Patents by Inventor Michael Ricks

Michael Ricks 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: 20240139820
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides three-dimensional (3D) printing systems, apparatuses, software, and methods for the production of at least one requested 3D object. The 3D printer includes a material conveyance system, filtering system, and/or an unpacking station. The material conveyance system may transport pre-transformed material (e.g., powder) against gravity. The 3D printing described herein facilitated reducing interruptions of (e.g., providing non interrupted) (ii) material recycling, and/or (i) material dispensing through a component of the 3D printer such as a layer dispenser. The material conveyance system may operate above ambient pressure, e.g., while performing a suction operation. The present disclosure provides three-dimensional (3D) printing processes, apparatuses, software, and systems for controlling and/or treating gas and gas borne debris in an atmosphere of a 3D printer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2023
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Joseph Andrew TRALONGO, Benyamin BULLER, Michael Christopher ST DENNIS, Stephan ANDREWS, Thomas BREZOCZKY, Yacov ELGAR, Richard ROMANO, Darin BIRTWHISTLE, James FRECHMAN, Alan Rick LAPPEN
  • Publication number: 20240104872
    Abstract: Various implementations provide a view of a 3D environment including a portal for viewing a stereo item (e.g., a photo or video) positioned a distance behind the portal. One or more visual effects are provided based on texture of one or more portions of the stereo item, e.g., texture at cutoff or visible edges of the stereo item. The effects change the appearance of the stereo item or the portal itself, e.g., improving visual comfort issues by minimizing window violations or otherwise enhancing the viewing experience. Various implementations provide a view of a 3D environment including an immersive view of a stereo item without using portal. Such a visual effect may be provided to partially obscure the surrounding 3D environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Bryce L. Schmidtchen, Bryan Cline, Charles O. Goddard, Michael I. Weinstein, Tsao-Wei Huang, Tobias Rick, Vedant Saran, Alexander Menzies, Alexandre Da Veiga
  • Patent number: 11817711
    Abstract: A system includes an electrical connection system configured to transmit electric power to a plurality of devices associated with a structure and a control system associated with the structure. The control system is configured to receive data indicative of a respective priority associated with the plurality of devices and operate the electrical connection system to control flow of electric power to the plurality of devices based on the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventors: Andre Rene Buentello, Dustin Bowen Bitter, Brennen Michael Ricks, Jose L. Romero, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11772132
    Abstract: A separating device of an optical testing unit for testing rotationally symmetrical test objects includes two corresponding pocket wheels, each having a plurality of pockets distributed uniformly over a circumference. The pocket wheels rotate synchronously in opposite directions about parallel axes in response to a drive. A continuous conveyor transports the test objects on a transporting plane. Depending on the geometry of the test objects, the distances between the respective pocket wheels and between the pocket wheels and the transporting plane are determined so that the test objects, which are fed via and accumulating section, are moved between the pocket wheels while being guided by two pockets of the two pocket wheels and are released by the two pockets downstream of an engagement section. Once released the test objects are accelerated to a higher transporting speed in an accelerating section of the continuous conveyor and are separated as a result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: INTRAVIS GESELLSCHAFT FÜR LIEFERUNGEN UND LEISTUNGEN VON BILDGEBENDEN UND BILDVERARBEITENDEN ANLAGEN UND VERFAHREN MBH
    Inventors: Gerd Fuhrmann, Klaus Schönhoff, Michael Rick
  • Patent number: 11748380
    Abstract: Data processing techniques are described to obtain user data previously collected when a user is requested to complete application forms associated with multiple servers. The application forms may include some fields that may be in common and that may request the same user data. For each application form requested by the user, the data processing techniques can identify and obtain the relevant previously collected data about the user for the application form. The application form for a product can have certain fields that may be pre-filled based on the relevant and/or non-confidential previously collected user data. The data processing techniques can also provide an estimate of the time that may be needed by the user to complete at least one application form so that the user can obtain a requested product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventors: Christopher James Waful, Brennen Michael Ricks, Kathryn Babb, Curtis Mark Bell
  • Patent number: 11541425
    Abstract: Hollow bodies which are closed on one side and which are cylindrical are sorted by a sorting device. The hollow bodies have an end-side opening, a base surface situated opposite the opening and a shell surface extending between the base surface and the opening. The sorting device includes first nozzles arranged on an upper guide for conducting a first fluid flow in the direction of a lateral guide, and second nozzles arranged on a lower guide for conducting a second fluid flow in the direction of an outlet. Since the force of the fluid flow is several times greater if the fluid flow strikes a part of the shell surface of the hollow body through the end-side opening of the hollow body than if the fluid flow strikes the base surface of the hollow body from the outside, sorting of the hollow bodies is made possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: INTRAVIS GESELLSCHAFT FÜR LIEFERUNGEN UND LEISTUNGEN VON BILDGEBENDEN UND BILDVERARBEITENDEN ANLAGEN UND VERFAHREN MBH
    Inventors: Gerd Fuhrmann, Klaus Schönhoff, Michael Rick, Matthias Lenzen
  • Publication number: 20220281154
    Abstract: A device and method tests preforms that are rotationally symmetrical with respect to an axis of rotation during their conveyance along a conveyance path. The device and method tests only a statistically relevant number of produced preforms, thus allowing substantial reduction in the constructive complexity required for aligning the preforms prior to being tested. A certain number of preforms that have not been correctly aligned are allowed to continue along the conveyance path without being tested.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Inventors: Klaus SCHÖNHOFF, Michael RICK, Gerd FUHRMANN, Matthias LENZEN
  • Publication number: 20220001423
    Abstract: A separating device of an optical testing unit for testing rotationally symmetrical test objects includes two corresponding pocket wheels, each having a plurality of pockets distributed uniformly over a circumference. The pocket wheels rotate synchronously in opposite directions about parallel axes in response to a drive. A continuous conveyor transports the test objects on a transporting plane. Depending on the geometry of the test objects, the distances between the respective pocket wheels and between the pocket wheels and the transporting plane are determined so that the test objects, which are fed via and accumulating section, are moved between the pocket wheels while being guided by two pockets of the two pocket wheels and are released by the two pockets downstream of an engagement section. Once released the test objects are accelerated to a higher transporting speed in an accelerating section of the continuous conveyor and are separated as a result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: Gerd FUHRMANN, Klaus SCHÖNHOFF, Michael RICK
  • Patent number: 11067982
    Abstract: A method for the remote control of a function of a vehicle by a mobile operating device, involves enabling or disabling the function of the vehicle, such as an autonomous function for maneuvering into or out of a parking space, based on a sensed movement of the operating device. Enablement of the function requires that the sensed movement is a micromovement, a micromovement being a movement that is limited in the extent thereof and/or in the dynamics thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: DAIMLER AG
    Inventors: Marc Oliver Restle, Tobias Hug, Andreas Hiller, Thomas Wohlgemuth, Michael Rick
  • Publication number: 20200209854
    Abstract: A method for the remote control of a function of a vehicle by a mobile operating device, involves enabling or disabling the function of the vehicle, such as an autonomous function for maneuvering into or out of a parking space, based on a sensed movement of the operating device. Enablement of the function requires that the sensed movement is a micromovement, a micromovement being a movement that is limited in the extent thereof and/or in the dynamics thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Marc Oliver RESTLE, Tobias HUG, Andreas HILLER, Thomas WOHLGEMUTH, Michael RICK
  • Patent number: 10633949
    Abstract: A diverter assembly includes a tubing segment and one or more sleeve members disposed therein. The tubing segment includes apertures that are selectively alignable with apertures of an inner sleeve disposed within the tubing segment. The tubing segment includes a series of stops (e.g., shear pins) to arrest movement of the first sleeve within the bore of the tubing segment. A first one or more ball seats are included in the first sleeve such that deployment of a first ball and pressurization of the well above the first ball causes a first set of shear pins to fail, thereby allowing the first sleeve to slide downhole to cause apertures of the sleeve to align with apertures of the tubing segment, thereby causing fluid to flow to an annulus between the tubing segment and wellbore wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David Jon Tilley, Phillip Michael Morgan, James Todd Johnson, Michael Rick Johnson, Nicholas Lee Strohla, Matthew Ryan Gray, Daniel Keith Moeller
  • Publication number: 20190366386
    Abstract: Hollow bodies which are closed on one side and which are cylindrical are sorted by a sorting device. The hollow bodies have an end-side opening, a base surface situated opposite the opening and a shell surface extending between the base surface and the opening. The sorting device includes first nozzles arranged on an upper guide for conducting a first fluid flow in the direction of a lateral guide, and second nozzles arranged on a lower guide for conducting a second fluid flow in the direction of an outlet. Since the force of the fluid flow is several times greater if the fluid flow strikes a part of the shell surface of the hollow body through the end-side opening of the hollow body than if the fluid flow strikes the base surface of the hollow body from the outside, sorting of the hollow bodies is made possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Inventors: Gerd FUHRMANN, Klaus SCHÖNHOFF, Michael RICK, Matthias LENZEN
  • Publication number: 20190284899
    Abstract: A diverter assembly includes a tubing segment and one or more sleeve members disposed therein. The tubing segment includes apertures that are selectively alignable with apertures of an inner sleeve disposed within the tubing segment. The tubing segment includes a series of stops (e.g., shear pins) to arrest movement of the first sleeve within the bore of the tubing segment. A first one or more ball seats are included in the first sleeve such that deployment of a first ball and pressurization of the well above the first ball causes a first set of shear pins to fail, thereby allowing the first sleeve to slide downhole to cause apertures of the sleeve to align with apertures of the tubing segment, thereby causing fluid to flow to an annulus between the tubing segment and wellbore wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventors: David Jon Tilley, Phillip Michael MORGAN, James Todd JOHNSON, Michael Rick JOHNSON, Nicholas Lee Lee STROHLA, Matthew Ryan GRAY, Daniel Keith MOELLER
  • Patent number: 7232373
    Abstract: A driveshaft assembly having two CV joints and an intermediate shaft. One of the CV joints (11) includes an outer joint part (12) with first ball tracks (14), an inner joint part (17) with second ball tracks (18), and balls (19) held in a common plane by a cage (20). First and second angles of intersection of the ball tracks (14, 18) of a pair of tracks are identical in size and are positioned symmetrically relative to the joint axis. The ball cage (20) is axially fixed in the constant velocity joint. The intermediate shaft includes a longitudinal plunging unit (41) having a sleeve (42) with first ball grooves (43) which extend axially, a journal (44) with second ball grooves (45) which extend axially, balls (46) which are held in a cage (47) in groups in pairs of the first and second ball grooves (43, 45).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: GKN Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Hildebrandt, Thomas Weckerling, Stephan Maucher, Michael Ricks, Peter Bilz, Kiyoshi Taniyama
  • Publication number: 20060252558
    Abstract: A driveshaft assembly having two CV joints and an intermediate shaft. One of the CV joints (11) includes an outer joint part (12) with first ball tracks (14), an inner joint part (17) with second ball tracks (18), and balls (19) held in a common plane by a cage (20). First and second angles of intersection of the ball tracks (14, 18) of a pair of tracks are identical in size and are positioned symmetrically relative to the joint axis. The ball cage (20) is axially fixed in the constant velocity joint. The intermediate shaft includes a longitudinal plunging unit (41) having a sleeve (42) with first ball grooves (43) which extend axially, a journal (44) with second ball grooves (45) which extend axially, balls (46) which are held in a cage (47) in groups in pairs of the first and second ball grooves (43, 45).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Publication date: November 9, 2006
    Inventors: Wolfgang Hildebrandt, Thomas Weckerling, Stephan Maucher, Michael Ricks, Peter Bilz, Kiyoshi Taniyama
  • Publication number: 20060089370
    Abstract: The present invention relates to thieno[2,3-d]-pyrimidine compounds having fungicidal activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Publication date: April 27, 2006
    Inventors: William Brewster, Carla Jean Klittich, Terry Balko, Nneka Breaux, William Erickson, James Hunter, Christian Lowe, Michael Ricks, Thomas Siddall, Carla Yerkes, Yuanming Zhu
  • Publication number: 20050130968
    Abstract: The present invention relates to triazine derivatives, especially 4-(2-aminopyridin-4-yl)-N-phenyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-amine derivatives and their use as fungicidal compositions. Novel compounds showing fungicidal activity are disclosed and further, novel compositions containing 4-(2-aminopyridin-4-yl)-N-phenyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-amine derivatives can be used in fungicide applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Publication date: June 16, 2005
    Inventors: Nicholas Irvine, Ronald Ross, Michael Ricks, Kristy Bryan, Carla Jean Klittich
  • Publication number: 20040137992
    Abstract: A driveshaft assembly having two CV joints and an intermediate shaft. One of the CV joints (11) includes an outer joint part (12) with first ball tracks (14), an inner joint part (17) with second ball tracks (18), and balls (19) held in a common plane by a cage (20). First and second angles of intersection of the ball tracks (14, 18) of a pair of tracks are identical in size and are positioned symmetrically relative to the joint axis. The ball cage (20) is axially fixed in the constant velocity joint. The intermediate shaft includes a longitudinal plunging unit (41) having a sleeve (42) with first ball grooves (43) which extend axially, a journal (44) with second ball grooves (45) which extend axially, balls (46) which are held in a cage (47) in groups in pairs of the first and second ball grooves (43, 45).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Wolfgang Hildebrandt, Thomas Weckerling, Stephan Maucher, Michael Ricks, Peter Bilz, Kiyoshi Taniyama
  • Patent number: 6708549
    Abstract: A method of and device for forming a tripode star for a tripode joint, which tripode star comprises an annular hub member and three arms which adjoin the hub member, extend radially relative to a longitudinal axis (A) and form faces of spherical portions each positioned circumferentially relative to arm axes (Z) of the arms, wherein, in a first production stage, the hub member and the three arms are preformed from a blank by means of a first tool divided in a plane (E1) containing the arm axes (Z) and wherein, in a second production stage, pairs of burr-free faces of spherical portions positioned opposite one another in the circumferential direction relative to the hub member (12) are formed on to the preformed arms by means of a second tool divided in planes extending through the longitudinal axis (A) of the hub member and through the arm axes (Z).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: GKN Löbro GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Hainz, Norbert Hofmann, Michael Ricks
  • Publication number: 20030029217
    Abstract: A method of and device for forming a tripode star for a tripode joint, which tripode star comprises an annular hub member and three arms which adjoin the hub member, extend radially relative to a longitudinal axis (A) and form faces of spherical portions each positioned circumferentially relative to arm axes (Z) of the arms, wherein, in a first production stage, the hub member and the three arms are preformed from a blank by means of a first tool divided in a plane (E1) containing the arm axes (Z) and wherein, in a second production stage, pairs of burr-free faces of spherical portions positioned opposite one another in the circumferential direction relative to the hub member (12) are formed on to the preformed arms by means of a second tool divided in planes extending through the longitudinal axis (A) of the hub member and through the arm axes (Z).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Volker Hainz, Norbert Hoffmann, Michael Ricks