Patents by Inventor Robert W. Stegner
Robert W. Stegner 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).
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Patent number: 10289098Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments for a dynamic footwear cushioning system. One example embodiment includes: setting a cushioning level for cushioning material in accordance with a first setting; and altering, in dependence upon an environmental condition change, the cushioning level for the cushioning material in accordance with a second setting.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2016Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Steven J. Livaccari, William M. Megarity, Eric A. Stegner, Robert W. Stegner
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Publication number: 20170336781Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments for a dynamic footwear cushioning system. One example embodiment includes: setting a cushioning level for cushioning material in accordance with a first setting; and altering, in dependence upon an environmental condition change, the cushioning level for the cushioning material in accordance with a second setting.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2016Publication date: November 23, 2017Inventors: STEVEN J. LIVACCARI, WILLIAM M. MEGARITY, ERIC A. STEGNER, ROBERT W. STEGNER
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Patent number: 9423001Abstract: An isolation system for a transportation pallet, a transportation pallet, and a method of providing an isolation system are provided. The isolation system comprises a plunger assembly comprising a graduated surface area having a first end with a relatively smaller surface area than a second end having a relatively larger surface area. The isolation system further comprises a cushion pad coupled to the plunger assembly such that when a load is applied to the plunger assembly, the plunger assembly is pressed into the cushion pad to cause the cushion pad to bear the load over a surface area of the plunger assembly corresponding to the magnitude of the load. When the load is increased, a larger surface area of the plunger assembly and the cushion pad supports the load and as the load decreases, a smaller surface area of the plunger assembly and cushion pad supports the load.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2014Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Kenton C. Green, William J. Green, Michael D. O'Connell, Eric A. Stegner, Robert W. Stegner
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Patent number: 9352874Abstract: An apparatus includes a pallet bottom with a first side with a first edge, a second side, a third side with a third edge, and a fourth side, where the first side is adjacent to the second side and opposite the third side and the second side is opposite the fourth side. Each side includes an opening for receiving forks. The apparatus includes a first edge board along the second side connected between the first and the third edges, a second edge board along the fourth side connected between the first and third edges, and a deck plate connected to the first and third edges. The deck plate spans between the first edge board, the second edge board, the first edge and the third edge. The deck plate engages the first and the second edge boards at least at a mid-section of the first and the second edge boards.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2014Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: LENOVO ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.Inventors: Paul J Cance, William J Green, Robert W Stegner
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Publication number: 20160090207Abstract: An apparatus includes a pallet bottom with a first side with a first edge, a second side, a third side with a third edge, and a fourth side, where the first side is adjacent to the second side and opposite the third side and the second side is opposite the fourth side. Each side includes an opening for receiving forks. The apparatus includes a first edge board along the second side connected between the first and the third edges, a second edge board along the fourth side connected between the first and third edges, and a deck plate connected to the first and third edges. The deck plate spans between the first edge board, the second edge board, the first edge and the third edge. The deck plate engages the first and the second edge boards at least at a mid-section of the first and the second edge boards.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2014Publication date: March 31, 2016Inventors: Paul J. Cance, William J. Green, Robert W. Stegner
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Patent number: 9291234Abstract: An isolation system for a transportation pallet, a transportation pallet, and a method of providing an isolation system are provided. The isolation system comprises a plunger assembly comprising a graduated surface area having a first end with a relatively smaller surface area than a second end having a relatively larger surface area. The isolation system further comprises a cushion pad coupled to the plunger assembly such that when a load is applied to the plunger assembly, the plunger assembly is pressed into the cushion pad to cause the cushion pad to bear the load over a surface area of the plunger assembly corresponding to the magnitude of the load. When the load is increased, a larger surface area of the plunger assembly and the cushion pad supports the load and as the load decreases, a smaller surface area of the plunger assembly and cushion pad supports the load.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Kenton C. Green, William J. Green, Michael D. O'Connell, Eric A. Stegner, Robert W. Stegner
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Publication number: 20160059989Abstract: An isolation system for a transportation pallet, a transportation pallet, and a method of providing an isolation system are provided. The isolation system comprises a plunger assembly comprising a graduated surface area having a first end with a relatively smaller surface area than a second end having a relatively larger surface area. The isolation system further comprises a cushion pad coupled to the plunger assembly such that when a load is applied to the plunger assembly, the plunger assembly is pressed into the cushion pad to cause the cushion pad to bear the load over a surface area of the plunger assembly corresponding to the magnitude of the load. When the load is increased, a larger surface area of the plunger assembly and the cushion pad supports the load and as the load decreases, a smaller surface area of the plunger assembly and cushion pad supports the load.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2014Publication date: March 3, 2016Inventors: Kenton C. Green, William J. Green, Michael D. O'Connell, Eric A. Stegner, Robert W. Stegner
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Publication number: 20160061285Abstract: An isolation system for a transportation pallet, a transportation pallet, and a method of providing an isolation system are provided. The isolation system comprises a plunger assembly comprising a graduated surface area having a first end with a relatively smaller surface area than a second end having a relatively larger surface area. The isolation system further comprises a cushion pad coupled to the plunger assembly such that when a load is applied to the plunger assembly, the plunger assembly is pressed into the cushion pad to cause the cushion pad to bear the load over a surface area of the plunger assembly corresponding to the magnitude of the load.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2014Publication date: March 3, 2016Inventors: Kenton C. Green, William J. Green, Michael D. O'Connell, Eric A. Stegner, Robert W. Stegner
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Publication number: 20160023803Abstract: A pallet comprised of a first deck, a second deck, a dampening device and a shield. The first deck includes an interior surface, an exterior surface and an edge. The second deck includes an interior surface. The dampening device located between the interior surface of the first deck and the interior surface of the second deck. The dampening device configured to contract to counteract a compression force when the first deck and the second deck are pressed together and further configured to deform to counteract an expansive force when the first deck and the second deck are pulled apart. The shield having a first planar member adjacent to the exterior surface of the first deck opposite the dampening device and a second planar member extending from the first planar member to the interior surface of the second deck and adjacent to the edge of the first deck.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2014Publication date: January 28, 2016Inventors: Kenton C. Green, William J. Green, Robert W. Stegner
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Patent number: 9227757Abstract: A pallet comprised of a first deck, a second deck, a dampening device and a shield. The first deck includes an interior surface, an exterior surface and an edge. The second deck includes an interior surface. The dampening device located between the interior surface of the first deck and the interior surface of the second deck. The dampening device configured to contract to counteract a compression force when the first deck and the second deck are pressed together and further configured to deform to counteract an expansive force when the first deck and the second deck are pulled apart. The shield having a first planar member adjacent to the exterior surface of the first deck opposite the dampening device and a second planar member extending from the first planar member to the interior surface of the second deck and adjacent to the edge of the first deck.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2014Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) PTE. LTD.Inventors: Kenton C. Green, William J. Green, Robert W. Stegner
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Patent number: 9137930Abstract: A rear door heat exchanger is used to cool exhaust air as it exits a rack containing a plurality of computing devices. An air flow rate is determined for each of the plurality of computing devices within the rack, wherein each of the plurality of computing devices includes a fan drawing air through the computing device. The position of a baffle or louver is controlled to allow exhaust air to bypass the rear door heat exchanger in response to determining that the total air flow rate through the plurality of computing devices exceeds a predetermined air flow capacity threshold of the rear door heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2013Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Shareef F. Alshinnawi, Gary D. Cudak, Robert W. Stegner, Edward S. Suffern, J. Mark Weber
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Patent number: 8935952Abstract: An apparatus for stability testing of a wheeled assembly includes a straight fulcrum fixed relative to a horizontal surface. The straight fulcrum includes a straight edge parallel to the horizontal surface and located a first height above the horizontal surface. A first position mechanism includes a first position angle. The first position mechanism and straight edge define the first position angle as an obtuse angle and define a test area. A force mechanism vertically offset from the straight edge. The force mechanism applies a force to the wheeled assembly so when the wheeled assembly is positioned in a first position with one side of the wheeled assembly parallel to the first position angle, the force mechanism pulls the wheeled assembly in a direction toward a second position and the wheeled assembly rotates on a vertical axis. The second position includes a portion of the wheeled assembly contacting the straight edge.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2012Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: James M. Dunbar, Eric A. Stegner, Robert W. Stegner
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Patent number: 8925739Abstract: An embodiment of a computer rack is capable of supporting up to 48U of electronic devices, including a central rack space for up to 42U and six 1U side bays. The side bays are fully accessible from the rear of the rack, so that all of the components may be serviced without pulling the rack out from a row and removing side panels. Optional strip PDUs may be mounted at the rear. The rack complies with standard dimensions for a 19-inch rack, including standard vertical and horizontal rail dimensions, and fits on a standard 600 mm×1200 mm floor tile.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2012Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Martin J. Crippen, Karl Dittus, Eric A. Eckberg, John H. Mohlke, Randy J. Speltz, Robert W. Stegner, Ronald S. Taylor, Gregory S. Vande Corput, Charles E. White, III
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Publication number: 20140355201Abstract: A rear door heat exchanger is used to cool exhaust air as it exits a rack containing a plurality of computing devices. An air flow rate is determined for each of the plurality of computing devices within the rack, wherein each of the plurality of computing devices includes a fan drawing air through the computing device. The position of a baffle or louver is controlled to allow exhaust air to bypass the rear door heat exchanger in response to determining that the total air flow rate through the plurality of computing devices exceeds a predetermined air flow capacity threshold of the rear door heat exchanger.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2013Publication date: December 4, 2014Inventors: Shareef F. Alshinnawi, Gary D. Cudak, Robert W. Stegner, Edward S. Suffern, J. Mark Weber
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Patent number: 8683473Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for dynamic task association. The method includes maintaining a plurality of projects. Each project may include a plurality of tasks specific to the project. The method may also include detecting a change in a particular task of a first project that affects one or more tasks of a second project. The first project and the second project may be of the plurality of projects and the second project may be independent from the first project. The method may also include updating one or more tasks of the second project affected by the change in response to detecting the change in the particular task of the first project.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2011Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Mark E. Maresh, Eric A. Stegner, Robert W. Stegner
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Publication number: 20140027392Abstract: An embodiment of a computer rack is capable of supporting up to 48U of electronic devices, including a central rack space for up to 42U and six 1U side bays. The side bays are fully accessible from the rear of the rack, so that all of the components may be serviced without pulling the rack out from a row and removing side panels. Optional strip PDUs may be mounted at the rear. The rack complies with standard dimensions for a 19-inch rack, including standard vertical and horizontal rail dimensions, and fits on a standard 600 mm×1200 mm floor tile.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2012Publication date: January 30, 2014Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Martin J. Crippen, Karl Dittus, Eric A. Eckberg, John H. Mohlke, Randy J. Speltz, Robert W. Stegner, Ronald S. Taylor, Gregory S. Vande Corput, Charles E. White, III
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Patent number: 8626356Abstract: Enabling the remote engine starter user to address accidental start obstacles resulting from specific vehicle enclosure structures. Remotely starting an internal combustion engine with onboard computer control of a vehicle enclosed within a confined enclosure that comprises determining a set of safe distances for each of the front, rear and top of the vehicle, respectively, from the front, rear and top of the enclosure. Then, it is sensed whether all of the distances of the front, rear and top of the vehicle from the enclosure are respectively further than each of the set of safe distances. The remote starting of the engine of the vehicle is enabled only if at least one of the distances is further than it's safe distance.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2012Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Michelle Davis, Mark E Maresh, Eric A Stegner, Robert W Stegner
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Publication number: 20140000351Abstract: An apparatus for stability testing of a wheeled assembly includes a straight fulcrum fixed relative to a horizontal surface. The straight fulcrum includes a straight edge parallel to the horizontal surface and located a first height above the horizontal surface. A first position mechanism includes a first position angle. The first position mechanism and straight edge define the first position angle as an obtuse angle and define a test area. A force mechanism vertically offset from the straight edge. The force mechanism applies a force to the wheeled assembly so when the wheeled assembly is positioned in a first position with one side of the wheeled assembly parallel to the first position angle, the force mechanism pulls the wheeled assembly in a direction toward a second position and the wheeled assembly rotates on a vertical axis. The second position includes a portion of the wheeled assembly contacting the straight edge.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2012Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: James M. Dunbar, Eric A. Stegner, Robert W. Stegner
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Publication number: 20130197716Abstract: Enabling the remote engine starter user to address accidental start obstacles resulting from specific vehicle enclosure structures. Remotely starting an internal combustion engine with onboard computer control of a vehicle enclosed within a confined enclosure that comprises determining a set of safe distances for each of the front, rear and top of the vehicle, respectively, from the front, rear and top of the enclosure. Then, it is sensed whether all of the distances of the front, rear and top of the vehicle from the enclosure are respectively further than each of the set of safe distances. The remote starting of the engine of the vehicle is enabled only if at least one of the distances is further than it's safe distance.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2012Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Michelle Davis, Mark E. Maresh, Eric A. Stegner, Robert W. Stegner
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Patent number: 8463799Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to query processing and consolidation of query results. Multiple queries may be submitted to one or more search engines, with each query having the same or different returned query items with the same or different sorting arrangement of the returned query items. The returned query items are consolidated into a single sorted set, with the sort being based upon a logical assessment and comparison of the multiple returned query items.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2011Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Michelle Davis, Mark E. Maresh, Eric A. Stegner, Robert W. Stegner