Patents by Inventor Michael Lesher
Michael Lesher 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).
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Patent number: 10673092Abstract: A fuel cell column includes termination plates, fuel cell stacks disposed between the termination plates, and fuel manifolds disposed between the fuel cell stacks. The fuel cell stacks include fuel cells, interconnects disposed between the fuel cells, and end plates disposed on opposing ends of the fuel cell stacks. At least one of the termination plates and/or the fuel manifold may include first and second separate pieces separated by an expansion zone. The fuel cell stack may also include one or more buffer layers and/or seals configured to reduce CTE differences of components of the fuel cell stack.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2019Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: BLOOM ENERGY CORPORATIONInventors: Tad Armstrong, Michael Lesher, Christopher Lee
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Patent number: 10503176Abstract: Highway vehicle platoon management is provided. Driver quality parameters are used together with vehicle physical characteristic and performance information to select an ordering of the vehicles within the platoon. The vehicles within the platoon mutually self-order to select the ordering of the vehicles within the platoon for enhanced safety and efficiency. The driver quality parameters together with the vehicle physical characteristic and performance information is also used to reward best drivers with preferred locations within the platoon. The vehicles within the platoon mutually self-order to reward best drivers with preferred locations within the platoon. An existing vehicle platoon is selectively split into two or more smaller platoons for improving overall safety and efficiency. Two or more smaller vehicle platoons are selectively aggregated into a larger single platoon for improving overall safety and efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2016Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLCInventors: Michael Lesher, T. Stephen Miller, Jr.
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Publication number: 20190148759Abstract: A fuel cell column includes termination plates, fuel cell stacks disposed between the termination plates, and fuel manifolds disposed between the fuel cell stacks. The fuel cell stacks include fuel cells, interconnects disposed between the fuel cells, and end plates disposed on opposing ends of the fuel cell stacks. At least one of the termination plates and/or the fuel manifold may include first and second separate pieces separated by an expansion zone. The fuel cell stack may also include one or more buffer layers and/or seals configured to reduce CTE differences of components of the fuel cell stack.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2019Publication date: May 16, 2019Inventors: Tad Armstrong, Michael Lesher, Christopher Lee
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Patent number: 10211478Abstract: A fuel cell column includes termination plates, fuel cell stacks disposed between the termination plates, and fuel manifolds disposed between the fuel cell stacks. The fuel cell stacks include fuel cells, interconnects disposed between the fuel cells, and end plates disposed on opposing ends of the fuel cell stacks. At least one of the termination plates and/or the fuel manifold may include first and second separate pieces separated by an expansion zone. The fuel cell stack may also include one or more buffer layers and/or seals configured to reduce CTE differences of components of the fuel cell stack.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: BLOOM ENERGY CORPORATIONInventors: Tad Armstrong, Michael Lesher, Christopher Lee
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Publication number: 20180188746Abstract: Highway vehicle platoon management is provided. Driver quality parameters are used together with vehicle physical characteristic and performance information to select an ordering of the vehicles within the platoon. The vehicles within the platoon mutually self-order to select the ordering of the vehicles within the platoon for enhanced safety and efficiency. The driver quality parameters together with the vehicle physical characteristic and performance information is also used to reward best drivers with preferred locations within the platoon. The vehicles within the platoon mutually self-order to reward best drivers with preferred locations within the platoon. An existing vehicle platoon is selectively split into two or more smaller platoons for improving overall safety and efficiency. Two or more smaller vehicle platoons are selectively aggregated into a larger single platoon for improving overall safety and efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2016Publication date: July 5, 2018Inventors: Michael Lesher, T. Stephen Miller, JR.
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Patent number: 9945815Abstract: A method for testing a fuel cell stack includes providing a fluid, such as an ammonia-containing fluid, in a first reactant flow path in a first portion of the fuel cell stack, detecting the presence of the fluid using a detector, such as an ammonia detector, positioned within or adjacent to a second portion of the fuel cell stack that is separated from the first portion of the fuel cell stack and determining the presence of a defect in the stack based on detecting the presence of the fluid. Further embodiments relate to testing a fuel cell stack using a microphone that detects an audio signal indicative of a stack defect.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: BLOOM ENERGY CORPORATIONInventors: James Wilson, Arne Ballantine, Matthias Gottmann, Tad Armstrong, Martin Perry, David Edmonston, Michael Lesher, Joshua Baime
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Publication number: 20170104233Abstract: A fuel cell column includes termination plates, fuel cell stacks disposed between the termination plates, and fuel manifolds disposed between the fuel cell stacks. The fuel cell stacks include fuel cells, interconnects disposed between the fuel cells, and end plates disposed on opposing ends of the fuel cell stacks. At least one of the termination plates and/or the fuel manifold may include first and second separate pieces separated by an expansion zone. The fuel cell stack may also include one or more buffer layers and/or seals configured to reduce CTE differences of components of the fuel cell stack.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2016Publication date: April 13, 2017Inventors: Tad Armstrong, Michael Lesher, Christopher Lee
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Patent number: 9502721Abstract: Methods for fabricating an interconnect for a fuel cell system that include forming a metal powder into a preform structure, positioning the preform structure in a die cavity of a press apparatus, and compressing the preform structure in the press apparatus to form the interconnect. Further embodiments include use of thin inserts in the die cavity to provide reduced permeability and/or including filler material in the die cavity.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2014Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: BLOOM ENERGY CORPORATIONInventors: Harald Herchen, Cheng-yu Lin, Michael Lesher
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Patent number: 9332217Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed invention include a method and apparatus for communicating data via a cable card having a network interface. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed for playing an external media content file routed through the network interface of the cable card. In another embodiment, a method is disclosed for utilizing a single cable card on multiple media devices for enabling access to protected media content on the multiple media devices.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2008Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventors: Jamie Howarter, Michael Lesher, Doug Ceballos
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Publication number: 20160011071Abstract: A method for testing a fuel cell stack includes providing a fluid, such as an ammonia-containing fluid, in a first reactant flow path in a first portion of the fuel cell stack, detecting the presence of the fluid using a detector, such as an ammonia detector, positioned within or adjacent to a second portion of the fuel cell stack that is separated from the first portion of the fuel cell stack and determining the presence of a defect in the stack based on detecting the presence of the fluid. Further embodiments relate to testing a fuel cell stack using a microphone that detects an audio signal indicative of a stack defect.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2015Publication date: January 14, 2016Inventors: James WILSON, Arne BALLANTINE, Matthias GOTTMANN, Tad ARMSTRONG, Martin PERRY, David EDMONSTON, Michael LESHER, Joshua BAIME
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Patent number: 9106950Abstract: A system and method for distribution of media signals. Wireless communications are established between a set-top box and a wireless adapter in communication with a television. The wireless adapter is powered by the television. A signal is received from the set-top box at the wireless adapter. The signal is formatted for wireless communication. The signal is converted to a format displayable by the television. The formatted signal is communicated from the wireless adapter to the television.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2008Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventors: Jamie Christopher Howarter, Charles Michael Lesher, Douglas Bruce Ceballos
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Publication number: 20150110665Abstract: Methods for fabricating an interconnect for a fuel cell system that include forming a metal powder into a preform structure, positioning the preform structure in a die cavity of a press apparatus, and compressing the preform structure in the press apparatus to form the interconnect. Further embodiments include use of thin inserts in the die cavity to provide reduced permeability and/or including filler material in the die cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2014Publication date: April 23, 2015Inventors: Harald HERCHEN, Matthias GOTTMANN, Ian RUSSELL, Jonathan CERRONA, Cheng-yu LIN, Michael LESHER
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Patent number: 8799966Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed invention include an apparatus, method, and computer program product for distributing media content to a plurality of display devices. For instance, in one embodiment, a computer implemented method for distributing media content to a display device is disclosed. The method comprises configuring a middleware device to provide media content to the display device and to a set of display devices. In response to the middleware device receiving a request for media content from the display device, the method determines whether the there is sufficient bandwidth to provide a requested media content to the display device. In one embodiment, if the method determines that there is insufficient bandwidth to provide the requested media content to the display device, the method provides the requested media content to the display device based on a set of preconfigured user preferences.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2009Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventors: Jamie Howarter, Douglas Ceballos, Michael Lesher
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Patent number: 8750905Abstract: A method and database management system for controlling the operability of a mobile communications device. A geographic location of a vehicle is determined. A position of the mobile communications device with in the vehicle is determined. Conditional parameters of the mobile communications device are determined. Database records correlating location information with restrictions are accessed. A determination is made whether use of the mobile communications device should be restricted within the vehicle in response to the geographical location, the position of the mobile communications device within the vehicle, the conditional parameters, and the database records The capabilities of the mobile communications device are configured in response to the restrictions.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2013Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventors: Jamie Christopher Howarter, Charles Michael Lesher, Jeffrey Sweeney, Robert J. Morrill, Heather Ann Hull
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Patent number: 8654248Abstract: A system and method for displaying video content in a proper aspect ratio may include, in response to video content being received from a personal computer, determining if the video content is configured to be displayed in the first aspect ratio. If the video content is configured to be displayed in the first aspect ratio, the video content is displayed in the first aspect ratio. Otherwise, if the video content is not configured to be displayed in the first aspect ratio, the video content is displayed in the second aspect ratio.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2009Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventors: Jamie C. Howarter, Douglas Ceballos, Michael Lesher
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Publication number: 20130237207Abstract: A method and database management system for controlling the operability of a mobile communications device. A geographic location of a vehicle is determined. A position of the mobile communications device with in the vehicle is determined. Conditional parameters of the mobile communications device are determined. Database records correlating location information with restrictions are accessed. A determination is made whether use of the mobile communications device should be restricted within the vehicle in response to the geographical location, the position of the mobile communications device within the vehicle, the conditional parameters, and the database records The capabilities of the mobile communications device are configured in response to the restrictions.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2013Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventors: Jamie Christopher Howarter, Charles Michael Lesher, Jeffrey Sweeney, Robert J. Morrill, Heather Hull
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Patent number: 8433343Abstract: A method and database management system for controlling the operability of a mobile communications device. A geographical location of a vehicle may be determined. A database comprising records correlating location information with mobile communications device laws may be accessed. Based upon the determined geographical location and accessed database record, a determination may be made as to whether the use of a mobile communications device within the vehicle should be restricted. The capabilities of the mobile communications device that are currently available may be configured, in response to the restriction determination.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2008Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventors: Jamie Christopher Howarter, Charles Michael Lesher, Jeffrey Sweeney, Robert J. Morrill, Heather Hull
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Patent number: 8428436Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed invention include an apparatus, method, and computer program product for enabling a user to configure a media receiving device to auto-extend a recording of a program beyond its scheduled end recording time. For instance, in one embodiment, a computer implemented method for extending recording of a broadcast is disclosed. The method comprises recording a program associated with a broadcast signal until a scheduled ending time; determining whether an end of program indicator within the broadcast signal has been detected in response to reaching the scheduled ending time; and extending the recording of the program associated with the broadcast signal based upon a user selected setting associated with a set of user configurable options for extended recordings.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2009Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventors: Jamie Howarter, Douglas Ceballos, Michael Lesher
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Patent number: 8346248Abstract: A method and device for controlling the operability of a transmitter on a mobile communications device by determining if the mobile communications device is located within the cabin of an airplane. A condition parameter of the mobile communications device may be determined. The transmitter on the mobile communications device may be disabled in response to the mobile communications device being located within an airplane and further in response to the determined condition parameter.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2011Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventors: Jamie Christopher Howarter, Charles Michael Lesher, Jeffrey Sweeney, Robert J. Morrill, Heather Hull
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Patent number: 8331221Abstract: An outage notification system is provided which includes a first communication network, a second communication network, a plurality of first communication units communicatively coupled to the first communication network and the second communication network, a network monitoring unit communicatively coupled to the first communication network and configured to detect a failure in at least one of the plurality of first communication units or the first communication network, a plurality of second communication units communicatively coupled to the second communication network and associated with corresponding first communication units, and a message alert unit communicatively coupled to the first and second communication networks and configured to receive an alert notification from the network monitoring unit via the first communication network indicating a failure in at least one of the first communication units or the first communication network.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2008Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventors: Jamie Christopher Howarter, Charles Michael Lesher, Michael C. Robinson