Patents by Inventor Shawn J. Sullivan
Shawn J. Sullivan 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).
-
Publication number: 20240357277Abstract: An ear tip includes a body configured to be mounted onto an earbud. The body includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a first wall extending between the first and second ends. The first wall defines and surrounds a hollow passage that is configured to conduct sound waves. The first wall is configured to engage a nozzle on the earbud. The first wall includes a ring that is formed of a rigid material and engages the nozzle. The ring includes at least one C-shaped member with at least one gap and a compliant material is molded around the ring and fills the gap.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2024Publication date: October 24, 2024Applicant: Bose CorporationInventors: Michael Andrew Zalisk, Donna Marie Sullivan, Kai Gao, Shawn J. Prevoir, Brian David Beaudoin
-
Patent number: 12041410Abstract: An ear tip includes a body configured to be mounted onto an earbud. The body includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a first wall extending between the first and second ends. The first wall defines and surrounds a hollow passage that is configured to conduct sound waves. The first wall is configured to engage a nozzle on the earbud. The first wall includes a ring that is formed of a rigid material and engages the nozzle. The ring includes at least one C-shaped member with at least one gap and a compliant material is molded around the ring and fills the gap.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2023Date of Patent: July 16, 2024Assignee: Bose CorporationInventors: Michael Andrew Zalisk, Donna Marie Sullivan, Kai Gao, Shawn J. Prevoir, Brian David Beaudoin
-
Publication number: 20240127651Abstract: A key can be configured for interfacing with a dispenser in a commercial facility, the key can include a body and key hardware configured to unlock the dispenser. A beacon device can be incorporated into the body and configured to transmit beacon data including an identity of the beacon device. The key can be used for maintenance of commercial facilities by maintenance personnel, wherein the commercial facilities include consumable product dispensers that require periodic refill. Maintenance can include interfacing a receiver device incorporated in a product dispenser with a beacon device incorporated into a key configured to unlock the product dispenser, interfacing the receiver device with a server system to transmit the identity of the beacon device to the server system, and identifying, by the server system, an identity of a maintenance personnel that unlocks the product dispenser based at least in part on the identity of the beacon device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2021Publication date: April 18, 2024Inventors: Jonathan D. Boulos, Galdric Marcotte, Vannarak DeMonteiro, Shawn J. Sullivan
-
Publication number: 20230365328Abstract: Waste storage devices are provided. The waste storage device is capable of sharing information concerning the health of a user. The waste storage device includes a sampling area in the interior of the container configured to detect the presence of one or more volatile organic compounds. The waste storage device is in communication with a server system capable of generating and delivering a notification to a user. Methods for communicating a health state of a user are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2021Publication date: November 16, 2023Inventors: Shawn J. Sullivan, David Koenig, Jonathan D. Boulos, Andrew Long, Nickolas Barnes
-
Patent number: 10828207Abstract: A system for removing and donning a disposable absorbent article by using a separate robotic device includes an absorbent assembly having an inner layer that partly defines a body-facing surface, an outer layer that defines a garment-facing surface, and an absorbent body disposed between the inner and outer layers. The absorbent assembly also includes a pair of ears extending transversely outward from the opposite sides of the absorbent assembly in the back waist region, each of the ears including a body-facing surface with a primary first fastening-component that is selectively engageable with a primary second fastening-component in the front waist region of the absorbent assembly in a wear configuration of the article, and a garment-facing surface opposite the body-facing surface. The absorbent article also includes a manipulation-enablement feature configured to assist the post-retail manipulation of the absorbent article by the robotic device.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2015Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Mark Long, Shawn J. Sullivan, Chris P. Olson
-
Patent number: 10350115Abstract: A leakage assessment system for use with an absorbent article having an outer surface, the system including a computer and a signaling device adapted to be used in conjunction with the absorbent article, the signaling device adapted to sense wetness in the absorbent article, wherein the signaling device is in electronic communication with the computer. The system also includes a wetness detection mat in electronic communication with the computer, and an image capture device configured to continuously detect an absorbent article wearer position, wherein the image capture device is in electronic communication with the computer, wherein the computer is configured to electronically record wetness incidents using the signaling device, the wetness detection mat, and the wearer position captured by the image capture device.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2016Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Andrew M. Long, Shawn J. Sullivan, John C. Robertson, Richard N. Dodge
-
Publication number: 20180036180Abstract: A leakage assessment system for use with an absorbent article having an outer surface, the system including a computer and a signaling device adapted to be used in conjunction with the absorbent article, the signaling device adapted to sense wetness in the absorbent article, wherein the signaling device is in electronic communication with the computer. The system also includes a wetness detection mat in electronic communication with the computer, and an image capture device configured to continuously detect an absorbent article wearer position, wherein the image capture device is in electronic communication with the computer, wherein the computer is configured to electronically record wetness incidents using the signaling device, the wetness detection mat, and the wearer position captured by the image capture device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2016Publication date: February 8, 2018Inventors: Andrew M. Long, Shawn J. Sullivan, John C. Robertson, Richard N. Dodge
-
Publication number: 20170354548Abstract: A system for removing and donning a disposable absorbent article by using a separate robotic device includes an absorbent assembly having an inner layer that partly defines a body-facing surface, an outer layer that defines a garment-facing surface, and an absorbent body disposed between the inner and outer layers. The absorbent assembly also includes a pair of ears extending transversely outward from the opposite sides of the absorbent assembly in the back waist region, each of the ears including a body-facing surface with a primary first fastening-component that is selectively engageable with a primary second fastening-component in the front waist region of the absorbent assembly in a wear configuration of the article, and a garment-facing surface opposite the body-facing surface. The absorbent article also includes a manipulation-enablement feature configured to assist the post-retail manipulation of the absorbent article by the robotic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2015Publication date: December 14, 2017Inventors: Andrew Mark Long, Shawn J. Sullivan, Chris P. Olson
-
Patent number: 8725245Abstract: An oscillator provides a reference signal having a phase. A tunable reactive circuit, including an induction coil, is driven by the fixed frequency reference signal of the oscillator with coil adapted to be positioned adjacent the specimen to generate an oscillating signal corresponding to the condition of the specimen. The tunable reactive circuit provides an output signal having a parameter indicative of the condition of the specimen. A resonant control circuit compares the reference signal to the oscillating signal and provides to the tunable reactive circuit a resonance control signal representative of the comparison. The resonance control signal tunes the tunable reactive circuit, which may be a series RLC circuit, so that the frequency of the oscillating signal is substantially constant.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2006Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Joseph R. Feldkamp, Jeffrey R. Heller, Shawn J. Sullivan
-
Patent number: 8208681Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to an image analysis system for detecting compliance with requirements for using personal protective equipment (PPE). An image capturing device may be used to acquire an image of an individual requesting entry into a restricted area. In turn, a PPE analysis tool may be configured to analyze the image to detect the presence of the PPE, e.g., by recognizing markings made using UV fluorescent dye, reflective ink, or other marking materials visible in the captured image and/or the physical shape of the PPE. The image analysis tool may be further configured to demine not only whether the required PPE is present, but also determine whether the PPE is being worn correctly by the individual requesting access to the restricted area.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2007Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey R. Heller, Sridhar Ranganathan, Shawn J. Sullivan
-
Patent number: 7712640Abstract: The present invention relates to mannequin systems that can be used for simulating motion for the performance testing of garments, including absorbent articles. The systems may include an assembled framework and a mannequin secured within the assembled framework. Motion of the mannequin is generated by an integrated system of pneumatic cylinders and a motor drive assembly. The mannequin may be made of a reinforced elastomeric composite material.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2005Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Peter D. Honer, Robert C. Pilecky, Frank F. Kromenaker, Shawn J. Sullivan, Simon K. Poruthoor
-
Patent number: 7649125Abstract: A method of detecting the presence of an insult in an absorbent article. An electrical property of the article is measured and either a proportional difference or a rate of change of the electrical property is determined. The proportional difference or the rate of change is compared to a difference indicator value and a rate indicator value, respectively, to determine the presence of an insult in the article.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2005Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Thomas M. Ales, III, Andrew Long, Meghan E. Collins, Shawn J. Sullivan
-
Patent number: 7612673Abstract: A lifting device equipped with an RFID scanning system having an article receiving area configured for receipt of a stack of articles having RFID tags associated therewith. A first scanning antenna is provided at a first height relative to the article receiving area, and a second scanning antenna is provided at a second height relative to the article receiving area that is above the first height. A computer control system is in communication with the first and second scanning antennas and applies a verification parameter to RFID signals received by the second scanning antenna to determine whether RFID tagged articles detected by the second scanning antenna are within the stack of articles carried by the lifting device.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2007Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: John C. Onderko, Shawn J. Sullivan, Sudhanshu Gakhar
-
Publication number: 20090161918Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to an image analysis system for detecting compliance with requirements for using personal protective equipment (PPE). An image capturing device may be used to acquire an image of an individual requesting entry into a restricted area. In turn, a PPE analysis tool may be configured to analyze the image to detect the presence of the PPE, e.g., by recognizing markings made using UV fluorescent dye, reflective ink, or other marking materials visible in the captured image and/or the physical shape of the PPE. The image analysis tool may be further configured to demine not only whether the required PPE is present, but also determine whether the PPE is being worn correctly by the individual requesting access to the restricted area.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2007Publication date: June 25, 2009Inventors: Jeffrey R. Heller, Sridhar Ranganathan, Shawn J. Sullivan
-
Patent number: 7477156Abstract: Absorbent articles incorporating a wetness sensor for indicating the presence of a body fluid are disclosed. In particular, the absorbent articles include at least two conductive elements that form an open circuit within the article. Each conductive element is connected to a conductive pad member that has sufficient surface area in order to facilitate connection to a signaling device. In accordance with the present disclosure, various attachment mechanisms are disclosed for attaching the pad members to a signaling device. In particular, although the absorbent articles are disposable, the signaling device is intended to be used with multiple absorbent articles. Therefore, a simple and efficient method of connecting the signaling device to the pad members provides various advantages. In one particular embodiment, for instance, the pad members comprise a conductive loop-type material that is attached to a corresponding conductive hook-type material on the signaling device.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2006Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Mark Long, Christopher Peter Olson, Shirlee A. Weber, Tom M. Ales, Robert Samuel Schlaupitz, Robert D. Wright, George I. Nukuto, Shawn J. Sullivan
-
Publication number: 20080297348Abstract: A lifting device equipped with an RFID scanning system having an article receiving area configured for receipt of a stack of articles having RFID tags associated therewith. A first scanning antenna is provided at a first height relative to the article receiving area, and a second scanning antenna is provided at a second height relative to the article receiving area that is above the first height. A computer control system is in communication with the first and second scanning antennas and applies a verification parameter to RFID signals received by the second scanning antenna to determine whether RFID tagged articles detected by the second scanning antenna are within the stack of articles carried by the lifting device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2007Publication date: December 4, 2008Inventors: John C. Onderko, Shawn J. Sullivan, Sudhanshu Gakhar
-
Publication number: 20080058740Abstract: Provided is a sensing system for use in conjunction with a home automation network controlling an environmental variable in a home, the system including a transmitter adapted to be used with an absorbent article having a sensor, wherein the transmitter is adapted to communicate with the sensor and directly with the home automation network. Also provided is a physiological event notification system including an absorbent article including a physiological event sensor; a home automation network controlling an environmental variable in a home; and a transmitter associable with the absorbent article and in signal communication with the physiological event sensor and with the home automation network.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2006Publication date: March 6, 2008Inventors: Shawn J. Sullivan, Gary A. Clement, Sridhar Ranganathan, Thomas M. Ales, Andrew M. Long
-
Publication number: 20080048786Abstract: An oscillator provides a reference signal having a phase. A tunable reactive circuit, including an induction coil, is driven by the fixed frequency reference signal of the oscillator with coil adapted to be positioned adjacent the specimen to generate an oscillating signal corresponding to the condition of the specimen. The tunable reactive circuit provides an output signal having a parameter indicative of the condition of the specimen. A resonant control circuit compares the reference signal to the oscillating signal and provides to the tunable reactive circuit a resonance control signal representative of the comparison. The resonance control signal tunes the tunable reactive circuit, which may be a series RLC circuit, so that the frequency of the oscillating signal is substantially constant.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2006Publication date: February 28, 2008Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.Inventors: Joseph R. Feldkamp, Jeffrey R. Heller, Shawn J. Sullivan