Patents by Inventor Michael C. Roberts
Michael C. Roberts 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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Publication number: 20120320074Abstract: A method for layered overview visualization of an IT environment having nodes and links related to the nodes, comprising initializing the layered overview visualization by establishing a number of hierarchical levels, combining the nodes and the links related to the nodes into a plurality of elements based on one of function and type, for each hierarchical level, assigning one or more of the plurality of elements to the level in accordance with one of the function and the type and determining overlap of the assigned elements. The method further comprises navigating the layered overview visualization by selecting a view, selecting a level of the hierarchical levels within the selected view, choosing the overlap of one or more of the assigned elements in the selected level and highlighting the chosen elements, and displaying on a screen the selected level and the highlighted chosen elements in the selected level.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2011Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: COMPUTER ASSOCIATES THINK, INC.Inventors: Serguei Mankovski, Maria Velez-Rojas, Michael C. Roberts, Esin Kiris
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Patent number: 8209100Abstract: A method for controlling braking in a vehicle having a brake pedal includes the steps of calculating an intended amount of brake torque corresponding to a braking request made via application of the brake pedal, applying the intended amount of brake torque if a pre-determined condition pertaining to the vehicle is satisfied, and applying a filtered amount of brake torque if the pre-determined condition is not satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2009Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Chong H. Sin, Adam Busack, Patrick J. Monsere, Michael C. Roberts
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Patent number: 8186903Abstract: The invention is related to a fastener assembly of the kind used to secure a gas turbine engine rotor disc assembly on a shaft in a situation which otherwise would required the use of a trapped nut. It thereby removes a design constraint limiting bore diameter of the disc assembly to permit access to a securing nut on the shaft, and avoids the use of a trapped nut. One of the rotors hubs is adapted to be mounted on the shaft and the securing nut is engaged with a thread on the shaft to trap the hub. In the improvement of the invention the hub is provided with an axial keyway through which the securing nut is passed into the limited access space. Once the shaft is engaged with the hub the nut is then engaged with the thread on the shaft and tightened using a special tool extending through the centre of the shaft. The tool is withdrawn after use. The nut may be undone and retrieved in an opposite operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2008Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLCInventors: Ian Makin, Michael C Roberts
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Patent number: 8151459Abstract: A firtree profile, for example on a component of a gas turbine engine, is formed in a two-stage process. In one stage, an intermediate profile is formed, for example by a mechanical machining operation such as grinding. Subsequently, in a second stage, loaded flanks 16, 18 of the profile are formed by an electric discharge machining operation performed on the intermediate profile. Alternatively, the electric discharge machining operation may be performed first to create the intermediate profile, and subsequently transition regions, such as fillets 24, 28, may be formed in a mechanical or chemical material removing operation. In the resulting profile, surfaces, such as the loaded flanks 16, 18, which must be finished to tight tolerances, but which are subjected to relatively low bending stresses, are formed by the electric discharge machining operation, which leaves a re-cast layer 36.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2007Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLCInventor: Michael C. Roberts
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Patent number: 8104263Abstract: An actuator arrangement for moving a first component relative to a second component, the arrangement comprising: an actuator chamber for receiving a fluid under pressure, a side wall of the chamber being fixed relative to the first component; an actuating element fixed relative to the second component and located inside the chamber for sliding movement along the chamber, relative to the side-wall; and a sealing element which provides a corresponding sliding seal between the actuating element and the sidewall for maintaining an actuating fluid pressure differential across the actuating element thereby to drive the actuating element relative to said side-wall, under said fluid pressure differential, for driving said relative movement of the first and second components; wherein the arrangement further comprises an external side-wall brace connected to the second component for corresponding movement with the actuating element along the outside of the sidewall, the brace being slidably or rollably braced against tType: GrantFiled: May 22, 2009Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Rolls-Royce plcInventor: Michael C. Roberts
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Patent number: 7845647Abstract: A gasket or seal member constructed of elastomeric material has at least one slot extending lengthwise of the member and across its thickness at an oblique angle to the sealing faces. There may be a plurality of slots spaced apart across the width of the member. In a preferred form of the invention multiple, parallel slots are formed at an oblique angle to the seal faces of the member forming branchiate-like layers of gasket material, in which each of the layers partially overlays at least one other layer.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2008Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLCInventor: Michael C. Roberts
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Publication number: 20100286882Abstract: A method for controlling braking in a vehicle having a brake pedal includes the steps of calculating an intended amount of brake torque corresponding to a braking request made via application of the brake pedal, applying the intended amount of brake torque if a pre-determined condition pertaining to the vehicle is satisfied, and applying a filtered amount of brake torque if the pre-determined condition is not satisfied.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2009Publication date: November 11, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: CHONG H. SIN, ADAM BUSACK, PATRICK J. MONSERE, MICHAEL C. ROBERTS
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Patent number: 7770379Abstract: The present invention provides an actuating apparatus for moving relatively rotatable components. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises: a bearing (30) including first (34) and second (36) relatively rotatable bearing elements for mounting respective first (18) and second (12) rotatable components for relative rotation about a common axis; a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator having a pair of co-acting parts (44, 54), including a first part (54) fixed with respect to the said first rotatable element and a second part (44) fixed with respect to the said second rotatable element; and, means (110) for energising and/or de-energising said actuator means to effect movement of the said co-acting parts and thereby relative rotation of the said first and second bearing elements about the said bearing axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2006Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLCInventor: Michael C. Roberts
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Patent number: 7758052Abstract: The present invention provides a seal assembly for sealing between two relatively slideable members of non-circular cross-section. A plurality of adjacent seal members may be staggered and grouped within a groove so that all leakage surfaces between the two relatively slideable members are sealed. Multiple seal members or seal member groups may be used to reduce leakage caused by incomplete contact of the seal members with leakage surfaces. An actuator system may comprise various embodiments of the present invention to enable the actuation of one member in relation to another.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2007Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Rolls-Royce plcInventor: Michael C. Roberts
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Publication number: 20100025493Abstract: An actuator arrangement for moving a first component relative to a second component, the arrangement comprising: an actuator chamber for receiving a fluid under pressure, a side wall of the chamber being fixed relative to the first component; an actuating element fixed relative to the second component and located inside the chamber for sliding movement along the chamber, relative to the side-wall; and a sealing element which provides a corresponding sliding seal between the actuating element and the sidewall for maintaining an actuating fluid pressure differential across the actuating element thereby to drive the actuating element relative to said side-wall, under said fluid pressure differential, for driving said relative movement of the first and second components; wherein the arrangement further comprises an external side-wall brace connected to the second component for corresponding movement with the actuating element along the outside of the sidewall, the brace being slidably or rollably braced against tType: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2009Publication date: February 4, 2010Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventor: Michael C. Roberts
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Publication number: 20090162136Abstract: The invention is related to a fastener assembly of the kind used to secure a gas turbine engine rotor disc assembly on a shaft in a situation which otherwise would required the use of a trapped nut. It thereby removes a design constraint limiting bore diameter of the disc assembly to permit access to a securing. nut on the shaft, and avoids the use of a trapped nut. One of the rotors hubs is adapted to be mounted on the shaft and the securing nut is engaged with a thread on the shaft to trap the hub. In the improvement of the invention the hub is provided with an axial keyway through which the securing nut is passed into the limited access space. Once the shaft is engaged with the hub the nut is then engaged with the thread on the shaft and tightened using a special tool extending through the centre of the shaft. The tool is withdrawn after use. The nut may be undone and retrieved in an opposite operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2008Publication date: June 25, 2009Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventors: Ian Makin, Michael C. Roberts
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Publication number: 20090146384Abstract: A gasket or seal member constructed of elastomeric material has at least one slot extending lengthwise of the member and across its thickness at an oblique angle to the sealing faces. There may be a plurality of slots spaced apart across the width of the member. In a preferred form of the invention multiple, parallel slots are formed at an oblique angle to the seal faces of the member forming branchiate-like layers of gasket material, in which each of the layers partially overlays at least one other layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2008Publication date: June 11, 2009Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventor: Michael C. Roberts
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Publication number: 20080206060Abstract: A firtree profile, for example on a component of a gas turbine engine, is formed in a two-stage process. In one stage, an intermediate profile is formed, for example by a mechanical machining operation such as grinding. Subsequently, in a second stage, loaded flanks 16, 18 of the profile are formed by an electric discharge machining operation performed on the intermediate profile. Alternatively, the electric discharge machining operation may be performed first to create the intermediate profile, and subsequently transition regions, such as fillets 24, 28, may be formed in a mechanical or chemical material removing operation. In the resulting profile, surfaces, such as the loaded flanks 16, 18, which must be finished to tight tolerances, but which are subjected to relatively low bending stresses, are formed by the electric discharge machining operation, which leaves a re-cast layer 36.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2007Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventor: Michael C. Roberts
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Publication number: 20080067753Abstract: The present invention provides a seal assembly for sealing between two relatively slideable members of non-circular cross-section. A plurality of adjacent seal members may be staggered and grouped within a groove so that all leakage surfaces between the two relatively slideable members are sealed. Multiple seal members or seal member groups may be used to reduce leakage caused by incomplete contact of the seal members with leakage surfaces. An actuator system may comprise various embodiments of the present invention to enable the actuation of one member in relation to another.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2007Publication date: March 20, 2008Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventor: Michael C. Roberts
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Patent number: 6928752Abstract: A combination tumble and cabinet dryer appliance includes a housing with a tumble dryer and a cabinet dryer therein. The tumble dryer and cabinet dryer are operable independently of one another. Separate sources of hot air are provided to each of the tumble and cabinet dryers. The cabinet dryer extends over and along one side of the tumble dryer. A portion of the cabinet dryer extends substantially along the height of the housing so as to receive long hanging clothes, such as a dress. Removable shelves are provided in the cabinet dryer for drying sweaters and the like.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2003Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: Maytag CorporationInventors: Troy A. Johnson, Lee R. Birch, Michael C. Roberts, Kevin W. Shipley, Julie M. Bundy, Frank S. Nekic, Stephen D. Schober, Curtis J. Tremel
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Patent number: 6928745Abstract: An appliance with an internal working space has a door to provide access to the working space. A control panel is operatively mounted on the appliance. A seal mounted on the door sealingly engages with an upright wall on the control panel when the door is closed to prevent migration of moisture toward the components of the control panel.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2003Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: Maytag CorporationInventors: Chris P. Lickiss, Curtis J. Tremel, Joseph M. Keeler, Troy A. Johnson, Michael C. Roberts, Burton R. Vander Schel, Dale D. Vander Heiden
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Publication number: 20040194339Abstract: A combination tumble and cabinet dryer appliance includes a housing with a tumble dryer and a cabinet dryer therein. The tumble dryer and cabinet dryer are operable independently of one another. Separate sources of hot air are provided to each of the tumble and cabinet dryers. The cabinet dryer extends over and along one side of the tumble dryer. A portion of the cabinet dryer extends substantially along the height of the housing so as to receive long hanging clothes, such as a dress. Removable shelves are provided in the cabinet dryer for drying sweaters and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2003Publication date: October 7, 2004Applicant: Maytag Corp.Inventors: Troy A. Johnson, Lee R. Birch, Michael C. Roberts, Kevin W. Shipley, Julie M. Bundy, Frank S. Nekic, Stephen D. Schober, Curtis J. Tremel
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Patent number: D514757Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2003Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Maytag CorporationInventors: Michael C. Roberts, Stephen D. Schober
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Patent number: D496505Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2003Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Maytag CorporationInventor: Michael C. Roberts
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Patent number: D496506Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2003Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Maytag CorporationInventors: Joseph M. Keeler, Dennis S. Prows, Michael C. Roberts