Patents by Inventor Stephen Hancock

Stephen Hancock 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: 11872796
    Abstract: The pressing of an article is achieved with a closed-loop feedback press. The closed-loop feedback press is effective to measure an amount of pressure applied and adjust the pressure to achieve a prescribed amount of compression on the article. Further, the press may leverage a closed-loop feedback system to maintain a consistent temperature of one or more platens. The press is able to adjust a pressure applied one or more times during a pressing operation to accelerate a temperature change in the pressed article while reducing the pressure applied as the temperature approaches a target temperature to limit unintentional deformation and bleeding of the pressed material of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Hancock, Nicolai Luksza, Adam Montoya, Charles W. Morrison, Daniel Black Thayer
  • Publication number: 20230076942
    Abstract: The pressing of an article is achieved with a closed-loop feedback press. The closed-loop feedback press is effective to measure an amount of pressure applied and adjust the pressure to achieve a prescribed amount of compression on the article. Further, the press may leverage a closed-loop feedback system to maintain a consistent temperature of one or more platens. The press is able to adjust a pressure applied one or more times during a pressing operation to accelerate a temperature change in the pressed article while reducing the pressure applied as the temperature approaches a target temperature to limit unintentional deformation and bleeding of the pressed material of the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Stephen Hancock, Nicolai Luksza, Adam Montoya, Charles W. Morrison, Daniel Black Thayer
  • Publication number: 20220397681
    Abstract: Existing networks of precisely surveyed GNSS receivers that are used for dGNSS or RTK positioning techniques can be used to measure GNSS time across a territory or region such as a country. The measured GNSS time base signals from each receiver are then fed back to a collating service, similar to the existing dGNSS/RTK systems, which also receives an accurate time base signal from a trusted third-party time base supplier which maintains a trusted time base. The collating service then compares the GNSS time signals from the network of GNSS receivers with the trusted time base and determines whether the GNSS time signals are accurate when compared to the trusted time base, and if they are not accurate, calculates the error. The collating service may provide the calculated error to users and the necessary correction that needs to be applied to measured GNSS time to obtain accurate UTC time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2022
    Publication date: December 15, 2022
    Inventor: Stephen Hancock
  • Patent number: 11524495
    Abstract: The pressing of an article is achieved with a closed-loop feedback press. The closed-loop feedback press is effective to measure an amount of pressure applied and adjust the pressure to achieve a prescribed amount of compression on the article. Further, the press may leverage a closed-loop feedback system to maintain a consistent temperature of one or more platens. The press is able to adjust a pressure applied one or more times during a pressing operation to accelerate a temperature change in the pressed article while reducing the pressure applied as the temperature approaches a target temperature to limit unintentional deformation and bleeding of the pressed material of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Hancock, Nicolai Luksza, Adam Montoya, Charles W. Morrison, Daniel Black Thayer
  • Patent number: 11383948
    Abstract: Maintaining a level of tension on material as it is processed in a manufacturing operation assists in the processing of the material. The tension of the material as it is fed through a process station is maintained by a material sag portion, such as an unsupported portion of the material extending between a roll of the material and the process station. The formation of the sag portion and the loading of the material forming the sag portion are automated and adjusted with a system having a material storage retrieval system, a shuttle, a tensioning device, and/or a processing station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Montoya, Stephen Hancock
  • Patent number: 10791792
    Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to a method for coupling a cemented upper to a sole of an article of footwear. Pairs of clamps secure a sole at a forefoot region and a heel region to prevent movement of a location of the sole upon application of a perimeter deforming force. Perimeter deforming implements apply such force to a bottom surface of the secured sole causing the perimeter of the top surface of the sole to splay open outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the sole. While the top surface of the perimeter is splayed, a cemented upper is caused to contact the top surface of the sole in a longitudinal direction from the heel end to the toe end. Once in place, the force on the bottom surface of the secured sole and the clamps is released leaving the top surface of the sole properly adhered to the upper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Davila, Stephen Hancock, Adam Montoya
  • Publication number: 20200298548
    Abstract: The pressing of an article is achieved with a closed-loop feedback press. The closed-loop feedback press is effective to measure an amount of pressure applied and adjust the pressure to achieve a prescribed amount of compression on the article. Further, the press may leverage a closed-loop feedback system to maintain a consistent temperature of one or more platens. The press is able to adjust a pressure applied one or more times during a pressing operation to accelerate a temperature change in the pressed article while reducing the pressure applied as the temperature approaches a target temperature to limit unintentional deformation and bleeding of the pressed material of the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Inventors: Stephen Hancock, Nicolai Luksza, Adam Montoya, Charles W. Morrison, Daniel Black Thayer
  • Publication number: 20200123381
    Abstract: This invention relates to a composite material which is a copolymer of at least (i) a functionalised carbon nanoparticle, (ii) a polyol, (iii) a compound comprising at least two isocyanate groups, wherein the functionalised carbon nanoparticle and the polyol are covalently bonded by a urethane and optionally a urea and/or an amide linkage, and a process for producing the same. Such composite materials are suitable for use in moulded articles for implantation within a mammal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Applicant: NANOREGMED LIMITED
    Inventors: Alexander SEIFALIAN, Stephen HANCOCK
  • Publication number: 20190359440
    Abstract: Maintaining a level of tension on material as it is processed in a manufacturing operation assists in the processing of the material. The tension of the material as it is fed through a process station is maintained by a material sag portion, such as an unsupported portion of the material extending between a roll of the material and the process station. The formation of the sag portion and the loading of the material forming the sag portion are automated and adjusted with a system having a material storage retrieval system, a shuttle, a tensioning device, and/or a processing station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Inventors: Adam Montoya, Stephen Hancock
  • Patent number: 10459086
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide that when performing a position fix a user who makes use of RTK or dGNSS correction data from a RTK/dGNSS service to obtain more accurate position fixes also receives from that same service data derived from the encrypted GNSS channels that authenticates whether the position fix determined by the mobile terminal based on the RTK/dGNSS data can be relied upon. By providing such an integrated service the mobile user terminal is able to obtain an authenticated, highly accurate positional fix which it can be certain can be relied upon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Ordnance Survey Limited
    Inventors: Paul Cruddace, Stephen Hancock
  • Patent number: 10399809
    Abstract: Maintaining a level of tension on material as it is processed in a manufacturing operation assists in the processing of the material. The tension of the material as it is fed through a process station is maintained by a material sag portion, such as an unsupported portion of the material extending between a roll of the material and the process station. The formation of the sag portion and the loading of the material forming the sag portion are automated and adjusted with a system having a material storage retrieval system, a shuttle, a tensioning device, and/or a processing station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Montoya, Stephen Hancock
  • Publication number: 20190191818
    Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to a method for coupling a cemented upper to a sole of an article of footwear. Pairs of clamps secure a sole at a forefoot region and a heel region to prevent movement of a location of the sole upon application of a perimeter deforming force. Perimeter deforming implements apply such force to a bottom surface of the secured sole causing the perimeter of the top surface of the sole to splay open outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the sole. While the top surface of the perimeter is splayed, a cemented upper is caused to contact the top surface of the sole in a longitudinal direction from the heel end to the toe end. Once in place, the force on the bottom surface of the secured sole and the clamps is released leaving the top surface of the sole properly adhered to the upper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Jason Davila, Stephen Hancock, Adam Montoya
  • Patent number: 10244819
    Abstract: Aspects hereof relate to an apparatus and method for coupling a cemented upper to a sole of an article of footwear. Pairs of clamps secure a sole at a forefoot region and a heel region to prevent movement of a location of the sole upon application of a perimeter deforming force. Perimeter deforming implements apply such force to a bottom surface of the secured sole causing the perimeter of the top surface of the sole to splay open outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the sole. While the top surface of the perimeter is splayed, a cemented upper is caused to contact the top surface of the sole in a longitudinal direction from the heel end to the toe end. Once in place, the force on the bottom surface of the secured sole and the clamps is released leaving the top surface of the sole properly adhered to the upper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Davila, Stephen Hancock, Adam Montoya
  • Publication number: 20170329016
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide that when performing a position fix a user who makes use of RTK or dGNSS correction data from a RTK/dGNSS service to obtain more accurate position fixes also receives from that same service data derived from the encrypted GNSS channels that authenticates whether the position fix determined by the mobile terminal based on the RTK/dGNSS data can be relied upon. By providing such an integrated service the mobile user terminal is able to obtain an authenticated, highly accurate positional fix which it can be certain can be relied upon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Inventors: Paul Cruddace, Stephen Hancock
  • Publication number: 20170152120
    Abstract: Maintaining a level of tension on material as it is processed in a manufacturing operation assists in the processing of the material. The tension of the material as it is fed through a process station is maintained by a material sag portion, such as an unsupported portion of the material extending between a roll of the material and the process station. The formation of the sag portion and the loading of the material forming the sag portion are automated and adjusted with a system having a material storage retrieval system, a shuttle, a tensioning device, and/or a processing station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Publication date: June 1, 2017
    Inventors: ADAM MONTOYA, STEPHEN HANCOCK
  • Patent number: 9651360
    Abstract: A cylindrical array of tightly spaced optical discs is arranged such that all optical discs in the array share the same axis of symmetry. An optical system is aligned with the optical disc array. The optical system includes a light source, such as a diffuse reflector, and a photo detector, such as a photo detector. The photo detector is aligned to receive either light transmitted through the optical disc array or light reflected off the optical disc array. Illumination directed at the optical disc array results in a pattern of alternating light and dark illuminations, or bands. The photo detector focusing on the cylinder surfaces of the optical discs detects the light/dark transitions and thus enables counting of discrete optical discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Fordham, Stephen Hancock
  • Patent number: 9558781
    Abstract: A cylindrical array of tightly spaced optical discs are each positioned vertically on edge to form a horizontal stack. Lifting a subset of optical discs enables that subset of optical discs to be grasped by their perimeters with much more room for robotic grippers between adjacent optical discs. An optical disc storage container includes a molded tray for vertically aligning a plurality of optical discs into the cylindrical array. The molded tray includes a bottom surface and side surfaces to support the optical discs and one or more openings formed in the bottom surface. A lifting mechanism is positioned along the one or more openings and is configured to lift the subset of optical discs a short distance relative to the remaining optical discs in the array, thereby enabling robotic grippers to grab the portion of the lifted optical disc protruding from the non-lifted optical disc array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Fordham, Stephen Hancock
  • Patent number: 8872480
    Abstract: An electric vehicle charging system is disclosed. More particularly, the system encompasses a load center having one or more electrical loads coupled thereto, electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) to charge an electric vehicle (EV), and a monitoring and limiting device (MLD) to monitor power or current usage of at least the one or more loads coupled to the load center, and adjust a charging level setting of the EVSE based upon the level of the usage. MLD apparatus and methods of charging a vehicle with electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) are provided, as are other aspects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: John DeBoer, Brian Timothy McCoy, Drew Stephen Hancock, Harry Price Haas, Scott Clayton Turner
  • Publication number: 20130141040
    Abstract: An electric vehicle charging system is disclosed. More particularly, the system encompasses a load center having one or more electrical loads coupled thereto, electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) to charge an electric vehicle (EV), and a monitoring and limiting device (MLD) to monitor power or current usage of at least the one or more loads coupled to the load center, and adjust a charging level setting of the EVSE based upon the level of the usage. MLD apparatus and methods of charging a vehicle with electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) are provided, as are other aspects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.
    Inventors: John DeBoer, Brian Timothy McCoy, Drew Stephen Hancock, Harry Price Haas, Scott Clayton Turner
  • Patent number: 8416206
    Abstract: A method for manipulating a graphic widget in a three-dimensional environment displayed on a touch panel of an interactive input system is provided. The method includes tracking the x-y positions of two touch points associated with the graphic widget; and modifying the z-position of the graphic widget in accordance with changes in the distance between the x-y positions of the touch points. An interactive input system and computer readable medium embodying the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: SMART Technologies ULC
    Inventors: Sheelagh Carpendale, Mark Stephen Hancock, Thomas Ten Cate, Tobias Isenberg