Patents by Inventor Luke JOHNSTON

Luke JOHNSTON 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: 11910815
    Abstract: A beverage nucleation device includes a housing, a beverage receiving area defined by the housing for receiving a beverage container containing a supercooled beverage, and a support configured to support the beverage container in an upright orientation in the beverage container receiving area. The beverage nucleation device may further include an applicator configured to contact a sidewall of the beverage container on the support, wherein the applicator includes an elastomeric material. An ultrasonic transducer of the beverage nucleation device is configured to generate and apply ultrasonic energy to the beverage container via the applicator so as to cause nucleation of the supercooled beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Eleonor Dorin Stoenescu, Emad Jafa, Samuel Luke Johnstone
  • Patent number: 11804095
    Abstract: A vending machine has an interactive customer experience. Some embodiments of the vending machine include a transparent front wall with a plurality of display units located behind the front wall. Each of the display units may contain an example of a product available for vending. Based on input received from a customer and other information, the vending machine may provide a recommendation for a product or products to select for purchase. The vending machine may highlight the recommendation by selectively illuminating the product display units that contain the recommended products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Emad Jafa, Xuejun Li, Yong Serock, Cheuk Chi Lau, Martyn Thomas Mitchell, Euan Morrison, Wai Ting Chan, Samuel Luke Johnstone, Erik David Williams
  • Patent number: 11756366
    Abstract: Modular vending machines for storing and dispensing products to consumers. A modular vending machine may include a product storage system, a user interface, and a control unit. Several modular vending machines may be stacked and/or arranged together in various configurations. Several modular vending machines may be linked electronically and may communicate with each other and/or with a user mobile device over a network. A modular vending machine may automatically complete a transaction with the consumer, where the consumer removes a product from the modular vending machine. A consumer may access and purchase products from several modular vending machines in one transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Crawford, Emad Jafa, Cheuk Chi Lau, Xuejun Li, Yong Serock, Wai Ting Chan, Samuel Luke Johnstone, Martyn Thomas Mitchell, Euan Morrison, Erik David Williams
  • Publication number: 20230072834
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods directed to improving the functions of a vehicle. Systems and methods are provided that provide a custom tool that autogenerates a set of software agents that allows a system to separate processing, transmission and receiving of messages to achieve better synchronization. The disclosure herein also provides a simplified method of key provisioning by designating one client as a server and assigning a symmetric key to every other client permanently provisioned between that client and the server. Systems and method are further provided that predict faults in a vehicle. Systems and methods are also provided that preserve data in the event of a system crash. Systems and methods are also provided in which an operating system of a vehicle detects the presence of a new peripheral and pulls the related interface file for that new peripheral. Further, a data synchronization solution is provided herein which provides optimized levels of synchronization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2021
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Nick Schwaiger, Luke Johnston
  • Publication number: 20230073618
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods directed to improving the functions of a vehicle. Systems and methods are provided that provide a custom tool that autogenerates a set of software agents that allows a system to separate processing, transmission and receiving of messages to achieve better synchronization. The disclosure herein also provides a simplified method of key provisioning by designating one client as a server and assigning a symmetric key to every other client permanently provisioned between that client and the server. Systems and method are further provided that predict faults in a vehicle. Systems and methods are also provided that preserve data in the event of a system crash. Systems and methods are also provided in which an operating system of a vehicle detects the presence of a new peripheral and pulls the related interface file for that new peripheral. Further, a data synchronization solution is provided herein which provides optimized levels of synchronization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2021
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventor: Luke Johnston
  • Patent number: 11601303
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods directed to improving the functions of a vehicle. Systems and methods are provided that provide a custom tool that autogenerates a set of software agents that allows a system to separate processing, transmission and receiving of messages to achieve better synchronization. The disclosure herein also provides a simplified method of key provisioning by designating one client as a server and assigning a symmetric key to every other client permanently provisioned between that client and the server. Systems and method are further provided that predict faults in a vehicle. Systems and methods are also provided that preserve data in the event of a system crash. Systems and methods are also provided in which an operating system of a vehicle detects the presence of a new peripheral and pulls the related interface file for that new peripheral. Further, a data synchronization solution is provided herein which provides optimized levels of synchronization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Nick Schwaiger, Luke Johnston
  • Patent number: 11568702
    Abstract: Vending machines for storing and dispensing products to consumers in a space-efficient manner. A vending machine may include a product compartment, a product storage system, a support structure, a dispensing port, and a product delivery system. The support structure may elevate the product compartment and form a void beneath the product compartment. Other structures may occupy the void beneath the product compartment, or humans may walk through the void beneath the product compartment. A product may be automatically moved from the product compartment to the dispensing port using the product delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Emad Jafa, Cheuk Chi Lau, Xuejun Li, Yong Serock, Wai Ting Chan, Samuel Luke Johnstone, Martyn Thomas Mitchell, Euan Morrison, Erik David Williams
  • Patent number: 11501596
    Abstract: Mobile vending machines for storing and dispensing products to consumers at various locations. A mobile vending machine may include a product storage system, a user interface, a powertrain system, and a control unit. A consumer may view a list of products in the mobile vending machine using a mobile device, such as a smart phone. The consumer may summon the mobile vending machine to a location using the mobile device, and the mobile vending machine may automatically complete a transaction with the consumer, where the consumer receives a product from the mobile vending machine. The control unit may enable the mobile vending machine to autonomously travel to the location of the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Emad Jafa, Cheuk Chi Lau, Xuejun Li, Yong Serock, Wai Ting Chan, Samuel Luke Johnstone, Martyn Thomas Mitchell, Euan Morrison, Erik David Williams
  • Patent number: 11354965
    Abstract: A vending machine has an interactive customer experience. Some embodiments of the vending machine include a transparent front wall with a plurality of display units located behind the front wall. Each of the display units may contain an example of a product available for vending. Based on input received from a customer and other information, the vending machine may provide a recommendation for a product or products to select for purchase. The vending machine may highlight the recommendation by selectively illuminating the product display units that contain the recommended products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Emad Jafa, Xuejun Li, Yong Serock, Cheuk Chi Lau, Martyn Thomas Mitchell, Euan Morrison, Wai Ting Chan, Samuel Luke Johnstone, Erik David Williams
  • Patent number: 11282326
    Abstract: A vending machine with a reduced vertical height and footprint has a horizontal roller surface system for delivering vending products. The horizontal roller system includes actuated rollers and trays that move on top of the rollers. The products are present on top of the trays; the rollers actuate to deliver the trays, and the products, to a delivery portal. Some embodiments of the vending machine have a transparent top to allow the interior of the vending machine, and particularly the roller surface, to be visible from the exterior of the vending machine. The reduced height and size of the vending machine enables it to be placed in locations that are unavailable to conventional vending machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Emad Jafa, Xuejun Li, Yong Serock, Cheuk Chi Lau, Martyn Thomas Mitchell, Euan Morrison, Wai Ting Chan, Samuel Luke Johnstone, Erik David Williams
  • Publication number: 20210084027
    Abstract: A digitally certified ecosystem includes a plurality of verifying entities and a plurality of verified entities, each verified entity verified according to at least one aspect of the entity by at least one of the verifying entities. The digitally certified ecosystem further includes an issuing system server which enables a secure communications mode on a website of a verified entity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Inventor: Nigel Luke JOHNSTON
  • Patent number: 10854033
    Abstract: Mobile vending machines for storing and dispensing products to consumers at various locations. A mobile vending machine may include a product storage system, a user interface, a powertrain system, and a control unit. A consumer may view a list of products in the mobile vending machine using a mobile device, such as a smart phone. The consumer may summon the mobile vending machine to a location using the mobile device, and the mobile vending machine may automatically complete a transaction with the consumer, where the consumer receives a product from the mobile vending machine. The control unit may enable the mobile vending machine to autonomously travel to the location of the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Emad Jafa, Cheuk Chi Lau, Xuejun Li, Yong Serock, Wai Ting Chan, Samuel Luke Johnstone, Martyn Thomas Mitchell, Euan Morrison, Erik David Williams
  • Patent number: 10772473
    Abstract: A cleansing device for mammalian skin includes a cleansing head having a plurality of elastomeric cleansing features extending away from a first surface of the cleansing head. The cleansing head is attached to a handle. The cleansing device includes an actuator coupled to a rotating drive shaft and adapted to apply oscillating movement to one or more cleansing head sections of the cleansing head at a frequency of about 5 Hz to 30 Hz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: NSE Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel Luke Johnstone, Matthew James Herd, Charles Frazer Kilby
  • Publication number: 20190008332
    Abstract: A cleansing device for mammalian skin includes a cleansing head having a plurality of elastomeric cleansing features extending away from a first surface of the cleansing head. The cleansing head is attached to a handle. The cleansing device includes an actuator coupled to a rotating drive shaft and adapted to apply oscillating movement to one or more cleansing head sections of the cleansing head at a frequency of about 5 Hz to 30 Hz.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Publication date: January 10, 2019
    Applicant: NSE PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Samuel Luke Johnstone, Matthew James Herd, Charles Frazer Kilby
  • Publication number: 20170243149
    Abstract: A method of facilitating a stakeholder to engage in business to business trading in goods or services; said method comprising attributing a merit based ranking/score to each stakeholder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventor: Nigel Luke JOHNSTON
  • Patent number: 9612188
    Abstract: An air purifier is presented with a sensor controlling a motorized fan, wherein the sensor continuously and automatically adjusts the sensitivity setting of the sensor as the quality of air being purified changes. The average air quality readings of the air passing through an air purifier are monitored over a designated time period and, as the quality fluctuates, the sensitivity of the sensor is automatically adjusted. If the air quality is poor (i.e. a high particulate count), the sensitivity of the sensor will be adjusted to a less sensitive setting (i.e. allowing higher fan speeds so that more air can be moved through the filter) and, if the air quality is good (i.e. a low particulate count), the sensitivity of the sensor will be adjusted to a more sensitive setting (i.e. setting a lower maximum fan speed because not as much air needs to move through the filter).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Alen Corporation
    Inventors: Luke Johnston, Mark Vander Berg, Suppawat Kosumsuppamala, Jason Matocha
  • Publication number: 20160245784
    Abstract: A control system in an air monitor is programmed to selectively direct air from more than one source over a sensor and various algorithms are then used to provide feedback regarding the difference between the particulate readings at each of the sources. In one embodiment, a data curve for a reading from one air source during a first time period is overlaid with a line which is linearly extrapolated beyond the end of that time period and the data curve for a reading from a second air source during an immediately subsequent second time period is overlaid with a line which is linearly extrapolated beyond the start of that time period. The difference in the contaminant level between the extrapolated lines at the end of the first time period and the beginning of the second time period approximates the difference in contaminant content between the two air sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Applicant: Alen Corporation
    Inventors: Jason MATOCHA, Bailey Briscoe JONES, Suppawat KOSUMSUPPAMALA, Luke JOHNSTON
  • Publication number: 20150355069
    Abstract: An air purifier is presented with a sensor controlling a motorized fan, wherein the sensor continuously and automatically adjusts the sensitivity setting of the sensor as the quality of air being purified changes. The average air quality readings of the air passing through an air purifier are monitored over a designated time period and, as the quality fluctuates, the sensitivity of the sensor is automatically adjusted. If the air quality is poor (i.e. a high particulate count), the sensitivity of the sensor will be adjusted to a less sensitive setting (i.e. allowing higher fan speeds so that more air can be moved through the filter) and, if the air quality is good (i.e. a low particulate count), the sensitivity of the sensor will be adjusted to a more sensitive setting (i.e. setting a lower maximum fan speed because not as much air needs to move through the filter).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Inventors: Luke JOHNSTON, Mark VANDER BERG, Suppawat KOSUMSUPPAMALA, Jason MATOCHA