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).

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20170224255
    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: April 28, 2017
    Publication date: August 10, 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
  • Patent number: 9694241
    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 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    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
  • Publication number: 20170150780
    Abstract: A polymeric housing may have a channel defined therein. A first conductive trace may at least partially coincide with the channel. A first wire may have a first conductor surrounded by a first insulating jacket. The first conductor may be in electrical communication with the first conductive trace. A jacket bonding region of the first jacket may be welded to a housing bonding region of the housing. The jacket bonding region and the housing bonding region may be formed from a common type of polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Publication date: June 1, 2017
    Inventors: Steven H. Walker, Chin-yuan Cheng
  • Publication number: 20170150779
    Abstract: An article may include a first polymeric material layer having a surface. A first conductive trace may form at least a portion of the first layer surface. The article may further include a second polymeric material layer. The second layer may have a first surface, a portion of the second layer first surface being bonded to a portion of the first layer surface. The second layer may have a portion of a channel defined therein, the channel at least partially coinciding with a portion of the first conductive trace. The article may also include a first patch interposed between the first layer surface and the second layer first surface. The first patch may span the channel and cover a portion of the first conductive trace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Publication date: June 1, 2017
    Inventors: Steven H. Walker, Chin-yuan Cheng
  • Publication number: 20170150785
    Abstract: A method of filling an electrorheological fluid structure may include introducing electrorheological fluid into an interior volume of a housing. The electrorheological fluid within the housing may then be subjected to a sub-atmospheric pressure. Subsequently, the interior volume may be sealed relative to an exterior of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Publication date: June 1, 2017
    Inventors: Steven H. Walker, Chin-yuan Cheng
  • Publication number: 20160379518
    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: September 13, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    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
  • Publication number: 20160367855
    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: September 1, 2016
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    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
  • Publication number: 20160345681
    Abstract: An article of footwear can include provisions for improving the operation and use of various systems associated with the article. An automated tensioning system can be configured to provide and perform a variety of functions associated with the fastening of the article of footwear. The automated tensioning system may tighten and loosen the article of footwear through the operation of a motor. The automated tensioning system may also be able to store and recall a preset tension level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Holli Pheil, Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings, Ryan Frederick, Austin Palmer, Michael Ciuffo, Steven H. Walker
  • Publication number: 20160345663
    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: May 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Steven H. Walker, Chin-yuan Cheng
  • Publication number: 20160341611
    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: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventor: Steven H. Walker
  • Publication number: 20160302509
    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: November 19, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    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
  • Patent number: 9468808
    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: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    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
  • Publication number: 20160287940
    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: April 19, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    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