Patents by Inventor Michael A. Vail
Michael A. Vail 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).
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Patent number: 11955260Abstract: An electrical assembly comprising an electrical connector assembly that may include: a utility device comprising a plurality of pins; a socket attached to a cord, the socket comprising a plurality of receptacles to receive the plurality of pins; and one or more metal-oxide varistors (MOVs) disposed inside the socket, where the one or more MOVs are electrically connected to the plurality of pins when the plurality of pins are received by the plurality of receptacles.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2020Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: WEBASTO CHARGING SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Herman Joseph Steinbuchel, IV, Peter Gabrielsson, Manuel Miranda, Michael Vail
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Patent number: 11627845Abstract: Embodiments of dispensers for dispensing wet wipes are disclosed herein. An exemplary wipes dispenser includes a container, having an opening, a cap, and a first wipe engagement member. The first wipes engagement member includes an opening therethrough. The first wipes engagement member is configured to provide sufficient force on a wipe to prevent the wipe from falling back into the container. A second wipes engagement member is also included. The second wipes engagement member located away from the first wipes engagement member. The second wipes engagement member includes a pull through portion and a grip portion. An access point is located between the first wipes engagement member and the second wipes engagement member. The access point configured to allow a user to grip a lead edge of a wipe as the wipe is threaded through the first wipes engagement member.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2020Date of Patent: April 18, 2023Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Michael Vail, Christopher James Mann
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Patent number: 11612280Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of wipes dispensers are disclosed herein. An exemplary wipes dispenser having a self-centering nozzle includes a container, a plurality of wipes contained within the container, a fluid for wetting the plurality of wipes, a receiving member connected to the container, and an outlet nozzle housing for holding an elastomeric outlet nozzle. The nozzle housing is connected to the receiving member so that the nozzle housing is movable between two or more positions. A biasing member is connected to one of the receiving member, the nozzle housing and the elastomeric outlet nozzle. The elastomeric outlet nozzle moves from a centered upright position, the biasing member deflects and biases the outlet nozzle toward a centered position.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2020Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.Inventors: Christopher J. Mann, Aaron D. Marshall, Nick E. Ciavarella, Jonathan Michael Johnson, Donald R. Harris, Kevin Michael Vail, Jenna Ann Matus
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Publication number: 20220199296Abstract: An electrical assembly comprising an electrical connector assembly that may include: a utility device comprising a plurality of pins; a socket attached to a cord, the socket comprising a plurality of receptacles to receive the plurality of pins; and one or more metal-oxide varistors (MOVs) disposed inside the socket, where the one or more MOVs are electrically connected to the plurality of pins when the plurality of pins are received by the plurality of receptacles.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2020Publication date: June 23, 2022Inventors: Herman Joseph Steinbuchel, IV, Peter Gabrielsson, Manuel Miranda, Michael Vail
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Patent number: 11156546Abstract: Embodiments of methods are disclosed for characterizing a tested superabrasive element, such as a polycrystalline diamond element. In an embodiment, a method of characterizing the relative strength of a superabrasive element is disclosed. A first superabrasive element and a second superabrasive element are positioned upper surface to upper surface, including an area of overlap between the upper surfaces. A load is applied while the first and second superabrasive elements are overlapped until failure of one or both of the first or second superabrasive elements fail. A relative strength is determined using at least the load during failure as a parameter.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2020Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: US Synthetic CorporationInventors: Michael A. Vail, Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, Jason K. Wiggins
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Publication number: 20210262295Abstract: In an embodiment, a method of fabricating a polycrystalline diamond compact is disclosed. The method includes sintering a plurality of diamond particles in the presence of a metal-solvent catalyst to form a polycrystalline diamond body; leaching the polycrystalline diamond body to at least partially remove the metal-solvent catalyst therefrom, thereby forming an at least partially leached polycrystalline diamond body; and subjecting an assembly of the at least partially leached polycrystalline diamond body and a cemented carbide substrate to a high-pressure/high-temperature process at a pressure to infiltrate the at least partially leached polycrystalline diamond body with an infiltrant. The pressure of the high-pressure/high-temperature process is less than that employed in the act of sintering of the plurality of diamond particles.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2021Publication date: August 26, 2021Inventors: Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, David P. Miess, Jiang Qian, Jason K. Wiggins, Michael A. Vail, Debkumar Mukhopadhyay
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Patent number: 11071418Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of wipes dispensers are disclosed herein. An exemplary wipes dispenser includes a container, a plurality of wipes contained within the container, a fluid for wetting the plurality of wipes and a self-orientating outlet nozzle. The self-orientating outlet nozzle includes a moveable outlet opening. The moveable outlet opening aligns with the direction of pull of the wipe when the wipe is pulled out of the dispenser at an angle that is not substantially vertical.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2020Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.Inventors: Donald R. Harris, Aaron D. Marshall, Nick E. Ciavarella, Jonathan Michael Johnson, Christopher James Mann, Kevin Michael Vail, Jenna Ann Matus
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Publication number: 20210093128Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of wipes dispensers are disclosed herein. An exemplary wipes dispenser having a self-centering nozzle includes a container, a plurality of wipes contained within the container, a fluid for wetting the plurality of wipes, a receiving member connected to the container, and an outlet nozzle housing for holding an elastomeric outlet nozzle. The nozzle housing is connected to the receiving member so that the nozzle housing is movable between two or more positions. A biasing member is connected to one of the receiving member, the nozzle housing and the elastomeric outlet nozzle. The elastomeric outlet nozzle moves from a centered upright position, the biasing member deflects and biases the outlet nozzle toward a centered position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2020Publication date: April 1, 2021Inventors: Christopher J. Mann, Aaron D. Marshall, Nick E. Ciavarella, Jonathan Michael Johnson, Donald R. Harris, Kevin Michael Vail, Jenna Ann Matus
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Patent number: 10961785Abstract: In an embodiment, a method of fabricating a polycrystalline diamond compact is disclosed. The method includes sintering a plurality of diamond particles in the presence of a metal-solvent catalyst to form a polycrystalline diamond body; leaching the polycrystalline diamond body to at least partially remove the metal-solvent catalyst therefrom, thereby forming an at least partially leached polycrystalline diamond body; and subjecting an assembly of the at least partially leached polycrystalline diamond body and a cemented carbide substrate to a high-pressure/high-temperature process at a pressure to infiltrate the at least partially leached polycrystalline diamond body with an infiltrant. The pressure of the high-pressure/high-temperature process is less than that employed in the act of sintering of the plurality of diamond particles.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2019Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATIONInventors: Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, David P. Miess, Jiang Qian, Jason K. Wiggins, Michael A. Vail, Debkumar Mukhopadhyay
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Publication number: 20200329926Abstract: Embodiments of dispensers for dispensing wet wipes are disclosed herein. An exemplary wipes dispenser includes a container, having an opening, a cap, and a first wipe engagement member. The first wipes engagement member includes an opening therethrough. The first wipes engagement member is configured to provide sufficient force on a wipe to prevent the wipe from falling back into the container. A second wipes engagement member is also included. The second wipes engagement member located away from the first wipes engagement member. The second wipes engagement member includes a pull through portion and a grip portion. An access point is located between the first wipes engagement member and the second wipes engagement member. The access point configured to allow a user to grip a lead edge of a wipe as the wipe is threaded through the first wipes engagement member.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2020Publication date: October 22, 2020Inventors: Kevin Michael Vail, Christopher James Mann
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Publication number: 20200331811Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) exhibiting enhanced diamond-to-diamond bonding. In an embodiment, PCD includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. A metal-solvent catalyst occupies at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions. The plurality of diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst collectively exhibit a coercivity of about 115 Oersteds (“Oe”) or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 15 Gauss·cm3/grams (“G·cm3/g”) or less. Other embodiments are directed to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) employing such PCD, methods of forming PCD and PDCs, and various applications for such PCD and PDCs in rotary drill bits, bearing apparatuses, and wire-drawing dies.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2020Publication date: October 22, 2020Inventors: Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, Jiang Qian, Jason Wiggins, Michael Vail, Debkumar Mukhopadhyay
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Patent number: 10806310Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of wipes dispensers are disclosed herein. An exemplary wipes dispenser having a self-centering nozzle includes a container, a plurality of wipes contained within the container, a fluid for wetting the plurality of wipes, a receiving member connected to the container, and an outlet nozzle housing for holding an elastomeric outlet nozzle. The nozzle housing is connected to the receiving member so that the nozzle housing is movable between two or more positions. A biasing member is connected to one of the receiving member, the nozzle housing and the elastomeric outlet nozzle. The elastomeric outlet nozzle moves from a centered upright position, the biasing member deflects and biases the outlet nozzle toward a centered position.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2019Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.Inventors: Christopher J. Mann, Aaron D. Marshall, Nick E. Ciavarella, Jonathan Michael Johnson, Donald R. Harris, Kevin Michael Vail, Jenna Ann Matus
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Patent number: 10773480Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to cell assemblies for fabricating superhard materials (e.g., used in a high-pressure cubic press) and methods of using the same. The disclosed cell assemblies include a plurality of internal anvils, at least some of which are positioned internally relative to a cell pressure medium of the cell assembly. Such a configuration for the cell assemblies may enable one or more of intensifying cell pressure, reducing processing time, or reducing costs for fabricating such superhard materials.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2019Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATIONInventors: Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, Michael A. Vail, Jiang Qian, Jason K. Wiggins, Mark P. Chapman, Arnold D. Cooper, Debkumar Mukhopadhyay, Amy Leigh Rodriguez, Stephen Rudger Adams
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Patent number: 10703681Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) exhibiting enhanced diamond-to-diamond bonding. In an embodiment, PCD includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. A metal-solvent catalyst occupies at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions. The plurality of diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst collectively exhibit a coercivity of about 115 Oersteds (“Oe”) or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 15 Gauss·cm3/grams (“G·cm3/g”) or less. Other embodiments are directed to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) employing such PCD, methods of forming PCD and PDCs, and various applications for such PCD and PDCs in rotary drill bits, bearing apparatuses, and wire-drawing dies.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2018Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATIONInventors: Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, Jiang Qian, Jason Wiggins, Michael Vail, Debkumar Mukhopadhyay
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Publication number: 20200154959Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of wipes dispensers are disclosed herein. An exemplary wipes dispenser includes a container, a plurality of wipes contained within the container, a fluid for wetting the plurality of wipes and a self-orientating outlet nozzle. The self-orientating outlet nozzle includes a moveable outlet opening. The moveable outlet opening aligns with the direction of pull of the wipe when the wipe is pulled out of the dispenser at an angle that is not substantially vertical.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2020Publication date: May 21, 2020Inventors: Donald R. Harris, Aaron D. Marshall, Nick E. Ciavarella, Jonathan Michael Johnson, Christopher James Mann, Kevin Michael Vail, Jenna Ann Matus
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Publication number: 20200141189Abstract: In an embodiment, a method of fabricating a polycrystalline diamond compact is disclosed. The method includes sintering a plurality of diamond particles in the presence of a metal-solvent catalyst to form a polycrystalline diamond body; leaching the polycrystalline diamond body to at least partially remove the metal-solvent catalyst therefrom, thereby forming an at least partially leached polycrystalline diamond body; and subjecting an assembly of the at least partially leached polycrystalline diamond body and a cemented carbide substrate to a high-pressure/high-temperature process at a pressure to infiltrate the at least partially leached polycrystalline diamond body with an infiltrant. The pressure of the high-pressure/high-temperature process is less than that employed in the act of sintering of the plurality of diamond particles.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2019Publication date: May 7, 2020Inventors: Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, David P. Miess, Jiang Qian, Jason K. Wiggins, Michael A. Vail, Debkumar Mukhopadhyay
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Publication number: 20200130141Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDC”) exhibiting enhanced diamond-to-diamond bonding. In an embodiment, a PDC includes a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table bonded to a substrate. At least a portion of the PCD table includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. The plurality of interstitial regions includes a metal-solvent catalyst. The plurality of diamond grains exhibit an average grain size of about 30 ?m or less. The plurality of diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst collectively exhibit an average electrical conductivity of less than about 1200 S/m. Other embodiments are directed to PCD, employing such PCD, methods of forming PCD and PDCs, and various applications for such PCD and PDCs in rotary drill bits, bearing apparatuses, and wire-drawing dies.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2019Publication date: April 30, 2020Inventors: Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, Jiang Qian, Jason K. Wiggins, Michael A. Vail, Debkumar Mukhopadhyay, Brandon P. Linford
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Patent number: 10605721Abstract: Embodiments of methods are disclosed for characterizing a tested superabrasive element, such as a polycrystalline diamond element. In an embodiment, a method of characterizing the relative strength of a superabrasive element is disclosed. A first superabrasive element and a second superabrasive element are positioned upper surface to upper surface, including an area of overlap between the upper surfaces. A load is applied while the first and second superabrasive elements are overlapped until failure of one or both of the first or second superabrasive elements fail. A relative strength is determined using at least the load during failure as a parameter.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2018Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATIONInventors: Michael A. Vail, Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, Jason K. Wiggins
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Publication number: 20200031076Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to cell assemblies for fabricating superhard materials (e.g., used in a high-pressure cubic press) and methods of using the same. The disclosed cell assemblies include a plurality of internal anvils, at least some of which are positioned internally relative to a cell pressure medium of the cell assembly. Such a configuration for the cell assemblies may enable one or more of intensifying cell pressure, reducing processing time, or reducing costs for fabricating such superhard materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2019Publication date: January 30, 2020Inventors: Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, Michael A. Vail, Jiang Qian, Jason K. Wiggins, Mark P. Chapman, Arnold D. Cooper, Debkumar Mukhopadhyay, Amy Leigh Rodriguez, Stephen Rudger Adams
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Patent number: 10542854Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of wipes dispensers are disclosed herein. An exemplary wipes dispenser includes a container, a plurality of wipes contained within the container, a fluid for wetting the plurality of wipes and a self-orientating outlet nozzle. The self-orientating outlet nozzle includes a moveable outlet opening. The moveable outlet opening aligns with the direction of pull of the wipe when the wipe is pulled out of the dispenser at an angle that is not substantially vertical.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2018Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.Inventors: Donald R. Harris, Aaron D. Marshall, Nick E. Ciavarella, Jonathan Michael Johnson, Christopher James Mann, Kevin Michael Vail, Jenna Ann Matus