Patents by Inventor Michael Connor

Michael Connor 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: 20120256099
    Abstract: A mobile diagnostic imaging system includes a battery system and charging system. The battery system is located in the rotating portion of the imaging system, and includes one or more battery packs, comprising electrochemical cells. Each battery pack includes a control circuit that controls the state of charge of each of the electrochemical cells, and implements a control scheme that causes the electrochemical cells to have a similar charge state. The battery system communicates with a charging system on the non-rotating portion to terminate charge when one or more of the electrochemical cells reach a full state of charge. The imaging system also includes a docking system that electrically connects the charging system to the battery system during charging and temporarily electrically disconnects the rotating and non-rotating portions during imaging, a drive mechanism for rotating the rotating portion relative to the non-rotating portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: MOBIUS IMAGING, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene A. GREGERSON, Michael Connor, Michael Allen, Paul Sebring, Robert Powell, Russell Stanton, Scott Coppen
  • Publication number: 20120257371
    Abstract: An illumination device for an image capture system according to one example embodiment includes an integrating light pipe having an input face and an output face. The integrating light pipe is positioned to receive light from a light source at the input face and transmit the light at the output face. A projection element is positioned to focus the light from the output face to a document plane to be imaged by an image sensor. A uniformity correction device is positioned to attenuate the light from the output face so that the light has a substantially uniform intensity at the image sensor and a less uniform intensity at the document plane than at the image sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventors: MATTHEW RYAN KENISTON, Paul Scott Nicholas Sherrill, Mark Eric Miller, William Michael Connors
  • Publication number: 20120250818
    Abstract: A system and a method for acquiring image data of a subject with an imaging system is provided. The system can include a gantry that completely annularly encompasses at least a portion of the subject, which can be positioned along at an isocenter of the imaging system. The system can include a source and a detector positioned within and movable relative to the gantry on a rotor. The system can include a move control module that sets move data for each of the source, detector and rotor that causes the source, detector and rotor to move in a desired motion profile to acquire image data of a portion of the subject off the isocenter of the imaging system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: Medtronic Navigation, Inc
    Inventors: Patrick A. Helm, Michael Connor, Russell Stanton, Norbert Johnson, Gene Gregerson
  • Publication number: 20120244589
    Abstract: The present disclosure identifies methods and compositions for modifying photoautotrophic organisms as hosts, such that the organisms efficiently convert inorganic carbon and light into n-alkanes, and in particular the use of such organisms for the commercial production of n-alkanes and related molecules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: JOULE UNLIMITED TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Dan Eric Robertson, Christian Perry Ridley, Nikos Basil Reppas, Jacob Carter Harrison, Michael Connor, Frank Anthony Skraly
  • Publication number: 20110228910
    Abstract: A diagnostic imaging system, which can be a mobile or stationary surgical CT imaging system or an MRI system, comprises an internal airflow cooling system that includes an air intake opening and an air outtake opening that are positioned near the ground and direct air flow away from the sterile surgical field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Eugene A. Gregerson, Russell Stanton, Michael Allen, Michael Connor, Scott Coppen
  • Publication number: 20110222667
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for a mobile imaging system comprises a main drive geared into a drive wheel for propelling the imaging system, including a base and one or more imaging components, across a surface. The drive mechanism can also include a scan drive that moves the drive mechanism and the one or more imaging components along an axis relative to the base to provide an imaging scan, and a suspension drive that extends the drive wheel relative to a bottom surface when the imaging system is in a transport mode and retracts the drive wheel relative to the bottom surface of the base when the imaging system is in an imaging mode. The drive wheel supports the weight of the imaging components, but does not directly support the base assembly, which can include pedestal and tabletop support. One or more casters located on the base can support the weight of the base assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: Eugene A. Gregerson, Russell Stanton, Michael Allen, Michael Connor, Scott Coppen
  • Patent number: 8011309
    Abstract: The invention provides an innovative yet straightforward approach to driving the seed distribution system in planters which feature hinged winged extensions. The flexibility of the hinged winged extensions may allow the planter to adjust to the contours of a field and to fold to facilitate transport of the planter. In one embodiment, for example, the invention may provide a mechanical coupling between several sections of a seed drive shaft which may support and be driven by a hydraulic motor for each of the winged sections. The seed drive system may also be coupled to row units to synchronize and power the distribution of seeds by the planter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. Jaime, Michael Connors, Leonard A. Bettin, Rodney Samuel Horn
  • Patent number: 7966953
    Abstract: The invention provides an innovative yet straightforward approach to driving the seed distribution system in planters which feature hinged winged extensions. The flexibility of the hinged winged extensions may allow the planter to adjust to the contours of a field and to fold to facilitate transport of the planter. In one embodiment, for example, the invention may provide a mechanical coupling between several sections of a seed drive shaft which may support and be driven by a hydraulic motor for each of the winged sections. The seed drive system may also be coupled to row units to synchronize and power the distribution of seeds by the planter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. Jaime, Michael Connors, Leonard A. Bettin, Rodney Samuel Horn
  • Patent number: 7850277
    Abstract: A printhead maintenance station comprises a base including a spitting zone, a maintenance sled movable relative to the base, a wiper assembly for cleaning a printhead orifice plate, a capping assembly for capping a printhead orifice plate, a pick motor operating a paper picking assembly and the maintenance sled and the capping assembly, and, wherein the maintenance station provides for spitting, wiping, and capping of a printhead orifice plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Michael Morris, William Michael Connors
  • Publication number: 20100251948
    Abstract: The invention provides an innovative yet straightforward approach to driving the seed distribution system in planters which feature hinged winged extensions. The flexibility of the hinged winged extensions may allow the planter to adjust to the contours of a field and to fold to facilitate transport of the planter. In one embodiment, for example, the invention may provide a mechanical coupling between several sections of a seed drive shaft which may support and be driven by a hydraulic motor for each of the winged sections. The seed drive system may also be coupled to row units to synchronize and power the distribution of seeds by the planter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Richard J. Jaime, Michael Connors, Leonard A. Bettin, Rodney Samuel Horn
  • Publication number: 20100251949
    Abstract: The invention provides an innovative yet straightforward approach to driving the seed distribution system in planters which feature hinged winged extensions. The flexibility of the hinged winged extensions may allow the planter to adjust to the contours of a field and to fold to facilitate transport of the planter. In one embodiment, for example, the invention may provide a mechanical coupling between several sections of a seed drive shaft which may support and be driven by a hydraulic motor for each of the winged sections. The seed drive system may also be coupled to row units to synchronize and power the distribution of seeds by the planter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Richard J. Jaime, Michael Connors, Leonard A. Bettin, Rodney Samuel Horn
  • Patent number: 7766568
    Abstract: A printhead carrier having a zero clearance bearing arrangement includes a first open-faced bearing coupled to a dampener frame. The first open-faced bearing has a first bearing surface positioned to contact the cylindrical guide surface of a guide rod of an imaging apparatus. A second open-faced bearing is coupled to the dampener frame. The second open-faced bearing has a second bearing surface positioned to contact the cylindrical guide surface of the guide rod. The guide rod is diametrically positioned between the first open-faced bearing and the second open-faced bearing. An elastic foam member is interposed between the first open-faced bearing and the dampener frame. The elastic foam member is compressed to exert an expansion force between the first open-faced bearing and the dampener frame to load the second open-faced bearing on the guide rod in a zero-clearance relationship with the guide rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: William Michael Connors, Stephen Edward Stewart
  • Patent number: 7762201
    Abstract: The invention provides an innovative yet straightforward approach to driving the seed distribution system in planters which feature hinged winged extensions. The flexibility of the hinged winged extensions may allow the planter to adjust to the contours of a field and to fold to facilitate transport of the planter. In one embodiment, for example, the invention may provide a mechanical coupling between several sections of a seed drive shaft which may support and be driven by a hydraulic motor for each of the winged sections. The seed drive system may also be coupled to row units to synchronize and power the distribution of seeds by the planter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. Jaime, Michael Connors, Leonard A. Bettin, Rodney Samuel Horn
  • Patent number: 7642450
    Abstract: A solar collector arrangement includes a number of assemblies (1), which are immersed or partially immersed in a pond of water (2). Each assembly (1) includes a parabolic reflector (3) and an absorber (6). Barriers (10) are located on or near the surface of the water (2) and operate to reduce waves which may otherwise disturb the direct passage of sunlight in windy conditions. The complete immersion of the assembly (1) in the liquid serves to simultaneously protect and cool the apparatus, while allowing ease of sun 10 tracking movements by buoyancy induced rotation. Partially immersed versions have higher efficiency and protect against severe weather by inverting into the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Sunengy Pty Limited
    Inventor: Philip Michael Connor
  • Patent number: 7591456
    Abstract: An auto-document feeder re-ingestion stop includes an auto-document feeder having a lower input tray and an upper output tray, the upper output tray having a length which is shorter than the length of input tray so that exiting or exited media depends onto the input tray, a flexible stopper depending from the upper output tray and inhibiting the exited media from being re-ingested by paper-to-paper friction during feeding of media in the input tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: William Michael Connors, Walter Kevin Cousins, Stephen Kelly Cunnagin, John Andrew Schmelz, Stephen Edward Stewart
  • Publication number: 20090229501
    Abstract: The invention provides an innovative yet straightforward approach to driving the seed distribution system in planters which feature hinged winged extensions. The flexibility of the hinged winged extensions may allow the planter to adjust to the contours of a field and to fold to facilitate transport of the planter. In one embodiment, for example, the invention may provide a mechanical coupling between several sections of a seed drive shaft which may support and be driven by a hydraulic motor for each of the winged sections. The seed drive system may also be coupled to row units to synchronize and power the distribution of seeds by the planter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. Jaime, Michael Connors, Leonard A. Bettin, Rodney Samuel Horn
  • Patent number: 7559737
    Abstract: A new type of pallet stacking assembly line. Two pick-and-place robots are used. The first robot has a relatively low position. The second robot is in an elevated position. A pallet dispenser dispenses a first pallet onto a pallet conveyor. The pallet conveyor then moves the first pallet to a first build position in front of the first robot. The first robot then begins picking products from a first pick position and stacking them on the first pallet. Once the products on the first pallet reach approximately half the finished height, the pallet conveyor carries the first pallet over to a second build position in front of the second robot. At the same time, the pallet dispenser dispenses a second pallet which is carried to the first build position. The second robot picks products from a second pick position and places them on the upper portion of the first pallet in order to complete the stack. Meanwhile, the first robot is picking and placing products on the lower portion of the second pallet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Sentry Equipment Erectors Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Ray, David N. Cooley, Gary D. Hunt, J. Michael Connor, Gert B. Gast, Donald Peter Welch, Mark T. Brogan, John P. Choufani, Kevin F. Keyes
  • Publication number: 20090097896
    Abstract: A printhead carrier having a zero clearance bearing arrangement includes a first open-faced bearing coupled to a dampener frame. The first open-faced bearing has a first bearing surface positioned to contact the cylindrical guide surface of a guide rod of an imaging apparatus. A second open-faced bearing is coupled to the dampener frame. The second open-faced bearing has a second bearing surface positioned to contact the cylindrical guide surface of the guide rod. The guide rod is diametrically positioned between the first open-faced bearing and the second open-faced bearing. An elastic foam member is interposed between the first open-faced bearing and the dampener frame. The elastic foam member is compressed to exert an expansion force between the first open-faced bearing and the dampener frame to load the second open-faced bearing on the guide rod in a zero-clearance relationship with the guide rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: William Michael Connors, Stephen Edward Stewart
  • Publication number: 20080290580
    Abstract: An auto-document feeder re-ingestion stop includes an auto-document feeder having a lower input tray and an upper output tray, the upper output tray having a length which is shorter than the length of input tray so that exiting or exited media depends onto the input tray, a flexible stopper depending from the upper output tray and inhibiting the exited media from being re-ingested by paper-to-paper friction during feeding of media in the input tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: William Michael Connors, Walter Kevin Cousins, Stephen Kelly Cunnagin, John Andrew Schmels, Stephen Edward Stewart
  • Publication number: 20080198197
    Abstract: A printhead maintenance station comprises a base including a spitting zone, a maintenance sled movable relative to the base, a wiper assembly for cleaning a printhead orifice plate, a capping assembly for capping a printhead orifice plate, a pick motor operating a paper picking assembly and the maintenance sled and the capping assembly, and, wherein the maintenance station provides for spitting, wiping, and capping of a printhead orifice plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Edward Michael Morris, William Michael Connors