Patents by Inventor Michael Willcox
Michael Willcox 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: 11956297Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments for providing batch performance using a stream processor. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed comprising receiving, at a stream processor, an event, the stream processor including a plurality of processing stages; generating, by the stream processor, an augmented event based on the event, the augmented event including at least one additional field not appearing in the event, the additional field generated by an operation selected from the group consisting of a join or dimensional annotation operation; and emitting, by the stream processor, the augmented event to downstream consumer.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2023Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: YAHOO ASSETS LLCInventors: Michael Pippin, David Willcox, Allie K. Watfa, George Aleksandrovich
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Patent number: 11954125Abstract: Techniques for providing batch performance using a stream processor are described. In one technique, a method includes receiving an event that includes an event key and a timestamp. The method then generates a partition value and time bucket value, the partition value generated based on the event key and the time bucket value generated based on the timestamp. The event key, partition value, and time bucket value are then combined to form a database key and used in a command to a database.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2020Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: YAHOO ASSETS LLCInventors: Michael Pippin, David Willcox, Allie K Watfa, George Aleksandrovich
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Patent number: 11947542Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments for providing batch performance using a stream processor. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed comprising detecting a real close of books (COB) of a data transport, the real COB associated with a set of raw events transmitted over the data transport, flushing a stream processor in response to detecting the real COB, and retrieving a set of processed events from a distributed file system after the flushing is complete. A fact COB computation is then performed on the set of processed events and the set of raw events, the fact COB computation outputting a number of missing events, each missing event representing a raw event that is not present in the set of processed events. The processed events are then certified upon determining that the number of missing events is below a threshold.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2020Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: YAHOO ASSETS LLCInventors: Michael Pippin, David Willcox, Allie K. Watfa, George Aleksandrovich
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Publication number: 20230401644Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed towards devices, systems, and methods for optimizing debt portfolio by actively monitoring for rate quotes from one or more lenders and performing real-time optimization to determine global optimum parameters in order for the user to be qualified for the optimal loan product that meets the user's goals.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2023Publication date: December 14, 2023Inventors: Michael Willcox, Bret Rietow, Brede Kolsrud
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Publication number: 20230055120Abstract: A multi-pass catalytic converter can divide a catalyst block into several catalytic volumes and enable the exhaust gas to flow through each volume in two or more passes consecutively. As the exhaust gas in an early pass can emit sensible thermal energy and chemical reaction energy to preheat the remaining catalytic volumes via conductive heat transfer, it can shorten the catalyst light-off time for the later passes and the whole catalyst block. By recouping the previously lost dissipating heat from the early catalytic volume, the present disclosure can significantly reduce the catalyst light-off time and emission concentration. Furthermore, one or more mixing chambers can be utilized to thoroughly mix the exhaust gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2022Publication date: February 23, 2023Applicant: Pinnacle Engines, Inc.Inventors: Michael Willcox, Simon Jackson, Brede Kolsrud
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Patent number: 9650951Abstract: An internal combustion engine can include a piston moving in a cylinder and a junk head disposed opposite the piston head in the cylinder. The junk head can optionally be moveable between a higher compression ratio position closer to a top dead center of the piston and a lower compression ratio position further from the top dead center position of the piston. At least one intake port can deliver a fluid comprising inlet air to a combustion chamber within the cylinder. Combustion gases can be directed out of the combustion volume through at least one exhaust port. One or both of the intake port and the exhaust port can be opened and closed by operation of a sleeve valve that at least partially encircles the piston. Related articles, systems, and methods are described.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2011Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: PINNACLE ENGINES, INC.Inventors: James M. Cleeves, Simon David Jackson, Michael Hawkes, Michael A. Willcox
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Patent number: 9528402Abstract: Energy to speed heating of a catalyst associated with an internal combustion engine can be provided in the form of sensible energy (heat) via hot combustion products. In some variations, timing of opening and/or closing of an exhaust valve can be manipulated to increase sensible heat delivered to the catalyst in the exhaust gases.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2014Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: Pinnacle Engines, Inc.Inventors: James M. Cleeves, Michael A. Willcox
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Publication number: 20160215718Abstract: Implementations of the current subject-matter include systems, methods, and techniques that assist with controlling of injected fuel and spark timing across a range of operating conditions. For example, a prediction technique can be used to predict variation in combustion cylinder wall and internal metal temperatures over time, thereby enabling the likely effect of one of the calculated temperatures on airflow and hence on combustion to be assessed. The obtained information can be used to adjust fuel flow or spark timing in accordance with the predicted temperature variation from steady state conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2016Publication date: July 28, 2016Inventors: Michael A. Willcox, Brede Kolsrud, James M. Cleeves
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Patent number: 9267486Abstract: An internal combustion engine is operable in an efficiency mode providing a first power output range between zero and a transition power output and in a power mode providing a second power output range between the transition power output and a maximum power output. The efficiency mode can include a first ignition timing and a first air/fuel ratio of the mixture to avoid premature auto-ignition, and the power mode can include a second ignition timing and a second air/fuel ratio of the mixture to avoid premature auto-ignition of the mixture. To further enable knock free operation of such an engine, turbulence can be imparted to the mixture to promote a faster burn duration and high temperatures that may lead to premature auto-ignition of the mixture can be avoided.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2012Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: Pinnacle Engines, Inc.Inventors: James M. Cleeves, Michael A. Willcox, Simon David Jackson, Nicholas Manov
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Patent number: 9194288Abstract: An internal combustion engine can include a combustion volume within a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The combustion volume can be defined at least by a cylinder wall and a first piston in the cylinder. A swirl port can deliver a fluid into the combustion volume via a swirl port outlet such that the delivered fluid is directed around a periphery of the cylinder with a fluid velocity disposed at a predetermined angle away from tangential to a curve of the cylinder wall to generate a swirling motion in the combustion volume.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2010Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: Pinnacle Engines, Inc.Inventors: James M. Cleeves, Simon D. Jackson, Michael A. Willcox
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Publication number: 20150053031Abstract: A gear assembly can include a biasing apparatus, which can include a hydraulic biasing member. The biasing apparatus can be activated to urge a scissor gear tooth of a scissor gear toward a second gear tooth of a second gear. The urging of the scissor gear tooth toward the second gear tooth can close a backlash gap between a first gear tooth of a first gear and the second gear tooth of the second gear.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2014Publication date: February 26, 2015Inventors: Michael A. Willcox, James M. Cleeves, Dimitri Bassis, Kyle Langlands
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Publication number: 20150040876Abstract: Energy to speed heating of a catalyst associated with an internal combustion engine can be provided in the form of sensible energy (heat) via hot combustion products. In some variations, timing of opening and/or closing of an exhaust valve can be manipulated to increase sensible heat delivered to the catalyst in the exhaust gases.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2014Publication date: February 12, 2015Inventors: James M. Cleeves, Michael A. Willcox
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Patent number: 8544445Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for fabricating and running an engine in two modes. The first mode is an efficiency mode having a high compression ratio and efficiency for low to medium loads. The second mode is a power mode having high power density for higher loads. The system may use a lean mixture in the efficiency mode, which mixture is made richer for more power in the power mode. The system may also use ignition timing to allow the efficiency mode and the high power mode to be at the same mixture.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2010Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Pinnacle Engines, Inc.Inventors: James M. Cleeves, Nicholas Manov, Michael A. Willcox, Simon David Jackson
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Publication number: 20120330534Abstract: Based on one or more monitored operation parameters of an internal combustion engine, a set of engine operation conditions necessary to provide combustion stability in a combustion volume of the engine, optimized fuel efficiency, and minimized production of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and unburned hydrocarbons can be determined. The new set of engine operation conditions can be dynamically implemented in response to changing engine loads and changing engine speeds to maintain a combustion mixture and combustion conditions within a combustion chamber of the engine constrained flammability limits, pollutant generation rates, and fuel efficiency considerations. Related articles, systems, and methods are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Inventors: James M. Cleeves, Michael A. Willcox
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Publication number: 20120158273Abstract: An internal combustion engine is operable in an efficiency mode providing a first power output range between zero and a transition power output and in a power mode providing a second power output range between the transition power output and a maximum power output. The efficiency mode can include a first ignition timing and a first air/fuel ratio of the mixture to avoid premature auto-ignition, and the power mode can include a second ignition timing and a second air/fuel ratio of the mixture to avoid premature auto-ignition of the mixture. To further enable knock free operation of such an engine, turbulence can be imparted to the mixture to promote a faster burn duration and high temperatures that may lead to premature auto-ignition of the mixture can be avoided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2012Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: PINNACLE ENGINES, INC.Inventors: James M. Cleeves, Michael A. Willcox, Simon David Jackson, Nicholas Manov
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Publication number: 20120089316Abstract: An internal combustion engine can include a piston moving in a cylinder and a junk head disposed opposite the piston head in the cylinder. The junk head can optionally be moveable between a higher compression ratio position closer to a top dead center of the piston and a lower compression ratio position further from the top dead center position of the piston. At least one intake port can deliver a fluid comprising inlet air to a combustion chamber within the cylinder. Combustion gases can be directed out of the combustion volume through at least one exhaust port. One or both of the intake port and the exhaust port can be opened and closed by operation of a sleeve valve that at least partially encircles the piston. Related articles, systems, and methods are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Inventors: James M. Cleeves, Simon David Jackson, Michael Hawkes, Michael A. Willcox
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Publication number: 20110220058Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for fabricating and running an engine in two modes. The first mode is an efficiency mode having a high compression ratio and efficiency for low to medium loads. The second mode is a power mode having high power density for higher loads. The system may use a lean mixture in the efficiency mode, which mixture is made richer for more power in the power mode. The system may also use ignition timing to allow the efficiency mode and the high power mode to be at the same mixture.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2010Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: CLEEVES ENGINES, INC.Inventors: James M. Cleeves, Nicholas Manov, Michael A. Willcox, Simon David Jackson
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Publication number: 20110041799Abstract: An internal combustion engine can include a combustion volume within a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The combustion volume can be defined at least by a cylinder wall and a first piston in the cylinder. A swirl port can deliver a fluid into the combustion volume via a swirl port outlet such that the delivered fluid is directed around a periphery of the cylinder with a fluid velocity disposed at a predetermined angle away from tangential to a curve of the cylinder wall to generate a swirling motion in the combustion volume.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2010Publication date: February 24, 2011Inventors: James M. Cleeves, Simon D. Jackson, Michael A. Willcox