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: 20240131680
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering a work part to an assembly line worker using a dolly assembly in a first configuration and retrieving the work part from the dolly assembly by the assembly line work while the dolly assembly is in a second configuration. According to some embodiments, a dolly assembly is provided comprising a base assembly having a support member and a mobility mechanism, the support member positioned obliquely with respect to a horizontal plane. The dolly assembly also includes a part-carrying member rotationally connected to the support member and having a part-holding structure for receiving a work part. The part-carrying member extends downward at an angle below the horizontal plane when in a first configuration, and extends upward from at an angle above the horizontal plane when in a second configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2022
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Applicants: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: LLOYD R. HOLLAND, SCOTTIE L. FOSTER, BRADLEY J. GARCIA, MICHAEL C. GREENLEE, JEFFREY L. JAMES, ANNETTA L. ALLEN, JOHNNY O. BOARMAN 4TH, DAVID A. LAJOICE
  • Publication number: 20240125395
    Abstract: A fluid end assembly comprising a housing having multiple conduits formed therein. A tubular sleeve is installed within one of the conduits and is configured to house a plurality of packing seals. A seal is installed within a groove formed in the walls of the housing surrounding the tubular sleeve such that the seal engages an outer surface of the tubular sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Inventors: Mark S. Nowell, Kelcy Jake Foster, Michael Eugene May, Brandon Scott Ayres, Christopher Todd Barnett, Micheal Cole Thomas, Guy J. Lapointe
  • Publication number: 20240097064
    Abstract: A light controlled semiconductor switch (LCSS), method of making, and method of using are provided. In embodiments, a vertical LCSS includes: a semiconductor body including a photoactive layer of gallium nitride (GaN) doped with carbon; a first electrode in contact with a first surface of the semiconductor body, the first electrode defining an area through which light energy from at least one light source can impinge on the first surface; and a second electrode in contact with a second surface of the semiconductor body opposed to the first surface, wherein the vertical LCSS is configured to switch from a non-conductive off-state to a conductive on-state when the light energy impinging on the semiconductor body is sufficient to raise electrons within the photoactive layer into a conduction band of the photoactive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Andrew D. Koehler, Travis J. Anderson, Geoffrey M. Foster, Karl D. Hobart, Francis J. Kub, Michael A. Mastro
  • Publication number: 20240077076
    Abstract: A high pressure pump comprising a fluid end mechanically coupled to a power end. The power end is modular and comprises a crankshaft section, a crosshead section, and a connector section coupled together by a first set of stay rods. The fluid end comprises a plurality of fluid end sections positioned in a side-by-side relationship. Each of the plurality of fluid end sections are attached to the power end using a plurality of second set of stay rods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventors: Mark S. Nowell, Kelcy Jake Foster, Micheal Cole Thomas, Christopher Todd Barnett, Nicholas Son, John Keith, Guy J. Lapointe, Michael Eugene May
  • 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