Patents by Inventor Michael A. Proffitt

Michael A. Proffitt 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).

  • Reflector latching mechanism for segmented reflectors used in satellite communication systems
    Patent number: 8654035
    Abstract: There is provided an antenna reflector including at least first and second reflector segments, each having first and second sides. The first and second reflector segments being configured to be connected together wherein the first sides of the first and second reflector segments define a substantially continuous surface of an antenna reflector. A first latch member is attached to the second side of the first reflector segment and a second latch member is attached to the second side of the second reflector segment. Each latch member includes an abutting surface which contacts one another when the first and second reflector segments are connected together. At least one protrusion extends from the abutting surface of the first latch member. There is at least one recess in the abutting surface of the second latch member. The protrusion is received in the recess when the respective abutting surfaces contact one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: AvL Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Proffitt, John W. Gurney
  • Reflector Latching Mechanism for Segmented Reflectors Used in Satellite Communication Systems
    Publication number: 20100328190
    Abstract: There is provided an antenna reflector including at least first and second reflector segments, each having first and second sides. The first and second reflector segments being configured to be connected together wherein the first sides of the first and second reflector segments define a substantially continuous surface of an antenna reflector. A first latch member is attached to the second side of the first reflector segment and a second latch member is attached to the second side of the second reflector segment. Each latch member includes an abutting surface which contacts one another when the first and second reflector segments are connected together. At least one protrusion extends from the abutting surface of the first latch member. There is at least one recess in the abutting surface of the second latch member. The protrusion is received in the recess when the respective abutting surfaces contact one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: AVL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael A. Proffitt, John W. Gurney
  • Method for manufacturing foam pattern assemblies
    Patent number: 5086825
    Abstract: A foam pattern assembly includes a parting line, and a surface which is intersected by the parting line and which includes a first surface portion and a second surface portion offset from the first surface portion at the parting line. The surface is leveled so that the first surface portion is not offset from the second surface portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation
    Inventors: Russell J. VanRens, Michael A. Proffitt