Patents by Inventor Michael Simmons

Michael Simmons 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: 20150038241
    Abstract: A discontinuous shaft assembly includes a first shaft arranged for rotation about a first axis and including an end arranged for placement adjacent the wall at a first desired location disposed on a first side of the wall, with a magnetic portion carried by the first shaft. The assembly also includes a second shaft arranged for rotation about a second axis and including an end arranged for placement adjacent the wall of the enclosure at a second desired location disposed on a second side of the wall, with a magnetic portion carried by the second shaft. The first magnetic portion is arranged to cooperate with the second magnetic portion so that rotation of the first shaft about the first axis causes rotation of the second shaft about the second axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: General Equipment and Manufacturing Company, Inc., d/b/a TopWorx, Inc..
    Inventors: Jason S. Jennings, Michael Simmons
  • Publication number: 20150007431
    Abstract: An enclosed proximity switch assembly includes a top enclosure and a bottom enclosure that are coupled to form an interior volume. A shaft protrusion upwardly extends from a top surface of the top enclosure, and an interior bore portion having an enclosed volume is defined within the shaft protrusion to form a portion of the interior volume. A first end of a vertical shaft is rotatably disposed within the interior bore portion such that the shaft rotates relative to the top and bottom enclosures. A samarium cobalt target magnet is coupled to the shaft, and the target magnet interacts with a samarium cobalt driver magnet within a proximity switch when the target magnet is rotated within a predetermined distance of a top portion of the proximity switch. The interaction causes a switch to move from a first state to a second state, or vice versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Robert Lynn LaFountain, Gregory Curtis Merrifield, Michael Simmons, Brian Phillip Pate
  • Publication number: 20140281473
    Abstract: A method for hot swapping program code includes defining a predetermined range of new code from which to execute; identifying from the new code one or more system components which require a reinitialization or reset; reinitializing or resetting the one or more system components; and executing the new code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Michael Simmons, Igor Wojewoda, Roshan Samuel
  • Publication number: 20140257408
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first member defining a longitudinal axis and including a drive interface engageable with a first surface of a bone fastener. The first surface is configured for penetrating a sacrum. A second member includes a drive interface engageable with a second surface of the bone fastener to translate the second surface relative to the first surface such that the second surface engages an outer non-articular surface of an ilium to draw separated articular surfaces of the sacrum and the ilium into fixation. In some embodiments, systems and methods are disclosed. Systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC, INC.
    Inventors: Hai H. Trieu, Brian Burd, Amanda McMahon, Michael Simmons
  • Publication number: 20140248347
    Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing axitinib, which is known as N-methyl-2-[3-((E)-2-pyridin-2-yl-vinyl)-1H-indazol-6-ylsulfanyl]-benzamide or 6-[2-(methylcarbamoyl)phenylsulfanyl]-3-E-[2-(pyridin-2-yl)ethenyl]indazole, or crystalline forms thereof, that protect axitinib from degradation, including photodegradation, as well as the therapeutic use of such compositions. The present invention also relates to novel photodegradants of axitinib.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventors: Daniel Scott Gierer, James Eric Morgado, Brendan John Murphy, Daryl Michael Simmons
  • Publication number: 20140062579
    Abstract: Apparatus for fluid control device monitoring are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a body through which a shaft extends. The shaft is to be coupled to an actuator. An angular position of the shaft is based on a position of the actuator. The apparatus includes a target coupled to the shaft and a circuit including a user configurable switch and a proximity switch. The user configurable switch is configurable to a first state or a second state. When the user configurable switch is in the first state and the target is distant from the proximity switch, the circuit is to output a first signal. When the user configurable switch is in the second state and the target is distant from the proximity switch, the circuit is to output a second signal different than the first signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Bruce Rigsby, Michael Simmons, Jennifer A. Floyd, Robert L. LaFountain, Bruce Penning
  • Patent number: 8645729
    Abstract: An integrated circuit device controls power up of an external device used for sensing a process variable independently of whether the integrated circuit device is in a low power sleep mode. Once the external device becomes operational the integrated device, even when still in the low power sleep mode, samples the process variable status of the external device. Low power timing circuits operational during the low power sleep mode control the power up of the external device and sampling of the process variable status thereof. After the sample of the process variable status is taken, the integrated circuit device may be brought out of the low power sleep mode to an operational mode when appropriate as determined from the sampled process variable status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Microchip Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael Simmons, Michael Catherwood
  • Patent number: 8614641
    Abstract: A method of calculating two position fixes, using satellite positioning. The method comprises: using an RF front-end (12), receiving satellite positioning signals; using an analogue-to-digital converter (18), sampling the received signals to generate signal samples; using a processor (20), processing a first set of the samples as they are generated, to calculate a first position fix; storing information associated with the calculation in a memory (22); storing a second set of the samples, or ranging measurements derived from the second set of samples, in the memory (22) for later processing to calculate a second position fix; and later, processing the second set of samples to calculate the second position fix, wherein the calculation of the second position fix is assisted by the information associated with the calculation of the first position fix. Also disclosed are other related methods and apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: U-Blox A.G.
    Inventors: Andrew Thomas Yule, Ian Michael Simmons
  • Patent number: 8479945
    Abstract: A universal drain pan with a complementary insert plate, each having supporting members that align to provide support throughout the plate, allowing for weighted objects to be placed upon the plate without deformation or failure. The insert plate has a series of funneled drain holes to direct the fluid into the pan and may have a mechanical filtration means, such as a screen, to prevent entrained foreign material and small component pieces from going into the fluid in the drain pan. The screen allows for inspection of, or retrieval of material prior to disposal or recovery. The drain pan has a drainage port and cap to allow for ease of disposal and a lid for transfer to the disposal point or for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Simmons Inventions LLC
    Inventor: Eric Michael Simmons
  • Publication number: 20120309290
    Abstract: An inexpensive and low-power demand RF wireless device having data acquisition capabilities may be used for simple applications such as a standalone data repeater or a standalone data acquisition node without requiring a host microcontroller unit (MCU) or programmable logic for control of the wireless device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Simmons, Yifeng Yang, Steven R. Bible, Péter Szilveszter Kovács
  • Publication number: 20120306690
    Abstract: A method of calculating a position fix from satellite signal samples. The method comprises: obtaining first reference information produced during the calculation (120a) of a first position fix, the first position fix being the calculated position of a satellite-positioning receiver (5) at a first time; obtaining second reference information produced during the calculation (120b) of a second position fix, the second position fix being the calculated position of the receiver (5) at a second time; receiving a set of satellite signal samples generated by the receiver at a third time, or ranging measurements derived from such a set of satellite signal samples; and processing (140) the set of samples or the ranging measurements to calculate a third position fix. The processing (140) is assisted by the reference information produced during the calculation of the first and second position fixes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Andrew Thomas Yule, Ian Michael Simmons, Richard James Houldsworth
  • Publication number: 20120306689
    Abstract: A method of calculating two position fixes, using satellite positioning. The method comprises: using an RF front-end (12), receiving satellite positioning signals; using an analogue-to-digital converter (18), sampling the received signals to generate signal samples; using a processor (20), processing a first set of the samples as they are generated, to calculate a first position fix; storing information associated with the calculation in a memory (22); storing a second set of the samples, or ranging measurements derived from the second set of samples, in the memory (22) for later processing to calculate a second position fix; and later, processing the second set of samples to calculate the second position fix, wherein the calculation of the second position fix is assisted by the information associated with the calculation of the first position fix. Also disclosed are other related methods and apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Andrew Thomas Yule, Ian Michael Simmons
  • Patent number: 8264309
    Abstract: A magnetic target is provided for use with a magnetic proximity switch. The magnetic target includes a cylindrical body tube having an open end that partially defines a bore. A stationary magnet is located within the bore opposite the open end, and a movable magnet is disposed within the bore between the stationary magnet and the open end. An adjusting member is received into the bore, and a contact surface of the adjusting member engages the movable magnet. When the adjusting member is axially displaced, the contact surface causes a corresponding displacement of the movable magnet relative to the stationary magnet, eventually causing the magnetic flux field of each magnet to expand in a radial direction away from the longitudinal axis of each magnet. The stationary magnet and the movable magnet may be either axially-magnetized samarium-cobalt magnets or axially-magnetized neodymium magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: General Equipment and Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. LaFountain, Xueguang Bi, Michael Simmons
  • Patent number: 8167648
    Abstract: An adapter conductively interconnects a chuck of a probe station and an instrument. The adapter includes a signal conductor conductively connected to the chuck and selectively connectable to a respective one of a ground potential, a bayonet connector output and a signal connection for the instrument. A guard potential conductor conductively connected to the chuck and selectively connectable to a one of a ground potential and a guard connection for the instrument; and a shield conductor connected to a ground potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuki Negishi, Michael Simmons, Christopher Storm, ToeNaing Swe
  • Patent number: 8166213
    Abstract: A controller has an interface, a buffer memory, a first set of registers for accessing the buffer memory, a second set of registers independent from the first set of registers for accessing the buffer memory, and a control unit for decoding and executing buffer memory access commands received by the interface to access the buffer memory through either the first or second set of registers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Microchip Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael Simmons, Howard Henry Schlunder
  • Publication number: 20110207370
    Abstract: An adapter conductively interconnects a chuck of a probe station and an instrument. The adapter includes a signal conductor conductively connected to the chuck and selectively connectable to a respective one of a ground potential, a bayonet connector output and a signal connection for the instrument. A guard potential conductor conductively connected to the chuck and selectively connectable to a one of a ground potential and a guard connection for the instrument; and a shield conductor connected to a ground potential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Kazuki Negishi, Michael Simmons, Christopher Storm, ToeNaing Swe
  • Patent number: 8004988
    Abstract: An Ethernet controller has a buffer memory for receiving data packets, a data flow control unit for controlling the data flow to Ethernet controller, a packet counter, packet counter control logic for incrementing and decrementing the packet counter, a first register for storing a watermark, and a comparator logic coupled to the packet counter and the register for sending control signals to the data flow control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Microchip Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael Simmons, Howard Henry Schlunder
  • Publication number: 20110179297
    Abstract: An integrated circuit device controls power up of an external device used for sensing a process variable independently of whether the integrated circuit device is in a low power sleep mode. Once the external device becomes operational the integrated device, even when still in the low power sleep mode, samples the process variable status of the external device. Low power timing circuits operational during the low power sleep mode control the power up of the external device and sampling of the process variable status thereof. After the sample of the process variable status is taken, the integrated circuit device may be brought out of the low power sleep mode to an operational mode when appropriate as determined from the sampled process variable status.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Michael Simmons, Michael Catherwood
  • Patent number: 7908458
    Abstract: A controller, in particular an Ethernet controller has a control unit operable to receive commands and data through an I/O interface; a plurality of registers arranged in a register block which is divided into a plurality of register banks, wherein at least one register controls a function of the controller; a register address unit having logic for accessing one of the plurality of registers by a plurality of addressing schemes, wherein the addressing schemes at least has a direct address provided by received data, a combined address provided by a partial address from a received command and a bank address stored in a bank register, and an address selected form a plurality of predetermined addresses through a received command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Microchip Technology Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael Simmons
  • Patent number: 7908516
    Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit device uses two keeper cells per configuration and/or enable bit as dual redundant storage with error detection thereof. One of the two keeper cells stores a logic level and the other keeper cell stores the inverse of that logic level before the integrated circuit device goes into a low power mode. An exclusive OR (XOR) is performed on the outputs of the two keeper cells (a keeper cell pair) such that if the two keeper cells of the keeper cell pair do not have opposite logic levels stored therein, then the respective XOR outputs an error signal for that keeper cell pair and the error signal is used to force the integrated circuit device out of the low power mode, depending on software control, with or without disturbing input-output (I/O) configuration control and data states present at the time the low power mode was entered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Microchip Technology Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael Simmons