Patents by Inventor Michael Duane Christopher

Michael Duane Christopher 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: 20220246148
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for implementation and use of voice activated laboratory environments (VALET) are disclosed. According to one aspect, a VALET controls a first instrument in a first location, and has, in acoustic proximity to the first location, an audio interface configured to receive voice commands, to enunciate responses to the voice commands, and to transmit a first signal responsive to a first voice command to an intermediary location. The VALET also includes a computer configured to receive a computer instruction from the intermediary location, the computer instruction configuring the computer to select and issue an instrument command to cause the first instrument to effectuate the voice command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2022
    Publication date: August 4, 2022
    Inventors: Michael Duane CHRISTOPHER, Radhika Kozhikodakatha MENON
  • Patent number: 11302316
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for implementation and use of voice activated laboratory environments (VALET) are disclosed. According to one aspect, a VALET controls a first instrument in a first location, and has, in acoustic proximity to the first location, an audio interface configured to receive voice commands, to enunciate responses to the voice commands, and to transmit a first signal responsive to a first voice command to an intermediary location. The VALET also includes a computer configured to receive a computer instruction from the intermediary location, the computer instruction configuring the computer to select and issue an instrument command to cause the first instrument to effectuate the voice command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: ETS-Lindgren, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Duane Christopher, Radhika Kozhikodakatha Menon
  • Publication number: 20190392825
    Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for implementation and use of voice activated laboratory environments (VALET) are disclosed. According to one aspect, a VALET controls a first instrument in a first location, and has, in acoustic proximity to the first location, an audio interface configured to receive voice commands, to enunciate responses to the voice commands, and to transmit a first signal responsive to a first voice command to an intermediary location. The VALET also includes a computer configured to receive a computer instruction from the intermediary location, the computer instruction configuring the computer to select and issue an instrument command to cause the first instrument to effectuate the voice command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Duane CHRISTOPHER, Radhika Kozhikodakatha MENON
  • Patent number: 6614558
    Abstract: An error detection apparatus and method for use with engravers, such as gravure engravers. An error value E corresponding to the difference between a set of predetermined setup parameters and actual measurement of a portion of an engraved area on the cylinder is determined. The error value E is then used to adjust the engraver to engrave an actual cut or etch in accordance with the set of predetermined setup parameters. Advantageously, an error detection and correction system is suitable for providing a closed-loop system for engraving a cylinder. The apparatus and method may be used during initial setup or during normal operation of the engraver. Other features include an autofocus routine to facilitate the auto-focus procedure. Also, image processing is further enhanced by gap filling, discontinuity removal, and light calibration methods which may be used alone, in combination with each other, or in combination with the automatic focus system and/or automatic shoe system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: MDC Max Daetwyler AG
    Inventors: Michael Duane Christopher, David Flannery, David R. Setiz, Eric J. Serenius, Wei Zhao
  • Patent number: 5737090
    Abstract: An error detection apparatus and method for use with engravers, such as gravure engravers. An error value E corresponding to the difference between a set of predetermined setup parameters and actual measurement of a portion of an engraved area on the cylinder is determined. The error value E is then used to adjust the engraver to engrave an actual cut or etch in accordance with the set of predetermined setup parameters. Advantageously, an error detection and correction system is suitable for providing a closed-loop system for engraving a cylinder. The apparatus and method may be used during initial setup or during normal operation of the engraver. Other features include an autofocus routine to facilitate the auto-focus procedure. Also, image processing is further enhanced by gap filling, discontinuity removal, and light calibration methods which may be used alone, in combination with each other, or in combination with the automatic focus system and/or automatic shoe system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Ohio Electronic Engravers, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Duane Christopher, David Flannery, David R. Setiz, Eric J. Serenius, Wei Zhao