Patents by Inventor Mike Ellis

Mike Ellis 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: 20170342712
    Abstract: A hard synthetic rubber construction block system that includes: a top block; a plurality of square-shaped cavities on the under side of the top block; a bottom block; a plurality of square shaped studs on the upper side of the bottom block that insert into the plurality of square cavities in the top block, binding them together. Other features of the construction block system include: a horizontal insert on each side of the upper portion of the lower block spanning its length; a matching V-groove inside the lower portion of the upper block whereby the described insert of the lower block snaps into it, creating a locking point. Further, tongue and groove connections are at each end of the blocks whereby the tongue feature on one end of a block slides into the groove feature of an adjoining block, locking them horizontally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventor: Mike Ellis
  • Patent number: 9540185
    Abstract: The present invention provides a rack stopper system for holding a plurality of components and/or component trays on a rack and then allowing the component trays to be transferred to another rack. The system can include a base, a support bar attached to the base, and a wiper bar pivotally attached to the support bar. The wiper bar can have a stop position that blocks a component and/or a component tray from rolling off of a first rack and a pass position that allows the component and/or component tray to roll off of the first rack and onto a second rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: John Psutka, Mike Ellis, Todd Jason Hughes
  • Patent number: 8818976
    Abstract: A method according to the present invention may be used to convey information to enhance customer service for a wide variety of industries, and especially the automotive repair industry. Among other things, methods of the present invention allow a service provider to supply customers with information on services provided using one or more methods of distribution and in a manner that is fast, efficient, and easy for the customer to access. The information provided to customers can be distributed in a variety of formats and stored permanently for retrieval by the customer at any time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventors: Matt McDermott, Larry Appleby, Todd Oleno, Mike Ellis
  • Publication number: 20120328407
    Abstract: The present invention provides a rack stopper system for holding a plurality of components and/or component trays on a rack and then allowing the component trays to be transferred to another rack. The system can include a base, a support bar attached to the base, and a wiper bar pivotally attached to the support bar. The wiper bar can have a stop position that blocks a component and/or a component tray from rolling off of a first rack and a pass position that allows the component and/or component tray to roll off of the first rack and onto a second rack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: John Psutka, Mike Ellis, Todd Jason Hughes
  • Publication number: 20120131004
    Abstract: A method according to the present invention may be used to convey information to enhance customer service for a wide variety of industries, and especially the automotive repair industry. Among other things, methods of the present invention allow a service provider to supply customers with information on services provided using one or more methods of distribution and in a manner that is fast, efficient, and easy for the customer to access. The information provided to customers can be distributed in a variety of formats and stored permanently for retrieval by the customer at any time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Matt McDermott, Larry Appleby, Todd Oleno, Mike Ellis
  • Patent number: 8126862
    Abstract: Systems according to the present invention may be used to convey information to enhance customer service for a wide variety of industries. Among other things, systems of the present invention allow a service provider to supply customers with information on services provided for the customer using one or more methods of distribution and in a manner that is fast, efficient, and easy for the customer to access. The information provided to customers can be distributed in a variety of formats and stored permanently for retrieval by the customer at any time. The present invention also allows service providers to gather metrics on communications to customers, as well as to facilitate targeted marketing efforts to help build customer loyalty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventors: Matt McDermott, Larry Appleby, Todd Oleno, Mike Ellis
  • Publication number: 20110225935
    Abstract: The invention includes a method of packaging paper products (such as facial tissue) in a dispenser. A clip of paper product is folded. The folded clip has a central region and a pair of opposing peripheral regions separated from one another by the central region. The peripheral regions of the folded clip are pressed toward one another to compress the peripheral regions. After the peripheral regions are compressed, the folded clip is transferred into the dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: CLEARWATER PAPER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Celeste Osborne, Mike Ellis, Mike Ruark
  • Publication number: 20100036852
    Abstract: Methods according to the present invention may be used to convey information to enhance customer service for a wide variety of industries. Among other things, methods of the present invention allow a service provider to supply customers with information on services provided for the customer using one or more methods of distribution and in a manner that is fast, efficient, and easy for the customer to access. The information provided to customers can be distributed in a variety of formats and stored permanently for retrieval by the customer at any time. The present invention also allows service providers to gather metrics on communications to customers, as well as to facilitate targeted marketing efforts to help build customer loyalty.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventors: Matt McDermott, Larry Appleby, Todd Oleno, Mike Ellis
  • Publication number: 20100036877
    Abstract: Systems according to the present invention may be used to convey information to enhance customer service for a wide variety of industries. Among other things, systems of the present invention allow a service provider to supply customers with information on services provided for the customer using one or more methods of distribution and in a manner that is fast, efficient, and easy for the customer to access. The information provided to customers can be distributed in a variety of formats and stored permanently for retrieval by the customer at any time. The present invention also allows service providers to gather metrics on communications to customers, as well as to facilitate targeted marketing efforts to help build customer loyalty.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventors: Matt McDermott, Larry Appleby, Todd Oleno, Mike Ellis
  • Publication number: 20100036868
    Abstract: Systems according to the present invention may be used to convey information to enhance customer service for a wide variety of industries. Among other things, systems of the present invention allow a service provider to supply customers with information on services provided for the customer using one or more methods of distribution and in a manner that is fast, efficient, and easy for the customer to access. The information provided to customers can be distributed in a variety of formats and stored permanently for retrieval by the customer at any time. The present invention also allows service providers to gather metrics on communications to customers, as well as to facilitate targeted marketing efforts to help build customer loyalty.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventors: Matt McDermott, Larry Appleby, Todd Oleno, Mike Ellis
  • Publication number: 20100036876
    Abstract: Methods according to the present invention may be used to convey information to enhance customer service for a wide variety of industries. Among other things, methods of the present invention allow a service provider to supply customers with information on services provided for the customer using one or more methods of distribution and in a manner that is fast, efficient, and easy for the customer to access. The information provided to customers can be distributed in a variety of formats and stored permanently for retrieval by the customer at any time. The present invention also allows service providers to gather metrics on communications to customers, as well as to facilitate targeted marketing efforts to help build customer loyalty.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventors: Matt McDermott, Larry Appleby, Todd Oleno, Mike Ellis
  • Publication number: 20050281979
    Abstract: A thermal insulation product is provided comprising a loose fill insulation for insulating an interior of a hollow or open space in a structure and at least one phase change material dispersed in the loose fill insulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Publication date: December 22, 2005
    Inventors: Murray Toas, David Ober, Mike Ellis
  • Publication number: 20050218151
    Abstract: The invention includes a method of packaging paper products (such as facial tissue) in a dispenser. A clip of paper product is folded. The folded clip has a central region and a pair of opposing peripheral regions separated from one another by the central region. The peripheral regions of the folded clip are pressed toward one another to compress the peripheral regions. After the peripheral regions are compressed, the folded clip is transferred into the dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Publication date: October 6, 2005
    Inventors: Celeste Osborne, Mike Ellis, Mike Ruark
  • Patent number: 6901718
    Abstract: The invention includes a method of packaging paper products (such as facial tissue) in a dispenser. A clip of paper product is folded. The folded clip has a central region and a pair of opposing peripheral regions separated from one another by the central region. The peripheral regions of the folded clip are pressed toward one another to compress the peripheral regions. After the peripheral regions are compressed, the folded clip is transferred into the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Potlatch Corporation
    Inventors: Celeste Osborne, Mike Ellis, Mike Ruark
  • Publication number: 20040144062
    Abstract: The invention includes a method of packaging paper products (such as facial tissue) in a dispenser. A clip of paper product is folded. The folded clip has a central region and a pair of opposing peripheral regions separated from one another by the central region. The peripheral regions of the folded clip are pressed toward one another to compress the peripheral regions. After the peripheral regions are compressed, the folded clip is transferred into the dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Celeste Osborne, Mike Ellis, Mike Ruark
  • Patent number: 6732492
    Abstract: The invention includes a method of packaging paper products (such as facial tissue) in a dispenser. A clip of paper product is folded. The folded clip has a central region and a pair of opposing peripheral regions separated from one another by the central region. The peripheral regions of the folded clip are pressed toward one another to compress the peripheral regions. After the peripheral regions are compressed, the folded clip is transferred into the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Potlatch Corporation
    Inventors: Celeste Osborne, Mike Ellis, Mike Ruark
  • Publication number: 20040016211
    Abstract: The invention includes a method of packaging paper products (such as facial tissue) in a dispenser. A clip of paper product is folded. The folded clip has a central region and a pair of opposing peripheral regions separated from one another by the central region. The peripheral regions of the folded clip are pressed toward one another to compress the peripheral regions. After the peripheral regions are compressed, the folded clip is transferred into the dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Celeste Osborne, Mike Ellis, Mike Ruark