Patents by Inventor Chris Ferguson

Chris Ferguson 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: 11797616
    Abstract: Examples relate to systems and methods for dynamically generating web pages for displaying database items based on metadata included in network URL requests. Some examples disclosed herein may enable receiving a URL comprising a plurality of segments, comparing each segment of the plurality of segments to known segment values, identifying, based on the comparison, searchable segments and one or more searchable categories for the searchable segments, independent of the order of the searchable segments within the URL, determining a search pattern based on the searchable segments and searchable segment categories, performing an inventory search based on the search pattern to return a list one or more inventory items, building web page metadata items based on the search pattern, and generating a web page comprising the web page metadata items and the list of inventory items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: CARMAX ENTERPRISE SERVICES, LLC
    Inventor: Chris Ferguson
  • Patent number: 11741182
    Abstract: A system includes one or more processors configured to execute the instructions to dynamically link a plurality of content objects to a plurality of product pages, each content object and each product page having a first product tag. The system may assign each product page with a respective page score and each content object with a respective content score. The system may select a first product page having a first page score and a first content object having a first content score, compare the first content weight associated with the first content object to a first content threshold associated with the first product page and determine whether the first content object may be assigned to the first product page. When the first content weight is less than the first content threshold, the system may dynamically link the first content object with the first product page.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: CARMAX ENTERPRISE SERVICES, LLC
    Inventor: Chris Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20230116409
    Abstract: A sub-slab monitor includes a housing configured to extend through a foundation such that an upper surface of the housing is in contact with an indoor air environment and a lower surface of the housing is in contact with a sub-slab environment. A pressure sensor contained within the housing is configured to measure a differential pressure between the indoor air environment and the sub-slab environment, and electronics contained within the housing include a communication circuitry for communicating differential pressure data from the pressure sensor to a computer and a battery. A system and method for sub-slab monitoring includes providing and installing one or more sub-slab monitors and uploading differential pressure data from the one or more sub-slab monitors onto a central computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Inventors: Kyle Hoylman, Chris Bonniwell, Chris Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20230072588
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for producing a regenerated hydrogenation catalyst from a fouled hydrogenation catalyst having a total surface area and at least one associated impurity. The method can include maintaining contact between the fouled hydrogenation catalyst and a flushing medium that comprises water, oxygen, and an inert or diluent gas at a regeneration temperature and a regeneration pressure sufficient to remove at least a portion of the at least one impurity from the hydrogenation catalyst to produce the regenerated hydrogenation catalyst, where the regenerated hydrogenation catalyst is characterized as retaining at least 70% of the activity of the hydrogenation catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Paul G. Blommel, Colin Anson, Matt van Straten, Edgar Steenwinkel, Chris Holland, Rauf Gearing, Chris Ferguson, Rob Wild, Ian Campbell
  • Patent number: 10949476
    Abstract: Examples relate to systems and methods for dynamically generating web pages for displaying database items based on metadata included in network URL requests. Some examples disclosed herein may enable receiving a URL comprising a plurality of segments, comparing each segment of the plurality of segments to known segment values, identifying, based on the comparison, searchable segments and one or more searchable categories for the searchable segments, independent of the order of the searchable segments within the URL, determining a search pattern based on the searchable segments and searchable segment categories, performing an inventory search based on the search pattern to return a list one or more inventory items, building web page metadata items based on the search pattern, and generating a web page comprising the web page metadata items and the list of inventory items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: CARMAX BUSINESS SERVICES, LLC
    Inventor: Chris Ferguson
  • Patent number: 10068021
    Abstract: Examples relate to systems and methods for dynamically generating web pages for displaying database items based on metadata included in network URL requests. Some examples disclosed herein may enable receiving a URL comprising a plurality of segments, comparing each segment of the plurality of segments to known segment values, identifying, based on the comparison, searchable segments and one or more searchable categories for the searchable segments, independent of the order of the searchable segments within the URL, determining a search pattern based on the searchable segments and searchable segment categories, performing an inventory search based on the search pattern to return a list one or more inventory items, building web page metadata items based on the search pattern, and generating a web page comprising the web page metadata items and the list of inventory items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: CarMax Business Services, LLC
    Inventor: Chris Ferguson
  • Patent number: 8703719
    Abstract: A method for regulating glucose release, promoting glycogen conservation, and/or glycogen synthesis includes orally administering an effective amount of a nutritional composition comprising fast and slow absorbing carbohydrates in combination with an insulinomimetic compound to provide a steady release of glucose from the gastrointestinal tract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Bio-Engineered Supplements and Nutrition, Inc.
    Inventors: Sal Abraham, Chris Ferguson
  • Patent number: 8491943
    Abstract: Nutritional compositions are provided containing at least one PPAR agonist, at least one PGC-1alpha agonist, and at least one creatine derivative. Methods of promoting anabolism and improving or enhancing physical performance using the compositions are provided. The compositions and methods can be combined with physical training or exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Bio-Engineered Supplements & Nutrition, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Ferguson, Sal Abraham
  • Publication number: 20120225139
    Abstract: Nutritional compositions are provided containing at least one PPAR agonist, at least one PGC-1alpha agonist, and at least one creatine derivative. Methods of promoting anabolism and improving or enhancing physical performance using the compositions are provided. The compositions and methods can be combined with physical training or exercise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: BIO-ENGINEERED SUPPLEMENTS & NUTRITION, INC.
    Inventors: Chris Ferguson, Sal Abraham
  • Patent number: 8173181
    Abstract: Nutritional compositions are provided containing at least one PPAR agonist, at least one PGC-1alpha agonist, and at least one creatine derivative. Methods of promoting anabolism and improving or enhancing physical performance using the compositions are provided. The compositions and methods can be combined with physical training or exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Bio-Engineered Supplements & Nutrition, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Ferguson, Sal Abraham
  • Publication number: 20110111066
    Abstract: Nutritional compositions are provided containing at least one PPAR agonist, at least one PGC-1alpha agonist, and at least one creatine derivative. Methods of promoting anabolism and improving or enhancing physical performance using the compositions are provided. The compositions and methods can be combined with physical training or exercise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: BIO-ENGINEERED SUPPLEMENTS AND NUTRITION, INC.
    Inventors: Chris Ferguson, Sal Abraham
  • Publication number: 20090159395
    Abstract: A coin conditioner is provided for cleaning or otherwise conditioning coins in a coin discriminator apparatus prior to transfer to a coin sensor. Coins enter through a feed tray and move down the length of a perforated tumbler, preferably without the use of gravity, such as under screw force, mechanical or centrifugal force. The spinning tumbler is preferably rotated about its longitudinal axis by a motor. In one embodiment, a blower or vacuum draws or moves air from one area to another, with the air preferably being filtered. As coins move through and down a tumbler, projections such as vanes, fins, ridges, dimples, spines or other raised features cause mechanical agitation and/or abrasion as coins are lifted and dropped while passing longitudinally through the tumbler. The coins are conditioned and non-coin matter is collected as it is separated and/or abraded from the coin surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Dan Gerrity, Aaron Finch, Chris Ferguson, Scott Scherer, Rick Riday, Larry D. Cannon
  • Patent number: 7464802
    Abstract: A coin conditioner is provided for cleaning or otherwise conditioning coins in a coin discriminator apparatus prior to transfer to a coin sensor. Coins enter through a feed tray and move down the length of a perforated tumbler, preferably without the use of gravity, such as under screw force, mechanical or centrifugal force. The spinning tumbler is preferably rotated about its longitudinal axis by a motor. In one embodiment, a blower or vacuum draws or moves air from one area to another, with the air preferably being filtered. As coins move through and down a tumbler, projections such as vanes, fins, ridges, dimples, spines or other raised features cause mechanical agitation and/or abrasion as coins are lifted and dropped while passing longitudinally through the tumbler. The coins are conditioned and non-coin matter is collected as it is separated and/or abraded from the coin surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Coinstar, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Gerrity, Aaron Finch, Chris Ferguson, Scott Scherer, Rick Riday, Larry D. Cannon
  • Publication number: 20080254198
    Abstract: This invention discloses the method of preparation of creatine ester-salts. Creatine is an extremely popular ergogenic aid, and is found most often in the form of creatine monohydrate. Creatine monohydrate is poorly soluble in water however and while esters gain solubility, there functionality is greatly decreased. The material can be administered in a variety of ways including capsules, tablets, powdered beverages, bars, gels, liquids, liposomes or drinks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: BIO-ENGINEERED SUPPLEMENTS & NUTRITION, INC.
    Inventors: Chris Ferguson, Jiang Shengli
  • Publication number: 20080103202
    Abstract: This invention discloses the method of preparation of creatine ester-salts. Creatine is an extremely popular ergogenic aid, and is found most often in the form of creatine monohydrate. Creatine monohydrate is poorly soluble in water however and while esters gain solubility, there functionality is greatly decreased. The material can be administered in a variety of ways including capsules, tablets, powdered beverages, bars, gels, liquids, liposomes or drinks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Chris Ferguson, Jiang Shengli
  • Publication number: 20060191770
    Abstract: A coin conditioner is provided for cleaning or otherwise conditioning coins in a coin discriminator apparatus prior to transfer to a coin sensor. Coins enter through a feed tray and move down the length of a perforated tumbler, preferably without the use of gravity, such as under screw force, mechanical or centrifugal force. The spinning tumbler is preferably rotated about its longitudinal axis by a motor. In one embodiment, a blower or vacuum draws or moves air from one area to another, with the air preferably being filtered. As coins move through and down a tumbler, projections such as vanes, fins, ridges, dimples, spines or other raised features cause mechanical agitation and/or abrasion as coins are lifted and dropped while passing longitudinally through the tumbler. The coins are conditioned and non-coin matter is collected as it is separated and/or abraded from the coin surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Publication date: August 31, 2006
    Inventors: Dan Gerrity, Aaron Finch, Chris Ferguson, Scott Scherer, Rick Riday, Larry Cannon
  • Patent number: 7017729
    Abstract: A coin conditioner is provided for cleaning or otherwise conditioning coins in a coin discriminator apparatus prior to transfer to a coin sensor. Coins enter through a feed tray and move down the length of a perforated tumbler, preferably without the use of gravity, such as under screw force, mechanical or centrifugal force. The spinning tumbler is preferably rotated about its longitudinal axis by a motor. In one embodiment, a blower or vacuum draws or moves air from one area to another, with the air preferably being filtered. As coins move through and down a tumbler, projections such as vanes, fins, ridges, dimples, spines or other raised features cause mechanical agitation and/or abrasion as coins are lifted and dropped while passing longitudinally through the tumbler. The coins are conditioned and non-coin matter is collected as it is separated and/or abraded from the coin surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Coinstar, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Gerrity, Aaron Finch, Chris Ferguson, Scott Scherer, Rick Riday, Larry D. Cannon
  • Publication number: 20050145463
    Abstract: A coin conditioner is provided for cleaning or otherwise conditioning coins in a coin discriminator apparatus prior to transfer to a coin sensor. Coins enter through a feed tray and move down the length of a perforated tumbler, preferably without the use of gravity, such as under screw force, mechanical or centrifugal force. The spinning tumbler is preferably rotated about its longitudinal axis by a motor. In one embodiment, a blower or vacuum draws or moves air from one area to another, with the air preferably being filtered. As coins move through and down a tumbler, projections such as vanes, fins, ridges, dimples, spines or other raised features cause mechanical agitation and/or abrasion as coins are lifted and dropped while passing longitudinally through the tumbler. The coins are conditioned and non-coin matter is collected as it is separated and/or abraded from the coin surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Publication date: July 7, 2005
    Inventors: Dan Gerrity, Aaron Finch, Chris Ferguson, Scott Scherer, Rick Riday, Larry Cannon
  • Patent number: 6863168
    Abstract: Methods and systems for cleaning coins and issuing a redeemable voucher for same. In one embodiment, an apparatus for issuing a redeemable voucher includes a coin input region configured to receive a plurality of coins, and a user interface configured to receive a request for a redeemable voucher. The apparatus can further include a debris separation device having a first opening configured to receive the plurality of coins from the coin input region, and at least a first wall forming an interior surface and an exterior surface. The first wall of the debris separation device includes at least one second opening smaller than the first opening and sized to prevent passage therethrough of the smallest coin of the plurality of coins. A driver can be configured to move the debris separation device and agitate the plurality of coins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Coinstar, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Gerrity, Aaron Finch, Chris Ferguson, Scott Scherer, Rick Riday, Larry D. Cannon
  • Patent number: 6666318
    Abstract: A coin conditioner is provided for cleaning or otherwise conditioning coins in a coin discriminator apparatus prior to transfer to a coin sensor. Coins enter through a feed tray and move down the length of a perforated tumbler, preferably without the use of gravity, such as under screw force, mechanical or centrifugal force. The spinning tumbler is preferably rotated about its longitudinal axis by a motor. In one embodiment, a blower or vacuum draws or moves air from one area to another, with the air preferably being filtered. As coins move through and down a tumbler, projections such as vanes, fins, ridges, dimples, spines or other raised features cause mechanical agitation and/or abrasion as coins are lifted and dropped while passing longitudinally through the tumbler. The coins are conditioned and non-coin matter is collected as it is separated and/or abraded from the coin surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Coinstar, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Gerrity, Aaron Finch, Chris Ferguson, Scott Scherer, Rick Riday, Larry D. Cannon