Patents by Inventor Eric Allen Stegner

Eric Allen 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: 9053467
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for managing follow-up appointments in a calendaring system. In one illustrative embodiment, a follow-up appointment is created to an original appointment using a processor and responsive to receiving a user input. Information is set for the follow-up appointment created in response to receiving the user input. The follow-up appointment is associated with the original appointment in a data structure stored in a computer readable storage device to form an associated follow-up appointment. The associated follow-up appointment is then stored in the calendaring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Edmund Maresh, Eric Allen Stegner
  • Patent number: 8196747
    Abstract: An end cap which imparts fragility capability and which derives favorable characteristics by combining several cushioning effects. In particular, the end cap of this invention achieves cushioning by combining the effects of material compression, deformation of an arch, an expansion of contact area as cushioning occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Allen Stegner, Robert William Stegner, Christopher John Sattora
  • Patent number: 8082306
    Abstract: A system are blocks and filters e-mails at the enterprise level. Incoming e-mails having an incoming domain are received at an e-mail server. Incoming domains are compared to a list of blocked domains. in response to identifying the incoming domain within the list of blocked domains, the incoming e-mail is blocked from delivery to an intended recipient. Incoming domains are then compared to a first predefined category. If the incoming domain is identified within the first predefined category, the intended recipient is compared to the first distribution list. If the intended recipient is identified within the first distribution list, then the incoming e-mail is delivered to the intended recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Edmund Maresh, Eric Allen Stegner, Kimberly Irene Stegner
  • Publication number: 20110142563
    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: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Edmund Maresh, Eric Allen Stegner, Robert William Stegner
  • Patent number: 7909552
    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: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Edmund Maresh, Eric Allen Stegner, Robert William Stegner
  • Patent number: 7908719
    Abstract: A product package clip has tamper evident protection which is formed integrally with the clip. Breakage of a frangible occluding portion indicates that the integrity of the package has been jeopardized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ivan Neil Liverman, Mark Edmund Maresh, Robert Tucker Sanders, Eric Allen Stegner, Robert William Stegner
  • Patent number: 7870653
    Abstract: A product package clip has tamper evident protection which is formed integrally with the clip. Breakage of frangible connectors indicates that the clip, and thus the package, has been the target of tampering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Edmund Maresh, Eric Allen Stegner, Robert William Stegner
  • Publication number: 20100274619
    Abstract: One or more illustrative embodiments provide a method, system, and a computer program product for configuring groups in an electronic calendaring system. In one illustrative embodiment, a group in a distribution group is created, wherein the group comprises a number of members and the distribution group is stored in a memory. A number of notification options are set for the group in the distribution group. A number of groups from the distribution group are added to an invitee list for a calendar event, wherein each group in the number of groups is user-selected. A calendar event is sent to the number of groups. A set of conditions corresponding to the number of notification options is monitored. In response to a condition, from the set of conditions, occurring, sending a notification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark Edmund Maresh, Eric Allen Stegner
  • Publication number: 20100268566
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for managing follow-up appointments in a calendaring system. In one illustrative embodiment, a follow-up appointment is created to an original appointment using a processor and responsive to receiving a user input. Information is set for the follow-up appointment created in response to receiving the user input. The follow-up appointment is associated with the original appointment in a data structure stored in a computer readable storage device to form an associated follow-up appointment. The associated follow-up appointment is then stored in the calendaring system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark Edmund Maresh, Eric Allen Stegner
  • Patent number: 7765852
    Abstract: The aspects of the present invention provide for an apparatus for conveying air into foam so that the flow of air within the foam may be monitored to determine one or more characteristics of the foam. The apparatus includes a nozzle and a member having a substantially planar surface. The nozzle includes a tube sized and dimensioned to be inserted easily into the foam. The tube has a wall and an aperture formed in the wall. The aperture is sized and dimensioned to allow air to flow through the aperture and into the foam, and the aperture extends partially about the circumference of the tube. The member is mounted to the nozzle and is also connected to an air flow meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ivan Neil Liverman, Mark Edmund Maresh, Christopher John Sattora, Eric Allen Stegner, Robert William Stegner
  • Patent number: 7758291
    Abstract: An arrangement of securing frame assemblies is provided within a shipping enclosure and engaging packages being handled. The frame assemblies have rigid frame members and distensible bags mounted on the frames. The distensible bags are, in use, distended as by being inflated or otherwise filled with a pressurized fluid to engage and secure freight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Edmund Maresh, Eric Allen Stegner, Robert William Stegner
  • Patent number: 7731033
    Abstract: A method for using a rollover shipping cushion is presented. The cushion is formed by folding, in a specific manner, a single sheet of die-cut corrugated fiberboard to create the cushion. When properly folded, the cushion includes a central shipping cavity that is surrounded by shock-absorbing tubes on all six sides of the central shipping cavity. An item is then placed within the central shipping cavity for shipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Sattora, Eric Allen Stegner, Robert William Stegner
  • Publication number: 20100058308
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to computer systems and methods of integrating a central system and a satellite system for automatically updating software and providing diagnostics for a product system to be shipped to an end customer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Christopher Demshur, Siaka Bamba Kromah, Brian DeAlt Oakley, Kenneth Robert Pressey, Eric Allen Stegner, Kimberly Irene Stegner
  • Patent number: 7648318
    Abstract: An arrangement of securing frame assemblies is provided within a shipping enclosure and engaging packages being handled. The frame assemblies are secured to side walls of the container and act in pairs to extend from respective sides and join together to form bracing barriers extending across the width of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Edmund Maresh, Eric Allen Stegner, Robert William Stegner
  • Publication number: 20100005635
    Abstract: A product package clip has cooperating locking tabs and openings which facilitate secure assembly of the clip and resistance to forces imposed by mishandling during shipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicants: International Business Machines Corporation, Moldesign, Inc.
    Inventors: Ivan Neil Liverman, Mark Edmund Maresh, Robert Tucker Sanders, Eric Allen Stegner, Robert William Stegner, Ryan Matthew Peterson
  • Patent number: 7634938
    Abstract: The aspects of the present invention provides for an apparatus for conveying air into foam so that the flow of air within the foam may be monitored to determine one or more characteristics of the foam. The apparatus includes a nozzle and an adjustable member having a substantially planar surface. The nozzle is configured for operative connection to an air flow meter. The nozzle includes a tube sized and dimensioned to be inserted easily into the foam. The tube has a wall and an aperture formed in the wall. The aperture is sized and dimensioned to allow air to flow through the aperture and into the foam, and the aperture extends partially about the circumference of the tube. The adjustable member is operatively connected to the nozzle. The member adjusts axially to control the depth of insertion into the foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ivan Neil Liverman, Mark Edmund Maresh, Christopher John Sattora, Eric Allen Stegner, Robert William Stegner
  • Publication number: 20090218248
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for protecting a product. A center member is in physical communication with a bottom of the product. North, south, east, and west members are in communication with the center member and each comprise an orifice. In addition, the north, south, east, and west members are partially separated from the center member by proximal cuts along a lower side of the sheet. The north, south, east, and west members are configured to pivot upward to form at least a ninety degree angle to the center member and physically communicate with sides of the product. The east and west members further comprise distal cuts about which east and west distal edges pivot toward the center member such that the east and west distal edges are in physical communication with a top of the product when folded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Ivan Neil Liverman, Christopher John Sattora, Eric Allen Stegner, Robert William Stegner
  • Publication number: 20090144951
    Abstract: A product package clip has tamper evident protection which is formed integrally with the clip. Breakage of a frangible occluding portion indicates that the integrity of the package has been jeopardized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ivan Neil Liverman, Mark Edmund Maresh, Robert Tucker Sanders, Eric Allen Stegner, Robert William Stegner
  • Publication number: 20090064831
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for cutting a corner post. The apparatus includes a blade disposed within the apparatus. A piston is coupled to the blade for actuating the blade. A trigger switch is coupled to the piston. The piston causes the blade to actuate when the trigger is depressed. The apparatus includes an opening through the apparatus for receiving the corner post through the opening. The blade is actuated to move through the opening and cut through the corner post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ivan Neil Liverman, Robert Tucker Sanders, Eric Allen Stegner, Robert William Stegner
  • Patent number: 7490560
    Abstract: A method and system is presented for ensuring that a latch securing a ramp to a pallet is properly aligned and seated before a product can be offloaded from the pallet and down the ramp. The system uses a latching system that has a pallet-attached base and a ramp-attached mating bracket. The pallet-attached base has two rods. The first rod has a retainer arm that is restricted by the second rod to a vertical position, thus preventing a shipment on the pallet from reaching the ramp. The second rod has a thin portion and a thick portion. The second rod must be laterally moved such that the mating bracket mates only with the thin portion of the rod. This lateral movement moves the second rod away from the first rod's retainer arm, thus allowing the retainer arm to fold down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Duane Johnson, Ivan Neil Liverman, Eric Allen Stegner, Robert William Stegner