Patents by Inventor J. Stephens

J. Stephens 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).

  • APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INTRA-ABDOMINALLY MOVING A FIRST INTERNAL ORGAN TO A POSITION AWAY FROM A SECOND INTERNAL ORGAN AND THEN HOLDING THE FIRST INTERNAL ORGAN IN THE POSITION WITHOUT MANUAL INPUT
    Publication number: 20130109911
    Abstract: An apparatus including a flexible length of cord and three tissue connectors positioned at the opposite ends of the cord and at an intermediate position of the cord is designed to be laparoscopically inserted through the abdominal wall and into the abdominal cavity, and used to move a first internal organ to a position away from a second internal organ where the apparatus holds the first internal organ in the position without further manual input, thereby providing surgical access to the second internal organ.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: MIS Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Stephen Scott
  • Work machine with door-mountable fresh air filter
    Patent number: 8430450
    Abstract: A work machine comprises an operator station, a filter door, and a fresh air filter to filter fresh air that flows from outside the operator station into the operator station. The fresh air filter is mounted to the filter door for movement therewith relative to the operator station. An associated method is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Joshua J. Stephens, Bobby G. Martin, Thomas A. Knopp, Richard L. Forest
  • Device and method of sensing temperature of a rotating electromagnetic machine
    Patent number: 8419860
    Abstract: A system and method of determining the temperature of a rotating electromagnetic machine, such as an electric motor or generator. A temperature calibration parameter is calculated based on the temperature of an object situated close to the motor, such as a motor drive connected to the motor, and a first resistance value of the winding. In exemplary embodiments, the motor drive and first resistance value are determined only after the motor has been idle for some predetermined time period. Once the calibration parameter is calculated, the processor uses it along with subsequent resistance measurements to calculate the temperature of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: J. Stephen Thorn, Bret S. Clark, Joseph G. Marcinkiewicz, Vinod Sadasivam, Darko Marcetic, Gregory M. Levine
  • PROTOCOL RATE FILTERING AT EDGE DEVICE
    Publication number: 20130055373
    Abstract: A method includes configuring a plurality of rate filters for a plurality of protocols. The plurality of rate filters are associated with a plurality of rate thresholds for the plurality of protocols. An edge device receives a packet for a flow. The packet is received from a customer premise equipment device for sending through an egress interface of the edge device. A rate of packets being sent for the flow and a protocol in the plurality of protocols associated with the packet are determined A rate filter in the plurality of rate filters that is associated with the determined protocol is determined where the rate filter is associated with a rate threshold in the plurality of rate thresholds. The method determines an event is occurring when the rate of packets exceeds the rate threshold associated with the determined rate filter and performs an action to mitigate the event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL INSTRUMENT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gordon B. Beacham, Tim J. Stephens
  • Tire swing swivel
    Patent number: 8376294
    Abstract: A swivel assembly for a tire comprises a clamp assembly adapted to be secured to a header tube, a swivel first member suspended from the clamp to pivot either parallel to or perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the header tube, a swivel second member which is suspended from the swivel first member to pivot 90° relative to the pivotal motion of the swivel first member, and a swivel third member which can rotate about the swivel second member. The swivel first member is pivotally mounted to the clamp via an upper pivot pin and the second swivel member is pivotally mounted to the swivel first member by a second lower pivot pin. Lastly, the swivel assembly can include a tether which extends over the header tube to which the clamp assembly is secured which has opposite ends secured to opposite sides of the lower pivot pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Miracle Recreation Equipment Company
    Inventors: J. Stephen Steury, Steven B. Adkins
  • APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING MAGNETO-HYDRODYNAMICS STABILITY AND REDUCING ENERGY CONSUMPTION FOR ALUMINUM REDUCTION CELLS
    Publication number: 20130032486
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for smelting has a smelting pot for containing electrolyte, alumina and a layer of liquid aluminum. A wall in the form of one or more TiB2 or alumina plates extends from the bottom of the pot to a height exceeding the height of the liquid aluminum layer formed in the bottom of the smelting pot during smelting. The wall partitions the bottom of the pot and impedes movement of the aluminum under the influence of MHD forces, diminishing the maximum crest height of waves in the aluminum and allowing a reduction in the ACD to reduce electrical resistance and power consumption. The wall may equal or exceed the height of the anode and may, when conductive, act as a cathode, drawing a horizontal current. The wall may be composed of alumina, e.g., in the form of blocks, undergoing electrolytic reduction and being replaced periodically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Yimin Ruan, Edwin A. Kuhn, J. Stephen Ubelhor, Donnie J. Duke
  • Methods and systems for producing syngas
    Patent number: 8366902
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for producing syngas utilizing heat from thermochemical conversion of a carbonaceous fuel to support decomposition of at least one of water and carbon dioxide using one or more solid-oxide electrolysis cells. Simultaneous decomposition of carbon dioxide and water or steam by one or more solid-oxide electrolysis cells may be employed to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide. A portion of oxygen produced from at least one of water and carbon dioxide using one or more solid-oxide electrolysis cells is fed at a controlled flow rate in a gasifier or combustor to oxidize the carbonaceous fuel to control the carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide ratio produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Grant L. Hawkes, James E. O'Brien, Carl M. Stoots, J. Stephen Herring, Michael G. McKellar, Richard A. Wood, Robert A. Carrington, Richard D. Boardman
  • DUAL USE LIGHT SOURCE IN AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE
    Publication number: 20130021800
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for using a single light source to convey the status of multiple operational modes of an electronic device and to illuminate a trademark to reduce the power usage, size, and cost of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: J. Stephen Wells
  • COOKING APPARATUS AND METHOD WITH PRODUCT RECOGNITION
    Publication number: 20120237657
    Abstract: Cooking apparatus having first and second platens with product recognition. A positioning mechanism moves the second platen toward the first. A detector senses the second platen making contact with a food product disposed on the first platen and provides a signal. A controller uses the signal to measure the travel distance of the second platen. The product thickness is a function of the travel distance, which is used to select a cooking procedure for the food product. The controller then executes the selected cooking procedure to cook the food product. The detector can include a micro switch, proximity sensor, touch sensor, strain sensor, thermal sensor, optical sensor, sonar sensor or positioning load change sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Roberto Nevarez, Douglas S. Jones, Jan Claesson, Ryan J. Stephens, David W. Harter
  • Apparatus and method for intra-abdominally moving a first internal organ to a position away from a second internal organ and then holding the first internal organ in the position without manual input
    Patent number: 8251889
    Abstract: An apparatus including a flexible length of cord and three tissue connectors positioned at the opposite ends of the cord and at an intermediate position of the cord is designed to be laparoscopically inserted through the abdominal wall and into the abdominal cavity, and used to move a first internal organ to a position away from a second internal organ where the apparatus holds the first internal organ in the position without further manual input, thereby providing surgical access to the second internal organ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: MIS Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Stephen Scott
  • Cooking apparatus and method with product recognition
    Patent number: 8210100
    Abstract: Cooking apparatus having first and second platens with product recognition. A positioning mechanism moves the second platen toward the first. A detector senses the second platen making contact with a food product disposed on the first platen and provides a signal. A controller uses the signal to measure the travel distance of the second platen. The product thickness is a function of the travel distance, which is used to select a cooking procedure for the food product. The controller then executes the selected cooking procedure to cook the food product. The detector can include a micro switch, proximity sensor, touch sensor, strain sensor, thermal sensor, optical sensor, sonar sensor or positioning load change sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Enodis Corporation
    Inventors: Roberto Nevarez, Douglas S. Jones, Jan Claesson, Ryan J. Stephens, David W. Harter
  • PLAYGROUND ELEMENT AND METHOD OF MOUNTING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20120165108
    Abstract: A playground system includes a support post secured to a foundation, a play unit defining a passageway; and a cam assembly configured to secure the play unit to the support. The cam assembly includes a cam base sized and shaped for engagement with the play unit, and a cam. The cam assembly also includes a cam lock sized and shaped for engagement with the play unit within the passageway, and a slot sized and shaped for seating the cam. The slot defines a plurality of steps being sized and shaped to seat the cam to provide an adjustment range to accommodate for variances in sizes and tolerances of the play unit and support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: MIRACLE RECREATION EQUIPMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: J. Stephen Steury, Tracy Archer
  • APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INTRA-ABDOMINALLY MOVING A FIRST INTERNAL ORGAN TO A POSITION AWAY FROM A SECOND INTERNAL ORGAN AND THEN HOLDING THE FIRST INTERNAL ORGAN IN THE POSITION WITHOUT MANUAL INPUT
    Publication number: 20120116153
    Abstract: An apparatus including a flexible length of cord and three tissue connectors positioned at the opposite ends of the cord and at an intermediate position of the cord is designed to be laparoscopically inserted through the abdominal wall and into the abdominal cavity, and used to move a first internal organ to a position away from a second internal organ where the apparatus holds the first internal organ in the position without further manual input, thereby providing surgical access to the second internal organ.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: MIS Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Stephen Scott
  • AFTERTREATMENT MOUNTING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20120096833
    Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment module comprising a plurality of mounts for connecting the module to a surface. The mounts are arranged in a radial pattern around a central location of the module. The mounts also have a direction of travel aligned with a radial direction of expansion that passes through the central location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dongming Tan, Mirza P. Baig, Rick E. Jeffs, Tetsu O. Velasquez, Umakanth Sakaray, Ramanlal M. Gandhi, Brandon J. Stephens, Steven R. Storm
  • CONTROL OF AFTERTREATMENT REGENERATION IN A HYBRID POWERED VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20120090294
    Abstract: A method for controlling aftertreatment regeneration for a system having a hybrid powertrain is described. The method includes determining that an engine aftertreatment regeneration is indicated when a regeneration request index exceeds a first threshold. The method includes determining an acceptable battery usage amount based on a current battery state of charge (SOC) and a minimum battery SOC. The method further includes determining a battery usage amount for an engine aftertreatment regeneration operation. The method includes initiating an engine aftertreatment regeneration when the battery usage amount is less than or equal to the acceptable battery usage amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Vivek Anand Sujan, J. Stephen Wills, Morgan MacKenzie Andreae, Martin T. Books
  • APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INTRA-ABDOMINALLY MOVING A FIRST INTERNAL ORGAN TO A POSITION AWAY FROM A SECOND INTERNAL ORGAN AND THEN HOLDING THE FIRST INTERNAL ORGAN IN THE POSITION WITHOUT MANUAL INPUT
    Publication number: 20120078057
    Abstract: An apparatus including a flexible length of cord and three tissue connectors positioned at the opposite ends of the cord and at an intermediate position of the cord is designed to be laparoscopically inserted through the abdominal wall and into the abdominal cavity, and used to move a first internal organ to a position away from a second internal organ where the apparatus holds the first internal organ in the position without further manual input, thereby providing surgical access to the second internal organ.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventor: J. Stephen Scott
  • THERMAL CONTROL OF A HYBRID POWER TRAIN USING SHAPE MEMORY ALLOYS
    Publication number: 20120037439
    Abstract: A system includes a vehicle having a hybrid power train. The hybrid power train has a battery pack with a number of cells. The system further includes a heat transfer device including a shape memory alloy (SMA). The SMA in a low temperature position provides a first heat transfer environment to the battery pack, and in a high temperature position provides a second heat transfer environment to the battery pack. The first heat transfer environment provides a first heat transfer amount to the battery pack, and the second heat transfer environment provides a second heat transfer amount to the battery pack. The second heat transfer amount is greater than the first heat transfer amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Vivek Anand Sujan, J. Stephen Wills
  • Cooking apparatus and method with product recognition
    Patent number: 8109202
    Abstract: Cooking apparatus having first and second platens with product recognition. A positioning mechanism moves the second platen toward the first. A detector senses the second platen making contact with a food product disposed on the first platen and provides a signal. A controller uses the signal to measure the travel distance of the second platen. The product thickness is a function of the travel distance, which is used to select a cooking procedure for the food product. The controller then executes the selected cooking procedure to cook the food product. The detector can include a micro switch, proximity sensor, touch sensor, strain sensor, thermal sensor, optical sensor, sonar sensor or positioning load change sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Enodis Corporation
    Inventors: Roberto Nevarez, Douglas S. Jones, Jan Claesson, Ryan J. Stephens, David W. Harter
  • SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR ENHANCING EXHAUST AFTERTREATMENT STARTUP EMISSIONS CONTROL
    Publication number: 20120023906
    Abstract: An aftertreatment system including a method which provides a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst disposed in an exhaust stream of an engine; determines that an ammonia pre-load condition for the SCR catalyst is present; determines a first amount of ammonia pre-load in response to the ammonia pre-load condition; injects an amount of ammonia or urea into the exhaust stream in response to the first amount of ammonia; and adsorbs a second amount of ammonia onto the SCR catalyst in response to injecting an amount of ammonia or urea, where the second amount of ammonia is either the injected amount of ammonia or an amount of ammonia resulting from hydrolysis from the injected amount of urea.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Aleksey Yezerets, Zheng Liu, Neal W. Currier, J. Stephen Wills
  • Attachable pocket
    Patent number: D684763
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Gary J. Stephens