Patents by Inventor Michael A. Fairchild

Michael A. Fairchild 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: 11957207
    Abstract: Foot support systems include a fluid flow control system that facilitates movement of fluid into, out of, and/or within a sole structure and/or article of footwear, e.g., to change and/or control pressure in fluid filled bladder(s). Aspects of this technology may relate to one or more of: (a) footwear structures in which such systems are incorporated; (b) valve stem based fluid flow transfer systems; (c) solenoid based fluid flow transfer systems; (d) user input button features; (e) air filter features; (f) fluid tube to fluid distributor connection features; (g) fluid distributor to footwear connection features; (h) valve position sensor features; (i) valve transmission features; (j) pressure control algorithm features; (k) electronic communication features; (l) system sealing features; and/or (m) pressure sensor mounting features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Browne, Narissa Y. Chang, Remy Pieron, Stepan Ryabinin, Adam Vollmer, Michael Fairchild, Ethan Vella, Daniel Weeks
  • Publication number: 20240090619
    Abstract: Foot support systems include a fluid flow control system that facilitates movement of fluid into, out of, and/or within a sole structure and/or article of footwear, e.g., to change and/or control pressure in fluid filled bladder(s). Aspects of this technology may relate to one or more of: (a) footwear structures in which such systems are incorporated; (b) valve stem based fluid flow transfer systems; (c) solenoid based fluid flow transfer systems; (d) user input button features; (e) air filter features; (f) fluid tube to fluid distributor connection features; (g) fluid distributor to footwear connection features; (h) valve position sensor features; (i) valve transmission features; (j) pressure control algorithm features; (k) electronic communication features; (l) system sealing features; and/or (m) pressure sensor mounting features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Devin Bailly, Matthew Browne, Narissa Y. Chang, Rémy Pieron, Stepan Ryabinin, Adam Vollmer, Michael Fairchild, Ethan Vella, Daniel Weeks
  • Patent number: 11864618
    Abstract: Foot support systems include a fluid flow control system that facilitates movement of fluid into, out of, and/or within a sole structure and/or article of footwear, e.g., to change and/or control pressure in fluid filled bladder(s). Aspects of this technology may relate to one or more of: (a) footwear structures in which such systems are incorporated; (b) valve stem based fluid flow transfer systems; (c) solenoid based fluid flow transfer systems; (d) user input button features; (e) air filter features; (f) fluid tube to fluid distributor connection features; (g) fluid distributor to footwear connection features; (h) valve position sensor features; (i) valve transmission features; (j) pressure control algorithm features; (k) electronic communication features; (l) system sealing features; and/or (m) pressure sensor mounting features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Devin Bailly, Matthew Browne, Narissa Y. Chang, Remy Pieron, Stepan Ryabinin, Adam Vollmer, Michael Fairchild, Ethan Vella, Daniel Weeks
  • Publication number: 20230157410
    Abstract: Foot support systems include a fluid flow control system that facilitates movement of fluid into, out of, and/or within a sole structure and/or article of footwear, e.g., to change and/or control pressure in fluid filled bladder(s). Such systems may include: (a) a first solenoid including first, second, and third ports; (b) a valve in fluid communication with the first solenoid’s first port; and (c) a second solenoid including first, second, and third ports (the first port in fluid communication with the valve). Each of the first and second solenoids is switchable to: (a) a configuration where fluid flows through that solenoid between its first port and second port and (b) a configuration where fluid flows through that solenoid between its first port and third port. The valve is switchable between open and closed configurations. The solenoid and valve configurations are used to selectively place the systems in plural operational states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2022
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Inventors: Stepan Ryabinin, Narissa Y. Chang, Rémy Pieron, Adam Vollmer, Michael Allison, Michael Fairchild, Ethan Vella, Daniel Weeks
  • Publication number: 20230138485
    Abstract: Foot support systems include a first foot support bladder, a fluid tank, and a fluid distributor. The fluid distributor's body may have: (a) first and second solenoid mounts, (b) a main fluid distribution channel in fluid communication with the first and second solenoid mounts, (c) a tank channel in fluid communication with the first solenoid mount, (d) a first foot support bladder channel in fluid communication with the second solenoid mount, (e) a first foot support connector connecting the first foot support bladder with the first foot support bladder channel, and (f) a tank connector connecting the fluid tank with the tank channel. First and second solenoids are engaged with the fluid distributor at the first and second solenoid mounts, respectively. In some examples, the fluid distributor may include a third solenoid mount and a second foot support connector for use with a second foot support bladder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2022
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Inventors: Stepan Ryabinin, Narissa Y. Chang, Rémy Pieron, Adam Vollmer, Michael Allison, Michael Fairchild, John Geile, Ethan Vella, Daniel Weeks
  • Publication number: 20210368934
    Abstract: Foot support systems include a fluid flow control system that facilitates movement of fluid into, out of, and/or within a sole structure and/or article of footwear, e.g., to change and/or control pressure in fluid filled bladder(s). Aspects of this technology may relate to one or more of: (a) footwear structures in which such systems are incorporated; (b) valve stem based fluid flow transfer systems; (c) solenoid based fluid flow transfer systems; (d) user input button features; (e) air filter features; (f) fluid tube to fluid distributor connection features; (g) fluid distributor to footwear connection features; (h) valve position sensor features; (i) valve transmission features; (j) pressure control algorithm features; (k) electronic communication features; (l) system sealing features; and/or (m) pressure sensor mounting features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Inventors: Matthew Browne, Stepan Ryabinin, Michael Fairchild
  • Publication number: 20210368927
    Abstract: Foot support systems include a fluid flow control system that facilitates movement of fluid into, out of, and/or within a sole structure and/or article of footwear, e.g., to change and/or control pressure in fluid filled bladder(s). Aspects of this technology may relate to one or more of: (a) footwear structures in which such systems are incorporated; (b) valve stem based fluid flow transfer systems; (c) solenoid based fluid flow transfer systems; (d) user input button features; (e) air filter features; (f) fluid tube to fluid distributor connection features; (g) fluid distributor to footwear connection features; (h) valve position sensor features; (i) valve transmission features; (j) pressure control algorithm features; (k) electronic communication features; (l) system sealing features; and/or (m) pressure sensor mounting features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Inventors: Devin Bailly, Matthew Browne, Narissa Y. Chang, Remy Pieron, Stepan Ryabinin, Adam Vollmer, Michael Fairchild, Ethan Vella, Daniel Weeks
  • Publication number: 20210368937
    Abstract: Foot support systems include a fluid flow control system that facilitates movement of fluid into, out of, and/or within a sole structure and/or article of footwear, e.g., to change and/or control pressure in fluid filled bladder(s). Aspects of this technology may relate to one or more of: (a) footwear structures in which such systems are incorporated; (b) valve stem based fluid flow transfer systems; (c) solenoid based fluid flow transfer systems; (d) user input button features; (e) air filter features; (f) fluid tube to fluid distributor connection features; (g) fluid distributor to footwear connection features; (h) valve position sensor features; (i) valve transmission features; (j) pressure control algorithm features; (k) electronic communication features; (l) system sealing features; and/or (m) pressure sensor mounting features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Inventors: Matthew Browne, Narissa Y. Chang, Remy Pieron, Stepan Ryabinin, Adam Vollmer, Michael Fairchild, Ethan Vella, Daniel Weeks
  • Patent number: 11135859
    Abstract: Some examples include a grounding system for an image forming apparatus. The grounding system includes a lifting plate having a top surface for storing media and an interface, a cable having a first end and an opposing second end, the first end attached at the interface, a retainer attached to the lifting plate at the interface, the retainer releasably securing the cable to the lifting plate, and a winding spool coupled to the second end of the cable, the winding spool to transfer torque to the cable and to accommodate a length of cable wound around the winding spool. Each of the lifting plate, the cable, and the winding spool are electrically conductive to release electrostatic energy from the media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Matias Negatu, Michael A Fairchild, Jesse Phillips, Alexander M Nameroff
  • Publication number: 20210220102
    Abstract: A toothbrush includes a removable, replaceable brush head that includes a clip that also serves as a removal tool for a spent brush head. The toothbrush may be a manually-wound or charged, powered toothbrush that includes a winding mechanism, an energy storage element, and an output gear train to cause a rotating, oscillating or sweeping brush head to move, thus improving the efficacy of the user's oral-care regimen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventors: Patrick R. Triato, Ethan E. Vella, Michael A. Fairchild, Joshua P. Yasbek, Michael James Allison
  • Patent number: 10934114
    Abstract: Some examples include a media level state indicator of an image forming apparatus. The media level state indicator including a gear assembly of interconnected gears including a first gear, a second gear, and a cam fixedly disposed on the first gear, the second gear coupled to a media lift system and rotatable with a shaft of the media lift system, the first gear and the cam rotatably coupled to the second gear, a cam follower to selectively contact the cam, the cam follower moveable in response to contacting rotational movement of the cam, and a signal device coupled to the cam follower, the signal device having a first media level state and a second media level state, the signal device to move between the first media level state and the second media level state as the media lift system changes a position of a lift plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Jesse Philips, Matias Negatu, Alexander M Nameroff, John Pruyn, Joshua Peter Yasbek, Michael A Fairchild
  • Publication number: 20200093252
    Abstract: End effectors and systems including end effectors configured to provide colorimetric indicia of a wear state of the end effector are described. In one embodiment, the end effector includes: a base portion coupleable to a motor; a chamber including an optically translucent window and a chamber interior; and a flowable material disposed in the chamber interior and having a color. The end effector is configured to provide colorimetric indicia of a wear state of the end effector based at least in part on mixing of the flowable material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Publication date: March 26, 2020
    Applicant: L'Oreal
    Inventors: Iranpour Khormaei, Michael A. Fairchild, Tristan George Dudik, Ethan E. Vella, Joshua Peter Yasbek, Gabriel Aldaz
  • Publication number: 20200085552
    Abstract: A manually-wound or charged, powered toothbrush includes a winding mechanism, an energy storage element, and an output gear train to cause a rotating, oscillating or sweeping brush head to move, thus improving the efficacy of the user's oral-care regimen. The toothbrush may include a removable, replaceable brush head that includes a clip that also serves as a removal tool for a spent brush head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    Inventors: Patrick R. Triato, Ethan E. Vella, Michael A. Fairchild, Joshua P. Yasbek, Michael James Allison
  • Publication number: 20200037745
    Abstract: End effectors and systems including end effectors configured to provide visible indicia of a wear state of the end effectors are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Applicant: L'Oreal
    Inventors: Iranpour Khormaei, Tristan George Dudik, Michael A. Fairchild, Ethan E. Vella, Joshua Peter Yasbek, Gabriel Aldaz
  • Publication number: 20200037746
    Abstract: End effectors and systems including end effectors configured to provide audible and/or haptic indicia of fatigue failure of springs disposed in the end effectors are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Applicant: L'Oreal
    Inventors: Iranpour Khormaei, Michael A. Fairchild, Tristan George Dudik, Ethan E. Vella, Joshua Peter Yasbek
  • Publication number: 20190232692
    Abstract: Some examples include a grounding system for an image forming apparatus. The grounding system includes a lifting plate having a top surface for storing media and an interface, a cable having a first end and an opposing second end, the first end attached at the interface, a retainer attached to the lifting plate at the interface, the retainer releasably securing the cable to the lifting plate, and a winding spool coupled to the second end of the cable, the winding spool to transfer torque to the cable and to accommodate a length of cable wound around the winding spool. Each of the lifting plate, the cable, and the winding spool are electrically conductive to release electrostatic energy from the media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Inventors: Matias Negatu, Michael A Fairchild, Jesse Phillips, Alexander M Nameroff
  • Publication number: 20190204772
    Abstract: Some examples include a media level state indicator of an image forming apparatus. The media level state indicator including a gear assembly of interconnected gears including a first gear, a second gear, and a cam fixedly disposed on the first gear, the second gear coupled to a media lift system and rotatable with a shaft of the media lift system, the first gear and the cam rotatably coupled to the second gear, a cam follower to selectively contact the cam, the cam follower moveable in response to contacting rotational movement of the cam, and a signal device coupled to the cam follower, the signal device having a first media level state and a second media level state, the signal device to move between the first media level state and the second media level state as the media lift system changes a position of a lift plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Inventors: Jesse Phillps, Matias Negatu, Alexander M Nameroff, John Pruyn, Joshua Peter Yasbek, Michael A Fairchild
  • Publication number: 20190083217
    Abstract: A manually-wound or charged, powered toothbrush includes a winding mechanism, an energy storage element, and an output gear train to cause a rotating, oscillating or sweeping brush head to move, thus improving the efficacy of the user's oral-care regimen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Applicant: Goodwell Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick R. TRIATO, Ethan E. VELLA, Michael A. FAIRCHILD, Joshua P. YASBEK
  • Patent number: 10183819
    Abstract: An assembly of a device having a component, the assembly including a damper having a damper gearwheel coupled to a damper member. The damper member has a first condition restricting motion of the component of the device to a first rate in a first direction and a second condition restricting motion of the component of the device to a second rate in the first direction slower than the first rate. The damper gearwheel is rotationally fixed relative to the damper member when the damper is in the first condition. The damper gearwheel is rotatable relative to the damper member when the damper is in the second condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Jesse Phillips, Mike W. Munro, Josh Yasbek, Alexander M. Nameroff, John Pruyn, Michael A. Fairchild
  • Publication number: 20180115668
    Abstract: An assembly of a device having a component, the assembly including a damper having a damper gearwheel coupled to a damper member. The damper member has a first condition restricting motion of the component of the device to a first rate in a first direction and a second condition restricting motion of the component of the device to a second rate in the first direction slower than the first rate. The damper gearwheel is rotationally fixed relative to the damper member when the damper is in the first condition. The damper gearwheel is rotatable relative to the damper member when the damper is in the second condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: Jesse Phillips, Mike W. Munro, Josh Yasbek, Alexander M. Nameroff, John Pruyn, Michael A. Fairchild