Patents by Inventor Michael L. Walker

Michael L. Walker 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: 7655158
    Abstract: The corrosion inhibitor blend of at least one corrosion inhibitor base (which may be a Mannich reaction product), a solvent selected from the group consisting of C1 acids and ester and salt derivatives thereof, and optionally a surfactant, has been found to be effective as a corrosion inhibitor for metals in acid media, particularly fluids containing halogen acids. The corrosion inhibitor has improved performance over similar or identical corrosion inhibitor compositions where an alcohol such as methanol is used as a solvent. Suitable, non-limiting possibilities for the solvent include, but are not necessarily limited to formic acid, formate salts, methyl formate, ethyl formate, benzyl formate, formate salts of amines, inorganic formate, and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael L. Walker
  • Patent number: 7609608
    Abstract: A method of data transmission according to one embodiment of the invention includes encoding a set of data values to produce a corresponding series of ordered n-tuples. The method also includes transmitting, according to the series of ordered n-tuples, a plurality of bursts over a plurality n of frequency bands. Specifically, for each of the plurality of bursts, a frequency band occupied by the burst is indicated by the order within its n-tuple of an element corresponding to the burst. A bandwidth of at least one of the plurality of bursts is at least two percent of the center frequency of the burst. Information is encoded into an additional modulation, e.g., amplitude, width or polarization modulation, of at least one of the plurality of bursts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: General Atomics
    Inventors: Gerald D. Rogerson, David S. Furuno, Stephan W. Gehring, Michael L. Walker, Jason L. Ellis
  • Patent number: 7436899
    Abstract: A method of data transmission according to one embodiment of the invention includes transmitting a plurality of bursts to transmit data, each burst occupying at least one of a plurality of frequency bands. Specifically, a bandwidth of at least one of the plurality of bursts is at least two percent of the center frequency of the burst. In one preferred embodiment, a bandwidth of at least one of the plurality of bursts is at least 100 MHz. In another preferred embodiment, each burst occupies at least one of the plurality of frequency bands, but less than all of the plurality of frequency bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: General Atomics
    Inventors: Gerald D. Rogerson, Jason L. Ellis, David S. Furuno, Michael L. Walker, Stephan W. Gehring
  • Publication number: 20080234148
    Abstract: It has been discovered that carbonate powders and bicarbonate powders are useful to increase the pH and corrosion resistance of high-density brines, such as zinc bromide brines, without significantly reducing their densities. The carbonates and/or bicarbonates should be water-soluble and may be sodium, potassium, magnesium and/or ammonium carbonates and/or bicarbonates and the like. The carbonates and/or bicarbonates are easily added in powder or other finely divided solid form and are completely dissolved in the brine prior to pumping the brine into a subterranean formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Michael L. Walker
  • Publication number: 20080130685
    Abstract: A method of data transmission according to one embodiment of the invention includes encoding a set of data values to produce a corresponding series of ordered n-tuples. The method also includes transmitting, according to the series of ordered n-tuples, a plurality of bursts over a plurality n of frequency bands. Specifically, for each of the plurality of bursts, a frequency band occupied by the burst is indicated by the order within its n-tuple of an element corresponding to the burst. A bandwidth of at least one of the plurality of bursts is at least two percent of the center frequency of the burst. Information is encoded into a polarity of at least one of the plurality of bursts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: GENERAL ATOMICS
    Inventors: Gerald D. Rogerson, David S. Furuno, Stephan W. Gehring, Michael L. Walker, Roberto Aiello
  • Patent number: 7342973
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for operation in a multi-frequency band system in the presence of an interference, the method comprising the steps of: receiving signaling in a plurality of wideband frequency sub-bands, each wideband frequency sub-band having a different center frequency, wherein a bandwidth of each wideband frequency sub-band is at least 2 percent of a center frequency of the wideband frequency sub-band; detecting an interfering signal having signal energy in a portion of a respective sub-band of the wideband frequency sub-bands; deciding to discontinue use of the respective sub-band; and instructing a transmitting device transmitting the signaling to transmit subsequent signaling in any except the respective sub-band of the plurality of wideband frequency sub-bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: General Atomics
    Inventors: Michael L. Walker, David S. Furuno, Stephan W. Gehring, Gerald D. Rogerson, Susan C. Lin
  • Patent number: 7321601
    Abstract: A method of data transmission according to one embodiment of the invention includes encoding a set of data values to produce a corresponding series of ordered n-tuples. The method also includes transmitting, according to the series of ordered n-tuples, a plurality of bursts over a plurality n of frequency bands. Specifically, for each of the plurality of bursts, a frequency band occupied by the burst is indicated by the order within its n-tuple of an element corresponding to the burst. A bandwidth of at least one of the plurality of bursts is at least two percent of the center frequency of the burst. Information is encoded into a polarity of at least one of the plurality of bursts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: General Atomics
    Inventors: Gerald D. Rogerson, David S. Furuno, Stephan W. Gehring, Michael L. Walker, Roberto Aiello
  • Patent number: 7236464
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for signal detection and error detection in a multi-band system, the method for error detection comprising the steps: receiving a plurality of bursts, each burst occupying at least one of a plurality of frequency bands, the plurality of bursts encoding a symbol, the symbol corresponding to data, wherein the symbol is encoded such that a burst occupying each frequency band is transmitted a specified number of times within the plurality of bursts; determining that a given burst has not been detected the specified number of times; and declaring a transmission error for the symbol. In one variation, the frequency bands comprise wideband frequency bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: General Atomics
    Inventors: Michael L. Walker, Gerald D. Rogerson, Stephan W. Gehring
  • Patent number: 6989782
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for radar systems using multiple pulses that are shorter than the expected range delay extent of the target to be imaged. In one implementation, a method for performing radar includes the steps of: transmitting a plurality of pulses, each pulse having a different center frequency and a time duration shorter than an expected range delay extent of a target, wherein a total bandwidth is defined by a bandwidth occupied by the plurality of pulses; receiving reflections of the plurality of pulses; and performing pulse compression on the received pulse reflections to generate a detection signal having a radar resolution approximately equivalent to the transmission and reception of a single pulse having the total bandwidth. In preferred form, the pulses comprise ultrawideband (UWB) pulses each occupying a sub-band of the overall system bandwidth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: General Atomics
    Inventors: Michael L. Walker, David S. Furuno, Naiel K. Askar, Gerald D. Rogerson
  • Patent number: 6960916
    Abstract: An electrical circuit test apparatus for testing a three-conductor electrical circuit outlet connected to an associated circuit breaker. The three-conductor connections are the electrically active (Hot), neutral and ground. Any suitable color-coding either national or international may, if desired, be used to identify the electrically active (Hot), neutral and ground electrical conductors. A three-conductor electrical cable is connected at one end to a three-prong plug. The other end of the electrical cable is connected to the electrical test apparatus that determines and indicates the current energized state of the circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Inventor: Michael L. Walker
  • Patent number: 6939483
    Abstract: It has been discovered that ammonia and amines are useful to increase the pH and corrosion resistance of high density brines, such as zinc bromide brines, without significantly reducing their densities. The ammonia or amine additive is preferably incorporated by contacting the brine with the additive which is in the vapor phase. Optionally, a substituted carboxylic acid, such as hydroxy carboxylic acid, may be used to increase the amount of ammonia or amine that can be included in the high density brine without precipitation of salts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: PABU Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Walker
  • Patent number: 6894008
    Abstract: It has been discovered that carbonate powders and bicarbonate powders are useful to increase the pH and corrosion resistance of high-density brines, such as zinc bromide brines, without significantly reducing their densities. The carbonates and/or bicarbonates should be water-soluble and may be sodium, potassium, magnesium and/or ammonium carbonates and/or bicarbonates and the like. The carbonates and/or bicarbonates are easily added in powder or other finely divided solid form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael L. Walker
  • Patent number: 6895059
    Abstract: A method of data transmission according to one embodiment of the invention includes encoding a set of data values to produce a corresponding series of ordered n-tuples. The method also includes transmitting, according to the series of ordered n-tuples, a plurality of bursts over a plurality n of frequency bands. Specifically, for each of the plurality of bursts, a frequency band occupied by the burst is indicated by the order within its n-tuple of an element corresponding to the burst. A bandwidth of at least one of the plurality of bursts is at least two percent of the center frequency of the burst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: General Atomics
    Inventors: Gerald D. Rogerson, Jason L. Ellis, David S. Furuno, Michael L. Walker, Stephan W. Gehring
  • Patent number: 6863197
    Abstract: A garment hanger for use in a garment treatment device or garment storage container includes a hook, a bow and a pair of garment clamps. The garment clamps each include a cam-like clothes gripping arrangement in which a cam is pivotally mounted within a channel and further include a release arm for opening the clamp and a spring for bringing the cam into engagement onto the garment. The cam positively grips the garment, using a series of raised ribs having a incrementally decreasing spacing for graduated engagement of the garment. Opposite the cam within the channel, a high friction surface aids garment retention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Dirlam, Michael L. Walker
  • Publication number: 20040082485
    Abstract: It has been discovered that carbonate powders and bicarbonate powders are useful to increase the pH and corrosion resistance of high-density brines, such as zinc bromide brines, without significantly reducing their densities. The carbonates and/or bicarbonates should be water-soluble and may be sodium, potassium, magnesium and/or ammonium carbonates and/or bicarbonates and the like. The carbonates and/or bicarbonates are easily added in powder or other finely divided solid form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Michael L. Walker
  • Publication number: 20040048574
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for operation in a multi-frequency band system in the presence of an interference, the method comprising the steps of: receiving signaling in a plurality of wideband frequency sub-bands, each wideband frequency sub-band having a different center frequency, wherein a bandwidth of each wideband frequency sub-band is at least 2 percent of a center frequency of the wideband frequency sub-band; detecting an interfering signal having signal energy in a portion of a respective sub-band of the wideband frequency sub-bands; deciding to discontinue use of the respective sub-band; and instructing a transmitting device transmitting the signaling to transmit subsequent signaling in any except the respective sub-band of the plurality of wideband frequency sub-bands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: General Atomics
    Inventors: Michael L. Walker, David S. Furuno, Stephan W. Gehring, Gerald D. Rogerson, Susan C. Lin
  • Publication number: 20040028012
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for signal detection and error detection in a multi-band system, the method for error detection comprising the steps: receiving a plurality of bursts, each burst occupying at least one of a plurality of frequency bands, the plurality of bursts encoding a symbol, the symbol corresponding to data, wherein the symbol is encoded such that a burst occupying each frequency band is transmitted a specified number of times within the plurality of bursts; determining that a given burst has not been detected the specified number of times; and declaring a transmission error for the symbol. In one variation, the frequency bands comprise wideband frequency bands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: General Atomics
    Inventors: Michael L. Walker, Gerald D. Rogerson, Stephan W. Gehring
  • Publication number: 20040008729
    Abstract: A method of data transmission according to one embodiment of the invention includes encoding a set of data values to produce a corresponding series of ordered n-tuples. The method also includes transmitting, according to the series of ordered n-tuples, a plurality of bursts over a plurality n of frequency bands. Specifically, for each of the plurality of bursts, a frequency band occupied by the burst is indicated by the order within its n-tuple of an element corresponding to the burst. A bandwidth of at least one of the plurality of bursts is at least two percent of the center frequency of the burst. Information is encoded into an additional modulation, e.g., amplitude, width or polarization modulation, of at least one of the plurality of bursts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: General Atomics
    Inventors: Gerald D. Rogerson, David S. Furuno, Stephan W. Gehring, Michael L. Walker, Jason L. Ellis
  • Publication number: 20030202537
    Abstract: A method of data transmission according to one embodiment of the invention includes encoding a set of data values to produce a corresponding series of ordered n-tuples. The method also includes transmitting, according to the series of ordered n-tuples, a plurality of bursts over a plurality n of frequency bands. Specifically, for each of the plurality of bursts, a frequency band occupied by the burst is indicated by the order within its n-tuple of an element corresponding to the burst. A bandwidth of at least one of the plurality of bursts is at least two percent of the center frequency of the burst. Information is encoded into a polarity of at least one of the plurality of bursts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: General Atomics
    Inventors: Gerald D. Rogerson, David S. Furuno, Stephan W. Gehring, Michael L. Walker, Roberto Aiello
  • Publication number: 20030183808
    Abstract: The corrosion inhibitor blend of at least one corrosion inhibitor base (which may be a Mannich reaction product), a solvent selected from the group consisting of C1 acids and ester and salt derivatives thereof, and optionally a surfactant, has been found to be effective as a corrosion inhibitor for metals in acid media, particularly fluids containing halogen acids. The corrosion inhibitor has improved performance over similar or identical corrosion inhibitor compositions where an alcohol such as methanol is used as a solvent. Suitable, non-limiting possibilities for the solvent include, but are not necessarily limited to formic acid, formate salts, methyl formate, ethyl formate, benzyl formate, formate salts of amines, inorganic formate, and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventor: Michael L. Walker