Patents by Inventor Michael A. Way

Michael A. Way 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: 5974917
    Abstract: A tool for installing and removing MIG welding gun contact tips, the contact tips being substantially cylindrical, having substantially circular cross-sectional shapes and having cross-sectional diameters; the tool consisting of a tube having an outer peripheral surface, having a forward, having a rearward end, and having a conical bore, the conical bore of the tube having a forward end and a rearward end, the forward end of the conical bore having a diameter greater than the cross-sectional diameters of the contact tips and the rearward end of the conical bore having a diameter less than the cross-sectional diameters of the contact tips; and `T` handle means fixedly attached to or homogeneously fused with the outer peripheral surface of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Michael A. Way
  • Patent number: 5488968
    Abstract: A fluidizing apparatus, such as a winterizing apparatus, and related method for preventing freezing of water in the water pipes of a dwelling. The apparatus includes a pump, an inlet line, an outlet line, a pressure switch, and an air compressor tank. The outlet line is connected to a faucet of the water pipes of the dwelling and the inlet line is positioned in a container of fluid, such as antifreeze. When a second faucet is opened, the pump is activated, and the pump will then cause antifreeze to flow from the container, through the inlet line, the pump, and the outlet line, and then into the faucet and through the water pipes of the dwelling. An associated air compressor tank is in fluid communication with the pressure switch and exit line, and cooperates with the pressure switch to maintain consistent pumping of the antifreeze. After antifreeze is in the pipes, a shut-off valve in the exit line is closed and/or the at least one valved water outlet is closed, which causes the pump to deactivate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Inventors: John R. Price, Michael A. Way