Patents by Inventor William A. Kirk

William A. Kirk 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: 11025827
    Abstract: Digital image capture session and metadata association techniques are described. In one example, a user input is received to initiate an image capture session. At least one digital image is captured using a digital camera during the image capture session. Audio input data is also collected using an audio input device during the image capture session and is converted into text data, e.g., speech-to-text. Metadata is generated based on the text data and associated with the at least one digital image. The at least one digital image is output as having the associated metadata as completion of the image capture session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Reino Timonen, William Kirk Brohman, Jonathan David Chard, Erin Courtney Miller
  • Patent number: 10974653
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle with a storage compartment has a cabin, a set of rear wheels located behind the cabin, a cargo space, and a closable integrated storage compartment located adjacent to the cabin, rearward of a rear-most seat of the automotive vehicle, and forward of the set of rear wheels. At least a portion of the storage compartment is positioned forward of a forward wall of the cargo space. The storage compartment has at least one sidewall enclosing an interior portion of the storage compartment and extending from a first side panel at a first side of the automotive vehicle toward a second side of the automotive vehicle, a first opening to the storage compartment at the first side of the automotive vehicle, and a first door at the first opening. The first door has a first step member with a horizontal step surface when open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Scaringe, Mason Verbridge, Jared Odle, Brian Gase, William Kirk Robinson
  • Publication number: 20210053497
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle with a storage compartment has a cabin, a set of rear wheels located behind the cabin, a cargo space, and a closable integrated storage compartment located adjacent to the cabin, rearward of a rear-most seat of the automotive vehicle, and forward of the set of rear wheels. At least a portion of the storage compartment is positioned forward of a forward wall of the cargo space. The storage compartment has at least one sidewall enclosing an interior portion of the storage compartment and extending from a first side panel at a first side of the automotive vehicle toward a second side of the automotive vehicle, a first opening to the storage compartment at the first side of the automotive vehicle, and a first door at the first opening. The first door has a first step member with a horizontal step surface when open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Inventors: Robert J. Scaringe, Mason Verbridge, Jared Odle, Brian Gase, William Kirk Robinson
  • Patent number: 10888801
    Abstract: A separation tank for separating a contaminant from a multiple-phase fluid stream has a vessel formed by a top wall, a bottom wall, and a sidewall. The vessel has a plurality of nested and fluidly connected chambers therein. A fluid inlet is in fluid communication with the outermost chamber of the vessel for introducing the multiple-phase fluid stream thereinto. A fluid outlet is in fluid communication with the innermost chamber of the vessel for discharging a contaminant-removed fluid stream out of the vessel. At least one chamber of the vessel has one or more gas inlets at a lower portion thereof for injecting gas bubbles into the chamber for facilitating contaminant removal. In operation, the fluid stream travels from the fluid inlet through the plurality of chambers to the fluid outlet along an elongated helical spiral flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Inventors: Todd William Kirk, Daniel Clifford Whitney
  • Patent number: 10800466
    Abstract: A dual motion tailgate is configured to undergo two distinct motions, each with advantages depending on circumstances. The tailgate can undergo a rotation (i.e., drop) motion as well as a swing down motion via one or more linkages and corresponding latches. The swing down motion allows closer access to the bed, and the tailgate extends less far from the rear of the vehicle as compared to the drop motion. Latches constrain one or more motions of the tailgate, allowing a desired motion of the tailgate. The motions may be manually controlled, or actuator controlled. When automatically controlled, a control system manages one or more latches and actuators to allow a desired motion of the tailgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: William Kirk Robinson, Sheetanshu Tyagi
  • Patent number: 10790069
    Abstract: A radiography camera system includes an exposure container made from radiation shielding material and having a curved channel therein that terminates inside the exposure container, a first conduit portion having a first end coupled to the exposure container, a switch coupled to a second end the first conduit portion, a second conduit portion having a first end coupled to the switch, a guide tube coupled to the switch, a crank coupled to a second end of the second conduit portion, and a cable disposed in the crank and having a connector for a source assembly on an end thereof, the cable actuating the switch to cause the cable to feed through one of: the first conduit portion or the guide tube when the crank unwinds the cable. The exposure container may be made from depleted uranium, tungsten, and/or lead. The curved channel may be J-shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: SOURCE PRODUCTION & EQUIPMENT CO., INC.
    Inventors: Richard Donald Dicharry, William Kirk Miller, Jr., Steven Andrew Johnson
  • Publication number: 20200148283
    Abstract: A tailgate assembly of a vehicle includes a tailgate configured to provide a boundary of a cargo area, and a hinge assembly coupled to the tailgate and coupled to the vehicle. The hinge assembly is configured to control a trajectory of the tailgate. The tailgate is configured to achieve a vertical closed position, a horizontal open position, and a vertical open position rotated about 180° from the first position. The hinge assembly includes a hinge arm coupled to the vehicle at a first hinge and coupled to the tailgate at a second hinge. In some embodiments, a cable assembly is used to control the position of the tailgate. In the vertical closed position, the cable end is not engaged. In the horizontal open position, the cable end is engaged. In the vertical open position rotated about 180° from the closed position, the cable end is not engaged or under tension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: William Kirk Robinson, Sheetanshu Tyagi, Mark Vinnels
  • Publication number: 20200148282
    Abstract: A dual motion tailgate is configured to undergo two distinct motions, each with advantages depending on circumstances. The tailgate can undergo a rotation (i.e., drop) motion as well as a swing down motion via one or more linkages and corresponding latches. The swing down motion allows closer access to the bed, and the tailgate extends less far from the rear of the vehicle as compared to the drop motion. Latches constrain one or more motions of the tailgate, allowing a desired motion of the tailgate. The motions may be manually controlled, or actuator controlled. When automatically controlled, a control system manages one or more latches and actuators to allow a desired motion of the tailgate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: William Kirk Robinson, Sheetanshu Tyagi
  • Publication number: 20200062185
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle with a storage compartment has a cabin, a set of rear wheels located behind the cabin, a cargo space, and a closable integrated storage compartment located adjacent to the cabin, rearward of a rear-most seat of the automotive vehicle, and forward of the set of rear wheels. At least a portion of the storage compartment is positioned forward of a forward wall of the cargo space. The storage compartment has at least one sidewall enclosing an interior portion of the storage compartment and extending from a first side panel at a first side of the automotive vehicle toward a second side of the automotive vehicle, a first opening to the storage compartment at the first side of the automotive vehicle, and a first door at the first opening. The first door has a first step member with a horizontal step surface when open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Inventors: Robert J. Scaringe, Mason Verbridge, Jared Odle, Brian Gase, William Kirk Robinson
  • Patent number: 10569812
    Abstract: A swing and drop tailgate is configured to undergo two distinct motions, each with advantages depending on circumstances. The swing and drop tailgate can undergo a rotation motion about a hinge, as well as a swing down motion via a linkage. The swing down motion allows closer access to the bed, and extends less far from the rear of the vehicle as compared to the drop motion. The motions may be manually controlled, or actuator controlled. One or more latches may constrain motion, or prevent, of the tailgate. A tailgate assembly may include a post assembly and a tailgate, that may move together as a rigid body when dropping, or move relative to one another when swinging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Sheetanshu Tyagi, Dwight Brooks, Brian Gase, William Kirk Robinson, Larry Parker
  • Publication number: 20190375467
    Abstract: A swing and drop tailgate is configured to undergo two distinct motions, each with advantages depending on circumstances. The swing and drop tailgate can undergo a rotation motion about a hinge, as well as a swing down motion via a linkage. The swing down motion allows closer access to the bed, and extends less far from the rear of the vehicle as compared to the drop motion. The motions may be manually controlled, or actuator controlled. One or more latches may constrain motion, or prevent, of the tailgate. A tailgate assembly may include a post assembly and a tailgate, that may move together as a rigid body when dropping, or move relative to one another when swinging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Publication date: December 12, 2019
    Inventors: Sheetanshu Tyagi, Dwight Brooks, Brian Gase, William Kirk Robinson, Larry Parker
  • Publication number: 20190281228
    Abstract: Digital image capture session and metadata association techniques are described. In one example, a user input is received to initiate an image capture session. At least one digital image is captured using a digital camera during the image capture session. Audio input data is also collected using an audio input device during the image capture session and is converted into text data, e.g., speech-to-text. Metadata is generated based on the text data and associated with the at least one digital image. The at least one digital image is output as having the associated metadata as completion of the image capture session.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Publication date: September 12, 2019
    Applicant: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Reino Timonen, William Kirk Brohman, Jonathan David Chard, Erin Courtney Miller
  • Publication number: 20190267146
    Abstract: A radiography camera system includes an exposure container made from radiation shielding material and having a curved channel therein that terminates inside the exposure container, a first conduit portion having a first end coupled to the exposure container, a switch coupled to a second end the first conduit portion, a second conduit portion having a first end coupled to the switch, a guide tube coupled to the switch, a crank coupled to a second end of the second conduit portion, and a cable disposed in the crank and having a connector for a source assembly on an end thereof, the cable actuating the switch to cause the cable to feed through one of: the first conduit portion or the guide tube when the crank unwinds the cable. The exposure container may be made from depleted uranium, tungsten, and/or lead. The curved channel may be J-shaped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Applicant: SOURCE PRODUCTION & EQUIPMENT CO., INC.
    Inventors: Richard Donald Dicharry, William Kirk Miller, Steven Andrew Johnson
  • Patent number: 10377641
    Abstract: A gas flotation tank is provided that includes a series of adjacent chambers which impart a rotational current therein. Each chamber is separated from a skim oil trough by a skimming weir. Each chamber comprises an alternating fluid communication device between adjacent chambers allowing fluid communication between adjacent chambers in the form of a communication port in the dividing wall between adjacent chambers and a chamber outlet in conjunction with a perforated plate and the outlet is positioned in fluid communication with the final chamber. An optional coalescing media may be positioned in or proximate the communication port to absorb or coalesce contaminants as they pass therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Exterran Water Solutions ULC
    Inventors: Todd William Kirk, Daniel Clifford Whitney, Douglas Walker Lee
  • Patent number: 10376818
    Abstract: A nozzle is disclosed for use within a filter for inputting a jetting stream into the filter media to clean the filter media. The nozzle comprises an inlet for communication with a jetting stream source, and a plurality of plates stacked parallel and abutting one another. The plurality of plates comprises at least a top plate and a bottom plate, one of the plates having an aperture through the center thereof for receiving the jetting stream, wherein between adjacent plates at least one space is provided extending from the outside edge of the plates to the interior of plates and in fluid communication with the aperture for channeling the jetting stream radially outward from and substantially parallel with the longitudinal plane of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: EXTERRAN WATER SOLUTIONS ULC
    Inventors: Todd William Kirk, Daniel Clifford Whitney, Douglas Walker Lee
  • Patent number: 10362233
    Abstract: Digital image capture session and metadata association techniques are described. In one example, a user input is received to initiate an image capture session. At least one digital image is captured using a digital camera during the image capture session. Audio input data is also collected using an audio input device during the image capture session and converted into text data, e.g., speech-to-text. Metadata is generated based on the text data and associated with the at least one digital image. The at least one digital image is output as having the associated metadata as completion of the image capture session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Reino Timonen, William Kirk Brohman, Jonathan David Chard, Erin Courtney Miller
  • Publication number: 20190091607
    Abstract: A separation tank for separating a contaminant from a multiple-phase fluid stream has a vessel formed by a top wall, a bottom wall, and a sidewall. The vessel has a plurality of nested and fluidly connected chambers therein. A fluid inlet is in fluid communication with the outermost chamber of the vessel for introducing the multiple-phase fluid stream thereinto. A fluid outlet is in fluid communication with the innermost chamber of the vessel for discharging a contaminant-removed fluid stream out of the vessel. At least one chamber of the vessel has one or more gas inlets at a lower portion thereof for injecting gas bubbles into the chamber for facilitating contaminant removal. In operation, the fluid stream travels from the fluid inlet through the plurality of chambers to the fluid outlet along an elongated helical spiral flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Todd William KIRK, Daniel Clifford WHITNEY
  • Patent number: 10240997
    Abstract: An assembly to detect fluid leaks is provided herein. For example, the assembly includes a plug, a gasket, and a sensor member. The plug is connected to a first electronic module. The gasket surrounds the plug to provide a fluid-tight seal around the plug. The sensor member is connected to the gasket to detect fluid loss that exceeds a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT LP
    Inventors: John Franz, Tahir Cader, William Kirk Norton
  • Publication number: 20190080494
    Abstract: Digital image capture session and metadata association techniques are described. In one example, a user input is received to initiate an image capture session. At least one digital image is captured using a digital camera during the image capture session. Audio input data is also collected using an audio input device during the image capture session. and converted into text data, e.g., speech-to-text. Metadata is generated based on the text data and associated with the at least one digital image. The at least one digital image is output as having the associated metadata as completion of the image capture session.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Publication date: March 14, 2019
    Applicant: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Reino Timonen, William Kirk Brohman, Jonathan David Chard, Erin Courtney Miller
  • Publication number: 20180127288
    Abstract: A gas flotation tank is provided that includes a series of adjacent chambers which impart a rotational current therein. Each chamber is separated from a skim oil trough by a skimming weir. Each chamber comprises an alternating fluid communication device between adjacent chambers allowing fluid communication between adjacent chambers in the form of a communication port in the dividing wall between adjacent chambers and a chamber outlet in conjunction with a perforated plate and the outlet is positioned in fluid communication with the final chamber. An optional coalescing media may be positioned in or proximate the communication port to absorb or coalesce contaminants as they pass therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Todd William KIRK, Daniel Clifford WHITNEY, Douglas Walker LEE