Patents by Inventor Nathaniel Christopher Herwig

Nathaniel Christopher Herwig 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: 7311250
    Abstract: An RFID weight-based security method with container compensation which compares total weights. The security method includes receiving item identification information from RFID labels affixed to items in a container, obtaining a reference container weight, obtaining reference item weights using the item identification information, obtaining a combined weight of the items and the container from a scale, comparing the combined weight with the sum of the reference container weight and the reference item weights, and processing payment for the items if the combined weight is within a predetermined threshold of the sum of the reference container weight and the reference item weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Nathaniel Christopher Herwig
  • Patent number: 7264167
    Abstract: An optical scanner comprises a scanner housing including a scan window, a laser light source, reflected light detector and a Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) mirror array arranged to produce a scan line pattern. The light from the laser source is adjustably focused by the MEMS mirror array so as to enable auto-focusing of the laser light during the scanning of a bar code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Nathaniel Christopher Herwig, Sik Piu Kwan
  • Patent number: 7202784
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for identifying the presence of a jamming signal impairing the operation of an RFID reader. An RFID reader includes a signal strength detector that detects and measures the signal strength of signals within a prescribed frequency range typical of that used by RFID devices. If a signal within the frequency range and exceeding a predetermined maximum strength is detected, the reader identifies the presence of a jamming signal impairing the proper operation of the reader. The reader takes appropriate action upon identification of a jamming signal, for example issuing a local alert or alarm, or sending a message to a central security station, which may then take appropriate action in response to the message, such as alerting appropriate personnel, sounding alarms or securing exits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Nathaniel Christopher Herwig
  • Patent number: 7118036
    Abstract: A mobile inventory management system which reduces cost and inventory time. The mobile inventory system includes a reader in a cart for reading radio frequency identification labels on items, and wireless communication circuitry in the cart for transmitting item identification information obtained by the reader to a database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Alan B. Couch, Nathaniel Christopher Herwig