Patents by Inventor Michael J. O'Brien

Michael J. O'Brien 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).

  • Patent number: 7465381
    Abstract: A method for separation of mixtures in fluidic systems through electrokinetic transport by use of nanochannels when the fluidic systems approach the size of an electrical double layer, thereby allowing separation based on charge. The disclosed apparatus comprises a T-chip with a nanochannel section. The method and apparatus are useful for separation of many molecular species, including peptides, proteins, and DNA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: STC.UNM
    Inventors: Gabriel P. Lopez, Steven R. J. Brueck, Linnea K. Ista, Anthony L. Garcia, Dimiter N. Petsev, Paul Bisong, Michael J. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 7463942
    Abstract: A dental prosthesis is made by first forming a model of a patient's dentition. A three dimensional digital data corresponding to the surfaces of the model is then created. Based on this data, a three dimensional digital data file is then created substantially corresponding to the dental prosthesis to be manufactured. The three dimensional digital data of the dental prosthesis to be manufactured is next transmitted to automated prototyping equipment, and using the automated prototyping equipment, a wax pattern of the dental prosthesis is manufactured based upon this three dimensional digital data of the dental prosthesis. Finally, using this wax pattern in the lost wax investment casting process, the dental prosthesis is made. Prior to investment casting, marginal edges of the wax pattern are adjusted manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: GeoDigm Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. O'Brien, Derrick G. Luksch
  • Patent number: 7370537
    Abstract: An acoustical mechanical test method prescribes compressing brittle balls in spherical conforming opposing platens producing equatorial bulging, tensile stresses, and resulting in crack or flaw growth with emissions of acoustical sounds for direct identification of brittle balls having a flaw exceeding a maximum allowable size, such as flaws in silicon-nitride balls used in hybrid bearings as well as conventional steel ball bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: The Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. O'Brien, Benjamin A. Nelson, Michael R. Hilton
  • Patent number: 7019923
    Abstract: A pre-amplifier, a Thevenin writer and a disk drive employing transistors having a breakdown voltage below a circuitry operating voltage. In one embodiment, the pre-amplifier includes an emitter-follower transistor pair couplable to a power supply and a differential transistor pair, having a collector-emitter breakdown voltage below a voltage of the power supply, that receives current from, and controlled by, the emitter-follower transistor pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Agere Systems Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Leighton, Hao Fang, Michael J. O'Brien, Scott O'Brien, Cameron C. Rabe
  • Patent number: 7000851
    Abstract: Fuel injector having a sleeve-shaped connector (22), injection nozzle (12) and injection line (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Stanadyne Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. O'Brien, Robert W. Martin, Jr., Kenneth H. Klopfer
  • Patent number: 6959878
    Abstract: A compact fuel injection nozzle includes a unitary nozzle body, a nozzle cap, a valve member and a spring sub assembly. The spring sub assembly provides a biasing force against a valve member that includes an integral lift stop. The biasing force holds the nose of the valve member against the valve seat of the nozzle body until the fuel pressure inside the injector exceeds a minimum opening pressure. The lift stop provides a stop limit, permitting the valve member to move away from the valve seat a predetermined axial distance. The minimum opening pressure and valve opening axial distance may be calibrated by selection and installation of shims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Stanadyne Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. O'Brien, Robert W. Martin
  • Patent number: 6935805
    Abstract: A reusable self-aligning precision latch, including a latch body for mounting a latch assembly, and an interface cone. A lead screw, coupled to the latch body on one end, pivots at an interface on the latch body allowing for self-alignment. A drive cam having a plurality of surfaces and positioned on the lead screw engages a plurality of linkage assemblies such that at least two links are driven. A flexure ball assembly clamped by the plurality of linkage assemblies to the latch body with a pivoting clamp plate such that all clamping forces between the pivoting clamp plate and the latch body are equalized. A motor for closing and opening the self-aligning precision latch by turning the lead screw to apply and release, respectively, the clamping forces between the pivoting clamp plate and the latch body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. O'Brien, Richard A. Colleluori
  • Patent number: 6917462
    Abstract: A method for translating a spatial light modulator (22) to provide dithering comprises the steps of: providing a support (11) have a high degree of flexibility; rigidly attaching an outer portion (14) of the support to a nonmoving base; attaching an inner web (12) of the support to the outer portion by means of flexible members (16); wherein the support, the outer portion, the inner web, and the flexible members are located in a first plane; wherein the flexible members allows motion of the inner web in only one dimension of the first plane; attaching a piezoelectric device (18) to a first end of the inner web; energizing the piezoelectric device to move the inner web in a positive direction in the one dimension; attaching a spring (20) to a second end of the inner web; and wherein the spring moves the inner web in a negative direction in the one dimension when the piezoelectric device is deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Timothy A. Peter, Richard A. Colleluori, Michael J. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 6915178
    Abstract: A dental prosthesis is made by first forming a model of a patient's dentition. A three dimensional digital data corresponding to the surfaces of the model is then created. Based on this data, a three dimensional digital data file is then created substantially corresponding to the dental prosthesis to be manufactured. The three dimensional digital data of the dental prosthesis to be manufactured is next transmitted to automated prototyping equipment, and using the automated prototyping equipment, a wax pattern of the dental prosthesis is manufactured based upon this three dimensional digital data of the dental prosthesis. Finally, using this wax pattern in the lost wax investment casting process, the dental prosthesis is made. Prior to investment casting, marginal edges of the wax pattern are adjusted manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: O'Brien Dental Lab, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. O'Brien, Derrick G. Luksch
  • Patent number: 6879456
    Abstract: A write driver circuit selectively provides a write current through a write head in first and second opposite directions. The write driver circuit is connected to the write head through an interconnect. The write driver circuit provides an incident write current signal through the interconnect to the write head, and also provides a reflection cancellation signal through the interconnect to the write head. In an exemplary embodiment, the incident write current signal is provided by providing an incident voltage signal across the write head, and the reflection cancellation signal is provided by providing a reflection cancellation voltage signal across the write head. In an exemplary embodiment, the reflection cancellation signal is a delayed and filtered version of the incident write current signal that cancels a reflected signal that is reflected at the interface between the interconnect and the write head due to impedance mismatching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Agere Systems Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Leighton, Scott M. O'Brien, Robert J. Wimmer, Nameeta Krenz, Carl F. Elliott, Michael J. O'Brien, Cameron C. Rabe
  • Patent number: 6834513
    Abstract: A controller for controlling a heater associated with the crankcase of a compressor senses electrical current flowing through the heater. The sensing is preferably accomplished by a transformer in combination with an amplifier providing a feedback signal to the controller. The transformer is installed in the line which carries the electrical current flowing through the heater. The controller checks for the presence of an appropriate voltage level from the amplifier. In the event that the voltage level is not above a threshold level, the controller sends an alarm signal indicating that the heater is not operating properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. O'Brien, George C. Yang, Michael Collins
  • Publication number: 20040251322
    Abstract: Fuel injector having a sleeve-shaped connector (22), injection nozzle (12) and injection line (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Michael J O'Brien, Robert W Martin, Kenneth H Klopfer
  • Patent number: 6813110
    Abstract: A write driver circuit selectively provides write current through a write head in first and second opposite directions. First and second active devices are driven with first and second pre-drive signals. Third and fourth active devices are driven with third and fourth pre-drive signals. First and second pull-up resistances are provided respectively between the first and second active devices and a fixed voltage, and third and fourth pull-up resistances are provided respectively between the third and fourth active devices and the fixed voltage. A first capacitor is connected between the first active device and an intermediate point of the third pull-up resistance, and a second capacitor is connected between the second active device and an intermediate point of the fourth pull-up resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Agere Systems Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Leighton, Scott M. O'Brien, Robert J. Wimmer, Nameeta Krenz, Carl F. Elliott, Michael J. O'Brien, Cameron C. Rabe
  • Patent number: 6794045
    Abstract: A system for making a coated substrate, comprising a coating composition, said coating composition comprising an alkenyl functional compound and a hydride functional compound, and a substrate having a precious metal catalyst disposed on at least one surface of the substrate in an amount effective to catalyze cure of the coating composition when the coating composition is applied to the substrate wherein the substrate is selected from papers, polymers films, metal foils and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Larry N. Lewis, Michael J. O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20040165162
    Abstract: A method for translating a spatial light modulator (22) to provide dithering comprises the steps of: providing a support (11) have a high degree of flexibility; rigidly attaching an outer portion (14) of the support to a nonmoving base; attaching an inner web (12) of the support to the outer portion by means of flexible members (16); wherein the support, the outer portion, the inner web, and the flexible members are located in a first plane; wherein the flexible members allows motion of the inner web in only one dimension of the first plane; attaching a piezoelectric device (18) to a first end of the inner web; energizing the piezoelectric device to move the inner web in a positive direction in the one dimension; attaching a spring (20) to a second end of the inner web; and wherein the spring moves the inner web in a negative direction in the one dimension when the piezoelectric device is deactivated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Timothy A. Peter, Richard A. Colleluori, Michael J. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 6767155
    Abstract: A high stability ball-in-cone type latch mechanism is taught that is particularly useful for large deployable optical systems. It provides a nearly perfect kinematic mount between structural or optical elements and can easily be remotely controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Michael J. O'Brien, Calvin E. Abplanalp, Richard A. Colleluori
  • Patent number: 6759479
    Abstract: A method of making a cosmetic composition comprising the reaction products of MaMHbMEcDdDHeDEfTgTHhTEiQj where M=R1R2R3SiO1/2; MH=R4R5HSiO1/2; ME=R6R7RESiO1/2; D=R8R9SiO2/2; DH=R10HSiO2/2; DE=R11RESiO2/2; T=R12SiO3/2; TH=HSiO3/2; TE=RESiO3/2; and Q=SiO4/2; where R1, R2, R3, R8, R9 and R12 are independently monovalent hydrocarbon radicals having from one to sixty carbon atoms; R4, R5 and R10 are independently monovalent hydrocarbon radicals having from one to sixty carbon atoms or hydrogen; R6, R7, R11 are independently monovalent hydrocarbon radicals having from one to sixty carbon atoms or RE; each RE is independently a monovalent hydrocarbon radical containing one or more oxirane moieties having from one to sixty carbon atoms; the stoichiometric subscripts a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, and j are either zero or positive subject to the following limitations: a+b+c>1; b+e+h>1; c+f+i>1; b+
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Michael J. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 6740360
    Abstract: A method of making a coated substrate which includes the steps of applying a layer of a coating composition, said coating composition comprising an alkenyl functional organopolysiloxane and a hydride functional organopolysiloxane, to the substrate, said substrate comprising a catalytically effective amount of a precious metal catalyst, and allowing the layer to cure, allows the use of a non-catalyzed coating bath having a very long useful life, while providing a highly reactive coating layer that may be rapidly cured at low temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Larry N. Lewis, Michael J. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 6740418
    Abstract: A method of making a coated substrate which includes the steps of applying a layer of a coating composition, said coating composition comprising an alkenyl functional organopolysiloxane and a hydride functional organopolysiloxane, to the substrate, said substrate comprising a catalytically effective amount of a precious metal catalyst, and allowing the layer to cure, allows the use of a non-catalyzed coating bath having a very long useful life, while providing a highly reactive coating layer that may be rapidly cured at low temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Larry N. Lewis, Michael J. O'Brien
  • Patent number: D495341
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Stanadyne Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. O'Brien, Kenneth H. Klopfer