Patents by Inventor Steven Benton

Steven Benton 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: 20240082027
    Abstract: A distal aortic stent graft assembly including a main body having a proximal end and a distal end. The main body defines a peripheral opening. The proximal end defines a proximal opening. The distal end defines a distal opening. The proximal opening and the distal opening are configured to perfuse blood through the main body when the main body is in a deployed state. The distal aortic stent graft assembly further includes a coupling extending radially from the main body and corresponding to the opening in the main body. The coupling is configured to align with a blood vessel and perfuse blood through the coupling when the coupling is in the deployed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Keith PERKINS, Zachary BORGLIN, Mark STIGER, Julie BENTON, Steven CLAESSENS, Travis ROWE, Mark YOUNG
  • Patent number: 9984348
    Abstract: Methods and systems for context management of a wireless node network having at least a plurality of nodes and a server are described. The server identifies at least one of the nodes. The server determines what context data relates to an operating environment of the identified node as the identified node moves along a path within the operating environment. Based upon the determined context data (e.g., scan data, historic data, shipment data, and layout data), the server performs a management task related to the identified node (e.g., instructs the node to alter its operation, associate the node with the another node, locates the node, tracks and reports the location of the node) with an adjustment made to account for the determined context data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: FEDEX CORPORATE SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Ole-Petter Skaaksrud, Terence Hollahan, Steven Benton
  • Patent number: 9978035
    Abstract: Methods, media, apparatus, and systems are described for improved and enhanced node location determination related to one of a plurality of nodes in a wireless node network. A first and second other node in the network are instructed to detect any message broadcast from the one node over a period of time. The server receives a first indication from the first other node, where the first indication relates to a characteristic of all messages broadcast from the one node that are detected by the first other node during the time period. The server receives a second indication from the second other node, where the second indication relates to the characteristic of all messages broadcast from the one node that are detected by the second other node during the time period. The server then determines a location of the one node based upon a difference in the first and second indications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: FEDEX CORPORATE SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Ole-Petter Skaaksrud, Terence Hollahan, Steven Benton
  • Patent number: 9930635
    Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus are described for determining node locations using one or more associations of nodes in a wireless node network. In general, a first node (such as a master node) may broadcast one or more first messages at a first anticipated range distance. The first node identifies which nodes associated with the first node received at least one of the first messages, such as by reports from associated nodes that receives such message(s). The first node then broadcasts one or more second messages at a smaller anticipated range distance (e.g., with a lower output power level), and determines a location of those associated nodes that did not receive any second messages but received at least one of the first messages. Such a location is between the first anticipated range distance from the first node and the second anticipated range distance from the first node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: FEDEX CORPORATE SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Ole-Petter Skaaksrud, Terence Hollahan, Steven Benton
  • Patent number: 9854556
    Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus are described for determining node locations using one or more associations of nodes in a wireless node network. In general, a first node (such as a master node) may broadcast one or more first messages at a first anticipated range distance. The first node identifies which nodes associated with the first node received at least one of the first messages, such as by reports from associated nodes that receives such message(s). The first node then broadcasts one or more second messages at a smaller anticipated range distance (e.g., with a lower output power level), and determines a location of those associated nodes that did not receive any second messages but received at least one of the first messages. Such a location is between the first anticipated range distance from the first node and the second anticipated range distance from the first node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: FEDEX CORPORATE SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Ole-Petter Skaaksrud, Terence Hollahan, Steven Benton
  • Patent number: 9769785
    Abstract: Improved methods and networks of components are described for dynamically changing an operational mode of node operations in a wireless node network having at least a plurality of master nodes and a server. A method begins with a first master node detecting an environmental change related to the first master node, such as when the first master node loses reception of a location signal due to surrounding structure. In response to the detected environmental change, changing an operational mode for the first master node to a temporary ID node mode where the first master node no longer can self-determine its location. The first master node operating in the temporary ID node mode then notifies the server that the first master nodes is operating in the temporary ID node mode, and associates with a second master node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: FEDEX CORPORATE SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Ole-Petter Skaaksrud, Terence Hollahan, Steven Benton
  • Publication number: 20170164319
    Abstract: Methods, media, apparatus, and systems are described for improved and enhanced node location determination related to one of a plurality of nodes in a wireless node network. A first and second other node in the network are instructed to detect any message broadcast from the one node over a period of time. The server receives a first indication from the first other node, where the first indication relates to a characteristic of all messages broadcast from the one node that are detected by the first other node during the time period. The server receives a second indication from the second other node, where the second indication relates to the characteristic of all messages broadcast from the one node that are detected by the second other node during the time period. The server then determines a location of the one node based upon a difference in the first and second indications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2017
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: Ole-Petter Skaaksrud, Terence Hollahan, Steven Benton
  • Patent number: 9674812
    Abstract: Methods, media, apparatus, and systems are described for improved and enhanced node location determination related to one of a plurality of nodes in a wireless node network. A first and second other node in the network are instructed to detect any message broadcast from the one node over a period of time. The server receives a first indication from the first other node, where the first indication relates to a characteristic of all messages broadcast from the one node that are detected by the first other node during the time period. The server receives a second indication from the second other node, where the second indication relates to the characteristic of all messages broadcast from the one node that are detected by the second other node during the time period. The server then determines a location of the one node based upon a difference in the first and second indications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: FEDEX CORPORATE SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Ole-Petter Skaaksrud, Terence Hollahan, Steven Benton
  • Patent number: 9402242
    Abstract: Methods and systems for association management within a wireless node network of nodes and a server are described. A method may identify a first node as a potential for associating with a second node based, for example, upon status information about the nodes. An association request is transmitted by the second node to the server. The server may determine the locations of the nodes, determine if associating the nodes is desired based on the locations, and record new association data if association should occur. Upon receiving a permissive response from the server, which may include one or more authorization credentials, the first node and second node may be associated. Then with authorization credentials, the first and second nodes may securely connect and share data. And once associated, responsibility for a task previously done by the first node may be shifted to the second node after the nodes are associated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: FEDEX CORPORATE SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Ole-Petter Skaaksrud, Terence Hollahan, Steven Benton
  • Publication number: 20160037478
    Abstract: Methods and systems for association management within a wireless node network of nodes and a server are described. A method may identify a first node as a potential for associating with a second node based, for example, upon status information about the nodes. An association request is transmitted by the second node to the server. The server may determine the locations of the nodes, determine if associating the nodes is desired based on the locations, and record new association data if association should occur. Upon receiving a permissive response from the server, which may include one or more authorization credentials, the first node and second node may be associated. Then with authorization credentials, the first and second nodes may securely connect and share data. And once associated, responsibility for a task previously done by the first node may be shifted to the second node after the nodes are associated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Ole-Petter Skaaksrud, Terence Hollahan, Steven Benton
  • Patent number: 9234757
    Abstract: Methods and systems for enhanced node location determination by varying a power characteristic of nodes in a wireless node network are described. At least one of the nodes is instructed by a managing element in the network to incrementally change the power characteristic (e.g., change output power level and/or node receiver sensitivity). As the power characteristic incrementally changes, nodes are identified that initially received a signal broadcast from a first of the nodes but no longer receive the broadcast signal. As the power characteristic continues to incrementally change, a node is identified as a last of the nodes that receives the broadcast signal before none of the other nodes can receive the broadcast signal. As such, the identified last of the other nodes is a closest node to the first node. Then, a location of the first node is determined based upon the closest node to the first node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: FEDEX CORPORATE SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Ole-Petter Skaaksrud, Terence Hollahan, Steven Benton
  • Publication number: 20150154431
    Abstract: Methods and systems for context management of a wireless node network having at least a plurality of nodes and a server are described. The server identifies at least one of the nodes. The server determines what context data relates to an operating environment of the identified node as the identified node moves along a path within the operating environment. Based upon the determined context data (e.g., scan data, historic data, shipment data, and layout data), the server performs a management task related to the identified node (e.g., instructs the node to alter its operation, associate the node with the another node, locates the node, tracks and reports the location of the node) with an adjustment made to account for the determined context data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventors: Ole-Petter Skaaksrud, Terence Hollahan, Steven Benton
  • Publication number: 20150154539
    Abstract: Methods and systems that manage shipment of an item using a wireless node network are disclosed having at least one ID node, a plurality of master nodes, and a server. The server receives shipping information that registers the ID node and the item. The ID node may be associated to a first master node prior to pick-up, with association information sent to the server. The ID node may be disassociated from the first master node when it associates with another master node along a predicted path traveled by the item and ID node. The disassociation/association information is reported to the server, which tracks the ID node associations and location. The ID node may be disassociated from the second master node when it associates with a final master node along the predicted path traveled by the item and ID node and after a drop-off event of the item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventors: Ole-Petter Skaaksrud, Terence Hollahan, Steven Benton
  • Publication number: 20150154545
    Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus are described for determining node locations using one or more associations of nodes in a wireless node network. In general, a first node (such as a master node) may broadcast one or more first messages at a first anticipated range distance. The first node identifies which nodes associated with the first node received at least one of the first messages, such as by reports from associated nodes that receives such message(s). The first node then broadcasts one or more second messages at a smaller anticipated range distance (e.g., with a lower output power level), and determines a location of those associated nodes that did not receive any second messages but received at least one of the first messages. Such a location is between the first anticipated range distance from the first node and the second anticipated range distance from the first node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventors: Ole-Petter Skaaksrud, Terence Hollahan, Steven Benton
  • Publication number: 20150154546
    Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus are described for determining node locations using one or more associations of nodes in a wireless node network. In general, a first node (such as a master node) may broadcast one or more first messages at a first anticipated range distance. The first node identifies which nodes associated with the first node received at least one of the first messages, such as by reports from associated nodes that receives such message(s). The first node then broadcasts one or more second messages at a smaller anticipated range distance (e.g., with a lower output power level), and determines a location of those associated nodes that did not receive any second messages but received at least one of the first messages. Such a location is between the first anticipated range distance from the first node and the second anticipated range distance from the first node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventors: Ole-Petter Skaaksrud, Terence Hollahan, Steven Benton
  • Publication number: 20150156747
    Abstract: Methods, media, apparatus, and systems are described for improved and enhanced node location determination related to one of a plurality of nodes in a wireless node network. A first and second other node in the network are instructed to detect any message broadcast from the one node over a period of time. The server receives a first indication from the first other node, where the first indication relates to a characteristic of all messages broadcast from the one node that are detected by the first other node during the time period. The server receives a second indication from the second other node, where the second indication relates to the characteristic of all messages broadcast from the one node that are detected by the second other node during the time period. The server then determines a location of the one node based upon a difference in the first and second indications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventors: Ole-Petter Skaaksrud, Terence Hollahan, Steven Benton
  • Publication number: 20150156605
    Abstract: Methods and systems for enhanced node location determination by varying a power characteristic of nodes in a wireless node network are described. At least one of the nodes is instructed by a managing element in the network to incrementally change the power characteristic (e.g., change output power level and/or node receiver sensitivity). As the power characteristic incrementally changes, nodes are identified that initially received a signal broadcast from a first of the nodes but no longer receive the broadcast signal. As the power characteristic continues to incrementally change, a node is identified as a last of the nodes that receives the broadcast signal before none of the other nodes can receive the broadcast signal. As such, the identified last of the other nodes is a closest node to the first node. Then, a location of the first node is determined based upon the closest node to the first node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventors: Ole-Petter Skaaksrud, Terence Hollahan, Steven Benton
  • Publication number: 20150156253
    Abstract: Improved methods and networks of components are described for dynamically changing an operational mode of node operations in a wireless node network having at least a plurality of master nodes and a server. A method begins with a first master node detecting an environmental change related to the first master node, such as when the first master node loses reception of a location signal due to surrounding structure. In response to the detected environmental change, changing an operational mode for the first master node to a temporary ID node mode where the first master node no longer can self-determine its location. The first master node operating in the temporary ID node mode then notifies the server that the first master nodes is operating in the temporary ID node mode, and associates with a second master node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventors: Ole-Petter Skaaksrud, Terence Hollahan, Steven Benton
  • Patent number: 8989053
    Abstract: Methods and systems for association management within a wireless node network of nodes and a server are described. A method may identify a first node as a potential for associating with a second node based, for example, upon status information about the nodes. An association request is transmitted by the second node to the server. The server may determine the locations of the nodes, determine if associating the nodes is desired based on the locations, and record new association data if association should occur. Upon receiving a permissive response from the server, which may include one or more authorization credentials, the first node and second node may be associated. Then with authorization credentials, the first and second nodes may securely connect and share data. And once associated, responsibility for a task previously done by the first node may be shifted to the second node after the nodes are associated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: FedEx Corporate Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Ole-Petter Skaaksrud, Terence Hollahan, Steven Benton