Michael D Lucas

US Patent:

6866461, Mar 15, 2005

Filed:

Feb 25, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/375507

Inventors:

Scott M. DeWinter - Oakland CA, US
John B. Rusconi - Dublin CA, US
Steven M. Clark - Palo Alto CA, US
Michael P. Lucas - Milpitas CA, US
Michael G. Youngquist - Palo Alto CA, US

Assignee:

Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc. - Fremont CA

International Classification:

B65G065/00

US Classification:

41422207, 422 63

Abstract:

The present invention comprises a loading device for automating transfer of a plurality of probes between a cassette within which the plurality of probes are initially constrained and an analytical instrument, e. g. , mass spectrometer. The loading device may be configured to accept a single or a plurality of cassettes each removably constraining a plurality of probes to be analyzed. The loading device may permit each of the plurality of cassettes to be independently interchanged with a separate cassette removably constraining a separate plurality of probes during mass spectrometric analysis, or for additional cassettes to be loaded into the device during analysis. In a useful embodiment, the loading device comprises a cassette transport assembly and a probe insertion assembly. The cassette transport assembly linearly translates one or more cassettes to align the cassette(s) with respect to the mass spectrometer so that a probe may be translated therebetween by the probe insertion assembly. The probe insertion assembly also provides means to rotatably engage said probe.

US Patent:

62927809, Sep 18, 2001

Filed:

Dec 15, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/990509

Inventors:

Dieter D. Doederlein - Mississauga, CA
G. Dale Newman - Unionville, CA
Anthony C. Sharp - Agincourt, CA
Michael E. Lucas - Cupertino CA

Assignee:

Micra SoundCards, Inc. - Ontario

International Classification:

G10L 2100

US Classification:

704270

Abstract:

A talking trading card playing system consists of a portable card player and a plurality of trading cards. Each card includes a card body having front and back surfaces, flexible sheets affixed to the front surface and to the back surface of the housing, and a voice chip for storing and generating sound patterns. The portable player comprises a power source located in the housing for supplying electrical power to the voice chip, and sound generation components. The subject trading card and player may be activated by aligning the card with electrical contacts on the face of the player, thereby establishing electrical contact between the card and the player.

US Patent:

6108963, Aug 29, 2000

Filed:

May 29, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/029296

Inventors:

Michael Lucas - Cupertino CA
Thomas J. Barron - Paso Robles CA

Assignee:

SoundBite Corporation - Reno NV

International Classification:

A01K 8501

US Classification:

43 4231

Abstract:

A device which functions to influence, either by attracting or repelling marine life includes a mechanism structured and arranged to shuttle a slug, i. e. an iron ball or other element having magnetic properties, between first and second positions in a manner which creates sound audible to marine life, such as fish, which it is desired to attract or repel. In one embodiment, an iron ball is shuttled between an electromagnet and a permanent magnet attached to an acoustic amplification plate.

US Patent:

58550011, Dec 29, 1998

Filed:

Aug 25, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/519839

Inventors:

Dieter D. Doederlein - Mississauga, CA
G. Dale Newman - Unionville, CA
Anthony C. Sharp - Agincourt, CA
Michael E. Lucas - Cupertino CA

Assignee:

Micra SoundCards, Inc. - Richardmond Hill

International Classification:

G10L 300

US Classification:

704270

Abstract:

A talking trading card playing system consists of a portable card player and a plurality of trading cards. Each card includes a card body having front and back surfaces, flexible sheets affixed to the front surface and to the back surface of the housing, and a voice chip for storing and generating sound patterns. The portable player comprises a power source located in the housing for supplying electrical power to the voice chip, and sound generation components. The subject trading card and player may be activated by inserting the card into the player, thereby establishing electrical contact between the card and the player.