Patents by Inventor H. Walker
H. Walker 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).
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Publication number: 20240172816Abstract: An electroadhesive clutch can be coupled to a textile. The clutch can include a first electrode assembly comprising a first conductive member, and a second electrode assembly comprising a second conductive member overlaying in part the first conductive member. In an example, the clutch includes or uses an elastic encasing within which the first and second electrode assemblies are positioned. The elastic encasing can form a first bond with the first conductive member at a first location of the elastic encasing and a second bond with the second conductive member proximate a second location of the elastic encasing different than the first location.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2023Publication date: May 30, 2024Inventors: Steven H. Walker, Iustinia Koshkaroff, Daniel Stuart, Eun Kyung Lee, Christopher Andon, Nina Yashkova
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Patent number: 11992626Abstract: A device may operate a guide wire and be operable by a single operator digit. The device may include an insertion control device for advancing the guide wire in a forward and in a reverse direction and along a longitudinal axis of the guide wire; and a rotary device for rolling a guide wire about the longitudinal axis. A robotic instrument driver may be operatively coupled to the device and configured to control axial movement of the guide wire along the longitudinal axis according to input received from the insertion control device and to control rotational movement of the guide wire according to input received from the rotary device.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2020Date of Patent: May 28, 2024Assignee: Auris Health, Inc.Inventors: Serena H. Wong, Sean Paul Walker, June Park, Richard Henderson
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Publication number: 20240164471Abstract: An article of footwear includes a motorized tensioning system, sensors, and a gesture control system. Based on information received from one or more sensors the gesture control system may detect a prompting gesture and enters an armed mode for receiving further instructions. In the armed mode the system may detect a variety of different control gestures that correspond to different tensioning commands.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2023Publication date: May 23, 2024Inventors: Tiffany B. Henrichot, Steven H. Walker
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Publication number: 20240156254Abstract: A retail management system includes a carriage base and an engagement mechanism. The carriage base includes a first end defining a front surface and a second end formed at an opposite end from the first end. The engagement mechanism is disposed at the first end of the carriage base and includes a plurality of carriage teeth extending from the front surface, the plurality of carriage teeth including at least one primary carriage tooth having a first configuration and at least one secondary carriage tooth having a second configuration that is different than the first configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2024Publication date: May 16, 2024Applicant: Fasteners for Retail, Inc.Inventors: William H. Walker, Michael Eric Liedtke, Shane Obitts
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Patent number: 11980237Abstract: An electroadhesive clutch device can include a first electrode assembly comprising a first conductive portion that is at least partially covered by a first dielectric insulator, a second electrode assembly comprising a second conductive portion that is at least partially covered by a second dielectric insulator, and an electrical signal generator configured to provide first and second signals to the first and second conductive portions of the electrode assemblies, respectively. The first and second electrode assemblies can be at least partially overlapping and configured to slide relative to each other at respective surfaces that comprise the first and second dielectric insulators.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2021Date of Patent: May 14, 2024Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Steven H. Walker, Daniel Stuart, Eun Kyung Lee, Christopher Andon
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Patent number: 11964413Abstract: The disclosed and claimed concept provides for an overmold that is applied to substantially all of the exposed portions of a wood handle for a tool.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2021Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: The Ames Companies, Inc.Inventors: Royden H. Gibson, Marcus E. Norden, Sam D. Hector, Jim H. Bennett, Carl R. Walker
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Patent number: 11925235Abstract: A method of forming an electrorheological fluid structure with attached conductor and method of fabrication. A polymeric housing may have a channel defined therein. A first conductive trace may at least partially coincide with the channel. A first wire may have a first conductor surrounded by a first insulating jacket. The first conductor may be in electrical communication with the first conductive trace. A jacket bonding region of the first jacket may be welded to a housing bonding region of the housing. The jacket bonding region and the housing bonding region may be formed from a common type of polymer.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2021Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Steven H. Walker, Chin-yuan Cheng
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Patent number: 11925239Abstract: A foot presence sensor system for an active article of footwear can include a sensor housing configured to be disposed at or in an insole of the article, and a controller circuit, disposed within the sensor housing, configured to trigger one or more automated functions of the footwear based on a foot presence indication. In an example, the sensor system includes a capacitive sensor configured to sense changes in a capacitance signal in response to proximity of a body. A dielectric member can be provided between the capacitive sensor and the body to enhance an output signal from the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2021Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Steven H. Walker, Phillip Meneau
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Publication number: 20240074540Abstract: An article of footwear can. Include provisions for improving the operation and use of various systems associated with the article. An automated tensioning system can be configured to provide and perform a variety of functions associated with the fastening of the article of footwear. The automated tensioning system may tighten and loosen the article of footwear through the operation of a motor. The automated tensioning system may also be able to store and recall a preset tension level.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2023Publication date: March 7, 2024Inventors: Holli Pheil, Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings, Ryan Frederick, Austin Palmer, Michael Ciuffo, Steven H. Walker
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Publication number: 20240074529Abstract: A sensor system is adapted for use with an article of footwear and includes an insert member including a first layer and a second layer, a port connected to the insert and configured for communication with an electronic module, a plurality of force and/or pressure sensors on the insert member, and a plurality of leads connecting the sensors to the port.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2023Publication date: March 7, 2024Inventors: Michael S. Amos, Andrew A. Owings, Jordan M. Rice, Allan M. Schrock, Steven H. Walker, Jeffrey J. Hebert, Martine W. Stillman, Mark A. Tempel, Dane Weitmann, Andreas Heinrich Steier, Ndikum Protus Atang
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Patent number: 11910918Abstract: A retail management system includes a carriage base and an engagement mechanism. The carriage base includes a first end defining a front surface and a second end formed at an opposite end from the first end. The engagement mechanism is disposed at the first end of the carriage base and includes a plurality of carriage teeth extending from the front surface, the plurality of carriage teeth including at least one primary carriage tooth having a first configuration and at least one secondary carriage tooth having a second configuration that is different than the first configuration.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2022Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Fasteners for Retail, Inc.Inventors: William H Walker, Michael Eric Liedtke, Shane Obitts
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Patent number: 11896064Abstract: An electroadhesive clutch can be coupled to a textile. The clutch can include a first electrode assembly comprising a first conductive member, and a second electrode assembly comprising a second conductive member overlaying in part the first conductive member. In an example, the clutch includes or uses an elastic encasing within which the first and second electrode assemblies are positioned. The elastic encasing can form a first bond with the first conductive member at a first location of the elastic encasing and a second bond with the second conductive member proximate a second location of the elastic encasing different than the first location.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2021Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Steven H. Walker, Iustinia Koshkaroff, Daniel Stuart, Eun Kyung Lee, Christopher Andon, Nina Yashkova
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Patent number: 11889900Abstract: A foot presence sensor system for an active article of footwear can include a sensor housing configured to be disposed at or in an insole of the article, and a controller circuit, disposed within the sensor housing, configured to trigger one or more automated functions of the footwear based on a foot presence indication. In an example, the sensor system includes a capacitive sensor configured to sense changes in a capacitance signal in response to proximity of a body. A dielectric member can be provided between the capacitive sensor and the body to enhance an output signal from the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2019Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Steven H. Walker, Phillip Meneau
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Publication number: 20240018195Abstract: Provided herein are chimeric polypeptides that may be used, e.g., for the diagnosis of or vaccination against Ehrlichia chaffeensis and/or Ehrlichia canis.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2023Publication date: January 18, 2024Applicant: Research Development FoundationInventors: Jere W. McBRIDE, David H. WALKER
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Patent number: 11857029Abstract: A foot presence sensor system for an active article of footwear can include a sensor housing configured to be disposed at or in an insole of the article, and a controller circuit, disposed within the sensor housing, configured to trigger one or more automated functions of the footwear based on a foot presence indication. In an example, the sensor system includes a capacitive or magnetic sensor configured to sense changes in a body's proximity to the sensor in footwear. Characteristics of the sensed proximity can be used to update an automated footwear function, such as an automatic lacing function, or can be used to determine a step count, foot strike force, a rate of travel, or other information about a foot or about the footwear.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2021Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Steven H. Walker, Phillip Meneau
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Publication number: 20230404185Abstract: Systems and methods for integrating and using sensor system in articles of apparel are provided. The system may include an apparel piece sized and dimensioned to be worn on a user and a sensor system integrated with the apparel piece. The sensor system may include at least one stretchable capacitive sensor positioned on the apparel piece so as to measure a biometric parameter of the user when the apparel piece is worn, an illumination system configured to provide illumination in a specified illumination area based on the measured biometric parameter of the user, and a control module to control one or more settings of the illumination system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2023Publication date: December 21, 2023Applicant: NIKE, Inc.Inventor: Steven H. Walker
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Patent number: 11832737Abstract: A product divider assembly includes a rail and a divider. The rail includes a front surface having a plurality of first teeth and a rear surface formed on an opposite side of the rail from the front surface. The divider includes a base having a bottom side including plurality of second teeth facing the plurality of first teeth of the rail and one or more biasing members engaging the rear surface of the rail to bias the rail in a direction towards the plurality of first teeth. The divider is operable to be pulled in an opposite direction from the biasing force to disengage the first teeth from the second teeth to allow the divider to be translated along the rail.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2021Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: Fasteners for Retail, Inc.Inventors: Brent Ewing, Michael Eric Liedtke, Shane Obitts, James Bacnik, William H. Walker
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Publication number: 20230371652Abstract: A foot presence sensor system for an active article of footwear can include a sensor housing configured to be disposed at or in an insole of the article, and a controller circuit, disposed within the sensor housing, configured to trigger one or more automated functions of the footwear based on a foot presence indication. In an example, the sensor system includes a capacitive sensor, and the sensor is configured to sense changes in a foot proximity to the sensor in footwear. Information about the sensed proximity can be used to determine a foot velocity characteristic, which in turn can be used to update an automated footwear function, such as an automatic lacing function, or can be used to determine a step count, foot strike force, a rate of travel, or other information about a foot, about an activity, or about the footwear.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2023Publication date: November 23, 2023Inventors: Steven H. Walker, Phillip Meneau
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Publication number: 20230337839Abstract: A merchandising system includes a track extending from a first end to a second end. The merchandising system further includes a primary pusher slidably attached to the track between the first end and the second end. The merchandising system further includes a secondary pusher slidably attached to the track and operable to bias the primary pusher towards the first end. The merchandising system includes an actuator operable to bias the secondary pusher along the track. The actuator is connected to the secondary pusher and includes a grip disposed at the first end of the track for selectively biasing the secondary pusher along the track.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2023Publication date: October 26, 2023Applicant: Fasteners for Retail, Inc.Inventor: William H. Walker
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Patent number: D1019784Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2021Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: Fasteners for Retail, Inc.Inventor: William H. Walker