Patents by Inventor J. Alexander

J. Alexander 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: 20210272685
    Abstract: A system and method for providing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation risk notifications in real time or near-real time is described. Rescue and controller medication events are detected by sensors associated with the patient's medicament device/s, and provide a basis to determine to rescue and controller medication use trends for the patient. This data is analyzed to determine the patient's risk for COPD exacerbation after each event, and is used to send notifications to one or both of the patient and their health care provider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Inventors: Chris Hogg, Gregory F. Tracy, John David Van Sickle, Jason Grosz, Jeffrey J. Alexander, Chase Acton, Mike Lohmeier, John Kalmi, Dmitry Stupakov
  • Patent number: 11106927
    Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein involve monitoring an interior state of a vehicle. A pre-ride image of an interior is recorded prior to initiating a ride A post-ride image of the interior is recorded following completion of the ride. A region of the post-ride image differing from the pre-ride image is detected, with the region of the post-ride image representing a change in the interior. A type of an object depicted in the region of the post-ride image is classified based on features extracted from the region of the post-ride image. In response to classifying the object depicted in the region of the post-ride image as a personal item, a prompt is served to the user to retrieve the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Inventors: Carol Reiley, Fabien Blanc-Paques, Vineet Jain, Tory Smith, Gahl Levy, Caitlin A. Surakitbanharn, Chip J. Alexander
  • Patent number: 11059392
    Abstract: An apparatus for moving a seat cushion of a seat on which the operator sits includes a seat frame and a pan supporting the seat cushion that is movably supported on the seat frame for movement relative to the seat frame, such as forward-backward or tilting movement. A control panel is mounted to the pan at a forward end of the pan and accessible by the operator while seated on the seat cushion. The control panel includes a housing defining a ledge that is configured so that the operator can grasp underneath the ledge with the operator's hand, with the thumb at an upper face of the control panel. An actuator button is supported on the housing at the upper face of the control panel for actuation by the thumb of the operator while grasping the ledge. A mechanism is connected to the actuator button and is configured and operable upon actuation of the actuator button to permit movement of the pan relative to said seat frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Sears Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Daniel J. Alexander
  • Patent number: 11001196
    Abstract: Systems and methods communicate an intent of an autonomous vehicle externally. In one implementation, traffic object(s) approaching an intersection towards which an autonomous vehicle autonomously navigates along a travel path is tracked. A position of the traffic object(s) relative to the intersection is determined when the autonomous vehicle is stopped at the intersection. A perceived possession of a right of way of the autonomous vehicle to enter the intersection is generated based on the position of the traffic object(s). A decision of whether to direct the autonomous vehicle into the intersection is generated based on the perceived possession of the right of way. An intent icon linked to an action of the autonomous vehicle is generated. The action is correlated with the decision of whether to direct the autonomous vehicle into the intersection. The intent icon is presented to an environment external to the autonomous vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Inventor: Chip J. Alexander
  • Patent number: 10957447
    Abstract: A system and method for providing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation risk notifications in real time or near-real time is described. Rescue and controller medication events are detected by sensors associated with the patient's medicament device/s, and provide a basis to determine to rescue and controller medication use trends for the patient. This data is analyzed to determine the patient's risk for COPD exacerbation after each event, and is used to send notifications to one or both of the patient and their health care provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Reciprocal Labs Corporation
    Inventors: Chris Hogg, Gregory F. Tracy, John David Van Sickle, Jason Grosz, Jeffrey J. Alexander, Chase Acton, Mike Lohmeier, John Kalmi, Dmitry Stupakov
  • Patent number: 10933845
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to apparatus for enhancing vehicle performance along an inclined surface. The apparatus can include a brake modulator that is controllable to reduce or limit the vehicle speed. A controller can control the brake modulator to selectively operate in a hill start assist mode. In the hill start assist mode, the controller can control the brake modulator to hold the vehicle stationary after the vehicle is initially stopped while traveling along the inclined surface, until an acceleration input member is manually operated to control a power source to propel the vehicle. The controller can control the brake modulator to release fluid pressure at the friction members at a pressure release rate that is based on a current position of the acceleration input member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Matthew J. Alexander
  • Patent number: 10853629
    Abstract: One variation of a method for identifying a user entering an autonomous vehicle includes: receiving a ride request from the user, the ride request specifying a pickup location; at the autonomous vehicle, autonomously navigating to the pickup location, scanning a field near the autonomous vehicle for a human approaching the autonomous vehicle, and, in response to detecting the human proximal the autonomous vehicle, recording an image of the human; detecting a face of the human in the image; accessing a faceprint characterizing facial features of the user; and, in response to the face of the human detected in the image exhibiting features represented in the faceprint, identifying the human as the user and triggering a door of the autonomous vehicle to unlock for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Inventors: Fabien Blanc-Paques, Gahl Levy, Tory Smith, Chip J. Alexander, Vineet Jain
  • Patent number: 10773732
    Abstract: Systems and methods communicate an intent of an autonomous vehicle externally. In one implementation, scan data of a field around a travel path of an autonomous vehicle is obtained. The scan data is captured using at least one sensor. An object in the field around the travel path is determined from the scan data. The object is determined to be mutable or immutable. A navigation condition associated with the object is determined based on whether the object is mutable or immutable. The navigation condition is correlated to a portion of the travel path. Control operation(s) of the autonomous vehicle is determined for the portion of the travel path in response to the navigation condition. A representation link between the control operation(s) of the autonomous vehicle and the object is generated. A representation of the field around the travel path is rendered and includes the representation link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Inventors: Chip J. Alexander, Miao Sun
  • Publication number: 20200226937
    Abstract: A vertiport system dynamically updates configuration of a vertiport based on predicted usage of the vertiport during a given time frame. The vertiport system predicts vertiport usage using flight data and estimated passenger demands and determines a desired number of parking pads and a desired number of final approach and takeoff (FATO) pads for the vertiport during the time frame. Based on the desired number of parking pads and the desired number of FATO pads for the vertiport, the vertiport system determines an updated configuration of the vertiport. According to the updated configuration, the vertiport system updates the configuration of the vertiport for at least a portion of the time frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Inventors: Jon David Petersen, Rex J. Alexander, Stanley Stephen Swaintek, III
  • Patent number: 10668842
    Abstract: A lumbar support device for a vehicle seat permits vertical and fore-aft adjustment of the support or forces exerted on the back of an operator seated on the vehicle seat. The lumbar support device includes a lumbar panel resiliently flexibly attached to the seat frame and/or seat shell to permit fore and aft movement of the lumbar panel relative to the seat back, the lumbar panel arranged to bear against the seat back, and a cam element having a cam surface bearing against the lumbar panel to apply force to the lumbar panel toward the seat back, the cam element supported on the seat frame and/or seat shell for movement relative to the lumbar panel and relative to the seat shell and/or seat frame, the cam element configured to vary the force applied to the seat back based on the movement of the cam element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Sears Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: William W. Tuman, II, Edward A. Stulik, Daniel J. Alexander
  • Patent number: 10639634
    Abstract: A fluid sampler includes: a sample cell that includes: a substrate comprising: a first port; a second port in fluid communication with the first port; a viewing reservoir in fluid communication with the first port and the second port and that receives the fluid from the first port and communicates the fluid to the second port, the viewing reservoir including: a first view membrane; a second view membrane; and a pillar interposed between the first view membrane and second view membrane, the pillar separating the first view membrane from the second view membrane at a substantially constant separation distance such that a volume of the viewing reservoir is substantially constant and invariable with respect to a temperature and invariable with respect to a pressure to which the sample cell is subjected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE
    Inventors: J. Alexander Liddle, Samuel M. Stavis, Glenn E. Holland
  • Patent number: 10641172
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine has a nose cone with a nose cone upstream end and an inlet housing including a plurality of separate flow paths at a housing upstream end which is downstream of the nose cone upstream end. The inlet housing includes a mixing portion downstream of the housing upstream end which mixes airflow from the separate flow paths, such that the airflow is generally around 360 degrees of a rotational axis of the gas turbine engine. A rotor and a turbine drive a shaft to drive the rotor with the shaft including a bearing mounted at a location downstream of the nose cone upstream end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony C. Jones, Patrick M. Lydon, Nagamany Thayalakhandan, Eric J. Alexander
  • Publication number: 20200055430
    Abstract: A lumbar support device for a vehicle seat permits vertical and fore-aft adjustment of the support or forces exerted on the back of an operator seated on the vehicle seat. The lumbar support device includes a lumbar panel resiliently flexibly attached to the seat frame and/or seat shell to permit fore and aft movement of the lumbar panel relative to the seat back, the lumbar panel arranged to bear against the seat back, and a cam element having a cam surface bearing against the lumbar panel to apply force to the lumbar panel toward the seat back, the cam element supported on the seat frame and/or seat shell for movement relative to the lumbar panel and relative to the seat shell and/or seat frame, the cam element configured to vary the force applied to the seat back based on the movement of the cam element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: William W. Tuman, II, Edward A. Stulik, Daniel J. Alexander
  • Patent number: 10540183
    Abstract: As disclosed herein a method, executed by a processor, for accelerated instruction execution includes retrieving an execute instruction including a register reference and a reference to a target instruction, retrieving the target instruction, decoding the execute instruction using an instruction pipeline, decoding the target instruction using the instruction pipeline, associating the register reference to the target instruction, and executing the target instruction using the register reference as a source operand modifier. The instruction pipeline is configured such that it allows the target instruction to continue processing without waiting for the register reference to be resolved. The contents of the referenced register may be retrieved in a later stage of the instruction pipeline, and the target instruction may be modified and executed. An apparatus corresponding to the described method is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Khary J. Alexander, Fadi Y. Busaba, Brian W. Curran, David S. Hutton, Edward T. Malley, Brian R. Prasky, John G. Rell, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20200017854
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods, compounds, and compositions for reducing expression of ApoCIII mRNA and protein in a patient with Fredrickson Type I dyslipidemia, FCS, LPLD. Also provided herein are methods, compounds, and compositions for treating, preventing, delaying, or ameliorating Fredrickson Type I dyslipidemia, FCS, LPLD, in a patient. Further provided herein are methods, compounds, and compositions for increasing HDL levels and/or improving the ratio of TG to HDL and reducing plasma lipids and plasma glucose in a patient with Fredrickson Type I dyslipidemia, FCS, LPLD. Such methods, compounds, and compositions are useful to treat, prevent, delay, or ameliorate any one or more of pancreatitis, cardiovascular disease or metabolic disorder, or a symptom thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Applicant: Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Veronica J. Alexander, Nicholas J. Viney, Joseph L. Witztum
  • Publication number: 20200018492
    Abstract: A temperature control system and a method of controlling air conditioning in a multi-zone structure are disclosed. The temperature control system includes a forced-air primary conditioning unit including an air return duct, an air supply duct, and a circulator. The temperature control system also includes a secondary combustion heat source that operates independently of the forced-air primary conditioning unit, a smart circulator thermostat, and a remote temperature sensor. The at least one memory device includes executable instructions that when executed by the at least one processor cause the processor to receive a temperature value representative of a temperature of the structure, receive an indication of an operation of the secondary combustion heat source, generate a circulator operation signal based on a comparison of the received temperature value to a selectable temperature setpoint, and the received indication of an operation of an independent secondary combustion heat source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Inventors: David L. Perry, Randy T. Ruiz, Chris J. Alexander
  • Publication number: 20200001779
    Abstract: One variation of a method for communicating intent includes, at an autonomous vehicle: autonomously approaching an intersection; autonomously navigating to a stop proximal the intersection; while stopped proximal the intersection, projecting an intent icon onto pavement at a first distance ahead of the autonomous vehicle; calculating a confidence score for possession of right of way of the autonomous vehicle to enter the intersection based on objects detected in a field around the autonomous vehicle; projecting the intent icon onto pavement at distances ahead of the autonomous vehicle proportional to the confidence score and greater than the first distance; and in response to the confidence score exceeding a threshold score, autonomously entering the intersection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventor: Chip J. Alexander
  • Patent number: D865957
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: SIMPLICITY, LLC
    Inventors: Ian J. Alexander, Brian Dean Owens
  • Patent number: D865958
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: SIMPLICITY, LLC
    Inventors: Ian J. Alexander, Brian Dean Owens
  • Patent number: D920508
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: SIMPLICITY, LLC
    Inventors: Ian J. Alexander, Brian D. Owens