Patents by Inventor Michael J. Foster

Michael J. Foster 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: 20240166379
    Abstract: Movable platforms for use with a vehicle capture assembly of a capture vehicle and related devices, systems, and methods include floors with rotatable legs extending between the floors. The rotation of the legs relative to one or more of the floors enables the movable platform to move from an initial position to a displaced position as one or more of the floors move relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2022
    Publication date: May 23, 2024
    Inventors: Emmanuel Simpri, Jack Purcell, Matthew Alan Michel, Michael J. Foster, Quentin Williams
  • Publication number: 20230394991
    Abstract: The present application relates to devices and components including apparatus, systems, and methods to determine information to be displayed within a display of a map.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2023
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Gianluca Donato, Bradley Herried, Dawit Y. Seid, Edward L. Pernicka, Madhuwanti A. Vaidya, Michael J. Foster, Ralph E. Lemke, Ryan P. Crowther, Surya Prasad Bokam
  • Publication number: 20230265745
    Abstract: A sand screen assembly for a subterranean wellbore includes a base pipe having a central axis and including a flow port extending radially therethrough. The sand screen assembly also includes a screen element disposed about the base pipe and radially spaced from the base pipe to define an annulus radially positioned between the screen element and the base pipe. In addition, the sand screen assembly includes a manifold formed about the based pipe. The flow port is in fluid communication with the manifold and axially overlaps with the manifold. Further, the sand screen assembly includes a phase change material disposed within the manifold. The phase change material is configured to melt at a temperature below a melting temperature of the base pipe and flow into the flow port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2021
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Applicant: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Foster, Kevin Whaley
  • Patent number: 11217039
    Abstract: An illustrative example method of monitoring value added activity includes positioning a detector near a selected portion of a machine using a clip for situating the detector in a position where the detector can detect at least one electrical characteristic associated with operation of a machine; communicating an indication of the detected electrical characteristic between the detector and a user interface; and displaying a visual representation of value added activity information based the indication. The value added activity corresponds to human operator performance that is distinct from machine performance during a manufacturing or assembly process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: FREEPOINT TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Paul Hogendoorn, Sophear Net, William Favaro, Michael J. Foster, Daniel Kaptur, Gregory Jacobs
  • Patent number: 11158309
    Abstract: Techniques are described for automatically distributing validated user safety alerts from a networked computing device. The networked computing device may be configured to operate as an autonomous agent to perform actions on behalf of a user without receiving direct instructions from the user. For example, the autonomous agent computing device may be configured to make certain purchases, send alerts or reminders, or perform other functions in accordance with preprogrammed rules. According to the disclosed techniques, the autonomous agent computing device is configured to automatically generate and send an alert to one or more computing devices associated with the user upon detecting a safety concern for the user. The autonomous agent also uses a signing key associated with its digital certificate, which verifies the identity of the autonomous agent, to sign the alert such that a third-party server may validate the alert prior to distribution to the destination computing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
    Inventors: Rita M. Homewood, Christopher M. Ruiz, Scott Christopher Hall, Michael J. Foster, Michelle E. Masters, Lawrence R. Belton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11015419
    Abstract: Bypass devices are disclosed for providing alternative flow paths within an annulus formed around a production string of a subterranean wellbore. In some embodiments, the bypass devices include inlet flow paths and outlet flow paths in fluid communication with the annulus so that fluids may flow through the inlet and outlet flow paths to bypass a blockage in the annulus. The bypass devices are also configured to avoid internal blockages within the internal flow paths defined by the inlet flow paths and outlet flow paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Foster, Kevin Whaley, Patrick Keatinge
  • Publication number: 20200410777
    Abstract: An illustrative example method of monitoring value added activity includes positioning a detector near a selected portion of a machine using a clip for situating the detector in a position where the detector can detect at least one electrical characteristic associated with operation of a machine; communicating an indication of the detected electrical characteristic between the detector and a user interface; and displaying a visual representation of value added activity information based the indication. The value added activity corresponds to human operator performance that is distinct from machine performance during a manufacturing or assembly process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Paul Hogendoorn, Sophear Net, William Favaro, Michael J. Foster, Daniel Kaptur, Gregory Jacobs
  • Patent number: 10783720
    Abstract: An illustrative example method of monitoring value added activity includes positioning a detector near a selected portion of a machine using a clip for situating the detector in a position where the detector can detect at least one electrical characteristic associated with operation of a machine; communicating an indication of the detected electrical characteristic between the detector and a user interface; and displaying a visual representation of value added activity information based the indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: FREEPOINT TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Paul Hogendoorn, Sophear Net, William Favaro, Michael J. Foster, Daniel Kaptur, Gregory Jacobs
  • Publication number: 20190345799
    Abstract: Bypass devices are disclosed for providing alternative flow paths within an annulus formed around a production string of a subterranean wellbore. In some embodiments, the bypass devices include inlet flow paths and outlet flow paths in fluid communication with the annulus so that fluids may flow through the inlet and outlet flow paths to bypass a blockage in the annulus. The bypass devices are also configured to avoid internal blockages within the internal flow paths defined by the inlet flow paths and outlet flow paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: Michael J. Foster, Kevin Whaley, Patrick Keatinge
  • Patent number: 10403270
    Abstract: Techniques are described for automatically distributing validated user safety alerts from a networked computing device. The networked computing device may be configured to operate as an autonomous agent to perform actions on behalf of a user without receiving direct instructions from the user. For example, the autonomous agent computing device may be configured to make certain purchases, send alerts or reminders, or perform other functions in accordance with preprogrammed rules. According to the disclosed techniques, the autonomous agent computing device is configured to automatically generate and send an alert to one or more computing devices associated with the user upon detecting a safety concern for the user. The autonomous agent also uses a signing key associated with its digital certificate, which verifies the identity of the autonomous agent, to sign the alert such that a third-party server may validate the alert prior to distribution to the destination computing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
    Inventors: Rita M. Homewood, Christopher M. Ruiz, Scott Christopher Hall, Michael J. Foster, Michelle E. Masters, Lawrence R. Belton, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20160146708
    Abstract: An illustrative example method of monitoring value added activity includes positioning a detector near a selected portion of a machine using a clip for situating the detector in a position where the detector can detect at least one electrical characteristic associated with operation of a machine; communicating an indication of the detected electrical characteristic between the detector and a user interface; and displaying a visual representation of value added activity information based the indication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Inventors: Paul HOGENDOORN, Sophear NET, William FAVARO, Michael J. FOSTER, Daniel KAPTUR, Gregory JACOBS
  • Patent number: 8424611
    Abstract: A downhole valve has a closure device (e.g., one or more flappers) for closing off the valve. A no-go actuation mechanism protects the flappers from damage. When the flappers are closed, the mechanism prevents a tool from passing into the valve and causing damage to the flappers. Yet, the mechanism may open the valve's flappers when the tool string is forced into the valve. When the valve has successfully opened, then the mechanism moves out of the way of the toolstring so it can pass through the valve. For the mechanically operated valves, operators use a shifting profile in the valve only in the upward direction to return the valve to the closed position. For hydraulic actuated valves, hydraulic pressure may be used or exhausted, depending on the design, to allow the flappers to go closed. Once the flappers have closed, the no-go mechanism is once again realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Roddie R. Smith, Michael J. Foster, Eric Johnson
  • Patent number: 8171793
    Abstract: Systems and methods sense out-of-plane linear accelerations. In an exemplary embodiment, the out-of plane linear accelerometer is accelerated in an out-of-plane direction, wherein the acceleration generates a rotational torque to an unbalanced proof mass. A rebalancing force is applied to at least one plurality of interleaved rotor comb tines and stator comb tines, wherein the rebalancing force opposes the rotational torque, wherein the rotor comb tines are disposed at an end of the unbalanced proof mass, and wherein the stator comb tines are disposed on a stator adjacent to the end of the unbalanced proof mass. An amount of acceleration is then determined based upon the applied rebalancing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Foster
  • Patent number: 7690254
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) includes a housing defining an enclosed cavity, stator tines extending from the housing into the cavity, a MEMS device located within the cavity, the MEMS device including a proof mass and rotor tines extending from the proof mass, each rotor tine being positioned at a capacitive distance from a corresponding stator tine. The rotor tines include a first section extending a first distance from an insulating layer of the rotor tines and a second section extending a second distance from the insulating layer in an opposite direction from the first section. The stator tines include a first section extending a first distance from an insulating layer of the stator tines and a second section extending a second distance from the insulating layer in an opposite direction from the first section, the stator tine first distance being greater than the rotor tine first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Jorg Pilchowski, Uwe Pilchowski, legal representative, Michael J. Foster, Shifang Zhou
  • Publication number: 20100024552
    Abstract: Systems and methods sense out-of-plane linear accelerations. In an exemplary embodiment, the out-of plane linear accelerometer is accelerated in an out-of-plane direction, wherein the acceleration generates a rotational torque to an unbalanced proof mass. A rebalancing force is applied to at least one plurality of interleaved rotor comb tines and stator comb tines, wherein the rebalancing force opposes the rotational torque, wherein the rotor comb tines are disposed at an end of the unbalanced proof mass, and wherein the stator comb tines are disposed on a stator adjacent to the end of the unbalanced proof mass. An amount of acceleration is then determined based upon the applied rebalancing force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Foster
  • Patent number: 7516661
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device with a mechanism layer having a first part and a second part, and at least one cover for sealing the mechanism layer. The inner surface of at least one of the covers is structured such that a protruding structure is present on the inner surface of the cover and wherein the protruding structure mechanically causes the first part to be deflected out of a plane associated with the second part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan L. Klein, Galen P. Magendanz, Peter H. LaFond, Mark L. Williams, Michael J. Foster
  • Patent number: 7487678
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device with a mechanism layer and a base. The top surface of the base is bonded to the mechanism layer and defines a gap in the top surface of the base. A portion of the mechanism layer is deflected into the gap until it contacts the base, and is bonded to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Foster, Shifang Zhou
  • Publication number: 20090025477
    Abstract: A micoroelectromechanical system (MEMS) includes a housing defining an enclosed cavity, stator tines extending from the housing into the cavity, a MEMS device located within the cavity, the MEMS device including a proof mass and rotor tines extending from the proof mass, each rotor tine being positioned at a capacitive distance from a corresponding stator tine. The rotor tines include a first section extending a first distance from an insulating layer of the rotor tines and a second section extending a second distance from the insulating layer in an opposite direction from the first section. The stator tines include a first section extending a first distance from an insulating layer of the stator tines and a second section extending a second distance from the insulating layer in an opposite direction from the first section, the stator tine first distance being greater than the rotor tine first distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Jorg Pilchowski, Uwe Pilchowski, Michael J. Foster, Shifang Zhou
  • Publication number: 20080315400
    Abstract: A device for reducing the chance that a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device with moving parts will have those parts stick to a glass cover of the MEMS device, and a method for making the device. An example embodiment of the invention includes a MEMS device wafer, a substrate wafer, and a glass cover. The MEMS device wafer includes perforations corresponding to the location(s) of exposed glass on the cover. An example embodiment of a method of the invention includes applying metal layers to a glass cover, perforating a device wafer at locations corresponding to areas of exposed glass on the glass cover, mounting the device wafer to the substrate wafer, and anodically bonding the glass cover to the substrate wafer or to the device wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Foster
  • Publication number: 20080236819
    Abstract: Downhole tools, such as a sliding sleeve or an openhole type packer, include position indicators. The position indicators can include one or more magnets disposed in predetermined positions in the outer housing and the insert of the sliding sleeve. A casing collar locator (CCL) can be used to detect the magnets and determine the relative positions of the housing magnets and insert magnets. The relative positions of the magnets can be used to determine the operational condition of the downhole tool, i.e., whether a sliding sleeve is open or closed or how much a sealing element of an openhole type packer had to expand to seal an annulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: WEATHERFORD/LAMB, INC.
    Inventors: MICHAEL J. FOSTER, Kevin L. Gray