Patents by Inventor Michael Dixon

Michael Dixon 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: 20060181154
    Abstract: A combination of a capacitance-sensing light switch (sensing cube (1)) and a cover-plate mounting system (2), (3), (4) significantly improving on existing light switches. The capacitance-sensing switch is electrically isolated in an epoxy filled sensing cube (1) yet is compatible with cover-plates (4) made from materials with a wide range of dielectric constants; stone, wood, tile, plastic and metal. The sensing cube (1) integrates into the cube housing (2) creating a package similar in size to the mechanical switches it replaces. The invention eliminates the holes in the cover-plate for the switch and the mounting screws. The sensing cube (1) is activated through the cover-plate (4) by a change in its capacitance when the cover-plate (4) is touched. The cover-plate (4) is connected to the mounting system mechanically and pulled into position using a mechanical spring or friction lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Inventors: David Ratner, Michael Dixon, Paul Gassen
  • Publication number: 20050273989
    Abstract: A composite nozzle strip for hydroentangling of a fibrous mass is provided to lower nozzle erosion potential and increase operational efficiency. The composite nozzle strip comprises a substrate comprising a material of a first hardness having at least one aperture and at least one orifice element comprising a material of a second hardness greater than the first hardness and further defining an aperture of a second diameter less than the first diameter. The at least one orifice element is affixed to the substrate so that the aperture in the orifice element is aligned with the at least one aperture in the substrate for creation of a constricted water jet when subjected to pressurized water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Publication date: December 15, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Dixon, James Lowder, Behnam Pourdeyhimi, Hooman Tafreshi
  • Publication number: 20050089885
    Abstract: This invention relates to polymorphisms in the IRF6 gene which are associated with various diseases, such as Van der Woude syndrome, Poplitieal syndrome, isolated cleft lip and/or palate, and other orofusial clefting disorders. The invention also relates to the nucleotide sequences of this gene, isolated nucleic acids comprising these nucleotide sequences, and isolated polypeptides or peptides encoded thereby. The invention further relates to vectors and host cells comprising the disclosed nucleotide sequences, or fragments thereof, as well as antibodies that bind to the encoded polypeptides or peptides. In addition the invention relates to methods and compositions employing the disclosed nucleic acids, polypeptides or peptides, or antibodies for use in diagnostics and therapeutics for IRF6 associated disorders, e.g., Van der Woude syndrome, Poplitieal syndrome, isolated cleft lip and/or palate, and other orofusial clefting disorders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Publication date: April 28, 2005
    Applicant: University of Iowa Research Foundation
    Inventors: Brian Schutte, Jeffrey Murray, Shinji Kondo, Michael Dixon
  • Publication number: 20050084297
    Abstract: A magnetic roller for electrophotography comprises a foamed resin magnetic material. A method of producing a magnetic roller comprises the steps of providing magnetic filler, a resin binder and a foaming agent in a closed mold; activating the foaming agent in the closed mold; and removing the resulting formed roller from the mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Publication date: April 21, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Dixon, Robert Hackett, Joe McGuire
  • Patent number: 6257471
    Abstract: A ski-carrier module and module attachment apparatus for attaching the ski-carrier module to the bars of a pre-existing modular vehicle roof rack system. The ski-carrier module comprises upward-facing ski pole receptors placed on a lower arm thereby simplifying insertion of ski poles into a ski rack, as well as a hinge assembly capable of being locked and unlocked into multiple raised positions enabling the insertion of skis and ski poles into the ski-carrier module unobstructed by the position of the upper arm of the ski-carrier module. The attachment apparatus for attaching the module to a roof rack bar comprising two wrap-around attachment anchors which are placed around the roof rack bar and then inserted into their corresponding anchor head aperture and anchor head slot. The aperture and slot are located on the underside of the lower arm of the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Sport Carriers, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Dixon, James B. Hudson, Jon Apogee
  • Patent number: 5944703
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for withdrawing fluid from a wound comprising providing a passage between the wound and a collection container with a valve therebetween to control flow of fluid from the passage to the container. Cyclically establishing in the passage a level of vacuum at a selected value higher than the level of vacuum in the container to thereby draw fluid from the wound while the valve is closed to collect the fluid in the passage. The valve is opened in response to the level of vacuum in the passage falling below the select value, as a result of the buildup of fluid therein, to permit discharge of fluid from the passage into the container. As a result of the discharge of fluid, the selected level of vacuum in the passage is reestablished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Research Medical Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Dixon, Raymond Lawrence Stubber
  • Patent number: 5938090
    Abstract: A ski-carrier module and module attachment apparatus for attaching the ski-carrier module to the bars of a pre-existing modular vehicle roof rack system. The ski-carrier module comprises upward-facing ski pole receptors placed on a lower arm thereby simplifying insertion of ski poles into a ski rack, as well as a hinge assembly capable of being locked and unlocked into multiple raised positions enabling the insertion of skis and ski poles into the ski-carrier module unobstructed by the position of the upper arm of the ski-carrier module. The attachment apparatus for attaching the module to a roof rack bar comprising two wrap-around attachment anchors which are placed around the roof rack bar and then inserted into their corresponding anchor head aperture and anchor head slot. The aperture and slot are located on the underside of the lower arm of the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Sport Carriers, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Dixon, James B. Hudson, Jon Apogee
  • Patent number: 5828182
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a power supply circuit for controlling a load which, for example, includes both a gas-discharge lamp and an auxiliary load. The power supply circuit includes a ballast circuit for limiting current supplied to the gas discharge lamp. The auxiliary load, such as an occupancy sensor, is connected to receive an alternating current signal from a transformer winding, inductor coil, or other suitable portion of the ballast circuit. The power supply circuit includes a rectifier for rectifying the alternating current signal to provide a stable, low-voltage direct current signal to drive the auxiliary load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Electronic Lighting Incorporated
    Inventors: John R. Shannon, Jeffrey Michael Dixon, Hubertus Notohamiprodjo
  • Patent number: 5573160
    Abstract: A ski-carrier module and module attachment apparatus for attaching the ski-carrier module to the bars of a pre-existing modular vehicle roof rack system, The ski-carrier module comprises upward-facing ski pole receptors placed on a lower arm thereby simplifying insertion of ski poles into a ski rack, as well as a hinge assembly capable of being locked and unlocked into multiple raised positions enabling the insertion of skis and ski poles into the ski-carrier module unobstructed by the position of the upper arm of the ski-carrier module. The attachment apparatus for attaching the module to a roof rack bar comprising two wrap-around attachment anchors which are placed around the roof rack bar and then inserted into their corresponding anchor head aperture and anchor head slot. The aperture and slot are located on the underside of the lower arm of the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Sport Carriers, Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael Dixon, James B. Hudson, Jon Apogee
  • Patent number: 5490621
    Abstract: A ski-carrier module and module attachment apparatus for attaching the ski-carrier module to the bars of a pre-existing modular vehicle roof rack system. The ski-carrier module comprises upward-facing ski pole receptors placed on a lower arm thereby simplifying insertion of ski poles into a ski rack, as well as a hinge assembly capable of being locked and unlocked into multiple raised positions enabling the insertion of skis and ski poles into the ski-carrier module unobstructed by the position of the upper arm of the ski-carrier module. The attachment apparatus for attaching the module to a roof rack bar comprising two wrap-around attachment anchors which are placed around the roof rack bar and then inserted into their corresponding anchor head aperture and anchor head slot. The aperture and slot are located on the underside of the lower arm of the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Sport Carriers, Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael Dixon, James B. Hudson, Jon Apogee
  • Patent number: 5325500
    Abstract: Parallel processing circuitry on a substrate includes an array of memory elements in rows and columns. Row select circuitry can select the memory elements in any of the rows. Each column has respective processing circuitry to access its memory elements. The columns' processing circuitry can perform operations on data in parallel, so that each column and its processing circuitry form a processing unit. Data can be transferred to or from any of the columns. A column register can be connected so that data from a first column can be read, stored, and then written into a second column. Or a permutation network with connecting lines can be set up so that each connecting line can transfer data from one column to another. The column register can be connected to a shift register for transferring data to or from an external connection. Or the connecting lines of the permutation network can be set up for transferring data to or from the external connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Alan G. Bell, John Lamping, Michael Dixon
  • Patent number: 5104018
    Abstract: An improved article carrying system for a vehicle having a pair of generally flat rails directly mounted to the vehicle surface, each rail being characterized by an upstanding wall with a sidewardly facing track formed therein and a ridge spaced from and parallel to the wall. A slider for mounting article support and securing members has a pedestal which rests on the flat surface of the rail and is captured in the track between the wall and the ridge. A grip bar having a plurality of spaced-apart locking tabs is swingably mounted to the slider whereby when the grip bar overlies the rail, the locking tabs on the grip bar lockingly engage the protrusions on the rail, and when the grip bar is swung cross-wise to the rail, the locking tabs clear the protrusions to allow the slider to be moved along the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Rola Roof Racks International, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Dixon
  • Patent number: 5088048
    Abstract: Propositional reasoning is performed on a massively parallel processor, with sets of element value combinations being handled by separate processing units. A host processor operates as a problem solver generating requests for propositional reasoning, and also operates as an interface between the problem solver and the parallel processor. In response to a request that includes a formula, the interface provides one or more formulas such as justifications and class restrictions. The interface provides instructions to the parallel processor based on each of these formulas. The instruction based on each formula are provided so that the set of element value combinations handled by each processing unit is not divided or forked into two subsets until necessary. If possible, forking is avoided by forcing the value of an element to the only value consistent with the current formula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Dixon, Johan de Kleer, John O. Lamping
  • Patent number: 5054673
    Abstract: A vehicle ski carrier system carries a plurality of skis oriented in a position inclined from the vertical. The ski carrier system includes hinged lower and upper arms, and ski carrier inserts attached to each arm. The ski carrier inserts have opposed, alternating flat holding members and curvilinear compression members. When the arms are opened, a pair of skis can be placed against a holding member on the lower arm, and when the arms are closed, an opposing holding member on the upper arm closes on the opposite side of the skis and the opposed holding members are then urged tightly together by the compression members. The ski carrier inserts are of a modular construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Rola Roof Racks International, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Dixon
  • Patent number: 4776166
    Abstract: An improved free piston power unit includes a pair of power pistons at opposite ends of a common power cylinder, wherein the power pistons are linked for reciprocation in unison in opposite directions. The power pistons carry a respective pair of compressor pistons disposed within compressor cylinders to generate a supply of compressed air or the like upon power piston reciprocation. The power pistons further cooperate with a respective pair of gas-containing bounce cylinders which provide pneumatic reaction forces to return the power pistons through a compresion stroke at the conclusion of a combustion expansion stroke. The bounce cylinders each have a relieved end face to provide an increased minimum bounce cylinder volume thereby limiting the maximum pressure and temperature to which the bounce cylinders are subjected, without requiring increase in the overall envelope size for the power unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Assignee: Allied-Signal, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Dixon
  • Patent number: 4630876
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to what may aptly be termed "genderless", or "hermaphroditic", or perhaps "unisex" electrical connectors, and more particularly to such an electrical connector having a keying system which minimizes the chance of two incompatible cables being connected together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1986
    Inventors: Robert M. Grunberg, Michael Dixon
  • Patent number: D312235
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: Samrein Pty. Limited
    Inventor: Michael Dixon
  • Patent number: D315888
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Assignee: Samrein Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael Dixon