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: 6945505
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a seat mount assembly for a vehicle having a seat, such as a tractor. The seat mount assembly, in one embodiment, includes a seat support, one or more seat securing members connected to the seat and movably engaged with the seat support and at least one seat adjust handle. The seat mount assembly enables users to conveniently change the seat position while remaining seated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Gary David Hohnl, Brian Thomas Mallaney, Michael Ray McClain, Dimitri Nunez
  • Patent number: 6932277
    Abstract: A sprinkler valve wiring apparatus and method are provided. An irrigation system has a plurality of valves designed to be electrically activated by a control unit. Valve wires extend from the valves to a junction unit. Control unit wires extend from the control unit to the junction unit, and are electrically coupled to the valve wires within the junction unit. The control unit wires include a common wire and a plurality of hot wires. Each hot wire is coupled to a corresponding valve, while the common wire is coupled to all of the valves by the junction unit. The junction unit utilizes resilient blocking members with frangible portions that block unused wire receptacles and can be removed to provide watertight access to the remaining wire receptacles. The junction unit is fixed in place via an anchoring mechanism such as a pipe clip or stake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Orbit Irrigation Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent C. Ericksen, Michael Ray Erickson, Chadwick L. Wilson, Christian Michael Olsen, Edwin McAuley
  • Publication number: 20050128289
    Abstract: A vehicle vision system displays a vehicle pathway image that includes a reticle for visually identifying the in-path portion of the image. A reticle array is disposed between a video camera chip and a lens, and includes a conical or frustro-conical region of substantially un-attenuated light transmissivity surrounded by a region of perceptibly attenuated light transmissivity, such that in-path portions of the displayed image are substantially unchanged and out-of-path portions of the displayed image are perceptibly attenuated. The reticle array may also include a number of reduced transmissivity lines traversing its conical or frustro-conical region to produce a series of receding stadia lines in the in-path portion of the displayed image, enabling the driver to reliably discern the range of displayed objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Publication date: June 16, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Ray, Ronald Taylor, Dennis Nohns
  • Patent number: 6894243
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods consistent with the present invention provide for reading an identification code from a mailpiece. In one embodiment, there are a reader unit and a reader head assembly connected by an optical cable, which provide for the identification of a mailpiece in an identification code sorting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Oscar Lee Avant, Bruce A. Brandt, Jay David Fadely, Michael Ray Little, Simon Franklin Reidel
  • Patent number: 6887043
    Abstract: A method for enables a gas turbine engine to be assembled. The method comprises forming at least one substantially elliptically-shaped opening within a flange extending from a fan disk, inserting a fastener including a first body portion, a second body portion, and an anti-rotation stop extending therebetween, at least partially through the at least one flange opening, and coupling the fastener to the flange such that the fastener stop is positioned within the at least one flange opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Brian Edward Dix, Joann Mari Takehara, Michael Ray Garrison
  • Publication number: 20050075770
    Abstract: A back-up system for aiding a driver in backing a motor vehicle performs a number of functions when a motor vehicle is placed in a reverse direction. Initially, an image of an area at the rear of the motor vehicle provided by a camera is visually displayed on a monitor, which is positioned so as to be visually accessible by a driver of the motor vehicle. Then, a distance to an object that is within a path of the motor vehicle is sensed with a radar sensor. Next, a warning is provided when the object is within a predetermined collision distance. Finally, when the motor vehicle is placed in a forward direction, the display of the image on the monitor is discontinued.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Publication date: April 7, 2005
    Inventors: Ronald Taylor, Joseph Harter, Gregory Scharenbroch, Michael Pawlowski, Michael Ray
  • Publication number: 20050071996
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing or assembling a plurality of printed circuit boards to reduce rework at a printed circuit board assembly facility, which may include the following: cutting a first solder paste stencil based on a first solder paste stencil data set on a solder paste stencil cutting machine or device; utilizing the first stencil to apply solder paste to a first printed circuit board at a manufacturing or assembly facility; identifying a solder paste error condition with solder paste error information on the first printed circuit board; transmitting the solder paste error information for remote analysis; generating an adjusted first data set; transmitting the adjusted first data set to the printed circuit board manufacturing or assembly facility; utilizing the adjusted first data set to cut another solder paste stencil based on the adjusted stencil data; and utilizing the adjusted first solder paste stencil to manufacture a second printed circuit board without the solder paste error cond
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Publication date: April 7, 2005
    Inventor: Michael Ray
  • Patent number: 6872444
    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: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Michael Ray McDonald, Heather Anne Liddle, John David Carter, Robert Henry Rohrbaugh
  • Patent number: 6846512
    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. In one embodiment, the method forms a transparent, hydrophilic coating on the surface of a vehicle. This embodiment of the method includes the steps of: (a) providing a vehicle having at least some surfaces that are at least one of the following: cured painted surfaces, cured clearcoat surfaces, and glass surfaces; (b) applying a non-photoactive nanoparticle coating composition to such surfaces; and (c) allowing the coating composition to dry on such surfaces before the surfaces are contacted by water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Robert Henry Rohrbaugh, Alan Scott Goldstein, Michael Ray McDonald, Helen Frances O'Connor, Morgan Thomas Leahy
  • Patent number: 6841902
    Abstract: A spindle motor is provided, which includes a stationary sleeve supported from a base, rotating shaft disposed through the sleeve, a fluid dynamic bearing between the sleeve and the shaft, a hub supported proximate a first end of the shaft, a stator supported from the base, a magnet supported from the hub and offset axially relative to the stator, and a steel ring supported from the base and positioned beneath the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Jim-Po Wang, Michael Ray Tiller
  • Patent number: 6837725
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly has first and second connector units which are connectable with each other. One of the connectors has a shell which has a variable number of tabs projecting therefrom. The number and position of the tabs can be selected so that different connectors can be distinguished from each other. A set of switches are mounted on a base adjacent the other connector. The switches are engagable tabs so that the status of the switches represents the number and position of the tabs, thereby generating electrical signals uniquely identifying the connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: David Scott Gordon, Michael Ray Schlichtmann, Jon Thomas Jacobson, Ronald Gene Landman
  • Publication number: 20040262023
    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 preferably 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 wire is coincident with the channel in the elongate polymeric tube and is preferably coated with a coating composition that prevents the wire from adhering to the polymer melt used to form the elongate polymeric tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: CommScope Properties, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Norman Morrow, Robert Miller Ward, Zeb Leonard Kale, Michael Ray Bailey, Christopher Gemme, George Bollinger, Scott Lumley
  • Publication number: 20040258522
    Abstract: A method for enables a gas turbine engine to be assembled. The method comprises forming at least one substantially elliptically-shaped opening within a flange extending from a fan disk, inserting a fastener including a first body portion, a second body portion, and an anti-rotation stop extending therebetween, at least partially through the at least one flange opening, and coupling the fastener to the flange such that the fastener stop is positioned within the at least one flange opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Brian Edward Dix, Joann Mari Takehara, Michael Ray Garrison
  • Publication number: 20040240940
    Abstract: In a fluid system such as irrigation system, fluid conduit attachment is facilitated through the use of a coupling. The coupling may have a body with a first end attached to a component such as an irrigation component, and a second end designed to receive an end of a conduit. The first end may be integrally formed with the component or separately attached thereto. The second end has a bore into which the end of the conduit is inserted. A gripping mechanism is seated in the bore to grip the end of the conduit. A release mechanism slides to release the conduit. The coupling may have a bend and/or branches extending to extra ends. A second coupling may be added to form a rotatable swing joint. An indicator such as a blue color may be used to indicate compatibility of the coupling with the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Kent C. Ericksen, Alan John Smith, Michael Ray Ericksen
  • Publication number: 20040240439
    Abstract: A method of intercepting call content in a packet-based Internet Protocol (IP) network. The method includes targeting bearer packets containing the call content via a Softswitch controlling the redirection of the targeted bearer packets through a specified Intercept Router using alias IP addresses for the targeted bearer packets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Michael Ray Castleberry, Daniel Weiler Eustace
  • Publication number: 20040241388
    Abstract: A padding for a rollbar tube is an elongated member of resilient material having a substantially uniform cross-section. The cross-section is defined by an upper portion and a lower portion having a common maximum width greater than the width of the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: James Michael Ray
  • Publication number: 20040233837
    Abstract: A system and method for synchronising data for use in a powerline communications network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Andrew Michael Ray
  • Publication number: 20040223673
    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: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Michael Ray Tiller, Robert Alan Nottingham, Jeffry Arnold Leblanc, Troy Michael Herndon, Norbert Steven Parsoneault
  • Patent number: 6806972
    Abstract: A method of determining the configuration of a plurality of resources in an image processing apparatus by running turn around tests to determine the interconnection of the resources and comparing the interconnection to a reference interconnection indicator stored in memory. The difference of interconnections between the reference indicator and the determined interconnections is then displayed to an operator for confirmation. An indication of the new configuration, if confirmed, is then loaded into memory and the machine is set up based upon the new configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Elizabeth B. Daddis, C. Michael Ray, Robert G. Hamer, Susan B. Layer, Rex B. Murphy, Gary R. Kern, Everett W. Jenkins, Anne E. Dewitte, Robert W. Rassler, David S. Matthews
  • Publication number: 20040170822
    Abstract: Materials for coating, coating compositions, methods and articles of manufacture comprising a nanoparticle system or employing the same to impart surface modifying benefits for all types of inanimate 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 modified hard 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, quick drying, uniform drying, soil removal, self-cleaning, anti-spotting, anti-soil deposition, cleaner appearance, enhanced gloss, enhanced color, minor surface defect repair, smoothness, anti-hazing, modification of surface friction, release of actives and transparency, relative to hard surfaces unmodified with such nanoparticle systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Henry Rohrbaugh, Michael Ray McDonald, John David Carter, Eugene Paul Gosselink, Chanchal Kumar Ghosh, Glen Thomas Jordan, Helen Frances O'Connor, Heather Anne Liddle, Marc Francois Evers