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: 20040159658
    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: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Michael Ray McLaughlin, Charles Duane Mullins, Charles Clifton Sanders, Hillard Birdell Smithers, Gregory Kyle Nelson
  • Publication number: 20040132287
    Abstract: A method of focused ion beam milling of a copper on a sample, and a focused ion beam apparatus. The method comprises the steps of exposing an area of copper on the sample; and forming a given feature in the copper area by using the focused ion beam to draw a mill box in the copper area, scanning the focused ion beam across the mill box for an extended period of time to remove a portion of the copper in the copper area and thereby to form the given feature, and introducing tetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane (TMCTS) in said area during the scanning step. After the copper feature is formed, a very light dose of XeF2 may be introduced to clean up any residue that may have formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lawrence S. Fischer, Steven Brett Herschbein, Chad Rue, Carmelo F. Scrudato, Michael Ray Sievers
  • Patent number: 6745878
    Abstract: An interlock mechanism is provided for a transmission system having a gear unit with a plurality of selectable gear ratios. A manually operated clutch control pedal is manually movable from a clutch engaged position to a clutch disengaged position. The transmission has a pair of shift rails movable to select gear ratios. The shift rails have detent grooves which interact with a pair of detent balls. An interlock member is normally in a lock position wherein the interlock member engages both detent balls and holds them in the detent grooves to prevent movement of either or both shift rails. The interlock member is movable to a release position wherein the interlock member is disengaged from the both detent balls whereby the detent balls will allow one of the shift rails to be moved. An interlock spring is biased to urge the interlock member to the lock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Michael Ray Jensen
  • Patent number: 6741364
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining relative positioning of first and second objects being relatively movable may include a laser source carried by the first object for generating a source laser beam toward the second object, and a target optical element carried by the second object for generating a first reflected beam and a second diverging reflected beam from the source laser beam. Furthermore, a detector may be carried by the first object for detecting the first reflected beam and the second diverging reflected beam. A controller may also be connected to the detector for determining a range between the detector and target optical element based upon a size of the second diverging reflected beam. The controller may also determine at least one other positional degree of freedom quantity (e.g., lateral/vertical displacement, pitch angle, yaw angle, and/or roll angle) based upon the first reflected beam and the second diverging reflected beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Ray Lange, Robert M. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 6736557
    Abstract: A printhead gap adjustment mechanism for use in an imaging apparatus includes a worm gear coupled to a carrier shaft to transmit a rotational motion to the carrier shaft. A worm screw is positioned in rotational cooperation with the worm gear, the worm screw having an axis of rotation. A first cam is coupled to the carrier shaft. A first cam follower surface is disposed in proximity to the first cam. A guide device guides the carrier shaft in a translational direction substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the worm screw. A rotation of the worm screw transmits rotational motion to drive the first cam via the worm gear and the carrier shaft, the first cam engaging the first cam follower surface to effect a translational motion of the worm gear in the translational direction, thereby effecting a movement of the printhead in the translational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: David Wayne DeVore, Steven Andrew Rice, Michael Ray Wedding
  • Publication number: 20040074775
    Abstract: Pulse reverse electrolysis of acid copper solutions is used for applying copper to decorative articles, such as aluminium alloy automotive wheels and plastic parts for automotive use. The benefits include an improved thickness distribution of the copper electrodeposited on the plated article, reduced metal waste, reduced plating times and increased production capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Roderick Dennis Herdman, Michael Ray Crary, Ernest Long
  • Patent number: 6725350
    Abstract: A storage management system, apparatus, and method to increase the storage capacity of data storage media. Applicants' method uses a data storage device comprising a fixed device architecture, where that data storage device is capable of operating in a first capacity mode or in a second capacity mode, and where that data storage device is capable of switching between the first capacity mode and the second capacity mode. In certain embodiments, the first capacity mode utilizes a 22 bit blockid format and the second capacity mode utilizes a 32 bit blockid format. In other embodiments, the first capacity mode utilizes a 32 bit blockid format and the second capacity mode utilizes a 22 bit blockid format. A computer code product comprising a data management system which includes an operating system and data storage device microcode, which supports the capability to switch between alternative information storage architectures, and thereby, increase the capacity utilization of data storage media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Lyn Lequam Ashton, Kirby Grant Dahman, Erika Marianna Dawson, Kathryn Eileen Eldred, Gavin Stuart Johnson, Jon Arthur Lynds, Michael Ray Noel, Anthony Steve Pearson, James Mitchell Ratliff, Wayne Erwin Rhoten
  • Patent number: 6721770
    Abstract: A filter is disclosed for recursive state estimation of a process by matrix factorization. The filter preferably takes the general form of P=XY, where P is a matrix of previous state and/or current observations, Y is a matrix of functions that are used to model the process, and X is a coefficient matrix relating the functions in matrix Y to the previous state and/or current observations of matrix P. Given the previous state and/or current observations, a value for matrix Y can be computed from which a current state estimate can be recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: Blaise Grayson Morton, Michael Ray Elgersma
  • Publication number: 20040066101
    Abstract: A spindle motor is provided comprising a stationary sleeve supported from a base, a 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: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Jim-Po Wang, Michael Ray Tiller
  • Patent number: 6711859
    Abstract: A system for fixing two components together includes: (a) a boss integrally formed from one component about a boss axis; and (b) a latch integrally formed from the other component in a depending extension facilitating latch movement in an engaging plane and exerting a spring force urging the latch toward a first position. The latch is oriented about a latch axis in the engaging plane. The latch is in the first position when the components are situated in an initial position with the latch axis and the boss axis separated a first distance. The latch axis and the boss axis are separated a second distance less than the first distance when the components are urged together to an installed orientation with the latch held from the first position by the boss bearing against the latch with the engaging plane crossing the boss axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventors: Michael Ray Bell, Kechuan Liu
  • Publication number: 20040047665
    Abstract: A printhead gap adjustment mechanism for use in an imaging apparatus includes a worm gear coupled to a carrier shaft to transmit a rotational motion to the carrier shaft. A worm screw is positioned in rotational cooperation with the worm gear, the worm screw having an axis of rotation. A first cam is coupled to the carrier shaft. A first cam follower surface is disposed in proximity to the first cam. A guide device guides the carrier shaft in a translational direction substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the worm screw. A rotation of the worm screw transmits rotational motion to drive the first cam via the worm gear and the carrier shaft, the first cam engaging the first cam follower surface to effect a translational motion of the worm gear in the translational direction, thereby effecting a movement of the printhead in the translational direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: David Wayne DeVore, Steven Andrew Rice, Michael Ray Wedding
  • Publication number: 20040048991
    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: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Paul Blackmon, David J. Rauscher, Michael Ray Wallace
  • Publication number: 20040033260
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to respiratory tract compositions, particularly nasal compositions, that are highly effective in the prevention and treatment of cold and influenza-like symptoms due to respiratory tract viral infections. These compositions comprise chelated and unchelated zinc ions, wherein the quantity of chelated zinc ions is at least about 50.1%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Paul John Rennie, Shane Michael De La Harpe, Jayant Ekanth Khanolkar, Michael Ray McDonald, Richard Matthew Charles Sutton
  • Publication number: 20040034157
    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: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Chanchal Kumar Ghosh, William Michael Scheper, Robert Henry Rohrbaugh, Michael Ray McDonald, John David Carter, Eugene Paul Gosselink
  • Publication number: 20040032596
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining relative positioning of first and second objects being relatively movable may include a laser source carried by the first object for generating a source laser beam toward the second object, and a target optical element carried by the second object for generating a first reflected beam and a second diverging reflected beam from the source laser beam. Furthermore, a detector may be carried by the first object for detecting the first reflected beam and the second diverging reflected beam. A controller may also be connected to the detector for determining a range between the detector and target optical element based upon a size of the second diverging reflected beam. The controller may also determine at least one other positional degree of freedom quantity (e.g., lateral/vertical displacement, pitch angle, yaw angle, and/or roll angle) based upon the first reflected beam and the second diverging reflected beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Applicant: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Ray Lange, Robert M. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 6693071
    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: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Chanchal Kumar Ghosh, William Michael Scheper, Robert Henry Rohrbaugh, Michael Ray McDonald, John David Carter, Eugene Paul Gosselink
  • Patent number: 6690170
    Abstract: The invention refers to antenna configurations for electromagnetic logging tools. The antennas have one or more electrical conductors disposed on a dielectric substrate wrapped around a core or disposed directly on the core. The conductor or conductors are arranged such that the antenna has a first magnetic dipole moment substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the core. The invention also refers to antennas adapted for mutual balancing using interleaved conductive paths or disks to alter the magnetic dipole moments to mutually balance the antenna system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Dean M. Homan, Gary A. Hazen, Richard A. Rosthal, David L. Smith, Thomas D. Barber, Paul Michael Ray, Jacques R. Tabanou
  • Publication number: 20040011939
    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: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Gary David Hohnl, Brian Thomas Mallaney, Michael Ray McClain, Dimitri Nunez
  • Publication number: 20030234589
    Abstract: A motor is provided comprising a rotor, a stationary sleeve disposed about the rotor, a fluid dynamic bearing between the rotor and sleeve, and a limiter for restricting axial movement of the rotor relative to the stationary sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Norbert Steven Parsoneault, Robert Alan Nottingham, Alan Lyndon Grantz, Michael Ray Tiller, Jeffry Arnold LeBlanc, Troy Michael Herndon, Michael James Whittome, Chris Woldemar
  • Patent number: 6667479
    Abstract: A microbolometer unit cell (10) includes a substantially planar upper-level incident radiation absorption and detection structure (24), a substantially planar middle-level radiation reflection structure (26) spaced apart from the upper-level incident radiation absorption and detection structure for defining an optical resonant cavity (36) there between, and a substantially planar lower-level thermal isolation leg structure (20) spaced apart from the middle-level radiation reflection structure and electrically coupled to the upper-level incident radiation absorption and detection structure and to an underlying readout circuit. The lower-level thermal isolation leg structure is electrically coupled to the upper-level incident radiation absorption and detection structure through a leg (44) that passes through an aperture (48) within the middle-level radiation reflection structure, the leg also functioning as a structural support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Michael Ray