Patents by Inventor Eric A. Stegner

Eric A. Stegner 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: 10289098
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments for a dynamic footwear cushioning system. One example embodiment includes: setting a cushioning level for cushioning material in accordance with a first setting; and altering, in dependence upon an environmental condition change, the cushioning level for the cushioning material in accordance with a second setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Steven J. Livaccari, William M. Megarity, Eric A. Stegner, Robert W. Stegner
  • Patent number: 9910593
    Abstract: An array can include a controller and multiple storage devices of a first type. When a storage device of the first type is replaced by a replacement storage device of a second type, and other storage devices of the first type remain in the array, the controller instructs the replacement storage device to configure itself as a storage device of the first type. When the last storage device of the first type in the array is replaced by a replacement storage device of the second type, the controller instructs all the storage devices of the array to configure themselves as storage devices of the second type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Pamela C. Durham, Eric A. Stegner, Julian Sia Kai Tan, Eric W. Townsend
  • Publication number: 20170336781
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments for a dynamic footwear cushioning system. One example embodiment includes: setting a cushioning level for cushioning material in accordance with a first setting; and altering, in dependence upon an environmental condition change, the cushioning level for the cushioning material in accordance with a second setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: STEVEN J. LIVACCARI, WILLIAM M. MEGARITY, ERIC A. STEGNER, ROBERT W. STEGNER
  • Patent number: 9619145
    Abstract: An array can include a controller and multiple storage devices of a first type. When a storage device of the first type is replaced by a replacement storage device of a second type, and other storage devices of the first type remain in the array, the controller instructs the replacement storage device to configure itself as a storage device of the first type. When the last storage device of the first type in the array is replaced by a replacement storage device of the second type, the controller instructs all the storage devices of the array to configure themselves as storage devices of the second type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Pamela C. Durham, Henry Pesulima, Eric A. Stegner, Julian Sia Kai Tan, Eric W. Townsend
  • Patent number: 9501766
    Abstract: A method for generating a storage drive qualification test plan includes receiving input values for a plurality of variables for a qualification test of a storage drive model. Each variable has a drive requirement weight and/or a testing schedule weight. The method includes determining a plurality of weighted drive requirement values by adjusting each input value having a corresponding drive requirement weight by the corresponding drive requirement weight and determining a plurality of weighted testing schedule values by adjusting each input value having a corresponding testing schedule weight by the corresponding testing schedule weight. The method also includes determining a storage drive requirement by increasing or decreasing a baseline storage drive requirement according to the weighted drive requirement values. The method includes determining a testing schedule by increasing or decreasing a baseline testing schedule according to the weighted testing schedule values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric T. Gamble, Steve J. Livaccari, Henry Pesulima, John A Poetzinger, Timothy Landell, Eric A. Stegner
  • Patent number: 9423001
    Abstract: An isolation system for a transportation pallet, a transportation pallet, and a method of providing an isolation system are provided. The isolation system comprises a plunger assembly comprising a graduated surface area having a first end with a relatively smaller surface area than a second end having a relatively larger surface area. The isolation system further comprises a cushion pad coupled to the plunger assembly such that when a load is applied to the plunger assembly, the plunger assembly is pressed into the cushion pad to cause the cushion pad to bear the load over a surface area of the plunger assembly corresponding to the magnitude of the load. When the load is increased, a larger surface area of the plunger assembly and the cushion pad supports the load and as the load decreases, a smaller surface area of the plunger assembly and cushion pad supports the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kenton C. Green, William J. Green, Michael D. O'Connell, Eric A. Stegner, Robert W. Stegner
  • Patent number: 9291234
    Abstract: An isolation system for a transportation pallet, a transportation pallet, and a method of providing an isolation system are provided. The isolation system comprises a plunger assembly comprising a graduated surface area having a first end with a relatively smaller surface area than a second end having a relatively larger surface area. The isolation system further comprises a cushion pad coupled to the plunger assembly such that when a load is applied to the plunger assembly, the plunger assembly is pressed into the cushion pad to cause the cushion pad to bear the load over a surface area of the plunger assembly corresponding to the magnitude of the load. When the load is increased, a larger surface area of the plunger assembly and the cushion pad supports the load and as the load decreases, a smaller surface area of the plunger assembly and cushion pad supports the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kenton C. Green, William J. Green, Michael D. O'Connell, Eric A. Stegner, Robert W. Stegner
  • Publication number: 20160059989
    Abstract: An isolation system for a transportation pallet, a transportation pallet, and a method of providing an isolation system are provided. The isolation system comprises a plunger assembly comprising a graduated surface area having a first end with a relatively smaller surface area than a second end having a relatively larger surface area. The isolation system further comprises a cushion pad coupled to the plunger assembly such that when a load is applied to the plunger assembly, the plunger assembly is pressed into the cushion pad to cause the cushion pad to bear the load over a surface area of the plunger assembly corresponding to the magnitude of the load. When the load is increased, a larger surface area of the plunger assembly and the cushion pad supports the load and as the load decreases, a smaller surface area of the plunger assembly and cushion pad supports the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Kenton C. Green, William J. Green, Michael D. O'Connell, Eric A. Stegner, Robert W. Stegner
  • Publication number: 20160061285
    Abstract: An isolation system for a transportation pallet, a transportation pallet, and a method of providing an isolation system are provided. The isolation system comprises a plunger assembly comprising a graduated surface area having a first end with a relatively smaller surface area than a second end having a relatively larger surface area. The isolation system further comprises a cushion pad coupled to the plunger assembly such that when a load is applied to the plunger assembly, the plunger assembly is pressed into the cushion pad to cause the cushion pad to bear the load over a surface area of the plunger assembly corresponding to the magnitude of the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Kenton C. Green, William J. Green, Michael D. O'Connell, Eric A. Stegner, Robert W. Stegner
  • Publication number: 20160048852
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a demand module that determines a demand for a product offered from a plurality of suppliers. A pricing module receives cost factors associated with the product to determine a base per unit cost of the product. A quality module receives quality factors associated with the product to determine a per unit quality cost adder. A cost module calculates a procurement cost of the product. A supplier module receives production factors describing a supplier's ability to provide the product. A social module monitors social media for social data describing events related to a supplier's ability to provide the product. A procurement module determines, based on the per unit procurement cost of the product, the production factors, and the social data, a product order allocation for each supplier that fulfills the demand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Inventors: Yong Ling Beh, Eric T. Gamble, Kristian Slamet, Eric A. Stegner, Julian S.K. Tan
  • Publication number: 20160034199
    Abstract: An array can include a controller and multiple storage devices of a first type. When a storage device of the first type is replaced by a replacement storage device of a second type, and other storage devices of the first type remain in the array, the controller instructs the replacement storage device to configure itself as a storage device of the first type. When the last storage device of the first type in the array is replaced by a replacement storage device of the second type, the controller instructs all the storage devices of the array to configure themselves as storage devices of the second type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Pamela C. Durham, Eric A. Stegner, Julian Sia Kai Tan, Eric W. Townsend
  • Patent number: 9213610
    Abstract: An array can include a controller and multiple storage devices of a first type. When a storage device of the first type is replaced by a replacement storage device of a second type, and other storage devices of the first type remain in the array, the controller instructs the replacement storage device to configure itself as a storage device of the first type. When the last storage device of the first type in the array is replaced by a replacement storage device of the second type, the controller instructs all the storage devices of the array to configure themselves as storage devices of the second type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Pamela C. Durham, Henry Pesulima, Eric A. Stegner, Julian Sia Kai Tan, Eric W. Townsend
  • Publication number: 20150049630
    Abstract: An apparatuses for selecting is disclosed. A method also performs the functions of the apparatus. The apparatus includes an identification module that identifies one or more wireless networks available for use by an electronic device and a performance module that determines performance characteristics of at least one of the one or more wireless networks. A rating module determines a wireless network rating for at least one wireless network of the one or more wireless networks. The wireless network rating includes a rating obtained while the electronic device was previously connected to a network. A ranking module ranks each of the wireless networks of the one or more wireless networks based on a user profile, the determined performance characteristics, and the wireless network rating for the wireless network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Barry A. Kritt, Thomas S. Mazzeo, Sarbajit K. Rakshit, Eric A. Stegner, Kimberly I. Stegner
  • Publication number: 20150049618
    Abstract: A method for selecting is disclosed. An apparatus also performs the functions of the method. The method includes identifying one or more wireless networks available for use by an electronic device, determining performance characteristics of at least one of the one or more wireless networks, and determining a wireless network rating for at least one wireless network of the one or more wireless networks. The wireless network rating includes a rating obtained while the electronic device was previously connected to a network. The method includes ranking each of the wireless networks of the one or more wireless networks based on a user profile, the determined performance characteristics, and the wireless network rating for the wireless network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Barry A. Kritt, Thomas S. Mazzeo, Sarbajit K. Rakshit, Eric A. Stegner, Kimberly I. Stegner
  • Patent number: 8935952
    Abstract: An apparatus for stability testing of a wheeled assembly includes a straight fulcrum fixed relative to a horizontal surface. The straight fulcrum includes a straight edge parallel to the horizontal surface and located a first height above the horizontal surface. A first position mechanism includes a first position angle. The first position mechanism and straight edge define the first position angle as an obtuse angle and define a test area. A force mechanism vertically offset from the straight edge. The force mechanism applies a force to the wheeled assembly so when the wheeled assembly is positioned in a first position with one side of the wheeled assembly parallel to the first position angle, the force mechanism pulls the wheeled assembly in a direction toward a second position and the wheeled assembly rotates on a vertical axis. The second position includes a portion of the wheeled assembly contacting the straight edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James M. Dunbar, Eric A. Stegner, Robert W. Stegner
  • Publication number: 20140365818
    Abstract: An array can include a controller and multiple storage devices of a first type. When a storage device of the first type is replaced by a replacement storage device of a second type, and other storage devices of the first type remain in the array, the controller instructs the replacement storage device to configure itself as a storage device of the first type. When the last storage device of the first type in the array is replaced by a replacement storage device of the second type, the controller instructs all the storage devices of the array to configure themselves as storage devices of the second type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Pamela C. Durham, Henry Pesulima, Eric A. Stegner, Julian Sia Kai Tan, Eric W. Townsend
  • Publication number: 20140365820
    Abstract: An array can include a controller and multiple storage devices of a first type. When a storage device of the first type is replaced by a replacement storage device of a second type, and other storage devices of the first type remain in the array, the controller instructs the replacement storage device to configure itself as a storage device of the first type. When the last storage device of the first type in the array is replaced by a replacement storage device of the second type, the controller instructs all the storage devices of the array to configure themselves as storage devices of the second type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Pamela C. Durham, Henry Pesulima, Eric A. Stegner, Julian Sia Kai Tan, Eric W. Townsend
  • Patent number: 8683473
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for dynamic task association. The method includes maintaining a plurality of projects. Each project may include a plurality of tasks specific to the project. The method may also include detecting a change in a particular task of a first project that affects one or more tasks of a second project. The first project and the second project may be of the plurality of projects and the second project may be independent from the first project. The method may also include updating one or more tasks of the second project affected by the change in response to detecting the change in the particular task of the first project.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark E. Maresh, Eric A. Stegner, Robert W. Stegner
  • Patent number: 8626356
    Abstract: Enabling the remote engine starter user to address accidental start obstacles resulting from specific vehicle enclosure structures. Remotely starting an internal combustion engine with onboard computer control of a vehicle enclosed within a confined enclosure that comprises determining a set of safe distances for each of the front, rear and top of the vehicle, respectively, from the front, rear and top of the enclosure. Then, it is sensed whether all of the distances of the front, rear and top of the vehicle from the enclosure are respectively further than each of the set of safe distances. The remote starting of the engine of the vehicle is enabled only if at least one of the distances is further than it's safe distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michelle Davis, Mark E Maresh, Eric A Stegner, Robert W Stegner
  • Publication number: 20140005972
    Abstract: A method for generating a storage drive qualification test plan includes receiving input values for a plurality of variables for a qualification test of a storage drive model. Each variable has a drive requirement weight and/or a testing schedule weight. The method includes determining a plurality of weighted drive requirement values by adjusting each input value having a corresponding drive requirement weight by the corresponding drive requirement weight and determining a plurality of weighted testing schedule values by adjusting each input value having a corresponding testing schedule weight by the corresponding testing schedule weight. The method also includes determining a storage drive requirement by increasing or decreasing a baseline storage drive requirement according to the weighted drive requirement values. The method includes determining a testing schedule by increasing or decreasing a baseline testing schedule according to the weighted testing schedule values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric T. Gamble, Steve J. Livaccari, Henry Pesulima, John A. Poetzinger, Timothy Landell, Eric A. Stegner