Patents by Inventor Steven H Walker

Steven H Walker 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).

  • Action detection and activity classification
    Patent number: 9999806
    Abstract: Activities, actions and events during user performance of physical activity may be detected using various algorithms and templates. Templates may include an arrangement of one or more states that may identify particular event types and timing between events. Templates may be specific to a particular type of activity (e.g., types of sports, drills, events, etc.), user, terrain, time of day and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Santoshkumar Balakrishnan, Jordan M. Rice, Steven H. Walker, Adam S. Carroll, Corey C. Dow-Hygelund, Aaron K. Goodwin, James M. Mullin, Tye L. Rattenbury, Joshua M. Rooke-Ley, John M. Schmitt
  • Action detection and activity classification
    Patent number: 9987521
    Abstract: Activities, actions and events during user performance of physical activity may be detected using various algorithms and templates. Templates may include an arrangement of one or more states that may identify particular event types and timing between events. Templates may be specific to a particular type of activity (e.g., types of sports, drills, events, etc.), user, terrain, time of day and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Santoshkumar Balakrishnan, Jordan M. Rice, Steven H. Walker, Adam S. Carroll, Corey C. Dow-Hygelund, Aaron K. Goodwin, James M. Mullin, Tye L. Rattenbury, Joshua M. Rooke-Ley, John M. Schmitt
  • Action detection and activity classification
    Patent number: 9962111
    Abstract: Activities, actions and events during user performance of physical activity may be detected using various algorithms and templates. Templates may include an arrangement of one or more states that may identify particular event types and timing between events. Templates may be specific to a particular type of activity (e.g., types of sports, drills, events, etc.), user, terrain, time of day and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: SantoshKumar Balakrishnan, Jordan M. Rice, Steven H. Walker, Adam S. Carroll, Corey C. Dow-Hygelund, Aaron K. Goodwin, James M. Mullin, Tye L. Rattenbury, Joshua M. Rooke-Ley, John M. Schmitt
  • Footwear Including an Incline Adjuster
    Publication number: 20180035752
    Abstract: A sole structure may include chambers and a transfer channel containing an electrorheological fluid. Electrodes may be positioned to create, in response to a voltage across the electrodes, an electrical field in at least a portion of the electrorheological fluid in the transfer channel. The sole structure may further include a controller including a processor and memory. At least one of the processor and memory may store instructions executable by the processor to perform operations that include maintaining the voltage across the electrodes at one or more flow-inhibiting levels at which flow of the electrorheological fluid the through the transfer channel is blocked, and that further include maintaining the voltage across the electrodes at one or more flow-enabling levels permitting flow of the electrorheological fluid through the transfer channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven H. Walker, Chin-yuan Cheng
  • MOTORIZED SHOE WITH GESTURE CONTROL
    Publication number: 20180020764
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes a motorized tensioning system, sensors, and a gesture control system. Based on information received from one or more sensors the gesture control system may, detect a prompting gesture and enters an armed mode for receiving further instructions. In the armed mode the system may detect a variety of different control gestures that correspond to different tensioning commands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventor: Steven H. Walker
  • Footwear Having Sensor System
    Publication number: 20170340049
    Abstract: A sensor system is adapted for use with an article of footwear and includes an insert member including a first layer and a second layer, a port connected to the insert and configured for communication with an electronic module, a plurality of force and/or pressure sensors on the insert member, and a plurality of leads connecting the sensors to the port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Jordan M. Rice, Allan M. Schrock, Steven H. Walker, Kate Richmond, Andreas Heinrich Steier, Ndikum Protus Atang
  • SOLE STRUCTURE FOR AN ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH LONGITUDINAL TENSION MEMBER AND NON-LINEAR BENDING STIFFNESS
    Publication number: 20170340056
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a sole plate that includes a foot-facing surface with a forefoot portion, and a ground-facing surface opposite from the foot-receiving surface. A tension member is operatively secured to the ground-facing surface and has a portion configured to move relative to the sole plate during dorsiflexion of the sole structure in a first portion of a flexion range, and interfere with the sole plate during dorsiflexion of the sole structure in a second portion of the flexion range greater than the first portion altering the rate of the resultant torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis D. Bunnell, Summer L. Schneider, Alison Sheets-Singer, Steven H. Walker
  • Footwear including an incline adjuster
    Patent number: 9820531
    Abstract: A sole structure may include chambers and a transfer channel containing an electrorheological fluid. Electrodes may be positioned to create, in response to a voltage across the electrodes, an electrical field in at least a portion of the electrorheological fluid in the transfer channel. The sole structure may further include a controller including a processor and memory. At least one of the processor and memory may store instructions executable by the processor to perform operations that include maintaining the voltage across the electrodes at one or more flow-inhibiting levels at which flow of the electrorheological fluid the through the transfer channel is blocked, and that further include maintaining the voltage across the electrodes at one or more flow-enabling levels permitting flow of the electrorheological fluid through the transfer channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven H. Walker, Chin-yuan Cheng
  • System and method of analyzing athletic activity
    Patent number: 9810591
    Abstract: Various sensor systems are described herein, including inserts having sensors thereon, which are configured to be received in an article of footwear. The inserts may be connected to a sole member of the footwear, or may function as a sole member. The sensors may be piezoelectric sensors in some configurations. The system may also include an electronic module that is overmolded into the sole structure and includes a connector for external access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven H. Walker
  • Footwear Having Sensor System
    Publication number: 20170284875
    Abstract: A sensor system is adapted for use with an article of footwear and includes an insert member including a first layer and a second layer, a port connected to the insert and configured for communication with an electronic module, a plurality of force and/or compression sensors on the insert member, and a plurality of leads connecting the sensors to the port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventor: Steven H. Walker
  • FOOT PRESENCE SIGNAL PROCESSING SYSTEMS AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20170265588
    Abstract: A foot presence sensor system for an active article of footwear can include a sensor housing configured to be disposed at or in an insole of the article, and a controller circuit, disposed within the sensor housing, configured to trigger one or more automated functions of the footwear based on a foot presence indication. In an example, the sensor system includes a capacitive or magnetic sensor configured to sense changes in a body's proximity to the sensor in footwear. Characteristics of the sensed proximity can be used to update an automated footwear function, such as an automatic lacing function, or can be used to determine a step count, foot strike force, a rate of travel, or other information about a foot or about the footwear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Steven H. Walker, Phillip Meneau
  • CAPACITIVE FOOT PRESENCE SENSING DEVICES FOR FOOTWEAR
    Publication number: 20170265587
    Abstract: A foot presence sensor system for an active article of footwear can include a sensor housing configured to be disposed at or in an insole of the article, and a controller circuit, disposed within the sensor housing, configured to trigger one or more automated functions of the footwear based on a foot presence indication. In an example, the sensor system includes a capacitive sensor configured to sense changes in a capacitance signal in response to proximity of a body. A dielectric member can be provided between the capacitive sensor and the body to enhance an output signal from the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Steven H. Walker, Phillip Meneau
  • Input Assembly For An Article Of Manufacture
    Publication number: 20170265571
    Abstract: An article of footwear, an article of apparel or protective gear can include a tensioning apparatus for tightening, for example, laces, cables or strings or other devices that secure the article to a wearer. The tensioning apparatus receives signals from an input assembly that is in communication with the tensioning apparatus. The input assembly may include pairs of wires that have twisted loops or other curvilinear segments that allow the input assembly to accommodate to different actions by the wearer of the footwear. The input assembly may also include a flexible epoxy cover that protects the connections between the wires and a printed circuit board that includes input devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings, Steven H. Walker
  • FOOT PRESENCE SENSING USING MAGNETS IN FOOTWEAR
    Publication number: 20170265584
    Abstract: An article of footwear can include a ferromagnetic body disposed in the article, and a magnetometer to measure a strength or direction of a magnetic field that is influenced by a position of the ferromagnetic body. One of the ferromagnetic body and the magnetometer can be configured to move relative to the other one of the ferromagnetic body and the magnetometer, for example according to movement of a foot in the article. In an example, the ferromagnetic body is disposed in a compressible insole and the ferromagnetic body moves in response to compression or relaxation of the insole. The magnetometer can be disposed in a platform or sole portion of the article that is relatively stationary compared to the ferromagnetic body. Rate of change information about the magnetic field can be used to control article functions or to provide information about a foot strike or step rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Steven H. Walker, Phillip Meneau
  • CAPACITIVE FOOT PRESENCE SENSING FOR FOOTWEAR
    Publication number: 20170265582
    Abstract: A foot presence sensor system for an active article of footwear can include a sensor housing configured to be disposed at or in an insole of the article, and a controller circuit, disposed within the sensor housing, configured to trigger one or more automated functions of the footwear based on a foot presence indication. A capacitive sensor, such as disposed within or upon the sensor housing, can be configured to provide the foot presence indication. In an example, foot presence can be detected using time-varying characteristics of a signal from the capacitive sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Steven H. Walker, Phillip Meneau
  • CAPACITIVE FOOT PRESENCE SENSING FOR FOOTWEAR
    Publication number: 20170265594
    Abstract: A foot presence sensor system for an active article of footwear can include a sensor housing configured to be disposed at or in an insole of the article, and a controller circuit, disposed within the sensor housing, configured to trigger one or more automated functions of the footwear based on a foot presence indication. In an example, the sensor system includes a capacitive sensor configured to sense changes in a capacitance signal in response to proximity of a body. A dielectric member can be provided between the capacitive sensor and the body to enhance an output signal from the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Steven H. Walker, Phillip Meneau
  • FOOT PRESENCE SENSING SYSTEMS FOR ACTIVE FOOTWEAR
    Publication number: 20170265589
    Abstract: A foot presence sensor system for an active article of footwear can include a sensor housing configured to be disposed at or in an insole of the article, and a controller circuit, disposed within the sensor housing, configured to trigger one or more automated functions of the footwear based on a foot presence indication. In an example, the sensor system includes a capacitive sensor configured to sense changes in a capacitance signal in response to proximity of a body. A dielectric member can be provided between the capacitive sensor and the body to enhance an output signal from the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Steven H. Walker, Phillip Meneau
  • Action Detection and Activity Classification
    Publication number: 20170266493
    Abstract: Activities, actions and events during user performance of physical activity may be detected using various algorithms and templates. Templates may include an arrangement of one or more states that may identify particular event types and timing between events. Templates may be specific to a particular type of activity (e.g., types of sports, drills, events, etc.), user, terrain, time of day and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Santoshkumar Balakrishnan, Jordan M. Rice, Steven H. Walker, Adam S. Carroll, Corey C. Dow-Hygelund, Aaron K. Goodwin, James M. Mullin, Tye L. Rattenbury, Joshua M. Rooke-Ley, John M. Schmitt
  • Footwear having sensor system
    Patent number: 9763489
    Abstract: A sensor system is adapted for use with an article of footwear and includes an insert member including a first layer and a second layer, a port connected to the insert and configured for communication with an electronic module, a plurality of force and/or pressure sensors on the insert member, and a plurality of leads connecting the sensors to the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Amos, Andrew A. Owings, Jordan M. Rice, Allan M. Schrock, Steven H. Walker, Jeffrey J. Hebert, Martine W. Stillman, Mark A. Tempel, Dane R. Weitmann, Ndikum Protus Atang, Andreas Heinrich Steier
  • Footwear having sensor system
    Patent number: 9756895
    Abstract: A sensor system is adapted for use with an article of footwear and includes an insert member including a first layer and a second layer, a port connected to the insert and configured for communication with an electronic module, a plurality of force and/or pressure sensors on the insert member, and a plurality of leads connecting the sensors to the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Jordan M. Rice, Allan M. Schrock, Steven H. Walker, Kate Richmond, Andreas Heinrich Steier, Ndikum Protus Atang