Patents by Inventor Michael Knox

Michael Knox 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: 11871520
    Abstract: A method for producing a printed circuit board on a substrate uses control data derived from a circuit schematic, CAD file, Gerber file or files or equivalents, to operates a function head configured to effect printing conductive and non-conductive materials on the substrate and produces control data to effect the circuit printing. The method optionally uses a layout translation module configured to accept PCB multilayer circuit board files and convert multilayer circuit board layout data of the PCB multilayer circuit board files to printing data files for controlling the function head to print conductive material and nonconductive material onto the substrate to produce a printed circuit effecting functionality of the multilayer circuit board layout data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: BOTFACTORY INC.
    Inventors: Michael Knox, Andrew Ippoliti, Georgios Kyriakou, Carlos Ospina, Nicolas Vansnick
  • Patent number: 11596071
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing a printed circuit board on a substrate, has a table for supporting the substrate, a function head configured to effect printing conductive and non-conductive materials on the substrate, a positioner configured to effect movement of the function head relative to the table, and a controller configured to operate the function head and the positioner to effect the printing of conductive and non-conductive materials on the substrate. The apparatus optionally has a layout translation module configured to convert PCB files or multilayer PCB files to printing data for controlling the function head to print conductive material and nonconductive material onto the substrate. The apparatus has a testing head to verify conductors which operates automatically. The translation module also prints nonconductive material component alignment areas and nonconductive material substrate stiffeners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: BOTFACTORY INC.
    Inventors: Michael Knox, Andrew Ippoliti, Georgios Kyriakou, Carlos Ospina, Nicolas Vansnick
  • Publication number: 20200383250
    Abstract: A method for producing a printed circuit board on a substrate uses control data derived from a circuit schematic, CAD file, Gerber file or files or equivalents, to operates a function head configured to effect printing conductive and non-conductive materials on the substrate and produces control data to effect the circuit printing. The method optionally uses a layout translation module configured to accept PCB multilayer circuit board files and convert multilayer circuit board layout data of the PCB multilayer circuit board files to printing data files for controlling the function head to print conductive material and nonconductive material onto the substrate to produce a printed circuit effecting functionality of the multilayer circuit board layout data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Applicant: BOTFACTORY INC.
    Inventors: Michael KNOX, Andrew IPPOLITI, Georgios KYRIAKOU, Carlos OSPINA, Nicolas VANSNICK
  • Patent number: 10779451
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing a printed circuit board on a substrate, has a table for supporting the substrate, a function head configured to effect printing conductive and non-conductive materials on the substrate, a positioner configured to effect movement of the function head relative to the table, and a controller configured to operate the function head and the positioner to effect the printing of conductive and non-conductive materials on the substrate. The apparatus optionally has a layout translation module configured to accept PCB multilayer circuit board files and convert multilayer circuit board layout data of the PCB multilayer circuit board files to printing data files for controlling the function head to print conductive material and nonconductive material onto the substrate to produce a printed circuit effecting functionality of the multilayer circuit board layout data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: BotFactory, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Knox, Andrew Ippoliti, Georgios Kyriakou, Carlos Ospina, Nicolas Vansnick
  • Publication number: 20200163220
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing a printed circuit board on a substrate, has a table for supporting the substrate, a function head configured to effect printing conductive and non-conductive materials on the substrate, a positioner configured to effect movement of the function head relative to the table, and a controller configured to operate the function head and the positioner to effect the printing of conductive and non-conductive materials on the substrate. The apparatus optionally has a layout translation module configured to convert PCB files or multilayer PCB files to printing data for controlling the function head to print conductive material and nonconductive material onto the substrate. The apparatus has a testing head to verify conductors which operates automatically. The translation module also prints nonconductive material component alignment areas and nonconductive material substrate stiffeners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2020
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Applicant: BOTFACTORY INC.
    Inventors: Michael Knox, Andrew Ippoliti, Georgios Kyriakou, Carlos Ospina, Nicolas Vansnick
  • Patent number: 10548231
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing a printed circuit board on a substrate, has a table for supporting the substrate, a function head configured to effect printing conductive and non-conductive materials on the substrate, a positioner configured to effect movement of the function head relative to the table, and a controller configured to operate the function head and the positioner to effect the printing of conductive and non-conductive materials on the substrate. The apparatus optionally has a layout translation module configured to accept PCB files or multilayer PCB files to printing data for controlling the function head to print conductive material and nonconductive material onto the substrate. Conductive traces having varying thickness may be produced on a common substrate. Conductive regions are printed to electrically isolate traces and optional to present an approximately level surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: BotFactory Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Knox, Andrew Ippoliti, Georgios Kyriakou, Carlos Ospina, Nicolas Vansnick
  • Publication number: 20190117057
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a surgical tool (10?, 10?) for use in surgical removal of hemorrhoidal tissue (50). The surgical tool includes an anoscope (51?, 51?) with a proximal end (55?, 55?) and a distal end (57). The anoscope (51? 51?) has a slot (53) near the distal end (57) to receive the hemorrhoidal tissue (50). The surgical tool also includes a probe (16) for delivering electrical current to the hemorrhoidal tissue (50). The probe (16) includes a base (48) with a distal end and a proximal end and elongated probe electrodes (36, 38) extending from the distal end of the base. The probe (16) is removably attached to the anoscope (51?, 51?) such that distal ends (37, 39) of the elongated probe electrodes (36, 38) are positioned within the slot (53) for electricity-conducting engagement with said hemorrhoidal tissue (50).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Inventor: Michael Knox
  • Patent number: 10232377
    Abstract: Graphene platelet nano composites with metal or metal oxides. The coated and composited particles are useful as electrodes and for electrical applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: XG SCIENCES, INC.
    Inventors: Inhwan Do, Michael Knox, Scott Murray, Robert M. Privette
  • Patent number: 9739577
    Abstract: A device for launching fireworks, the device includes: a plastic plug and a locking base. The plastic plug includes: a resistance heating wire, a slot for accommodating the resistance heating wire, two metal conductors, two plate-like electrodes, and an upper clamping structure. The locking base includes: a lower clamping structure, two spring electrodes, and a circuit connecting socket. The top of the plastic plug is provided with the slot for accommodating the resistance heating wire. The resistance heating wire is fixed in the slot for accommodating the resistance heating wire and two ends of the resistance heating wire are electronically connected with one ends of the two metal conductors. The other ends of the two metal conductors are respectively electronically connected with the two plate-like electrodes and fixed at a bottom of the plastic plug. The bottom of the plastic plug is provided with the upper clamping structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: LIVE-WIRE PYROTECHNICS LTD
    Inventors: Fan Zhang, Michael Knox
  • Publication number: 20170048985
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing a printed circuit board on a substrate, has a table for supporting the substrate, a function head configured to effect printing conductive and non-conductive materials on the substrate, a positioner configured to effect movement of the function head relative to the table, and a controller configured to operate the function head and the positioner to effect the printing of conductive and non-conductive materials on the substrate. The apparatus optionally has a layout translation module configured to accept PCB multilayer circuit board files and convert multilayer circuit board layout data of the PCB multilayer circuit board files to printing data files for controlling the function head to print conductive material and nonconductive material onto the substrate to produce a printed circuit effecting functionality of the multilayer circuit board layout data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Knox, Andrew Ippoliti, Georgios Kyriakou, Carlos Ospina, Nicolos Vansnick
  • Publication number: 20160381844
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing a printed circuit board on a substrate, has a table for supporting the substrate, a function head configured to effect printing conductive and non- conductive materials on the substrate, a positioner configured to effect movement of the function head relative to the table, and a controller configured to operate the function head and the positioner to effect the printing of conductive and non-conductive materials on the substrate. The apparatus optionally has a layout translation module configured to accept PCB multilayer circuit board files and convert multilayer circuit board layout data of the PCB multilayer circuit board files to printing data files for controlling the function head to print conductive material and nonconductive material onto the substrate to produce a printed circuit effecting functionality of the multilayer circuit board layout data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Michael KNOX, Andrew IPPOLITI, Georgios KYRIAKOU, Carlos OSPINA, Nicolas VANSNICK
  • Publication number: 20160256873
    Abstract: Graphene platelet nano composites with metal or metal oxides. The coated and composited particles are useful as electrodes and for electrical applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Inventors: lnhwan Do, Michael Knox, Scott Murray, Robert M. Privette
  • Publication number: 20160195372
    Abstract: A device for launching fireworks, the device includes: a plastic plug and a locking base. The plastic plug includes: a resistance heating wire, a slot for accommodating the resistance heating wire, two metal conductors, two plate-like electrodes, and an upper clamping structure. The locking base includes: a lower clamping structure, two spring electrodes, and a circuit connecting socket. The top of the plastic plug is provided with the slot for accommodating the resistance heating wire. The resistance heating wire is fixed in the slot for accommodating the resistance heating wire and two ends of the resistance heating wire are electronically connected with one ends of the two metal conductors. The other ends of the two metal conductors are respectively electronically connected with the two plate-like electrodes and fixed at a bottom of the plastic plug. The bottom of the plastic plug is provided with the upper clamping structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Inventors: Fan ZHANG, Michael KNOX
  • Patent number: 9266078
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for dispersing particulate materials prone to agglomeration, in a liquid. Particulate materials are exposed to a liquid and put into that liquid to form a suspension or a dispersion in a controlled method thereby minimizing agglomerates. The method uses mechanical/hydro mixing that prevents the physical deterioration of the particulate material and inhibits agglomeration of the particles. In many cases, these materials may be nanomaterials. Almost all particulate materials, can be handled in this manner. This method has been found to be especially useful for preparing solutions of exfoliated graphene and certain drugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Inventors: Scott Murray, Michael Knox
  • Publication number: 20150174543
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for dispersing particulate materials prone to agglomeration, in a liquid. Particulate materials are exposed to a liquid and put into that liquid to form a suspension or a dispersion in a controlled method thereby minimizing agglomerates. The method uses mechanical/hydro mixing that prevents the physical deterioration of the particulate material and inhibits agglomeration of the particles. In many cases, these materials may be nanomaterials. Almost all particulate materials, can be handled in this manner. This method has been found to be especially useful for preparing solutions of exfoliated graphene and certain drugs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Inventors: Scott Murray, Michael Knox
  • Patent number: 9061259
    Abstract: An apparatus and a methods for dispersing particulate materials prone to agglomeration, in a liquid. Particulate materials are exposed to a liquid and put into that liquid to form a suspension or a dispersion in a controlled method thereby minimizing agglomerates. The method uses mechanical/hydro mixing that prevents the physical deterioration of the particulate material and inhibits agglomeration of the particles. In many cases, these materials may be nanomaterials. Almost all particulate materials can be handled in this manner. This method has been found to be especially useful for preparing solutions of exfoliated graphene and certain drugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Inventors: Scott Murray, Michael Knox
  • Publication number: 20140228454
    Abstract: An apparatus and a methods for dispersing particulate materials prone to agglomeration, in a liquid. Particulate materials are exposed to a liquid and put into that liquid to form a suspension or a dispersion in a controlled method thereby minimizing agglomerates. The method uses mechanical/hydro mixing that prevents the physical deterioration of the particulate material and inhibits agglomeration of the particles. In many cases, these materials may be nano materials. Almost all particulate materials can be handled in this manner. This method has been found to be especially useful for preparing solutions of exfoliated graphene and certain drugs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventors: Scott Murray, Michael Knox
  • Patent number: 8715720
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for dispersing particulate materials prone to agglomeration, in a liquid. Particulate materials are exposed to a liquid and put into that liquid to form a suspension or a dispersion in a controlled method thereby minimizing agglomerates. The method uses mechanical/hydro mixing that prevents the physical deterioration of the particulate material and inhibits agglomeration of the particles. In many cases, these materials may be nanomaterials. Almost all particulate materials can be handled in this manner. This method has been found to be especially useful for preparing solutions of exfoliated graphene and certain drugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventors: Scott Murray, Michael Knox
  • Publication number: 20130338242
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for dispersing particulate materials prone to agglomeration, in a liquid. Particulate materials are exposed to a liquid and put into that liquid to form a suspension or a dispersion in a controlled method thereby minimizing agglomerates. The method uses mechanical/hydro mixing that prevents the physical deterioration of the particulate material and inhibits agglomeration of the particles. In many cases, these materials may be nanomaterials. Almost all particulate materials can be handled in this manner. This method has been found to be especially useful for preparing solutions of exfoliated graphene and certain drugs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Scott Murray, Michael Knox
  • Publication number: 20130309495
    Abstract: Graphene produced by media ball milling has very small particle size, a relatively high surface area and unique aspect ratios. It is uniquely suited to make nano-composites or coating by coating or admixing other particles. Metals or metal oxides can be coated or formed into composites with the high surface area, relatively low aspect ratio graphene. If the added particles are larger than the graphene, they are coated with graphene, and if they are about the same approximate size, a nano-composite forms. The nanocomposites are useful for producing electrodes, especially for battery and supercapacitor applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventors: Inhwan Do, Michael Knox, Scott Murray, Robert M. Privette