Patents by Inventor Erik Williams

Erik Williams 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: 10179007
    Abstract: A surgical hand tool includes a handle that has an inner cavity. The handle has a proximal end and a distal end. The surgical hand tool also includes a primary tube extending outwardly from the cavity at the distal end, a reinforcing slider slidably disposed over the primary tube, and a biasing member coupled to the handle that biases the reinforcing slider away from the handle. The surgical hand tool also includes a retention mechanism coupled to the handle, the retention mechanism configured to engage and disengage with the reinforcing slider to control relative movement between the reinforcement slider and the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Medical Instrument Development Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Erik William Peterson
  • Patent number: 10022268
    Abstract: Ocular fluid management systems and methods of operating the same. One ocular fluid management system includes a chamber, a diaphragm, a sensor, and a controller. The chamber includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is connected to an input line for receiving fluids into the first portion and an output line for discharging fluids from the first portion. The diaphragm is contained in the chamber and changes position based on a pressure difference between the first and second portions. The sensor detects a position of the diaphragm and transmits a signal based on the detected position. The controller is configured to receive the signal and control operation of at least one of a peristaltic pump and a vacuum pump based on the signal to maintain the diaphragm in a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: MEDICAL INSTRUMENT DEVELOPMENT LABORATORIES, INC.
    Inventor: Erik William Peterson
  • Publication number: 20180144321
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are disclosed for remote management of payment terminals. Public keys, or other security elements can be received from a certification authority and distributed to the payment terminals. A merchant, or other entity affiliated with the payment terminals, can monitor the status of the software and security elements of the payment terminals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Publication date: May 24, 2018
    Inventors: Erik William BAAR, Patricia Lynn WALTERS
  • Patent number: 9916567
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are disclosed for remote management of payment terminals. Public keys, or other security elements can be received from a certification authority and distributed to the payment terminals. A merchant, or other entity affiliated with the payment terminals, can monitor the status of the software and security elements of the payment terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Vantiv, LLC
    Inventors: Erik William Baar, Patricia Lynn Walters
  • Patent number: 9810369
    Abstract: A bracket for mounting a device to support structure has (i) a first side and (ii) second and third sides that extend perpendicularly from opposite edges of the first side in the same direction, such that the second and third sides are parallel to each other. The bracket supports a first mounting configuration in which the first side is attached to a face of the device and the second side is attached to a plane of the support structure such that the side of the device is perpendicular to the plane of the support structure. The bracket also supports a second mounting configuration in which the third side is attached to the face of the device and the second side is attached to the plane of the support structure such that the face of the device is parallel to the plane of the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: CommScope Italy S.R.L.
    Inventors: Erik William Lilieholm, Juan Jose Irola Borja
  • Publication number: 20170252211
    Abstract: An integrated ocular fluid management system that, in one instance, includes a first chamber connected to a first input line and a first output line. A second chamber is connected to a second input line and a second output line. A first pump communicates with the first output line. A second pump communicates with the second input line. A first pressure regulator communicates with the first chamber. A second pressure regulator communicates with the second chamber. A first diaphragm is in the first chamber; and a second diaphragm is in the second chamber. A first controller controls at least one of the first pump and the first pressure regulator to maintain the first diaphragm in a predetermined position. A second controller controls operation of at least one of the second pump and the second pressure to maintain the second diaphragm in a predetermined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Inventor: Erik William Peterson
  • Patent number: 9697531
    Abstract: Techniques of dynamic pricing for physical stores are described. A server handling purchase transactions of multiple physical stores can aggregate sales data on goods and services and determine a pattern. The server can determine that sales of an item of goods or services at a particular physical store deviate from the pattern at a particular time. Upon determining that sales price of the item significantly correlates to the deviation, the server can determine a suggested price for correcting the deviation. As an experiment, the server can conduct an experiment of selling the item at the suggested price at the particular time for a given time period. The server can present results of the experiment to an operator of the physical store.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
  • Patent number: 9630644
    Abstract: A stowing steering column is provided for use with an autonomous vehicle that is capable of traveling at a slower rate of speed and a higher rate of speed, depending on the situation. The slower speed, that of about 20 mm/sec, is the “standard” speed that is utilized during regular stowage and unstowage of the steering wheel under ordinary conditions. The higher rate of speed is necessary in a situation where a possible impact event is sensed and the steering wheel must be extended back to the original design intent position in case the airbags need to be deployed or the vehicle operator needs to over-ride the system for an evasive maneuver. The slower rate of speed is preferably about 20 mm/sec while the higher rate of speed is preferably about 40 mm/sec.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Erik William Soderlind
  • Publication number: 20160367319
    Abstract: A steerable laser probe including an optical fiber, a flexible tubular sleeve positioned co-axially with the flexible tubular sleeve relative to an axis, and a straightening sleeve positioned co-axially with the flexible tubular sleeve and the optical fiber relative to the axis, and positioned between the flexible tubular sleeve and the optical fiber along the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventors: Eduardo Villarreal, Erik William Peterson, Kai Chen, Cristhian Octavio Reyes
  • Publication number: 20160316897
    Abstract: The specification discloses a portable hammock that includes a hammock body, a pair of suspension straps, and a stuff sack. The suspension straps are attached to opposite ends of the hammock body. The stuff sack includes two open ends and a partition therebetween. One of the straps extends through the partition. The stuff sack remains on the one strap when the portable hammock is suspended between two objects. The portable hammock may be self-stored within the stuff sack, in which case the one strap is on one side of the partition, and the other strap and the hammock body are on the other side of the partition. The stuff sack includes cinch cords at the open ends for selectively closing the ends. The stuff sack includes a carrying strap, which also serves as a compression strap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Inventors: Erik William-Hammer Pancy, Joshua Michael Tyron
  • Publication number: 20160253856
    Abstract: The automated process, system and apparatus disclosed recognizes, and pulls or removes coins and/or currency from a stream of refuse and/or recycle material, such as, “3 mix” material (trash with heavy glass content).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Erik William Foucha, David Anthony Loulis
  • Patent number: 9364945
    Abstract: One embodiment of a modular combination press and puller tool consisting of a tool body (4) comprising a tubular element open at both ends and with a plurality of elongated fins radially displaced on the outer surface of the tubular element, with the long axis of the fins parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubular element, the fins having a plurality of apertures, and one end of the tubular element at least partially threaded (16) on the internal diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Inventor: Erik William Lander
  • Publication number: 20160121918
    Abstract: A stowing steering column is provided for use with an autonomous vehicle that is capable of traveling at a slower rate of speed and a higher rate of speed, depending on the situation. a high range of travel at a high rate of speed. The slower speed, that of about 20 mm/sec, is the “standard” speed that is utilized during regular stowage and unstowage of the steering wheel under ordinary conditions. The higher rate of speed is necessary in a situation where a possible impact event is sensed and the steering wheel must be extended back to the original design intent position in case the airbags need to be deployed or the vehicle operator needs to over-ride the system for an evasive maneuver. The slower rate of speed is preferably about 20 mm/sec while the higher rate of speed is preferably about 40 mm/sec.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventor: Erik William Soderlind
  • Publication number: 20160066777
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an optical fiber having a proximal end and a distal end, the optical fiber configured to emit light at the distal end. The surgical instrument also includes at least one scattering material coupled to the proximal end, the distal end, or a combination of both the proximal end and the distal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventor: Erik William Peterson
  • Publication number: 20160022256
    Abstract: A surgical hand tool includes a handle that has an inner cavity. The handle has a proximal end and a distal end. The surgical hand tool also includes a primary tube extending outwardly from the cavity at the distal end, a reinforcing slider slidably disposed over the primary tube, and a biasing member coupled to the handle that biases the reinforcing slider away from the handle. The surgical hand tool also includes a retention mechanism coupled to the handle, the retention mechanism configured to engage and disengage with the reinforcing slider to control relative movement between the reinforcement slider and the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Inventor: Erik William Peterson
  • Patent number: 9168871
    Abstract: An image display system comprises a camera presence detector for detecting presence of a rear-view camera mounted on a towed unit connected to a towing vehicle, an image display format controller coupled to the camera presence detector, and a rear-view mirror assembly including an image display apparatus. The image display format controller enables a first display mode when the camera presence detector detects the towed unit rear-view camera and enables a second display mode when the camera presence detector fails to detect presence of the towed unit rear-view camera. An image output device of the image display apparatus underlies a central portion of an image display apparatus viewing substrate at a rear surface thereof. An image outputted is viewable through the central portion when the first display mode is implemented. The central portion can provide reflected rear-view imaging utility when the second display mode is implemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: Erik William Soderlind, David Michael Pedlow, Roberto Ramirez
  • Publication number: 20150234399
    Abstract: Methods of powering a radio that is mounted on a tower of a cellular base station are provided in which a direct current (“DC”) power signal is provided to the radio over a power cable and a voltage level of the output of the power supply is adjusted so as to provide a substantially constant voltage at a first end of the power cable that is remote from the power supply. Related cellular base stations and programmable power supplies are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Inventors: John C. Chamberlain, Michael Guerin, Erik William Lilieholm
  • Publication number: 20150164690
    Abstract: Ocular fluid management systems and methods of operating the same. One ocular fluid management system includes a chamber, a diaphragm, a sensor, and a controller. The chamber includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is connected to an input line for receiving fluids into the first portion and an output line for discharging fluids from the first portion. The diaphragm is contained in the chamber and changes position based on a pressure difference between the first and second portions. The sensor detects a position of the diaphragm and transmits a signal based on the detected position. The controller is configured to receive the signal and control operation of at least one of a peristaltic pump and a vacuum pump based on the signal to maintain the diaphragm in a predetermined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Applicant: Medical Instrument Development Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Erik William Peterson
  • Publication number: 20150164314
    Abstract: A steerable laser probe including an optical fiber, a flexible tubular sleeve positioned co-axially with the flexible tubular sleeve relative to an axis, and a rigid tubular sleeve positioned co-axially with the flexible tubular sleeve and the optical fiber relative to the axis, and positioned between the flexible tubular sleeve and the optical fiber along the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Applicant: Medical Instrument Development Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Erik William Peterson
  • Publication number: 20140318096
    Abstract: Active collection disposable lawn and leaf bag is disclosed. Our invention makes disposing of grass and leaves a simple process of inserting a bag into a lawnmower bag and once the bag is full remove it (or removing the disposal bag from the connection device). Once removed you already have the grass and leaves for disposal in a bag for disposal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Erik William Lukas, Kirk Lukas, John Lukas