Patents by Inventor Michael Ray

Michael Ray 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: 20080245876
    Abstract: An electrical switch assembly comprises a generally planar substrate. A functional switch and at least one identification switch are mounted to the substrate. A switch body supports a switch actuator which is movable between multiple positions. An arrangement of one or more projecting members extends from the switch body. The switch body is mounted on or to the substrate such that the switch actuator operatively engages the functional switch, and the arrangement of projecting members operatively engages at least one of the identification switches to create a unique electronic identifier for the electrical switch assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: David Scott Gordon, Michael Ray Schlichtmann, Jon Thomas Jacobson
  • Publication number: 20080244171
    Abstract: An apparatus and system are presented for utilizing tape storage media segmentation to improve data access performance. A segmented tape storage medium within a tape cartridge having a first and second segment is utilized. A selection module allows a user to select a user-defined capacity of the tape storage medium that is less than the usable capacity of the tape storage medium. The user-defined capacity allows the user to prefer improved data access over tape storage capacity. Data, when written to the tape, is written only within the user-defined capacity. Data may be written exclusively on the first segment or written on both the first segment and second segment allowing data access to be improved. In addition, the user-defined capacity may correspond to the full capacity of the tape storage media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Lyn Lequam Ashton, Erika Marianna Dawson, Lisa Joan Gundy, Stanley Mark Kissinger, Michael Ray Noel
  • Publication number: 20080195759
    Abstract: A variety of flexible conflict resolution policies are provided for loosely coupled devices to implement according to a variety of different synchronization scenarios. Choosing a conflict resolution policy, such as “Most Frequent Updater,” “Priority,” “PerCent Change,” “Arbiter Deadlock Resolution,” etc., enables devices to select how and when to resolve such synchronization conflicts. In addition, with reference to a conflict log, a user or synchronizing application can roll back synchronization state to a time before a conflict may have arisen, so that the user or application can undo a resolution of a conflict and/or the user or application can apply an alternative conflict resolution policy moving forward from that time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lev Novik, Michael Scott Beckerman, Michael Ray Clark, Moe Khosravy, Sean Michael Kelley, Jorg-Thomas Pfenning
  • Patent number: 7406580
    Abstract: A method is presented for utilizing tape storage media segmentation to improve data access performance. A segmented tape storage medium within a tape cartridge having a first and second segment is utilized. A selection module allows a user to select a user-defined capacity of the tape storage medium that is less than the usable capacity of the tape storage medium. The user-defined capacity allows the user to prefer improved data access over tape storage capacity. Data, when written to the tape, is written only within the user-defined capacity. Data may be written exclusively on the first segment or written on both the first segment and second segment allowing data access to be improved. In addition, the user-defined capacity may correspond to the full capacity of the tape storage media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Lyn Lequam Ashton, Erika Marianna Dawson, Lisa Joan Gundy, Stanley Mark Kissinger, Michael Ray Noel
  • Publication number: 20080163687
    Abstract: The MEMS Sensor Suite on a Chip provides the capability, monolithically integrated onto one MEMS chip, to sense temperature, humidity, and two axes of acceleration. The device incorporates a MEMS accelerometer, a MEMS humidity sensor, and a MEMS temperature sensor on one chip. These individual devices incorporate proof masses, suspensions, humidity sensitive capacitors, and temperature sensitive resistors (thermistors) all fabricated in a common fabrication process that allows them to be integrated onto one micromachined chip. The device can be fabricated in a simple micromachining process that allows its size to be miniaturized for embedded and portable applications. During operation, the sensor suite chip monitors temperature levels, humidity levels, and acceleration levels in two axes. External circuitry allows sensor readout, range selection, and signal processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: Morgan Research Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Scott Kranz, Robert Faye Elliott, Michael Ray Whitley, Marty Ray Williams, Philip John Reiner
  • Patent number: 7396254
    Abstract: A connector assembly comprising includes a housing with a wall and a plurality of connector units. The wall includes a plurality of openings having the same size and shape. Each of the connector units has a base plate, electrical connectors mounted in and projecting from the base plate, a hollow shroud surrounding the electrical connectors and extending away from the base plate, and a skirt surrounding the shroud. The skirt projects radially outwardly from the base plate. All of the skirts have the same outer peripheral size and shape. The shrouds may have a variety of different outer peripheral shapes and sizes corresponding to unique connector functions. Each of the skirts sealingly engage with a portion of the wall surrounding a corresponding opening. Each opening is surrounded by a groove, and each skirt overlaps and covers a corresponding one of the grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Gregory Keith Harmelink, Michael Ray Schlichtmann, Kevin Park Cowles, Jon Thomas Jacobson
  • Publication number: 20080144077
    Abstract: A method for controlling a peripheral device includes receiving input from a user at a workstation adapted to the user, determining whether the received input can be valid, generating a job ticket from the valid input, sending the job ticket to the peripheral device and receiving an identifier representing the job ticket from the peripheral device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Mohamed Nooman Ahmed, Amanda Kay Bridges, Stuart Willard Daniel, William James Gardner Flowers, Charles Edward Grieshaber, Dennis Herbert Hasselbring, Michael Earl Lhamon, Chad Eugene McQuillen, Michael Ray Timperman
  • Publication number: 20080144669
    Abstract: A sync community may include a group of synchronization endpoints. When two synchronization endpoints of the sync community synchronize with one another, a synchronization data conflict may be detected when the two synchronization endpoints make a change to a same particular data item and the two synchronization endpoints were unaware of the changes to the same particular data item made by the other respective synchronization endpoint at the time the changes were made. Resolution of the detected synchronization data conflict may be delayed and data indicative of the detected synchronization data conflict may be propagated to other synchronization endpoints during a synchronization operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Oliver Lee, Michael Scott Beckerman, Michael Ray Clark, Moe Khosravy, Lev Novik, Jorg-Thomas Pfenning
  • Publication number: 20080144134
    Abstract: A method for a user to control a peripheral device includes soliciting input from a user through assistive technology, receiving input from the user in response to soliciting, and executing a job generated from the input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Mohamed Nooman Ahmed, Amanda Kay Bridges, Stuart Willard Daniel, William James Gardner Flowers, Charles Edward Grieshaber, Dennis Herbert Hasselbring, Michael Earl Lhamon, Chad Eugene McQuillen, Michael Ray Timperman
  • Publication number: 20080115222
    Abstract: A method for an impaired user to control a peripheral device including receiving key-value pair input from the user, determining whether the received input is valid and executing a job generated from the valid received key-value pair input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Mohamed Nooman Ahmed, Amanda Kay Bridges, Stuart Willard Daniel, William James Gardner Flowers, Charles Edward Grieshaber, Dennis Herbert Hasselbring, Michael Earl Lhamon, Chad Eugene McQuillen, Michael Ray Timperman
  • Patent number: 7372701
    Abstract: A work machine includes a bulkhead separating an operator cab from an engine compartment. An electronic module includes a cantilever arranged mounting flange mounted to the bulkhead. The electronic module includes a rigid and thermally conductive frame. An electronics board is mounted to one side of the frame, and a power board is mounted to an opposite side of the frame. The electronics board carries a plurality of electronic components, and the power board carries a plurality of replaceable power elements. Each power element is a fuse, relay and/or circuit breaker. A housing encloses the electronics board and the power board. The housing includes an access cover to the power board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Jon Thomas Jacobson, David Scott Gordon, Jason Robert Weishaar, Michael Andrew Hajicek, Michael Ray Schlichtmann
  • Patent number: 7368312
    Abstract: The MEMS Sensor Suite on a Chip provides the capability, monolithically integrated onto one MEMS chip, to sense temperature, humidity, and two axes of acceleration. The device incorporates a MEMS accelerometer, a MEMS humidity sensor, and a MEMS temperature sensor on one chip. These individual devices incorporate proof masses, suspensions, humidity sensitive capacitors, and temperature sensitive resistors (thermistors) all fabricated in a common fabrication process that allows them to be integrated onto one micromachined chip. The device can be fabricated in a simple micromachining process that allows its size to be miniaturized for embedded and portable applications. During operation, the sensor suite chip monitors temperature levels, humidity levels, and acceleration levels in two axes. External circuitry allows sensor readout, range selection, and signal processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Morgan Research Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Scott Kranz, Robert Faye Elliott, Michael Ray Whitley, Marty Ray Williams, Philip John Reiner
  • Publication number: 20080104206
    Abstract: An efficient way is provided to represent and exchange knowledge across nodes when synchronizing between any two nodes. A first node sends a second node its knowledge, including objects and versions of those objects. The second node compares its knowledge with the knowledge of the first node, and then sends the first node any latest versions of objects of which the first node is unaware. In addition, the second node sends its knowledge to the first node. The first node then performs a similar object-by-object version comparison to determine any conflicts due to independent evolution of objects and any changes that should be sent to the second node in order to bring the objects of the second node up to date with the knowledge of the first node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lev Novik, Moe Khosravy, Michael Ray Clark, Philip Austin Vaughn, Oliver C. Lee
  • Publication number: 20080093554
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus (10) are disclosed for handling pallets (S) to be inspected and sorted. The method can include tipping a substantially vertically oriented pallet (L) in a forward rotational direction to expose and allow inspection of a trailing major (17) surface of the pallet. A lower portion of the pallet then can be moved to cause the pallet to tip in a rearward rotational direction and land in a substantially horizontal position. The apparatus can include a pallet restraining device (16) for blocking the motion of an upper portion of the pallet as it tips in the forward rotational direction and a conveyor (30) for moving the lower portion of the pallet to cause the pallet to tip in the rearward rotational direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Alan Hoffman, Michael Ray, Richard Bornfreund
  • Patent number: 7361835
    Abstract: The present invention is a toneable conduit that can transmit a signal and that can therefore be readily detected by toning equipment. In addition, the conduit of the invention can be readily coupled with other conduit to provide extended lengths of conduit. The toneable conduit includes an elongate polymeric tube having a wall with an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a predetermined wall thickness. A channel extends longitudinally within the wall of the elongate polymeric tube and a stabilizing rib extends longitudinally along the interior surface of the wall of the elongate polymeric tube and is located radially inward from the channel. A continuous, coated, high elongation wire is coincident with the channel in the elongate polymeric tube and is coated with a coating composition that prevents the wire from adhering to the polymer melt used to form the elongate polymeric tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Commscope, Inc. of North America
    Inventors: Jason Norman Morrow, Robert Miller Ward, Jr., Zeb Leonard Kale, Michael Ray Bailey
  • Patent number: 7357408
    Abstract: A retention tab unit is disclosed comprising a retention tab configured for attaching an inflatable curtain to a vehicle. The retention tab unit has an energy absorption mechanism that facilitates confinement of the retention tab in an initial configuration wherein the retention tab is not taut. Once the inflatable curtain is deployed, the energy absorption mechanism is configured to release the retention tab from its initial configuration and allow it to be forced into a deployed configuration wherein the retention tab tautly extends from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Ray Hall, Thomas C. Burton, Eric R. Drake, Terry S. Jones
  • Publication number: 20080084672
    Abstract: An electrical assembly including a housing having an inner surface. At least one mounting feature protrudes from the inner surface. At least one heat sink is inserted onto the at least one mounting feature. At least one electrical component is in thermal contact with a portion of the at least one heat sink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventors: David Scott Gordon, Michael Ray Schlichtmann, Brian Frederick Boeshans, Jon Thomas Jacobson
  • Patent number: 7354280
    Abstract: A vehicle having a power and information system including a vehicle structural member, an insulated power conductor, a communication link and a modular distribution system. The modular distribution system is attached to the vehicle structural member. The modular distribution system is coupled with the power conductor and with the communication link. The modular distribution system includes a backbone module having an electrical power connection and at least one plug pack. Each plug pack includes a first connector, a second connector and a controller pack. The first connector is connectable to the backbone module. The second connector has a plurality of terminals. The controller pack selectively electrically connects at least one of the plurality of terminals to the electrical power connection dependent upon information received by way of the communication link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: David Scott Gordon, Michael Ray Schlichtmann, Jon Thomas Jacobson
  • Patent number: 7337747
    Abstract: A particulate non-clumping animal litter composition is disclosed. The composition comprises non-clumping absorbent particles bound to magnetically-attractable metal particles such that substantially all particles of the animal litter composition are attracted to a magnetic surface. The animal litter composition exhibits favorable properties such as absorbency, resiliency, homogeneity, and particle size. Methods of production for non-clumping animal litter compositions are also disclosed that employ sufficient shear to bind the non-clumping absorbent particulate material to the magnetically-attractable metal particles such that the animal litter compositions exhibit favorable properties. A method and apparatus for the collection of magnetically-attractable animal litter particles are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: AMCOL International Corporation
    Inventors: Zhen Wang, Vincent J. Losacco, Michael Ray Velder, Bala Nathan, Bart Becherer, Jerald W. Darlington, Jr.
  • Patent number: D570027
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Acuity Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Ray Miller, Doyle Scott Butler, Frank A. Friedman