamblin, Carl Ito, Kenneth C. Booth
  • Publication number: 20180204319
    Abstract: A key identification system that includes a key identification system housing, a key clamp, a key ring support tray, and two digital identifiers is disclosed. The key identification system housing may include a key receiving aperture extending through housing and sized to receive at least some of a key blade of a key. The key clamp is positioned adjacent to the key receiving aperture and allows the system to maintain the key blade in a fixed position within the key identification system housing when the key is inserted into the key receiving aperture. The key ring support tray is typically coupled to the key identification system housing below the key receiving aperture. The two digital identifiers are positioned within the key identification system housing and designed to capture key blade information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Inventors: Michael A. Mueller, George Lynn Hagen, Scott Basham, Ryan Hamblin, Carl Ito, Kenneth C. Booth
  • Patent number: 10007979
    Abstract: A key identification system that includes a key identification system housing, a key clamp, a key ring support tray, and two digital identifiers is disclosed. The key identification system housing may include a key receiving aperture extending through housing and sized to receive at least some of a key blade of a key. The key clamp is positioned adjacent to the key receiving aperture and allows the system to maintain the key blade in a fixed position within the key identification system housing when the key is inserted into the key receiving aperture. The key ring support tray is typically coupled to the key identification system housing below the key receiving aperture. The two digital identifiers are positioned within the key identification system housing and designed to capture key blade information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Mueller, George Lynn Hagen, Scott Basham, Ryan Hamblin, Carl Ito, Kenneth C. Booth
  • Patent number: 9895752
    Abstract: An automated key duplication system that includes a system housing, a key identification system, a key cutting system, a key blank storage system, a key blank transfer assembly, and a duplicated key retrieval opening is disclosed. The key identification system may be housed at least partially within the system housing and is configured to identify a master key. The key blank storage system comprises a plurality of rods configured to removably couple to a plurality of key carriers. The key blank transfer assembly is housed within the housing is configured to remove one key carrier of the plurality of key carriers from the key blank storage system with the key retrieving apparatus and transport the one key carrier and the key blank coupled thereto from the key blank storage to the key cutting system. The duplicated key retrieval opening is positioned on the housing to receive the one key blank after the one key blank has been cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Mueller, George Lynn Hagen, Scott Basham, Mark Tarter, Ryan Hamblin, Carl Ito, Kenneth C. Booth
  • Patent number: 9764393
    Abstract: Implementations of key blank carriers or key blanks with a standard reference features may include alignment features on a key blank head, key blank tip, a key blank carrier coupled to a key blank sleeve and/or a key blank sleeve, and any feature directly attached to any portion of the key that may be used for referencing in the key duplication system, or any combination of these. The standard reference features may allow any key blank brand model to interface with the machine so as to consistently align each key, regardless of its make and model, for cutting in a universally configured key blank clamp that is clamped to reduce the movement of the key blank during duplication cutting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Mueller, George Lynn Hagen, Scott Basham, Mark Tarter, Ryan Hamblin, Carl Ito, Kenneth C. Booth
  • Publication number: 20170144233
    Abstract: Implementations of key blank carriers or key blanks with a standard reference features may include alignment features on a key blank head, key blank tip, a key blank carrier coupled to a key blank sleeve and/or a key blank sleeve, and any feature directly attached to any portion of the key that may be used for referencing in the key duplication system, or any combination of these. The standard reference features may allow any key blank brand model to interface with the machine so as to consistently align each key, regardless of its make and model, for cutting in a universally configured key blank clamp that is clamped to reduce the movement of the key blank during duplication cutting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: Michael A. Mueller, George Lynn Hagen, Scott Basham, Mark Tarter, Ryan Hamblin, Carl Ito, Kenneth C. Booth
  • Publication number: 20170103516
    Abstract: A key identification system that includes a key identification system housing, a key clamp, a key ring support tray, and two digital identifiers is disclosed. The key identification system housing may include a key receiving aperture extending through housing and sized to receive at least some of a key blade of a key. The key clamp is positioned adjacent to the key receiving aperture and allows the system to maintain the key blade in a fixed position within the key identification system housing when the key is inserted into the key receiving aperture. The key ring support tray is typically coupled to the key identification system housing below the key receiving aperture. The two digital identifiers are positioned within the key identification system housing and designed to capture key blade information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Publication date: April 13, 2017
    Inventors: Michael A. Mueller, George Lynn Hagen, Scott Basham, Ryan Hamblin, Carl Ito, Kenneth C. Booth
  • Patent number: 9586272
    Abstract: Implementations of key blank carriers or key blanks with a standard reference features may include alignment features on a key blank head, key blank tip, a key blank carrier coupled to a key blank sleeve and/or a key blank sleeve, and any feature directly attached to any portion of the key that may be used for referencing in the key duplication system, or any combination of these. The standard reference features may allow any key blank brand model to interface with the machine so as to consistently align each key, regardless of its make and model, for cutting in a universally configured key blank clamp that is clamped to reduce the movement of the key blank during duplication cutting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Mueller, George Lynn Hagen, Scott Basham, Mark Tarter, Ryan Hamblin, Carl Ito, Kenneth C. Booth
  • Patent number: 9556649
    Abstract: A key identification system that includes a key identification system housing, a key clamp, a key ring support tray, and two digital identifiers is disclosed. The key identification system housing may include a key receiving aperture extending through housing and sized to receive at least some of a key blade of a key. The key clamp is positioned adjacent to the key receiving aperture and allows the system to maintain the key blade in a fixed position within the key identification system housing when the key is inserted into the key receiving aperture. The key ring support tray is typically coupled to the key identification system housing below the key receiving aperture. The two digital identifiers are positioned within the key identification system housing and designed to capture key blade information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Mueller, George Lynn Hagen, Scott Basham, Ryan Hamblin, Carl Ito, Kenneth C. Booth
  • Publication number: 20170008096
    Abstract: An automated key duplication system that includes a system housing, a key identification system, a key cutting system, a key blank storage system, a key blank transfer assembly, and a duplicated key retrieval opening is disclosed. The key identification system may be housed at least partially within the system housing and is configured to identify a master key. The key blank storage system comprises a plurality of rods configured to removably couple to a plurality of key carriers. The key blank transfer assembly is housed within the housing is configured to remove one key carrier of the plurality of key carriers from the key blank storage system with the key retrieving apparatus and transport the one key carrier and the key blank coupled thereto from the key blank storage to the key cutting system. The duplicated key retrieval opening is positioned on the housing to receive the one key blank after the one key blank has been cut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Michael A. Mueller, George Lynn Hagen, Scott Basham, Mark Tarter, Ryan Hamblin, Carl Ito, Kenneth C. Booth
  • Patent number: 9468982
    Abstract: An automated key duplication system that includes a system housing, a key identification system, a key cutting system, a key blank storage system, a key blank transfer assembly, and a duplicated key retrieval opening is disclosed. The key identification system may be housed at least partially within the system housing and is configured to identify a master key. The key blank storage system comprises a plurality of rods configured to removably couple to a plurality of key carriers. The key blank transfer assembly is housed within the housing is configured to remove one key carrier of the plurality of key carriers from the key blank storage system with the key retrieving apparatus and transport the one key carrier and the key blank coupled thereto from the key blank storage to the key cutting system. The duplicated key retrieval opening is positioned on the housing to receive the one key blank after the one key blank has been cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Mueller, George Lynn Hagen, Scott Basham, Mark Tarter, Ryan Hamblin, Carl Ito, Kenneth C. Booth
  • Publication number: 20130294856
    Abstract: A continuous variable clutch is provided. The continuous variable clutch includes a first sheave member and a second sheave member. The first sheave member includes a first central hub and a first conical-faced surface extending radially from the first central hub. The second sheave member includes a second central hub and a second conical-faced surface that extends radially from the second central hub. The second central hub of the second sheave member is received in a cavity of the first central hub such that the first conical-faced surface of the first sheave member facing the second conical-faced surface of the second sheave portion. The second central hub moving axially within the first central hub based on an amount of torque on the continuous variable clutch. The first sheave member and the second sheave member further forming a central passage to receive an input shaft of a transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Michael A. Mueller, Brandon J. Engen, Brandon R. Bonham, Shane C. Okeson, Stephen J. Molde
  • Publication number: 20130288833
    Abstract: A continuous variable clutch is provided. The continuous variable clutch includes a first sheave member and a second sheave member. The first sheave member includes a first central hub and a first conical-faced surface extending radially from the first central hub. The second sheave member includes a second central hub and a second conical-faced surface that extends radially from the second central hub. The second central hub of the second sheave member is received in a cavity of the first central hub such that the first conical-faced surface of the first sheave member facing the second conical-faced surface of the second sheave portion. The second central hub moving axially within the first central hub based on an amount of torque on the continuous variable clutch. The first sheave member and the second sheave member further forming a central passage to receive an input shaft of a transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Michael A. Mueller, Brandon J. Engen, Brandon R. Bonham, Shane C. Okeson, Stephen J. Molde
  • Patent number: 8541325
    Abstract: In one embodiment the present disclosure is directed to a silica-titania glass with an internal transmission of >90%/cm at wavelengths from 340 nm to 840 nm. In another embodiment the internal transmission is >93%/cm at wavelengths from 340 nm to 840 nm. In a further embodiment the internal transmission is >95%/cm at wavelengths from 340 nm to 840 nm. In another embodiment the disclosure is directed to a silica-titania glass with an overall transmission through an optic made of the glass is >84% at wavelengths from 340 nm to 840 nm. In another embodiment overall transmission through an optic made of the glass is >86% at wavelengths from 340 nm to 840 nm. In a further embodiment the overall transmission through an optic made of the glass is >88% at wavelengths from 330 nm to 840 nm. In a further embodiment the silica-titania glass has a Ti+3 concentration level [Ti3+] less than 3 ppm by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Carlos Duran, Kenneth Edward Hrdina, Michael A Mueller
  • Patent number: 8496551
    Abstract: A continuous variable clutch is provided. The continuous variable clutch includes a first sheave member and a second sheave member. The first sheave member includes a first central hub and a first conical-faced surface extending radially from the first central hub. The second sheave member includes a second central hub and a second conical-faced surface that extends radially from the second central hub. The second central hub of the second sheave member is received in a cavity of the first central hub such that the first conical-faced surface of the first sheave member facing the second conical-faced surface of the second sheave portion. The second central hub moving axially within the first central hub based on an amount of torque on the continuous variable clutch. The first sheave member and the second sheave member further forming a central passage to receive an input shaft of a transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: TEAM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Mueller, Brandon J. Engen, Brandon R. Bonham, Shane C. Okeson, Stephen James Molde
  • Patent number: 8261578
    Abstract: A method of making a fused silica article that is loaded with hydrogen. A fused silica glass near net shape part is provided and is loaded with a molecular hydrogen in a range from about 0.1×1017 molecules/cm3 up to about 1×1019 molecules/cm3. The thinner shape of the near net shape part enables the shape to be loaded more quickly than previous methods. A fused silica article loaded with hydrogen using the method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Kenneth Edward Hrdina, Michael A Mueller, Susan Schiefelbein
  • Patent number: 8136372
    Abstract: A method of making a fused silica article having a combined concentration of protium and deuterium in a range from about 1×1016 molecules/cm3 up to about 6×1019 molecules/cm3. In some embodiments, deuterium is present in an amount greater than its natural isotopic abundance. The method includes the steps of providing a fused silica boule, diffusing at least one of protium and deuterium into the boule, and annealing the boule to form the fused silica article. A method of diffusing hydrogen into fused silica and a fused silica article loaded with hydrogen formed by the method are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael A Mueller, Michael Thomas Murtagh
  • Patent number: 8021755
    Abstract: A low thermal expansion glass includes a base glass material having a front surface, a back surface, and a thickness and a glass coating material applied on at least the front surface of the base glass material. The base glass material consists essentially 10 wt % to 20 wt % titania and 80 wt % to 90 wt % silica. The glass coating material also consists essentially of titania and silica, but the total amount of titania in the glass coating material is lower than the total amount of titania in the base glass material. A silica-titania glass element suitable for extreme ultraviolet lithography applications consists of 12 wt % to 20 wt % titania and 80 wt % to 88 wt % silica and has a coefficient of thermal expansion of essentially 0 ?L/L in a temperature range of ?20° C. to +100° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Kenneth Edward Hrdina, Michael A Mueller, Barbara L Stainbrook