Patents by Inventor Michael R. Clark

Michael R. Clark 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: 5491477
    Abstract: An apparatus for inputting and controlling the position of a pointer on a computer screen without permitting any rotation of the apparatus relative to the marker is described. The apparatus comprises a pantagraph device, namely a plate, connect by two arms to a gripable element, and by a separate two arms to a housing, the apparatus being coupled to a position sensing system such as a mouse ball or optical sensing system. This apparatus can be used for easily and accurately controlling a pointer for painting programs and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Clark, Alan C. Kay, Thomas Ferrara
  • Patent number: 5215126
    Abstract: An insulation sheath for a pipe in a furnace is provided. The sheath has excellent insulation properties together with adequate resistance to the corrosive environment and thermal shock conditions. A pre-formed, substantially C-shaped, elongate member shaped to conform to the pipe over a portion of its circumference, the member comprising an inner layer of bonded insulating material integrally-bonded to a protective outer layer of refractory material. The inner layer is preferably formed of bonded ceramic fibre.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Foseco International Limited
    Inventor: Michael R. Clark
  • Patent number: 5132672
    Abstract: A three degrees of freedom interactive display controller device is disclosed, comprising a hand manipulable housing unit having an opening for the passage of a mouse ball, two motion detectors for detecting the movement of the mouse ball and converting that motion to output signals controlling the translational movement of an object on the display of a computer and a finger operated conveyor belt or roller for controlling the translational motion of the object with respect to a third translational axis. All translation controls are operable to be physically moved in a direction which corresponds to the desired simulated direction of movement of the object on the display. The physical motion of each control is unbounded and the actual physical position of the housing unit is independent of the simulated position of the object on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Clark
  • Patent number: 5095303
    Abstract: A six degrees of freedom interactive display controller device is disclosed, comprising a hand manipulable housing unit having an opening for the passage of a mouse ball, two motion detectors for detecting the movement of the mouse ball and converting that motion to output signals controlling the tranlational movement of an object on the display of a computer, a finger operated conveyor belt or roller for controlling the translational motion of the object with respect to a third translational axis, a first finger controlled mechanism, such as a wheel and motion encoders, affixed to the housing for controlling the rotational motion (pitch) of the object with respect to a first one of the translational axes, a second finger controlled mechanism affixed to the housing for controlling the rotational motion (roll) of the object with respect to a second one of the translational axes, and a third finger controlled mechanism affixed to the housing unit for controlling the rotational motion (yaw) of the object with re
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Clark, Musa Mustafa
  • Patent number: 4797516
    Abstract: An electric switch has a first molding for supporting an isolation switch and at least one line side power fuse clip, where the line fuse clip is capable of retaining a first end of a power fuse fed by the isolation switch. A second molding for supporting at least one load side power fuse clip is provided, where the load fuse clip is capable of retaining a second end of the power fuse. At least one projection is formed into the second molding for supporting a control circuit fuse, where the projection is substantially parallel to and beside an installed power fuse, and a control circuit line side fuse clip and a corresponding load side clip is mounted to each of the projections formed into the second molding, so that installed control and power fuses are spaced apart and substantially parallel. A conductor behind a terminal of the power fuse connects the load side power fuse clip to the control circuit line side fuse clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Michael R. Clark, Gerald J. Kuiper, Donald B. Monson, Dominick Tringali
  • Patent number: 4766276
    Abstract: The invention solves the problem of loss of contact between jaws of a stationary contact with a switchblade of a knife switch when the switchblade undergoes lateral motion, as for example, under the influence of electromagnetic forces during short circuit conditions. A jaw for a switch has a base, a pair of electrically conducting jaws for accepting a blade of a switch between the jaws, a pin mounted in a hole passing through the base; retention springs mounted on the pin and producing force against the jaws so as to maintain electrical contact between the jaws and the switchblade, wherein the pin may slide in the hole in the base so that the jaws may follow lateral motion of the switchblade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Michael R. Clark, Fred Erb, Miklos J. Orosz
  • Patent number: 4612424
    Abstract: The invention has an enclosure, a circuit breaker mounted inside the enclosure, and a hand lever rotatably mounted upon a door of the enclosure. A drive shaft is rotatably attached at a first end to the circuit breaker so that rotation of the drive shaft operates the circuit breaker. When the door is closed a second end of the drive shaft seats in a socket in the hand lever, and rotation of the hand lever rotates the drive shaft. A spring clip is mounted within the hand lever, and the spring clip grips the second end of the drive shaft so that force applied by the hand lever to rotate the drive shaft may deform the spring clip thereby permitting deflection in a coupling between the hand lever and the drive shaft. A retainer plate attached to the hand lever catches the drive shaft when the spring clip is deformed by the force and thereby prevents opening of the door as a safety measure. The drive shaft has a reduced cross-section region between the first end and the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1986
    Assignee: Square D Company
    Inventors: Michael R. Clark, Dominick Tringali, Fredrick E. Woodlief, Miklos J. Orosz