Patents by Inventor Michael W. Rogers

Michael W. Rogers 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: 20120317014
    Abstract: The invention provides various systems and methods for actively optimizing a credit score and reducing debt. The method includes receiving a credit report including credit accounts, balances, interest rates, and rate types for the credit accounts. The method further receives bank account and payroll information, as well as fixed and variable expense information. The method then generates a financial report based on the received information. Based on the financial report, the method calculates a payment amount, and determines available unassigned income. An allocation of the available income for debt reduction and credit score optimization is received, and the method dynamically allocates the funds to pay the credit accounts, the fixed expenses, and variable expenses such that the customer's debt is reduced and the customer's credit score is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: The Western Union Company
    Inventors: Nicholas Cerise, Michael W. Rogers, William R. Grant
  • Patent number: 8216345
    Abstract: A gasification system is disclosed having a combustion or reaction vessel, a scrubber housing, and a filter housing. A carbonaceous fuel is partially combusted in the reaction vessel to generate a combustible gas. An improved ash support and removal system reduces clogging and other problems in the reaction vessel. The combustible gas passes through the scrubber housing to remove matter such as tar and oil, and the scrubbed gas passes through a hybrid blower to the filter housing. Wood chips are used in the filter housing to provide a relatively clean, dry gas. Wastewater and other waste products from the scrubber housing and filter housing are captured and returned to the reaction vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Verde Reformation, Inc.
    Inventors: Jackie W. Rogers, Michael W. Rogers
  • Patent number: 8090594
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for implementing variable financial plans. The methods can include identifying an account, and accessing an account planning tool. Characteristics associated with the account are presented to the account planning tool, and an account plan is developed using the planning tool. Based at least in part on the account plan, a funds transfer is facilitated from a source of funds to the account. Activity in the account is monitored, and the account plan is modified in response to activity detected in the account plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: The Western Union Company
    Inventors: William R. Grant, Michael W. Rogers, Mary Lou Corrigan, Michael F. Gallagher, Tony A. Muniz
  • Patent number: 8078527
    Abstract: The invention provides various systems and methods for actively optimizing a credit score and reducing debt. The method includes receiving a credit report including credit accounts, balances, interest rates, and rate types for the credit accounts. The method further receives bank account and payroll information, as well as fixed and variable expense information. The method then generates a financial report based on the received information. Based on the financial report, the method calculates a payment amount, and determines available unassigned income. An allocation of the available income for debt reduction and credit score optimization is received, and the method dynamically allocates the funds to pay the credit accounts, the fixed expenses, and variable expenses such that the customer's debt is reduced and the customer's credit score is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: The Western Union Company
    Inventors: Nicholas Cerise, Michael W. Rogers, William R. Grant
  • Patent number: 7964026
    Abstract: A gasification system having a combustor vessel, an optional scrubber vessel, an optional fixer vessel, an optional cyclone vessel and an optional demister vessel. A wide variety of possibly moist solid or semi-solid carbonaceous fuels may be partially combusted in the combustor to generate a combustible gas and a mineral ash. An improved ash support and removal subsystem reduces clogging and other problems. The combustible gas is conveyed by optional heavy-duty blowers through the optional vessels to remove liquids and particulates and to undergo catalytic chemical reactions to provide a relatively clean, dry, highly-combustible hydrocarbon gas that captures a relatively high fraction of the potential heating value of the fuel. Internal gases, liquids and particulates from the vessels may be recycled inside the system to improve efficiency and prevent liquid waste. A portion of the internal liquids may also be extracted for other uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Power Reclamation, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Rogers
  • Patent number: 7925589
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for authorizing access to one or more financial accounts. In some cases, the methods include providing an authorization document that incorporates a passcode. A request to authorize access to an account is received from an owner of the account. As part of the request, the passcode is provided. Based at least in part on the passcode, access to the account is authorized. In other cases, authorization can be provided via a representative of the account owner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: The Western Union Company
    Inventor: Michael W. Rogers
  • Patent number: 7849009
    Abstract: The present invention provides exemplary bill paying service methods and systems. One such bill paying service method (1000) includes enrolling a subscriber (Step 1010) who is a debtor to a first creditor and who has authorized debits to be taken from a designated account. The designated account is adapted to periodically receive a payroll deposit on a first regular schedule that is over time in excess of a minimum payment on a first debt owed by the debtor to the first creditor. The designated account is periodically debited, and any funds obtained are used to credit a custody account (Step 1012). The first creditor is paid (Step 1016), on behalf of the debtor and from the custody account, on a second regular schedule that differs from the first regular schedule. Paying the first creditor occurs in an amount calculated for an accelerated repayment of the first debt (Step 1014).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: The Western Union Company
    Inventors: Craig Compiano, Michael W. Rogers, William R. Grant
  • Patent number: 7747525
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for customizing fixed rate and variable rate mortgages. In some cases, the methods include accessing mortgage information and identifying at least a first characteristic of the mortgage to be modified. In addition, a first funds transfer is authorized to facilitate modification of the first characteristic. The mortgage is also monitored and changes in any relevant characteristics are identified. Where changes in a second relevant characteristic is detected, a second funds transfer is authorized to facilitate modification of the first characteristic to compensate for the change in the second characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: The Western Union Company
    Inventors: William R. Grant, Michael W. Rogers, MaryLou Corrigan, Michael F. Gallagher, Tony A. Muniz
  • Publication number: 20090063330
    Abstract: The invention provides various systems and methods for actively optimizing a credit score and reducing debt. The method includes receiving a credit report including credit accounts, balances, interest rates, and rate types for the credit accounts. The method further receives bank account and payroll information, as well as fixed and variable expense information. The method then generates a financial report based on the received information. Based on the financial report, the method calculates a payment amount, and determines available unassigned income. An allocation of the available income for debt reduction and credit score optimization is received, and the method dynamically allocates the funds to pay the credit accounts, the fixed expenses, and variable expenses such that the customer's debt is reduced and the customer's credit score is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: The Western Union Company
    Inventors: Nicholas Cerise, Michael W. Rogers, William R. Grant
  • Publication number: 20080250927
    Abstract: A gasification system is disclosed having a combustion or reaction vessel, a scrubber housing, and a filter housing. A carbonaceous fuel is partially combusted in the reaction vessel to generate a combustible gas. An improved ash support and removal system reduces clogging and other problems in the reaction vessel. The combustible gas passes through the scrubber housing to remove matter such as tar and oil, and the scrubbed gas passes through a hybrid blower to the filter housing. Wood chips are used in the filter housing to provide a relatively clean, dry gas. Wastewater and other waste products from the scrubber housing and filter housing are captured and returned to the reaction vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Jackie W. Rogers, Michael W. Rogers
  • Publication number: 20040148286
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for authorizing access to one or more financial accounts. In some cases, the methods include providing an authorization document that incorporates a passcode. A request to authorize access to an account is received from an owner of the account. As part of the request, the passcode is provided. Based at least in part on the passcode, access to the account is authorized. In other cases, authorization can be provided via a representative of the account owner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Applicant: First Data Corporation
    Inventor: Michael W. Rogers
  • Publication number: 20040098328
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for implementing variable financial plans. The methods can include identifying an account, and accessing an account planning tool. Characteristics associated with the account are presented to the account planning tool, and an account plan is developed using the planning tool. Based at least in part on the account plan, a funds transfer is facilitated from a source of funds to the account. Activity in the account is monitored, and the account plan is modified in response to activity detected in the account plan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Applicant: First Data Corporation
    Inventors: William R. Grant, Michael W. Rogers, Mary Lou Corrigan, Michael F. Gallagher, Tony A. Muniz
  • Publication number: 20040088247
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for customizing fixed rate and variable rate mortgages. In some cases, the methods include accessing mortgage information and identifying at least a first characteristic of the mortgage to be modified. In addition, a first funds transfer is authorized to facilitate modification of the first characteristic. The mortgage is also monitored and changes in any relevant characteristics are identified. Where changes in a second relevant characteristic is detected, a second funds transfer is authorized to facilitate modification of the first characteristic to compensate for the change in the second characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: First Data Corporation
    Inventors: William R. Grant, Michael W. Rogers, MaryLou Corrigan, Michael F. Gallagher, Tony A. Muniz
  • Publication number: 20040015438
    Abstract: The present invention provides exemplary bill paying service methods and systems. One such bill paying service method (1000) includes enrolling a subscriber (Step 1010) who is a debtor to a first creditor and who has authorized debits to be taken from a designated account. The designated account is adapted to periodically receive a payroll deposit on a first regular schedule that is over time in excess of a minimum payment on a first debt owed by the debtor to the first creditor. The designated account is periodically debited, and any funds obtained are used to credit a custody account (Step 1012). The first creditor is paid (Step 1016), on behalf of the debtor and from the custody account, on a second regular schedule that differs from the first regular schedule. Paying the first creditor occurs in an amount calculated for an accelerated repayment of the first debt (Step 1014).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Applicant: First Data Corporation
    Inventors: Craig Compiano, Michael W. Rogers, William R. Grant
  • Patent number: 5992024
    Abstract: A clippings directing attachment for composite board shears that have a pair of blades defining a pair of parallel cutting planes by their mutually contacting surfaces and that create clippings when used to cut composite board. The attachment comprises a mounting assembly adapted to mount the attachment onto the shears and a chute attached to the mounting assembly and adapted to direct composite board clippings away from the cutting planes when the mounting member is mounted on the shears and the shears are being used to cut composite board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Michael W. Rogers
  • Patent number: D280285
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1985
    Inventors: Ronnie R. Miller, Michael W. Rogers