Patents by Inventor Steven Lewis

Steven Lewis 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: 10475321
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems in which one or more infrared cameras or sensors are used to measure heat related to the wheels of carts, such as shopping carts. Wheels with bad bearings, that wobble, or that have other issues preventing normal operation tend to generate more heat than wheels that are in good working order, such that an infrared camera or sensor directed at wheel height (e.g., about 2-3 inches off the floor) can detect wheel issues by detecting heat emitted by the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: WALMART APOLLO, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholaus A. Jones, Matthew Biermann, Steven Lewis
  • Patent number: 10460632
    Abstract: Described in detail herein are systems and methods for an automatic physical object status marking system. An electronic label can display a machine-readable element encoded with an identifier associated with a physical object on the display. A first computing system can receive instructions to modify a status of the physical object. The first computing system can retrieve the identifier associated with the physical objects and the identifier associated with the electronic label. The first computing system can control display of the electronic label to display a visual indicator associated with the status. An RFID reader can detect a RFID tag of the electronic label. The RFID reader can transmit the identifier associated with the electronic label to the second computing system. The second computing system is prevented from scanning a machine-readable element associated with the physical object in response to receiving the first identifier from the RFID reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Allen Jones, Nicholaus Adam Jones, Steven Lewis
  • Publication number: 20190301643
    Abstract: A reinforcement assembly may be provided for a bracket configured to constrain a cooling pipe of a spent fuel pool of a nuclear reactor. The reinforcement assembly includes a base structure defining back slots, angled slots, side slots, and/or front slots. Back boss structures may be configured to slidably engage with the back slots of the base structure. Pipe boss structures may be configured to slidably engage with the angled slots of the base structure. Side clamps may be configured to slidably engage with the side slots of the base structure. Each of the side clamps may define a vertical slot. Vertical clamps may be configured to slidably engage with the vertical slot of each of the side clamps. Front clamps may be configured to slidably engage with the front slots of the base structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Applicant: GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Americas LLC
    Inventors: Robin D. SPRAGUE, Steven Lewis Brown, Brandon Jay Schoonmaker, Shaobo Liu, Neill MacGregor Graham
  • Publication number: 20190272497
    Abstract: Examples provide a tag manager component that identifies a plurality of stationary RFID tags located within a three-dimensional space outside an item display area based on an analysis of RFID tag data associated with the plurality of RFID tag readers. A zone detection component analyzes item data associated with a plurality of items corresponding to the plurality of stationary RFID tags and location data associated with the three-dimensional space using a set of per-item criteria. The set of per-item criteria includes a per-item minimum threshold number of items per unit of three-dimensional space and/or a minimum threshold stationary time-period. A verification component analyzes sensor data and/or transaction data to verify whether the three-dimensional space is a termination zone. If the three-dimensional space is a termination zone, an inventory manager component removes the plurality of items from perpetual inventory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Inventors: Jeremy Tingler, Steven Lewis
  • Publication number: 20190244436
    Abstract: Examples provide customized augmented reality item filtering. An item filter analyzes item data using selection criteria and user preferences to identify high-interest item(s) and/or low-interest item(s) within a field of view (FOV) of a user device associated with a user. A high-interest item can include an item physically present within a portion of an item selection area or an un-stocked item not physically present within the portion of the item selection area. An augmented reality (AR) generator creates an AR image including a real-world image of the portion of the item selection area overlaid with graphical elements, including positive item indicators associated with high-interest items, negative item indicators associated with low-interest items, and/or un-stocked virtual items. The AR image is updated in real-time in response to user input, promotional data associated with one or more filtered item(s), and/or changes associated with the items within the FOV of the user device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Inventors: Ian Stansell, Steven Lewis, Scott Lewis
  • Patent number: 10359381
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to determine an internal property of a food product. The system includes one or more analyzing devices, a camera and a central unit in communication with the camera and analyzing device. The analyzing device is configured to analyze an interior region of the food product. The camera is configured to analyze an external property of the food product. The central unit is configured to determine the internal property of the food product based on feedback provided by the analyzing device and the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: WALMART APOLLO, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Lewis, Matthew Biermann, Suman Pattnaik
  • Publication number: 20190122166
    Abstract: Systems for inventory monitoring are provided. An example system can include: a light source emitting a light beam; an array of semi-reflective surfaces configured to receive the emitted light beam; and a plurality of light sensors corresponding to the array of semi-reflective surfaces, the light sensors configured to receive light beams reflected from the semi-reflective surfaces. The light sensors are positioned with respect to a plurality of corresponding products of the inventory such that the reflected light beams are blocked from receiving by the light sensors when the corresponding products are located in the inventory, and the reflected light beams are received by the light sensors upon removal of the corresponding products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Applicant: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Riggins, Steven Lewis, Matthew Biermann
  • Publication number: 20190122292
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for a store shelving system which can use a scale, a laser tracking system, or other mechanisms for determining how much product remains on the shelf. When the amount of product remaining on the shelf is below a threshold amount, or when the shelf inventory is exhausted, the store shelving system can deploy (1) a hologram of the product, such that customers or store associates in the aisle next to the shelf see the hologram of the product in the location where the product would be if it were available; (2) a user interface which can provide information about the product; or (3) both the hologram of the product and the user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Applicant: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Riggins, Steven Lewis, Matthew Biermann
  • Patent number: 10260541
    Abstract: A panel system includes a tab panel having at least one tab extending therefrom. The tab panel has a core and a facesheet adjacent the core. The panel system includes a slot panel having at least one slot receiving the corresponding tab of the tab panel therein. The slot panel has a core and a facesheet adjacent the core. The panel system includes a clip positioned between the tab panel and the slot panel. The clip is at least partially received in the slot. The clip has a tab panel securing member being secured to the tab panel and the clip has a slot panel securing member being secured to the slot panel. The clip securely joins the tab panel to the slot panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael Steven Lewis, James S. Bradley, Brad James Reeves
  • Patent number: 10257724
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for providing an “always on” offline transaction collection. When networks go down, mobile devices can be used to generate a mesh network, where each device has a list of scheduled, future events which are planned to occur. When the events are performed, the mesh network verifies and/or records the event, so that duplication of the event does not take place. In this manner planned transactions can continue despite a network connection being down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: WALMART APOLLO, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Lewis, Matthew Biermann, Suman Pattnaik
  • Publication number: 20190102788
    Abstract: A perishable product conservation system and related methods for foods and consumable products. One system includes a plurality of perishable products, a perishable product database, and a computing system. The perishable product database includes a plurality of product records for the plurality of perishable products. Each of the plurality of product records includes expiration date information and a current product location. The computing system is communicatively coupled with the perishable product database and includes a customer preference engine, a markdown engine, and a computing device. The customer preference engine is configured to identify a desired perishable product, a desired location for receiving purchases, and a set of customer tolerances for the desired perishable product including a desired expiration date range. The markdown engine is configured to provide dynamic pricing for the desired perishable product, available within the desired expiration date range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Publication date: April 4, 2019
    Inventors: Steven Lewis, Nicholaus A. Jones, Matthew Biermann, Richard Montgomery Blair, II, William Ross Allen, Anjana Devi Nallapati
  • Publication number: 20190073616
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for customer interaction identification and analytics. A system can include a plurality of monitoring devices, a task management system and a customer interaction identification and analytics module. The plurality of monitoring devices can be configured for wear or handheld use and include a housing, a portable electronic computing device, and at least one sensor to sense activity data regarding a person wearing or holding the monitoring device. The task management system is communicatively coupled the plurality of monitoring devices to present at least one task to be completed in a retail environment, the at least one task associated with a temporal reference and a location in the retail environment. The customer interaction identification and analytics module, includes a gesture recognition database, communicatively coupled with the task management system and the plurality of monitoring devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Steven Lewis, Nicholaus A. Jones, Matthew Biermann
  • Publication number: 20190043004
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for using augmented reality to improve loading, and in particular improve loading when the types and order of items to be loaded is unknown. A server uses information regarding the packages which have already been stored in a storage area to generate a three-dimensional map of where the stored packages currently are placed. Upon receiving information indicating a subsequent package is going to be stored, the server can identify the best place to store that package in the storage area, then communicate that storage location to an augmented reality device worn by a worker. The worker can then have a visual indication showing where and how to place the subsequent package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Applicant: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel J. Lesieur, Steven Lewis
  • Publication number: 20190009880
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to inserts for use with sandwich panels, such as composite panels, and related methods. Presently disclosed inserts may include a retention feature and/or an anti-rotation feature that may be configured to retain the insert in place within a bore formed in the sandwich panel. In this manner, presently disclosed inserts may be secured without the use of adhesive compounds, which may increase efficiency and/or reduce costs in manufacturing apparatus that include one or more sandwich panels having one or more inserts placed therein. Presently disclosed methods of installing an insert into a sandwich panel may include rotating the insert with respect to the sandwich panel as the insert is installed, such that a portion of the insert may be positioned under the skin of the sandwich panel (e.g., a portion of the insert may be positioned between the skin and the core of the sandwich panel).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Publication date: January 10, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Steven Lewis, Brad Jeremy Reeves, James S. Bradley, Christopher John Mills, Supriya Balachander, Brian M. Wilkie
  • Publication number: 20190004622
    Abstract: Methodologies, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for generating an interactive virtual whiteboard. A number of motion sensors are arranged to scan a planar surface, and an electronic stylus in communication with the motion sensors estimates the location of the electronic stylus on the planar surface with respect to the motion sensors. The electronic stylus also detects an orientation or acceleration of the stylus using an inertial sensor. Based on location data and orientation data from the stylus, a computing system generates a visual representation of the motion of the electronic stylus with respect to the planar surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: John Jeremiah O'Brien, Steven Lewis, John Paul Thompson
  • Publication number: 20180357937
    Abstract: Described in detail herein are systems and methods for an automatic physical object status marking system. An electronic label can display a machine-readable element encoded with an identifier associated with a physical object on the display. A first computing system can receive instructions to modify a status of the physical object. The first computing system can retrieve the identifier associated with the physical objects and the identifier associated with the electronic label. The first computing system can control display of the electronic label to display a visual indicator associated with the status. An RFID reader can detect a RFID tag of the electronic label. The RFID reader can transmit the identifier associated with the electronic label to the second computing system. The second computing system is prevented from scanning a machine-readable element associated with the physical object in response to receiving the first identifier from the RFID reader.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Inventors: Matthew Allen Jones, Nicholaus Adam Jones, Steven Lewis
  • Publication number: 20180342130
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing electronic game credit for an electronic game application in response to detecting completion of a task may be provided. A method may include determining, at an entity host device, that a mobile device corresponding to a user is present at an entity location. The method may further include transmitting, from the entity host device to the mobile device at the entity location, the task for the user to complete at the entity location. The method may also include detecting, at the entity host device, that the user has completed the task at the entity location. The method may additionally include, in response to detecting that the user has completed the task at the entity location, assigning, at the entity host device, the electronic game credit to an electronic game credit record corresponding to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Steven Lewis, Nicholaus Adam Jones
  • Publication number: 20180338006
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for smart facilities monitoring. Servers and other computing devices configured according to this disclosure can receive data, in real-time or at periodic intervals, from multiple sensors. The server can identify the type of data being received and perform an analysis on the data. Based on that analysis, the server can determine if a notification needs to be communicated to an individual. This notification can, for example, inform the individual of a problem identified by the sensor. The server can generate the notification, determine to whom the notification should be sent, and transmit that notification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Publication date: November 22, 2018
    Applicant: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Richard M. Blair, II, Steven Lewis, Anthony G. Wind, III
  • Publication number: 20180330555
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to parking management systems and methods in a retail environment. The parking management system can include a plurality of reserved vehicle parking places, a parking registration kiosk, at least one in-store sensor, and an analytics engine. The plurality of reserved vehicle parking places can be located proximate to an entrance of the retail environment. The parking registration kiosk can include a user interface configured to enable a customer-user to register one of the plurality of reserved vehicle parking places for parking use for a limited amount of time, and issue a token configured to display a countdown timer, displaying the permitted parking time remaining. The at least one in-store sensor can be arranged the sensed the location of the customer-user within the retail environment. The analytics engine can be configured to manage the countdown timer based on the sensed location of the customer-user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Inventors: Steven Lewis, Nicholaus A. Jones, Matthew Biermann
  • Patent number: 10099767
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to inserts for use with sandwich panels, such as composite panels, and related methods. Presently disclosed inserts may include a retention feature and/or an anti-rotation feature that may be configured to retain the insert in place within a bore formed in the sandwich panel. In this manner, presently disclosed inserts may be secured without the use of adhesive compounds, which may increase efficiency and/or reduce costs in manufacturing apparatus that include one or more sandwich panels having one or more inserts placed therein. Presently disclosed methods of installing an insert into a sandwich panel may include rotating the insert with respect to the sandwich panel as the insert is installed, such that a portion of the insert may be positioned under the skin of the sandwich panel (e.g., a portion of the insert may be positioned between the skin and the core of the sandwich panel).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael Steven Lewis, Brad Jeremy Reeves, James S. Bradley, Christopher John Mills, Supriya Balachander, Brian M. Wilkie