Patents by Inventor Michael Hickman

Michael Hickman 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: 20240316564
    Abstract: An analysis system assembly and method for analyzing a plurality of samples and handling the cryogenically cooled samples from a shipping dewar into a position for analysis by an x-ray based analysis system. The system and method include a basket component containing a plurality of sample magazines each containing a plurality of samples, all covered by a volume of cryogenic liquid. The basket is transported from the shipping dewar to a transfer dewar. Cover components of the magazines are removed while the basket and magazines are submerged in a cryogenic liquid of the transfer dewar. The basket is removed from the transfer dewar and placed into a staging dewar of the analysis system. A robotic manipulator of the analysis system can then locate and transport individual samples to a sample stage of the analysis system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2023
    Publication date: September 26, 2024
    Applicant: RIGAKU AMERICAS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael HICKMAN, John Dzung Tien TRUONG, Thomas Leon HENDRIXSON, Kevin Douglas LA BLUE, Joseph David FERRARA
  • Publication number: 20080107818
    Abstract: An apparatus for scraping the surface of a sink roll in a molten metal coating process comprises a support member having a pair of linearly movable arms supported thereon. The support member depends from a bridge structure spanning a continuous metal coating line, and a pair or arms, the arms being disposed on opposite sides of said support member. Each arm has a scraper assembly portion attached thereto. Each scraper assembly portion has two blades affixed thereto, a forward scraper blade and a rear scraper blade, with a connecting portion connecting the two blades. The connecting portion also has a first pivot point for attaching the connecting portion to the arm associated with the scraper assembly portion, the first pivot point being disposed between said forward and rear scraper blades for following the radial contours of the roll surface. A second pivot point permits the blades to follow the crown of the roll.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Erin Sapp, Michael Hickman, Scott Brooks, James Piper
  • Publication number: 20060180079
    Abstract: An apparatus for scraping the surface of a sink roll in a molten metal coating process comprises a support member having a pair of linearly movable arms supported thereon. The support member depends from a bridge structure spanning a continuous metal coating line, and a pair or arms, the arms being disposed on opposite sides of said support member. Each arm has a scraper assembly portion attached thereto. Each scraper assembly portion has two blades affixed thereto, a forward scraper blade and a rear scraper blade, with a connecting portion connecting the two blades. The connecting portion also has a first pivot point for attaching the connecting portion to the arm associated with the scraper assembly portion, the first pivot point being disposed between said forward and rear scraper blades for following the radial contours of the roll surface. A second pivot point permits the blades to follow the crown of the roll.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Inventors: Erin Sapp, Michael Hickman, Scott Brooks, James Piper
  • Publication number: 20060015622
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions in a data processing system for enabling asynchronous transaction interactions. A Web page containing transaction data is sent to a client, wherein the Web page includes a process to periodically submit a timeout notification. Program logic is executed after sending the Web page to the client. In response to an event during execution of the program logic, it is determined whether user data input into the Web page at the client is available at the data processing system. In response to user data being present, the user data is processed, wherein asynchronous processing of transactions occur between the data processing system and the client.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Publication date: January 19, 2006
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Satish Gungabeesoon, Michael Hickman, Jiayun Zhu