Patents Examined by Dennis Ruhl
-
Patent number: 10055743Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate generally to methods and systems for monitoring customer service channels and identifying possible improvements for customer service channels. A computer system may comprise one or more analysis applications operable to receive and analyze information from a plurality of customer service channels. Customer service channels may include retail stores, customer care centers, and websites.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2014Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.Inventors: Meredith M. Cracchiolo, John R. Glenn, Anna M. Jenkins, Timothy S. Kellerman, Carrie L. Stevick
-
Patent number: 9864997Abstract: Methods and systems to provide for a user to request information over a network and receive the requested information through one or more information channels. A user, through a client device, may access, through a network, a web page that is hosted on a server. The server, while providing primary information, may further provide an opportunity for the user to request secondary information. The user may request access to the secondary information, while maintaining access to the primary information. Included in the request may be a channel selection, and associated channel selection information, through which the user wishes to receive the information.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2001Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: United States Postal ServiceInventor: Charles R. Chamberlain
-
Patent number: 9741023Abstract: A method of operating a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) monitoring service is described. The method includes: providing a local device for installation in an HVAC system of a residential or commercial building; periodically receiving data from the local device across a wide area network, wherein the received data includes electrical sensor data including at least one of current or power; and storing the received data. The method further includes: analyzing the stored data to selectively identify problems and selectively predict faults of the HVAC system; receiving a subscription fee corresponding to the building, the subscription fee applying to a calendar period; and during the calendar period, providing information on the identified problems and the predicted faults to a customer corresponding to the building.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2013Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: EMERSON ELECTRIC CO.Inventors: Jeffrey N. Arensmeier, Steven A. Cox, Jr., Paul Layton
-
Patent number: 9721259Abstract: A counterfeit detection system may include a memory storing a module comprising machine readable instructions to determine a X-identification (XID) associated with a product. The XID may include an unencrypted component and/or an encrypted component associated with a parameter associated with the product. The machine readable instructions may further include selecting one or more validation rules, from a plurality of validation rules, to select one or more validation techniques from a plurality of validation techniques used to determine an authenticity of the product. The machine readable instructions may further include using the one or more selected validation techniques to determine the authenticity of the product based on the XID associated with the product. The counterfeit detection system may include a processor to implement the module.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2013Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: ACCENTURE GLOBAL SERVICES LIMITEDInventors: Sanjoy Paul, Gurdeep Singh, Sankalp Sharma
-
Patent number: 9721317Abstract: A cart for marketing bedding is provided that includes a rack including a plurality of vertical support members and at least one tray positioned between the support members. The tray includes a plurality of compartments. A pillow is disposed in each of the compartments. Each of the pillows has a different configuration. Methods of use are provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2013Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: BEDGEAR, LLCInventor: Eugene Alletto, Jr.
-
Patent number: 9721224Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for managing transportation and storage of goods, including a personal computer device; and a package control device associated with a package. The personal computer device is configured to store transport and storage operations information regarding the package in the package control device. The package control device is configured for identifying an operator responsible for at least one of transport and storage of the package based on the transport and storage operations information. The package control device is configured to allow the operator to have access to the package for at least one of transport and storage of the package based on the transport and storage operations information.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: COREORIENT OYInventors: Heikki Pekka Waris, Harri Lauri Paloheimo
-
Patent number: 9704127Abstract: In a method for reproducing an original copy of a work of authorship, processing information received from a data input device relating to authentication of the original copy of the work of authorship, identifying information in a database corresponding to the information received from the data input device, determining whether an authorization for reproduction of the work of authorship should be granted, and if authorization is granted, reproducing the work of authorship.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2003Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Inventor: Joel N. Bock
-
Patent number: 9633355Abstract: According to certain embodiments of the disclosure, a system receives a request from a user device to conduct an activity with an enterprise and determines an authentication level associated with the activity. The system receives information associated with the user from a plurality of disparate channels and calculates a risk score associated with the user based on the received information associated with the user. The system generates a token based on the authentication level and risk score and communicates the token to the user device.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2014Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: Bank of America CorporationInventors: Apeksh M. Dave, John F. Zemaitis, Kenneth B. Norris, Michael E. Toth
-
Patent number: 8700413Abstract: A Web services composition method. The method can include compiling a set of service activation rules (SARs) for corresponding Web services in the marketplace. Selected Web services can be scheduled for execution when corresponding ones of the SARs include execution conditions satisfied by the state of the marketplace. Conversely, selected Web services can be removed from execution consideration when corresponding ones of the SARs include obviation conditions satisfied by the state of the marketplace.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2003Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Akram Boughannam
-
Patent number: 8700538Abstract: A network based distribution system and method is disclosed for permitting subscribers to exchange playable media items, such as movies in a digital format. The exchange system includes a number of components that interoperate to improve a subscriber's experience, including an intelligent queue monitor which works on his/her behalf to identify potential items of interest for the subscriber. The system can thus automatically exchange for desirable titles, including other titles from other subscribers, under a set of programmed directives from the user, and/or in response to supply/demand requirements of other subscribers.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2004Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Media Queue, LLCInventor: John N. Gross
-
Patent number: 8645149Abstract: A method and system for functionally testing units under test, such as electronic controller boards for a spa system.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2007Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Balboa Water Group, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey A. Buchman, James L. Tarpo
-
Patent number: 8645147Abstract: A display panel mounting system comprises a mounting base having at least one pin, and a mating mechanism coupled to a display panel for coupling to the mounting base. The mating mechanism comprises a first plate fixed to the display panel comprising a pair of prongs having an opening for receiving the pin of the mounting base, and a second plate movable coupled to the first plate, comprising a latch for securing the pin between the pair of prongs of the first plate.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2006Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Voxx International CorporationInventors: Louis P. Simmons, James L. Hamilton, Gerald J. Maffetone
-
Patent number: 8494971Abstract: A system, method, and computer program for editing a production schedule. The system includes: a storage unit storing master data; a receiving unit receiving the master data; a duplicating unit generating editing data; an editing operation unit generating preliminarily-edited data based on an editing command; an identification unit identifying an item edited in the preliminarily-edited data with respect to the master data; a determination unit determining whether the inputted editing command is valid or invalid, wherein tag information is appended to an item being the same as the edited item; and an updating unit generating the preliminarily-edited data in which the editing command determined to be valid is reflected and to which the tag information is appended and updating the master data by using the generated preliminarily-edited data. A method and computer program are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2009Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Toshiyuki Hama
-
Patent number: 8463616Abstract: Disclosed are methods for scheduling when to run a process to take advantage of time-varying input prices by predicting the “rank” of the current actual input price among future input prices. The rank is that portion of a future time period during which the input price will be less than the current actual input price. An “operational cutoff” is set based on the portion of time during which a process should run in order to produce a target output amount. Periodically, the actual input price is determined, and its rank is predicted. The predicted rank is then compared with the operational cutoff. If the predicted rank is below the cutoff, then it makes economic sense to run the process. Otherwise, it would be cheaper not to run the process at present but to wait a while in expectation that the input price will drop.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2002Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.Inventors: Brenton A. Fox, William C. Strand
-
Patent number: 8429089Abstract: A technology valuation and transaction system and related method are proposed for connecting to at least one terminal device via a network unit. The method allows members to login to the system and provides related technology for conducting technology valuation and transaction online. The system at least includes a web server having installed therein a technology valuation and transaction interface for users to store technology related data and conduct technology valuation and transaction online, an expert database for storing related data of experts providing services of technology valuation in all fields, a technology supply database for allowing a supplier to store technology supply data, a technology demand database for a demander to store related data of a required technology, and at least one terminal device having installed therein a browser for allowing users to execute the technology valuation and transaction interface for technology valuation, matches and transaction.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2006Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignees: Asia Pacific Technormart Corp.Inventor: Shwei-Rong Juang
-
Patent number: 8401898Abstract: The present invention involves spending loyalty points over a computerized network to facilitate a transaction. With this system, a loyalty program participant is able to use an existing transaction card to purchase an item over a computerized network, while at the same time offsetting the cost of that transaction by converting loyalty points to a currency value credit and having the credit applied to the participant's financial transaction account. Currency credit from converted loyalty points may also be applied to stored value cards, online digital wallet accounts and the like. Further, currency credit may also be applied to other accounts to effect a gift or donation.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2012Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.Inventors: Emily Chien, Trish Sanchez, Daniela Saunders, Jill Wiseman, C. R. Balagopal, Al Kinderknecht, Jon W. Parson, Ray Preston
-
Patent number: 8355922Abstract: A method for prioritizing review of items may include: 1) identifying a first group of items to be reviewed for relevance to a particular matter; 2) during a review of the first group of items, tracking a proportion of items from the first group that are indicated as being relevant; 3) determining a relevance trend for the first group of items that indicates a rate at which the proportion of items from the first group that are indicated as being relevant is changing as the review of the first group of items progresses; 4) using the relevance trend for the first group of items to prioritize the review of the first group of items. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed herein.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2011Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Symantec CorporationInventor: Omprakash N. Sonie
-
Patent number: 8346673Abstract: A method for provisioning audiovisual works to a client includes maintaining categorization information specifying, for each of multiple audiovisual works, one or more of multiple categories. One or more of the categories are associated with each of multiple delivery slots in response to input from a client. For each of the delivery slots, a first audiovisual work from one of the categories associated with the respective delivery slot is provisioned for delivery to a location associated with the client.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2004Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Blockbuster L.L.C.Inventors: Dominic C. Wynn, Philip M. Williams, Malachi G. Simons, Nicholas F. Wilkins, Alistair Macrow, Nigel A. Dufty, Alvin Eng, Michael J. Doherty, David M. Groves
-
Patent number: 8321231Abstract: A method and system that captures and delivers customized souvenir images to a plurality of attendees at a sporting event, music concert, and the like. Individuals wanting to receive a copy of these images provide location information, such as their assigned seat number. The present invention uses this information to identify the proper image and deliver it to the customer. Embodiments of the present invention may be adapted for use in a kiosk and to deliver the picture over a computer network, such as the Internet.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2001Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions Holding CorporationInventor: Patricia A. Torrens-Burton
-
Patent number: 8311844Abstract: A method is provided for analyzing compliance of one or more pieces of equipment with a payload standard. A target payload for the one or more pieces of equipment is determined. Payload weight data is obtained for the one or more pieces of equipment. The payload weight data is then compared with the target payload, and compliance with the payload standard is analyzed based on the results of the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2002Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: James W. McCaherty