Patents by Inventor Michael Morris

Michael Morris 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: 20070236001
    Abstract: A sheet of sheets comprises individual sheets (1a-1g) which can be placed on top of each other and which have a predefined shape; each individual sheet (1a-1g) comprises furthermore a first portion (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 24) in the form of a subject and associated with a second portion (26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 and 38) containing information; for children and adolescent users, the selection and arrangement on top of each other of these individual sheets, stimulated by the graphic motifs shown on them, is entertaining and instructive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventors: Oliviero Dolci, Emanuela Moltani, Michael Morris
  • Publication number: 20070177584
    Abstract: A packet-based, hierarchical communication system, arranged in a spanning tree configuration, is described in which wired and wireless communication networks exhibiting substantially different characteristics are employed in an overall scheme to link portable or mobile computing devices. The network accommodates real time voice transmission both through dedicated, scheduled bandwidth and through a packet-based routing within the confines and constraints of a data network. Conversion and call processing circuitry is also disclosed which enables access devices and personal computers to adapt voice information between analog voice stream and digital voice packet formats as proves necessary. Routing pathways include wireless spanning tree networks, wide area networks, telephone switching networks, internet, etc., in a manner virtually transparent to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventors: Joseph Kubler, Michael Morris
  • Publication number: 20070166226
    Abstract: A process for preparing a mesoporous material comprises the step of preparing a sol and treating the sol material under supercritical fluid conditions. The treatment under supercritical fluid conditions forms an ordered mesoporous material. The sol may be applied to a substrate to form a mesoporous film and subsequently treating the film under supercritical fluid conditions. Alternatively the process may comprise directly treating the sol under supercritical fluid conditions to form a mesoporous powder material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Inventors: Justin Holmes, Kaixue Wang, John Hanrahan, Michael Morris, Trevor Spalding
  • Patent number: 7232218
    Abstract: A bifocal multiorder diffractive lens having a lens body with one or more first regions having a first multiorder diffractive structure providing near vision correction, and one or more second regions having a second multiorder diffractive structure providing distance vision correction, in which the lens defines an aperture divided between the first and second regions. The lens body may be provided by a single optical element or multiple optical elements. In other embodiments, a bifocal multiorder diffractive lens is provided by a single or multiple element lens body having a multiorder diffractive structure for distance vision correction and one or more refractive regions to add power for near vision correction, or a single or multiple element lens body shaped for refractive power for distance vision correction and a multiorder diffractive structure for add power for near vision correction. Multiorder diffractive structures may be optimized for photopic and scotopic vision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Apollo Optical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Michael Morris, Dale A. Buralli, Richard J. Federico
  • Publication number: 20070127443
    Abstract: A branch exchange comprises at least one interface module coupled to a plurality of telecommunication connections including a first telecommunication connection and a second telecommunication connection. A converter is coupled to the at least one interface module and a network interface controller (NIC). The converter is configured to communicate at least one time division multiplexed (TDM) data stream between the converter and the at least one interface module. The converter is further configured to packetize data from one of the telecommunication connections into a first plurality of data packets transmitted to the NIC by the converter. A branch exchange manager is configured to receive the data from the NIC and cause the data to be transmitted over the second telecommunication connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventors: Mark Spencer, Michael Morris
  • Patent number: 7225455
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for using an electronic program guide application to access a non-program guide application. The electronic program guide application provides a program guide display from which a user can access the non-program guide application. The electronic program guide application receives a user selection to access the non-program guide application from the program guide display. In response to the user selection, the electronic program guide application accesses the non-program guide application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald E Bennington, George Backer, Shawn Green, Bill Cooper, David Spell, Rosetta Rogers, Bruce Davis, Michael Morris
  • Publication number: 20070082409
    Abstract: In a method for measuring cartilage condition biological markers, a surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate is irradiated using a light source, the SERS substrate having deposited thereon a biological sample. Light scattered by the SERS substrate is received, and spectral content information associated with the received light is determined. A level of a cartilage condition biological marker in the biological sample is determined based on the spectral content information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Publication date: April 12, 2007
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventors: Michael Morris, Blake Roessler, Gurjit Mandair, Karen Dehring
  • Patent number: 7201661
    Abstract: A video gaming device includes a game computer which is connected to a central computer and a plurality of player stations connected to the game computer. Connection of the player stations may be effected using an interface device which includes at least one serial port which has a transmit line for transmitting data to a player station and a receive line for receiving data from a player station, input ports and output ports for communication with the game computer, and a processor for routing data between the said serial port and the input and output ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Vegas Amusement Inc.
    Inventors: Julian J. Kennedy, Michael A. Morris, Douglas E. Morris
  • Publication number: 20070049808
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for evaluating a connective tissue condition of a patient (e.g., a disease, a risk of developing a disease, a risk of developing a fracture, etc.). For example, an indicator associated with the connective tissue condition may be generated. First, tissue at a first location of the body of the patient is irradiated using a light source. The tissue may be irradiated in vivo through the skin or via an incision, for example. Alternatively, a biopsy of the tissue may be irradiated. Then, spectral content information for light scattered, reflected, or transmitted by the irradiated tissue is determined. The spectral content information may be used, at least in part, to generate an indicator associated with a condition of connective tissue at a second location of the body of the patient, the second location remote from the first location. The indicator may, for example, assist a physician in diagnosing or ruling out the connective tissue condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Publication date: March 1, 2007
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventors: Blake Roessler, Michael Morris, Karen Dehring
  • Publication number: 20070000124
    Abstract: A terminal crimping machine includes an applicator having crimp tooling configured to crimp a terminal to a wire in a crimping zone and an applicator motor driving the crimp tooling to and from the crimping zone. The machine also includes a feeder device positioned adjacent to the applicator, wherein the feeder device has a terminal feeding member configured to successively feed terminals to the crimping zone. A feeder motor drives the terminal feeding member in a terminal feeding direction and in a retracting direction, wherein the terminals are fed to the crimping zone as the terminal feeding member is moved in the terminal feeding direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventors: James Shandersky, Michael Morris, Neil Deming
  • Patent number: 7156516
    Abstract: Diffractive lenses for vision correction are provided on a lens body having a first diffractive structure for splitting light into two or more diffractive orders to different focal distances or ranges, and a second diffractive structure, referred to as a multiorder diffractive (MOD) structure, for diffracting light at different wavelengths into a plurality of different diffractive orders to a common focal distance or range. In a bifocal application, the first and second diffractive structures in combination define the base power for distance vision correction and add power for near vision correction of the lens. The first and second diffractive structures may be combined on the same surface or located on different surfaces of the lens. The first diffractive structure may have blazed (i.e., sawtooth), sinusoidal, sinusoidal harmonic, square wave, or other shape profile. A sinusoidal harmonic diffractive structure is particularly useful in applications where smooth rather than sharp edges are desirable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Apollo Optical Systems LLC
    Inventors: G. Michael Morris, Dale A. Buralli, Richard J. Federico
  • Publication number: 20060281517
    Abstract: A multiplayer interactive video gaming device is provided. The device includes a computer workstation assembly, at least one player station, and an interface assembly in operative communication with at least one data port of the computer workstation assembly and configured to receive player input messages from a plurality of the player stations and to output the player input messages to the computer workstation assembly by one or more of the at least one data ports. The interface assembly is operably associated with the at least one player station to route the player input messages from the at least one player station to the computer workstation assembly according to a predetermined protocol so that player input messages generated from simultaneous activation of a plurality of input devices are output to the computer workstation assembly without information loss.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Michael Morris, Douglas Morris, Julian Kennedy
  • Patent number: 7108335
    Abstract: A plastic wheel assembly (122, 222) and wheel mounting sleeve (127, 227) used to releasably secure the wheel (122, 222) onto an axle (123, 223). The wheel mounting sleeve (127, 227) includes an axle stabilizing opening (100, 200) positioned in an end wall (158, 258) of the sleeve which receives an axle outer end or axle stub (199, 299) that supports the axle (123, 223) against lateral loading and stabilizes it to reduce wobble, chatter and vibration. The opening (100, 200) permits visual confirmation of proper section of the axle outer end (199, 299) in the opening (100, 200). A universal axle (223, 223a) is also provided which can be used to couple wheels (122, 222) having shaped axle bores (139, 239) to the axle using wheel mounting sleeves (127, 227), as well as being used to couple wheels (420), having straight or substantially cylindrical bores (439), to the axle using conventional fasteners (450, 461, 470).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: GEO Plastics
    Inventor: Michael A. Morris
  • Patent number: 7106158
    Abstract: A relatively rugged and simple solenoid-actuated valve (100) is disclosed having a coil assembly (150), including a bobbin (152), a winding (160) for generating a magnetic field, and a flux path bracket (162). A fixed pole piece (110) extends into the axial volume defined by the bobbin. The coil assembly may be encased in a plastic outer body (101). An armature (120) is slidably disposed in the axial volume and a valve seat (130) closes the opposite end of the axial volume. A conical spring (140) biases the armature toward a first position against the valve seat. An inlet fitting (106) and an outlet fitting (104) fluidly connect to the axial volume. The armature is movable by the magnetic field generated by the winding from the first position to a second position away from the valve seat, such that the valve can be selectively opened and closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: G.T. Development Corporation
    Inventors: Alan K Forsythe, John Michael Morris, Charles E Stephens
  • Patent number: 7100185
    Abstract: An electronic program schedule system which includes a receiver for receiving broadcast, satellite or cablecast television programs for a plurality of television channels and a tuner for tuning a television receiver to a selected one of the plurality of channels. A data processor receives and stores in a memory television program schedule information for a plurality of television programs to appear on the plurality of television channels. A user control apparatus, such as a remote controller, is utilized by a viewer to choose user control commands and transmit signals in response to the data processor which receives the signals in response to user control commands. A television receiver is used to display the television programs and television program schedule information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: United Video Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald E. Bennington, George Backer, Shawn Green, Bill Cooper, Dave Spell, Bruce Davis, Michael Morris
  • Patent number: 7093938
    Abstract: A bifocal multiorder diffractive lens having a lens body with one or more first regions having a first multiorder diffractive structure providing near vision correction, and one or more second regions having a second multiorder diffractive structure providing distance vision correction, in which the lens defines an aperture divided between the first and second regions. The lens body may be provided by a single optical element or multiple optical elements. In other embodiments, a bifocal multiorder diffractive lens is provided by a single or multiple element lens body having a multiorder diffractive structure for distance vision correction and one or more refractive regions to add power for near vision correction, or a single or multiple element lens body shaped for refractive power for distance vision correction and a multiorder diffractive structure for add power for near vision correction. Multiorder diffractive structures may be optimized for photopic and scotopic vision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Apollo Optical Systems LLC
    Inventors: G. Michael Morris, Dale A. Buralli, Richard J. Federico
  • Publication number: 20060181141
    Abstract: A wheel-mounting sleeve and retainer is described. The wheel-mounting sleeve includes a sleeve body, formed and dimensioned for mounting through a wheel-bearing bore in a wheel and into telescoped relation over an axle having a retaining notch. The wheel-mounting sleeve includes at least one retainer discrete from the sleeve body. The retainer includes monolithic spring and lug portions, and is coupled to the sleeve body such that the lug portion is resiliently positionable through a port in the sleeve body and into the axle bore to a detente position wherein the lug portion engages the retaining notch of the axle to constrain the axle within the axle bore. A method of using the wheel-mounting sleeve and retainer is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Applicant: GEO Plastics
    Inventor: Michael Morris
  • Patent number: 7092165
    Abstract: Microlens arrays (105) having high focusing efficiencies are provided. The high focusing efficiencies are achieved by accurately producing the individual microlenses making up the array at high fill factors. Arrays of positive microlenses are produced by forming a master having a concave surface-relief pattern (101) in a positive photoresist (21) using direct laser writing. Through this approach, the problems associated with the convolution of a finite laser beam with a desired profile for a microlens are overcome. The microlens arrays of the invention have focusing efficiencies of at least 75%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: G. Michael Morris, Tasso R. M. Sales
  • Patent number: D534626
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Morris Sato Studio LLP
    Inventors: Michael Morris, Yoshiko Sato, J. Christopher Forman
  • Patent number: D542003
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: GEO Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Morris