Patents by Inventor Michael T. Perkins

Michael T. Perkins 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: 7725238
    Abstract: A method and system for temperature and boost control of engine intake air by use of an active conditioner control unit, which regulates relative amounts of electric current to at least one active conditioning device and an electrically driven booster motor. In one preferred embodiment it controls valves which optimally direct the path of airflow through a plurality of thermal conditioner storage chambers in response to signals from engine load level, temperature, and other sensors in order to optimally provide temperature conditioned air to the engine. This embodiment of the invention features immediate and efficient provision of conditioned and pressurized airflow to an internal combustion engine and removes parasitic power drains during low demand situations. This invention enhances cold start performance and operation with a pre-start thermal conditioner with warming capabilities. System increases flexibility for stationary operation and traffic restraints by supplementing heat sink transfers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Michael T. Perkins
  • Patent number: 7639237
    Abstract: A method for providing interactive self-supporting screen with scalable flexibility. Such a support combined with a flexible computer screen enables reliable touch, writing, mobile drawing, accurate selection, and virtual typing without requiring desk or table space. A flexible screen when rolled up will provide a reduced footprint device for storage or transport and the selective deployment to the required size as the operator desires. Consisting of Protective layer (Flexible-paper feel surface, can be touch enabled), Organic Light Emitting Display (OLED) layer, back light layer (if required), Backing (flexible, slat seam filling; blotter feel), Slats or slabs (Curtin or blinds like), and pullout, telescoping, or swing out cantilever supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Inventor: Michael T. Perkins
  • Patent number: 7375269
    Abstract: An apparatus for converting a standard electric bass guitar to play as a classical upright bass guitar. A bass guitar stand up apparatus may include a mounting stand such as a tri or uni-pod, an adapter, an arm, and a stabilizer. The apparatus may be adjustable for height selection. The apparatus may be quick release for convenience. The arm may facilitate positioning. The stabilizer may mount to lower strap mount. The apparatus may be easily removed and guitar may be played, docked, or transported in standard guitar configuration. The apparatus can also be configured to a supportive belt to afford mobility to a musician while supporting and playing a standard electric bass guitar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Michael T. Perkins
  • Patent number: 7299122
    Abstract: An integrated system for increasing power output from an internal combustion engine. System facilitates an interface for controlling and conditioning of the amount of intake air into an internal combustion engine. The system interfaces to a controller and provides critical data, an active intercooler, power buffer, and an electrically driven supercharger. An operator interface provides monitoring and control to a controller for expanded operator control. A power buffer relieves host power system from loading during high demand operation. A system of advanced sensors and processing from a controller combine to facilitate maximum power output with reduced risks. Active heat removal enables system operation in a vehicle at rest or in traffic. Active conditioning system flexibility facilitates improved implementation of cold temperature environment starting and operation. A low cost option with commercial non-positive displacement blowers implements affordable enhancements for internal combustion engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Inventor: Michael T. Perkins
  • Patent number: 7171955
    Abstract: A method and system for temperature conditioning of engine intake air by use of controllable intercooler which consists of an active thermoelectric device and a controllable valve system which optimally directs the path of airflow through a plurality of chambers in response to signals from a controller in order to optimally provide temperature conditioned air to the engine. System features temperature storage isolated from heat soaked engine components allowing immediate and efficient conditioning of airflow into an internal combustion engine. Intelligent control of this device removes parasitic power drains during high demand situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Michael T. Perkins
  • Patent number: 7165730
    Abstract: A water irrigation system may include a computer system, a sensing unit, an irrigation controller, and/or a water delivery system. The sensing unit may include a moisture gauge. The moisture gauge may include a capacitor coupled to a collector. The sensing unit may assess an amount of moisture in the collector and provide output that is a function of the amount of moisture in the collector to the computer system. The computer system may control irrigation of a zone to be irrigated at least partially based on the assessed amount of moisture in the collector. A method of controlling irrigation may include assessing an amount of moisture in a collector near or in a zone to be irrigated and controlling irrigation at least partially based on the assessed amount of moisture in the collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventors: James Jolly Clark, Michael T. Perkins, David Small
  • Publication number: 20060122762
    Abstract: An integrated system for increasing power output from an internal combustion engine. System facilitates an interface for controlling and conditioning of the amount of intake air into an internal combustion engine. The system interfaces to a controller and provides critical data, an active intercooler, power buffer, and an electrically driven supercharger. An operator interface provides monitoring and control to a controller for expanded operator control. A power buffer relieves host power system from loading during high demand operation. A system of advanced sensors and processing from a controller combine to facilitate maximum power output with reduced risks. Active heat removal enables system operation in a vehicle at rest or in traffic. Active conditioning system flexibility facilitates improved implementation of cold temperature environment starting and operation. A low cost option with commercial non-positive displacement blowers implements affordable enhancements for internal combustion engines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Publication date: June 8, 2006
    Inventor: Michael T. Perkins
  • Patent number: 6137675
    Abstract: A supportive belt for supporting devices such as computer components around a user's torso, including a vertically rigid rear plate, vertically rigid side and front pod elements, and a front buckle fastener. Hinged pod elements in the belt provide horizontal flexibility and associated springs enable the belt to be self-tensioning. A cantilevered arm is supported on a pod element with movement in four directions for supporting input/output devices, platforms, sensors, readers, etc. Keyboard units are cantilever supported on a pod element. The belt and computer components may be used on a torso, on a workstation platform, etc. and may be readily folded for transport. Passageways in the pod elements enable air to flow through the pod elements and remove heat from the torso.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Michael T. Perkins