Patents by Inventor Michael Whitener

Michael Whitener 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: 20240279979
    Abstract: A remote-controlled button-pushing device is provided. The device can be positioned in front of a physical garage door control. The device has at least one actuator that can be remotely operated via a fob. In this manner, a user can use the fob to actuate the actuator such that the actuator presses a button on the garage door control to raise/lower the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2024
    Publication date: August 22, 2024
    Inventors: Michael Whitens, Benjamin Wurtinger
  • Publication number: 20240034554
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plurality of secondary containment panels and assembling and installing the panels in a secondary containment system of an above-ground liquid storage tank or other retention facility includes forming a plurality of flexible substrate pieces. A liquid impermeable coating is applied to the upper surface of each piece such that an edge segment of the piece remains uncoated. The coating is applied to the substrate piece in an indoor enclosure using a computer controlled robotic sprayer that applies a uniform coating. A system for coating secondary containment panels. An apparatus for spraying a coating on secondary containment panels. The apparatus may be computer controlled and operate automatically to coat the surface of the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventor: Michael Whitener
  • Publication number: 20220073272
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plurality of secondary containment panels and assembling and installing the panels in a secondary containment system of an above-ground liquid storage tank or other retention facility includes forming a plurality of flexible substrate pieces. A liquid impermeable coating is applied to the upper surface of each piece such that an edge segment of the piece remains uncoated. The coating is applied to the substrate piece in an indoor enclosure using a computer controlled robotic sprayer that applies a uniform coating. A system for coating secondary containment panels. An apparatus for spraying a coating on secondary containment panels. The apparatus may be computer controlled and operate automatically to coat the surface of the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2021
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Inventor: Michael Whitener
  • Patent number: 10532372
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plurality of secondary containment panels and assembling and installing the panels in a secondary containment system of an above-ground liquid storage tank or other retention facility includes forming a plurality of flexible substrate pieces. A liquid impermeable coating is applied to the upper surface of each piece such that an edge segment of the piece remains uncoated. The coating is applied to the substrate piece in an indoor enclosure using a computer controlled robotic sprayer that applies a uniform coating. A system for coating secondary containment panels. An apparatus for spraying a coating on a secondary containment panels. The apparatus may be computer controlled and operate automatically to coat the surface of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Inventor: Michael Whitener
  • Publication number: 20200001318
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plurality of secondary containment panels and assembling and installing the panels in a secondary containment system of an above-ground liquid storage tank or other retention facility includes forming a plurality of flexible substrate pieces. A liquid impermeable coating is applied to the upper surface of each piece such that an edge segment of the piece remains uncoated. The coating is applied to the substrate piece in an indoor enclosure using a computer controlled robotic sprayer that applies a uniform coating. A system for coating secondary containment panels. An apparatus for spraying a coating on secondary containment panels. The apparatus may be computer controlled and operate automatically to coat the surface of the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventor: Michael Whitener
  • Patent number: 10496261
    Abstract: A device, user interface and method for searching a data set presented on a display of the device are disclosed. The method for searching a large data set comprises displaying content comprising at least a portion of the data set in a content window on the display, displaying a slider moveable along a selection path on the display, wherein the selection path corresponds to a range of a field corresponding to a subset of the data set, moving the slider along the selection path to make a selection of a range of the field, displaying the subset of the data set corresponding to the selection in the content window, automatically returning the slider to a return position after the selection has been made and continuing to display the subset of data corresponding to the selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Inventor: Paul Michael Whiten
  • Publication number: 20170083221
    Abstract: A device, user interface and method for searching a data set presented on a display of the device are disclosed. The method for searching a large data set comprises displaying content comprising at least a portion of the data set in a content window on the display, displaying a slider moveable along a selection path on the display, wherein the selection path corresponds to a range of a field corresponding to a subset of the data set, moving the slider along the selection path to make a selection of a range of the field, displaying the subset of the data set corresponding to the selection in the content window, automatically returning the slider to a return position after the selection has been made and continuing to display the subset of data corresponding to the selection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventor: Paul Michael WHITEN
  • Patent number: 9434534
    Abstract: The disclosure teaches a polyurea coated water storage floatation cover comprising a layer of buoyant closed cell foam coated with polyurea, a upper layer of polyurea coated textile attached to the buoyant closed cell foam coated with polyurea, and attachment components affixed to the upper layer of the polyurea coated textile. The cover can be rolled up for storage and transportation. The cover can be reused. The cover can be made in sections that can be attached together to cover a large area of water surface such as in a retention pond or open top tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Inventor: Michael Whitener
  • Publication number: 20160136675
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plurality of secondary containment panels and assembling and installing the panels in a secondary containment system of an above-ground liquid storage tank or other retention facility includes forming a plurality of flexible substrate pieces. A liquid impermeable coating is applied to the upper surface of each piece such that an edge segment of the piece remains uncoated. The coating is applied to the substrate piece in an indoor enclosure using a computer controlled robotic sprayer that applies a uniform coating. A system for coating secondary containment panels. An apparatus for spraying a coating on a secondary containment panels. The apparatus may be computer controlled and operate automatically to coat the surface of the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventor: Michael Whitener
  • Patent number: 9278372
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plurality of secondary containment panels and assembling and installing the panels in a secondary containment system of an above-ground liquid storage tank or other retention facility includes forming a plurality of flexible substrate pieces. A liquid impermeable coating is applied to the upper surface of each piece such that an edge segment of the piece remains uncoated. The coating is applied to the substrate piece in an indoor enclosure using a computer controlled robotic sprayer that applies a uniform coating. Metal plates are embedded in the floor used for quality control testing of the coating thickness using magnetic gauges. At least a pair of the pieces are juxtaposed relative to one another such that a first one of the pieces overlaps the uncoated segment of the second piece to form a seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Tight Line LLC
    Inventor: Michael Whitener
  • Publication number: 20150284924
    Abstract: The disclosure teaches a polyrurea coated water storage floatation cover comprising a layer of buoyant closed cell foam coated with polyurea, a upper layer of polyurea coated textile attached to the buoyant closed cell foam coated with polyurea, and attachment components affixed to the upper layer of the polyurea coated textile. The cover can be rolled up for storage and transportation. The cover can be reused. The cover can be made in sections that can be attached together to cover a large area of water surface such as in a retention pond or open top tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Publication date: October 8, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Whitener
  • Patent number: 9056714
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plurality of secondary containment panels and assembling and installing the panels in a secondary containment system of an above-ground liquid storage tank or other retention facility includes forming at least one flexible substrate. A liquid impermeable coating is applied by a robotic applicator to the upper surface of the substrate such that an edge segment of the substrate remains uncoated. The coating is applied to the substrate in an indoor enclosure having a flat surface. The coated substrate is delivered to the site of the tank and extended across the ground adjacent to the tank. At least a pair of the substrates are juxtaposed relative to one another such that a first one of the substrate overlaps the uncoated segment of the second substrate to form a seam. An adhesive substance is then applied to the seam to fasten the first and second substrate together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Tight Line LLC
    Inventor: Michael Whitener
  • Publication number: 20130294836
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plurality of secondary containment panels and assembling and installing the panels in a secondary containment system of an above-ground liquid storage tank or other retention facility includes forming at least one flexible substrate. A liquid impermeable coating is applied by a robotic applicator to the upper surface of the substrate such that an edge segment of the substrate remains uncoated. The coating is applied to the substrate in an indoor enclosure having a flat surface. The coated substrate is delivered to the site of the tank and extended across the ground adjacent to the tank. At least a pair of the substrates are juxtaposed relative to one another such that a first one of the substrate overlaps the uncoated segment of the second substrate to form a seam. An adhesive substance is then applied to the seam to fasten the first and second substrate together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Whitener
  • Patent number: 8500941
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plurality of secondary containment panels and assembling and installing the panels in a secondary containment system of an above-ground liquid storage tank or other retention facility includes forming a plurality of flexible substrate pieces. A liquid impermeable coating is applied to the upper surface of each piece such that an edge segment of the piece remains uncoated. The coating is applied to the substrate piece in an indoor enclosure. The coated pieces are delivered to the site of the tank and extended across the ground adjacent to the tank. At least a pair of the pieces are juxtaposed relative to one another such that a first one of the pieces overlaps the uncoated segment of the second piece to form a seam. An adhesive substance is then applied to the seam to fasten the first and second pieces together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Whitener
  • Publication number: 20120189810
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plurality of secondary containment panels and assembling and installing the panels in a secondary containment system of an above-ground liquid storage tank or other retention facility includes forming a plurality of flexible substrate pieces. A liquid impermeable coating is applied to the upper surface of each piece such that an edge segment of the piece remains uncoated. The coating is applied to the substrate piece in an indoor enclosure using a computer controlled robotic sprayer that applies a uniform coating. Metal plates are embedded in the floor used for quality control testing of the coating thickness using magnetic gauges. At least a pair of the pieces are juxtaposed relative to one another such that a first one of the pieces overlaps the uncoated segment of the second piece to form a seam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Whitener
  • Patent number: 7874764
    Abstract: A secondary containment system for an above-ground petroleum storage tank includes a berm rising above the ground surrounding the tank and spaced apart from the tank for defining a petroleum retention basin about the tank. An impermeable liner covers the ground between the tank and the berm. At least one drain is formed through the liner and into the underlying ground. A hydrocarbon sensor monitors the presence of petroleum in the drain. A control device responds to the presence of petroleum in the drain by closing a containment valve to prevent discharge of petroleum from the basin. An indicator device provides at least one of an audible and visible signal indicating that petroleum is sensed in the drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventors: Peter Van Fossen, Michael Whitener
  • Patent number: 7793356
    Abstract: A signal coupling system interposed between a scanning probe and a measurement instrument provides signal communication between the scanning probe and the measurement instrument. The signal coupling system has a pre-stressed shape when the scanning probe is in a neutral position. The pre-stressed shape is designated to provide a characteristic impedance of the signal coupling system that varies linearly as a function of displacement of the scanning probe from the neutral position when the scanning probe is displaced, relative to the neutral position, over a designated range of displacements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hassan Tanbakuchi, Matthew Richter, Michael Whitener
  • Patent number: 7743680
    Abstract: A parking brake system for an automotive vehicle includes an internally articulated pedal arm having an upper pedal arm which is connected with a cable operated parking brake actuator, and a lower pedal arm which is pivotably attached to the upper pedal arm such that the lower pedal arm has both a stowed position and a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: David Marshman, Michael Whitens, Jeffrey Singer, Michael Samluk, Peter Bejin, Tuan-Anh Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20100140262
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plurality of secondary containment panels and assembling and installing the panels in a secondary containment system of an above-ground liquid storage tank or other retention facility includes forming a plurality of flexible substrate pieces. A liquid impermeable coating is applied to the upper surface of each piece such that an edge segment of the piece remains uncoated. The coating is applied to the substrate piece in an indoor enclosure. The coated pieces are delivered to the site of the tank and extended across the ground adjacent to the tank. At least a pair of the pieces are juxtaposed relative to one another such that a first one of the pieces overlaps the uncoated segment of the second piece to form a seam. An adhesive substance is then applied to the seam to fasten the first and second pieces together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Whitener
  • Publication number: 20100058846
    Abstract: A signal coupling system interposed between a scanning probe and a measurement instrument provides signal communication between the scanning probe and the measurement instrument. The signal coupling system has a pre-stressed shape when the scanning probe is in a neutral position. The pre-stressed shape is designated to provide a characteristic impedance of the signal coupling system that varies linearly as a function of displacement of the scanning probe from the neutral position when the scanning probe is displaced, relative to the neutral position, over a designated range of displacements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Hassan Tanbakuchi, Matthew Richter, Michael Whitener