Patents by Inventor H. Mullins

H. Mullins 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: 10343770
    Abstract: A torque and pitch managed four rotor aircraft includes intersecting blades connected by synchronizing gears. The power for the rotors is provided by individual motors, one for each rotor, the motors preferably electric. Each rotor-motor assembly includes a torque management system including a set of torque sensors mounted on the drive shaft of the rotor-motor, the torque management system configured to balance the load torque presented by the rotors against the torque supplied by the motors. An additional overriding feedback system regulates rotational speed of the rotors. Direction of the aircraft is effected by adjusting the pitch of the individual rotors, and power is supplied through a battery and/or a motor-generator system located in the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Inventor: Joe H. Mullins
  • Publication number: 20170253326
    Abstract: A torque and pitch managed four rotor aircraft, having intersecting blades connected by synchronizing gears. The power for the rotors is provided by individual motors, one for each rotor, preferably electric. Each rotor-motor assembly includes a torque managing means comprising two torque sensors, one measuring the load torque presented by the rotors and one measuring the drive torque supplied by the motors. A feedback or servo system for each rotor causes the motors to supply a drive torque that is equal to the load torque for each rotor. A second, overriding feedback system regulates the rotors rotational speed. Speed and direction of the aircraft is effected by adjusting the fixed pitch of the individual rotors. Power is supplied through a battery and motor/generator system located elsewhere in the aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Inventor: Joe H. Mullins
  • Patent number: 8379028
    Abstract: In various embodiments, techniques are provided for collaborating and developing a body of knowledge for animation rigging for use in CGI and computer-aided animation. In an embodiment, a computer system may be used to facilitate the creation of rigging for computer-generated models. Using one or more graphical user interfaces, a user can provide the computer system with information defining a set of controls for a computer-generated model. The user can provide the computer system with information providing a description of each control in the set of controls. The user can also provide the computer system with information providing an example of use of each control in the set of controls. A body of knowledge for a standard rig can be created based on the information defining the set of controls, the description of each control, and the example of use of each control using the computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Pixar
    Inventors: David H. Mullins, James Murphy, Rita Garcia
  • Patent number: 7565625
    Abstract: A method for a computer system includes displaying a toolbar region with user selectable icons on a display, positioning a cursor on the display over the toolbar region, and receiving a first command from the user while the cursor is positioned over the toolbar region, wherein the first command from the user comprises pressing and holding of a button on a user input device, displaying additional user selectable icons on the display in response to the first command, positioning the cursor on the display over one user selectable icon, and receiving a second command from the user while the cursor is positioned on the one user selectable icon, wherein the second command from the user comprises releasing the button on the user input device, wherein the one user icon and the user selectable icons are then displayed in the toolbar region in response to the second command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Pixar
    Inventors: David H. Mullins, II, Karon A. Weber, Maxwell O. Drukman, Steven Clay Hunter, Christopher M. King, Katrina Archer
  • Patent number: 7545378
    Abstract: A system and method enables animators to pose character models' feet. An initial foot model position is received. The initial foot model position specifies a foot model contact point. One or more foot roll parameters are specified that change the relative angle between at least a portion of the foot model and an initial orientation of an alignment plane. Foot roll parameters specify the rotation of the foot model around foot model contact points. Foot roll parameters can include heel roll, ball roll, and toe roll, which specify the rotation of the foot model around contact points on the heel, ball, and toe, respectively, of a foot model. To maintain the position of the foot model contact point, the foot model position is adjusted based on the foot roll parameter. The repositioned foot model is realigned with alignment plane, which restores contact at the foot model contact point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Pixar
    Inventors: Robert H Russ, Christian D Hoffman, David H Mullins, Steven Clay Hunter
  • Publication number: 20070187148
    Abstract: A horizontal directional drilling system is used to drive operation of a guidable reamer assembly connected to a drill string. The guidable reamer assembly preferably has a cutting member with a central longitudinal axis and a support member also having a central longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axes of the cutting member and the support member are collinear when the reamer assembly is in the non-steering position and laterally displaced when in the steering position. The assembly and method of this invention provide for increased control of reaming operations and product pipe placement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Applicant: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelvin Self, Floyd Gunsaulis, H. Mullins, Gerald Stangl, David Payne
  • Patent number: 7221380
    Abstract: A graphical user interface for a computer system includes a display portion configured to display a representation of a first three-dimensional object, wherein the first three-dimensional object has an associated first volume, and a control icon associated with the first three-dimensional object, wherein the control icon is configured to allow a user to specify a bend amount to the first three-dimensional object in a first dimension, wherein the display portion is also configured to display a representation of a bent first three-dimensional object, wherein the bent first three-dimensional object comprises the first three-dimensional object that is bent lengthwise in response to the bend amount, and that may have an adjusted thickness in response to the bend amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Pixar
    Inventors: Steven Clay Hunter, David H. Mullins, II, Robert H. Russ, William A. Wise, William F. Sheffler, Christian D. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7221379
    Abstract: A graphical user interface for a computer system includes a display portion configured to display a representation of a first three-dimensional object and a second three-dimensional object, wherein the first three-dimensional object has an associated first volume, and wherein the second three-dimensional object has an associated second volume, and a control icon associated with the first three-dimensional object, wherein a user can specify a modification to the first three-dimensional object in a first dimension via the control icon, wherein the display portion is also configured to display a representation of a modified first three-dimensional object, wherein the modified first three-dimensional object comprises the first three-dimensional object that is modified in the first dimension in response to the modification and that is modified in a second dimension in response to the modification and to a volume preservation value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Pixar
    Inventors: David H. Mullins, Steven Clay Hunter, Robert H. Russ, William A. Wise, William F. Sheffler, Christian D. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7113607
    Abstract: The present invention provides a feedback-controlled audio system. A single internal pressure-sensitive detector is used as the sensor. The primary radiator is mounted facing inward to minimize acoustical delay from the speaker. The present invention also provides a method for increasing acoustical accuracy using such an audio system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Joe H. Mullins
  • Publication number: 20050102866
    Abstract: A work machine having a first work member and a second work member, both operated from a pivotal control station. In a preferred embodiment the work machine has a backhoe assembly and a loader assembly both supported on a frame and operable from the pivotal control station. The work machine may have left and right low-profile drive systems that allow the first work member to perform work outside and parallel to the longitudinal center axis of the work machine. The work machine has a low-profile power source and operator platform that allow unobstructed visibility of the first and second work members from the control station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Cody Sewell, Michael Lumbers, H. Mullins, Kelvin Self
  • Patent number: 6448878
    Abstract: An ignition coil assembly is disclosed for a spark plug of the type used in internal combustion engines. The ignition assembly includes a housing, a tubular and cylindrical primary coil, and a tubular and cylindrical secondary coil. The primary and secondary coils are each wound on their individual bobbins and the bobbins are mounted in the housing such that the primary coil is coaxially positioned inside the secondary coil. The ignition coil assembly further includes a magnetic core having a first portion which extends through the interior of both the primary and secondary coil and a second portion which extends exteriorly of the primary and secondary coils. The first portion of the coil is substantially circular in cross sectional shape thus matching the circular interior of the primary bobbin. In order to construct the primary coil and secondary coil subassembly, the primary bobbin is first positioned on a winding machine and the primary wire is wound on the bobbin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Products (USA), Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Mullins, Hayato Koguchi
  • Patent number: 6106729
    Abstract: An apparatus for aerating water contained at a dam site includes a force main pipe for receiving water from a dam site water reservoir therethrough and a dam aeration assembly in communication with the force main pipe. The dam aeration assembly, via an array of aerators, aerates water delivered from the force main pipe and introduces the aerated water into a dam site discharge waterway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventors: Jack E. Prince, William H. Mullins
  • Patent number: D510796
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: John J. Erickson, John F. Lane, III, Wayne H. Mullin
  • Patent number: D449434
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: John J. Erickson, Douglas K Robinson, John F Lane, III, James M. Feeney, Wayne H. Mullin
  • Patent number: D518281
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: John F. Lane, III, Wayne H. Mullin
  • Patent number: D487615
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: John J. Erickson, John F. Lane, III, Wayne H. Mullin
  • Patent number: D579641
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: John J. Erickson, John F. Lane, III, Wayne H. Mullin
  • Patent number: D602148
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Agio International Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Douglas J. DeFouw, Marshall H. Mullins
  • Patent number: D603037
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Agio International Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Douglas J. DeFouw, Marshall H. Mullins
  • Patent number: D426373
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Bernie Allen, Alexander W. Choi, John J. Erickson, John F. Lane, III, Wayne H. Mullin, Doug K. Robinson