Patents by Inventor Michael Callahan

Michael Callahan 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: 11761610
    Abstract: Improvements are disclosed to known twist-lock electrical connectors, whose plug blades form parallel segments of a common cylindrical form. After insertion in a compatible receptacle, rotating the connectors relative to each other engages features intended to prevent accidental separation, but which do not positively lock. An improved plug is disclosed providing positive locking and with prior art receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Inventor: Michael Callahan
  • Publication number: 20230218984
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for interactive gaming platform scene generation utilizing captured visual data and artificial intelligence-generated environment, with the gaming platform including at least a user device that has or is coupled to a display, with the gaming platform configured to obtain recorded footage associated with an environment pertinent to a game playable via the user device, to generate, based on the recorded footage, one or more video frames for use during playing of the game via the user device, and to display the one or more video frames via the display during the playing of the game via the user device. The recorded footage may be processed using artificial intelligence, and the one or more video frames may be generated using the artificial intelligence and based on the processing of the recorded footage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2023
    Publication date: July 13, 2023
    Inventor: Michael Callahan
  • Patent number: 11592167
    Abstract: An improved dimming apparatus is disclosed. Major economies are achieved by the ability to distribute groups of dimmers in proximity to the lamp loads that they control. Variations in the location and distance between the apparatus and lamp loads, as well as in the differing connector types installed on such loads, are addressed by terminating the six power stages contained in a common enclosure in a six-circuit multi-pole connector, such that a variety of prior art “break-out” adaptors between said multi-pole connector and individual circuit connectors can be selected among. The power input to the enclosure can be made re-configurable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Inventor: Michael Callahan
  • Patent number: 11590490
    Abstract: Disclosed here are pipette tips useful for acquiring or dispelling liquids, and include one or more design that may increase fluid delivery precision and/or accuracy, and may reduce certain repetitive motions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: BIOTIX, INC.
    Inventors: Arta Motadel, Peter Paul Blaszcak, Phillip Chad Hairfield, Sean Michael Callahan
  • Publication number: 20220366148
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for processing a set of communicated signals associated with a set of muscles, such as the muscles near the larynx of the person, or any other muscles the person use to achieve a desired response. The method includes the steps of attaching a single integrated sensor, for example, near the throat of the person proximate to the larynx and detecting an electrical signal through the sensor. The method further includes the steps of extracting features from the detected electrical signal and continuously transforming them into speech sounds without the need for further modulation. The method also includes comparing the extracted features to a set of prototype features and selecting a prototype feature of the set of prototype features providing a smallest relative difference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Michael Callahan, Thomas Coleman
  • Publication number: 20220324682
    Abstract: Units for distributing three-phase power to a plurality of chain motors are provided, as are used to raise and suspend production elements such as lighting, sound, video, and scenery. Remote switching and phase reversal of such power are also provided. In the prior art, such switching has been performed by large, heavy contactors inserted between the single power input and its distribution to plural outputs for motors, making the unit difficult to handle and ship. Provided herein are power switching and phase reversal performed by a plurality of parallel such means, reducing the current requirements for each, and thereby the size, weight, and cost of the whole. In some embodiments, the single power input is replaced by a by a cable delivering a plurality of two-phase circuits to the unit which derives the three-phase circuits necessary for chain motors therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventor: Michael Callahan
  • Patent number: 11413520
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a personal interaction game platform and may include, in a human-controlling gaming platform comprising a first communication device and a second communication device, each comprising a user input mechanism and a display: receiving commands in the first device via its user input mechanism; communicating the received commands to the second device; relaying the communicated commands to a user of the second device; sensing data regarding actions taken by the user of the second device in response to the relayed commands; and communicating the sensed data to the first device. The commands may be relayed to the user of the second device via an audio output. The commands may be relayed to the user of the second device via the display. One or more tactile sensors may be operatively coupled to the second device for sensing the data regarding actions of the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Inventor: Michael Callahan
  • Patent number: 11359374
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to “leg carriage” type trusses, which rely for shipping on elevation by a pair of U-shaped wheeled temporary supports, each having two legs connected by a low horizontal member. The upper ends of the legs are inserted in receiving sleeves installed in the four corners of the truss structure. The clearance between the outer dimensions of the leg and the inner dimensions of the sleeve impact the ease with which legs can be inserted and removed, as well as the lateral “play” in the connection between the leg and truss, which impacts its stability in handling and therefore safety. The disclosure addresses the previous conflict between the two objects by the use of asymmetrical clearances. A relatively relaxed tolerance in the elongated axis of the truss eases insertion and removal. A lesser relative tolerance across the axis of the truss width has no significant impact on leg insertion and removal yet improves stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Inventor: Michael Callahan
  • Publication number: 20220042673
    Abstract: Improvements are disclosed to known twist-lock electrical connectors, whose plug blades form parallel segments of a common cylindrical form. After insertion in a compatible receptacle, rotating the connectors relative to each other engages features intended to prevent accidental separation, but which do not positively lock. An improved plug is disclosed providing positive locking and with prior art receptacles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2021
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Inventor: Michael Callahan
  • Publication number: 20220042670
    Abstract: A portable assembly suitable for distributing both power and low voltage control signals to a plurality of discrete devices is disclosed. Power and control signal input connectors are attached by flexible cable to a junction point. A first set of power and control signal output connectors are attached by flexible cable to the same junction point. A second set of power and control signal output connectors is located proximate to the junction point. Contacts of all three power connectors and of all three control signal connectors having the same function are made electrically common, such that power and control signals applied to the input connectors are available at both output connectors. The arrangement of elements reduces the number of cables and connections required to share power and data relative to prior art methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2021
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Inventor: Michael Callahan
  • Publication number: 20220010281
    Abstract: Genetically-modified mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) overexpressing an acyloxyacyl hydrolase (AOAH) polypeptide, such as MSCs comprising a recombinant nucleic acid encoding the AOAH polypeptide, are described. The MSCs may further overexpress a second polypeptide of interest, such as angiopoeitin-1 (ANGPT1). Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the genetically-modified MSCs are also described. The use of such genetically-modified MSCs and/or pharmaceutical compositions comprising same as a medicament, for example for the treatment of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or sepsis, is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2019
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Inventors: Michael CALLAHAN, Shirley H.J. MEI, Yan WANG, Maria FLORIAN, Katelynn ROWE, Chyan-jang LEE
  • Patent number: 11205054
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for processing a set of communicated signals associated with a set of muscles, such as the muscles near the larynx of the person, or any other muscles the person use to achieve a desired response. The method includes the steps of attaching a single integrated sensor, for example, near the throat of the person proximate to the larynx and detecting an electrical signal through the sensor. The method further includes the steps of extracting features from the detected electrical signal and continuously transforming them into speech sounds without the need for further modulation. The method also includes comparing the extracted features to a set of prototype features and selecting a prototype feature of the set of prototype features providing a smallest relative difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Inventors: Michael Callahan, Thomas Coleman
  • Patent number: 11187398
    Abstract: An improved portable stand for followspots is disclosed. The stand has a lower portion resting on a load bearing surface and an upper portion coupled to the lower portion for rotation about a vertical axis. First and second standards extend upwardly from the second portion, supporting the fixture housing between them on tilt pivots, which are aligned on a horizontal axis. The tilt pivots can be displaced vertically relative to the coupling between first and second portions while remaining attached to both standards and housing. The improved stand permits a greater range in tilt angle and tilt axis height, including such that the followspot can be relocated while remaining fully assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Inventor: Michael Callahan
  • Patent number: 11181252
    Abstract: Improvements are disclosed to lighting fixtures, support structures, interconnecting cabling, and other subjects. An improved method allows precise control of the beams of high power, long throw followspots by means of a steering mirror motorized in two axes. The beam is first directed upwards from the followspot by a first mirror to the steering mirror above. The range of elevations through which the beam can be steered is increased by displacing the steering mirror relative to the first mirror such that the portion of the beam between them is not vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Inventor: Michael Callahan
  • Publication number: 20210262231
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to “leg carriage” type trusses, which rely for shipping on elevation by a pair of U-shaped wheeled temporary supports, each having two legs connected by a low horizontal member. The upper ends of the legs are inserted in receiving sleeves installed in the four corners of the truss structure. The clearance between the outer dimensions of the leg and the inner dimensions of the sleeve impact the ease with which legs can be inserted and removed, as well as the lateral “play” in the connection between the leg and truss, which impacts its stability in handling and therefore safety. The disclosure addresses the previous conflict between the two objects by the use of asymmetrical clearances. A relatively relaxed tolerance in the elongated axis of the truss eases insertion and removal. A lesser relative tolerance across the axis of the truss width has no significant impact on leg insertion and removal yet improves stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Inventor: Michael Callahan
  • Publication number: 20210215329
    Abstract: Improvements are disclosed in the ordering, preparation, billing, and delivery of food and beverages in contexts including retail establishments. The customer order can be developed at the same or another location, via an application on a smartphone, tablet, or computer, on or offline. Various factors that allow predicting the details of a customer's probable order simplify the process. Automatic allow for polling other parties who might have their own interest in similar products, and the aggregation of such interest in a common order. Orders are transferred to systems in the establishment that streamline ordering, billing, preparation, and customer pickup of completed items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2021
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventor: Michael Callahan
  • Patent number: 11059187
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for providing a vacuum ejector for use with an end effector. Included may be at least an end effector and a vacuum chamber for gripping an element during semiconductor processing. The end effector may include at least two clamp arms for placing a gripped element in relation to application of a vacuum to the gripped element; a vacuum cup having a mouth capable of sealing to the gripped element to provide a vacuum chamber; a vacuum ejector pin extending into the vacuum chamber and including a plurality of ports substantially at a tip thereof proximate to the gripped element, wherein the vacuum is applied by the plurality of ports; and an ejector pin actuator that is capable of moving the vacuum ejector pin toward the gripped element until the sealing of the mouth is broken and the gripped element is ejected from the vacuum cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: JABIL INC.
    Inventors: Jeroen Bosboom, Daniel Bateman, Michael Callahan
  • Patent number: 11002012
    Abstract: A truss structure is suitable for supporting lighting fixtures or other loads both in use and in transport. The truss has at least four elongated chords defining between said chords a first volume generally rectangular in cross-section. In transport, the truss is supported substantially above a surface by castered carriages bearing upon that surface, the carriages connected to said truss and in a first position producing an additional volume between said first volume and said surface. The carriages are attached to the truss so as to permit their rotation between said first position and at least a second position suitable for use while remaining connected to said truss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Inventor: Michael Callahan
  • Publication number: 20210039086
    Abstract: Disclosed here are pipette tips useful for acquiring or dispelling liquids, and include one or more design that may increase fluid delivery precision and/or accuracy, and may reduce certain repetitive motions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Inventors: Arta Motadel, Peter Paul Blaszcak, Phillip Chad Hairfield, Sean Michael Callahan
  • Publication number: 20210025566
    Abstract: Improvements are disclosed to lighting fixtures adjusted in beam direction during use, both manually and remotely by an operator. The head of the manual fixture is mounted rotatably between two standards, which are attached to a base, such that the attachments can be moved vertically along the standards to adjust the distance between the head and base. The remote fixture uses a two-axis mirror for beam direction and at least one additional axis of adjustment. Improvements to power and data distribution and pre-rig truss are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2020
    Publication date: January 28, 2021
    Inventor: Michael Callahan