Patents by Inventor R. Grant

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: 20240070990
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method, computer system, and computer program product for mixed-reality emotional modification is provided. The present invention may include collecting biometric information on a user; identifying a mental state of the user based on the biometric information; and, responsive to determining that the mental state does not match an expected baseline associated with a mixed-reality experience, modifying the mixed-reality experience with one or more virtual content elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Robert Huntington Grant, Zachary A. Silverstein, Jeremy R. Fox, Todd Russell Whitman
  • Patent number: 11783250
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, mechanisms (which can, for example, include systems, methods, and media) for harmonizing procurement across distribution networks with heterogeneous product availability are provided. In some embodiments, a method for automatically generating an order guide for a facility associated with an organization is provided, the method comprising: presenting items available in first, second portions of a distribution network; presenting items available via the network; creating a general order guide, and adding a first item thereto; determining that the first item is unavailable and a second item is available in the first portion; identifying substitutes, including the second item, for the first item; generate a facility order guide with items in the first portion based on the general order guide; automatically selecting the second item for the facility order guide; and associating the facility order guide and facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Direct Supply, Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Avery, Jr., James R. Grant, Andrew J. Novotny, Natasha D. Tomasik
  • Patent number: 11731182
    Abstract: Improvements and modifications to coil steel straighteners provide an integrated structural head that allows for quicker setup of the equipment, integrated lower backup rolls to the structural head, self-aligning rollers, setup timing blocks for equipment calibration, and adjustment screw jacks that allow for narrower center distances and include pointers and scales internally. The backup rollers for each work roller are supported on separate backup roller plates enabling the backup rollers for each work roller to removably installed and independently adjusted. The backup rollers may be supported between opposing blocks and adjusted by moving the blocks toward and away from the backup roller plate using leveling jacks. The work rollers associated with the upper bank may be supported between opposing slide blocks that move up and down in slots formed in opposing side plates, with visual indicators to establish a zero position associated with each work roller in the upper bank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Inventors: Bruce R. Grant, Akshai Nakkana, Ervin Lee Brooks
  • Publication number: 20220180278
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, mechanisms (which can, for example, include systems, methods, and media) for harmonizing procurement across distribution networks with heterogeneous product availability are provided. In some embodiments, a method for automatically generating an order guide for a facility associated with an organization is provided, the method comprising: presenting items available in first, second portions of a distribution network; presenting items available via the network; creating a general order guide, and adding a first item thereto; determining that the first item is unavailable and a second item is available in the first portion; identifying substitutes, including the second item, for the first item; generate a facility order guide with items in the first portion based on the general order guide; automatically selecting the second item for the facility order guide; and associating the facility order guide and facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2022
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Inventors: William L. Avery, Jr., James R. Grant, Andrew J. Novotny, Natasha D. Tomasik
  • Patent number: 11282010
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, mechanisms (which can, for example, include systems, methods, and media) for harmonizing procurement across distribution networks with heterogeneous product availability are provided. In some embodiments, a method for automatically generating an order guide for a facility associated with an organization is provided, the method comprising: presenting items available in first, second portions of a distribution network; presenting items available via the network; creating a general order guide, and adding a first item thereto; determining that the first item is unavailable and a second item is available in the first portion; identifying substitutes, including the second item, for the first item; generate a facility order guide with items in the first portion based on the general order guide; automatically selecting the second item for the facility order guide; and associating the facility order guide and facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Direct Supply, Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Avery, Jr., James R. Grant, Andrew J. Novotny, Natasha D. Tomasik
  • Patent number: 11233972
    Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, methods, computer devices, and computer software for providing an asynchronous online viewing party are provided. One embodiment comprises a system for providing an online viewing party. One such system comprises: a server operatively coupled to a database for supporting the online viewing party, the database comprising: content to be asynchronously provided to participants of the online viewing party; and time-based events provided by one or more of the participants, the time-based events associated with the content and linked to corresponding locations in the content; and a user interface configured to interface with the server, the user interface comprising logic configured to display the content and the time-based events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan David Barsook, David Ehlers, Jason R. Grant, Khai T. Tran, David J. Watson, Nicklas Wilson
  • Patent number: 11130165
    Abstract: In a roller-style feed mechanism, a feed roll is opened and closed for the purpose of pilot release using a direct-coupled servo motor as opposed to pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders. The electronically controlled servo motor drives a rotating shaft with eccentric cams that interact with cam followers causing the feed rollers separate for pilot release. The cam followers produce a force sufficient to overcome nip pressure when separating the feed rollers during pilot release. The electronically controlled servo motor is preferably operative to sense the point where the cams contact the cam followers after the upper feed roller is closed on the feed material, and automatically sense resistance to determine where the upper roll begins to lift so as to compensate for different material thicknesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Inventor: Bruce R. Grant
  • Patent number: 10965553
    Abstract: A method for optimizing performance analysis of a plurality of network hosts associated with a communications network includes aggregating captured network performance data including a plurality of captured network performance metrics for a plurality of network flows. Each one of the plurality of network flows is associated with a plurality of network hosts. The aggregated captured network performance data is encoded by employing at least one data modification function. Dimensionality of the encoded captured network performance data is reduced using a neural network model. One or more reduced-dimensional clusters of the encoded captured network performance data are generated. Each of the one or more reduced-dimensional clusters is grouping one or more hosts of the plurality of network hosts based on the captured network performance metrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Arbor Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Mathew Ralph Richardson, Lawrence Bruce Huston, III, R. Grant Reed
  • Publication number: 20200272968
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, mechanisms (which can, for example, include systems, methods, and media) for harmonizing procurement across distribution networks with heterogeneous product availability are provided. In some embodiments, a method for automatically generating an order guide for a facility associated with an organization is provided, the method comprising: presenting items available in first, second portions of a distribution network; presenting items available via the network; creating a general order guide, and adding a first item thereto; determining that the first item is unavailable and a second item is available in the first portion; identifying substitutes, including the second item, for the first item; generate a facility order guide with items in the first portion based on the general order guide; automatically selecting the second item for the facility order guide; and associating the facility order guide and facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Publication date: August 27, 2020
    Inventors: William L. Avery, JR., James R. Grant, Andrew J. Novotny, Natasha D. Tomasik
  • Patent number: 10685308
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, mechanisms (which can, for example, include systems, methods, and media) for harmonizing procurement across distribution networks with heterogeneous product availability are provided. In some embodiments, a method for automatically generating an order guide for a facility associated with an organization is provided, the method comprising: presenting items available in first, second portions of a distribution network; presenting items available via the network; creating a general order guide, and adding a first item thereto; determining that the first item is unavailable and a second item is available in the first portion; identifying substitutes, including the second item, for the first item; generate a facility order guide with items in the first portion based on the general order guide; automatically selecting the second item for the facility order guide; and associating the facility order guide and facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Direct Supply, Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Avery, Jr., James R. Grant, Andrew J. Novotny, Natasha D. Tomasik
  • Publication number: 20200099597
    Abstract: A method for optimizing performance analysis of a plurality of network hosts associated with a communications network includes aggregating captured network performance data including a plurality of captured network performance metrics for a plurality of network flows. Each one of the plurality of network flows is associated with a plurality of network hosts. The aggregated captured network performance data is encoded by employing at least one data modification function. Dimensionality of the encoded captured network performance data is reduced using a neural network model. One or more reduced-dimensional clusters of the encoded captured network performance data are generated. Each of the one or more reduced-dimensional clusters is grouping one or more hosts of the plurality of network hosts based on the captured network performance metrics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Publication date: March 26, 2020
    Applicant: Arbor Networks. Inc.
    Inventors: Mathew Ralph Richardson, Lawrence Bruce Huston, III, R. Grant Reed
  • Publication number: 20200094307
    Abstract: In a roller-style feed mechanism, a feed roll is opened and closed for the purpose of pilot release using a direct-coupled servo motor as opposed to pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders. The electronically controlled servo motor drives a rotating shaft with eccentric cams that interact with cam followers causing the feed rollers separate for pilot release. The cam followers produce a force sufficient to overcome nip pressure when separating the feed rollers during pilot release. The electronically controlled servo motor is preferably operative to sense the point where the cams contact the cam followers after the upper feed roller is closed on the feed material, and automatically sense resistance to determine where the upper roll begins to lift so as to compensate for different material thicknesses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Publication date: March 26, 2020
    Inventor: Bruce R. Grant
  • Patent number: 10569319
    Abstract: A sheet metal straightener uses a direct coupled eccentric drive for improved pilot release. A motor, coupled to an eccentric bearing, causes connecting arms to reciprocate. At least one of the banks of rollers is coupled to a pivot hinge, and the connecting arms are coupled to a pivoting bank of rollers, causing the pivoting bank to index toward the other bank of rollers in an engaged position for material straightening, and to index away from the other bank of rollers in a relaxed position for pilot release. The pivoting roller bank is preferably a top roller bank positioned above the lower bank. The motor rotates 360 degrees to complete a full cycle, from fully engaged at 0/360 to fully relaxed at 180. The width and degree of roller engagement may be variable to account for different materials and thicknesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Inventors: Bruce R. Grant, Akshai Nakkana, Ervin Lee Brooks
  • Patent number: 10566822
    Abstract: Embodiments for providing a movable charging coil are provided. One embodiment includes a console that includes a device receptacle. Embodiments also include a first biased retention finger and a second biased retention finger disposed on the device receptacle, where the first biased retention finger and the second biased retention finger removably secure any of a plurality of differently sized mobile devices. Embodiments may also include a movable charging coil that is disposed within the console, as well as a computing device. The computing device may include logic that, when executed by a processor causes the computing device to determine a type of mobile device received in the device receptacle, and adjust a position of the movable charging coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Cassandra R. Grant, Frankie B. Reed
  • Patent number: 10317909
    Abstract: Provided is a method and device for positioning a vehicle attachment point in a vehicle environment. On retrieving a plurality of object parameters relating to an object, a determination is made for a vehicle distance value relative to the vehicle attachment point in order to accommodate an object distance parameter that was retrieved from the plurality of object parameters. A vehicle environment assessment is then made relating to accommodating the physical characteristics of the object and the vehicle associated with the vehicle attachment point. Based on the assessment, vehicle attachment point positional data may be generated for positioning the vehicle attachment point relative to a vehicle environment based on at least the object distance parameter and the vehicle distance value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Kameron R. Hurst, Jonathan C. Hall, Cassandra R. Grant, Frankie B. Reed
  • Publication number: 20190036369
    Abstract: Embodiments for providing a movable charging coil are provided. One embodiment includes a console that includes a device receptacle. Embodiments also include a first biased retention finger and a second biased retention finger disposed on the device receptacle, where the first biased retention finger and the second biased retention finger removably secure any of a plurality of differently sized mobile devices. Embodiments may also include a movable charging coil that is disposed within the console, as well as a computing device. The computing device may include logic that, when executed by a processor causes the computing device to determine a type of mobile device received in the device receptacle, and adjust a position of the movable charging coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North Ame rica, Inc.
    Inventors: Cassandra R. Grant, Frankie B. Reed
  • Publication number: 20180367759
    Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, methods, computer devices, and computer software for providing an asynchronous online viewing party are provided. One embodiment comprises a system for providing an online viewing party. One such system comprises: a server operatively coupled to a database for supporting the online viewing party, the database comprising: content to be asynchronously provided to participants of the online viewing party; and time-based events provided by one or more of the participants, the time-based events associated with the content and linked to corresponding locations in the content; and a user interface configured to interface with the server, the user interface comprising logic configured to display the content and the time-based events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Jonathan David Barsook, David Ehlers, Jason R. Grant, Khai T. Tran, David J. Watson, Nicklas Wilson
  • Patent number: 10081307
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle assembly component and a personal weather protector device holder having a device entrance opening provided in the vehicle assembly component. The personal weather protector device holder providing a device holding volume that receives a personal weather protector device through the device entrance opening. The device entrance opening includes an enlarged opening portion and a bridge opening portion that intersects the enlarged opening portion. The enlarged opening portion of the device entrance opening having a width that is greater than a width of the bridge opening portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathaniel Secord, Cassandra R. Grant
  • Publication number: 20180185898
    Abstract: Improvements and modifications to coil steel straighteners provide an integrated structural head that allows for quicker setup of the equipment, integrated lower backup rolls to the structural head, self-aligning rollers, setup timing blocks for equipment calibration, and adjustment screw jacks that allow for narrower center distances and include pointers and scales internally. The backup rollers for each work roller are supported on separate backup roller plates enabling the backup rollers for each work roller to removably installed and independently adjusted. The backup rollers may be supported between opposing blocks and adjusted by moving the blocks toward and away from the backup roller plate using leveling jacks. The work rollers associated with the upper bank may be supported between opposing slide blocks that move up and down in slots formed in opposing side plates, with visual indicators to establish a zero position associated with each work roller in the upper bank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Bruce R. Grant, Akshai Nakkana, Ervin Lee Brooks