Patents by Inventor Michael D. Mitchell

Michael D. Mitchell 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: 20240068679
    Abstract: An evaporative humidifier including a power unit housing, a blower assembly, a water tank, and a wick. The power unit housing includes an air entrance and an air exit. The blower assembly positioned in the power unit housing, the blower assembly being configured to draw air through the power unit housing when the evaporative humidifier is in an operational state in which humidified air is being supplied to an ambient environment. The water tank configured for storing water, and having no lower water outlet used when in the operational state. The wick positioned in the water tank such that water is drawn into the wick from the water tank, through the wick, and toward an air outlet, and such that when the evaporative humidifier is in the operational state, the blower assembly moves air from the air exit, through the wick, and toward the air outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Kevin M. Johnson, Michael D. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 11355895
    Abstract: A tool for demating multi-pin connectors includes a first fork including an inner fork member and an outer fork member operatively connected for relative movement parallel to a longitudinal fork axis. A second fork is spaced apart from the first fork wherein the second fork includes an inner fork member and an outer fork member operatively connected for relative movement parallel to the longitudinal fork axis. A handle connects the first fork to the second fork. The handle includes an outer handle member fixedly connecting the outer fork members of the first and second forks, and the handle includes an inner handle member fixedly connecting the inner fork members of the first and second forks. Relative movement of the inner and outer handle members causes relative movement of the inner and outer fork members of the first and second forks for demating multi-pin electrical connectors from sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Michael D. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 10976754
    Abstract: A method of a method of controlling a volume of material dispensed by a constant pressure adhesive and sealant dispensing system controlled by a controller during shots includes automatically adjusting a proportional valve control setting for an orifice size of a controlled pressure regulator. An orifice size control pressure corresponding to the proportional valve control setting is applied to an orifice size control inlet of the controlled pressure regulator. A volume of the material dispensed during each shot is monitored and when the volume of material dispensed during each shot of a predetermined number of successive shots is outside a target range, the proportional valve control setting is automatically adjusted by the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Michael D Mitchell, Phillip M Markison, John Macdonald, Michael M Zupancic
  • Patent number: 10745962
    Abstract: A hinge for a bi-fold door is integrated with a pair of stiles. Each stile has a hinge flange integrated to the stile. Opposing stiles with opposing and aligned hinge flanges collectively create an integral hinge assembly that may be useful in thermal doors employing one or more thermal breaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Arconic Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Michael D. Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20200244027
    Abstract: A tool for demating multi-pin connectors includes a first fork including an inner fork member and an outer fork member operatively connected for relative movement parallel to a longitudinal fork axis. A second fork is spaced apart from the first fork wherein the second fork includes an inner fork member and an outer fork member operatively connected for relative movement parallel to the longitudinal fork axis. A handle connects the first fork to the second fork. The handle includes an outer handle member fixedly connecting the outer fork members of the first and second forks, and the handle includes an inner handle member fixedly connecting the inner fork members of the first and second forks. Relative movement of the inner and outer handle members causes relative movement of the inner and outer fork members of the first and second forks for demating multi-pin electrical connectors from sockets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2020
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Applicant: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Michael D. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 10637202
    Abstract: A tool for demating multi-pin connectors includes a first fork including an inner fork member and an outer fork member operatively connected for relative movement parallel to a longitudinal fork axis. A second fork is spaced apart from the first fork wherein the second fork includes an inner fork member and an outer fork member operatively connected for relative movement parallel to the longitudinal fork axis. A handle connects the first fork to the second fork. The handle includes an outer handle member fixedly connecting the outer fork members of the first and second forks, and the handle includes an inner handle member fixedly connecting the inner fork members of the first and second forks. Relative movement of the inner and outer handle members causes relative movement of the inner and outer fork members of the first and second forks for demating multi-pin electrical connectors from sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Michael D. Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20200081458
    Abstract: A method of a method of controlling a volume of material dispensed by a constant pressure adhesive and sealant dispensing system controlled by a controller during shots includes automatically adjusting a proportional valve control setting for an orifice size of a controlled pressure regulator. An orifice size control pressure corresponding to the proportional valve control setting is applied to an orifice size control inlet of the controlled pressure regulator. A volume of the material dispensed during each shot is monitored and when the volume of material dispensed during each shot of a predetermined number of successive shots is outside a target range, the proportional valve control setting is automatically adjusted by the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Michael D. Mitchell, Phillip M. Markison, John Macdonald, Michael M. Zupancic
  • Patent number: 10400891
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for controlling acceleration of a machine when the machine exits a grade. The system, method, and apparatus may determine a virtual gear having a maximum speed limit equivalent that matches the speed of the machine as the machine exits the grade. The system, method, and apparatus may also deactivate an automatic retarding control (ARC) strategy, which may be activated when the machine is on the grade to reduce and limit the speed of the machine to no more than a set speed, if the ARC strategy is active as the machine exits the grade. The system, method, and apparatus may also control automatic downshift of a transmission system to the virtual gear if the ARC mode was activing during the exit from the graded surface and is now deactive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Austin J. Scott, Barry Mei, Michael D. Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20190264492
    Abstract: A hinge for a bi-fold door is integrated with a pair of stiles. Each stile has a hinge flange integrated to the stile. Opposing stiles with opposing and aligned hinge flanges collectively create an integral hinge assembly that may be useful in thermal doors employing one or more thermal breaks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Applicant: Arconic Inc.
    Inventor: Michael D. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 10246087
    Abstract: A system and method for mitigating collisions for an articulated work vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a controller configured to determine a safe-zone around the articulated work vehicle based on signals corresponding to sensed objects around the articulated work vehicle. The controller is further configured to determine a position and velocity of one or more peripheral points on the articulated work vehicle based on signals from a set of sensor systems operatively coupled to the articulated work vehicle. The controller is further configured to receive a driver control input. The controller is further configured to apply a limit to the driver control input when a peripheral point on the articulated work vehicle is expected to be within a predetermined distance to a nearest edge of the safe-zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Mitchell, Adam M. Plecker, Mark A. Robinson, Shaun R. Melchiori
  • Publication number: 20180316153
    Abstract: A tool for demating multi-pin connectors includes a first fork including an inner fork member and an outer fork member operatively connected for relative movement parallel to a longitudinal fork axis. A second fork is spaced apart from the first fork wherein the second fork includes an inner fork member and an outer fork member operatively connected for relative movement parallel to the longitudinal fork axis. A handle connects the first fork to the second fork. The handle includes an outer handle member fixedly connecting the outer fork members of the first and second forks, and the handle includes an inner handle member fixedly connecting the inner fork members of the first and second forks. Relative movement of the inner and outer handle members causes relative movement of the inner and outer fork members of the first and second forks for demating multi-pin electrical connectors from sockets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Inventor: Michael D. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 10087603
    Abstract: A system may comprise a plurality of sensors configured to transmit sensor information regarding a speed of a machine, a position of an implement of the machine, a payload of the machine, a grade of a surface on which the machine is traveling. The system may further comprise an electronic control module configured to receive steering command information regarding a steering command of the machine; determine, based on the steering command information, one or more articulation parameters associated with the steering command, determine the speed, the position of the implement, the payload, and the grade based on the sensor information. The electronic control module may be configured to determine one or more articulation parameters thresholds based on the speed, the position of the implement, and the payload of the machine; and modify the steering command when the one or more articulation parameters exceeds the one or more articulation parameters thresholds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Mitchell, Mark A. Robinson, Adam M. Plecker
  • Publication number: 20180172147
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for controlling acceleration of a machine when the machine exits a grade. The system, method, and apparatus may determine a virtual gear having a maximum speed limit equivalent that matches the speed of the machine as the machine exits the grade. The system, method, and apparatus may also deactivate an automatic retarding control (ARC) strategy, which may be activated when the machine is on the grade to reduce and limit the speed of the machine to no more than a set speed, if the ARC strategy is active as the machine exits the grade. The system, method, and apparatus may also control automatic downshift of a transmission system to the virtual gear if the ARC mode was activing during the exit from the graded surface and is now deactive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Austin J. SCOTT, Barry Mei, Michael D. Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20180170369
    Abstract: A system and method for mitigating collisions for an articulated work vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a controller configured to determine a safe-zone around the articulated work vehicle based on signals corresponding to sensed objects around the articulated work vehicle. The controller is further configured to determine a position and velocity of one or more peripheral points on the articulated work vehicle based on signals from a set of sensor systems operatively coupled to the articulated work vehicle. The controller is further configured to receive a driver control input. The controller is further configured to apply a limit to the driver control input when a peripheral point on the articulated work vehicle is expected to be within a predetermined distance to a nearest edge of the safe-zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. MITCHELL, Adam M. PLECKER, Mark A. ROBINSON, Shaun R. MELCHIORI
  • Publication number: 20180087242
    Abstract: A system may comprise a plurality of sensors configured to transmit sensor information regarding a speed of a machine, a position of an implement of the machine, a payload of the machine, a grade of a surface on which the machine is traveling. The system may further comprise an electronic control module configured to receive steering command information regarding a steering command of the machine; determine, based on the steering command information, one or more articulation parameters associated with the steering command, determine the speed, the position of the implement, the payload, and the grade based on the sensor information. The electronic control module may be configured to determine one or more articulation parameters thresholds based on the speed, the position of the implement, and the payload of the machine; and modify the steering command when the one or more articulation parameters exceeds the one or more articulation parameters thresholds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Mitchell, Mark A. Robinson, Adam M. Plecker
  • Patent number: 9925983
    Abstract: A system and method for limiting articulation between a front frame and a rear frame of an articulated machine are disclosed. The system and method receive steering signals and determine impending contact between the front frame and the rear frame based on the received steering signals. Additionally, an amount by which to reduce torque at a hitch coupled between the front and rear frames so as to limit an articulation characteristic of the front frame relative to the rear frame to a predetermined value is determined, responsive to determination of impending contact. Prior to contact, rimpull of the articulated machine is reduced based on the determined amount of torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Mitchell, Sameer S. Marathe, Mark A. Robinson, Wesley T. Payne
  • Publication number: 20180015927
    Abstract: A system and method for limiting articulation between a front frame and a rear frame of an articulated machine are disclosed. The system and method receive steering signals and determine impending contact between the front frame and the rear frame based on the received steering signals. Additionally, an amount by which to reduce torque at a hitch coupled between the front and rear frames so as to limit an articulation characteristic of the front frame relative to the rear frame to a predetermined value is determined, responsive to determination of impending contact. Prior to contact, rimpull of the articulated machine is reduced based on the determined amount of torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. MITCHELL, Sameer S. MARATHE, Mark A. ROBINSON, Wesley T. PAYNE
  • Publication number: 20160266093
    Abstract: The present invention provides cells comprising disrupted expression of at least one membrane transporter, drug metabolizing enzyme, xenobiotic sensor, or cellular stress response pathway protein. Also provided are methods for assessing the effect of an agent in the cells disclosed herein relative to comparable control cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Maureen Bourner, Timothy Brayman, Gary Davis, Michael D. Mitchell, David C. Thompson, Yongling Xiao
  • Patent number: 9139981
    Abstract: A system for derating rimpull on a machine, and a related method and computer program product are disclosed. The system may comprise a one or more front wheels, one or more rear wheels, one or more front powertrains, one or more rear powertrains, a hydraulic system, an engine, and a controller. The controller configured to determine a Total Rimpull Derate for the machine, determine a Final Rear Derate Amount, derate rear wheel rimpull by the Final Rear Derate Amount, and, if the Final Rear Derate Amount is less than the Total Rimpull Derate for the machine, derate front wheel rimpull by the Shortfall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Mitchell, Mark A. Robinson, Sameer S. Marathe
  • Publication number: 20150218779
    Abstract: A system for derating rimpull on a machine, and a related method and computer program product are disclosed. The system may comprise a one or more front wheels, one or more rear wheels, one or more front powertrains, one or more rear powertrains, a hydraulic system, an engine, and a controller. The controller configured to determine a Total Rimpull Derate for the machine, determine a Final Rear Derate Amount, derate rear wheel rimpull by the Final Rear Derate Amount, and, if the Final Rear Derate Amount is less than the Total Rimpull Derate for the machine, derate front wheel rimpull by the Shortfall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Mitchell, Mark A. Robinson, Sameer S. Marathe