Patents by Inventor Michael C. Collins

Michael C. Collins 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: 11916613
    Abstract: The present technology provides solutions that enable accurate measuring of frequency response on a network (e.g., cable network, fiber optic network) through frequency sweep testing. In various embodiments, the present technology provides a remote transmitter test unit that can be physically deployed at various points in a network. The present technology provides for on demand sweep testing. A remote transmitter test unit or headend test unit can periodically transmit a query message and, based on a response to the query message, can initiate a sweep test. The present technology provides for automatic generation of a sweep profile for a sweep test. Based on an analysis of a frequency spectrum on a network, the sweep profile provides parameters for conducting a sweep test. The present technology provides for Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM) table generation and OFDM sweep testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: VeEX Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher C. Collins, Charles J. Kiss, Jr., Michael Collins, Thomas R. Morley
  • Patent number: 11627745
    Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus for flattening a meat product is provided. The apparatus includes a conveyor, a first stamp disposed parallel to and over the conveyor, the first stamp configured to move vertically towards and away from the conveyor, a second stamp disposed perpendicular to and over the conveyor, and a plate disposed perpendicular to the conveyor, the plate disposed parallel to the second stamp, the second stamp being configured to move horizontally towards and away from the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: PROVISUR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Adrian Hofmann, Michael C. Collins, Franz H. Koller
  • Patent number: 11627744
    Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus for processing meat product and a method of using same is provided. A first station includes a flattener which is configured to flatten a meat product, and a scanner which is configured to scan features of the meat product after flattening. A second station is configured to dock front and rear ends of the meat product in accordance with information received from the scan of the features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: PROVISUR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Adrian Hofmann, Michael C. Collins, Franz H. Koller
  • Publication number: 20220053782
    Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus for processing meat product and a method of using same is provided. A first station includes a flattener which is configured to flatten a meat product, and a scanner which is configured to scan features of the meat product after flattening. A second station is configured to dock front and rear ends of the meat product in accordance with information received from the scan of the features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Publication date: February 24, 2022
    Inventors: Adrian Hofmann, Michael C. Collins, Franz H. Koller
  • Publication number: 20220053783
    Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus for flattening a meat product is provided. The apparatus includes a conveyor, a first stamp disposed parallel to and over the conveyor, the first stamp configured to move vertically towards and away from the conveyor, a second stamp disposed perpendicular to and over the conveyor, and a plate disposed perpendicular to the conveyor, the plate disposed parallel to the second stamp, the second stamp being configured to move horizontally towards and away from the plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Publication date: February 24, 2022
    Inventors: Adrian Hofmann, Michael C. Collins, Franz H. Koller
  • Patent number: 11202452
    Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus for processing meat product and a method of using same is provided. A first station includes a scanner which scans features of a meat product. A second station side straps the meat product in accordance with information received from the scan of the features. The second station includes a support, and spaced-apart knifes disposed on opposite sides of the support. Each knife has an axis of rotation that is normal to the longitudinal axis of the support. A position of each knife relative to the support in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis can be varied. A controller is programmed to control movement of each knife in accordance with the information received from the scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: PROVISOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Adrian Hofmann, Michael C. Collins, Franz H. Koller
  • Publication number: 20200315191
    Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus for processing meat product and a method of using same is provided. A first station includes a scanner which scans features of a meat product. A second station side straps the meat product in accordance with information received from the scan of the features. The second station includes a support, and spaced-apart knifes disposed on opposite sides of the support. Each knife has an axis of rotation that is normal to the longitudinal axis of the support. A position of each knife relative to the support in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis can be varied. A controller is programmed to control movement of each knife in accordance with the information received from the scanner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Inventors: Adrian Hofmann, Michael C. Collins, Franz H. Koller
  • Patent number: 10623620
    Abstract: In an approach for utilizing photographic metadata for automated photographic setup, a computer receives photographic metadata. The photographic metadata is contained within an image file. The computer transmits configuration information to one or more photographic devices in a photographic setup. The configuration information is based on the photographic metadata. The computer receives a configuration update from the one or more photographic devices in the photographic setup. The computer determines whether the one or more photographic devices in the photographic setup are configured correctly, based on at least comparing the configuration update to the photographic metadata.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael C. Collins, John F. Kelley, Douglas E. Lhotka, Todd P. Seager
  • Publication number: 20180234601
    Abstract: In an approach for utilizing photographic metadata for automated photographic setup, a computer receives photographic metadata. The photographic metadata is contained within an image file. The computer transmits configuration information to one or more photographic devices in a photographic setup. The configuration information is based on the photographic metadata. The computer receives a configuration update from the one or more photographic devices in the photographic setup. The computer determines whether the one or more photographic devices in the photographic setup are configured correctly, based on at least comparing the configuration update to the photographic metadata.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Michael C. Collins, John F. Kelley, Douglas E. Lhotka, Todd P. Seager
  • Patent number: 9986140
    Abstract: In an approach for utilizing photographic metadata for automated photographic setup, a computer receives photographic metadata. The photographic metadata is contained within an image file. The computer transmits configuration information to one or more photographic devices in a photographic setup. The configuration information is based on the photographic metadata. The computer receives a configuration update from the one or more photographic devices in the photographic setup. The computer determines whether the one or more photographic devices in the photographic setup are configured correctly, based on at least comparing the configuration update to the photographic metadata.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael C. Collins, John F. Kelley, Douglas E. Lhotka, Todd P. Seager
  • Patent number: 9176991
    Abstract: In an approach for collecting and storing photographic metadata, a computer receives a file containing an image. The computer receives photographic metadata from one or more photographic devices. The one or more photographic devices include at least one or more illumination devices. The one or more photographic devices are utilized to create the image. The received photographic metadata includes at least specifications of the one or more photographic devices. The computer stores the received photographic metadata in association with the received file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Collins, John F. Kelley, Douglas E. Lhotka, Todd P. Seager
  • Publication number: 20150142857
    Abstract: In an approach for utilizing photographic metadata for automated photographic setup, a computer receives photographic metadata. The photographic metadata is contained within an image file. The computer transmits configuration information to one or more photographic devices in a photographic setup. The configuration information is based on the photographic metadata. The computer receives a configuration update from the one or more photographic devices in the photographic setup. The computer determines whether the one or more photographic devices in the photographic setup are configured correctly, based on at least comparing the configuration update to the photographic metadata.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Collins, John F. Kelley, Douglas E. Lhotka, Todd P. Seager
  • Publication number: 20150142409
    Abstract: In an approach for simulating a photographic setup, a computer receives information detailing a first type of device. The computer determines the received first type of device is not included in a device database. The computer inserts the first type of device into the device database. The computer receives a selection of one or more types of devices. The one or more selected types of devices are included in the device database and include the first type of device. The computer receives a configuration for each of the one or more selected types of devices. The computer creates a simulation of a photographic setup. The simulation is based on the one or more selected types of devices and the received configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Collins, John F. Kelley, Douglas E. Lhotka, Todd P. Seager
  • Publication number: 20150139570
    Abstract: In an approach for collecting and storing photographic metadata, a computer receives a file containing an image. The computer receives photographic metadata from one or more photographic devices. The one or more photographic devices include at least one or more illumination devices. The one or more photographic devices are utilized to create the image. The received photographic metadata includes at least specifications of the one or more photographic devices. The computer stores the received photographic metadata in association with the received file.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Collins, John F. Kelley, Douglas E. Lhotka, Todd P. Seager
  • Patent number: 8808411
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making a high-purity gas. The process includes an interrelationship among at least four bath vessels, each of which has a molten metal bath. In one embodiment, the process generally includes adding a gas stream into a first bath vessel and then removing that gas stream to introduce it into a third bath vessel. The third bath gas stream is removed to ultimately obtain hydrogen. Steam is added to a fourth bath vessel to ultimately produce additional hydrogen. One or more gas streams produced in the third and/or fourth bath vessels are added to a second bath vessel to ultimately result in production of methane or carbon monoxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventors: Michael C. Collins, Robert D. Bach
  • Patent number: 8752298
    Abstract: A folding knife includes a lock blade and a handle. The handle includes a transfer bar assembly and a blade opener spring. When the lock blade is closed, a spring working in conjunction with the transfer bar assembly biases the lock blade closed. When the lock blade is opened past a certain point, a blade opening spring assists in moving the lock blade into its open locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventors: Michael C. Collins, Jane Collins
  • Publication number: 20130228721
    Abstract: A reactor system for the transformation of solid, liquid, gaseous, and related hydrocarbon feedstocks into high-purity, high-pressure gas streams capable of withstanding high temperatures and high pressures. The system comprises a plurality of reactor housings and a plurality of molten-metal bath vessels within the housings, the bath vessels in fluid communication with each other via conduits, with communication facilitated by gravity and temperature/pressure differentials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventors: Michael C. Collins, Robert D. Bach
  • Patent number: 8303916
    Abstract: A reactor system for the transformation of solid, liquid, gaseous, and related hydrocarbon feedstocks into high-purity, high-pressure gas streams capable of withstanding high temperatures and high pressures. The system comprises a plurality of reactor housings and a plurality of molten-metal bath vessels within the housings, the bath vessels in fluid communication with each other via conduits, with communication facilitated by gravity and temperature/pressure differentials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Oscura, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Collins, Robert D. Bach
  • Publication number: 20090224210
    Abstract: An economically viable and environmentally sound process is described for the transformation of solid, liquid, gaseous and related hydrocarbon feedstocks into high purity, high pressure gas streams that may be further processed in conjoined multiple metal bath reactors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Michael C. Collins, Robert D. Bach
  • Patent number: 5062173
    Abstract: A multifunction or combination tool having a screw driver, a wrench, a saw blade, a serrated blade, a metal file, and a knife blade divided into two groups, color-coded, and rotatably mounted in recesses in a two part handle, and a pair of pliers also rotatably mounted in the recesses of the handle, one pliers in each handle part so that the pliers can be rotated out of the recess and used in a range of positions at an angle from the handles as well as fully extended with or without rotating any of the remaining instruments. A latch attached to the pliers holds the two handle parts together when the pliers is not in use. The screw driver is adapted for turning both a phillips head and a flat head screw. Spring washers are used to separate the various implements and allow the compression of them to fit a set of implements into the handles of the multifunction tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Inventors: Michael C. Collins, Walter W. Collins