Patents by Inventor L. Foster

L. Foster 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: 11987459
    Abstract: A method of transporting a vehicle engine wire harness from a component preparation location to a component pick location is provided. The method includes placing the vehicle engine wire harness on a hook of a component hanger. The component hanger with vehicle engine wire harness is directed along a supply track assembly through a heated enclosure to the component pick location at a vehicle assembly line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Lloyd R. Holland, Bradley J. Garcia, Scottie L. Foster, Michael C. Greenlee, Eric F. Cornett, Randall L. Johnson, Michael P. Meyer, Steven R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11989394
    Abstract: Devices, methods and graphical user interfaces for manipulating user interfaces based on fingerprint sensor inputs are provided. While a display of an electronic device with a fingerprint sensor displays a first user interface, the device may detect movement of a fingerprint on the fingerprint sensor. In accordance with a determination that the movement of the fingerprint is in a first direction, the device allows navigating through the first user interface, and in accordance with a determination that the movement of the fingerprint is in a second direction different from the first direction, the device allows displaying a second user interface different from the first user interface on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Pope, Daniel W. Jarvis, Nicholas G. Merz, Scott A. Myers, Michael A. Cretella, Michael Eng, James H. Foster, Terry L. Gilton, Myra Haggerty, Byron B. Han, M. Evans Hankey, Steven P. Hotelling, Brian R. Land, Stephen Brian Lynch, Paul Meade, Mushtaq A. Sarwar, John P. Ternus, Paul M. Thompson, Marcel Van Os, John A. Wright
  • Patent number: 11987453
    Abstract: A method of automatically moving a dolly apparatus from an initial location to a downstream location is provided. The method includes engaging a component being carried along an elevated conveyor with a synchronization arm of a dolly apparatus such that the dolly apparatus moves with the component. The dolly apparatus includes a base frame and an actuation member movably mounted to the base frame. A synchronization arm is movably mounted to a top of the base frame. The actuation member is operatively connected to the synchronization arm such that actuating the actuation member lowers the synchronization arm to a disengaged position. The actuation member is actuated thereby lowering the synchronization arm to a disengaged position and releasing the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Scottie L. Foster, Bradley J. Garcia, Lloyd R. Holland, Michael C. Greenlee, Annetta L. Allen, Johnny O. Boarman, IV, Jeffrey L. James
  • Publication number: 20240151837
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a light-curtain system of an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) is provided. The method includes providing a scanner set at a height above a ground surface and outputting a laser scanning beam downwardly reflect from at least one mirror; providing and/or determining initial mirror angles, mirror positions, and lidar height; calculating a lidar height from scanner data; determining a gradient vector as a byproduct of the lidar height calculating; adjusting mirror angles, mirror positions, and lidar height in a direction opposite of the gradient vector; assessing of the adjusted mirror angles, mirror positions, and lidar height are equal to or less than thresholds; and if so, storing the mirror angles, mirror positions, and lidar height and/or values representing a ground plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2023
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Inventor: Erich L. Foster
  • Publication number: 20240139507
    Abstract: Flexible catheters adapted to be inserted into a body to deliver high-voltage, fast (e.g., microsecond, sub-microsecond, nanosecond, picosecond, etc.) electrical energy to target tissue may include a plurality of conductive layers, that may be coaxial. These catheters and method of using them to treat tissue are configured to reduce or avoid arcing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2024
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: David J. DANITZ, Kevin L. MOSS, Wesley C. JOE, Christopher J. FOSTER, Gary L. BOSECK, Xitlalic Y. SOTO-SIDA, Robert MASTON, John P. LUNSFORD
  • Publication number: 20240131680
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering a work part to an assembly line worker using a dolly assembly in a first configuration and retrieving the work part from the dolly assembly by the assembly line work while the dolly assembly is in a second configuration. According to some embodiments, a dolly assembly is provided comprising a base assembly having a support member and a mobility mechanism, the support member positioned obliquely with respect to a horizontal plane. The dolly assembly also includes a part-carrying member rotationally connected to the support member and having a part-holding structure for receiving a work part. The part-carrying member extends downward at an angle below the horizontal plane when in a first configuration, and extends upward from at an angle above the horizontal plane when in a second configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2022
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Applicants: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: LLOYD R. HOLLAND, SCOTTIE L. FOSTER, BRADLEY J. GARCIA, MICHAEL C. GREENLEE, JEFFREY L. JAMES, ANNETTA L. ALLEN, JOHNNY O. BOARMAN 4TH, DAVID A. LAJOICE
  • Patent number: 11963523
    Abstract: A fly trap configured to contact a window surface includes a frame and a cover. The frame includes a top surface and a bottom surface. A portion of the bottom surface is configured to contact the window surface, and the frame defines an interior and an ingress for permitting flies to enter the interior from a side of the frame. The cover includes an adhesive fly capture surface configured to face the window surface and attach the cover to the top surface of the frame. The cover enclosing the interior at the top surface of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: OMS Investments, Inc.
    Inventors: Ervin Kovacs, Alan L. Vaudry, Mark L. Foster, John H. Borden
  • Patent number: 11931570
    Abstract: Flexible catheters adapted to be inserted into a body to deliver high-voltage, fast (e.g., microsecond, sub-microsecond, nanosecond, picosecond, etc.) electrical energy to target tissue may include a plurality of conductive layers, that may be coaxial. These catheters and method of using them to treat tissue are configured to reduce or avoid arcing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Pulse Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Danitz, Kevin L. Moss, Wesley C. Joe, Christopher J. Foster, Gary L. Boseck, Xitlalic Y. Soto-Sida, Robert Maston, John P. Lunsford
  • Publication number: 20230356961
    Abstract: A method of automatically moving a dolly apparatus from an initial location to a downstream location is provided. The method includes engaging a component being carried along an elevated conveyor with a synchronization arm of a dolly apparatus such that the dolly apparatus moves with the component. The dolly apparatus includes a base frame and an actuation member movably mounted to the base frame. A synchronization arm is movably mounted to a top of the base frame. The actuation member is operatively connected to the synchronization arm such that actuating the actuation member lowers the synchronization arm to a disengaged position. The actuation member is actuated thereby lowering the synchronization arm to a disengaged position and releasing the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2022
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Applicants: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Scottie L. Foster, Bradley J. Garcia, Lloyd R. Holland, Michael C. Greenlee, Annetta L. Allen, Johnny O. Boarman, IV, Jeffrey L. James
  • Publication number: 20230347955
    Abstract: A delivery dolly includes a carousel that is rotatably mounted on a support column. The carousel includes a recess on an underside of the carousel. A locking mechanism is biased toward a locked position. The locking mechanism includes a locking wheel on which the carousel rotates until the carousel reaches a preselected angular position. The recess aligns with the locking wheel at the preselected angular position and, due to a bias force, the locking wheel extends into the recess to inhibit rotation of the carousel until the carousel is spun manually, forcing the carousel to rotate and the locking wheel to retract until the locking wheel encounters the recess again.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2022
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Applicants: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Scottie L. Foster, Bradley J. Garcia, Lloyd R. Holland, Michael C. Greenlee, Annetta L. Allen, Johnny O. Boarman, IV, Jeffrey L. James
  • Publication number: 20230312979
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to brush compositions for magnetic field-assisted finishing (MAF). In particular, the disclosure relates to brush compositions for MAF including a carrier fluid, optionally a solid lubricant dispersed in the carrier fluid, abrasive particles dispersed in the carrier fluid, and magnetic particles dispersed in the carrier fluid. The solid lubricant can be in the form of solid lubricant nanoplatelets or other nanoparticles. The disclosure also relates to systems, methods, and uses of the brush composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Haseung Chung, Patrick Kwon, Kenneth L. Foster
  • Publication number: 20230072292
    Abstract: This invention provides a catalyst composition characterized in that the catalyst composition comprises one or more rare earth oxophosphorus components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Min Li, Edward L. Foster
  • Publication number: 20220194759
    Abstract: A method of transporting a vehicle engine wire harness from a component preparation location to a component pick location is provided. The method includes placing the vehicle engine wire harness on a hook of a component hanger. The component hanger with vehicle engine wire harness is directed along a supply track assembly through a heated enclosure to the component pick location at a vehicle assembly line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Lloyd R. Holland, Bradley J. Garcia, Scottie L. Foster, Michael C. Greenlee, Eric F. Cornett, Randall L. Johnson, Michael P. Meyer, Steven R. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20220174930
    Abstract: A fly trap configured to contact a window surface includes a frame and a cover. The frame includes a top surface and a bottom surface. A portion of the bottom surface is configured to contact the window surface, and the frame defines an interior and an ingress for permitting flies to enter the interior from a side of the frame. The cover includes an adhesive fly capture surface configured to face the window surface and attach the cover to the top surface of the frame. The cover enclosing the interior at the top surface of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Inventors: Ervin Kovacs, Alan L. Vaudry, Mark L. Foster, John H. Borden
  • Patent number: 11172668
    Abstract: A window mounted fly trap includes a frame comprising a top surface, a bottom surface disposed on a side of the frame opposite the top surface, and a mount extending from the bottom surface away from the frame. The frame defines an interior and the mount is constructed to detachably mount to a window surface. The trap also includes a cover attached to the top surface of the frame enclosing the interior at the top surface of the frame, the cover comprising an adhesive fly capture surface configured to face the window surface, the frame, cover, and window surface defining therein a fly capture chamber. The trap further includes at least one ingress in the frame for permitting flies to enter the fly capture chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: OMS Investments, Inc.
    Inventors: Ervin Kovacs, Alan L. Vaudry, Mark L. Foster, John H. Borden
  • Publication number: 20210296120
    Abstract: The invention is a method comprising (a) providing a substrate having at least one recessed feature characterized by a width of less than about 0.3 microns and an aspect ratio of 5 or higher, (b) coating onto the substrate a composition comprising (i) a curable polymeric material, (ii) a thermally deactivatable gap-filling aid, and (iii) at least one solvent, (c) drying the coated substrate to remove the solvent, leaving a composition of cross-linkable polymeric material and gap-filling aid substantially filling the recessed feature, and (d) heating the coated substrate to cure the polymeric material and to de-activate the gap-filling aid, wherein the cured material has a glass transition temperature of no less than 300° C. and, preferably, a thermal stability temperature of at least 300° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Foster, James P. GODSCHALX, Michael G. SIMMONDS
  • Patent number: 11117752
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to automated dolly assemblies having loading and unloading racks and traveling along a track secured to a floor. In one embodiment, an automated dolly assembly includes a moveable frame having a mobility mechanism, one or more loading racks, one or more unloading racks, a receiver arm connected to the moveable frame and a moveable pulley connected to the receiver arm. The moveable pulley has weights. The mobility mechanism is coupled to a bottom surface of the moveable frame. The one or more loading racks and the one or more unloading racks are proximate to a top surface of the moveable frame. The receiver arm is rotatably moveable between a horizontal position and a vertical position and configured to engage the automated dolly assembly with an overhead conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Scottie L. Foster, Bradley J. Garcia, Lloyd R. Holland, Michael C. Greenlee, Eric F. Cornett, Randall L. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20210248616
    Abstract: The present disclosure involves systems and methods for establishing an auditable and tamperproof record of warranty activities among parties to an associated digital warranty file. A blockchain or other distributed ledger may be used to encrypt, seal, and authenticate data associated with a warranty and stored with a warranty management system. Milestones and decisions associated with the digital warranty file may be encrypted and sealed on the blockchain to provide a fully auditable and non-repudiable record of the warranty process, thereby creating a trustworthy validation of warranty file activity as it moves through a warranty claim process. The blockchain based seals allow all participating parties to confidently rely on the information shared. Blockchain based seals of a warranty file or other data may assure the information cannot be tampered with, while reducing costs for researching and verifying each transaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Applicant: Verso, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Foster
  • Publication number: 20210147153
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to automated dolly assemblies having loading and unloading racks and traveling along a track secured to a floor. In one embodiment, an automated dolly assembly includes a moveable frame having a mobility mechanism, one or more loading racks, one or more unloading racks, a receiver arm connected to the moveable frame and a moveable pulley connected to the receiver arm. The moveable pulley has weights. The mobility mechanism is coupled to a bottom surface of the moveable frame. The one or more loading racks and the one or more unloading racks are proximate to a top surface of the moveable frame. The receiver arm is rotatably moveable between a horizontal position and a vertical position and configured to engage the automated dolly assembly with an overhead conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Applicant: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Scottie L. Foster, Bradley J. Garcia, Lloyd R. Holland, Michael C. Greenlee, Eric F. Cornett, Randall L. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20190364873
    Abstract: A window mounted fly trap includes a frame comprising a top surface, a bottom surface disposed on a side of the frame opposite the top surface, and a mount extending from the bottom surface away from the frame. The frame defines an interior and the mount is constructed to detachably mount to a window surface. The trap also includes a cover attached to the top surface of the frame enclosing the interior at the top surface of the frame, the cover comprising an adhesive fly capture surface configured to face the window surface, the frame, cover, and window surface defining therein a fly capture chamber. The trap further includes at least one ingress in the frame for permitting flies to enter the fly capture chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Inventors: Ervin Kovacs, Alan L. Vaudry, Mark L. Foster, John H. Borden