Patents by Inventor Michael L. Wells

Michael L. Wells 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: 20240088710
    Abstract: In accordance with exemplary embodiments, methods and systems are provided for providing electrical power for a manufacturing facility for manufacturing of a vehicle, the vehicle having a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) and a processor, including: positioning the vehicle at the manufacturing facility, the manufacturing facility having an electrical component; and providing electrical power from the RESS of the vehicle to the electrical component of the manufacturing facility, in accordance with instructions provided by the processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2022
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael R. Kaphengst, Seog-Chan Oh, Joshua Lee Solomon, James W. Wells, Alfred Manser, Barry L. Farmer
  • Patent number: 11923686
    Abstract: In accordance with exemplary embodiments, methods and systems are provided for providing electrical power for a manufacturing facility for manufacturing of a vehicle, the vehicle having a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) and a processor, including: positioning the vehicle at the manufacturing facility, the manufacturing facility having an electrical component; and providing electrical power from the RESS of the vehicle to the electrical component of the manufacturing facility, in accordance with instructions provided by the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael R Kaphengst, Seog-Chan Oh, Joshua Lee Solomon, James W Wells, Alfred Manser, Barry L Farmer
  • Patent number: 11912547
    Abstract: A system includes a platform to support a vehicle on a first side of the platform and a passive motion device arranged on a second side of the platform, opposite the first side, to move upon actuation. A mechanical actuator actuates the passive motion device based on movement of one or more wheels of the vehicle to change a position of the vehicle. The position of the vehicle relative to the platform is unchanged and the passive motion device is actuated by only the movement of the one or more wheels of the vehicle to change the position of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: James W. Wells, Michael R. Kaphengst, Alfred Manser, Barry L. Farmer, Seog-Chan Oh
  • Patent number: 9553980
    Abstract: A caller information server provides caller identification (ID) information to a mobile device. The server receives caller ID information from local address books stored on multiple mobile devices. The caller information server aggregates the received caller ID information to generate a pooled address book. The caller information server may determine whether names within the caller ID information are legitimate and store or filter the information accordingly. When a mobile device receives a call from a telephone number for which it lacks caller ID information in its local address book, the mobile device sends a request for the caller ID information for the telephone number, to the caller information server. The server identifies caller ID information associated with the telephone number in the pooled address book, and sends this information to the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Hiya, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason A. Devitt, Michael L. Wells
  • Patent number: 9100476
    Abstract: A caller information server provides caller identification (ID) information to a mobile device. The server receives caller ID information from local address books stored on multiple mobile devices. The caller information server aggregates the received caller ID information to generate a pooled address book. The caller information server may determine whether names within the caller ID information are legitimate and store or filter the information accordingly. When a mobile device receives a call from a telephone number for which it lacks caller ID information in its local address book, the mobile device sends a request for the caller ID information for the telephone number, to the caller information server. The server identifies caller ID information associated with the telephone number in the pooled address book, and sends this information to the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: WhitePages, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason A. Devitt, Michael L. Wells
  • Patent number: 8626137
    Abstract: A caller information server provides caller identification (ID) information to a mobile device. The server receives caller ID information from local address books stored on multiple mobile devices. The caller information server aggregates the received caller ID information to generate a pooled address book. The caller information server may determine whether names within the caller ID information are legitimate and store or filter the information accordingly. When a mobile device receives a call from a telephone number for which it lacks caller ID information in its local address book, the mobile device sends a request for the caller ID information for the telephone number, to the caller information server. The server identifies caller ID information associated with the telephone number in the pooled address book, and sends this information to the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: WhitePages, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason A. Devitt, Michael L. Wells
  • Patent number: 8291765
    Abstract: An accelerometer module for measuring acceleration in a stabilized platform system includes a power supply configured to accept an input AC reference signal and to generate a regulated DC signal and a reference signal in phase with the input AC reference signal; an accelerometer configured to receive the regulated DC signal from said power supply and to generate an output signal in response to an external force acting on the accelerometer module and an analog multiplier unit configured to receive the output signal from the accelerometer and the reference signal from the power supply, and to modulate the reference signal with the output signal so as to output a modulated accelerometer signal. A method for servicing a stabilized platform system comprising is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Michael L. Wells, Thomas E. Jenkins, Carl P. Chaplin, Hongthu K. Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20100275688
    Abstract: An accelerometer module for measuring acceleration in a stabilized platform system includes a power supply configured to accept an input AC reference signal and to generate a regulated DC signal and a reference signal in phase with the input AC reference signal; an accelerometer configured to receive the regulated DC signal from said power supply and to generate an output signal in response to an external force acting on the accelerometer module and an analog multiplier unit configured to receive the output signal from the accelerometer and the reference signal from the power supply, and to modulate the reference signal with the output signal so as to output a modulated accelerometer signal. A method for servicing a stabilized platform system comprising is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael L. Wells, Thomas E. Jenkins, Carl P. Chaplin, Hongthu K. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7729959
    Abstract: The systems, methods and related software products which enable users to temporarily store and subsequently retrieve information are disclosed. The system includes a plurality of input devices, client computers (each having a user-specific personal finance application) and a web-site server with a database. The input devices, client computers and server are communicatively linked via a communication network so that a plurality of users can temporarily store and/or manipulate financial transaction information on the server from any of the input devices. Each user can also transmit financial profile information to the server. This information enables the server to replicate the unique profile characteristics for each of the finance applications. This, in turn, simplifies remote entry of information, subsequent download of that information and integration of such information into each user's personal finance application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Intuit Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Wells, Joseph W. Wells
  • Patent number: 7032856
    Abstract: A method of mapping a first array to a second array is useful where (1) each of the arrays has pixels in sequential columns and rows and the first array has sequential integers identifying each row of pixels, (2) sequential integers identify each column of pixels, and a numerical value is associated with each pixel, (3) the first and second arrays have (or can be made to have) a one to one pairing between columns of the first and second arrays, and (4) groups of four unique pixels in the same column of the first array are paired one to one with a pixel in the paired column of the second array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Michael L. Wells
  • Patent number: 6899297
    Abstract: The need in the art is addressed by the improved missile fire control system of the present invention. In the illustrative embodiment, the inventive system is adapted for use with TOW missile systems and includes a telescope cluster assembly (10) for generating target position signals (18,20). A digital error detector (22?) receives and processes target position signals (18,20) from the telescope cluster assembly (10). The processed signals (24,26) are then fed to a stabilization control amplifier (50), where a microcontroller (56) steps through a set of instructions eliminate angular noise from the target position signals (24,26). The stabilization control amplifier (50) subsequently provides feedback to the telescope cluster assembly (10) for adjusting the line-of-sight in the telescope cluster assembly (10). Software instructions for the microcontroller (56) and constant reference data are stored in the microcontroller memory (not shown).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Richrad J. Sand, Michael L. Wells, Melvin A. Olson, Eric B. Sutton
  • Patent number: 6889592
    Abstract: An adjustable fixture for mounting any of a plurality of weapon sets to an aircraft includes a bracket and lugs that are adjustably mechanically coupled to the bracket. The fixture may be adjusted once, to achieve proper orientation relative to the aircraft for boresighting, and may thereafter allow switching of weapon sets, either of the same type or of different types, without a need for re-boresighting. Quick-release fasteners, such as quick-release pins, may be used to couple the weapon sets to the fixture, to allow for easy and rapid change of weapon stores. The fixture may include one or more adapters used to allow various kinds of weapon sets to be coupled to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: John D. Isker, Michael L. Wells, Daniel P. Brown
  • Publication number: 20040216596
    Abstract: An adjustable fixture for mounting any of a plurality of weapon sets to an aircraft includes a bracket and lugs that are adjustably mechanically coupled to the bracket. The fixture may be adjusted once, to achieve proper orientation relative to the aircraft for boresighting, and may thereafter allow switching of weapon sets, either of the same type or of different types, without a need for re-boresighting. Quick-release fasteners, such as quick-release pins, may be used to couple the weapon sets to the fixture, to allow for easy and rapid change of weapon stores. The fixture may include one or more adapters used to allow various kinds of weapon sets to be coupled to the bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: John D. Isker, Michael L. Wells, Daniel P. Brown
  • Publication number: 20040206851
    Abstract: A method of mapping a first array to a second array is useful where (1) each of the arrays has pixels in sequential columns and rows and the first array has sequential integers identifying each row of pixels, (2) sequential integers identify each column of pixels, and a numerical value is associated with each pixel, (3) the first and second arrays have (or can be made to have) a one to one pairing between columns of the first and second arrays, and (4) groups of four unique pixels in the same column of the first array are paired one to one with a pixel in the paired column of the second array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Michael L. Wells
  • Publication number: 20020154293
    Abstract: A system (16) for tracking a missile (22) in flight, the missile (22) having an optical beacon generator (32) that outputs a modulated signal (26) having a predetermined frequency, including an optical system (50, 52, 54) for transmitting image data along an optical path (68) onto an array of detectors (55), such that each detector in the array (55) receives substantially simultaneously the image data from the optical system (50, 52, 54). The system (16) further includes means for processing (46) the image data transmitted onto the array of detectors (55) in order to locate the optical beacon (32).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Michael L. Wells, John A. Tyson
  • Patent number: 6469783
    Abstract: A system (16) for tracking a missile (22) in flight, the missile (22) having an optical beacon generator (32) that outputs a modulated signal (26) having a predetermined frequency, including an optical system (50, 52, 54) for transmitting image data along an optical path (68) onto an array of detectors (55), such that each detector in the array (55) receives substantially simultaneously the image data from the optical system (50, 52, 54). The system (16) further includes means for processing (46) the image data transmitted onto the array of detectors (55) in order to locate the optical beacon (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Michael L. Wells, John A. Tyson
  • Patent number: 6446048
    Abstract: Systems, methods and related software products which enable users to temporarily store and subsequently retrieve information are disclosed. The system embodiments include a plurality of input devices, client computers (each having a user-specific personal finance application) and a web-site server with a database. The input devices, client computers and server are communicatively linked via a communication network so that a plurality of users can temporarily store and/or manipulate financial transaction information on the server from any of the input devices. Each user can also transmit financial profile information to the server. This information enables the server to replicate the unique profile characteristics for each of the finance applications. This, in turn, simplifies remote entry of information, subsequent download of that information and integration of such information into each user's personal finance application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Intuit, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Wells, Joseph W. Wells
  • Patent number: 6293488
    Abstract: A coordinate transformation apparatus (138) in an aircraft-based missile guidance and tracking system for adjusting aircraft and missile position signals for a roll angle about the line of sight in the guidance and tracking system sight unit (40) caused by roll of the aircraft subsequent to firing of the missile. The apparatus (138) incorporates analog to digital converter means (140), (144), (156), (160) and (180) to convert the analog aircraft and missile position signals to digital signals for input into a microprocessor (168). The microprocessor (168) computes the roll angle as well as a change in roll angle over time around the line of sight of the sight unit (40) and subsequently adjusts the digital signals to compensate for the computed roll angle and change in roll angle. Digital to analog converter means (182), (186) and (190) convert adjusted digital signals to analog signals and output the adjusted analog signals for computation of missile guidance signals by the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Michael L. Wells, Thomas E. Jenkins, Richard J. Sand, Eric B. Sutton
  • Patent number: 5799899
    Abstract: An error detector apparatus (42) producing a signal used in the computation of a missile guidance signal in an aircraft-based missile guidance and tracking system. The error detector apparatus (42) incorporates means (146), (148), (150), (152), and (154) for producing a first envelope signal from a tracking signal emitted by a missile. The envelope signal is then converted, along with a reference signal, to a digital signal by an analog to digital converter (158). A microcontroller (168) calculates an error correction signal from the digital signals. A digital to analog converter (160) converts the digital error correction signal to an analog error correction signal and outputs the analog error correction signal to the system for use in computing a missile guidance signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Hughes Electronics
    Inventors: Michael L. Wells, John A. Tyson, Richard J. Sand, Glenn S. Higa, Jane L. Pauwels
  • Patent number: 5651512
    Abstract: A closed-loop missile tracking system (10) employs a missile (12) with a thermal beacon (22) and an optical beacon (24). A target designator (40) defines a boresight from a missile firing location, such as an aircraft, to a target. The closed-loop missile tracking system (10) employs a first tracker (48) and a second tracker (64) with a forward looking infrared (FLIR) sensor (52) to track the displacement of the optical beacon (22) and thermal beacon (24) from the boresight. The first tracker (48) generates a first set of azimuth and elevation error signals. The second tracker (64) further includes a video demultiplexing interface (70) which transforms serial multiplexed video signals, which are output by the FLIR sensor (52) and contain a field with M rows and L columns of pixels, into a demultiplexed parallel video signal. A video thermal tracker (VTT) (58) selects the N adjacent horizontal rows of pixels and generates a second set of azimuth and elevation error signals therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Hughes Electronics
    Inventors: Richard J. Sand, George L. Gaskell, Michael L. Wells