Patents by Inventor Michael French
Michael French 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: 20250122030Abstract: A system for automatically handling components to be assembled onto a product on an assembly line includes a carriage that is movable to and between a first, retracted position spaced from the assembly line, and a second position displaced from the retracted position in a direction toward the assembly line. A manipulator on the carriage supports a component mounting tool configured to receive and support at least one component for assembly to the product. The manipulator may be arranged in a first orientation when the carriage is in the first position, and may be pivoted to a second orientation when the carriage is in the second position, such that a component on the component mounting tool is supported in a pose for processing when the carriage is in the first position, and is supported in a pose for joining to the product when the carriage is in the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2024Publication date: April 17, 2025Applicant: KUKA Systems North America LLCInventors: Timothy James Marx, Thomas William French, Aaron K. Kinsella, Thomas Jon Nieman, Scott McIsaac, Craig Richard Nilson, Kenneth Michael Boulan, Jason Edmunn Messner
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Publication number: 20250112062Abstract: In some examples, a multi-station process tool comprises a plurality of process chambers, each process chamber located at a station of the multi-station process tool; and a RF power path component associated with each station of the multi-station process tool, the RF power path component geometrically positioned and oriented such that, when energized, a symmetric RF power path is created with respect to a center of the multi-station process tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2023Publication date: April 3, 2025Inventors: Miguel Benjamin Vasquez, David Michael French
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Patent number: 12258225Abstract: A system for automatically handling components to be assembled onto a product on an assembly line includes a carriage that is movable to and between a first, retracted position spaced from the assembly line, and a second position displaced from the retracted position in a direction toward the assembly line. A manipulator on the carriage supports a component mounting tool configured to receive and support at least one component for assembly to the product. The manipulator may be arranged in a first orientation when the carriage is in the first position, and may be pivoted to a second orientation when the carriage is in the second position, such that a component on the component mounting tool is supported in a pose for processing when the carriage is in the first position, and is supported in a pose for joining to the product when the carriage is in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2021Date of Patent: March 25, 2025Assignee: KUKA Systems North America LLCInventors: Timothy James Marx, Thomas William French, Aaron K. Kinsella, Thomas Jon Nieman, Scott McIsaac, Craig Richard Nilson, Kenneth Michael Boulan, Jason Edmunn Messner
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Patent number: 12230440Abstract: An actuator assembly including a first actuator having a first magnetically actuated plunger and a first latching plate, where the first plunger is operable to be magnetically latched to the first latching plate. The actuator assembly further includes a second actuator coupled to and axially aligned with the first actuator. The second actuator includes a second magnetically actuated plunger, a second latching plate, a sleeve positioned within and extending from the second plunger and being rigidly secured to the first plunger, and a tolerance spring wrapped around the sleeve. The second plunger is operable to be magnetically latched to the second latching plate, where latching of the second plunger causes the tolerance spring to compress and provide additional latching force of the first plunger to the first latching plate.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2022Date of Patent: February 18, 2025Assignee: S&C Electric CompanyInventors: Nicholas Seng, Alejandro Montenegro, John French, Thomas S. Kelley, Keith W. Benson, Robert E. Sroka, Michael Quinlan, Gabrielle Madden
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Publication number: 20250020515Abstract: In some examples, an array sensor temperature control system is provided. The system may include an array sensor for generating a two-dimensional image, the two-dimensional image including a plurality of pixels or cells indicative of a temperature of a monitored component; a controller for controlling a heating or cooling device to adjust the temperature of the monitored component; and an array sensor controller activated by a power source and being in communication with the array sensor and controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2024Publication date: January 16, 2025Inventors: David Michael French, Christopher-James Parker, Keith Joseph Batryn, Dirk Rudolph
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Publication number: 20240394681Abstract: Apparatus and methods for self-checkout at a retail establishment includes receiving, by a sensor gate and from a payment processing device, purchase transaction information related to a purchase by a customer. The sensor gate scans customized label attached to each article possessed by the customer located in a surveillance zone of the retail establishment. The sensor gate compares information contained in the customized label with the received purchase transaction information.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2024Publication date: November 28, 2024Inventors: Cor SAARLOOS, Michael FRENCH, Steve E. TRIVELPIECE
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Patent number: 12146795Abstract: In some examples, an array sensor temperature control system is provided. The system may include an array sensor for generating a two-dimensional image, the two-dimensional image including a plurality of pixels or cells indicative of a temperature of a monitored component; a controller for controlling a heating or cooling device to adjust the temperature of the monitored component; and an array sensor controller activated by a power source and being in communication with the array sensor and controller.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2020Date of Patent: November 19, 2024Assignee: Lam Research CorporationInventors: David Michael French, Christopher-James Parker, Keith Joseph Batryn, Dirk Rudolph
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Patent number: 12020225Abstract: Apparatus and methods for self-checkout at a retail establishment includes receiving, by a sensor gate and from a payment processing device, purchase transaction information related to a purchase by a customer. The sensor gate scans customized label attached to each article possessed by the customer located in a surveillance zone of the retail establishment. The sensor gate compares information contained in the customized label with the received purchase transaction information.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2021Date of Patent: June 25, 2024Assignee: Sensormatic Electronics, LLCInventors: Cor Saarloos, Michael French, Steve E. Trivelpiece
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Publication number: 20230106047Abstract: Apparatus and methods for self-checkout at a retail establishment includes receiving, by a sensor gate and from a payment processing device, purchase transaction information related to a purchase by a customer. The sensor gate scans customized label attached to each article possessed by the customer located in a surveillance zone of the retail establishment. The sensor gate compares information contained in the customized label with the received purchase transaction information.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2021Publication date: April 6, 2023Inventors: Cor SAARLOOS, Michael FRENCH, Steve E. TRIVELPIECE
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Publication number: 20220404208Abstract: In some examples, an array sensor temperature control system is provided. The system may include an array sensor for generating a two-dimensional image, the two-dimensional image including a plurality of pixels or cells indicative of a temperature of a monitored component; a controller for controlling a heating or cooling device to adjust the temperature of the monitored component; and an array sensor controller activated by a power source and being in communication with the array sensor and controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2020Publication date: December 22, 2022Inventors: David Michael French, Christopher-James Parker, Keith Joseph Batryn, Dirk Rudolph
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Publication number: 20220361298Abstract: An electrode is embedded in a piece of ceramic material having a population of conduction band electrons. Applying a voltage bias to the electrode causes electrons to flow towards or away from the electrode to form a positively charged sheath either a distance apart from or adjacent the electrode, depending the polarity of the bias. The electron flow also forms a negatively charged sheath lying opposite the positively charged sheath, and an electrically neutral region lying between the two sheaths. Electromagnetic radiation impinging the ceramic material heats the ceramic where the radiation is absorbed by the electron population. As the incident radiation is absorbed in proportion to the electron density, heating is increased in the negatively charged sheath, relative to the other parts of the ceramic material. The location of heating is controlled by controlling the magnitude and polarity of the voltage bias.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2022Publication date: November 10, 2022Inventors: Brad Winston Hoff, David Michael French
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Patent number: 11470693Abstract: An electrode is embedded in a piece of ceramic material having a population of conduction band electrons. Applying a voltage bias to the electrode causes electrons to flow towards or away from the electrode to form a positively charged sheath either a distance apart from or adjacent the electrode, depending the polarity of the bias. The electron flow also forms a negatively charged sheath lying opposite the positively charged sheath, and an electrically neutral region lying between the two sheaths. Electromagnetic radiation impinging the ceramic material heats the ceramic where the radiation is absorbed by the electron population. As the incident radiation is absorbed in proportion to the electron density, heating is increased in the negatively charged sheath, relative to the other parts of the ceramic material. The location of heating is controlled by controlling the magnitude and polarity of the voltage bias.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2017Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: Government of the United States as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventors: Brad Winston Hoff, David Michael French
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Publication number: 20220238312Abstract: In some examples, a shaped insert above a showerhead in a wafer processing chamber is used to alter the electric fields near the wafer processing area and in some examples to correct or improve asymmetry in a QSM processing module. In some embodiments, the insert may comprise an annular body, the annular body having at least one surface thereon that comprises a material for supporting electromagnetic coupling when energized by an RF power source, and an annulus in the annular body sized to accommodate a stem of the showerhead. In some examples, a configuration of the insert is selected to affect or correct an asymmetry of an electromagnetic field or plasma generated within the processing chamber in use.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2020Publication date: July 28, 2022Inventor: David Michael French
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Publication number: 20220230802Abstract: In some examples, a variable inductor device includes a first planar loop comprising a first planar face and a material that supports electromagnetic coupling and a second planar loop comprising a second planar face and a material that supports electromagnetic coupling. The first planar loop is separable from the second planar loop to vary the inductance of the variable inductance device. In some examples, the first and second planar faces overlapping each other in a closed configuration of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2020Publication date: July 21, 2022Inventor: David Michael French
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Patent number: 11134690Abstract: A pizza oven including a baking chamber is disclosed. The baking chamber includes a top panel, bottom panel, two side panels, and entry and exit openings. A conveyor belt is disposed to convey food products through the chamber where the food products are heated by a heating arrangement including a burner, blower motor, and a fan.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2019Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Inventors: Michael French, Mark A. Bielstein
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Patent number: 10674734Abstract: A pizza oven and a method of using a pizza oven. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not a be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2019Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: MF&B RESTAURANT SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Michael French, Mark A. Bielstein
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Publication number: 20170272544Abstract: A client device downloads a sandboxed application contained within a sandbox. A relay server external to the client device is arranged to pass messages between the sandboxed application and a privileged application of the client device. A content server provides a content application which is downloaded and installed on the client device by the privileged application in response to a request from the sandboxed application received via the relay server.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2017Publication date: September 21, 2017Inventors: Paul Edmund Fleetwood Sheppard, Edward Michael French, Michael Athanasopoulos, Michael Roper
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Patent number: 9685296Abstract: An apparatus for modulating the density of an electron beam as it is emitted from a cathode, comprised of connecting a source of pulsed input power to the input end of a nonlinear transmission line and connecting the output end directly to the cathode of an electron beam diode by a direct electrical connection.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2014Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCEInventors: Brad Winston Hoff, David Michael French, Donald A. Shiffler, Susan L. Heidger, Wilkin W. Tang
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Publication number: 20170092002Abstract: A head-mounted device (HMD) includes sensors, a transparent display, a processor comprising an augmented reality (AR) application and an AR user interface module. The AR application generates virtual content based on sensing data from the sensors, and displays the virtual content in the transparent display. The AR user interface module generates an AR user interface that is positioned outside a field of view of a user based on the HMD being oriented at a reference pitch angle, causes a display of the AR user interface in the transparent display within the field of view of the user based on the HMD being oriented at a second pitch angle greater than the reference pitch angle, and causes a navigation of the AR user interface in response to a motion of the HMD and an eye gaze of the user matching a user interface trigger pattern.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2015Publication date: March 30, 2017Applicant: DAQRI, LLCInventors: Brian Mullins, Matthew Kammerait, Michael French, Ian Crombie
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Patent number: D820318Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2017Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: DAQRI, LLCInventors: Brian Mullins, Lucas Kazansky, Christopher Michaels Garcia, Eduardo Salazar, Daniel Smitasin, Ryan Ries, Arash Kalantari, Frank Chester Irving, Jr., Michael French, Chin-Lin Huang