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).

  • Patent number: 11955260
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: WEBASTO CHARGING SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Herman Joseph Steinbuchel, IV, Peter Gabrielsson, Manuel Miranda, Michael Vail
  • Patent number: 11627845
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Michael Vail, Christopher James Mann
  • Patent number: 11612280
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20220199296
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Inventors: Herman Joseph Steinbuchel, IV, Peter Gabrielsson, Manuel Miranda, Michael Vail
  • Patent number: 11156546
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: US Synthetic Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Vail, Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, Jason K. Wiggins
  • Publication number: 20210262295
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2021
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, David P. Miess, Jiang Qian, Jason K. Wiggins, Michael A. Vail, Debkumar Mukhopadhyay
  • Patent number: 11071418
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: 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
  • Publication number: 20210093128
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2020
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventors: Christopher J. Mann, Aaron D. Marshall, Nick E. Ciavarella, Jonathan Michael Johnson, Donald R. Harris, Kevin Michael Vail, Jenna Ann Matus
  • Patent number: 10961785
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, David P. Miess, Jiang Qian, Jason K. Wiggins, Michael A. Vail, Debkumar Mukhopadhyay
  • Publication number: 20200329926
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Inventors: Kevin Michael Vail, Christopher James Mann
  • Publication number: 20200331811
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, Jiang Qian, Jason Wiggins, Michael Vail, Debkumar Mukhopadhyay
  • Patent number: 10806310
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 10773480
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 10703681
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, Jiang Qian, Jason Wiggins, Michael Vail, Debkumar Mukhopadhyay
  • Publication number: 20200154959
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Inventors: Donald R. Harris, Aaron D. Marshall, Nick E. Ciavarella, Jonathan Michael Johnson, Christopher James Mann, Kevin Michael Vail, Jenna Ann Matus
  • Publication number: 20200141189
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, David P. Miess, Jiang Qian, Jason K. Wiggins, Michael A. Vail, Debkumar Mukhopadhyay
  • Publication number: 20200130141
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, Jiang Qian, Jason K. Wiggins, Michael A. Vail, Debkumar Mukhopadhyay, Brandon P. Linford
  • Patent number: 10605721
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael A. Vail, Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, Jason K. Wiggins
  • Publication number: 20200031076
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 10542854
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: 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