Patents by Inventor Steven C. Erickson

Steven C. Erickson 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: 11643288
    Abstract: An integrated shipping ramp for multi-package unit loads including a ramp portion configured to guide an upper package down from atop a lower package; and a lower package attachment portion comprising a corner board for insertion into a cavity of the lower package, wherein inserting the corner board into the cavity of the lower package secures the lower package attachment portion to the lower package, wherein in a shipping configuration the ramp portion is integrated with a multi-package unit load comprising the upper package and the lower package, and wherein in a dismounting configuration the ramp portion provides an inclined platform from a top of the lower package to a height below the top of the lower package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tate T. Harnack, Kael B. Eddy, Michael J. Macpherson, Steven C. Erickson
  • Patent number: 11186410
    Abstract: A modular shipping container includes a layer of two side pieces positioned against sides of a component of several components with a same width. The side piece include pegs protruding from a top of each side piece and bottom openings in a bottom of each side piece sized and positioned to conform to the pegs. The container includes one or more end pieces on the same layer as the side pieces. Each end of the end piece is shaped to attach to an end of a side piece and is shaped to maintain a width between the side pieces. A length of an area formed by the side pieces and end pieces is sized to accommodate a maximum length of each component. The components have a height that is an integer number of standard units and a height of the side pieces matches an integral number of the standard units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C Erickson, Ryan Paske, Benjamin Luedeman, Michael J MacPherson, Clinton W Erie
  • Publication number: 20210206263
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle includes a seatbelt sensor configured to detect when a seatbelt is in an engaged position or a disengaged position and an engine control module in communication with the seatbelt sensor to automatically limit a maximum speed of the vehicle to a reduced maximum speed limit upon detection of the seatbelt is in the disengaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Inventors: Karl J. Grajkowski, Amber P. Malone, Eric P. Nault, Steven C. Erickson, Brian R. Gillingham, Ryan D. Carlson
  • Patent number: 10933744
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle includes a seatbelt sensor configured to detect when a seatbelt is in an engaged position or a disengaged position and an engine control module in communication with the seatbelt sensor to automatically limit a maximum speed of the vehicle to a reduced maximum speed limit upon detection of the seatbelt is in the disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Karl J. Grajkowski, Amber P. Malone, Eric P. Nault, Steven C. Erickson, Brian R. Gillingham, Ryan D. Carlson
  • Publication number: 20200140142
    Abstract: A modular shipping container includes a layer of two side pieces positioned against sides of a component of several components with a same width. The side piece include pegs protruding from a top of each side piece and bottom openings in a bottom of each side piece sized and positioned to conform to the pegs. The container includes one or more end pieces on the same layer as the side pieces. Each end of the end piece is shaped to attach to an end of a side piece and is shaped to maintain a width between the side pieces. A length of an area formed by the side pieces and end pieces is sized to accommodate a maximum length of each component. The components have a height that is an integer number of standard units and a height of the side pieces matches an integral number of the standard units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Inventors: Steven C Erickson, Ryan Paske, Benjamin Luedeman, Michael J. MacPherson, Clinton W. Erie
  • Publication number: 20200095076
    Abstract: An integrated shipping ramp for multi-package unit loads including a ramp portion configured to guide an upper package down from atop a lower package; and a lower package attachment portion comprising a corner board for insertion into a cavity of the lower package, wherein inserting the corner board into the cavity of the lower package secures the lower package attachment portion to the lower package, wherein in a shipping configuration the ramp portion is integrated with a multi-package unit load comprising the upper package and the lower package, and wherein in a dismounting configuration the ramp portion provides an inclined platform from a top of the lower package to a height below the top of the lower package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Publication date: March 26, 2020
    Inventors: TATE T. HARNACK, KAEL B. EDDY, MICHAEL J. MACPHERSON, STEVEN C. ERICKSON
  • Patent number: 10169737
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to manufacturing production and provide a novel and non-obvious method, system and computer program product for reuse of cancelled products that are partially manufactured. In one embodiment of the invention, a method for reusing a partially manufactured product during a manufacturing process can be provided. The method can include reading a configuration of the partially manufactured product and reading a set of rules that match a given configuration with one of a set of defined target configurations. The method can further include executing the set of rules upon the configuration of the partially manufactured product so as to match the configuration of the partially manufactured product with a target configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C. Erickson, Ivory W. Knipfer, Jason S. Lee, Fraser A. Syme, Matthew H. Zemke
  • Publication number: 20180361853
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle includes a seatbelt sensor configured to detect when a seatbelt is in an engaged position or a disengaged position and an engine control module in communication with the seatbelt sensor to automatically limit a maximum speed of the vehicle to a reduced maximum speed limit upon detection of the seatbelt is in the disengaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Applicant: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Karl J. Grajkowski, Amber P. Malone, Eric P. Nault, Steven C. Erickson, Brian R. Gillingham, Ryan D. Carlson
  • Patent number: 10086698
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle includes a seatbelt sensor configured to detect when a seatbelt is in an engaged position or a disengaged position and an engine control module in communication with the seatbelt sensor to automatically limit a maximum speed of the vehicle to a reduced maximum speed limit upon detection of the seatbelt is in the disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Karl J. Grajkowski, Amber P. Malone, Eric P. Nault, Steven C. Erickson, Brian R. Gillingham, Ryan D. Carlson
  • Patent number: 9873316
    Abstract: An ATV is disclosed having a frame and a plurality of wheels. A power train is defined by an engine, transmission and front and rear final drives. The engine is mounted to the frame skid plate by way of die cast legs. The transmission may include a CVT, which includes a cooling system to cool the interior of the CVT. The cooling system include a fan positioned on the driven clutch causing a reverse suction air flow, back through the drive clutch, with the air exhausting at the front of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff S. Lovold, Steven C. Erickson, William B. Rodriguez, Jeremy R. Eichenberger, Alan S. Olson
  • Patent number: 9744838
    Abstract: An ATV is disclosed having a frame and a plurality of wheels. A power train is defined by an engine, transmission and front and rear final drives. The engine is mounted to the frame skid plate by way of die cast legs. The transmission may include a CVT, which includes a cooling system to cool the interior of the CVT. The cooling system include a fan positioned on the driven clutch causing a reverse suction air flow, back through the drive clutch, with the air exhausting at the front of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff S. Lovold, Steven C. Erickson, William B. Rodriguez, Jeremy R. Eichenberger, Alan S. Olson
  • Patent number: 9366280
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for retaining accessories to a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Whiting, Steven C. Erickson, David Foss
  • Patent number: 9014827
    Abstract: A method for dynamically altering manufacturing routings to add, remove, or skip operations and combinations of operations within a shop floor control system in real-time to respond to current conditions. One aspect of the present invention is a computer-implemented method for dynamically generating a manufacturing production work flow. One embodiment of this method comprises receiving indication that an assembly has completed a manufacturing operation, the assembly having a work flow and a sampling strategy associated therewith; querying a data source for characteristics of a plurality of previously sampled components; querying a manufacturing floor control system for current production status; and dynamically updating the work flow for the assembly based at least in part on the sampling strategy, characteristics of the plurality of previously sampled components, and the current production status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C. Erickson, Ivory W. Knipfer, Jason S. Lee, Antoine G. Sater, Matthew H. Zemke
  • Publication number: 20150096819
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle includes a seatbelt sensor configured to detect when a seatbelt is in an engaged position or a disengaged position and an engine control module in communication with the seatbelt sensor to automatically limit a maximum speed of the vehicle to a reduced maximum speed limit upon detection of the seatbelt is in the disengaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Karl J. Grajkowski, Amber P. Malone, Eric P. Nault, Steven C. Erickson, Brian R. Gillingham, Ryan D. Carlson
  • Patent number: 8948926
    Abstract: A system is provided which is capable of controlling one or more parameters of a vehicle, such as vehicle speed or engine RPM. The system involves communication between a transmitter and a controller. The transmitter has memory containing information that corresponds to a vehicle parameter setting. The information is operatively transmitted from the transmitter to the controller. Once the controller receives the information, the vehicle parameter setting is identified by the controller. When the setting is identified, the controller may adjust at least one mechanism on the vehicle so as modify the vehicle parameter accordingly. One scenario in which the parameter modification is generally provided is if the controller determines that the vehicle parameter is exceeding the identified setting, which corresponds to the vehicle being operated at a level higher than that intended for the vehicle operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Steven C. Erickson
  • Publication number: 20140363222
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for retaining accessories to a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Michael J. Whiting, Steven C. Erickson, David Foss
  • Publication number: 20140262584
    Abstract: An ATV is disclosed having a frame and a plurality of wheels. A power train is defined by an engine, transmission and front and rear final drives. The engine is mounted to the frame skid plate by way of die cast legs. The transmission may include a CVT, which includes a cooling system to cool the interior of the CVT. The cooling system include a fan positioned on the driven clutch causing a reverse suction air flow, back through the drive clutch, with the air exhausting at the front of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff S. Lovold, Steven C. Erickson, William B. Rodriguez, Jeremy R. Eichenberger, Alan S. Olson
  • Patent number: 8812336
    Abstract: A system for generating a work unit test ahead candidate list. A list is generated of all potential candidate systems for test ahead operations. A system in the potential candidate list is selected. It is determined whether any work unit in the selected system is waiting for short parts. Determining that no work unit in the selected system is waiting for short parts, a complexity score is calculated for each work unit in the selected system. The calculated complexity scores are added to a total system complexity score. It is then determined whether an override exists for a work unit in the selected system. Determining that an override does exist, the selected system is removed from the potential candidate list. A candidate list is generated from remaining systems in the potential candidate list. Then, the candidate list is outputted to provide recommendations for optimizing work unit test ahead operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C. Erickson, Ivory Wellman Knipfer, Fraser Allan Syme
  • Patent number: 8779903
    Abstract: Data associated with supply chain events for a manufactured assembly is automatically stored. In preferred embodiments the supply chain events for the manufactured assembly are stored on an RFID tag attached to the assembly as it travels through the supply chain to insure the data concerning the assembly is readily available and not separated from the assembly. In other embodiments, the supply chain events or characteristic data is stored on the RFID tag in a hierarchical structure beginning with the original state of the assembly and with additional entries for each step in the assembly process. In other embodiments, as the product undergoes rework, conversion to a different assembly, or personalizations, the new state of the assembly is stored in the RFID tag. In other preferred embodiments, other information is also stored on the RFID tag such as country of origin, failure data, cycle times and a quality status indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C. Erickson, Ivory W. Knipfer, Jeffrey G. Komatsu, Fraser A. Syme
  • Patent number: 8650506
    Abstract: A method, system and computer-usable medium for generating a manufacturing-usable easily modifiable product order document is presented. An object collection of objects that describe features of components of a product is created. A view database that describes a logical relationship among components in the object collection is also created. A single document that includes the object collection and the view database is then generated. This single document can be updated according to technical requirements for a product being manufactured according to a product description created from the single document.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C. Erickson, Barry A. Kritt, Thomas S. Mazzeo, Kenneth W. Roberson, William R. Taylor