Patents by Inventor Ethan Vella
Ethan Vella 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: 11969052Abstract: Foot support systems include a fluid flow control system that facilitates movement of fluid into, out of, and/or within a sole structure and/or article of footwear, e.g., to change and/or control pressure in fluid filled bladder(s). Aspects of this technology may relate to one or more of: (a) footwear structures in which such systems are incorporated; (b) valve stem based fluid flow transfer systems; (c) solenoid based fluid flow transfer systems; (d) user input button features; (e) air filter features; (f) fluid tube to fluid distributor connection features; (g) fluid distributor to footwear connection features; (h) valve position sensor features; (i) valve transmission features; (j) pressure control algorithm features; (k) electronic communication features; (l) system sealing features; and/or (m) pressure sensor mounting features.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2021Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Matthew Browne, Narissa Y. Chang, Remy Pieron, Stepan Ryabinin, Adam Vollmer, Ethan Vella, Daniel Weeks
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Patent number: 11957207Abstract: Foot support systems include a fluid flow control system that facilitates movement of fluid into, out of, and/or within a sole structure and/or article of footwear, e.g., to change and/or control pressure in fluid filled bladder(s). Aspects of this technology may relate to one or more of: (a) footwear structures in which such systems are incorporated; (b) valve stem based fluid flow transfer systems; (c) solenoid based fluid flow transfer systems; (d) user input button features; (e) air filter features; (f) fluid tube to fluid distributor connection features; (g) fluid distributor to footwear connection features; (h) valve position sensor features; (i) valve transmission features; (j) pressure control algorithm features; (k) electronic communication features; (l) system sealing features; and/or (m) pressure sensor mounting features.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2021Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Matthew Browne, Narissa Y. Chang, Remy Pieron, Stepan Ryabinin, Adam Vollmer, Michael Fairchild, Ethan Vella, Daniel Weeks
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Publication number: 20240090619Abstract: Foot support systems include a fluid flow control system that facilitates movement of fluid into, out of, and/or within a sole structure and/or article of footwear, e.g., to change and/or control pressure in fluid filled bladder(s). Aspects of this technology may relate to one or more of: (a) footwear structures in which such systems are incorporated; (b) valve stem based fluid flow transfer systems; (c) solenoid based fluid flow transfer systems; (d) user input button features; (e) air filter features; (f) fluid tube to fluid distributor connection features; (g) fluid distributor to footwear connection features; (h) valve position sensor features; (i) valve transmission features; (j) pressure control algorithm features; (k) electronic communication features; (l) system sealing features; and/or (m) pressure sensor mounting features.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: Devin Bailly, Matthew Browne, Narissa Y. Chang, Rémy Pieron, Stepan Ryabinin, Adam Vollmer, Michael Fairchild, Ethan Vella, Daniel Weeks
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Publication number: 20240041159Abstract: Foot support systems include a fluid flow control system that facilitates movement of fluid into, out of, and/or within a sole structure and/or article of footwear, e.g., to change and/or control pressure in fluid filled bladder(s). Aspects of this technology may relate to one or more of: (a) footwear structures in which such systems are incorporated; (b) valve stem based fluid flow transfer systems; (c) solenoid based fluid flow transfer systems; (d) user input button features; (e) air filter features; (f) fluid tube to fluid distributor connection features; (g) fluid distributor to footwear connection features; (h) valve position sensor features; (i) valve transmission features; (j) pressure control algorithm features; (k) electronic communication features; (l) system sealing features; and/or (m) pressure sensor mounting features.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2023Publication date: February 8, 2024Inventors: Matthew Browne, Stepan Ryabinin, Adam Vollmer, Michael Allison, Ethan Vella
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Patent number: 11864618Abstract: Foot support systems include a fluid flow control system that facilitates movement of fluid into, out of, and/or within a sole structure and/or article of footwear, e.g., to change and/or control pressure in fluid filled bladder(s). Aspects of this technology may relate to one or more of: (a) footwear structures in which such systems are incorporated; (b) valve stem based fluid flow transfer systems; (c) solenoid based fluid flow transfer systems; (d) user input button features; (e) air filter features; (f) fluid tube to fluid distributor connection features; (g) fluid distributor to footwear connection features; (h) valve position sensor features; (i) valve transmission features; (j) pressure control algorithm features; (k) electronic communication features; (l) system sealing features; and/or (m) pressure sensor mounting features.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2021Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Devin Bailly, Matthew Browne, Narissa Y. Chang, Remy Pieron, Stepan Ryabinin, Adam Vollmer, Michael Fairchild, Ethan Vella, Daniel Weeks
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Patent number: 11825905Abstract: Foot support systems include a fluid flow control system that facilitates movement of fluid into, out of, and/or within a sole structure and/or article of footwear, e.g., to change and/or control pressure in fluid filled bladder(s). Aspects of this technology may relate to one or more of: (a) footwear structures in which such systems are incorporated; (b) valve stem based fluid flow transfer systems; (c) solenoid based fluid flow transfer systems; (d) user input button features; (e) air filter features; (f) fluid tube to fluid distributor connection features; (g) fluid distributor to footwear connection features; (h) valve position sensor features; (i) valve transmission features; (j) pressure control algorithm features; (k) electronic communication features; (l) system sealing features; and/or (m) pressure sensor mounting features.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2021Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Matthew Browne, Stepan Ryabinin, Adam Vollmer, Michael Allison, Ethan Vella
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Publication number: 20230157410Abstract: Foot support systems include a fluid flow control system that facilitates movement of fluid into, out of, and/or within a sole structure and/or article of footwear, e.g., to change and/or control pressure in fluid filled bladder(s). Such systems may include: (a) a first solenoid including first, second, and third ports; (b) a valve in fluid communication with the first solenoid’s first port; and (c) a second solenoid including first, second, and third ports (the first port in fluid communication with the valve). Each of the first and second solenoids is switchable to: (a) a configuration where fluid flows through that solenoid between its first port and second port and (b) a configuration where fluid flows through that solenoid between its first port and third port. The valve is switchable between open and closed configurations. The solenoid and valve configurations are used to selectively place the systems in plural operational states.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2022Publication date: May 25, 2023Inventors: Stepan Ryabinin, Narissa Y. Chang, Rémy Pieron, Adam Vollmer, Michael Allison, Michael Fairchild, Ethan Vella, Daniel Weeks
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Publication number: 20230138485Abstract: Foot support systems include a first foot support bladder, a fluid tank, and a fluid distributor. The fluid distributor's body may have: (a) first and second solenoid mounts, (b) a main fluid distribution channel in fluid communication with the first and second solenoid mounts, (c) a tank channel in fluid communication with the first solenoid mount, (d) a first foot support bladder channel in fluid communication with the second solenoid mount, (e) a first foot support connector connecting the first foot support bladder with the first foot support bladder channel, and (f) a tank connector connecting the fluid tank with the tank channel. First and second solenoids are engaged with the fluid distributor at the first and second solenoid mounts, respectively. In some examples, the fluid distributor may include a third solenoid mount and a second foot support connector for use with a second foot support bladder.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2022Publication date: May 4, 2023Inventors: Stepan Ryabinin, Narissa Y. Chang, Rémy Pieron, Adam Vollmer, Michael Allison, Michael Fairchild, John Geile, Ethan Vella, Daniel Weeks
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Publication number: 20220175239Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an ergonomically designed vaginal speculum. The speculum includes a body portion comprising a handle configured to be grasped by a user of the speculum, a lower bill, and a transition portion between the handle and the lower bill. The speculum further includes an upper bill rotatably coupled to the lower bill at the transition portion, allowing the upper bill to move relative to the lower bill to move the speculum into an open position, a window frame coupled to the upper bill defining a viewing window, and an actuation mechanism coupled to the upper bill to cause separation of the upper bill from the lower bill. The transition portion creates an angle greater than 90 degrees between the handle and the lower bill. The speculum may further include a locking mechanism and an illumination source.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2021Publication date: June 9, 2022Inventors: Ethan VELLA, Fahti SELF, Maria LALLI, Darius NAIGAMWALLA, Chase THOMPSON
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Publication number: 20220104699Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses relating to a speculum. The speculum includes a handle, a first bill and a second bill, where a proximal end portion of the first bill and the second bill are coupled to an upper portion of the handle and configured to open along a first axis, a third bill and a fourth bill, where a proximal end portion of the third bill and the fourth bill are coupled to the upper portion of the handle and configured to open along a second axis substantially orthogonal to the first axis and an actuation mechanism that causes the first bill and the second bill to move between an open position and a closed position. In some embodiments, the speculum includes a locking mechanism with a rocker mechanism, a lock strip contained in a handle of the speculum, and a pawl coupled to the handle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2021Publication date: April 7, 2022Inventors: Fahti Self, Maria Lalli, Darius Naigamwalla, Chase Thompson, Ethan Vella
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Publication number: 20210368927Abstract: Foot support systems include a fluid flow control system that facilitates movement of fluid into, out of, and/or within a sole structure and/or article of footwear, e.g., to change and/or control pressure in fluid filled bladder(s). Aspects of this technology may relate to one or more of: (a) footwear structures in which such systems are incorporated; (b) valve stem based fluid flow transfer systems; (c) solenoid based fluid flow transfer systems; (d) user input button features; (e) air filter features; (f) fluid tube to fluid distributor connection features; (g) fluid distributor to footwear connection features; (h) valve position sensor features; (i) valve transmission features; (j) pressure control algorithm features; (k) electronic communication features; (l) system sealing features; and/or (m) pressure sensor mounting features.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2021Publication date: December 2, 2021Inventors: Devin Bailly, Matthew Browne, Narissa Y. Chang, Remy Pieron, Stepan Ryabinin, Adam Vollmer, Michael Fairchild, Ethan Vella, Daniel Weeks
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Publication number: 20210368938Abstract: Foot support systems include a fluid flow control system that facilitates movement of fluid into, out of, and/or within a sole structure and/or article of footwear, e.g., to change and/or control pressure in fluid filled bladder(s). Aspects of this technology may relate to one or more of: (a) footwear structures in which such systems are incorporated; (b) valve stem based fluid flow transfer systems; (c) solenoid based fluid flow transfer systems; (d) user input button features; (e) air filter features; (f) fluid tube to fluid distributor connection features; (g) fluid distributor to footwear connection features; (h) valve position sensor features; (i) valve transmission features; (j) pressure control algorithm features; (k) electronic communication features; (l) system sealing features; and/or (m) pressure sensor mounting features.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2021Publication date: December 2, 2021Inventors: Matthew Browne, Narissa Y. Chang, Remy Pieron, Stepan Ryabinin, Adam Vollmer, Ethan Vella, Daniel Weeks
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Publication number: 20210368937Abstract: Foot support systems include a fluid flow control system that facilitates movement of fluid into, out of, and/or within a sole structure and/or article of footwear, e.g., to change and/or control pressure in fluid filled bladder(s). Aspects of this technology may relate to one or more of: (a) footwear structures in which such systems are incorporated; (b) valve stem based fluid flow transfer systems; (c) solenoid based fluid flow transfer systems; (d) user input button features; (e) air filter features; (f) fluid tube to fluid distributor connection features; (g) fluid distributor to footwear connection features; (h) valve position sensor features; (i) valve transmission features; (j) pressure control algorithm features; (k) electronic communication features; (l) system sealing features; and/or (m) pressure sensor mounting features.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2021Publication date: December 2, 2021Inventors: Matthew Browne, Narissa Y. Chang, Remy Pieron, Stepan Ryabinin, Adam Vollmer, Michael Fairchild, Ethan Vella, Daniel Weeks
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Publication number: 20210368929Abstract: Foot support systems include a fluid flow control system that facilitates movement of fluid into, out of, and/or within a sole structure and/or article of footwear, e.g., to change and/or control pressure in fluid filled bladder(s). Aspects of this technology may relate to one or more of: (a) footwear structures in which such systems are incorporated; (b) valve stem based fluid flow transfer systems; (c) solenoid based fluid flow transfer systems; (d) user input button features; (e) air filter features; (f) fluid tube to fluid distributor connection features; (g) fluid distributor to footwear connection features; (h) valve position sensor features; (i) valve transmission features; (j) pressure control algorithm features; (k) electronic communication features; (l) system sealing features; and/or (m) pressure sensor mounting features.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2021Publication date: December 2, 2021Inventors: Narissa Y. Chang, Jamian R. Cobbett, Remy Pieron, Stepan Ryabinin, Mirza Sabanovic, Adam Vollmer, Philip Woodman, Ethan Vella
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Publication number: 20210368928Abstract: Foot support systems include a fluid flow control system that facilitates movement of fluid into, out of, and/or within a sole structure and/or article of footwear, e.g., to change and/or control pressure in fluid filled bladder(s). Aspects of this technology may relate to one or more of: (a) footwear structures in which such systems are incorporated; (b) valve stem based fluid flow transfer systems; (c) solenoid based fluid flow transfer systems; (d) user input button features; (e) air filter features; (f) fluid tube to fluid distributor connection features; (g) fluid distributor to footwear connection features; (h) valve position sensor features; (i) valve transmission features; (j) pressure control algorithm features; (k) electronic communication features; (l) system sealing features; and/or (m) pressure sensor mounting features.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2021Publication date: December 2, 2021Inventors: Matthew Browne, Stepan Ryabinin, Adam Vollmer, Michael Allison, Ethan Vella
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Patent number: 11147444Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses relating to a speculum. The speculum includes a handle, a first bill and a second bill, where a proximal end portion of the first bill and the second bill are coupled to an upper portion of the handle and configured to open along a first axis, a third bill and a fourth bill, where a proximal end portion of the third bill and the fourth bill are coupled to the upper portion of the handle and configured to open along a second axis substantially orthogonal to the first axis and an actuation mechanism that causes the first bill and the second bill to move between an open position and a closed position. In some embodiments, the speculum includes a locking mechanism with a rocker mechanism, a lock strip contained in a handle of the speculum, and a pawl coupled to the handle.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2016Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: CEEK Women's Health, Inc.Inventors: Ethan Vella, Fahti Self, Maria Lalli, Darius Naigamwalla, Chase Thompson
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Publication number: 20210251539Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for dried blood spot (DBS) sample collection are disclosed. A dried blood spot sampling device is configured to deliver blood through a passage to an absorbent disk in the device and control an amount of blood saturating the absorbent disk. The sampling device may include a manually actuatable component adjustable between a first position, in which an outlet of the passage is not in physical contact with the absorbent disk, and a second position, in which the outlet of the passage is in physical contact with the absorbent disk.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2021Publication date: August 19, 2021Inventors: Amira Al-Uzri, Dennis Koop, Lisa Bleyle, Andrew Chitty, Robert Beauchamp, Asa Weiss, Ethan Vella, Gerold Firl
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Patent number: 10939861Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for dried blood spot (DBS) sample collection are disclosed. A dried blood spot sampling device is configured to deliver blood through a passage to an absorbent disk in the device and control an amount of blood saturating the absorbent disk. The sampling device may include a manually actuatable component adjustable between a first position, in which an outlet of the passage is not in physical contact with the absorbent disk, and a second position, in which the outlet of the passage is in physical contact with the absorbent disk.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2015Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignees: Simplexity Product Development Inc., Oregon Health & Science UniversityInventors: Amira Al-Uzri, Dennis Koop, Lisa Bleyle, Andrew Chitty, Robert W. Beauchamp, Asa Weiss, Ethan Vella, Gerold Firl
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Publication number: 20170181616Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses relating to a speculum. The speculum includes a handle, a first bill and a second bill, where a proximal end portion of the first bill and the second bill are coupled to an upper portion of the handle and configured to open along a first axis, a third bill and a fourth bill, where a proximal end portion of the third bill and the fourth bill are coupled to the upper portion of the handle and configured to open along a second axis substantially orthogonal to the first axis and an actuation mechanism that causes the first bill and the second bill to move between an open position and a closed position. In some embodiments, the speculum includes a locking mechanism with a rocker mechanism, a lock strip contained in a handle of the speculum, and a pawl coupled to the handle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2016Publication date: June 29, 2017Applicant: CEEK EnterprisesInventors: Ethan Vella, Fahti SELF, Maria LALLI, Darius NAIGAMWALLA, Chase THOMPSON
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Publication number: 20170181615Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an ergonomically designed vaginal speculum. The speculum includes a body portion comprising a handle configured to be grasped by a user of the speculum, a lower bill, and a transition portion between the handle and the lower bill. The speculum further includes an upper bill rotatably coupled to the lower bill at the transition portion, allowing the upper bill to move relative to the lower bill to move the speculum into an open position, a window frame coupled to the upper bill defining a viewing window, and an actuation mechanism coupled to the upper bill to cause separation of the upper bill from the lower bill. The transition portion creates an angle greater than 90 degrees between the handle and the lower bill. The speculum may further include a locking mechanism and an illumination source.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2016Publication date: June 29, 2017Applicant: CEEK EnterprisesInventors: Ethan Vella, Fahti SELF, Maria LALLI, Darius NAIGAMWALLA, Chase Thompson