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).

  • 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.
  • Publication number: 20080038942
    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: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: David Scott Gordon, Michael Ray Schlichtmann, Jon Thomas Jacobson
  • Publication number: 20080024996
    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: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: Jon Thomas Jacobson, David Scott Gordon, Jason Robert Weishaar, Michael Andrew Hajicek, Michael Ray Schlichtmann
  • Patent number: 7310233
    Abstract: An apparatus for transferring heat from an electrical module includes: (a) a thermally conductive base member having a plurality of edges establishing a polygonal perimeter and having a first side for presentation toward the electrical module; and (b) a heat transferring structure integrally formed with the base member and extending from a second side of the base member opposite from the first side. The heat transferring structure occupies less than all of the second side and establishes a margin substantially about the perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Power Systems
    Inventor: Michael Ray Bell
  • Patent number: 7306093
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of vacuum packaging and vacuum packaging techniques. Embodiments of the present invention include bales and packages comprising a sealed chamber having an internal volume at a pressure less than ambient atmospheric pressure. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the internal volume of the package comprises a bulk material, a bulk fiber material, fibers or fibrous materials. Also disclosed are methods for packaging, packaging systems and apparatus for packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Michael Ray McLaughlin, Charles Duane Mullins, Charles Clifton Sanders, Hillard Birdell Smithers, III, Gregory Kyle Nelson
  • Patent number: 7304261
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods consistent with the present invention provide for processing mailpiece information in an identification code sorting system by an identification code server. In one embodiment, a primary identification code server receives an identification file containing identification information uniquely corresponding to a mailpiece. In this embodiment, the primary identification code server processes the mailpiece information and may send the identification file to a secondary identification code server. In another embodiment, a secondary identification code server receives an identification file from a primary identification code server and processes the mailpiece information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Oscar Lee Avant, Bruce A. Brandt, Jay David Fadely, Michael Ray Little
  • Publication number: 20070269357
    Abstract: A process for treating a gas comprising hydrogen suilfide and carbon dioxide by contacting the gas with a scrub solution comprising ammonium sulfite and ammonium bisulfite in a first contact zone to produce ammonium thiosulfate. The scrub solution can be formed in a second contact zone by contacting ammonia and hydrogen sulfide with an aqueous solution. The oxidation potential of the first contact zone effluent liquid can be controlled by modulating the amount of sulfur dioxide supplied to the second contact zone. Alternatively, the sulfite concentration of the first contact zone effluent can be measured with an infrared analyzer and the amount of sulfur dioxide supplied to the second contact zone modulated in response. Additionally, the amount of ammonia supplied to the second contact zone can be modulated in response to the pH in the second contact zone. The process can further comprise a solvent scrubber to remove carbon dioxide from the first contact zone overhead gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventors: Mark Anderson, Michael Ray, Ronald Shafer
  • Patent number: 7279643
    Abstract: The invention is a toneable conduit that can transmit a signal and be readily detected by toning equipment. The conduit can be 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 preferably extends longitudinally within the wall of the elongate polymeric tube; 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 wire is coincident with the channel in the elongate polymeric tube and preferably coated with a composition that prevents it from adhering to the polymer melt that forms the elongate polymeric tube. The present invention includes methods of making the toneable conduit and methods of coupling a first toneable conduit with a second toneable conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Commscope Solutions Properties, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Norman Morrow, Robert Miller Ward, Jr., Zeb Leonard Kale, Michael Ray Bailey, Christopher Gemme, George Bollinger, Scott Lumley
  • Patent number: 7270176
    Abstract: A system for fixing a substrate with a heat transferring device in an assembled orientation; the system comprising: a substantially rod-shaped positioning member having a length generally symmetrically oriented about an axis and a generally constant lateral expanse substantially perpendicular with said axis substantially along said length; said positioning member interferingly fitting within at least one of a first aperture in said substrate and a second aperture in said heat transferring device to maintain a predetermined separation between said substrate and said heat transferring device in said assembled orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Ray Bell, David Stevens, Anthony Schneeman, William Lonzo Woods, Jr., Yi-Teh Shih
  • Patent number: 7267728
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for cleaning and/or treating a surface, preferably surfaces such as ceramic, steel, plastic, glass and/or painted surfaces such as the exterior surface of a vehicle. The system and method utilize a cleaning composition that contains at least one water-soluble or water dispersible copolymer. The method may also include a step of applying to the surface a treating composition which contains non-photoactive nanoparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Bruce Barger, Thomas Geroge Crowe, Robert Henry Rohrbaugh, Alan Scott Goldstein, Michael Ray McDonald, Helen Frances O'Connor, Morgan Thomas Leahy
  • Patent number: 7234868
    Abstract: An improved rotational motor, such as a spindle motor for a disc drive, is provided. The motor first comprises a hub having a shaft portion and a horizontal body portion. The motor also comprises a sleeve surrounding the shaft portion of the hub. A fine first vertical gap is retained between the shaft and the inner diameter of the surrounding sleeve. In addition, a fine horizontal gap is provided between the upper hub portion and the top of the sleeve. A third gap is preferably provided between the hub and an outer diameter of the sleeve. The first vertical gap is filled with a lubricating liquid, such as a clean oil. A capillary seal is provided in the third gap. In one embodiment, the lubricating liquid extends into the horizontal gap. Oil pumping grooves are machined along the horizontal fluid gap. When the hub is rotated, the oil pumping grooves impel oil towards the shaft. This prevents any portion of the first vertical gap from becoming un-lubricated during rotation of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Michael Ray Tiller, Robert Alan Nottingham, Jeffry Arnold Leblanc, Troy Michael Herndon, Norbert Steven Parsoneault
  • Patent number: 7234418
    Abstract: A hummingbird feeder having a cover portion and a bottom portion of a base, as well as a nectar reservoir, is disclosed. The cover portion includes a reservoir coupling region, a feeding region, and a first mating region. The reservoir coupling region is configured to be coupled to the nectar reservoir. The feeding region is configured to accommodate a beak of a hummingbird to access nectar. The a bottom portion includes a second mating region, which is configured to mate with the first mating region of the cover portion. Preferably, the bottom portion further includes a retaining wall located within an outer ridge of the bottom portion. The retaining wall retains liquid within an inner region of the bottom portion and restricts liquid from flowing to an outer region of the bottom portion, providing easier maintenance and less mechanical force on the cover portion during feeder use. The reservoir optionally contains a wide opening for easy maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Daisy Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: W. Grady Fort, II, Randy Alan Love, Michael Ray Stephens
  • Patent number: 7228819
    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: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: AMCOL International Corporation
    Inventors: Zhen Wang, Vincent J. Losacco, Michael Ray Velder, Bala Nathan, Bart Becherer, Jerald W. Darlington, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7165679
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods consistent with the present invention provide for identifying and processing mail using an identification code on a mailpiece as a redundant source of identification information in a mail sorting system. In one embodiment, this information is stored in a temporary database and used for the identification and processing of mail in a Remote Bar Code System (RBCS). In this embodiment, the identification code enables the automation of mail sorting and other processing tasks, reducing costs and delays in mail delivery services. In another embodiment, the identification and processing of mail occurs in an Identification Code Sorting (ICS) system. In this embodiment, a long-term database allows for mail sorting and other processing tasks on a national or global level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Oscar Lee Avant, Ralph William Boldt, Jr., Bruce A. Brandt, Jay David Fadely, Michael Ray Little, Simon Franklin Reidel
  • Publication number: 20060248791
    Abstract: Carbonaceous materials are thermally upgraded in a pressurized steam environment to remove moisture and other byproducts. A variety of water/solid separation devices may be employed in a process vessel to maximize moisture removal from the upgraded charge. Heating media inlet nozzles and process chamber vents are strategically positioned at the process vessel wall to minimize short circuiting of heating media to vessel outlet vents and to continuously separate hot water removed from the charge and condensed steam, such that the upgraded material removed from the process vessel is not discharged with accompanying free moisture. After upgrading, the charge may be rehydrated to improve its stability during shipping and storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Publication date: November 9, 2006
    Inventors: Robert Hogsett, Philippus Meyer, Michael Ray, Michael Schlegel, Sheldon Schultz
  • Patent number: 7121458
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods consistent with the present invention provide for identifying and processing mail using an identification code on a mailpiece as a redundant source of identification information in a mail sorting system. In one embodiment, this information is stored in a temporary database and used for the identification and processing of mail in a Remote Bar Code System (RBCS). In this embodiment, the identification code enables the automation of mail sorting and other processing tasks, reducing costs and delays in mail delivery services. In another embodiment, the identification and processing of mail occurs in an Identification Code Sorting (ICS) system. In this embodiment, a long-term database allows for mail sorting and other processing tasks on a national or global level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: United States Postal Services
    Inventors: Oscar Lee Avant, Ralph William Boldt, Jr., Bruce A. Brandt, Jay David Fadely, Michael Ray Little, Simon Franklin Reidel
  • Patent number: 7112621
    Abstract: Coating compositions, methods and articles of manufacture comprising a nanoparticle system employing same to impart surface modifying benefits for all types of soft surfaces, and in some cases, hard surfaces, are disclosed. In some embodiments, dispersement of nanoparticles in a suitable carrier medium allows for the creation of coating compositions, methods and articles of manufacture that create multi-use benefits to the modified surfaces. These surface modifications can produce long lasting or semi-permanent multi-use benefits that, in some embodiments, may include at least one of the following improved surface properties: cleaning, wettability, liquid strike-through, comfort, stain resistance, soil removal, malodor control, modification of surface friction, reduced damage to abrasion and color enhancement, relative to the surfaces unmodified with such nanoparticle systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: The Proctor & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Robert Henry Rohrbaugh, Glenn Thomas Jordan, IV, Michael Ray McDonald, John David Carter, Eugene Paul Gosselink, Heather Anne Liddle
  • Patent number: 7109143
    Abstract: It has been discovered that using n-butylmethyldimethoxysilane (BMDS) as an external electron donor for Ziegler-Natta catalysts can provide a catalyst system that may prepare polypropylene films with improved properties. The catalyst systems of the invention provide for controlled chain defects/defect distribution and thus a regulated microtacticity. Consequently, the curve of storage modulus (G?) v. temperature is shifted such that the film achieves the same storage modulus at a lower temperature enabling faster throughput of polypropylene film through a high-speed tenter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Paul Blackmon, David J. Rauscher, Michael Ray Wallace
  • Patent number: 7090049
    Abstract: The aquatic ladder was designed for ease of use, rather than ease of storage. It has wide, deep treads, arranged like a staircase, with side and upper railings which make it easy to enter or exit the water, even by elderly people, tired individuals, those carrying aquatic equipment, such as SCUBA gear or water skis, and, even, by pets. In the preferred embodiment, the aquatic ladder includes upper railings which each have an inverted ā€œUā€ shape, and the distal end of those railings have hinged brackets for mounting the aquatic ladder to an object to be boarded. In an alternative embodiment, the aquatic ladder is mounted on a sliding rail, such that it can be raised, vertically, from the water, when it is not being used. The ladder is preferably made from aluminum, although it can be made of other materials, such as steel (e.g., stainless or galvanized), fiberglass, plastic, or other composites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Michael Ray Adair
  • Patent number: 7087662
    Abstract: Rinse aid materials for coating, coating compositions, methods and articles of manufacture for use in automatic dishwashing appliances comprising a nanoparticle system or employing the same to impart surface modifying benefits for all types of dishware surfaces are disclosed. In some embodiments, dispersement of nanoparticles in a suitable carrier medium allows for the creation of rinse aid surface coating compositions, methods and articles of manufacture that create multi-use benefits to modified dishware surfaces. These surface modifications can produce long lasting or semi-permanent multi-use benefits that include at least one of the following improved surface properties: wetting and sheeting, uniform drying, anti-spotting, anti-staining, anti-filming, self cleaning, and durability benefits, relative to dishware surfaces unmodified with such nanoparticle systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Chanchal Kumar Ghosh, William Michael Scheper, Robert Henry Rohrbaugh, Michael Ray McDonald, John David Carter, Eugene Paul Gosselink