Patents by Inventor Douglas Anderson

Douglas Anderson 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).

  • Patent number: 9740161
    Abstract: A system for customizing settings of an electronic device includes a replaceable component having an optical member for receiving optical energy. The optical member has an optical characteristic for modifying an amount of the optical energy that leaves the optical member relative to an amount of the optical energy received by the optical member. A support is located on an outer casing of the electronic device and the replaceable component is mountable on the support. The system further includes an optical sensor including a detector positioned to receive the amount of the optical energy leaving the optical member when the replaceable component is mounted on the support. A controller determines one or more predetermined settings to be applied to the electronic device based at least upon the amount of the optical energy received by the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: John Douglas Anderson, Christopher Michael Nelson, Brian Keith Owens, Adam Randal Wiedemann
  • Patent number: 9593723
    Abstract: A disconnect clutch and method of controlling the connection of a parasitic load to an engine disposed on a machine is disclosed. The disconnect clutch may comprise a flywheel assembly, a friction plate and a coupling. The flywheel assembly may include a flywheel having a cavity, a chamber, a piston moveable between a contracted position and an expanded position, a pressure plate, a lever, and a coupling operably connected to the friction plate. The flywheel may include an end plate. The chamber may be defined by the flywheel and the piston. The lever may apply an activation force to the pressure plate when the piston is in the expanded position. The friction plate may be attached to and rotatable with the flywheel assembly when the piston is in the expanded position and generally stationary when the piston is in the contracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Douglas Anderson, Megan Alissa Brinkmeyer, Daniel P. Sergison, Thomas Alan Brosowske, Grant Steven Peterson, Michael G. Cronin, Raymond B. Derer
  • Publication number: 20170052503
    Abstract: A system for customizing settings of an electronic device includes a replaceable component having an optical member for receiving optical energy. The optical member has an optical characteristic for modifying an amount of the optical energy that leaves the optical member relative to an amount of the optical energy received by the optical member. A support is located on an outer casing of the electronic device and the replaceable component is mountable on the support. The system further includes an optical sensor including a detector positioned to receive the amount of the optical energy leaving the optical member when the replaceable component is mounted on the support. A controller determines one or more predetermined settings to be applied to the electronic device based at least upon the amount of the optical energy received by the detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: JOHN DOUGLAS ANDERSON, CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL NELSON, BRIAN KEITH OWENS, ADAM RANDAL WIEDEMANN
  • Publication number: 20160364711
    Abstract: A system for verifying a price associated with an item in a retail environment includes a price tag having an optical member that includes an optical characteristic that modifies an amount of optical energy that leaves the optical member relative to an amount of optical energy received by the optical member, and a price tag holder including an optical sensor having an emitter and a detector. The emitter is positioned to emit optical energy onto the optical member and the detector is positioned to receive optical energy leaving the optical member. A computing device in operable communication with the optical sensor is operative to determine whether the price tag is accurate based upon a comparison between the amount of optical energy received by the detector and the amount of optical energy emitted by the emitter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: John Douglas Anderson, Christopher Michael Nelson, Adam Randal Wiedemann
  • Patent number: 9519254
    Abstract: A system for customizing settings of an electronic device includes a replaceable component having an optical member for receiving optical energy. The optical member has an optical characteristic for modifying an amount of the optical energy that leaves the optical member relative to an amount of the optical energy received by the optical member. A support is located on an outer casing of the electronic device and the replaceable component is mountable on the support. The system further includes an optical sensor including a detector positioned to receive the amount of the optical energy leaving the optical member when the replaceable component is mounted on the support. A controller determines one or more predetermined settings to be applied to the electronic device based at least upon the amount of the optical energy received by the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: John Douglas Anderson, Christopher Michael Nelson, Brian Keith Owens, Adam Randal Wiedemann
  • Patent number: 9429870
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing having a reservoir for storing consumable material and an outlet for exiting the consumable material from the reservoir; a rotatable shaft disposed inside the reservoir and positioned along a length of the housing; and one or more magnetic members disposed within the housing and coupled to the shaft so as to rotate therewith. The one or more magnetic members generate a magnetic field and when rotating indicate information about the replaceable unit. The information is based upon the presence or absence of the one or more magnetic members relative to one or more predetermined locations for receiving a magnetic member within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: John Douglas Anderson, Christopher Michael Nelson, Brian Keith Owens, Adam Randal Wiedemann
  • Publication number: 20160179047
    Abstract: A system for customizing settings of an electronic device includes a replaceable component having an optical member for receiving optical energy. The optical member has an optical characteristic for modifying an amount of the optical energy that leaves the optical member relative to an amount of the optical energy received by the optical member. A support is located on an outer casing of the electronic device and the replaceable component is mountable on the support. The system further includes an optical sensor including a detector positioned to receive the amount of the optical energy leaving the optical member when the replaceable component is mounted on the support. A controller determines one or more predetermined settings to be applied to the electronic device based at least upon the amount of the optical energy received by the detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: John Douglas Anderson, Christopher Michael Nelson, Brian Keith Owens, Adam Randal Wiedemann
  • Publication number: 20160179031
    Abstract: A replaceable unit for an image forming apparatus according to one example embodiment includes a housing and at least one transmissive member positioned on an exterior of the housing. The at least one transmissive member is arranged to receive optical energy from the image forming apparatus and has a transmissivity for modifying an amount of the optical energy that leaves the at least one transmissive member relative to an amount of the optical energy received by the at least one transmissive member. The at least one transmissive member indicates information relating to a characteristic of the replaceable unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: John Douglas Anderson, Christopher Michael Nelson, Brian Keith Owens, Adam Randal Wiedemann
  • Publication number: 20160097429
    Abstract: A disconnect clutch and method of controlling the connection of a parasitic load to an engine disposed on a machine is disclosed. The disconnect clutch may comprise a flywheel assembly, a friction plate and a coupling. The flywheel assembly may include a flywheel having a cavity, a chamber, a piston moveable between a contracted position and an expanded position, a pressure plate, a lever, and a coupling operably connected to the friction plate. The flywheel may include an end plate. The chamber may be defined by the flywheel and the piston. The lever may apply an activation force to the pressure plate when the piston is in the expanded position. The friction plate may be attached to and rotatable with the flywheel assembly when the piston is in the expanded position and generally stationary when the piston is in the contracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Michael Douglas Anderson, Megan Alissa Brinkmeyer, Daniel P. Sergison, Thomas Alan Brosowske, Grant Steven Peterson, Michael G. Cronin, Raymond B. Derer
  • Publication number: 20160006892
    Abstract: Methods and systems for tracking locations of a plurality of devices include initializing a computing device with a site floor plan. One or more electronic devices transmit ranging information to the computing device and their initial locations are marked on the site floor plan. Upon movement of the devices to subsequent locations, and further transmission of ranging information, the site floor plan shows movement of the devices between positions for display to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Publication date: January 7, 2016
    Inventors: John Douglas Anderson, Forrest Lane Steely
  • Patent number: 9225858
    Abstract: Methods and systems for tracking locations of a plurality of devices includes initializing a server with a site floor plan, receiving ranging information transmitted by one or more devices of the plurality of devices at the server, creating a multi-dimensional map of locations of the plurality of devices based on ranging information using a location engine, and calibrating the multi-dimensional map of locations to the site floor plan calibrated with geospatial coordinates. Upon movement of a device from a first to a second location, ranging information changes between devices and maps, relative locations and absolute locations are updated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: John Douglas Anderson, Forrest Lane Steely
  • Publication number: 20150362860
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing having a reservoir for storing consumable material and an outlet for exiting the consumable material from the reservoir; a rotatable shaft disposed inside the reservoir and positioned along a length of the housing; and one or more magnetic members disposed within the housing and coupled to the shaft so as to rotate therewith. The one or more magnetic members generate a magnetic field and when rotating indicate information about the replaceable unit. The information is based upon the presence or absence of the one or more magnetic members relative to one or more predetermined locations for receiving a magnetic member within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Publication date: December 17, 2015
    Inventors: John Douglas Anderson, Christopher Michael Nelson, Brian Keith Owens, Adam Randal Wiedemann
  • Patent number: 9127881
    Abstract: A machine for dispensing blended iced beverages is characterized by a cabinet for storing a plurality of supplies of beverage ingredients and a refrigeration system for chilling an interior of the cabinet to chill the beverage ingredient supplies. A duct extends between the cabinet interior and a remote point of delivery of the beverage ingredients and a tubing bundle extends from the supplies and through the duct to the delivery point to deliver beverage ingredients from the supplies to the delivery point. The interior of the duct is chilled to chill the tubing bundle and beverage ingredients in the tubing bundle, so that chilled beverage ingredients are always provided to the point of delivery, even when the machine is idle for an extended period of time. Various techniques are provided for chilling the interior of the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Comehus, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Anderson, Nikolay Popov, Shaji Kulangara Veettil, Neravati Sudhir Kumar, James E. Gooding, III, Santhosh Kumar
  • Publication number: 20150146239
    Abstract: A computing device display shows an actual location of an imaging device as configured in a computing system environment. An acceptance zone about a planned location of the imaging device visually conveys to a user whether or not the imaging device exists within a predetermined distance. If not, service level or other agreements specifying the location of the imaging device can be adjusted or the imaging device can be moved into compliance with the agreements. Alerts can be broadcast upon non-compliance or if the imaging device changes location. The display can be configured to show the imaging device with geospatial coordinates, within a building, superimposed on a map, such as a building floor plan, etc. Other embodiments note computing environments, deltas between locations, and various administrative tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: John Douglas Anderson, Brent Allen Schanding, Forrest Lane Steely
  • Publication number: 20150092226
    Abstract: Methods and systems fir tracking locations of a plurality of devices includes initializing a server with a site floor plan, receiving ranging information transmitted by one or more devices of the plurality of devices at the server, creating a multi-dimensional map of locations of the plurality of devices based on ranging information using a location engine, and calibrating the multi-dimensional map of locations to the site floor plan calibrated with geospatial coordinates. Upon movement of a device from a first to a second location, ranging information changes between devices and maps relative locations and absolute locations are updated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: John Douglas Anderson, Forrest Lane Steely
  • Patent number: 8985289
    Abstract: An electrically powered mining vehicle including a frame rollingly supported on a surface for movement over the surface. An electric motor is coupled to the frame for proving power to the vehicle. A cable is electrically coupled to the electric motor for supplying electricity thereto and a cable management system is coupled to the frame and arranged to receive and payout the cable as the vehicle moves over the surface. A sheave bracket is coupled to the frame and arranged to direct the cable into the cable management system and includes a lower plate arranged substantially horizontally, a plurality of vertical rollers that are coupled to the lower plate and are arranged to guide the cable into the cable management system, and a horizontal roller that is coupled to the lower plate and arranged to elevate the cable above the lower plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Joy MM Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Felix, Douglas Anderson, William Jubeck
  • Patent number: 8927113
    Abstract: A composite metal ingot, comprising at least two layers of differing alloy composition, wherein pairs of adjacent layers consisting of a first alloy and a second alloy are formed by applying the second alloy in a molten state to the surface of the first alloy while the surface of the first alloy is at a temperature between solidus and liquidus temperatures of the first alloy to form an interface there between, wherein the second alloy is a high or medium strength heat treatable aluminum alloy, and further wherein one or more alloy components from the second alloy are present within grain boundaries of the first alloy adjacent said interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Novelis Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Douglas Anderson, Kenneth Takeo Kubo, Todd F. Bischoff, Wayne J. Fenton, Eric W. Reeves, Brent Spendlove, Robert Bruce Wagstaff
  • Publication number: 20140379304
    Abstract: A method for extracting data from an overall signal, generated by a plurality of impulses, by use of a computer using wavelet transform analysis of timing and strength of each of said plurality of impulses is disclosed. The method includes using a Discrete Wavelet Transform analysis or a Continuous Wavelet Transform analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Douglas A. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8899072
    Abstract: An adapter for mounting an icemaker on top of an ice bin of an ice and beverage dispenser has a lid mounted for both sliding movement and pivotal movement relative to the remainder of the adapter. The lid normally covers an inlet to the ice bin. To expose the ice bin inlet for visually inspection of the interior of the bin and/or to accommodate manual filling of the bin with ice, the lid is manually slid forward off of and then be rotated away from the bin inlet to fully expose the inlet. The lid at all times remains connected to the adapter so that it is not lost or exposed to unsanitary conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Cornelius, Inc.
    Inventors: Shaji Kulangara Veettil, Nishant Kulkarni, Douglas Anderson
  • Patent number: RE45566
    Abstract: The present invention introduces an aliased selection system with audible cues to allow a user of a handheld computer system locate a desired item from a list of item. The aliased selection system allows a user to spell out a desired item by activating an input that specifics a subset that containing a next letter. In one embodiment, two different subsets are used: A to M and N to Z. When the user has entered information on enough letters such that the number of possibilities fits entirely on a display screen then a first audible cue is given. The user may enter additional information on until a single list item is uniquely identified. Once a single item is uniquely identified, the system emits a second audible cue that informs the user that a single item has been specified. The aliased selection system allows a user to select a desired item from a list with a single hand and without looking at the display screen. However, the user may shorten the selection process by looking at the display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Douglas Anderson, Jeffrey Charles Hawkins, Robert Yuji Haitani, Justin Evan Manus