Patents by Inventor Michael Downs

Michael Downs 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: 20130257607
    Abstract: A warning device includes a housing, a power source, a control unit, sensors and alarms. The control unit is in the housing. The sensors are operably connected to the control unit. The sensors detect the presence of an object in each of at least two designated detection zones. The alarms are operably connected to the control unit. The alarms are responsive to a signal from the control unit when objects have been detected in at least two designated detection zones. A method of warning of potential collisions including the steps of: defining at least two designated detection zones; detecting the presence of an object in the zones; determining when objects are present in more than one zone and determining if these are in defined potential collision combinations; and if the objects are present in the more than one zones and in the defined potential collision combinations then activating a warning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: FLOW-RITE SAFETY SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventors: Malcolm Paul RIGBY, Gerard Michael DOWNS, Michael William Arthur LEYLAND, David Michael KLUMB
  • Patent number: 8494106
    Abstract: A shipping container is constructed for shipping channeled fuel bundle assemblies. The shipping container includes an outer container, an inner container sized to fit within the outer container, and shock absorbing material disposed at least between the outer and inner containers. The inner container is shaped to house at least one pre-channeled fuel bundle assembly including a channel, a channel fastener, and an array of fuel rods supported by grid spacers between an upper tie plate and a lower tie plate. The inner container includes a lower tie plate restraint device shaped to receive the lower tie plate and a lower portion of the channel, and an upper tie plate restraint device shaped to receive the upper tie plate and an upper portion of the channel and channel fastener assembly. The lower and upper tie plate restraint devices are lockable within the inner shipping container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Global Nuclear Fuel—Americas, LLC
    Inventors: David Francis Wazybok, David Grey Smith, Andrew Langston, William Williams, James Michael Downs, Christopher R. Jones
  • Patent number: 8149982
    Abstract: A tool to slide a channel on a nuclear reactor fuel bundle assembly, the tool includes: a plate having a slot to receive a handle of the fuel bundle and a lower surface that engages an upper edge of the channel; at least one post extends up from the plate, and an arm is attached to a pivot on the post and includes a first end to receive a downward force and a second end adapted to engage the handle of the fuel bundle to apply an upward force to the handle and push down on the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Global Nuclear Fuel - Americas, LLC
    Inventors: David Francis Wazybok, James Michael Downs, David Grey Smith, Edward G. Apple
  • Publication number: 20110103537
    Abstract: A tool to slide a channel on a nuclear reactor fuel bundle assembly, the tool includes: a plate having a slot to receive a handle of the fuel bundle and a lower surface that engages an upper edge of the channel; at least one post extends up from the plate, and an arm is attached to a pivot on the post and includes a first end to receive a downward force and a second end adapted to engage the handle of the fuel bundle to apply an upward force to the handle and push down on the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: GLOBAL NUCLEAR FUEL - AMERICAS, LLC
    Inventors: David Francis Wazybok, James Michael Downs, David Gray Smith, Edward G. Apple
  • Patent number: 7848476
    Abstract: A tool to slide a channel on a nuclear reactor fuel bundle assembly, the tool includes: a plate having a slot to receive a handle of the fuel bundle and a lower surface that engages an upper edge of the channel; at least one post extends up from the plate, and an arm is attached to a pivot on the post and includes a first end to receive a downward force and a second end adapted to engage the handle of the fuel bundle to apply an upward force to the handle and push down on the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Global Nuclear Fuel - Americas, LLC
    Inventors: David Francis Wazybok, James Michael Downs, David Gray Smith, Edward G. Apple
  • Publication number: 20090129529
    Abstract: A shipping container is constructed for shipping channeled fuel bundle assemblies. The shipping container includes an outer container, an inner container sized to fit within the outer container, and shock absorbing material disposed at least between the outer and inner containers. The inner container is shaped to house at least one pre-channeled fuel bundle assembly including a channel, a channel fastener, and an array of fuel rods supported by grid spacers between an upper tie plate and a lower tie plate. The inner container includes a lower tie plate restraint device shaped to receive the lower tie plate and a lower portion of the channel, and an upper tie plate restraint device shaped to receive the upper tie plate and an upper portion of the channel and channel fastener assembly. The lower and upper tie plate restraint devices are lockable within the inner shipping container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: David Francis Wazybok, David Grey Smith, Andrew Langston, William Williams, James Michael Downs, Christopher R. Jones
  • Publication number: 20090060111
    Abstract: A tool to slide a channel on a nuclear reactor fuel bundle assembly, the tool includes: a plate having a slot to receive a handle of the fuel bundle and a lower surface that engages an upper edge of the channel; at least one post extends up from the plate, and an arm is attached to a pivot on the post and includes a first end to receive a downward force and a second end adapted to engage the handle of the fuel bundle to apply an upward force to the handle and push down on the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: GLOBAL NUCLEAR FUEL - AMERICAS, LLC
    Inventors: David Francis Wazybok, James Michael Downs, David Gray Smith, Edward G. Apple
  • Publication number: 20080141126
    Abstract: A method designed to include a number of features which facilitate fast and accurate reading of text documents. The design of these features is based on research in the fields of visual perception, ergonomics, and usability. The method applies this research to create software which provides various assisted-reading modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Vincent Lee Johnson, Michael Downs Coon
  • Publication number: 20080032789
    Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method provides for determining a first payout to potentially be provided for a current game play of a gaming device, wherein the gaming device is operable to facilitate a wagering game and providing the first payout only upon the satisfaction of a plurality of conditions. The plurality of conditions may comprise, for example, (i) indicia indicative of the first payout being disposed along a payline of the gaming device, wherein the payline is a component of a first display area of the gaming device, and (ii) a characteristic of audio/video content associated with the current game play satisfying a requirement for providing the first payout, wherein the audio/video content is output via a second display area of the gaming device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventors: Jay WALKER, James Jorasch, Robert Tedesco, Michael Downs, Magdalena Fincham
  • Publication number: 20080015023
    Abstract: In various embodiments a casino has the flexibility to download games from a central controller to the gaming devices on the casino floor. The success of various games is periodically monitored. If a game is successful, as measured by its profitability or by some other success metric, then the game may be downloaded automatically to additional gaming devices. If a game is unsuccessful, then the game may be replaced on a gaming device with a new download. In this way, the types and quantities of different games present on a casino floor may be varied in real time based on their popularity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Jay Walker, Bruce Schneier, James Jorasch, Andrew Van Luchene, Geoffrey Gelman, Michael Downs, Dean Alderucci
  • Publication number: 20080015021
    Abstract: In various embodiments a casino has the flexibility to download games from a central controller to the gaming devices on the casino floor. The success of various games is periodically monitored. If a game is successful, as measured by its profitability or by some other success metric, then the game may be downloaded automatically to additional gaming devices. If a game is unsuccessful, then the game may be replaced on a gaming device with a new download. In this way, the types and quantities of different games present on a casino floor may be varied in real time based on their popularity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Jay Walker, Bruce Schneier, James Jorasch, Andrew Van Luchene, Geoffrey Gelman, Michael Downs, Dean Alderucci
  • Publication number: 20080015022
    Abstract: In various embodiments a casino has the flexibility to download games from a central controller to the gaming devices on the casino floor. The success of various games is periodically monitored. If a game is successful, as measured by its profitability or by some other success metric, then the game may be downloaded automatically to additional gaming devices. If a game is unsuccessful, then the game may be replaced on a gaming device with a new download. In this way, the types and quantities of different games present on a casino floor may be varied in real time based on their popularity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Jay Walker, Bruce Schneier, James Jorasch, Andrew Van Luchene, Geoffrey Gelman, Michael Downs, Dean Alderucci
  • Publication number: 20070276705
    Abstract: A method according to some embodiments of the present invention provides for a game server to receive policy requirements of a user for a gambling loss insurance policy from a terminal. The game server determines a premium amount based on the policy requirements of the user and transmits information concerning the premium amount to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventors: Jay Walker, James Jorasch, Stephen Tulley, Michael Downs
  • Publication number: 20070249417
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention are directed to providing lottery outcomes and other types of lottery information to a player (e.g., in accordance with one or more preferences of a player). In some embodiments, lottery information may be provided over a network, via postal mail, via CD-ROM, and/or via a set-top device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Inventors: JOHN PACKES, MICHAEL STEIB, ANDREW GOLDEN, JAMES JORASCH, JAY WALKER, THOMAS SPARICO, STEPHEN TULLEY, MICHAEL DOWNS
  • Publication number: 20070230684
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides for receiving a call from a caller, the call being associated with a first merchant; placing the call in a queue; determining a second merchant; and establishing a connection, the connection enabling communication between the caller and the second merchant while the call is in the queue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventors: Jay Walker, James Jorasch, Thomas Sparico, Michael Downs
  • Publication number: 20070197279
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention are directed to providing lottery outcomes and other types of lottery information to a player (e.g., in accordance with one or more preferences of a player). In some embodiments, lottery information may be provided over a network, via postal mail, via CD-ROM, and/or via a set-top device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Inventors: JOHN PACKES, MICHAEL STEIB, ANDREW GOLDEN, JAMES JORASCH, JAY WALKER, THOMAS SPARICO, STEPHEN TULLEY, MICHAEL DOWNS
  • Publication number: 20070156464
    Abstract: A method according to some embodiments of the present invention provides for a game server to receive policy requirements of a user for a gambling loss insurance policy from a terminal. The game server determines a premium amount based on the policy requirements of the user and transmits information concerning the premium amount to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Inventors: Jay Walker, James Jorasch, Stephen Tulley, Michael Downs
  • Publication number: 20070156465
    Abstract: A method according to some embodiments of the present invention provides for a game server to receive policy requirements of a user for a gambling loss insurance policy from a terminal. The game server determines a premium amount based on the policy requirements of the user and transmits information concerning the premium amount to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Inventors: Jay WALKER, James Jorasch, Stephen Tulley, Michael Downs
  • Publication number: 20070156467
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a gambling loss insurance policy automatically computes insurance premiums and processes gambling sessions covered by the gambling loss insurance policies. The players may purchase the insurance policies using various means such as coins, earned winnings, or credit cards. The gambling loss insurance system provides a high level of flexibility for the players to define specific parameters of the insurance policy. Additionally, the players may purchase the insurance policies directly from the gaming machine, a custom terminal on casino floor, or cage personnel having access to a centralized network server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Inventors: JAY WALKER, James Jorasch, Stephen Tulley, Michael Downs
  • Patent number: D698266
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventors: Briggette Downs, Michael Downs