Patents by Inventor Michael E. Salmon
Michael E. Salmon 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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Patent number: 8263884Abstract: A tilt switch activated light apparatus suitable for use in connection with an egress of a vehicle, the apparatus including a magnet disposed within a cavity of a housing, where the cavity is shaped so that in the event of excessive roll or pitch of the vehicle, the magnet moves to a location adjacent a switch connecting a power source to a light source, causing the switch to close and so activating the light source. An external body, either ferromagnetic or magnetic, and external to the housing and removable therefrom, may be used to hold the magnet inside the cavity in a neutral position, away from the switch, during shipping.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2010Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Ibis Tek, LLCInventors: Michael E. Salmon, Joseph D. Polk, Paul W. Hunkele
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Patent number: 6859683Abstract: An integrated robotic cell having robot and series of sensors is able to process a component as desired by an operator using an interactive interface display. The integrated robotic cell includes a robotic arm connected a central processor unit as well as a series of monitors and sensors that thoroughly supervise the operation of the robotic arm and component to verify that there are no errors. The central processing unit is connected to the interface display, which allows the operator to control the operation of the robotic cell. The interface display incorporates a series of threads, with each thread having of a series of sequential processes to be performed by the robotic cell. The operator is thereby able to view and easily control the simultaneous processes being performed in the robotic cell.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2002Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: Futaba Corporation of AmericaInventors: Robert H. Parker, Michael E. Salmon, Gary L. Dumer, Gary C. Wheat, Jr.
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Patent number: 6581274Abstract: Apparatus having a mandrel, and a ring having an aperture therein, the ring being slidable over the mandrel. A multilead electronic component having electric leads extending therefrom is positioned atop the mandrel. The ring is pressed over the mandrel, bending the electric leads downward. When the ring is retracted, springback forces within the bent electric leads forces them against the inside of the ring; and the multilead electronic component is retained therewithin. The ring is then used, either manually or robotically, to position the component proximate a printed-circuit board with the electric leads aligned with connection apertures in the printed-circuit board. The multilead electronic component is pressed toward the printed-circuit board, forcing the leads through the connection apertures; and the ring is withdrawn for subsequent use.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2000Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Trans Tron Ltd., Inc.Inventors: Michael E. Salmon, Gary L. Dumer, Martin F. Folgmann, William S. Hyde
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Publication number: 20020193909Abstract: An integrated robotic cell having robot and series of sensors is able to process a component as desired by an operator using an interactive interface display. The integrated robotic cell includes a robotic arm connected a central processor unit as well as a series of monitors and sensors that thoroughly supervise the operation of the robotic arm and component to verify that there are no errors. The central processing unit is connected to the interface display, which allows the operator to control the operation of the robotic cell. The interface display incorporates a series of threads, with each thread having of a series of sequential processes to be performed by the robotic cell. The operator is thereby able to view and easily control the simultaneous processes being performed in the robotic cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2002Publication date: December 19, 2002Inventors: Robert H. Parker, Michael E. Salmon, Gary L. Dumer, Gary C. Wheat
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Patent number: 6323637Abstract: A miniature crossed coil gauge is provided having an oriented rare earth magnet fixedly mounted on a rotary shaft for supplying a magnetic flux directed transverse to the shaft axis. The gauge housing provided by an upper and lower bobbin surrounds the magnet and supports the rotary shaft. A first and second coil are wound about the gauge housing in a crossed coil orientation encircling the magnet. A flux ring is disposed around the first and second coils axially aligned with respect to the magnet. The magnet has sufficient strength and the flux ring is mounted in sufficiently close proximity to the first and second coils to redistribute the flux supplied by the magnet so that the magnetic flux measured at the surface of the coils is substantially increased relative to the magnetic flux density measured with the flux ring removed.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2000Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Inventors: John A. Ayres, David L. Ehle, Michael E. Salmon, Craig A. Ayres
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Patent number: 6278424Abstract: A miniature telltale module which combines a plurality of telltale functions into one unit and provides reduced cost per function. The module uses a miniature rotary actuator or driver, an image disc having a series of interconnected images or icons and a single light source. The actuator or driver allows a wide tolerances at the inputs while still precisely selecting the image positions. The module includes a light absorbing shield disposed about a light source and having a light opening positioned and sized to provide illumination of the icon, containment of light not directed through the light opening, and control of the angle of light emitted from the opening.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1995Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Inventors: John A. Ayres, Michael E. Salmon
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Patent number: 6046583Abstract: A miniature crossed coil gauge is provided having an oriented rare earth magnet fixedly mounted on a rotary shaft for supplying a magnetic flux directed transverse to the shaft axis. The gauge housing provided by an upper and lower bobbin surrounds the magnet and supports the rotary shaft. A first and second coil are wound about the gauge housing in a crossed coil orientation encircling the magnet. A flux ring is disposed around the first and second coils axially aligned with respect to the magnet. The magnet has sufficient strength and the flux ring is mounted in sufficiently close proximity to the first and second coils to redistribute the flux supplied by the magnet so that the magnetic flux measured at the surface of the coils is substantially increased relative to the magnetic flux density measured with the flux ring removed.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1997Date of Patent: April 4, 2000Assignee: Nu-Tech & Engineering, Inc.Inventors: John A. Ayres, David L. Ehle, Michael E. Salmon, Craig A. Ayres
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Patent number: 6025820Abstract: An instrument panel having analog gauges with pointers illuminated independently of the light source illuminating the scale indicia. Light is transmitted into the pointer via a facet having an inclined reflective surface through which a gauge motor output shaft passes. The facet may be integrally formed in the light distribution layer which illuminates the scale indicia or a separate discreet component. A novel telltale used in conjunction with an instrument panel having a light distribution layer is also provided which illuminates the telltale indicia by passing light through the light distribution layer without affecting the illumination of other indicia in the graphic layer. Method of manufacturing analog gauges as well as method for using an analog gauge to transmit information to a viewer.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 1997Date of Patent: February 15, 2000Assignee: Nu-Tech & Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Michael E. Salmon, Brent W. Rankey
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Patent number: 5825338Abstract: An instrument display method and system for use in a passenger vehicle has a number of advantageous features including particularly novel, compact, inexpensive and inherently stable electric motors. A first motor includes a rotor assembly having a shaft and a cylindrical magnet which is positioned about a stator assembly to rotate thereabout. The shaft extends through a stator of the stator assembly, a vacuum fluorescent display (VFD), and an indicia bearing layer. A mask such as a needle pointer is secured to the shaft of the rotor assembly at the indicia bearing layer to convey the value of instrument data to the passenger. A light emitting panel receives light from the VFD and transmits the light to other positions along the display system where other substantially identical electric motors move their needle pointers to likewise convey additional data to the passenger. The first motor is surface mounted directly on the back of the VFD which has electrical conductors formed therein.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1995Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignee: Atoma International Corp.Inventors: Michael E. Salmon, David L. Ehle, Jeffrey G. Hovis
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Patent number: 5703612Abstract: An instrument panel includes analog gauges with pointers illuminated independently of the light source illuminating the scale indicia. Light is transmitted into the pointer via a facet having an inclined reflective surface through which a gauge motor output shaft passes. The facet may be integrally formed in the light distribution layer which illuminates the scale indicia or a separate discreet component. A novel telltale used in conjunction with an instrument panel having a light distribution layer is also provided which illuminates the telltale indicia by passing light through the light distribution layer without affecting the illumination of other indicia in the graphic layer. Method of manufacturing analog gauges as well as method for using an analog gauge to transmit information to a viewer is also molded.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 1995Date of Patent: December 30, 1997Assignee: Nu-Tech & Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Michael E. Salmon, Brent W. Pankey
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Patent number: 5686832Abstract: A miniature crossed coil gauge is provided having an oriented rare earth magnet fixedly mounted on a rotary shaft for supplying a magnetic flux directed transverse to the shaft axis. The gauge housing provided by an upper and lower bobbin surrounds the magnet and supports the rotary shaft. A first and second coil are wound about the gauge housing in a crossed coil orientation encircling the magnet. A flux ring is disposed around the first and second coils axially aligned with respect to the magnet. The magnet has sufficient strength and the flux ring is mounted in sufficiently close proximity to the first and second coils to redistribute the flux supplied by the magnet so that the magnetic flux measured at the surface of the coils is substantially increased relative to the magnetic flux density measured with the flux ring removed.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1995Date of Patent: November 11, 1997Assignee: Nu-Tech & Engineering, Inc.Inventors: John A. Ayres, David L. Ehle, Michael E. Salmon, Craig A. Ayres
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Patent number: 5678912Abstract: A three-piece instrument cluster assembly including a circuit board, a light sheet assembly and a retainer for retaining the circuit board and light sheet assembly. The light sheet assembly is positioned between the circuit board and retainer. The instrument cluster assembly is provided with at least one alignment element and corresponding alignment receivers for mating engagement with each corresponding alignment element for aligning the circuit board, the light sheet assembly and the retainer.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1995Date of Patent: October 21, 1997Assignee: Nu-Tech & Engineering, Inc.Inventors: John A. Ayres, Michael E. Salmon
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Patent number: 5406303Abstract: An instrument display method and system for use in a passenger vehicle has a number of advantageous features including particularly novel, compact, inexpensive and inherently stable electric motors. A first motor includes a rotor assembly having a shaft and a cylindrical magnet which is positioned about a stator assembly to rotate thereabout. The shaft extends through a stator of the stator assembly, a vacuum fluorescent display (VFD), and an indicia bearing layer. A mask such as a needle pointer is secured to the shaft of the rotor assembly at the indicia bearing layer to convey the value of instrument data to the passenger. A light emitting panel receives light from the VFD and transmits the light to other positions along the display system where other substantially identical electric motors move their needle pointers to likewise convey additional data to the passenger. The first motor is surface mounted directly on the back of the VFD which has electrical conductors formed therein.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1992Date of Patent: April 11, 1995Assignee: Nu-Tech and Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Michael E. Salmon, David L. Ehle, Jeffrey G. Hovis
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Patent number: 5355373Abstract: A miniature electric motor is provided including stator and rotor assemblies wherein the rotor assembly has a magnet and a shaft adapted to be coupled to a load to move the load and wherein the magnet is positioned about the stator assembly for rotating without the stator assembly. The stator assembly includes a stator having a plurality of branches made of a magnetic material angularly positioned with respect to each other and a plurality of coils wound about their respective branches. The shaft extends through the stator and also, preferably, through a brake which supplies pressure to the rotor assembly to thereby supply a braking force to the rotor assembly after the load has been rotated to a desired position.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1992Date of Patent: October 11, 1994Assignee: Nu-Tech and Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Michael E. Salmon, David L. Ehle, Jeffrey G. Hovis
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Patent number: 5348623Abstract: An automatic water heating and distilling apparatus is provided having a hot water reservoir, an evaporator tank, a condenser, a distilled water reservoir and a control mechanism. Water is boiled within the evaporator tank generating steam which is condensed in the condenser to form distilled water. The heat rejected during condensation is transferred into the hot water reservoir. The distilled water reservoir has an input coupled to the condenser, an output for distilled water, and an overflow so that excess distilled water is returned to the evaporator tank. The control mechanism automatically regulates the operation of a heater within the evaporator to maintain the water in the hot water reservoir within a selected operating range. Various alternative embodiments are also described including a hot water heating apparatus utilizing an enclosed heat transfer device partially filled with liquid having a boiling point above the selected temperature for the water to be heated.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1992Date of Patent: September 20, 1994Assignee: Terrill Designs, Inc.Inventor: Michael E. Salmon
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Patent number: 5286351Abstract: A water distiller is provided which is used in conjunction with a hot water heater where normally wasted energy is used to preheat the hot water heater inlet. The distiller includes a heat storage tank, an evaporator tank having a water inlet, a heater and a steam outlet, and a first and second heat exchanger located within the heat storage tank. Steam generated in the evaporator tank passes through the first heat exchanger and condenses, forming distilled water. The heat rejected during condensation is absorbed within the heat storage tank. The second heat exchanger is used to preheat the water flowing to the hot water heater inlet by passing the water through the second heat exchanger on an as needed basis where it absorbs heat from the heat storage tank.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1991Date of Patent: February 15, 1994Assignee: Terrill Designs, Inc.Inventor: Michael E. Salmon
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Patent number: 5169157Abstract: An automatic target holder is provided for positioning targets for projectiles at a location remote from a shooter. The target holder includes a housing having a relatively low silhouette and a target support removably mounted upon the housing for positioning a target in a substantially planar firing position normal to a path of a projectile fired by the shooter. A target drive mechanism is located within the housing and is remotely operable by the shooter to advance a target roll to move a new target into the firing position. The target support structure and the housing is oriented outboard of the target in the firing position providing an unobstructed path for the projectile as it passes through the target. The preferred embodiment is provided with a target illumination panel positioned behind the target and shiftable between an inactive position out of the projectile path and an active position behind the target in order to increase the visibility of the projectile holes formed in the target.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1991Date of Patent: December 8, 1992Inventor: Michael E. Salmon
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Patent number: 4946558Abstract: A water distiller is provided which is used in conjunction with a hot water heater where normally wasted energy is used to preheat the hot water heater inlet. The distiller includes a heat storage tank, an evaporator tank having a water inlet, a heater and a steam outlet, and a first and second heat exchanger located within the heat storage tank. Steam generated in the evaporator tank passes through the first heat exchanger and condenses, forming distilled water. The heat rejected during condensation is absorbed within the heat storage tank. The second heat exchanger is used to preheat the water flowing to the hot water heater inlet by passing the water through the second heat exchanger on an as needed basis where it absorbs heat from the heat storage tank.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1988Date of Patent: August 7, 1990Assignee: Terrill Designs, Inc.Inventor: Michael E. Salmon
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Patent number: 4802605Abstract: Pivotably connecting a first and second housing to allow limited relative rotation along a hinge axis, having a first member provided with a sealing surface and a circumaxial slot extending about the hinge axis projecting into the first housing. The second pivot member sealingly cooperates with the first pivot member and has a port formed therein aligned with the circumaxial slot and extending into the second housing for providing an internal routing for a cable. Attachment means are also provided to axially align and pivotably retain the first and second pivot members.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1987Date of Patent: February 7, 1989Assignee: GMI Engineering & Management InstituteInventors: Michael E. Salmon, John E. Nemazi
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Patent number: D295297Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1985Date of Patent: April 19, 1988Assignee: KranscoInventors: Michael E. Salmon, Paul W. Hunkele