Patents by Inventor Michael M. Gifford

Michael M. Gifford 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: 10437001
    Abstract: A drogue and mandrel are provided for securing a fiber optic link in which the mandrel has halves with winding knobs on the ends of the mandrel. One half includes pegs for positioning the link with a fiber optic splice between the pegs. The halves attach at the pegs such that the knobs can wind to secure the link on a lined surface of one of the halves. The halves have grooves to protect the link from breaking during winding. A pair of guide tubes and the mandrel including the fiber optic link are positioned in the drogue with the tubes tangent to the mandrel to ensure that there is no obstruction. A second half of the mandrel features arresting teeth that interfaces with recesses threaded winding knobs to prevent unwinding. A circumferential fin assists with inducing drag of the drogue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Inventors: Michael M Gifford, Frank S LiVolski, Zachary A Whittaker
  • Patent number: 5836745
    Abstract: An apparatus for recovering fluid from a liquid formation includes a submersible pump for pumping fluid from the liquid formation. The submersible pump is coupled to an eductor defining a fluid member for receiving and transporting the fluid from the pump, and a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the fluid member for placement at a liquid-product layer in the formation. A probe assembly is coupled to the eductor for ensuring that the pump is inoperative when the fluid level in the formation is low. In operation, a motive force created by the upward flow of fluid pumped through the fluid member draws additional fluid into the fluid inlet from the liquid-product layer. The fluid entering the fluid inlet merges with the fluid flowing through the fluid member and is transported to a treatment facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Sippican, Inc.
    Inventors: David K. Brogan, John R. Couture, Michael M. Gifford
  • Patent number: 5490971
    Abstract: Apparatus for chemical detection includes a cap for coupling with a sample vial containing a sample. The sample includes at least one chemical to be detected. The cap includes a reagent vial which contains a liquid reagent. The reagent vial includes a membrane which substantially retains the liquid reagent and which is substantially permeable to the chemical to be detected. The reagent vial can be opened to allow the chemical to permeate and enter the reagent vial and closed to substantially prevent the chemical from permeating the membrane and entering the reagent vial. In some embodiments, the reagent vial is opened and closed by movement of the reagent vial. In some other embodiments, the reagent vial remains stationary while a device moves to open and close the stationary reagent vial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Sippican, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael M. Gifford, Kevin J. Mackie