Patents by Inventor Michael D. Combs

Michael D. Combs 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: 20230415873
    Abstract: Provided is a radar and communications enhanced sail for a sailboat, sail ship, or sail drone. The sail includes a first sail section comprising an active communication system, a second sail section comprising a passive communication system, or a combination thereof. The active communication system includes an antenna array (transceiver) and a software-defined radio (SDR), while the passive communication system comprises a reflective panel or sections and/or array of reflector panels or sections. The active system utilizes its SDR and transceiver to communicate back and forth with an onshore SDR and transceiver to provide information as necessary. The passive system receives a radar signal via the reflective material on the sail and reflects the signal back at the radar, which produces a radar cross section indicating that there is an object (in this case the sailboat) in the ocean.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2023
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Applicant: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Corey Bergsrud, Katherine Grace Pfeiffer, Edward Zipperle, Michael D. Combs
  • Publication number: 20110264463
    Abstract: The activity notification process includes a first step of selecting an activity center on a home screen of a home station. The home screen of the home station has a plurality of selectable activity center choices, the selection thereof generating a plurality of selectable patient location options. The next step includes selecting one of the location options to send a message to an activity station of the activity center, the home station touch screen returning to its home screen with the activity center being predominantly highlighted thereon. The activity station generates an alert window providing directions to a location. The predominately highlighted activity center on the home station touch screen is deselected, only when the message has been answered, thereby returning the home screen thereon to a state that does not show the predominant highlights, the deselection providing verification that the message has been answered. The activity center may be disabled until the required activity is completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: AUTOMATED MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: WILLIAM R. KINCAID, Michael D. Combs, Robert E. Goepel, Jason T. Goepel
  • Patent number: 5588179
    Abstract: A flap of an elastomeric material is disposed over an outlet opening in a dust box within a main hopper of an industrial-type sweeper, the outlet opening providing communication between the dust box and the main hopper for emptying of the contents accumulated within the dust box. The flap is positioned over the outlet opening and is operative to provide selective communication between the dust box and the main hopper. During dirt and debris collection, such is accumulated within the dust box, while during emptying the dirt and debris are allowed to fall into the main hopper for egress through the hopper inlet. In one embodiment, the main hopper door controls the selective communication of a slotted flap through connection of one end of the flap to the hopper door. In another embodiment, air pressure regulates the opening and closing of the flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Clarke Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Bargiel, Jack L. Burgoon, Michael D. Combs