Patents by Inventor Michael Christensen

Michael Christensen 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: 20110088363
    Abstract: A harvest aid machine and method of use is provided comprising a self-powered vehicle having a main chassis upon which a crate storage unit may be mounted. The harvest aid machine has improved maneuverability and may have a near zero-point turning radius. Crate storage unit may comprise a platform for receiving packed crates and a second platform for receiving empty crates. Alternatively, crate storage unit may include a chute assembly for receiving empty crates and/or a roller table for receiving packed crates. A harvest aid machine may further include harvest modules that may be removably mounted to a main chassis and are width-adjustable such that the harvest modules are adaptable to different crop row spacing, and optionally different crate sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: REITER AFFILIATED COMPANIES, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Johnson, Manuel Mercado, Gary Grossen, Jeff Mathews, Michael Christensen
  • Patent number: 7759815
    Abstract: Wind motor with a drive, the input of which is coupled with a rotor shaft, which has a separate mount, characterized in that a holding device is provided between the mount and the drive, which in its mounted state holds the rotor shaft in a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Nordex Energy GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Christensen
  • Publication number: 20090261594
    Abstract: Wind motor with a drive, the input of which is coupled with a rotor shaft, which has a separate mount, characterized in that a holding device is provided between the mount and the drive, which in its mounted state holds the rotor shaft in a predetermined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2005
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: Nordex Energy GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Christensen
  • Publication number: 20080108965
    Abstract: A sanitary diaper changing kit includes a package, a pair of disposable gloves in the package, and a re-sealable disposal bag in the package. Alternatively, the kit may include other materials such as small single-use package of moist wipes or towelettes, a small single-use package of antiseptic wipes, a small single use package of petroleum jelly and a small single-use package of powder. The sanitary diaper changing kit may be packaged and sold with a disposable diaper, or may be sold separately from diapers to be used in conjunction with a disposable diaper. The kit allows the person changing the diaper to be isolated from the contaminated diaper during the diaper changing operation and provides a convenient means by which the soiled diaper and other used or soiled materials may be disposed of in a sanitary procedure and diaper wearer remains isolated from care giver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventors: William Michael Christensen, Thomas George Petredis, Grant Logan
  • Patent number: 7331816
    Abstract: An interface adapted for high speed data transmission between network elements that decreases signal interference and cross-talk between the wires of a cable used for connecting the network elements. Various connection schemes are used for shielded pairs of wires within a cable used for the interface. The connection schemes may use pins having same or different pin numbers at the two network elements being connected. Shielded pairs carrying data in a common direction may be connected to adjacent sets of pins or to non-adjacent sets of pins. Certain pins at each element may remain unused. Pairs of the shielded pairs within the cable may be cross-connected between the two elements. Shielded pairs may be cross-connected while leaving sets of pins unused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Vitesse Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Sune G. Krohn, Thomas Kirkegaard Jørgensen, Jacob Michael Christensen, Henrik Madsen
  • Publication number: 20070212927
    Abstract: An interface adapted for high speed data transmission between network elements that decreases signal interference and cross-talk between the wires of a cable used for connecting the network elements. Various connection schemes are used for shielded pairs of wires within a cable used for the interface. The connection schemes may use pins having same or different pin numbers at the two network elements being connected. Shielded pairs carrying data in a common direction may be connected to adjacent sets of pins or to non-adjacent sets of pins. Certain pins at each element may remain unused. Pairs of the shielded pairs within the cable may be cross-connected between the two elements. Shielded pairs may be cross-connected while leaving sets of pins unused.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventors: Sune G. Krohn, Thomas Kirkegaard Jorgensen, Jacob Michael Christensen, Henrik Madsen
  • Publication number: 20060150273
    Abstract: An endophyte or endophyte culture of N. lolii species is described that, in combination with a host grass does not cause typical symptoms of ryegrass toxicosis in grazing animals and also contains levels of compounds from the class of janthitrems epoxides to individually or in combination protect the host grass from pests or abiotic stresses or both. Uses and methods are also described to produce and characterise the combination as well as alternative uses for compounds from the class of janthitrem epoxide compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Publication date: July 6, 2006
    Inventors: Brian Tapper, Bruce Cooper, Herrick Easton, Lester Fletcher, David Hume, Geoffrey Lane, Garrick Cecil Latch, Christopher Gerald Pennell, Alison Popay, Michael Christensen
  • Publication number: 20060121593
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination of a Neotyphodium species endophyte or endophyte culture in a symbiotic association with a host grass which association does not cause symptoms of toxicosis in animals through exclusion of ergovaline but, due to the inclusion of alkaloids including agroclavine, setoclavine or isosetoclavine, retains the ability to resist abiotic stresses and protect the grass from pests.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: June 8, 2006
    Inventors: Michael Christensen, Herrick Easton, Lester Fletcher, Geoffrey Lane, Garrick Latch, Lison Popay, Brian Tapper
  • Patent number: 6905284
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for forming a serial array of temporary raised pavement markers (TRPMs), which are disposed upon a single, common release liner, into a collated and nested array of the temporary raised pavement markers (TRPMs) such that the collated and nested array of temporary raised pavement markers (TRPMs) can be supplied to apparatus for dispensing and applying the temporary raised pavement markers (TRPMs) onto pavement surfaces. In accordance with a first embodiment of the apparatus, the plurality of temporary raised pavement markers (TRPMs) are formed from a single temporary raised pavement marker (TRPM) extrusion, the extrusion is cut, and subsequently, the markers are mounted upon the single, common release sheet or release liner which has a plurality of adhesive patches previously disposed thereon. The assembly, comprising the plurality of temporary raised pavement markers (TRPMs) and the common release liner, is then formed into a collated and nested array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Christensen, Jeffrey Rogers
  • Publication number: 20050047865
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for forming a serial array of temporary raised pavement markers (TRPMs), which are disposed upon a single, common release liner, into a collated and nested array of the temporary raised pavement markers (TRPMs) such that the collated and nested array of temporary raised pavement markers (TRPMs) can be supplied to apparatus for dispensing and applying the temporary raised pavement markers (TRPMS) onto pavement surfaces. In accordance with a first embodiment of the apparatus, the plurality of temporary raised pavement markers (TRPMs) are formed from a single temporary raised pavement marker (TRPM) extrusion, the extrusion is cut, and subsequently, the markers are mounted upon the single, common release sheet or release liner which has a plurality of adhesive patches previously disposed thereon. The assembly, comprising the plurality of temporary raised pavement markers (TRPMS) and the common release liner, is then formed into a collated and nested array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Publication date: March 3, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Christensen, Jeffrey Rogers
  • Publication number: 20040057796
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying temporary raised pavement markers (TRPM) to roadway surfaces comprises primary and auxiliary conveyors wherein an upstream end portion of the primary conveyor is able to extend, for example, over the rear bed portion of a roadwork truck so as to permit an operator, stationed upon the bed portion of the truck, to deposit pavement markers upon the primary conveyor. In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, a slide mechanism is disposed adjacent to a downstream end portion of the primary conveyor and adjacent to an upstream end portion of the auxiliary conveyor for transferring pavement markers from the primary conveyor to the auxiliary conveyor when the absence of a pavement marker upon the auxiliary conveyor is detected. When pavement markers are present upon both conveyors, the pavement markers are conducted to applicator mechanisms for application to the roadway surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Jeffrey Rogers, Michael Christensen, John Kirckof, Jeffrey Arnold Wilkens, Brad Anderson
  • Patent number: 6709193
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying temporary raised pavement markers (TRPM) to roadway surfaces comprises primary and auxiliary conveyors wherein an upstream end portion of the primary conveyor is able to extend, for example, over the rear bed portion of a roadwork truck so as to permit an operator, stationed upon the bed portion of the truck, to deposit pavement markers upon the primary conveyor. In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, a slide mechanism is disposed adjacent to a downstream end portion of the primary conveyor and adjacent to an upstream end portion of the auxiliary conveyor for transferring pavement markers from the primary conveyor to the auxiliary conveyor when the absence of a pavement marker upon the auxiliary conveyor is detected. When pavement markers are present upon both conveyors, the pavement markers are conducted to applicator mechanisms for application to the roadway surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Rogers, Michael Christensen, John Kirckof, Jeffrey Arnold Wilkens, Brad Anderson
  • Patent number: 6685389
    Abstract: Apparatus for removing protective coverings from temporary raised pavement markers (TRPM) fixedly secured upon roadway surfaces comprises a platform, and a plurality of toothed implements disposed beneath the platform for encountering and removing the protective coverings mounted upon the upstanding vertical reflective portions of the temporary raised pavement markers (TRPM). The toothed implements are mounted upon a chain which is driven by a motor mounted upon an upper surface portion of the platform, and a blower is also mounted upon the upper surface portion of the platform. An exhaust duct, fluidically connected to the intake side of the blower, passes through a suction port defined within the platform so as to be fluidically connected to the underside of the platform, and in this manner, the removed protective coverings of the temporary raised pavement markers (TRPM) may be removed from the roadway surface and conveyed to a suitable debris collection bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Christensen, John Glawe, Chad Orthaus, Jeffrey Arnold Wilkens
  • Patent number: 6619755
    Abstract: Apparatus for removing temporary raised pavement markers (TRPM) from roadway surfaces comprises a platform, and a plurality of cutter blades rotatably disposed beneath the platform for encountering and severing the upstanding vertical reflective portions of the temporary raised pavement markers (TRPM). The cutter blades are driven by a motor mounted upon an upper surface portion of the platform, and a blower is also mounted upon the upper surface portion of the platform. An upstream intake duct, fluidically connected to the intake side of the blower, passes through a rear end portion of the platform so as to be fluidically connected to the underside of the platform, and in this manner, the severed upper reflective portions of the temporary raised pavement markers (TRPM) may be removed from the roadway surface and conveyed to a suitable debris collection bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Christensen, Jeffrey Arnold Wilkens, Jeffrey Rogers
  • Publication number: 20020182590
    Abstract: The present invention addresses one of the major issues in molecular biology today, “functional genomics.” The inventors have provided methods that utilize the phenomenon of RNA interference as a tool for identifying cDNAs that encode proteins with assayable function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Applicant: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Kevin Strange, Michael Christensen, David M. Miller
  • Patent number: 6389708
    Abstract: An alignment system has one or more paired tabs and slots. The tabs are located on one component and the slots are located in another component to provide alignment between the components in three dimensions even if the tabs and slots are beyond the view or not visible to the user. The tab is a flat protrusion having short side edges and tapered front edges that converge to a central tip. The slot is a large, generally diamond-shaped aperture with rectangular slits on two opposed corners. Initially, the tabs on the first component are misaligned in three dimensions relative to the slots in the second component. As the tips of the tabs move into the slots, the tips make contact with the diamond-shaped apertures. The large size and shape of the slots allow for a significant range of misalignment between the components. After initial capture, the tapered front edges of the tabs slide along the apertures to provide coarse deflection and centering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Steven Michael Christensen
  • Publication number: 20020049859
    Abstract: A scalable clustered system includes a global fabric, and two or more cluster nodes interconnected via the global fabric. Each cluster node includes a node naming agent (NNA), a local fabric and one or more end nodes interconnected via the local fabric. The NNA is configured as a fully symmetrical translation device interposed between the local fabric and the global fabric. The NNA provides support for scaled clustering by transforming a local/global cluster address into a corresponding global/local cluster address for each packet in an outbound/inbound path. As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention relates also to a method including steps for scaling the clustered system. Additionally, the invention relates to a computer readable medium in a scalable clustered system that embodies computer program code configured to cause that system to perform steps for configuring and scaling that system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventors: William Bruckert, Marcelo M. de Azevedo, Robert L. Jardine, Mark H. Johnson, Thomas G. Magorka, Jonathan R. Marcus, William Bunton, Jeffrey A. Boyd, Jim Klecka, Carlo Michael Christensen
  • Patent number: 6373698
    Abstract: A cooling apparatus for a computer system includes a fan operable to provide convective cooling to contents of a computer system housing. The fan is at least partly surrounded by a fan housing. A handle is hinged to a top side of the fan housing operable to engage the computer system housing for levering the fan housing in and out of the computer system housing. The handle is foldable into a position lying along the top of the fan housing. A latch includes a movable latch portion which is operable to fasten the handle into the folded position. With the handle in the folded position, a distinctive marking on the latch portion is visible from above the top side of the fan housing so that it is apparent how to release the handle and the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Steven Michael Christensen
  • Patent number: 6282641
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for specifying operation of a boot device in a processor-based system. The apparatus comprises a memory for storing instruction sequences by which the processor-based system is processed and a processor for executing the stored instruction sequences. The stored instruction sequences cause the processor to: (a) determine if a boot process should proceed from a currently specified drive; (b) if not, specify a drive from which the boot process will proceed; and (c) initiate the boot process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Phoenix Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael Christensen
  • Patent number: 6198629
    Abstract: A computer system including a chassis of substantially rectangular cross section suitable for receiving a circuit board. A rear face of the chassis includes upper and lower exhaust ports. A CPU board including one or more processors may be housed within the chassis. The expansion board is suitable for receiving a plurality of expansion cards via connectors attached to the board. The expansion board includes at least one void for facilitating air flow and is housed within the chassis wherein a rear side of the board is proximal to the rear face of the chassis between the upper and lower exhaust ports. An air moving device is positioned within the chassis for directing air flow across the expansion board toward the rear face of the chassis and, via the at least one void in the expansion card, through the upper and lower exhaust ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Lonnie J. Cannon, Steven Michael Christensen, Howard Victor Mahaney, Jr., Bruce James Wilkie