Patents by Inventor Curtis Hay

Curtis Hay 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: 10570714
    Abstract: A system and method for enhanced oil recovery comprises a vertical and/or lateral string section configured for installation in a wellbore. A production segment with an uphole production packer and a production valve allows a fluid flow into the string section and prevents a fluid flow in the reverse direction. An injection segment with an uphole injection packer and an injection valve allows a fluid flow out from the string section and prevents a fluid flow in the reverse direction. The production segment and the injection segment are configured to be installed in fluid communication with each other through a reservoir within one well. The production valve is configured to open when the pressure within the production segment is at or below an ambient pressure and to close when the pressure within the production segment exceeds the ambient pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: CHW AS
    Inventor: Curtis Hays Whitson
  • Patent number: 9964949
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and vehicles are provided for controlling an automated system of a vehicle. In one example, the vehicle includes one or more automated driving systems, a plurality of position determining systems, and a processor. The processor is coupled to the one or more automated driving systems and the plurality of position determining systems, and is configured to at least facilitate determining a current position of the vehicle using an operational mode comprising one or more of the position determining systems, operating the one or more automated driving systems in an automated mode, without driver intervention, if the operational mode includes use of both satellite provided position data in addition to satellite correction data, and operating the one or more automated driving systems in a manual mode, with driver intervention, if the operational mode does not include use of both satellite provided position data in addition to satellite correction data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATION LLC
    Inventors: Curtis Hay, Eray Yasan, Chalan Munasinghe
  • Patent number: 9958865
    Abstract: An autonomous driving system for a vehicle is provided. The system includes a location unit configured to determine a current location of the vehicle; a database storing mapping information; and a control unit coupled to the location unit and the database, the control unit configured to selectively generate autonomous driving commands for the current location in view of the mapping information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Nikhil L. Hoskeri, Curtis Hay
  • Patent number: 9939110
    Abstract: A method of transporting natural gas by liquefaction of natural gas at ambient temperature, achieved by mixing the natural gas at high pressure with a hydrocarbon that is a stable liquid at ambient temperature and ambient pressure. The hydrocarbon liquid may be crude oil or a distillate of crude oil. The method includes: liquefaction: mixing the natural gas with the hydrocarbon liquid at an ambient temperature and a high pressure to generate a liquid mixture, which contains the natural gas dissolved in the hydrocarbon liquid; shipping: transporting the liquid mixture using a marine tanker, during which the liquid mixture is maintained at ambient temperature and the high pressure; and regasification: at the destination, releasing a gas from the liquid mixture by lowering the pressure of the liquid mixture. The hydrocarbon liquid may be used multiple times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph J. Voelker, Curtis Hays Whitson
  • Publication number: 20180058633
    Abstract: A method of transporting natural gas by liquefaction of natural gas at ambient temperature, achieved by mixing the natural gas at high pressure with a hydrocarbon that is a stable liquid at ambient temperature and ambient pressure. The hydrocarbon liquid may be crude oil or a distillate of crude oil. The method includes: liquefaction: mixing the natural gas with the hydrocarbon liquid at an ambient temperature and a high pressure to generate a liquid mixture, which contains the natural gas dissolved in the hydrocarbon liquid; shipping: transporting the liquid mixture using a marine tanker, during which the liquid mixture is maintained at ambient temperature and the high pressure; and regasification: at the destination, releasing a gas from the liquid mixture by lowering the pressure of the liquid mixture. The hydrocarbon liquid may be used multiple times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: JOSEPH J. VOELKER, Curtis Hays Whitson
  • Publication number: 20180038549
    Abstract: A method of transporting natural gas by liquefaction of natural gas at ambient temperature, achieved by mixing the natural gas at high pressure with a hydrocarbon that is a stable liquid at ambient temperature and ambient pressure. The hydrocarbon liquid may be crude oil or a distillate of crude oil. The method includes: liquefaction: mixing the natural gas with the hydrocarbon liquid at an ambient temperature and a high pressure to generate a liquid mixture, which contains the natural gas dissolved in the hydrocarbon liquid; shipping: transporting the liquid mixture using a marine tanker, during which the liquid mixture is maintained at ambient temperature and the high pressure; and regasification: at the destination, releasing a gas from the liquid mixture by lowering the pressure of the liquid mixture. The hydrocarbon liquid may be used multiple times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: JOSEPH J. VOELKER, Curtis Hays Whitson
  • Publication number: 20180003017
    Abstract: A system and method for enhanced oil recovery comprises a vertical and/or lateral string section configured for installation in a wellbore. A production segment with an uphole production packer and a production valve allows a fluid flow into the string section and prevents a fluid flow in the reverse direction. An injection segment with an uphole injection packer and an injection valve allows a fluid flow out from the string section and prevents a fluid flow in the reverse direction. The production segment and the injection segment are configured to be installed in fluid communication with each other through a reservoir within one well. The production valve is configured to open when the pressure within the production segment is at or below an ambient pressure and to close when the pressure within the production segment exceeds the ambient pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: Curtis Hays Whitson
  • Patent number: 9802620
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and vehicles are provided for controlling an automated system of a vehicle. In one example, the vehicle includes one or more automated driving systems, a plurality of input systems, and a processor. The plurality of input systems are used in connection with the vehicle, and are configured to provide inputs. The processor is coupled to the plurality of input systems, and is configured to at least facilitate: estimating a current position of the vehicle using the inputs from the plurality of input systems generating a current position estimate, estimating an error for the current position estimate, the error comprising an expected error radius for the current position estimate, and controlling the one or more automated driving systems using the current position estimate and the expected error radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Chalan Munasinghe, Curtis Hay
  • Publication number: 20170176989
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and vehicles are provided for controlling an automated system of a vehicle. In one example, the vehicle includes one or more automated driving systems, a plurality of position determining systems, and a processor. The processor is coupled to the one or more automated driving systems and the plurality of position determining systems, and is configured to at least facilitate determining a current position of the vehicle using an operational mode comprising one or more of the position determining systems, operating the one or more automated driving systems in an automated mode, without driver intervention, if the operational mode includes use of both satellite provided position data in addition to satellite correction data, and operating the one or more automated driving systems in a manual mode, without driver intervention, if the operational mode does not include use of both satellite provided position data in addition to satellite correction data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Applicant: GENERAL MOTORS LLC
    Inventors: CURTIS HAY, ERAY YASAN, CHALAN MUNASINGHE
  • Publication number: 20170176991
    Abstract: An autonomous driving system for a vehicle is provided. The system includes a location unit configured to determine a current location of the vehicle; a database storing mapping information; and a control unit coupled to the location unit and the database, the control unit configured to selectively generate autonomous driving commands for the current location in view of the mapping information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Applicant: GENERAL MOTORS LLC
    Inventors: NIKHIL L. HOSKERI, CURTIS HAY
  • Publication number: 20170174223
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and vehicles are provided for controlling an automated system of a vehicle. In one example, the vehicle includes one or more automated driving systems, a plurality of input systems, and a processor. The plurality of input systems are used in connection with the vehicle, and are configured to provide inputs. The processor is coupled to the plurality of input systems, and is configured to at least facilitate: estimating a current position of the vehicle using the inputs from the plurality of input systems generating a current position estimate, estimating an error for the current position estimate, the error comprising an expected error radius for the current position estimate, and controlling the one or more automated driving systems using the current position estimate and the expected error radius.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Applicant: GENERAL MOTORS LLC
    Inventors: CHALAN MUNASINGHE, CURTIS HAY
  • Publication number: 20170176599
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for locating a vehicle. A locating device receives position data and determines an approximate position of the vehicle. A remote server reports a correction factor for each of a plurality of locations and a broadcast server broadcasts the correction factors over a wireless data stream. A receiver device receives the correction factors from the broadcast device and a correction device extracts a selected correction factor from the wireless data stream based on the location and the approximate position to determine a refined position of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Applicant: GENERAL MOTORS LLC
    Inventors: Curtis HAY, Paul K. WAGNER
  • Patent number: 9671500
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for locating a vehicle. A locating device receives position data and determines an approximate position of the vehicle. A remote server reports a correction factor for each of a plurality of locations and a broadcast server broadcasts the correction factors over a wireless data stream. A receiver device receives the correction factors from the broadcast device and a correction device extracts a selected correction factor from the wireless data stream based on the location and the approximate position to determine a refined position of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Curtis Hay, Paul K. Wagner
  • Patent number: 9625098
    Abstract: A method of transporting natural gas by liquefaction of natural gas at ambient temperature, achieved by mixing the natural gas at high pressure with a hydrocarbon that is a stable liquid at ambient temperature and ambient pressure. The hydrocarbon liquid may be crude oil or a distillate of crude oil. The method includes: liquefaction: mixing the natural gas with the hydrocarbon liquid at an ambient temperature and a high pressure to generate a liquid mixture, which contains the natural gas dissolved in the hydrocarbon liquid; shipping: transporting the liquid mixture using a marine tanker, during which the liquid mixture is maintained at ambient temperature and the high pressure; and regasification: at the destination, releasing a gas from the liquid mixture by lowering the pressure of the liquid mixture. The hydrocarbon liquid may be used multiple times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventors: Joseph J. Voelker, Curtis Hays Whitson
  • Publication number: 20160265722
    Abstract: A method of transporting natural gas by liquefaction of natural gas at ambient temperature, achieved by mixing the natural gas at high pressure with a hydrocarbon that is a stable liquid at ambient temperature and ambient pressure. The hydrocarbon liquid may be crude oil or a distillate of crude oil. The method includes: liquefaction: mixing the natural gas with the hydrocarbon liquid at an ambient temperature and a high pressure to generate a liquid mixture, which contains the natural gas dissolved in the hydrocarbon liquid; shipping: transporting the liquid mixture using a marine tanker, during which the liquid mixture is maintained at ambient temperature and the high pressure; and regasification: at the destination, releasing a gas from the liquid mixture by lowering the pressure of the liquid mixture. The hydrocarbon liquid may be used multiple times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: JOSEPH J. VOELKER, Curtis Hays Whitson
  • Patent number: 9354322
    Abstract: A telematics unit incorporating an antenna for receiving Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals from GNSS signal sources, and a GNSS receiver supporting over-the-air configuration is described herein. The telematics unit is configured with a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium including computer-executable instructions for facilitating the over-the-air configuration of the GNSS receiver by acquiring GNSS status information relating to multiple supported GNSS signal sources. Thereafter, the telematics unit forwards GNSS selection information, including at least GNSS requirements information and the GNSS status information, to a GNSS control center. In response, the GNSS receiver receives a GNSS type selection notification message from the GNSS control center. The GNSS receiver applies information contained within the GNSS type selection notification to configure GNSS type-specific components to operate according to a GNSS type-specific mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: General Motors LLC
    Inventors: Chaminda Basnayake, Curtis Hay, Eray Yasan
  • Publication number: 20140340257
    Abstract: A telematics unit incorporating an antenna for receiving Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals from GNSS signal sources, and a GNSS receiver supporting over-the-air configuration is described herein. The telematics unit is configured with a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium including computer-executable instructions for facilitating the over-the-air configuration of the GNSS receiver by acquiring GNSS status information relating to multiple supported GNSS signal sources. Thereafter, the telematics unit forwards GNSS selection information, including at least GNSS requirements information and the GNSS status information, to a GNSS control center. In response, the GNSS receiver receives a GNSS type selection notification message from the GNSS control center. The GNSS receiver applies information contained within the GNSS type selection notification to configure GNSS type-specific components to operate according to a GNSS type-specific mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Chaminda Basnayake, Curtis Hay, Eray Yasan
  • Publication number: 20060253248
    Abstract: A method of determining location of a vehicle includes receiving a wheel speed measurement and receiving a rough road parameter. A rough road weighting factor is determined based on the rough road parameter, and vehicle location is determined based on the determined rough road vehicle weighting factor and the wheel speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Publication date: November 9, 2006
    Inventors: Michael Ames, Curtis Hay
  • Publication number: 20060089791
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of operating a telematics device within a mobile vehicle communication system to provide a current telematics device geographic location. The method includes receiving odometer information including velocity information for a specified time period, and receiving positional information including velocity information for a specified time period. The method further includes determining a first distance traveled value based on the received odometer information and determining a second distance traveled value based on the received positional information. The method additionally includes selecting one of the first and second distance traveled values as a primary distance traveled value based on predetermined criteria, and determining a current telematics device geographic location based on the primary distance traveled value. The odometer information may include velocity information from a power-train sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Publication date: April 27, 2006
    Inventors: Curtis Hay, Brian Fillwock