Patents by Inventor Richard Ulrich

Richard Ulrich 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: 11348047
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a graphics processing unit programmed to generate a sample path for the demand of the one or more products at a store based at least in part on data associated with a historical distribution of the variability of the demand of the one or more products. The graphics processing unit may generate a thread corresponding to a plurality scenarios. The graphics processing unit may execute the thread in parallel to determine one or more parameters for each of the plurality of scenarios for the one or more products. The graphics processing unit may select the one or more parameters generated from the execution of one of the sample paths to minimize the cost. The graphics processing unit may adjust an inventory management system to set an inventory management setting based at least in part on the selection of the one or more parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Shuohao Wu, Richard Ulrich, Dong Xu, Jingying Zhang, Kunlei Lian, Clifford Wayne Bolinger, Jackie Lei Guan
  • Publication number: 20200401968
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a graphics processing unit programmed to generate a sample path for the demand of the one or more products at a store based at least in part on data associated with a historical distribution of the variability of the demand of the one or more products. The graphics processing unit may generate a thread corresponding to a plurality scenarios. The graphics processing unit may execute the thread in parallel to determine one or more parameters for each of the plurality of scenarios for the one or more products. The graphics processing unit may select the one or more parameters generated from the execution of one of the sample paths to minimize the cost. The graphics processing unit may adjust an inventory management system to set an inventory management setting based at least in part on the selection of the one or more parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Shuohao Wu, Richard Ulrich, Dong Xu, Jingying Zhang, Kunlei Lian, Clifford Wayne Bolinger, Jackie Lei Guan
  • Patent number: 10453744
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of making molybdenum films utilizing boron and molybdenum nucleation layers. The resulting molybdenum films have low electrical resistivity, are substantially free of boron, and can be made at reduced temperatures compared to conventional chemical vapor deposition processes that do not use the boron or molybdenum nucleation layers. The molybdenum nucleation layer formed by this process can protect the substrate from the etching effect of MoCl5 or MoOCl4, facilitates nucleation of subsequent CVD Mo growth on top of the molybdenum nucleation layer, and enables Mo CVD deposition at lower temperatures. The nucleation layer can also be used to control the grain sizes of the subsequent CVD Mo growth, and therefore controls the electrical resistivity of the Mo film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: ENTEGRIS, INC.
    Inventors: Shuang Meng, Richard Ulrich Assion, Thomas H. Baum, Bryan Clark Hendrix
  • Publication number: 20190317756
    Abstract: A package management system for binary files that include executable instructions (such as executable files, statically linked libraries, and dynamically linked libraries). The system comprises a packager configured to identify a plurality of build artifacts used to create an original binary file, and create and store an augmented binary file comprising the plurality of build artifacts appended to the original binary file, such that the augmented binary file has the same functionality when executed as the original binary file. The system can further include an extractor configured to receive the augmented binary file and produce an output comprising the plurality of build artifacts from the augmented binary file.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Inventors: Rick J Bough, Trey Vanderpool, Richard Ulrich, Oscar Blass, Ron Longenecker
  • Publication number: 20180261503
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of making molybdenum films utilizing boron and molybdenum nucleation layers. The resulting molybdenum films have low electrical resistivity, are substantially free of boron, and can be made at reduced temperatures compared to conventional chemical vapor deposition processes that do not use the boron or molybdenum nucleation layers. The molybdenum nucleation layer formed by this process can protect the substrate from the etching effect of MoCl5 or MoOCl4, facilitates nucleation of subsequent CVD Mo growth on top of the molybdenum nucleation layer, and enables Mo CVD deposition at lower temperatures. The nucleation layer can also be used to control the grain sizes of the subsequent CVD Mo growth, and therefore controls the electrical resistivity of the Mo film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventors: Shuang Meng, Richard Ulrich Assion, Thomas H. Baum, Bryan Clark Hendrix
  • Publication number: 20180225615
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are generally directed to a system for remotely monitoring utilization of geographically distributed point-of-sale terminals and autonomously activating a quantity of point-of-sale terminals based on the utilization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Steven Thomas, Richard Ulrich, Willie Montgomery, III
  • Publication number: 20180142345
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of making molybdenum films utilizing boron and molybdenum nucleation layers. The resulting molybdenum films have low electrical resistivity, are substantially free of boron, and can be made at reduced temperatures compared to conventional chemical vapor deposition processes that do not use the boron or molybdenum nucleation layers. The molybdenum nucleation layer formed by this process can protect the substrate from the etching effect of MoCl5 or MoOCl4, facilitates nucleation of subsequent CVD Mo growth on top of the molybdenum nucleation layer, and enables Mo CVD deposition at lower temperatures. The nucleation layer can also be used to control the grain sizes of the subsequent CVD Mo growth, and therefore controls the electrical resistivity of the Mo film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Publication date: May 24, 2018
    Inventors: Shuang Meng, Richard Ulrich Assion, Thomas H. Baum, Bryan Clark Hendrix
  • Publication number: 20170083850
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are generally directed to cashier scheduling for a store based on electronic data representative of transactions at a point-of-sale terminal in the store. Exemplary embodiments can compare the electronic data representative of transactions at the point-of-sale terminal to target point-of-sale terminal data for the point-of-sale terminal in the store to generate delta values. Exemplary embodiments can determine exception data based on the delta values. The exception data can correspond to the delta values that fail to satisfy a specified criteria. Exemplary embodiments can adjust scheduling parameters for a prospective scheduling period based on the exception data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Applicant: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Crow, Richard Ulrich
  • Publication number: 20150127431
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are generally directed to evaluating a performance of a store based on data representative of a transaction parameter for the store based on transactions at a point-of-sale terminal in the store. Exemplary embodiments can generate performance data for the store based on the transaction parameter. The performance data indicates performance of the store relative to a goal for a key performance indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Thomas, Richard Ulrich, Willie Montgomery, III
  • Patent number: 8474711
    Abstract: An interactive shopping system, apparatus and methods are provided for use at a brick-and-mortar merchant location. The interactive shopping system includes a basket for holding items selected by a shopper, and a unique identifier for the basket. An input device is associated with said basket to obtain information regarding specific items as they are placed in the basket. A point of sale system is associated with the input device to collect information obtained from the input device, associate that information with the unique identifier for the basket, and complete a purchase transaction for all items located in the basket at checkout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Ulrich
  • Publication number: 20110140380
    Abstract: An interactive shopping system, apparatus and methods are provided for use at a brick-and-mortar merchant location. The interactive shopping system includes a basket for holding items selected by a shopper, and a unique identifier for the basket. An input device is associated with said basket to obtain information regarding specific items as they are placed in the basket. A point of sale system is associated with the input device to collect information obtained from the input device, associate that information with the unique identifier for the basket, and complete a purchase transaction for all items located in the basket at checkout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Ulrich
  • Patent number: 7946243
    Abstract: A second stage lift assembly for a moveable boat stern platform is disclosed and provides the ability to raise the moveable platform up an additional higher amount as compared to it's in-line level with the boat's walk-on deck or fixed platform. By being raised higher when the boat is moving, the moveable platform avoids dragging problems often encountered where the moveable platform remains at the same height as the walk-on deck or fixed platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Ulrich
  • Patent number: 7920063
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for deterring product theft and preventing the fraudulent return or exchange of products. Products are associated with a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. Tag readers located at store access points can detect the presence of the RFID tag and can be used to help determine a direction of travel of the RFID tag. When a product is determined to be leaving the store, the transaction history of the product can be accessed, as well as the supply chain history of the product, to confirm the product has been validly purchased and therefore authorized for removal from the store. When a product is determined to be entering a store, the supply chain history and transaction history of the product can be consulted to determine if the product can be validly exchanged or returned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Ulrich
  • Patent number: 7667602
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for a multi-directional RFID reader system where multi-directional readers can be place on opposing sides of a hallway leading from a back storage area to a retail floor area. The readers can be operable to detect an RFID tag associated with a product as well as its direction of movement, for example whether the product is moving from a back store room to a retail store or the opposite movement is occurring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Ulrich
  • Publication number: 20090045955
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for deterring product theft and preventing the fraudulent return or exchange of products. Products are associated with a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. Tag readers located at store access points can detect the presence of the RFID tag and can be used to help determine a direction of travel of the RFID tag. When a product is determined to be leaving the store, the transaction history of the product can be accessed, as well as the supply chain history of the product, to confirm the product has been validly purchased and therefore authorized for removal from the store. When a product is determined to be entering a store, the supply chain history and transaction history of the product can be consulted to determine if the product can be validly exchanged or returned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: WAL-MART STORES, INC.
    Inventor: Richard Ulrich
  • Publication number: 20080174432
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for a multi-directional RFID reader system where multi-directional readers can be place on opposing sides of a hallway leading from a back storage area to a retail floor area. The readers can be operable to detect an RFID tag associated with a product as well as its direction of movement, for example whether the product is moving from a back store room to a retail store or the opposite movement is occurring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: WAL-MART STORES, INC.
    Inventor: Richard Ulrich
  • Publication number: 20060044712
    Abstract: Resettable circuit interrupting devices, such as ALCI and IDCI devices, that include reset lockout portion are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Publication date: March 2, 2006
    Inventors: Richard Ulrich, William Ziegler, Nicholas Disalvo, Frantz Germain
  • Publication number: 20050220674
    Abstract: An apparatus for sectioning fresh unfixed tissue into very thin layers with preserved tissue architecture, antigenicity, mRNA content, and amenable to 3-D computer reconstruction without mechanical or thermal damage by employing a sectioning tool having an electrode with an intense focused electrical field at an edge. A computer controlled x-y-z translation stage moves the sectioning tool through the tissue as defined by a predetermined program. The sectioning tool produces consecutive thin sections of fresh tissue for immunohistochemical and nucleic acids analyses without mechanical or thermal damage, ultimately allowing high-resolution volumetric reconstruction of gene and protein expression patterns of large tissue specimens. The geometry of the sectioning tool is selected so as to produce a spatially localized electrical field of sufficient intensity to sever molecular bonds or propagate flaws in tissue without mechanical cutting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Publication date: October 6, 2005
    Inventors: Gal Shafirstein, Scott Ferguson, Louis Fink, Richard Ulrich