Patents by Inventor Michael R. Hughes

Michael R. Hughes 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: 20100128456
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device package, such as an electronic system package, that is suitable for use in harsh military or commercial environments. The package components, including a base enclosure and mating cover, comprise a series of interconnected electrically conductive materials, forming a tortuous electrically conductive path, that advantageously shield electromagnetic interference (“EMI”). The electrically conductive, EMI-shielding layers and other coated layers (e.g., insulative electrocoated paint layers) are smooth layers that provide corrosion resistance to the interior and exterior surfaces of the package. The package is also designed such that its components form a water tight seal. Thus, innovatively, the package comprises a combination of components that synergistically shield electromagnetic interference, resist interior and exterior corrosion, and form a water tight seal. The package is configured to pass military specification EMI and salt fog standard testing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Hughes, James Hebert
  • Patent number: 7253398
    Abstract: A sensor system includes a sensor payload (20) capable of generating image signals, an electronic control unit (ECU) (40) for controlling the sensor payload and a hand held control unit (80) in communication with the ECU for use by an operator to input control commands to the ECU. The hand held control unit (80) includes a front facing control panel surface (84) having control elements distributed thereon and an orthogonally disposed bottom surface (94). A handle (96) extends from the enclosure bottom surface (94) with the handle longitudinal axis disposed at an angle (A) of between 175 and 135 degrees with respect to the control panel surface (84). In a second embodiment, the senor system includes a lap top control unit (LCU) (300) reconfigurable by an operator to swap movable control module (312, 306) from a base unit left side receiving port (320) to a base unit right side receiving port (318) to accommodate both left and right-handed users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Flir Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Hughes, Thomas M. Sommer
  • Patent number: 7090178
    Abstract: A rotatable payload support turret for operation in a potentially hazardous environment includes a fixed element attached to a vehicle or fixed structure and a rotatable element, supported for rotation with respect to the fixed element. The turret includes a camera payload having a pointing direction configured to be upwardly pointing. An annular clearance gap formed between the fixed element and the rotatable element is sealed by a conventional gas tight magnetic fluid seal element. A wiper seal is also provided in the clearance gap between the location of the magnetic fluid and the external environment to prevent breakdown of the magnetic fluid by elements of the potentially hazardous environment. The clearance gap may also form a labyrinth seal having up to three legs that are oriented to oppose a gravitational force direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Flir Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Hughes, Thomas M. Sommer, Ronald J. Rosi
  • Patent number: 5610802
    Abstract: An energy storage system including a housing adapted to rest on a supporting surface. The housing has a plurality of openings formed therein. Each of a predetermined number of the plurality of openings has a door mounted therein. The housing includes a sump, and located inside the housing are one or more racks. Each of the racks is adapted to hold a plurality of energy storing devices. The racks may include sliding shelves or energy storing device access mechanisms which permit each energy storing device to be moved from a first position to a second position. In addition, and optionally, the racks may be mounted on wheels so that they may be moved within the housing in order to provide access to the energy storing devices mounted thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: ZB B Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip A. Eidler, Michael R. Hughes