Patents by Inventor Michael E. Beard
Michael E. Beard 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).
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Publication number: 20240136591Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of battery stacker machines, including z-fold stacker machines, configured to provide a rolling transfer of a battery layer so as to reduce scrubbing. In some embodiments, the layer is flexed onto an arcuate surface using a vacuum or other force. The arcuate surface is then rotated to release the layer at a desired transfer location. For instance, the desired transfer location may be on top of a stack or onto another arcuate gripper surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2023Publication date: April 25, 2024Inventors: Derek Graham AQUI, Christopher E. BARNS, Scott G. BEARD, Joseba BRIT ELOLA, Brady L. BYERS, Gautam DHAR, Michael E. MYERS, William L. SCHULDT, Karl WEIBEZAHN, Alan J. SWAN
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Publication number: 20130234431Abstract: A marine riser assembly having a first tubular member having an external surface with a plurality of first axially spaced formations, a second tubular member having an external surface with a plurality of second axially spaced formations thereon, a segmented ring in surrounding relationship to the first and second tubular members, the segmented ring having an inner surface with a plurality of formations engageable with the formations on the first and second tubular members, the engageable formations serving to urge the first and second tubular members toward each other when the segmented ring is subjected to radially inwardly directed compressive forces, a sleeve in surrounding relationship to force the engageable formations together and a seal assembly for sealing against external and internal pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2013Publication date: September 12, 2013Inventors: Michael E. Beard, David J. Cole, Christopher S. Caldwell, Michael G. B. Foley
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Patent number: 8424919Abstract: A marine riser assembly having a first tubular member having an external surface with a plurality of first axially spaced formations, a second tubular member having an external surface with a plurality of second axially spaced formations thereon, a segmented ring in surrounding relationship to the first and second tubular members, the segmented ring having an inner surface with a plurality of formations engageable with the formations on the first and second tubular members, the engageable formations serving to urge the first and second tubular members toward each other when the segmented ring is subjected to radially inwardly directed compressive forces, a sleeve in surrounding relationship to force the engageable formations together and a seal assembly for sealing against external and internal pressure.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2012Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: RTI Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael E. Beard, David J. Cole, Christopher S. Caldwell, Michael B. Foley
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Publication number: 20120119490Abstract: A marine riser assembly having a first tubular member having an external surface with a plurality of first axially spaced formations, a second tubular member having an external surface with a plurality of second axially spaced formations thereon, a segmented ring in surrounding relationship to the first and second tubular members, the segmented ring having an inner surface with a plurality of formations engageable with the formations on the first and second tubular members, the engageable formations serving to urge the first and second tubular members toward each other when the segmented ring is subjected to radially inwardly directed compressive forces, a sleeve in surrounding relationship to force the engageable formations together and a seal assembly for sealing against external and internal pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2012Publication date: May 17, 2012Inventors: Michael E. Beard, David J. Cole, Christopher S. Caldwell, Michael B. Foley
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Patent number: 8100437Abstract: A marine riser assembly having a first tubular member having an external surface with a plurality of first axially spaced formations, a second tubular member having an external surface with a plurality of second axially spaced formations thereon, a segmented ring in surrounding relationship to the first and second tubular members, the segmented ring having an inner surface with a plurality of formations engageable with the formations on the first and second tubular members, the engageable formations serving to urge the first and second tubular members toward each other when the segmented ring is subjected to radially inwardly directed compressive forces, a sleeve in surrounding relationship to force the engageable formations together and a seal assembly for sealing against external and internal pressure.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2010Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Inventors: Michael E. Beard, David J. Cole, Christopher S. Caldwell, Michael B. Foley
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Publication number: 20100253076Abstract: A marine riser assembly having a first tubular member having an external surface with a plurality of first axially spaced formations, a second tubular member having an external surface with a plurality of second axially spaced formations thereon, a segmented ring in surrounding relationship to the first and second tubular members, the segmented ring having an inner surface with a plurality of formations engageable with the formations on the first and second tubular members, the engageable formations serving to urge the first and second tubular members toward each other when the segmented ring is subjected to radially inwardly directed compressive forces, a sleeve in surrounding relationship to force the engageable formations together and a seal assembly for sealing against external and internal pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2010Publication date: October 7, 2010Inventors: Michael E. Beard, David J. Cole, Christopher S. Caldwell, Michael B. Foley
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Patent number: 7773239Abstract: An electrophotographic printing or copying machine includes a functional module which can be readily removed and replaced by service personnel. The module includes a monitor in the form of an electronically-readable memory, which includes information about how the particular module is to be operated. A distribution board electronically accesses the memories within the monitors and reads therefrom information, such as how much voltage to supply to different components within each module. The distribution board can also update the number of prints made with each module, and maintain this count within the monitors.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2008Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Michael E Beard, Roger W Budnik, James M Pacer, Guru B Raj, Ralph A Shoemaker, Michael G Swales, David E Rollins, Porfirio J Perez, Ameet S Bhattacharya, David P Vanbortel, Steven E Kolb
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Patent number: 7699354Abstract: A marine riser assembly having a first tubular member having an external surface with a plurality of first axially spaced formations, a second tubular member having an external surface with a plurality of second axially spaced formations thereon, a segmented ring in surrounding relationship to the first and second tubular members, the segmented ring having an inner surface with a plurality of formations engageable with the formations on the first and second tubular members, the engageable formations serving to urge the first and second tubular members toward each other when the segmented ring is subjected to radially inwardly directed compressive forces, a sleeve in surrounding relationship to force the engageable formations together and a seal assembly for sealing against external and internal pressure.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2006Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Inventors: Michael E. Beard, David J. Cole, Christopher S. Caldwell, Michael B. Foley
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Patent number: 7649638Abstract: An electrophotographic printing or copying machine includes a functional module which can be readily removed and replaced by service personnel. The module includes a monitor in the form of an electronically-readable memory, which includes information about how the particular module is to be operated. A distribution board electronically accesses the memories within the monitors and reads therefrom information, such as how much voltage to supply to different components within each module. The distribution board can also update the number of prints made with each module, and maintain this count within the monitors.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2003Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Michael E. Beard, Roger W. Budnik, James M. Pacer, Guru B. Raj, Ralph A. Shoemaker, Michael G. Swales, David E. Rollins, Porfirio J. Perez, Ameet S. Bhattacharya, David P. Vanbortel, Steven E. Kolb
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Publication number: 20080193147Abstract: An electrophotographic printing or copying machine includes a functional module which can be readily removed and replaced by service personnel. The module includes a monitor in the form of an electronically-readable memory, which includes information about how the particular module is to be operated. A distribution board electronically accesses the memories within the monitors and reads therefrom information, such as how much voltage to supply to different components within each module. The distribution board can also update the number of prints made with each module, and maintain this count within the monitors.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2008Publication date: August 14, 2008Applicant: XEROX CORPORATIONInventors: Michael E. Beard, Roger W. Budnik, James M. Pacer, Guru B. Raj, Ralph A. Shoemaker, Michael G. Swales, David E. Rollins, Porfirio J. Perez, Ameet S. Bhattacharya, David P. Vanbortel, Steven E. Kolb
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Patent number: 6940613Abstract: An electrophotographic printing or copying machine includes a functional module which can be readily removed and replaced by service personnel. The module includes a monitor in the form of an electronically-readable memory, which includes information about how the particular module is to be operated. A distribution board electronically accesses the memories within the monitors and reads therefrom information, such as how much voltage to supply to different components within each module. The distribution board can also update the number of prints made with each module, and maintain this count within the monitors.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1997Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Michael E. Beard, Roger W. Budnik, James M. Pacer, Guru B. Raj, Ralph A. Shoemaker, Michael G. Swales, David E. Rollins, Porfirio J. Perez, Ameet S. Bhattacharya, David P. Vanbortel, Steven E. Kolb
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Patent number: 6908260Abstract: A receptacle 20 is removably secured to hull 12 of an offshore structure 10, and supports an elongate member 14, which may be a riser string, extending downward to the sea bed or to another structure. The elongate member 14 includes a tapered supporting surface 18, which may be provided on a tapered stress joint or flex joint 16. The receptacle 20 includes a mounting bracket 22 secured to the structure 10, and a basket housing 30 which has a tapered interior surface 34 for mating engagement with the exterior surface 18. According to the method, the mounting bracket is fixed to the structure, and the receptacle basket positioned about the elongate member and the assembly then positioned for being supported on the bracket. The supporting surface on the basket may be arranged for positioning the elongate member at a selected azimuth and declination relative to the offshore structure.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2004Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: RTI Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael E. Beard, Carl F. G. Baxter, Nicholas Cunliffe, Patrick L. Boster
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Patent number: 6835025Abstract: A receptacle 20 is removably secured to hull 12 of an offshore structure 10, and supports an elongate member 14, which may be a riser string, extending downward to the sea bed or to another structure. The elongate member 14 includes a tapered supporting surface 18, which may be provided on a tapered stress joint or flex joint 16. The receptacle 20 includes a mounting bracket 22 secured to the structure 10, and a basket housing 30 which has a tapered interior surface 34 for mating engagement with the exterior surface 18. According to the method, the mounting bracket is fixed to the structure, and the receptacle basket positioned about the elongate member and the assembly then positioned for being supported on the bracket. The supporting surface on the basket may be arranged for positioning the elongate member at a selected azimuth and declination relative to the offshore structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2001Date of Patent: December 28, 2004Assignee: RTI Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael E. Beard, Carl F. G. Baxter, Nicholas Cunliffe, Patrick L. Boster
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Publication number: 20040197152Abstract: A receptacle 20 is removably secured to hull 12 of an offshore structure 10, and supports an elongate member 14, which may be a riser string, extending downward to the sea bed or to another structure. The elongate member 14 includes a tapered supporting surface 18, which may be provided on a tapered stress joint or flex joint 16. The receptacle 20 includes a mounting bracket 22 secured to the structure 10, and a basket housing 30 which has a tapered interior surface 34 for mating engagement with the exterior surface 18. According to the method, the mounting bracket is fixed to the structure, and the receptacle basket positioned about the elongate member and the assembly then positioned for being supported on the bracket. The supporting surface on the basket may be arranged for positioning the elongate member at a selected azimuth and declination relative to the offshore structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2004Publication date: October 7, 2004Inventors: Michael E. Beard, Carl F.G. Baxter, Nicholas Cunliffe, Patrick L. Boster
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Publication number: 20040090647Abstract: An electrophotographic printing or copying machine includes a functional module which can be readily removed and replaced by service personnel. The module includes a monitor in the form of an electronically-readable memory, which includes information about how the particular module is to be operated. A distribution board electronically accesses the memories within the monitors and reads therefrom information, such as how much voltage to supply to different components within each module. The distribution board can also update the number of prints made with each module, and maintain this count within the monitors.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2003Publication date: May 13, 2004Applicant: Xerox CorporationInventors: Michael E. Beard, Roger W. Budnik, James M. Pacer, Guru B. Raj, Ralph A. Shoemaker, Michael G. Swales, David E. Rollins, Porfirio J. Perez, Ameet S. Bhattacharya, David P. Vanbortel, Steven E. Kolb
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Patent number: 6016204Abstract: A method to provide a highly intelligent, automated diagnostic system that identifies the need to replace specific parts to minimize machine downtime rather than require extensive service troubleshooting. In particular, a systematic, logical test analysis scheme to assess machine operation from a simple sensor system and to be able to pinpoint parts and components needing replacement is provided by a series of first level of tests by the control to monitor components for receiving a first level of data and by a series of second level of tests by the control to monitor components for receiving a second level of data. Each of the first level tests and first level data is capable of identifying a first level of part failure independent of any other test. Each of the second level tests and second level data is a combination of first level tests and first level data or a combination of a first level test and first level data and a third level test and third level data.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1998Date of Patent: January 18, 2000Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Roger W. Budnik, James M. Pacer, Guru B. Raj, Ralph A. Shoemaker, Michael G. Swales, Michael E. Beard
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Patent number: 6016409Abstract: A fuser module, being a fuser subsystem installable in a xerographic printing apparatus, includes an electronically-readable memory permanently associated therewith. The control system of the printing apparatus reads out codes from the electronically-readable memory at install to obtain parameters for operating the module, such as maximum web use, voltage and temperature requirements, and thermistor calibration parameters.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1997Date of Patent: January 18, 2000Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Michael E. Beard, Porfirio J. Perez, James F. Smoak, Edward C. Hanzlik, Paul M. Fromm, Ihor Kulbida
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Patent number: 5995775Abstract: A method to provide a highly intelligent, automated diagnostic system that identifies the need to replace specific parts to minimize machine downtime rather than require extensive service troubleshooting. In particular, a systematic, logical test analysis scheme to assess machine operation from a simple sensor system and to be able to pinpoint parts and components needing replacement is provided by a series of first level of tests by the control to monitor components for receiving a first level of data and by a series of second level of tests by the control to monitor components for receiving a second level of data. Each of the first level tests and first level data is capable of identifying a first level of part failure independent of any other test. Each of the second level tests and second level data is a combination of first level tests and first level data or a combination of a first level test and first level data and a third level test and third level data.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1998Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Roger W. Budnik, James M. Pacer, Guru B. Raj, Ralph A. Shoemaker, Michael G. Swales, Michael E. Beard
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Patent number: 5809375Abstract: A xerographic CRU (Customer Relpaceable Unit) for an electrophotographic printing machine. The xerographic CRU has retaining features and cooperates with a drive module with certain retractable features that allow the insertion and removal of the CRU without causing damage to the photoreceptor and other critical subsystems. The unit further has many locating members for other subsystems so that critical tolerances are maintained. An interface with a single handle assembly retracts/unlocks and extends/locks the drive module and the associated CRU subsystems into an operative position. The CRU also has electrical and drive connections for the cleaning system, the charging system and transfer/detack.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 1997Date of Patent: September 15, 1998Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Alvin J. Owens, Jr., David E. Rollins, Douglas W. Sass, Robert S. Pozniakas, Robert A. Gross, Fredrick M. Hausner, Daniel H. Burnett, Michael E. Beard, Ahmed-Mohsen T. Shehata, John A. Wargo, James L. Giacobbi, Richard M. Baran, David J. Lemmon