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).

  • Publication number: 20140000351
    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: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: James M. Dunbar, Eric A. Stegner, Robert W. Stegner
  • Publication number: 20130339077
    Abstract: Automated delegation may be used, by way of example, with an electronic calendar application to delegate attendance at a meeting or other event and with an email application to delegate responsibility for handling an inbound email message. Parameter values are predefined, describing various characteristics of potential delegates to whom responsibility may by delegated. When delegation is triggered, these parameter values are checked to select from among the potential delegates. Potential delegates may be ranked, in which case the highest-ranked potential delegate may be consulted first, with next-highest-ranked potential delegates iteratively consulted if the delegation is not accepted. The original request preferably shows an indication of the delegation status, so that the original meeting invitee or original email message recipient can maintain awareness of the delegation and can manage responsibility for the original request as needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark E. Maresh, Eric A. Stegner, Kimberly I. Stegner
  • Patent number: 8560606
    Abstract: A plurality of mashups created by a plurality of mashup authors indicated as being in a community relevant to a mashup based, at least in part, on social network data are identified in response to indication of a mashup building operation. Frequencies of a plurality of mashup configurations used by the plurality of mashup authors in the plurality of mashups are determined according to data about the plurality of mashups. A set of one or more recommendations that are associated with a set of one or more of the plurality of mashup configurations is generated for the mashup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Al Chakra, John K. Gerken, Ruthie D. Lyle, Mark Maresh, Eric A. Stegner
  • Publication number: 20130197716
    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: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michelle Davis, Mark E. Maresh, Eric A. Stegner, Robert W. Stegner
  • Patent number: 8463799
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to query processing and consolidation of query results. Multiple queries may be submitted to one or more search engines, with each query having the same or different returned query items with the same or different sorting arrangement of the returned query items. The returned query items are consolidated into a single sorted set, with the sort being based upon a logical assessment and comparison of the multiple returned query items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michelle Davis, Mark E. Maresh, Eric A. Stegner, Robert W. Stegner
  • Patent number: 8366362
    Abstract: A flexible system is provided for preventing freight damage during shipment. The system has adjustable and interlocking hinged panels that are attached to the side walls of a shipping enclosure, so that the system can be readily adapted to secure different types and sizes of loads. One embodiment of the invention, provided for use with a freight carrying enclosure that has an internal wall, includes first and second panel segments that each have an edge. A first mounting structure supports the first panel segment for rotation about a vertical axis, between a first position wherein the first panel segment is in perpendicular relationship with the wall, and a second position wherein the first panel segment is in abutting relationship with the wall. A second mounting structure joins the first and second panel segments together along their respective edges, and enables rotation of the second panel between vertical and horizontal orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark E. Maresh, Eric A. Stegner, Robert W. Stegner
  • Publication number: 20130007023
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to query processing and consolidation of query results. Multiple queries may be submitted to one or more search engines, with each query having the same or different returned query items with the same or different sorting arrangement of the returned query items. The returned query items are consolidated into a single sorted set, with the sort being based upon a logical assessment and comparison of the multiple returned query items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michelle Davis, Mark E. Maresh, Eric A. Stegner, Robert W. Stegner
  • Publication number: 20120304187
    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: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark E. Maresh, Eric A. Stegner, Robert W. Stegner
  • Publication number: 20120117020
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to use of sensors for monitoring and gathering data and applications for processing and communicating the gathered data in real-time. The sensor data provides an insight into the daily activities of the user. Analysis of the data supports maintenance of health on a granular level. For each sensor, data is gathered and processed in real-time, including correlating the sensor data with an electronic events schedule. An analysis of the data is then communicated to the user in real-time. Data output is used to pro-actively notify, predict, and/or identify when the user needs to take an action to maintain the current or future sensor data within defined limits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michelle Davis, Mark E. Maresh, Eric A. Stegner, Robert W. Stegner
  • Publication number: 20120110073
    Abstract: A plurality of mashups created by a plurality of mashup authors indicated as being in a community relevant to a mashup based, at least in part, on social network data are identified in response to indication of a mashup building operation. Frequencies of a plurality of mashup configurations used by the plurality of mashup authors in the plurality of mashups are determined according to data about the plurality of mashups. A set of one or more recommendations that are associated with a set of one or more of the plurality of mashup configurations is generated for the mashup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Al Chakra, John K. Gerken, Ruthie D. Lyle, Mark Maresh, Eric A. Stegner
  • Publication number: 20110301976
    Abstract: An intelligent system for collecting, storing, processing, and analyzing a patient's relevant medical history data is disclosed. In one embodiment, a patient's medical history, including the patient's personal medical history and the patient's family medical history, may be accessed within the system. The system may be queried by doctors and other medical professionals to compare symptoms, diagnoses, prescriptions, and medical issues against the known medical history. Further, the intelligent system may query the medical history of family members, providing an accurate yet discreet evaluation of related health conditions that may have genetic or hereditary implications. A further embodiment utilizes the intelligent system to generate alerts on the basis of the patient's personal or family medical history.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michelle Davis, Eric A. Stegner
  • Patent number: 8011569
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method for storing a cable, including receiving one or more cables on an adjustable central coil. An RFID chip connected to the cable is read via a RFID reader proximate the central coil. The cable is routed from the central coil to one or more adjustable middle coils, and routed from the middle coil to an adjustable outer coil. The cable is dispensed from the outer coil; and, the RFID chip is read via a RFID reader proximate the outer coil. The method modifies the distance between the central coil and the middle coil, the central coil and the outer coil, and/or the middle coil and the outer coil. Specifically, the diameter of the central coil, the middle coil, and/or the outer coil is adjusted. The modification accommodates for the arc limit and/or head size of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Thomas Foltz, Kanayo G. Okonji, Sreekanth Ramakrishnan, Eduardo M. Koster Abad, Eric A. Stegner
  • Patent number: 8009440
    Abstract: A computer device includes a chassis, a card connector, and a cartridge. The card connector is attached to the chassis and is adapted to receive a card. The cartridge includes a guide plate, a card holder, and an actuator. The guide plate is removably engaged to the chassis. The card holder is connectable to the card and movable, relative to the guide plate, between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the card is connected the card connector, and in the disengaged position, the card is disconnected from the card connector. The actuator is engaged with the guide plate, and the actuator linearly moves between a first position and a second position relative to the guide plate. The movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position causes the movement of the card holder from the disengaged position to the engaged position. The computer device is a server, and the cartridge is introduced into front face or a rear face of the server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Norman B. Desrosiers, Dean F. Herring, Kevin D. Johnson, Eric A. Stegner, Robert W. Stegner, Paul A. Wormsbecher
  • Publication number: 20100059618
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method for storing a cable, including receiving one or more cables on an adjustable central coil. An RFID chip connected to the cable is read via a RFID reader proximate the central coil. The cable is routed from the central coil to one or more adjustable middle coils, and routed from the middle coil to an adjustable outer coil. The cable is dispensed from the outer coil; and, the RFID chip is read via a RFID reader proximate the outer coil. The method modifies the distance between the central coil and the middle coil, the central coil and the outer coil, and/or the middle coil and the outer coil. Specifically, the diameter of the central coil, the middle coil, and/or the outer coil is adjusted. The modification accommodates for the arc limit and/or head size of the cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher Thomas Foltz, Kanayo G. Okonji, Sreekanth Ramakrishnan, Eduardo M. Koster Abad, Eric A. Stegner
  • Patent number: 7648750
    Abstract: A cushion apparatus that may be advantageously utilized as an end cap for packaging shock sensitive products is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the cushion apparatus includes a base member having one or more side walls having inner product bearing surfaces defining a product receiving cavity. The product receiving cavity has an open bottom end through which the product is received and an opposing top end. An axial deflection member is disposed over the top end of the receiving cavity. The axial deflection member is an arc-shaped elastic material member arching over the top end of the product receiving cavity. In one embodiment, the cushion apparatus further includes multiple radial deflection members extending radially from the base member to define a multi-sided bearing support perimeter having multiple corners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Sattora, Eric A. Stegner, Robert W. Stegner
  • Publication number: 20080123274
    Abstract: A computer device includes a chassis, a card connector, and a cartridge. The card connector is attached to the chassis and is adapted to receive a card. The cartridge includes a guide plate, a card holder, and an actuator. The guide plate is removably engaged to the chassis. The card holder is connectable to the card and movable, relative to the guide plate, between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the card is connected the card connector, and in the disengaged position, the card is disconnected from the card connector. The actuator is engaged with the guide plate, and the actuator linearly moves between a first position and a second position relative to the guide plate. The movement of the actuator from the first position to the second position causes the movement of the card holder from the disengaged position to the engaged position. The computer device is a server, and the cartridge is introduced into front face or a rear face of the server.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Norman B. Desrosiers, Dean F. Herring, Kevin D. Johnson, Eric A. Stegner, Robert W. Stegner, Paul A. Wormsbecher
  • Patent number: 7311203
    Abstract: A packaging apparatus comprising a pulp-based composition that provides protection to an equipment component (or other fragile or breakable item), provides ease in use during pre-packing and packing of an equipment component for transport, does not require the need for additional packing components in combination with the packaging assembly, provides shock protection during transport, is reusable, and is economically suited for its end use, is provided for. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the present invention is a molded, one piece packing assembly comprised of substantially a pulp-based composition. The present invention is advantageously designed using specific geometries which, contrary to traditional designs, benefit from the stressing and flexing characteristics of paper fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark E. Maresh, Eric A. Stegner, Christopher M. Turner
  • Patent number: 6849037
    Abstract: A symmetrical preform that provides protection to an equipment component (or other fragile or breakable item), provides ease in use during pre-packing and packing of an equipment component for transport, does not require the need for additional packing components in combination with the packaging assembly, and is economically suited for its end use, is provided for. Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for making an integral, one piece packing assembly having symmetrical characteristics and being comprised of a flexible, corrugated-shaped material that is capable of protectively encapsulating, in a predetermined arrangement, a fragile component to ready for further movement, transport or packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert T. Sanders, Eric A. Stegner, Robert W. Stegner, Robert F. Weisser