Patents by Inventor James Shofner

James Shofner 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: 20060169774
    Abstract: A system and method for managing financial data for a store that enables management to track and monitor the actual cost of items sold in each store of an enterprise. The system tracks the number, type and cost of each case received at a store within an enterprise and calculates a cost for each item capable of being produced using the components of the cases. The system receives information regarding items sold by the store and retrieves a cost for the items sold. The system may use the cost and retail sales information to generate financial data. The system may also be used to determine the costs associated with the store inventory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Publication date: August 3, 2006
    Inventors: Jeffrey Gray, James Shofner
  • Publication number: 20060169775
    Abstract: A computer assisted method for evaluating inventory is provided. The method includes receiving case composition information and case cost information for a case at a store where the case composition information identifies an item of the case and the case cost information identifies cost of the case. An item cost of the item is calculated using the case composition information and case cost information and the item cost is stored in memory. Consumer code information is received for the item and the item cost of the item is retrieved. Inventory cost data is generated using the item cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Publication date: August 3, 2006
    Inventors: Jeffrey Gray, James Shofner
  • Patent number: 5860900
    Abstract: An end effector storage station that stores end effectors in a horizontal and cantilevered position, each end effector being stored in a known location in space relative to a robotic manufacturing tool. The storage station comprises a plurality of storage cells, wherein an end effector holder is installed within each of the said storage cells. The storage station further including and end effector transport cell that includes an end effector transport cart and transport cart lift to accurately position the transport cart and attached end effector holder to a known and predetermined location in space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Zenna J. Dunning, Mark F. Gabriel, James A. Shofner
  • Patent number: 5482409
    Abstract: An end effector adapted for attachment to and accurate positioning by a robot is provided for positioning a right angle shaped workpiece at a desired position against a panel and drilling a pair of accurately located positioning holes through the workpiece and the panel. The end effector includes a rear plate having a conventional tool connector and adapter that can be grasped and manipulated by the robot. A frame is cantilevered on the rear plate and supports a shuttle mounted on horizontal linear bearings for lateral motion of the shuttle. A pair of vertical bearings on the shuttle supports two horizontal support plates for vertical motion on the shuttle. A drill and an inserter are mounted on the support plates for lateral motion with the shuttle, and for vertical motion on the shuttle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Zenna J. Dunning, Paul E. Nelson, Hinrich C. Patjens, James A. Shofner, David A. Yousko