Patents by Inventor Michael C. To

Michael C. To 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).

  • Display modules with direct-lit backlight units
    Patent number: 12197078
    Abstract: A display may have a pixel array such as a liquid crystal pixel array. The pixel array may be illuminated with backlight illumination from a direct-lit backlight unit. The backlight unit may include an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on a printed circuit board. The display may have a notch to accommodate an input-output component. Reflective layers may be included in the notch. The backlight may include a color conversion layer with a property that varies as a function of position. The light-emitting diodes may be covered by a slab of encapsulant with recesses in an upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2025
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Meizi Jiao, Joshua A. Spechler, Jie Xiang, Zhenyue Luo, Chungjae Lee, Morteza Amoorezaei, Mengyang Liang, Xinyu Zhu, Mingxia Gu, Jun Qi, Eric L. Benson, Victor H. Yin, Youchul Jeong, Xiang Fang, Yanming Li, Michael J. Lee, Marianna C. Sbordone, Ari P. Miller, Edward J. Cooper, Michael C. Sulkis, Francesco Ferretti, Seth G. McFarland, Mary M. Morrison, Eric N. Vergo, Terence Chan, Ian A. Guy, Keith J. Hendren, Sunitha Chandra
  • Logical relocation of sort destinations
    Patent number: 12194501
    Abstract: System for use in directing a sorting operation comprises a server, a receptacle logical destination identification (ID) assignment engine, a plurality of receptacles, and an automated transport device for transporting and depositing articles into the receptacles. The system is configured to: assign a first logical destination ID to a first receptacle; and direct an automated transport device to transport and deposit a first article into the first receptacle associated with the first logical destination ID. The system is further configured to: determine that the first receptacle is full; re-assign the first logical destination ID to a second receptacle; and re-direct the automated transport device to transport and deposit the first article into the second receptacle associated with the first logical destination ID.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2024
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2025
    Assignee: Tompkins Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Serstad, Michael C. Futch
  • Robotic vehicle navigation system and method
    Patent number: 12197228
    Abstract: System is configured to receive article information corresponding to articles to be transported by computer-controlled vehicles, the articles comprising a first article and a second article, each having a maximum article dimension. System is also configured to assign travel routes about a grid comprising grid cells for the vehicles to travel thereon. The travel route of a first vehicle carrying the first article includes a turning maneuver at a first grid cell. System is configured to control the turning maneuver of the first vehicle in the first grid cell such that there is no contact between the first article carried on the first vehicle with a second article carried on a second vehicle present in a second grid cell that is adjacent to the first grid cell when the first vehicle is undertaking the turning maneuver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2024
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2025
    Assignee: Tompkins Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Serstad, Michael C. Futch, Shenghong Zhang
  • RXFP1 AGONISTS
    Publication number: 20250011288
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to compounds of Formula (I), which arm RXFP1 receptor agonists, compositions containing them, and methods of using them, for example, in the treatment of heart failure, fibrotic diseases, and related diseases such as lung disease (e.g., idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis), kidney disease (e.g., chronic kidney disease), or hepatic disease (e.g., non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and portal hypertension).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2022
    Publication date: January 9, 2025
    Inventors: Adam James Clarke, Todd J. Friends, Arvind Mathur, Michael C. Myers, Jianqing Li, Donald J. P. Pinto, Kumar Balashanmuga Pabbisetty, Shun Su, Benjamin P. Vokits, Durga Buchi Raju Barre, Leon M. Smith, II, Michael J. Orwat, Scott A. Shaw, Sreekantha Ratna Kumar, Hima Kiran Potturi
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OBJECT DETECTION IN AN ENVIRONMENT
    Publication number: 20250014352
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to a vision system that detects objects moving in an environment. The vision system detects objects that crossed a boundary of an environment during a first period of time, and determines a count of objects that crossed the boundary in a first direction. The vision system retrieves historical egress and ingress data for a second period of time corresponding to the first period of time. The historical egress and ingress data comprises a detected historic count of crossings in the first direction and a corrected historic count of crossings in the first direction. The vision system calculates an error rate for the second period of time based on a ratio of the detected historic count and the corrected historic count, and determines a corrected count for the first period of time by adjusting the count using the error rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2024
    Publication date: January 9, 2025
    Inventors: Michael C. STEWART, Natasha Mishell ASTUDILLO, Harsh Gaurangbhai MOTKA, Joseph CELI
  • CLOSED LOOP ZERO-EMISSION ELECTRIC POWER GENERATION
    Publication number: 20250015627
    Abstract: A system and method for generating clean energy. The system includes one or more alternators for generating electricity and a motor for driving one or more alternators. The system also includes a first battery set and a second battery set, wherein each of the first battery set and the second battery set are configured to power the motor. A switching unit is used to switch each of the first battery set and the second battery set between an active state and an offline state. The respective battery set in the active state powers the motor, and the respective battery set in the offline state is charged by the switching unit using electricity generated from one or more alternators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2024
    Publication date: January 9, 2025
    Inventor: Michael C. Elder
  • PLASMA APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PROCESSING FEED MATERIAL UTIZILING AN UPSTREAM SWIRL MODULE AND COMPOSITE GAS FLOWS
    Publication number: 20250014869
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and devices processing feed material utilizing an upstream swirl module and composite gas flows. Some embodiments are directed to a microwave plasma apparatus for processing a material, comprising: a first flow module, a second flow module, and a liner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2024
    Publication date: January 9, 2025
    Inventors: Michael C. Kozlowski, Michael Resnick, Pawel Matys
  • WIRE ANCHORING FOR CO-EXTRUDED PRINTING
    Publication number: 20250010553
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for embedding metallic wires within polymer structures through co-extrusion printing in large-format polymer additive manufacturing (LFPAM). The method includes receiving user input for object and wire regions, performing Boolean operations on the meshes, generating printing paths, and determining an optimized order for printing. The LFPAM tool, configured with a data processing apparatus, prints the object with embedded wire and anchors supporting the wire ends. The system may include the use of a cutting tool to separate the anchors from the printed object. This disclosure improves wire alignment, support, and printing performance, enhancing the properties of wire-embedded printed structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2024
    Publication date: January 9, 2025
    Inventors: Michael C. Borish, Alex C. Roschli, Jesse Heineman, Ahmed A. Hassen
  • Optimization of sortation order receptacle filling
    Patent number: 12186781
    Abstract: Chamber bank for use in a sorting operation includes chambers for receiving a receptacle therein. Each chamber is defined by a floor, a left wall, a right wall, and a rear wall that together define a receiving space for a receptacle. At least one of the left and right wall is taller than the corresponding abutting side wall of the receptacle received therein. A system assigns a first number of articles occupying a first volume to the receptacle such that the first number of articles overfills the receptacle when all of the first number of articles are deposited thereinto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: Tompkins Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Serstad, Michael C. Futch, Adam P. Claybrook, Parthiban A. Mathavan
  • Balloon cover for a delivery apparatus for an expandable prosthetic heart valve
    Patent number: 12186181
    Abstract: Balloon covers for a delivery apparatus for a prosthetic valve are disclosed. As one embodiment, a balloon cover includes first and second shell members that are configured to matingly engage with each other, each of the first and second shell members including a first portion and a second portion, the second portion having a larger width than the first portion. The first portions of the first and second shell members define a first cavity configured to receive a distal end portion of the delivery apparatus and at least a portion of an inflatable balloon mounted on the distal end portion of the delivery apparatus. The second portions of the first and second shell members define a second cavity configured to receive a positioning device mounted on the distal end portion of the delivery apparatus, proximal to a valve mounting portion of the distal end portion of the delivery apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael C. Murad, Gonzalo German Angelico, Michael R. Bialas
  • Multi-system single footprint sorter using robots with sort verification
    Patent number: 12186780
    Abstract: Multi-function sorting system for use in a sorting operation includes a server, a sortation engine, and first and second function sorting systems. First function sorting system for sorting articles includes first function vehicles traversing a first function platform for transporting and depositing first function articles into first sort receptacles. Second function sorting system for sorting articles includes second function vehicles traversing a second function platform spaced apart from the first function platform for transporting and depositing second function articles into second sort receptacles. The second function platform is arranged above the first function platform in a vertical stacked configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2024
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: Tompkins Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Serstad, Michael C. Futch
  • Use of CSA compounds to stimulate stem cells and hair growth
    Patent number: 12186328
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes compositions and methods for regenerating tissue and/or preventing tissue loss by stimulating stem cells. A method includes providing a treatment composition including one or more CSA compounds and a carrier, applying the treatment composition to a targeted tissue region of a subject, and the treatment composition stimulating tissue regeneration and/or preventing tissue degradation at the targeted region of the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: Brigham Young University
    Inventors: Paul B. Savage, Michael C. Moore, Chad S. Beus
  • Machine learning to determine facial measurements via captured images
    Patent number: 12190634
    Abstract: Techniques for automated facial measurement are provided. A set of coordinates for a set of landmarks on a face of a user are extracted by processing an image using a machine learning model. An orientation of the face of the user is determined. It is determined that impedance conditions are not present in the images, and a reference distance on the face of the user is estimated based on the image, where the image depicts the user facing towards the imaging sensor. A nose depth of the user is estimated based on a second image based at least in part on the reference distance, where the second image depicts the user facing at an angle relative to the imaging sensor. A facial mask is selected for the user based on the nose depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignees: ResMed Corp, ResMed Pty Ltd, Reciprocal Labs Corporation, ResMed Halifax ULC
    Inventors: Leah J. Morrell, Michael C. Hogg, Paul A. Dickens, Harsh C. Parikh, Mark W. Potter, Matthieu Cormier, Dyllon T. Moseychuck
  • Coating material container
    Patent number: 12187070
    Abstract: Provided is a container having a container body, a bail attached to the container body, and a flexible band attached to a rear of the container body. The flexible band has a first end attached to the rear of the container proximate a top of the rear and a second end attached to the rear of the container body proximate a bottom of the rear. The flexible band is movable between a first position spaced a first distance from the rear, a second position spaced a second distance from the rear less than the first distance to allow the container body and the bail to be grasped at the rear without interference by the flexible band, and a third position spaced a third distance from the rear greater than the first distance to provide space for a user's hand between the rear of the container body and the flexible band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: SWIMC LLC
    Inventors: Michael C. Lambertson, Jr., Joshua R. Robertson
  • Intuitively and rapidly applicable tourniquets
    Patent number: 12185952
    Abstract: A tourniquet includes a strap formed of a flexible material and shaped as a long, thin and generally flat body having a first surface and an opposed second surface, and an array of ridges extending transversely, substantially along most of the first surface. The tourniquet head includes an insertion mouth and within the mouth a flexible support and a plurality of teeth formed on the flexible support. The flexible support and the plurality of teeth providing an insertion channel in the tourniquet head for tightly receiving a free insertion end of the strap in a manner that enables the strap to be threaded through the insertion mouth with the plurality of teeth in the head being lockable on the ridges on the strap in a manner that enables a leading end of said strap to be ratcheted through the mouth in a locking direction only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Inventors: Michael J. Dimino, Michael C. Dimino, Alfonse Dimino
  • Seamless curved display system and methods
    Patent number: 12193171
    Abstract: Display modules have a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in a predetermined pattern and providing a highly uniform visual effect. Methods are provided to support a plurality of flexible display modules in an adjustable curved arrangement. Alignment and complementary alignment features enable the alignment of adjacent display modules and the creation of large displays from a plurality of aligned display modules. Features to couple to and retain a support frame are provided. Flexible and durable weather resistance features are provided. A system of modular support frames works cooperatively with the display modules, adapting to different mounting environments, and thereby providing large modular displays with desirable properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: Nanolumens Acquisition, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Drabant, Michael C. Fleming, Jr.
  • INTERFEROMETRIC IMAGING SYSTEM USING A DIGITAL FOCAL PLANE ARRAY
    Publication number: 20250004262
    Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining interferometric data, including: an optical detector to detect the interferometric data, the optical detector including at least one pixel, and the at least one pixel including at least one counter configured to count photoelectrons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2023
    Publication date: January 2, 2025
    Inventors: Matthew R Johnson, Michael C Bradshaw, Guillermo J Tearney, Joseph A. Gardecki, Osman Oguz Ahsen
  • SYSTEMS FOR DETECTING GESTURES
    Publication number: 20250007615
    Abstract: A monitoring device system includes a tunable VCSEL laser 10 with one or more active regions having quantum wells and barriers. The active regions are surrounded by one or more p-n junctions. The one or more active regions can include a selected shape structure each with a tunnel junction (TJ). One or more apertures are provided with the selected shape structure. One or more buried tunnel junctions (BTJ) or oxide confine the apertures, additional TJ's, planar structures and or additional BTJ's created during a regrowth process that is independent of a first growth process. A VCSEL output is determined in response to a monitoring application of the VCSEL The VCSEL includes an HCG grating and a bottom DBR. A user monitoring device includes the VCSEL laser. A motion detection apparatus detects a user's movement information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2023
    Publication date: January 2, 2025
    Inventors: Carlos Fernando Rondina Mateus, Christopher Chase, Michael C. Y. Huang, Murat Serbay, Stefano Prandoni, Philip Worland
  • Construction Equipment Cross Slope Transitions
    Publication number: 20250003198
    Abstract: A mobile construction equipment includes: a blade that is movable with respect to the mobile construction equipment, the blade imparting at least one cross slope on a surface on which the mobile construction equipment is operating; and a controller for receiving at least a first target cross slope, a second target cross slope, and at least one input, and, based on the at least one input, transitioning the blade from a first blade position to impart the first target cross slope on the surface to a second blade position to impart the second target cross slope on the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2023
    Publication date: January 2, 2025
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Gentle, Ethan M. Tevis
  • DIGITAL DENTURE DESIGN AND REPLACEMENT
    Publication number: 20250000624
    Abstract: Apparatuses, components, devices, methods, and systems for generating dentures are provided. An example system includes a motion capture system that captures patient jaw motion and generates patient jaw motion data; and a denture design system that generates a denture design based on the patient jaw motion data. An example method includes acquiring a digital reference denture model of a reference denture; selecting a denture tooth library based on the digital reference denture model; selecting and aligning denture library teeth from the selected denture tooth library to the digital reference denture model; generating a denture base digital model based on the digital reference denture model and the aligned denture library teeth; and fabricating a physical denture based from the denture base digital model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2024
    Publication date: January 2, 2025
    Inventors: Bruce Willard HULTGREN, John Michael MADDEN, Michael C. Marshall, Stephen B. SIEGFRIED FLOE