Patents by Inventor W. Horton

W. Horton 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: 20240149911
    Abstract: Systems and methods for deployment on an autonomous vehicle are provided. In some example embodiments, the system includes a first compute unit and a second compute unit, in which the first compute unit is configured to receive first information of the vehicle and an environment of the vehicle, generate a first control command based on the first information, and transmit the first control command to a controller of the vehicle to effectuate an autonomous operation of the vehicle; and the second compute unit is configured to receive second information of the vehicle and the environment of the vehicle, generate a second control command based on the second information, and only when a fault or failure of the first compute unit is detected, transmits the second control command to the controller of the vehicle to effectuate the autonomous operation of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2023
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Inventors: Stephen W. HORTON, Sridhar KUMAR, Shimeng WANG, Makarand Vinayak PHATAK, Pankaj CHAURASIA, Ruiliang ZHANG
  • Publication number: 20240101121
    Abstract: Techniques are described for performing vehicle operation that comprises determining, by a computer located in a vehicle and for each of a first driving mode and a second driving mode, a set of values of a predicted trajectory along which the vehicle is predicted to operate in a driving mode; performing a first determination that the vehicle is not operable in the first driving mode; performing a second determination that the vehicle is operable in the second driving mode; and causing, in response to the second determination, the vehicle to operate in the second driving mode by sending one or more driving related commands to one or more apparatus in the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Junbo JING, Patrik KOLARIC, Chunan HUANG, Stephen W. HORTON, Arda KURT
  • Publication number: 20240101114
    Abstract: Techniques are described for performing vehicle operation that comprises determining, by a computer located in a vehicle, a set of values of a predicted trajectory along which the vehicle is predicted to operate in a driving mode; performing a first determination that the vehicle is operable in the driving mode in response to determining that the set of values of the driving mode is within maximum and minimum values associated with another set of values of a trajectory along which the vehicle is expected to be operated; and causing, in response to the first determination, the vehicle to operate in the driving mode by sending one or more driving related instructions to a device in the vehicle to cause the device to perform cruise control related operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Junbo JING, Patrik KOLARIC, Chunan HUANG, Stephen W. HORTON, Arda KURT
  • Publication number: 20240058008
    Abstract: A seal assembly for insertion into a hollow body organ is provided. The assembly includes a tubular hollow extrusion having a proximal end, a distal end and an interior surface between the proximal end and the distal end. A proximal balloon is located at the proximal end of the extrusion and a distal balloon is located at the distal end of the extrusion. An expandable scaffold engages the interior surface of the extrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2022
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Applicant: Intraluminal Industries, LLc
    Inventors: Michael Christopher Morris, Kenneth W. Horton, JR., John Clark, Petrina Verdon, Sebastian Pintal, Tom Feeney
  • Patent number: 11679766
    Abstract: Lane level localization techniques for a vehicle utilize a plurality of perception sensor systems each configured to perceive a position of the vehicle relative to its environment, a map system configured to maintain map data that includes lane lines, and a controller configured to detect a position of the vehicle and a first set of lane lines using the plurality of perception sensors, detect a second set of lane lines using the position of the vehicle and the map data, obtain an aligned set of lane lines based on the first and second sets of lane lines, and use the aligned set of lane lines for an autonomous driving feature of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Zijian Wang, Peter Isho, Mohammad Huq, Stephen W Horton
  • Patent number: 11457942
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a handle assembly, an elongated shaft, an end effector, a rotation mechanism, and an articulation mechanism is disclosed. The rotation mechanism is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the handle assembly and effects rotation of the end effector about the second longitudinal axis. The articulation mechanism is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the handle assembly and effects movement of the end effector from a first position where the first longitudinal axis is substantially aligned with the second longitudinal axis to a second position where the second longitudinal axis is displaced from the first longitudinal axis. The articulation mechanism comprises a first articulation control disposed in mechanical cooperation with the handle assembly, a first cable and a second cable. Actuation of the first articulation control in a first direction causes the first cable to move distally and causes the second cable to move proximally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Stanislaw Marczyk, Russell Pribanic, Kenneth W. Horton, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20220161793
    Abstract: Lane level localization techniques for a vehicle utilize a plurality of perception sensor systems each configured to perceive a position of the vehicle relative to its environment, a map system configured to maintain map data that includes lane lines, and a controller configured to detect a position of the vehicle and a first set of lane lines using the plurality of perception sensors, detect a second set of lane lines using the position of the vehicle and the map data, obtain an aligned set of lane lines based on the first and second sets of lane lines, and use the aligned set of lane lines for an autonomous driving feature of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Inventors: Zijian Wang, Peter Isho, Mohammad Huq, Stephen W. Horton
  • Patent number: 11076848
    Abstract: A guide member is configured for guiding a suture passer through a cannula and tissue surrounding the cannula to facilitate closure of an opening in tissue. The guide member includes a guide housing and an elongated guide shaft. The guide housing is configured for releasably engaging the guide member with the cannula and defines an entry aperture. The elongated guide shaft extends distally from the guide housing and defines an annular exterior surface. An exit aperture is defined through the annular exterior surface. The guide member defines a lumen extending from the entry aperture, through the guide housing and the elongated guide shaft, to the exit aperture. The entry aperture, lumen, and exit aperture cooperating to define a passageway extending through the guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jaroslaw T. Malkowski, Scott J. Prior, John D. Hendershot, III, Kenneth W. Horton, Christopher A. Tokarz, Danny R. Berry, Wayne A. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20200324040
    Abstract: A vacuum assisted suction and irrigation system includes a suction and irrigation wand, an irrigation fluid supply, a vacuum source, and a dual impeller fluid pump. The vacuum source is connected to a suction valve of the suction and irrigation wand to provide suction within the suction and irrigation wand. The irrigation fluid supply is connected to the suction and irrigation wand via the dual impeller fluid pump to supply pressurized irrigation fluid to the suction and irrigation wand. The vacuum source is connected to the fluid pump to pressurize the irrigation fluid being delivered to the suction and irrigation wand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventors: Tomasz Hejmowski, Russell Pribanic, Kenneth W. Horton, JR., Robert Lyle Fuller
  • Publication number: 20200008830
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a handle assembly, an elongated shaft, an end effector, a rotation mechanism, and an articulation mechanism is disclosed. The rotation mechanism is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the handle assembly and effects rotation of the end effector about the second longitudinal axis. The articulation mechanism is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the handle assembly and effects movement of the end effector from a first position where the first longitudinal axis is substantially aligned with the second longitudinal axis to a second position where the second longitudinal axis is displaced from the first longitudinal axis. The articulation mechanism comprises a first articulation control disposed in mechanical cooperation with the handle assembly, a first cable and a second cable. Actuation of the first articulation control in a first direction causes the first cable to move distally and causes the second cable to move proximally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: Stanislaw Marczyk, Russell Pribanic, Kenneth W. Horton, JR.
  • Patent number: 10517585
    Abstract: A suture passer includes a handle, an elongated sleeve defining a distal end, an inner shaft slidably disposed within the elongated sleeve, and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end of the inner shaft. The end effector assembly includes first and second arms, at least one which is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for retaining a portion of a suture therebetween. The inner shaft and elongated sleeve are relatively movable between a first condition, wherein the first and second arms are disposed in the approximated position and the distal end of the elongated sleeve is exposed, a second condition, wherein the first and second arms are disposed in the approximated position and the distal end of the elongated sleeve is shielded, and a third condition, wherein the first and second arms are disposed in the spaced-apart position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Scott J. Prior, Jaroslaw T. Malkowski, John D. Hendershot, III, Kenneth W. Horton, Jr., Gregory F. Tebbe
  • Patent number: 10448964
    Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a handle assembly, an elongated shaft, an end effector, a rotation mechanism, and an articulation mechanism is disclosed. The rotation mechanism is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the handle assembly and effects rotation of the end effector about the second longitudinal axis. The articulation mechanism is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the handle assembly and effects movement of the end effector from a first position where the first longitudinal axis is substantially aligned with the second longitudinal axis to a second position where the second longitudinal axis is displaced from the first longitudinal axis. The articulation mechanism comprises a first articulation control disposed in mechanical cooperation with the handle assembly, a first cable and a second cable. Actuation of the first articulation control in a first direction causes the first cable to move distally and causes the second cable to move proximally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Stanislaw Marczyk, Russell Pribanic, Kenneth W. Horton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10384145
    Abstract: The invention relates to an evaporator. The evaporator may include a drum. The drum may have a first portion and a second portion. The drum may include a product inlet positioned at the first portion of the drum, a product outlet positioned at the second portion of the drum, a vapor outlet, and an agitator. The evaporator may have a heating jacket and/or a product supply pipe. The heating jacket may be configured to surround the drum and/or to heat the product in the drum. The product supply pipe may be positioned outside the drum and/or may extend from the second portion of the drum to the product inlet positioned at the first portion of the drum. The product supply pipe may be in direct contact with the heating jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: NEDERMAN HOLDING AB
    Inventors: Jessica L. Astoria, John W. Fields, James W. Horton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10323416
    Abstract: A roofing system having at least one underlayment layer; at least two nail fasteners attached to the at least one underlayment layer and into the roof deck, wherein the head of each of the nail fasteners is above the at underlayment layer and the shaft is driven through the underlayment layer and into the roof deck; at least one bead of adhesive applied above the underlayment layer; and at least one metal roofing panels placed on the at least one bead of adhesive applied above the underlayment layer, wherein the at least one metal roofing panels are above the at least two nail fasteners and the at least two nail fasteners do not penetrate the at least one metal roofing panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Inventor: James W. Horton
  • Publication number: 20190133574
    Abstract: A guide member is configured for guiding a suture passer through a cannula and tissue surrounding the cannula to facilitate closure of an opening in tissue. The guide member includes a guide housing and an elongated guide shaft. The guide housing is configured for releasably engaging the guide member with the cannula and defines an entry aperture. The elongated guide shaft extends distally from the guide housing and defines an annular exterior surface. An exit aperture is defined through the annular exterior surface. The guide member defines a lumen extending from the entry aperture, through the guide housing and the elongated guide shaft, to the exit aperture. The entry aperture, lumen, and exit aperture cooperating to define a passageway extending through the guide member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Inventors: Jaroslaw T. Malkowski, Scott J. Prior, John D. Hendershot, III, Kenneth W. Horton, Christopher A. Tokarz, Danny R. Berry, Wayne A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10258324
    Abstract: A surgical system includes a cannula and a guide member. The cannula is configured for positioning within an opening in tissue. The cannula includes a base and an elongated tubular member extending distally from the base. The elongated tubular member includes an annular wall defining a longitudinal passageway and defines at least one slot extending through the annular wall. The guide member includes a guide housing configured for releasably engaging the guide member with the cannula and an elongated guide shaft configured for insertion into the elongated tubular member of the cannula. The guide member defines at least one lumen extending therethrough and is configured such that, upon engagement of the guide member with the cannula, the at least one lumen is aligned with the at least one slot of the cannula to define a guide passageway through the guide member and cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Scott J. Prior, Jaroslaw T. Malkowski, John D. Hendershot, III, Kenneth W. Horton, Christopher A. Tokarz, Gregory F. Tebbe, Danny R. Berry
  • Patent number: 10208478
    Abstract: A roofing system, comprising an underlayment layer above a roof deck; at least one strap spaced horizontally up the slope of a roof deck and above the underlayment layer; at least two fasteners attached to the at least one strap and into the roof deck; at least one bead of adhesive applied above the at least one strap; and at least two metal roofing panels placed on the at least one bead of adhesive applied to the at least one strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Inventor: James W. Horton
  • Patent number: 10201346
    Abstract: A guide member configured for guiding a suture passer through a cannula and tissue surrounding the cannula to facilitate closure of an opening in tissue. The guide member includes a guide housing and an elongated guide shaft. The guide housing is configured for releasably engaging the guide member with the cannula and defines an entry aperture. The elongated guide shaft extends distally from the guide housing and defines an annular exterior surface. An exit aperture is defined through the annular exterior surface. The guide member defines a lumen extending from the entry aperture, through the guide housing and the elongated guide shaft, to the exit aperture. The entry aperture, lumen, and exit aperture cooperating to define a passageway extending through the guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Jaroslaw T. Malkowski, Scott J. Prior, John D. Hendershot, III, Kenneth W. Horton, Christopher A. Tokarz, Danny R. Berry, Wayne A. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20190003253
    Abstract: Sentry systems and methods of installation. The method comprising the following steps. First, the cassette is attached to cassette box and a plurality of holes are drilled in cassette box for attachment to wall by using a plurality of fasteners. Support angles are attached to cassette box, the support angles have preinstalled roller tube end brackets. One end of the roller tube end bracket is attached to idle gudgeon. Other end of the roller tube end bracket is attached to motor. An idle gudgeon is installed to one end of roller tube. Roller tube is attached to roller tube end bracket. Roller tube is pushed towards idle gudgeon to collapse idle bearing. Other end of the roller tube is allowed to spring forward into the roller tube end bracket having motor. Motor retaining clips are installed to retain the motor. Side rails are installed at ends of the cassette box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventor: James W. Horton
  • Publication number: 20180135303
    Abstract: A roofing system having at least one underlayment layer; at least two nail fasteners attached to the at least one underlayment layer and into the roof deck, wherein the head of each of the nail fasteners is above the at underlayment layer and the shaft is driven through the underlayment layer and into the roof deck; at least one bead of adhesive applied above the underlayment layer; and at least one metal roofing panels placed on the at least one bead of adhesive applied above the underlayment layer, wherein the at least one metal roofing panels are above the at least two nail fasteners and the at least two nail fasteners do not penetrate the at least one metal roofing panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventor: James W. Horton