Patents by Inventor Michael Ackley
Michael Ackley 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).
-
Publication number: 20100130296Abstract: There is provided a system comprising a venue including a mapped physical space; a venue management system configured to control real events occurring within the venue; a transporter designed to transport at least one occupant through the mapped physical space along a known path, the transporter configured to move through the mapped physical space under the control of the venue management system; an augmented reality experience server including a virtual venue generator in communication with the venue management system, the virtual venue generator for producing a virtual venue having a virtual representation of the mapped physical space including virtual events and real events occurring within the venue; the augmented reality experience server configured to provide the at least one occupant of the transporter with an augmented sensory perspective including a selective combination of the real events occurring in the venue and the virtual events produced by the virtual venue generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2008Publication date: May 27, 2010Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventors: Jonathan Michael Ackley, Christopher J. Purvis, Lanny Starkes Smoot
-
Publication number: 20100131865Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for providing a multi-mode interactive experience. In one embodiment, a method comprises hosting a virtual environment corresponding to a real-life simulation environment, on a multi-mode interactive experience server, and networking the server and a venue management system configured to control events occurring in the real-life simulation environment. The networking enables a user to interact with the multi-mode interactive experience in a real-life simulation mode or in a virtual mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2008Publication date: May 27, 2010Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventors: Jonathan Michael Ackley, Christopher J. Purvis
-
Patent number: 7701568Abstract: A pellet-shaped article inspection unit is structured for use with a conveyer mechanism having a plurality of carrier bars, each carrier bar being structured to convey a plurality of pellet-shaped articles along a predetermined path. The article inspection unit includes a first camera unit positioned adjacent a first side of the conveyer mechanism. The first camera unit is configured to sense a first predetermined characteristic, e.g., laser holes, of the plurality of pellet-shaped articles. A removal mechanism, downstream from the first camera unit, is structured to remove or maintain at least a selected one of the plurality of pellet-shaped articles from at least a selected one of the plurality of carrier bars depending on whether the first predetermined characteristic is sensed by the first camera unit. A laser unit may be provided to create unique holes in the pellet-shaped articles, e.g., those by a larger exposed surface to improve time-release characteristics of the pellet-shaped articles.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2008Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Ackley Machine CorporationInventors: E. Michael Ackley, Jr., Daniel J. Palmer
-
Publication number: 20090090848Abstract: A pellet-shaped article inspection unit is structured for use with a conveyer mechanism having a plurality of carrier bars, each carrier bar being structured to convey a plurality of pellet-shaped articles along a predetermined path. The article inspection unit includes a first camera unit positioned adjacent a first side of the conveyer mechanism. The first camera unit is configured to sense a first predetermined characteristic, e.g., laser holes, of the plurality of pellet-shaped articles. A removal mechanism, downstream from the first camera unit, is structured to remove or maintain at least a selected one of the plurality of pellet-shaped articles from at least a selected one of the plurality of carrier bars depending on whether the first predetermined characteristic is sensed by the first camera unit. A laser unit may be provided to create unique holes in the pellet-shaped articles, e.g., those by a larger exposed surface to improve time-release characteristics of the pellet-shaped articles.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2008Publication date: April 9, 2009Applicant: ACKLEY MACHINE CORPORATIONInventors: E. Michael Ackley, JR., Daniel J. Palmer
-
Publication number: 20090059214Abstract: A conveyer mechanism may include one or more composition inspection units provided along the intended product transport path. The product's composition, e.g., its ink composition, is compared with a predetermined standard, to determine whether the product is acceptable. A bar code may be provided to an external surface of the article for identification/traceability purposes.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2005Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: ACKLEY MACHINE CORPORATIONInventors: E. Michael Ackley, JR., Daniel J. Palmer
-
Patent number: 7456946Abstract: A pellet-shaped article inspection unit is structured for use with a conveyer mechanism having a plurality of carrier bars, each carrier bar being structured to convey a plurality of pellet-shaped articles along a predetermined path. The article inspection unit includes a first camera unit positioned adjacent a first side of the conveyer mechanism. The first camera unit is configured to sense a first predetermined characteristic, e.g., laser holes, of the plurality of pellet-shaped articles. A removal mechanism, downstream from the first camera unit, is structured to remove or maintain at least a selected one of the plurality of pellet-shaped articles from at least a selected one of the plurality of carrier bars depending on whether the first predetermined characteristic is sensed by the first camera unit. A laser unit may be provided to create unique holes in the pellet-shaped articles, e.g., those by a larger exposed surface to improve time-release characteristics of the pellet-shaped articles.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2006Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Ackley Machine CorporationInventors: E. Michael Ackley, Jr., Daniel J. Palmer
-
Publication number: 20080158332Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing and inspecting pellet-shaped articles, comprises structure for of the step of conveying the plurality of pellet-shaped articles along a transport path. Each of the pellet-shaped articles includes a first side and a second side. The conveyer has a plurality of article receiving recesses (125) configured to convey the pellet-shaped articles such that either the first side or the second side of the pellet-shaped articles is randomly exposed in the recesses. A first process (laser etching, printing and/or drilling) is performed only on the pellet-shaped articles having the first side exposed. The pellet-shaped articles are manipulated such that the exposed side of all of the pellet-shaped articles is reversed. A second process is performed only on the pellet-shaped articles with the second side exposed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: ACKLEY MACHINE CORPORATIONInventors: E. Michael Ackley, Mark Ford, Daniel J. Palmer
-
Patent number: 7311045Abstract: Multicolor image, formed from at least two component images, are printed on non-planar surfaces of edible pieces by maintaining registration of the pieces from one printing station to another. The registration is maintained by firmly securing the pieces to the transporting surface by applying a pressure differential, by a combination of a pressure differential with a resilient surface, or by trapping the pieces between a retaining member and a recess portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2006Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignees: Ackley Machine Corp., Mars, Inc.Inventors: E. Michael Ackley, Jr., Samuel J. Louden, James M. Suttle, Michael E. Webster, Neil A. Willcocks, Michael S. Wozniak
-
Patent number: 7182018Abstract: Multicolor image, formed from at least two component images, are printed on non-planar surfaces of edible pieces by maintaining registration of the pieces from one printing station to another. The registration is maintained by firmly securing the pieces to the transporting surface by applying a pressure differential, by a combination of a pressure differential with a resilient surface, or by trapping the pieces between a retaining member and a recess portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2003Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignees: Mars Incorporated, Ackley Machine CorporationInventors: E. Michael Ackley, Jr., Samuel J. Louden, James M. Suttle, Michael E. Webster, Neil A. Willcocks, Michael S. Wozniak
-
Patent number: 7114445Abstract: Multicolor image, formed from at least two component images, are printed on non-planar surfaces of edible pieces by maintaining registration of the pieces from one printing station to another. The registration is maintained by firmly securing the pieces to the transporting surface by applying a pressure differential, by a combination of a pressure differential with a resilient surface, or by trapping the pieces between a retaining member and a recess portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2003Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignees: Ackley Machine Corp., Mars IncorporatedInventors: E. Michael Ackley, Jr., Samuel J. Louden, James M. Suttle, Michael E. Webster, Neil A. Willcocks, Michael S. Wozniak
-
Patent number: 7102741Abstract: A pellet-shaped article inspection unit is structured for use with a conveyer mechanism having a plurality of carrier bars, each carrier bar being structured to convey a plurality of pellet-shaped articles along a predetermined path. The article inspection unit includes a first camera unit positioned adjacent a first side of the conveyer mechanism. The first camera unit is configured to sense a first predetermined characteristic, e.g., laser holes, of the plurality of pellet-shaped articles. A removal mechanism, downstream from the first camera unit, is structured to remove or maintain at least a selected one of the plurality of pellet-shaped articles from at least a selected one of the plurality of carrier bars depending on whether the first predetermined characteristic is sensed by the first camera unit. A laser unit may be provided to create unique holes in the pellet-shaped articles, e.g., those by a larger exposed surface to improve time-release characteristics of the pellet-shaped articles.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2003Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Ackley Machine CorporationInventors: E. Michael Ackley, Jr., Daniel J. Palmer
-
Patent number: 6834581Abstract: An apparatus for transporting and processing a plurality of articles includes a transport loop including a plurality of carrier bars and a plurality of pockets formed between adjacent ones of the carrier bars. The articles are laterally, longitudinally and rotationally positioned within the pockets at a predetermined position. The articles may be pharmaceutical tablets or capsules. The carrier bars may follow a curvilinear path including a non-linear path portion and a substantially linear path portion. The pockets between adjacent carrier bars are open and able to receive the articles when the adjacent carrier bars are at the non-linear path portion, and are closed and tightly grasp the articles when the adjacent carrier bars are at the substantially linear path portion. The apparatus can be used to manufacture shaped edible articles having a non-planar portion that receive serially registered component images from first and second printers.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2001Date of Patent: December 28, 2004Assignee: Ackley Machine CorporationInventor: E. Michael Ackley
-
Publication number: 20040094050Abstract: A pellet-shaped article inspection unit is structured for use with a conveyer mechanism having a plurality of carrier bars, each carrier bar being structured to convey a plurality of pellet-shaped articles along a predetermined path. The article inspection unit includes a first camera unit positioned adjacent a first side of the conveyer mechanism. The first camera unit is configured to sense a first predetermined characteristic, e.g., laser holes, of the plurality of pellet-shaped articles. A removal mechanism, downstream from the first camera unit, is structured to remove or maintain at least a selected one of the plurality of pellet-shaped articles from at least a selected one of the plurality of carrier bars depending on whether the first predetermined characteristic is sensed by the first camera unit. A laser unit may be provided to create unique holes in the pellet-shaped articles, e.g., those by a larger exposed surface to improve time-release characteristics of the pellet-shaped articles.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2003Publication date: May 20, 2004Applicant: ACKLEY MACHINE CORPORATIONInventors: E. Michael Ackley, Daniel J. Palmer
-
Publication number: 20040091594Abstract: Multicolor image, formed from at least two component images, are printed on non-planar surfaces of edible pieces by maintaining registration of the pieces from one printing station to another. The registration is maintained by firmly securing the pieces to the transporting surface by applying a pressure differential, by a combination of a pressure differential with a resilient surface, or by trapping the pieces between a retaining member and a recess portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2003Publication date: May 13, 2004Applicants: Ackley Machine Corporation, Mars IncorporatedInventors: E. Michael Ackley, Samuel J. Louden, James M. Suttle, Michael E. Webster, Neil A. Willcocks, Michael S. Wozniak
-
Publication number: 20040013778Abstract: Multicolor image, formed from at least two component images, are printed on non-planar surfaces of edible pieces by maintaining registration of the pieces from one printing station to another. The registration is maintained by firmly securing the pieces to the transporting surface by applying a pressure differential, by a combination of a pressure differential with a resilient surface, or by trapping the pieces between a retaining member and a recess portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2003Publication date: January 22, 2004Applicants: Ackley Machine Corporation, Mars IncorportedInventors: E. Michael Ackley, Samuel J. Louden, James M. Suttle, Michael E. Webster, Neil A. Willcocks, Michael S. Wozniak
-
Publication number: 20030035870Abstract: Multicolor image, formed from at least two component images, are printed on non-planar surfaces of edible pieces by maintaining registration of the pieces from one printing station to another. The registration is maintained by firmly securing the pieces to the transporting surface by applying a pressure differential, by a combination of a pressure differential with a resilient surface, or by trapping the pieces between a retaining member and a recess portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2000Publication date: February 20, 2003Inventors: E. MICHAEL ACKLEY, JR., SAMUEL J. LOUDEN, JAMES M. SUTTLE, MICHAEL E. WEBSTER, NEIL A. WILLCOCKS, MICHAEL S. WOZNIAK
-
Patent number: 6481347Abstract: A method and apparatus orient, position and spin print indicia on pellet shaped articles, such as pharmaceutical capsules and the like. More specifically, the method and apparatus use a rotating pick-up drum that receives and transports the pellet shaped articles to a rotating positioning drum that is synchronized with the pick-up drum. The positioning drum receives the pellet shaped articles from the pick-up drum and properly aligns the pellet shaped articles so that they may be transferred to a rotating printing drum which is also synchronized with the positioning drum. The printing drum contains a vacuum source that maintains the pellet shaped articles within pockets as the pellet shaped articles are passed through a printing station. The printing station contains a movable printing roller capable of being moved toward and away from the printing drum such that the printing roller accurately spin prints indicia onto the pellet shaped articles.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2001Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: Ackley Machine CorporationInventor: E. Michael Ackley
-
Patent number: 6450089Abstract: A method and apparatus orient, position and spin print indicia on pellet shaped articles, such as pharmaceutical capsules and the like. More specifically, the method and apparatus use a rotating pick-up drum that receives and transports the pellet shaped articles to a rotating positioning drum that is synchronized with the pick-up drum. The positioning drum receives the pellet shaped articles from the pick-up drum and properly aligns the pellet shaped articles so that they may be transferred to a rotating printing drum which is also synchronized with the positioning drum. The printing drum contains a vacuum source that maintains the pellet shaped articles within pockets as the pellet shaped articles are passed through a printing station. The printing station contains a movable printing roller capable of being moved toward and away from the printing drum such that the printing roller accurately spin prints indicia onto the pellet shaped articles.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2001Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: Ackley Machine CorporationInventor: E. Michael Ackley
-
Publication number: 20020114863Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for printing indicia on confectionery products such as chewing gum. A mass of confectionery product is formed into a thin, flat sheet. The sheet may be divided into individual sheets for cooling. Next, the sheet or sheets of confectionery are passed through the printing machine to print indicia thereon. Printed confectionery products and packages thereof are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2000Publication date: August 22, 2002Inventors: Ronald L. Ream, Christine L. Corriveau, S. Kristine Cahill, Donald C. Hassler, Jeffery C. Mormann, Nicholas Partipilo, Rocco A. Pawlowski, Ralph R. Burin, E. Michael Ackley Jr., Samuel J. Louden
-
Patent number: D603885Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2009Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Ackley Machine CorporationInventor: E. Michael Ackley, Jr.