Patents by Inventor William R. Grant

William R. Grant 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: 20240092576
    Abstract: An automated order fulfillment system and mobile robot are disclosed, where the mobile robot includes a compliant drive for moving between levels of a multilevel storage structure. In one example, the compliant drive comprises a drive shaft having splines configured to provide rotational play that prevents jamming of a vertical drive gear on the end of the shaft with a rack in a vertical track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: William J. Fosnight, John G. Lert, JR., Michael Duquette, Martin R. Elliott, Julian D. Warhurst, Charles W. Su, Alan J. Grant
  • Publication number: 20130290165
    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: March 25, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Nicholas Cerise, Michael W. Rogers, William R. Grant
  • Patent number: 8417627
    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: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: The Western Union Company
    Inventors: Nicholas Cerise, Michael W. Rogers, William R. Grant
  • 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: 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: 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
  • Patent number: 6912134
    Abstract: A dual output power module housing a dual output power circuit for providing variable power to two parallel connected fan motors is shown. The power module includes a pad which has disposed thereon two power switching devices, two intelligent power switches, and a power circuit board on which circuits for controlling the intelligent power switches are disposed. The module includes a power shell that surrounds the dual output power circuit, and a resilient, flexible enclosure which encapsulates the power shell and the circuit components within the power shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: International Rectifier Corporation
    Inventors: William R. Grant, Sergio Fissore
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20020030977
    Abstract: A dual output power module housing a dual output power circuit for providing variable power to two parallel connected fan motors is shown. The power module includes a pad which has disposed thereon two power switching devices, two intelligent power switches, and a power circuit board on which circuits for controlling the intelligent power switches are disposed. The module includes a power shell that surrounds the dual output power circuit, and a resilient, flexible enclosure which encapsulates the power shell and the circuit components within the power shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: William R. Grant, Sergio Fissore
  • Patent number: 5226361
    Abstract: The inventive apparatus provides for the automated marking, inspecting and handling of a variety of singulated integrated circuit devices. The apparatus includes a computerized high speed vision system with operator touchscreen interface control of a novel series of electrical and mechanical operations to automatically receive integrated circuit devices from a suitable bulk input supply and sequentially inspect, align, mark, inspect, accept or reject, cure and discharge into a suitable bulk output supply, a high volume of properly marked integrated circuit devices, packaged and ready for shipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Grant, William C. Layer, Refugio C. Morales, Deanna K. Wirz
  • Patent number: PP9788
    Abstract: A new and distinct Sweet Gum tree named `Grant's Seedless Zn-4`, which is particularly characterized by its lack of fruits or seed pods, and its hardiness to minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit (USDA ZONE 4B), and, its canopy, which allows vigorous and healthy lawn growth and has intense Burgundy red and golden yellow Fall colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventors: William R. Grant, Elizabeth M. Grant, W. Cal Grant