Patents by Inventor Michael Vail

Michael Vail 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: 11955260
    Abstract: An electrical assembly comprising an electrical connector assembly that may include: a utility device comprising a plurality of pins; a socket attached to a cord, the socket comprising a plurality of receptacles to receive the plurality of pins; and one or more metal-oxide varistors (MOVs) disposed inside the socket, where the one or more MOVs are electrically connected to the plurality of pins when the plurality of pins are received by the plurality of receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: WEBASTO CHARGING SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Herman Joseph Steinbuchel, IV, Peter Gabrielsson, Manuel Miranda, Michael Vail
  • Patent number: 11627845
    Abstract: Embodiments of dispensers for dispensing wet wipes are disclosed herein. An exemplary wipes dispenser includes a container, having an opening, a cap, and a first wipe engagement member. The first wipes engagement member includes an opening therethrough. The first wipes engagement member is configured to provide sufficient force on a wipe to prevent the wipe from falling back into the container. A second wipes engagement member is also included. The second wipes engagement member located away from the first wipes engagement member. The second wipes engagement member includes a pull through portion and a grip portion. An access point is located between the first wipes engagement member and the second wipes engagement member. The access point configured to allow a user to grip a lead edge of a wipe as the wipe is threaded through the first wipes engagement member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Michael Vail, Christopher James Mann
  • Patent number: 11612280
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of wipes dispensers are disclosed herein. An exemplary wipes dispenser having a self-centering nozzle includes a container, a plurality of wipes contained within the container, a fluid for wetting the plurality of wipes, a receiving member connected to the container, and an outlet nozzle housing for holding an elastomeric outlet nozzle. The nozzle housing is connected to the receiving member so that the nozzle housing is movable between two or more positions. A biasing member is connected to one of the receiving member, the nozzle housing and the elastomeric outlet nozzle. The elastomeric outlet nozzle moves from a centered upright position, the biasing member deflects and biases the outlet nozzle toward a centered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Mann, Aaron D. Marshall, Nick E. Ciavarella, Jonathan Michael Johnson, Donald R. Harris, Kevin Michael Vail, Jenna Ann Matus
  • Publication number: 20220199296
    Abstract: An electrical assembly comprising an electrical connector assembly that may include: a utility device comprising a plurality of pins; a socket attached to a cord, the socket comprising a plurality of receptacles to receive the plurality of pins; and one or more metal-oxide varistors (MOVs) disposed inside the socket, where the one or more MOVs are electrically connected to the plurality of pins when the plurality of pins are received by the plurality of receptacles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Inventors: Herman Joseph Steinbuchel, IV, Peter Gabrielsson, Manuel Miranda, Michael Vail
  • Patent number: 11071418
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of wipes dispensers are disclosed herein. An exemplary wipes dispenser includes a container, a plurality of wipes contained within the container, a fluid for wetting the plurality of wipes and a self-orientating outlet nozzle. The self-orientating outlet nozzle includes a moveable outlet opening. The moveable outlet opening aligns with the direction of pull of the wipe when the wipe is pulled out of the dispenser at an angle that is not substantially vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Harris, Aaron D. Marshall, Nick E. Ciavarella, Jonathan Michael Johnson, Christopher James Mann, Kevin Michael Vail, Jenna Ann Matus
  • Publication number: 20210093128
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of wipes dispensers are disclosed herein. An exemplary wipes dispenser having a self-centering nozzle includes a container, a plurality of wipes contained within the container, a fluid for wetting the plurality of wipes, a receiving member connected to the container, and an outlet nozzle housing for holding an elastomeric outlet nozzle. The nozzle housing is connected to the receiving member so that the nozzle housing is movable between two or more positions. A biasing member is connected to one of the receiving member, the nozzle housing and the elastomeric outlet nozzle. The elastomeric outlet nozzle moves from a centered upright position, the biasing member deflects and biases the outlet nozzle toward a centered position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2020
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventors: Christopher J. Mann, Aaron D. Marshall, Nick E. Ciavarella, Jonathan Michael Johnson, Donald R. Harris, Kevin Michael Vail, Jenna Ann Matus
  • Publication number: 20200329926
    Abstract: Embodiments of dispensers for dispensing wet wipes are disclosed herein. An exemplary wipes dispenser includes a container, having an opening, a cap, and a first wipe engagement member. The first wipes engagement member includes an opening therethrough. The first wipes engagement member is configured to provide sufficient force on a wipe to prevent the wipe from falling back into the container. A second wipes engagement member is also included. The second wipes engagement member located away from the first wipes engagement member. The second wipes engagement member includes a pull through portion and a grip portion. An access point is located between the first wipes engagement member and the second wipes engagement member. The access point configured to allow a user to grip a lead edge of a wipe as the wipe is threaded through the first wipes engagement member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2020
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Inventors: Kevin Michael Vail, Christopher James Mann
  • Publication number: 20200331811
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) exhibiting enhanced diamond-to-diamond bonding. In an embodiment, PCD includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. A metal-solvent catalyst occupies at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions. The plurality of diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst collectively exhibit a coercivity of about 115 Oersteds (“Oe”) or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 15 Gauss·cm3/grams (“G·cm3/g”) or less. Other embodiments are directed to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) employing such PCD, methods of forming PCD and PDCs, and various applications for such PCD and PDCs in rotary drill bits, bearing apparatuses, and wire-drawing dies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, Jiang Qian, Jason Wiggins, Michael Vail, Debkumar Mukhopadhyay
  • Patent number: 10806310
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of wipes dispensers are disclosed herein. An exemplary wipes dispenser having a self-centering nozzle includes a container, a plurality of wipes contained within the container, a fluid for wetting the plurality of wipes, a receiving member connected to the container, and an outlet nozzle housing for holding an elastomeric outlet nozzle. The nozzle housing is connected to the receiving member so that the nozzle housing is movable between two or more positions. A biasing member is connected to one of the receiving member, the nozzle housing and the elastomeric outlet nozzle. The elastomeric outlet nozzle moves from a centered upright position, the biasing member deflects and biases the outlet nozzle toward a centered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Mann, Aaron D. Marshall, Nick E. Ciavarella, Jonathan Michael Johnson, Donald R. Harris, Kevin Michael Vail, Jenna Ann Matus
  • Patent number: 10703681
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) exhibiting enhanced diamond-to-diamond bonding. In an embodiment, PCD includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. A metal-solvent catalyst occupies at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions. The plurality of diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst collectively exhibit a coercivity of about 115 Oersteds (“Oe”) or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 15 Gauss·cm3/grams (“G·cm3/g”) or less. Other embodiments are directed to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) employing such PCD, methods of forming PCD and PDCs, and various applications for such PCD and PDCs in rotary drill bits, bearing apparatuses, and wire-drawing dies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, Jiang Qian, Jason Wiggins, Michael Vail, Debkumar Mukhopadhyay
  • Publication number: 20200154959
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of wipes dispensers are disclosed herein. An exemplary wipes dispenser includes a container, a plurality of wipes contained within the container, a fluid for wetting the plurality of wipes and a self-orientating outlet nozzle. The self-orientating outlet nozzle includes a moveable outlet opening. The moveable outlet opening aligns with the direction of pull of the wipe when the wipe is pulled out of the dispenser at an angle that is not substantially vertical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Inventors: Donald R. Harris, Aaron D. Marshall, Nick E. Ciavarella, Jonathan Michael Johnson, Christopher James Mann, Kevin Michael Vail, Jenna Ann Matus
  • Patent number: 10542854
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of wipes dispensers are disclosed herein. An exemplary wipes dispenser includes a container, a plurality of wipes contained within the container, a fluid for wetting the plurality of wipes and a self-orientating outlet nozzle. The self-orientating outlet nozzle includes a moveable outlet opening. The moveable outlet opening aligns with the direction of pull of the wipe when the wipe is pulled out of the dispenser at an angle that is not substantially vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Harris, Aaron D. Marshall, Nick E. Ciavarella, Jonathan Michael Johnson, Christopher James Mann, Kevin Michael Vail, Jenna Ann Matus
  • Publication number: 20190200818
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of wipes dispensers are disclosed herein. An exemplary wipes dispenser having a self-centering nozzle includes a container, a plurality of wipes contained within the container, a fluid for wetting the plurality of wipes, a receiving member connected to the container, and an outlet nozzle housing for holding an elastomeric outlet nozzle. The nozzle housing is connected to the receiving member so that the nozzle housing is movable between two or more positions. A biasing member is connected to one of the receiving member, the nozzle housing and the elastomeric outlet nozzle. The elastomeric outlet nozzle moves from a centered upright position, the biasing member deflects and biases the outlet nozzle toward a centered position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher J. Mann, Aaron D. Marshall, Nick E. Ciavarella, Jonathan Michael Johnson, Donald R. Harris, Kevin Michael Vail, Jenna Ann Matus
  • Publication number: 20180310782
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of wipes dispensers are disclosed herein. An exemplary wipes dispenser includes a container, a plurality of wipes contained within the container, a fluid for wetting the plurality of wipes and a self-orientating outlet nozzle. The self-orientating outlet nozzle includes a moveable outlet opening. The moveable outlet opening aligns with the direction of pull of the wipe when the wipe is pulled out of the dispenser at an angle that is not substantially vertical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Inventors: Donald R. Harris, Aaron D. Marshall, Nick E. Ciavarella, Jonathan Michael Johnson, Christopher James Mann, Kevin Michael Vail, Jenna Ann Matus
  • Publication number: 20180179114
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) exhibiting enhanced diamond-to-diamond bonding. In an embodiment, PCD includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. A metal-solvent catalyst occupies at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions. The plurality of diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst collectively exhibit a coercivity of about 115 Oersteds (“Oe”) or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 15 Gauss·cm3/grams (“G·cm3/g”) or less. Other embodiments are directed to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) employing such PCD, methods of forming PCD and PDCs, and various applications for such PCD and PDCs in rotary drill bits, bearing apparatuses, and wire-drawing dies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Publication date: June 28, 2018
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, Jiang Qian, Jason Wiggins, Michael Vail, Debkumar Mukhopadhyay
  • Patent number: 9932274
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) exhibiting enhanced diamond-to-diamond bonding. In an embodiment, PCD includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. A metal-solvent catalyst occupies at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions. The plurality of diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst collectively exhibit a coercivity of about 115 Oersteds (“Oe”) or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 15 Gauss·cm3/grams (“G·cm3/g”) or less. Other embodiments are directed to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) employing such PCD, methods of forming PCD and PDCs, and various applications for such PCD and PDCs in rotary drill bits, bearing apparatuses, and wire-drawing dies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: US SYNTHETIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, Jiang Qian, Jason Wiggins, Michael Vail, Debkumar Mukhopadhyay
  • Publication number: 20160355440
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) exhibiting enhanced diamond-to-diamond bonding. In an embodiment, PCD includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. A metal-solvent catalyst occupies at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions. The plurality of diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst collectively exhibit a coercivity of about 115 Oersteds (“Oe”) or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 15 Gauss·cm3/grams (“G·cm3/g”) or less. Other embodiments are directed to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) employing such PCD, methods of forming PCD and PDCs, and various applications for such PCD and PDCs in rotary drill bits, bearing apparatuses, and wire-drawing dies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, Jiang Qian, Jason Wiggins, Michael Vail, Debkumar Mukhopadhyay
  • Patent number: 8158258
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) exhibiting enhanced diamond-to-diamond bonding. In an embodiment, PCD includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. A metal-solvent catalyst occupies at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions. The plurality of diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst collectively exhibit a coercivity of about 115 Oersteads (“Oe”) or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 15 Gauss·cm3/grams (“G·cm3/g”) or less. Other embodiments are directed to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) employing such PCD, methods of forming PCD and PDCs, and various applications for such PCD and PDCs in rotary drill bits, bearing apparatuses, and wire-drawing dies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: US Synthetic Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, Jiang Qian, Jason Wiggins, Michael Vail
  • Patent number: 8020645
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) exhibiting enhanced diamond-to-diamond bonding. In an embodiment, PCD includes a plurality of diamond grains defining a plurality of interstitial regions. A metal-solvent catalyst occupies at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions. The plurality of diamond grains and the metal-solvent catalyst collectively exhibit a coercivity of about 115 Oersteads (“Oe”) or more and a specific magnetic saturation of about 15 Gauss·cm3/grams (“G·cm3/g”) or less. Other embodiments are directed to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) employing such PCD, methods of forming PCD and PDCs, and various applications for such PCD and PDCs in rotary drill bits, bearing apparatuses, and wire-drawing dies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: US Synthetic Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Bertagnolli, Jiang Qian, Jason Wiggins, Michael Vail, Debkumar Mukhopadhyay
  • Publication number: 20050203630
    Abstract: Prosthetic joints, components for prosthetic joints, superhard bearing and articulation surfaces, diamond bearing and articulation surfaces, substrate surface topographical features, materials for making joints, bearing and articulation surfaces, and methods for manufacturing and finishing the same, and related information are disclosed, including prosthetic knee joint having at least one diamond articulation surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Publication date: September 15, 2005
    Inventors: Bill Pope, Jeffery Taylor, Richard Dixon, Michael Vail, Kenneth Jensen