Patents by Inventor Dirk Nowak

Dirk Nowak 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: 20230068566
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a polyvinyl chloride-free top layer (1) for a decking element (3), the method comprising the method steps indicated below: A) Providing a base layer (4) comprising and/or consisting of plastic; B) Printing a décor (6) on a top (5) of the base layer (4) facing a usable side (7); C) Bonding, preferably laminating, a, preferably transparent, wearing surface (8) to the printed base layer (4) to form a, preferably solid, layer composite (9); D) Embossing the layer composite (9) at least in some areas, preferably over the entire surface, with a structure (10) at least substantially synchronous with the décor (6), the structure (10) being embossed in such a way that it is visible both on the top (11) facing the usable side (7) and at least in some areas on the bottom (12) of the layer composite (9) facing away from the usable side (7); E) Application of a surface sealing layer (17), preferably a lacquer layer, to the top (11) of the layer composite (9) facing
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: Dirk NOWAK, Christoph WELLEKÖTTER, Frank PETERSEN
  • Publication number: 20220196020
    Abstract: A plug-in electronic expansion module for pump electronics of a centrifugal pump for expanding the pump electronics with at least one additional function has a housing having a lower face and connecting formations thereon for attachment to a pump housing of the pump electronics. Electronics in the module housing provide the additional function. A base is provided on the lower face, and an electrical interface connected to the pump electronics includes a flat support projecting tongue-like from the base on the lower face of the module housing through an opening in the pump housing and carrying contact-forming electrical traces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Inventors: Stephan KARNS, Markus BROCKMANN, Daniel BENCAK, Arno KEFENBAUM, Timo STARKMUTH, Herve BOUILLY, Franck TERRIEN, Dirk NOWAK, Peter KLEINE-RUMBERG
  • Patent number: 10290007
    Abstract: The present disclosure details a method and system used for turning human participants who control avatars in a virtual world setting into real life marketing leads. In one embodiment, a virtual location is presented within a virtual world to facilitate interaction with an avatar. The avatar is identified within a master data management system, and a profile of the human behind the avatar is created or retrieved. To encourage the human user to provide real-world information through the avatar within the virtual world, an incentive is offered and awarded as necessary. The real-world information about the human user, such as address or demographic information about the human user is collected and stored in the profile, and eventually synchronized with a CRM system. As appropriate, the data collected and compiled in the CRM system may be used to launch marketing campaigns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Albert Maier, Dirk Nowak, Martin Oberhofer, Thomas Schwarz, Baxter R. Yazbek
  • Publication number: 20100185510
    Abstract: The present disclosure details a method and system used for turning human participants who control avatars in a virtual world setting into real life marketing leads. In one embodiment, a virtual location is presented within a virtual world to facilitate interaction with an avatar. The avatar is identified within a master data management system, and a profile of the human behind the avatar is created or retrieved. To encourage the human user to provide real-world information through the avatar within the virtual world, an incentive is offered and awarded as necessary. The real-world information about the human user, such as address or demographic information about the human user is collected and stored in the profile, and eventually synchronized with a CRM system. As appropriate, the data collected and compiled in the CRM system may be used to launch marketing campaigns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Albert Maier, Dirk Nowak, Martin Oberhofer, Thomas Schwarz, Baxter R. Yazbek
  • Publication number: 20100169148
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system, architecture and process to support new interaction paradigms in customer support. Specifically, the approach of the present invention will unify through a new process and innovative system architecture the two basic methods of in house support and online support. To accomplish this unification, the present invention enables customers to work together as peers in problem resolution by exploiting the customer expertise (they work with the products on a daily basis and often have deep understanding what works/does not work). Among other things, the present invention provides: incentives for customers to participate in this new support; a rating infrastructure in which multiple good ratings helps to become “THE EXPERT” by increasing the score; incentives upon receipt of good ratings and or certain score levels; a problem routing mechanism; Master Data Management (MDM) for insights in customers and products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Oberhofer, Albert Maier, Thomas Schwarz, Sebastian Krebs, Dirk Nowak