Patents by Inventor Eric A. Bowman

Eric A. Bowman 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: 20210339438
    Abstract: A press apparatus for forming molded products is provided and includes an motive source and a press assembly in fluid communication with the motive source. The press assembly includes a press plate and a device configured to actuate axial movement of the press plate as initiated by the motive source. A mold base is positioned within the press assembly and configured for engagement with the press plate. The mold base includes a plurality of mold cavities and each of the mold cavities includes a mold cavity aperture. Each of the mold cavity apertures is arranged in a pattern and configured to provide access to a molded product positioned in a mold cavity. A release assembly is configured for engagement with the mold base and has a plurality of release fingers, each extending from a base plate. The plurality of release fingers is arranged in a pattern that aligns with the pattern of the mold cavity apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Derek Hodges, Eric Bowman
  • Publication number: 20210323203
    Abstract: A press apparatus for forming molded products is provided and includes a motive source and a press assembly in fluid communication with the motive source. The press assembly includes a press plate and a device configured to actuate axial movement of the press plate. A mold base is positioned within the press assembly and configured for engagement with the press plate. The mold base includes a plurality of mold cavities and each of the mold cavities includes a mold cavity aperture. Each of the mold cavity apertures is arranged in a pattern and configured to provide access to a molded product positioned in a mold cavity. A release assembly is configured for engagement with the mold base and has a plurality of release fingers, each extending from a base plate. The plurality of release fingers is arranged in a pattern that aligns with the pattern of the mold cavity apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: Derek Hodges, Eric Bowman
  • Patent number: 10967715
    Abstract: An integrated window regulator carrier for a door of a vehicle comprising: a side; a vertical channel recessed into the side, with a first channel wall and a second channel wall defining lateral edges of the vertical channel; a first receiver disposed to a first side of the vertical channel, and projecting outward from the side; and a second receiver disposed to a second side of the vertical channel and projecting outward from the side, and opposing the first receiver. Each of the first receiver and the second receiver comprises: a bottom retaining surface; a first retaining surface extending at least approximately orthogonally upward from the bottom retaining surface; and a second retaining surface opposing the first retaining surface, the second retaining surface extending at least approximately orthogonally upward from the bottom retaining surface. Each of the first receiver and the second receiver can include a snap-fit receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Eric Bowman
  • Patent number: 10706020
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for sharing CAx data includes receiving CAx data in a first CAx format from a first client, storing the CAx data in a plurality of alternate formats, receiving a request for the CAx data from a second client, providing the CAx data to the second client using at least one alternate format of the plurality of alternate formats responsive to receiving the request for the CAx data from the second client. An apparatus and system corresponding to the above method is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Kelly Eric Bowman, Charles Greg Jensen, Joshua Coburn, Dan Staves, M. Scott Christensen, Bryce DeFigueiredo, Robert Freeman
  • Patent number: 10657219
    Abstract: A method, executed by at least one processor, may include executing a first CAx application configured to enable a first user to edit a first 3D proprietary model comprising a plurality of features for a part that is to be manufactured, wherein the first 3D proprietary model is encoded in a first CAx format. The method may also include, executing a synchronization plugin module for the first CAx application and detecting, with the synchronization plugin module, a request by the first user to generate a first 2D manufacturing drawing and model corresponding to a selected view of the part that is to be manufactured. The method may also include initiating generation of a 2D collaborative model corresponding to the first 2D manufacturing model and initiating storage of the 2D collaborative model on a collaborative data store. A corresponding system and computer readable medium are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Brigham Young University
    Inventors: Kelly Eric Bowman, Spencer Carter, Scott Jackson, Jessica Collyer, Scott Christensen, Abigail Christensen, Joanna Hugo, Jacob Wardell
  • Patent number: 10621288
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for an interoperable hierarchical model for conducting multiuser CAx OPERATIONS may include (1) storing a model of an engineering object in a plurality of data nodes that are interconnected with a plurality of dependency references that specify one or more parent nodes for each non-root node of the plurality of data nodes, the plurality of data nodes and the plurality of dependency references corresponding to a directed acyclic graph, (2) indicating an operational order for each data node that has a common parent, and (3) executing in the indicated operational order a CAx-related function for each data node. Various other methods and systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: BRIGHAM YOUNG UNVERSITY
    Inventors: Kelly Eric Bowman, Joshua Coburn, Charles Greg Jensen
  • Patent number: 10614180
    Abstract: A system for concurrent CAx workflow includes a collaborative server that manages a model of an engineering object, the model comprising at least design data and analysis data corresponding to the design data, a design client for editing of the design data by a design user, an analysis client for editing of the analysis data by an analysis user concurrent with editing of the design data by the design user; and wherein the collaborative server and the analysis client are collectively configured (i.e., one or both are configured) to enable the analysis user to edit the analysis data, view a plurality of geometric elements within the design data, and create a reference within the analysis data to a selected geometric element of the plurality of geometric elements within the design data. A corresponding apparatus, method, and computer-readable medium are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Brigham Young University
    Inventors: Kelly Eric Bowman, Timothy A. Bright, Charles Gregory Jensen, Ammon Hepworth, Jared Calvin Briggs, Walter Edward Red, Joshua Coburn, Brett Stone
  • Publication number: 20200001689
    Abstract: An integrated window regulator carrier for a door of a vehicle comprising: a side; a vertical channel recessed into the side, with a first channel wall and a second channel wall defining lateral edges of the vertical channel; a first receiver disposed to a first side of the vertical channel, and projecting outward from the side; and a second receiver disposed to a second side of the vertical channel and projecting outward from the side, and opposing the first receiver. Each of the first receiver and the second receiver comprises: a bottom retaining surface; a first retaining surface extending at least approximately orthogonally upward from the bottom retaining surface; and a second retaining surface opposing the first retaining surface, the second retaining surface extending at least approximately orthogonally upward from the bottom retaining surface. Each of the first receiver and the second receiver can include a snap-fit receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Eric Bowman
  • Patent number: 10486510
    Abstract: A vehicle passenger door comprises: (a) an interior door trim panel; (b) a bracket connected to the interior door trim panel comprising: an elongated middle portion; a first end portion; and a second end portion opposite the first end portion; wherein both the first and second end portions have a first width at a first point and a second width wider than the first width at a second point parallel to the first width, the first point being closer to the elongated middle portion than the second point; and (c) an integrated window regulator carrier comprising: a vertical channel recessed into an interior facing side; a first receiver receiving the first end portion of the bracket disposed at a first side of the vertical channel; and a second receiver, opposing the first receiver, receiving the second end portion of the bracket at a second side of the vertical channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Eric Bowman
  • Patent number: 10437239
    Abstract: A method for multi-user CAx editing includes monitoring an operational state of a processor of a first CAx client, receiving, at a communication filter of the first CAx client, a first remote operation to be executed by the first CAx client in a CAx environment, populating the first remote operation to a queue formed in a memory structure in response to a determination that the operational state of the processor of the first CAx client is executing a local operation when the first remote operation is received, and executing the first remote operation in the CAx environment on the first CAx client in response to a determination that the operational state of the processor of the first CAx client is idle. A computer program product such as a computer readable medium and a computer system corresponding to the above method are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Brigham Young University
    Inventors: K Eric Bowman, Joshua Coburn, C. Greg Jensen
  • Patent number: 10430432
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, and program product are disclosed for collaborative product lifecycle management. One apparatus includes a data processing module that receives product lifecycle management (“PLM”) data from multiple client applications in a collaborative environment. The PLM data may be in a client specific format. The apparatus includes a subscription module that receives one or more subscription requests from each client application. Moreover, the apparatus includes a conversion module that converts the PLM data from the client specific format to a generic format. The apparatus includes a storage module that stores the generic format of the PLM data. The conversion module may convert subscription data from the generic format to the client specific format. The subscription data may correspond to the PLM data stored in the generic format. The subscription module may provide the subscription data to the multiple client applications based on the one or more subscription requests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Brigham Young University
    Inventors: Kelly Eric Bowman, Joshua Coburn, Ammon Hepworth, Charles Gregory Jensen, Jordan Johnson
  • Publication number: 20190294736
    Abstract: A computer includes a memory and a processor programmed to execute instructions stored in the memory. The instructions include triangulating a plurality of holes in a speaker grill and generating a Voronoi-based rib pattern as a result of triangulating the plurality of holes. Each line of the Voronoi-based rib pattern is centered between at least two of the plurality of holes within a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Applicant: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Eric Bowman
  • Publication number: 20190255920
    Abstract: A vehicle passenger door comprises: (a) an interior door trim panel; (b) a bracket connected to the interior door trim panel comprising: an elongated middle portion; a first end portion; and a second end portion opposite the first end portion; wherein both the first and second end portions have a first width at a first point and a second width wider than the first width at a second point parallel to the first width, the first point being closer to the elongated middle portion than the second point; and (c) an integrated window regulator carrier comprising: a vertical channel recessed into an interior facing side; a first receiver receiving the first end portion of the bracket disposed at a first side of the vertical channel; and a second receiver, opposing the first receiver, receiving the second end portion of the bracket at a second side of the vertical channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Eric Bowman
  • Patent number: 10350973
    Abstract: A vehicle passenger door comprises: (a) an interior door trim panel; (b) a bracket connected to the interior door trim panel comprising: an elongated middle portion; a first end portion; and a second end portion opposite the first end portion; wherein both the first and second end portions have a first width at a first point and a second width wider than the first width at a second point parallel to the first width, the first point being closer to the elongated middle portion than the second point; and (c) an integrated window regulator carrier comprising: a vertical channel recessed into an interior facing side; a first receiver receiving the first end portion of the bracket disposed at a first side of the vertical channel; and a second receiver, opposing the first receiver, receiving the second end portion of the bracket at a second side of the vertical channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Eric Bowman
  • Publication number: 20190145446
    Abstract: A retention system for temporarily joining vehicle elements to one another includes a first vehicle element integral meshing surface and a second vehicle element integral cooperating meshing surface. The first vehicle element integral meshing surface and the second vehicle element integral cooperating meshing surface are adapted to engage one another to at least temporarily prevent separation of the first vehicle element from the second vehicle element. The integral meshing surface and integral cooperating meshing surface may each be defined by meshing tooth structures. The plurality of meshing tooth structures may be disposed in an aligned configuration. The system finds use in joining vehicle elements such as wrapped armrest trim pieces and armrests during vehicle assembly. Methods for temporarily joining vehicle elements using the described retention system are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventor: Eric Bowman
  • Patent number: 10278381
    Abstract: A mounting frame for bird spike strips is an apparatus that is used to support a set of bird spike strips upon a billboard, sign, stand, or other structure upon which various birds would otherwise rest. The apparatus includes a first mounting rail, a second mounting rail, a first support bracket, a second support bracket, a spike attachment mechanism, and an anchoring mechanism. The first mounting rail and the second mounting rail are utilized to provide a stable mounting surface for bird spike strips. The first support bracket and the second support bracket enable connection of the first mounting rail and the second mounting rail to a billboard, sign, stand, or other structure. The spike attachment mechanism ensures that the previous problem of the traditional adhesive on bird spike strips fading or providing insufficient connection to billboards, signs, stands, or other structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Inventor: Matthew Eric Bowman
  • Publication number: 20190016199
    Abstract: A vehicle passenger door comprises: (a) an interior door trim panel; (b) a bracket connected to the interior door trim panel comprising: an elongated middle portion; a first end portion; and a second end portion opposite the first end portion; wherein both the first and second end portions have a first width at a first point and a second width wider than the first width at a second point parallel to the first width, the first point being closer to the elongated middle portion than the second point; and (c) an integrated window regulator carrier comprising: a vertical channel recessed into an interior facing side; a first receiver receiving the first end portion of the bracket disposed at a first side of the vertical channel; and a second receiver, opposing the first receiver, receiving the second end portion of the bracket at a second side of the vertical channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventor: Eric Bowman
  • Publication number: 20180368390
    Abstract: A mounting frame for bird spike strips is an apparatus that is used to support a set of bird spike strips upon a billboard, sign, stand, or other structure upon which various birds would otherwise rest. The apparatus includes a first mounting rail, a second mounting rail, a first support bracket, a second support bracket, a spike attachment mechanism, and an anchoring mechanism. The first mounting rail and the second mounting rail are utilized to provide a stable mounting surface for bird spike strips. The first support bracket and the second support bracket enable connection of the first mounting rail and the second mounting rail to a billboard, sign, stand, or other structure. The spike attachment mechanism ensures that the previous problem of the traditional adhesive on bird spike strips fading or providing insufficient connection to billboards, signs, stands, or other structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Inventor: Matthew Eric Bowman
  • Publication number: 20180307794
    Abstract: A method, executed by at least one processor, may include executing a first CAx application configured to enable a first user to edit a first 3D proprietary model comprising a plurality of features for a part that is to be manufactured, wherein the first 3D proprietary model is encoded in a first CAx format. The method may also include, executing a synchronization plugin module for the first CAx application and detecting, with the synchronization plugin module, a request by the first user to generate a first 2D manufacturing drawing and model corresponding to a selected view of the part that is to be manufactured. The method may also include initiating generation of a 2D collaborative model corresponding to the first 2D manufacturing model and initiating storage of the 2D collaborative model on a collaborative data store. A corresponding system and computer readable medium are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Kelly Eric Bowman, Spencer Carter, Scott Jackson, Jessica Collyer, Scott Christensen, Abigail Christensen, Joanna Hugo, Jacob Wardell
  • Patent number: 10095812
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for providing CAx data may include (1) storing a model of an engineering object as a group of nodes including one or more feature nodes, (2) associating a corresponding transaction history with each feature node, the transaction history indicating one or more states for a feature over time, and (3) determining a state of a selected feature node at a selected point in time by accessing the corresponding transaction history of the selected feature node. Various other methods and systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Brigham Young University
    Inventors: Robert Freeman, Kelly Eric Bowman, Charles Greg Jensen, Daniel Staves, Joshua Q. Coburn