Patents by Inventor Michael W. Keller

Michael W. Keller 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: 11009484
    Abstract: A device, system and method for detecting flaws in a magnetic material includes a wheeled scanner having two detectors and arranged for travel over a flat surface. The first detector is a horizontal magnet-sensor arrangement that generates a magnetic field in a direction generally parallel to a central horizontal axis of the scanner. The second is a vertical magnet-sensor arrangement that generates a magnetic field in a direction generally perpendicular to the central horizontal axis of the scanner. A set of computer executable instructions uses data collected by the first detector to detect a flaw in the magnetic material and data collected at a same time by the second detector to determine a location of the detected flaw relative to a top and bottom surface of the magnetic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: The University of Tulsa
    Inventors: Michael W. Keller, Brynn Arraina Jellison, Samuel G. Laney
  • Patent number: 10179846
    Abstract: A process of making magnetic microcapsules and a process of making polymeric material having self-healing properties. The process of making polymeric material having self-healing properties includes the steps of mixing microcapsules containing magnetic nanoparticles in a liquid polymer before curing, and guiding the microcapsules in the liquid polymer before curing by magnetic forces to a desired location or locations. Finally, the liquid polymer with the microcapsules is cured to a solid polymeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: The University of Tulsa
    Inventors: Matthew D. Crall, Michael W. Keller
  • Patent number: 9415575
    Abstract: A laminate material may include a first flexible layer, and a self-healing composite layer in contact with the first flexible layer. The composite layer includes an elastomer matrix, a plurality of first capsules including a polymerizer, and a corresponding activator for the polymerizer. The laminate material may self-heal when subjected to a puncture or a tear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Brett A. Beiermann, Michael W. Keller, Scott R. White, Nancy R. Sottos
  • Patent number: 7569625
    Abstract: A composite material includes an elastomer matrix, a set of first capsules containing a polymerizer, and a set of second capsules containing a corresponding activator for the polymerizer. The polymerizer may be a polymerizer for an elastomer. The composite material may be prepared by combining a first set of capsules containing a polymerizer, a second set of capsules containing a corresponding activator for the polymerizer, and a matrix precursor, and then solidifying the matrix precursor to form an elastomeric matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Michael W. Keller, Nancy R. Sottos, Scott R. White
  • Publication number: 20090191402
    Abstract: A laminate material may include a first flexible layer, and a self-healing composite layer in contact with the first flexible layer. The composite layer includes an elastomer matrix, a plurality of first capsules including a polymerizer, and a corresponding activator for the polymerizer. The laminate material may self-heal when subjected to a puncture or a tear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
    Inventors: Brett A. Beiermann, Michael W. Keller, Scott R. White, Nancy R. Sottos
  • Publication number: 20070282059
    Abstract: A composite material includes an elastomer matrix, a set of first capsules containing a polymerizer, and a set of second capsules containing a corresponding activator for the polymerizer. The polymerizer may be a polymerizer for an elastomer. The composite material may be prepared by combining a first set of capsules containing a polymerizer, a second set of capsules containing a corresponding activator for the polymerizer, and a matrix precursor, and then solidifying the matrix precursor to form an elastomeric matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventors: Michael W Keller, Nancy R. Sottos, Scott R. White