Patents by Inventor Mark Horton
Mark 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: 20240109045Abstract: A lid usable with a beverage container and a refillable reservoir positioned within the container. The lid has a mixing chamber, an additive passageway extending between the mixing chamber and the reservoir, and a beverage passageway extending between the mixing chamber and the container. A slider gate is movable between a first position closing communication between the additive passageway and the mixing chamber, but providing communication between the beverage passageway and the mixing chamber, a second position providing communication between the additive passageway and the mixing chamber, and between the beverage passageway and the mixing chamber, and a third position providing communication between the additive passageway and the mixing chamber, but closing communication between the beverage passageway and the mixing chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2023Publication date: April 4, 2024Inventors: Andrew Lance Tonn, Stephen Mark Sanford, Demri Anna Horton, Leo Eugene Zugner, II
-
Patent number: 8948742Abstract: A cooperative system for testing signal strength near a target area selected by a wireless provider is disclosed, using test units installed in the fleet vehicles of an unrelated service enterprise. The system in one embodiment includes an algorithm for comparing test parameters to the route data contained in the dispatch plan for the fleet vehicles, in order to identify the optimal routes on which to send test units. A computer software product for storing the parameters and executing the algorithms is also disclosed. Signal testing in a target area is accomplished through the symbiotic relationship between the testing units and the fleet vehicles, whereby the wireless provider benefits from unit carriage along routes already being traveled by the fleet vehicles for a different purpose. This Abstract is provided quickly inform a reader about the subject matter, and not for use interpreting the scope or meaning of the claims.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2014Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Inventors: Mark Horton, Christopher T. Schenken
-
Publication number: 20140256266Abstract: A cooperative system for testing signal strength near a target area selected by a wireless provider is disclosed, using test units installed in the fleet vehicles of an unrelated service enterprise. The system in one embodiment includes an algorithm for comparing test parameters to the route data contained in the dispatch plan for the fleet vehicles, in order to identify the optimal routes on which to send test units. A computer software product for storing the parameters and executing the algorithms is also disclosed. Signal testing in a target area is accomplished through the symbiotic relationship between the testing units and the fleet vehicles, whereby the wireless provider benefits from unit carriage along routes already being traveled by the fleet vehicles for a different purpose. This Abstract is provided quickly inform a reader about the subject matter, and not for use interpreting the scope or meaning of the claims.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Mark Horton, Christopher T. Schenken
-
Patent number: 8768342Abstract: A cooperative system for testing signal strength near a target area selected by a wireless provider is disclosed, using test units installed in the fleet vehicles of an unrelated service enterprise. The system in one embodiment includes an algorithm for comparing test parameters to the route data contained in the dispatch plan for the fleet vehicles, in order to identify the optimal routes on which to send test units. A computer software product for storing the parameters and executing the algorithms is also disclosed. Signal testing in a target area is accomplished through the symbiotic relationship between the testing units and the fleet vehicles, whereby the wireless provider benefits from unit carriage along routes already being traveled by the fleet vehicles for a different purpose. This Abstract is provided quickly inform a reader about the subject matter, and not for use interpreting the scope or meaning of the claims.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2013Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Inventors: Mark Horton, Christopher T. Schenken
-
Patent number: 8474354Abstract: A cutting device for food products having a handle, a neck portion, and a circular cutting blade. The handle is generally curved relative to its longitudinal axis and includes a top surface with a finger stop, the finger stop engaging a user's index finger during use. The handle length is sized in proportion to a typical user's hand so that a free end of the handle is proximate the user's palm. During use, the user's index finger engages a finger stop and top and bottom surfaces of the handle. A method of using such a flat food item cutting device is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2007Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Inventor: Mark Horton
-
Patent number: 8374597Abstract: A cooperative system for testing signal strength near a target area selected by a wireless provider is disclosed, using test units installed in the fleet vehicles of an unrelated service enterprise. The system in one embodiment includes an algorithm for comparing test parameters to the route data contained in the dispatch plan for the fleet vehicles, in order to identify the optimal routes on which to send test units. A computer software product for storing the parameters and executing the algorithms is also disclosed. Signal testing in a target area is accomplished through the symbiotic relationship between the testing units and the fleet vehicles, whereby the wireless provider benefits from unit carriage along routes already being traveled by the fleet vehicles for a different purpose. This Abstract is provided quickly inform a reader about the subject matter, and not for use interpreting the scope or meaning of the claims.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Inventors: Mark Horton, Christopher T. Schenken
-
Patent number: 8200585Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for determining the disposition of a shipped good, such as a car, damaged during transit. After the damage is detected, a digital image of the is obtained. The image is uploaded to a server typically along with the vehicle identification number and/or other identification data. The server determines the appropriate individual(s) to be contacted, and generates a notification message, typically including the URL of a web site where further information can be obtained. The appropriate individual (“user”) logs onto the server to view the digital images and provides input regarding the disposition of the good. The user may direct the damaged car to a repair shop, a dealer, or another destination. Alternatively, the user may indicate delivery of the car as originally planned. The server may notify other systems of the disposition as well. Other embodiments apply to the disposition of delivered packages.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Inventor: Mark Horton
-
Patent number: 8151736Abstract: A process and apparatus for restraining an animal involves urging a spool containing a flexible tension link connectable to the animal, to retract the flexible tension link into a housing. Movement of the spool in a direction associated with retraction disengages a brake urged into braking engagement with the spool, and causes the brake to engage with a lock to lock the brake in an disengaged position. The flexible tension link may be dispensed from the spool while the brake is in the disengaged position. A spool-operated actuator is operably configured to release the lock to permit the brake to engage the spool to stop dispensing the flexible tension link when a selected one of a plurality of discrete pre-determined lengths of flexible tension link has been dispensed. The apparatus may be pivotably mounted on an anchor to restrain the animal from moving any farther than a predefined radius from said anchor.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2010Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Terence Earl SimpsonInventors: Terence Earl Simpson, Mark Horton Radford, Michael Howard Boudreau
-
Publication number: 20110073047Abstract: A process and apparatus for restraining an animal involves urging a spool containing a flexible tension link connectable to the animal, to retract the flexible tension link into a housing to which the spool is mounted. Movement of the spool in a direction associated with retraction of the flexible tension link disengages a brake urged into braking engagement with the spool, and causes the brake to engage with a lock operably configured to lock the brake in an disengaged position. The flexible tension link is permitted to be dispensed from the spool while the brake is in the disengaged position. A spool-operated actuator is operably configured to release the lock to permit the brake to engage the spool to stop dispensing the flexible tension link when a selected one of a plurality of discrete pre-determined lengths of flexible tension link has been dispensed from the spool.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventors: Terence Earl Simpson, Mark Horton Radford, Michael Howard Boudreau
-
Publication number: 20110039498Abstract: A cooperative system for testing signal strength near a target area selected by a wireless provider is disclosed, using test units installed in the fleet vehicles of an unrelated service enterprise. The system in one embodiment includes an algorithm for comparing test parameters to the route data contained in the dispatch plan for the fleet vehicles, in order to identify the optimal routes on which to send test units. A computer software product for storing the parameters and executing the algorithms is also disclosed. Signal testing in a target area is accomplished through the symbiotic relationship between the testing units and the fleet vehicles, whereby the wireless provider benefits from unit carriage along routes already being traveled by the fleet vehicles for a different purpose. This Abstract is provided quickly inform a reader about the subject matter, and not for use interpreting the scope or meaning of the claims.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2010Publication date: February 17, 2011Inventors: Mark Horton, Christopher T. Schenken
-
Patent number: 7866282Abstract: A process and apparatus for restraining an animal involves urging a spool containing a flexible tension link connectable to the animal, to retract the flexible tension link into a housing to which the spool is mounted. Movement of the spool in a direction associated with retraction of the flexible tension link disengages a brake urged into braking engagement with the spool, and causes the brake to engage with a lock operably configured to lock the brake in an unengaged position. The flexible tension link is permitted to be dispensed from the spool when the brake is in the unengaged position, and a hand operated actuator on the housing can release the lock to permit the brake to engage the spool to stop dispensing the flexible tension link in response to actuation of the hand operated actuator. The process further involves enabling a spool-operated actuator to release the lock to permit the brake to engage the spool to stop dispensing the flexible tension link.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2006Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Inventors: Terence Earl Simpson, Mark Horton Radford, Michael Howard Boudreau
-
Patent number: 7868753Abstract: A system for manipulating data is provided. Such a system comprises a host system, a discrete portable data acquisition device for collecting the data, at least one of a wireless wide area network (WWAN) data radio, a wireless local area network (WLAN) data radio, and a wireless personal area network (WPAN) data radio operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device and configured to at least one of transmit the data to the host system, communicate with a peripheral device, and receive data, and a memory operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device for storing the data, the memory comprising a FLASH memory module, a DRAM memory module, and an NVDRAM memory module. Associated systems, devices, and methods are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2007Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventors: Rhesa Jenkins, Craig Graham, Pamela Klouda, Prabhakar Thyagarjan, Jonathan Hock, Mike Shamel, David Snader, Mike Cutler, John Olsen, Mark Horton, Mike Kerr
-
Patent number: 7783524Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods that facilitate the prevention of fraud occurring in connection with credit cards, debit cards, smart cards and other payment cards that are used in transactions involving goods sold by a seller, delivered by a shipper, and purchased by a buyer. Specifically, the present invention provides systems and methods that allow for physical verification of a payment card (e.g., credit card) upon delivery of goods that are purchased in the context of a remote transaction between a buyer and a seller, including, for example, goods that are ordered via phone, mail order, fax or the Internet.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2008Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventor: Mark Horton
-
Patent number: 7773985Abstract: A cooperative system for testing signal strength near a target area selected by a wireless provider is disclosed, using test units installed in the fleet vehicles of an unrelated service enterprise. The system in one embodiment includes an algorithm for comparing test parameters to the route data contained in the dispatch plan for the fleet vehicles, in order to identify the optimal routes on which to send test units. A computer software product for storing the parameters and executing the algorithms is also disclosed. Signal testing in a target area is accomplished through the symbiotic relationship between the testing units and the fleet vehicles, whereby the wireless provider benefits from unit carriage along routes already being traveled by the fleet vehicles for a different purpose. This Abstract is provided quickly inform a reader about the subject matter, and not for use interpreting the scope or meaning of the claims.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2004Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventors: Mark Horton, Christopher T. Schenken
-
Publication number: 20100042459Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for determining the disposition of a shipped good, such as a car, damaged during transit. After the damage is detected, a digital image of the is obtained. The image is uploaded to a server typically along with the vehicle identification number and/or other identification data. The server determines the appropriate individual(s) to be contacted, and generates a notification message, typically including the URL of a web site where further information can be obtained. The appropriate individual (“user”) logs onto the server to view the digital images and provides input regarding the disposition of the good. The user may direct the damaged car to a repair shop, a dealer, or another destination. Alternatively, the user may indicate delivery of the car as originally planned. The server may notify other systems of the disposition as well. Other embodiments apply to the disposition of delivered packages.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2009Publication date: February 18, 2010Inventor: Mark Horton
-
Patent number: 7660577Abstract: The present invention is directed at systems and methods for gathering wireless communication data within a target geographic area. More specifically, selected fleet vehicles are equipped to gather wireless communication data from transmission towers while simultaneously performing other tasks. A signal testing device gathers the signal data while temporarily positioned in a selected fleet vehicle that passes within a target geographic area. The signal testing device is then transferred to other fleet vehicles that also traverse the target geographic area until the desired data from the identified area is collected.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2004Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventors: Chris R. Radosta, Mark Horton, Christopher T. Schenken
-
Patent number: 7640169Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for determining the disposition of a shipped good, such as a car, damaged during transit. After the damage is detected, a digital image of the is obtained. The image is uploaded to a server typically along with the vehicle identification number and/or other identification data. The server determines the appropriate individual(s) to be contacted, and generates a notification message, typically including the URL of a web site where further information can be obtained. The appropriate individual (“user”) logs onto the server to view the digital images and provides input regarding the disposition of the good. The user may direct the damaged car to a repair shop, a dealer, or another destination. Alternatively, the user may indicate delivery of the car as originally planned. The server may notify other systems of the disposition as well. Other embodiments apply to the disposition of delivered packages.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2004Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventor: Mark Horton
-
Patent number: 7552901Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, the mounting assembly includes a channel plate and a bracket for securely receiving the signal testing unit. The channel plate is securely mounted adjacent to a surface of a vehicle and includes a plurality of channels that extend through the plate. The bracket includes a housing for receiving the testing unit and one or more clips. Each clip engages a channel in the channel plate to mount the bracket to the channel plate. In addition, each clip includes at least one finger that includes an engaging portion. The clip is removably engaged into one of the channels by positioning the engaging portion of each finger adjacent the back side of the channel plate such that the bracket is positioned adjacent the front side of the channel plate. In one embodiment, the finger is spring biased.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2005Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.Inventors: Steven L. Smith, Chris R. Radosta, Mark Horton, Daniel Silvernale, Christopher T. Schenken
-
Publication number: 20080307938Abstract: A cutting device for food products having a handle, a neck portion, and a circular cutting blade. The handle is generally curved relative to its longitudinal axis and includes a top surface with a finger stop, the finger stop engaging a user's index finger during use. The handle length is sized in proportion to a typical user's hand so that a free end of the handle is proximate the user's palm. During use, the user's index finger engages a finger stop and top and bottom surfaces of the handle. A method of using such a flat food item cutting device is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2007Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventor: Mark Horton
-
Publication number: 20080270261Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods that facilitate the prevention of fraud occurring in connection with credit cards, debit cards, smart cards and other payment cards that are used in transactions involving goods sold by a seller, delivered by a shipper, and purchased by a buyer. Specifically, the present invention provides systems and methods that allow for physical verification of a payment card (e.g., credit card) upon delivery of goods that are purchased in the context of a remote transaction between a buyer and a seller, including, for example, goods that are ordered via phone, mail order, fax or the Internet.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2008Publication date: October 30, 2008Inventor: Mark Horton