Patents by Inventor Michael J. Johnson

Michael J. Johnson 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: 20230089892
    Abstract: A tape head assembly—which tapes flaps of boxes on a conveyor—includes power-assist functionality to stretch a first spring used to power a trailing roller to press tape against a trailing case sidewall of a case. A force by the case moving on the conveyor acting upon a leading roller may provide some of the energy to stretch the first spring. However, a roller-assist air cylinder uses compressed air to assist or fully stretch the first spring. A knife assembly may be used to cut the tape applied to a case. A second spring may be stretched by the force of the moving case acting upon a knife arm. The second spring may be used later operate the knife blade. However, a knife-assist air cylinder uses compressed air to assist or fully stretch the second spring. Both assist assemblies may be turned off to operate the tape head in a conventional manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2021
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Inventor: Michael J. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20230086122
    Abstract: An exemplary method and system are disclosed to flexibly and adaptably manufacture and assemble a workpiece by using recordings of a user in machine learning/artificial intelligence algorithms to train a robot for subsequent automated manufacture. Machine learning and artificial intelligence learning can generate libraries of generalized dynamic motion primitives that can be subsequently combined for any type of manufacturing or assembling activity. The exemplary method and system can flexibly generate a model of an existing workpiece as a template or primer workpiece that can then be used in conjunction with the DMP operations to fabricate subsequent workpieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2022
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew C. Gombolay, Michael J. Johnson, Ruisen Liu, Nakul Gopalan
  • Patent number: 11446819
    Abstract: An end-of-arm tool and an associated robotic arm are configured to place items (e.g., soft-sided merchandise) into a case. In an example, an end-of-arm tool is configured to grasp a surface (e.g., the top surface) of an item of merchandise and deposit the item into the case. Accordingly, as an item is deposited, the tool uses contact with that item to move previously placed items back into their preferred locations. After the penultimate item in a row of items is put in place, it may move out of position. As a final item is added to a row, the tool pivots the final item so that a side surface of the final item pushes the penultimate item into its correct position. The tool then pivots the final item to orient the top surface of the item horizontally, and places it in a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Pearson Packaging Systems
    Inventor: Michael J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11200515
    Abstract: Techniques for facilitating reservations between a first creative entity and a first venue. Digital audio data for a first creative entity is analyzed to determine acoustic attributes. A plurality of potential venues are determined. A machine learning model is used to calculate an estimated demand metric for the first creative entity for each of the plurality of potential venues, based on a venue profile for the respective venue and acoustic attributes for the first creative entity. Two or more venues are selected and a proposed itinerary is created. A digital order is generated based on the proposed itinerary. User profile data for the first creative entity is updated, upon successful completion of the digital order, and a digital transaction is generated to automatically charge a determined first amount to an account for the first venue and to transfer a determined second amount to an account for the first creative entity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Hopkins, Richard Loser, Paul Kosmas Synadinos, Michael J. Johnson, Upneet Bhatia
  • Patent number: 10946407
    Abstract: Various apparatus and methods for the atomization of fluid are disclosed herein. In one aspect, an apparatus for atomization of fluid includes a piezoelectric transformer comprising an electrode which is in communication a source of alternating current (AC) voltage at a proximate end of the piezoelectric transformer. A wick which is capable of absorbing a liquid is in contact with the piezoelectric transformer at the distal end, and the piezoelectric transformer is capable of inducing an electrospray of the liquid at the distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Inventors: David B. Go, Michael J. Johnson, Zeinab Ramshani, Massood Z. Atashbar
  • Patent number: 10831473
    Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for locating business rules in application source code. Static code analysis is performed on the application source code to collect variable usage and statement information, which is stored in a repository. Variables that are used in conditions and computational statements are identified using the stored information, including determining the usage distribution of these variables in such conditions and computational statements and whether such conditions and computational statements are within copybooks. A score is assigned to these identified variables based on usage and if their usage is shared in copybooks. Those variables with a score exceeding a threshold value are selected to be inserted in a list of business terms. Usage locations of the variables in the list are extracted. The business rules in the application source code containing the logic using these variables are then identified based on the extracted usage locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Rami Katan, Michael J. A. Johnson, William Alexander
  • Patent number: 10783520
    Abstract: Systems and methods of fraud prevention are discussed. One such method can include the acts of monitoring one or more events associated with at least one account at a financial institution; analyzing characteristics associated with a first event of the one or more events; determining whether to designate the first event as risky; and implementing one or more measures in response to the designation of the first event as risky.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.
    Inventors: Beth Moss, Angela Berkery, Michael J. Johnson, Benjamin W. Geertz
  • Publication number: 20200290078
    Abstract: Various apparatus and methods for the atomization of fluid are disclosed herein. In one aspect, an apparatus for atomization of fluid includes a piezoelectric transformer comprising an electrode which is in communication a source of alternating current (AC) voltage at a proximate end of the piezoelectric transformer. A wick which is capable of absorbing a liquid is in contact with the piezoelectric transformer at the distal end, and the piezoelectric transformer is capable of inducing an electrospray of the liquid at the distal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventors: David B. Go, Michael J. Johnson, Zeinab Ramshani, Massood Z. Atashbar
  • Publication number: 20200097285
    Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for locating business rules in application source code. Static code analysis is performed on the application source code to collect variable usage and statement information, which is stored in a repository. Variables that are used in conditions and computational statements are identified using the stored information, including determining the usage distribution of these variables in such conditions and computational statements and whether such conditions and computational statements are within copybooks. A score is assigned to these identified variables based on usage and if their usage is shared in copybooks. Those variables with a score exceeding a threshold value are selected to be inserted in a list of business terms. Usage locations of the variables in the list are extracted. The business rules in the application source code containing the logic using these variables are then identified based on the extracted usage locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Publication date: March 26, 2020
    Inventors: Rami Katan, Michael J. A. Johnson, William Alexander
  • Patent number: 10583301
    Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) may be deployed within a patient's right atrium at a location near a right atrial appendage of the patient's heart in order to pace the patient's heart and/or to sense electrical activity within the patient's heart. In some cases, an IMD may be implanted within the right atrial appendage. The IMD may include an expandable anchoring mechanism configured to secure the IMD in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: CARDIAC PACEMAKERS, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Haasl, Michael J. Kane, Arthur J. Foster, Lance Eric Juffer, Michael J. Johnson, Keith R. Maile, Brian L. Schmidt, Brendan Early Koop
  • Patent number: 10571078
    Abstract: An aspect of the disclosure includes a natural gas leakage detection device. The natural gas leakage device includes a metering interface for detecting usage of natural gas. A clock is provided to determine time of day and one or more predetermined times when no natural gas usage is expected. A first sensor is used to determine whether a furnace is operating. A monitoring device is provided. The monitoring device being operable during the one or more predetermined times when no natural gas usage is expected, to monitor the metering interface and the first sensor and to perform an action in response to natural gas usage being detected during the one or more predetermined times when no natural gas usage is expected and the first sensor determines that the furnace is not operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael J. A. Johnson, James S. Taylor
  • Patent number: 10489151
    Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for locating business rules in application source code. Static code analysis is performed on the application source code to collect variable usage and statement information, which is stored in a repository. Variables that are used in conditions and computational statements are identified using the stored information, including determining the usage distribution of these variables in such conditions and computational statements and whether such conditions and computational statements are within copybooks. A score is assigned to these identified variables based on usage and if their usage is shared in copybooks. Those variables with a score exceeding a threshold value are selected to be inserted in a list of business terms. Usage locations of the variables in the list are extracted. The business rules in the application source code containing the logic using these variables are then identified based on the extracted usage locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Rami Katan, Michael J. A. Johnson, William Alexander
  • Publication number: 20190255704
    Abstract: An end-of-arm tool and an associated robotic arm are configured to place items (e.g., soft-sided merchandise) into a case. In an example, an end-of-arm tool is configured to grasp a surface (e.g., the top surface) of an item of merchandise and deposit the item into the case. Accordingly, as an item is deposited, the tool uses contact with that item to move previously placed items back into their preferred locations. After the penultimate item in a row of items is put in place, it may move out of position. As a final item is added to a row, the tool pivots the final item so that a side surface of the final item pushes the penultimate item into its correct position. The tool then pivots the final item to orient the top surface of the item horizontally, and places it in a predetermined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Inventor: Michael J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10194293
    Abstract: Provided is a system and method for a situational proximity observation by a Mobile data processing System (MS) using one or more automated senses of the MS, for example as directed by a user of the MS, to cause an alert to be delivered to one or more other Mobile data processing Systems (MSs) for notifying those other users of the MSs that they are potentially involved in, or affected by, the sensing carried out by the MS making the observation. Specifically, a Situational Proximity Observation Device Reporter (SPODR) captures vital signs associated with a user and a TRaveling Observation Device Recipient (TRODR) can be notified when captured data is relevant to the TRODR. There is a variety of events and conditions under which the alert is provided, including in accordance with a variety of privileges configured between users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Inventors: William J. Johnson, Michael J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10093440
    Abstract: In one example of a vertical load case packer, guide rods provide horizontal adjustment of a tipping conveyor assembly to position the tipping conveyor assembly at a desired distance from the at least one bucket assembly. In operation, an indexing assembly advances case(s) into the tipping conveyor assembly. Side belts in the tipping conveyor assembly move and grip the case(s). A pivot rotates the tipping conveyor from a position wherein an open end of a case is oriented upwardly to a position wherein the open end is oriented horizontally to receive the product. Each bucket assembly receives product and delivers it to a case. A sliding bottom plate in the bucket assembly supports horizontally loaded product and advances the product into a case. A pusher plate prevents product from withdrawing from the case as the sliding bottom plate is withdrawn and further inserts the product into the case if needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: R.A. Pearson Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Johnson, Steven Joseph Allard, Christopher John Banks
  • Publication number: 20180280705
    Abstract: A system for sensing electrical cardiac activity and for providing therapy to a patient's heart. The system may include a first implantable device implanted within a patient and a second implantable device implanted near or within the heart of the patient. In some cases, the first implantable device may at least partially power the second implantable device by periodically recharging a rechargeable battery or other power source within the second implantable device. In some cases, the first implantable device may at least partially power the second implantable device by periodically, intermittently or continuously transmitting energy that may be stored by a battery, capacitor or other power storage device within the second implantable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Applicant: CARDIAC PACEMAKERS, INC.
    Inventors: Keith R. Maile, Jacob M. Ludwig, Michael J. Johnson, Brendan Early Koop, Brandon Christopher Fellows, William J. Linder
  • Publication number: 20180231188
    Abstract: An aspect of the disclosure includes a natural gas leakage detection device. The natural gas leakage device includes a metering interface for detecting usage of natural gas. A clock is provided to determine time of day and one or more predetermined times when no natural gas usage is expected. A first sensor is used to determine whether a furnace is operating. A monitoring device is provided. The monitoring device being operable during the one or more predetermined times when no natural gas usage is expected, to monitor the metering interface and the first sensor and to perform an action in response to natural gas usage being detected during the one or more predetermined times when no natural gas usage is expected and the first sensor determines that the furnace is not operating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Michael J.A. Johnson, James S. Taylor
  • Patent number: 9989193
    Abstract: An aspect of the disclosure includes a natural gas leakage detection device. The natural gas leakage device includes a metering interface for detecting usage of natural gas. A clock is provided to determine time of day and one or more predetermined times when no natural gas usage is expected. A first sensor is used to determine whether a furnace is operating. A monitoring device is provided. The monitoring device being operable during the one or more predetermined times when no natural gas usage is expected, to monitor the metering interface and the first sensor and to perform an action in response to natural gas usage being detected during the one or more predetermined times when no natural gas usage is expected and the first sensor determines that the furnace is not operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael J.A. Johnson, James S. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20180126179
    Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) may be deployed within a patient's right atrium at a location near a right atrial appendage of the patient's heart in order to pace the patient's heart and/or to sense electrical activity within the patient's heart. In some cases, an IMD may be implanted within the right atrial appendage. The IMD may include an expandable anchoring mechanism configured to secure the IMD in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Applicant: CARDIAC PACEMAKERS, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Haasl, Michael J. Kane, Arthur J. Foster, Lance Eric Juffer, Michael J. Johnson, Keith R. Maile, Brian L. Schmidt, Brendan Early Koop
  • Publication number: 20180132080
    Abstract: Provided is a system and method for a situational proximity observation by a Mobile data processing System (MS) using one or more automated senses of the MS, for example as directed by a user of the MS, to cause an alert to be delivered to one or more other Mobile data processing Systems (MSs) for notifying those other users of the MSs that they are potentially involved in, or affected by, the sensing carried out by the MS making the observation. Specifically, a Situational Proximity Observation Device Reporter (SPODR) captures vital signs associated with a user and a TRaveling Observation Device Recipient (TRODR) can be notified when captured data is relevant to the TRODR. There is a variety of events and conditions under which the alert is provided, including in accordance with a variety of privileges configured between users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2018
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: William J. Johnson, Michael J. Johnson