Patents by Inventor Thomas M. Hintz

Thomas M. Hintz 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).

  • Retail systems and methods employing a product shelf interface to provide purchase incentives
    Publication number: 20040073487
    Abstract: Disclosed are retail systems and methods employing a product shelf interface to provide purchase incentives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Ken R. Powell, Thomas M. Hintz, Eleanor B. Hartley
  • System and method employing portable cards to send data between systems
    Publication number: 20030136830
    Abstract: A system and method employing portable cards, carried by consumers, to send data between system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Ken R. Powell, Kevin W. Hartley, Thomas M. Hintz, Eleanor B. Maxwell, Corey C. Snook
  • RETAIL SYSTEMS AND METHODS EMPLOYING A PRODUCT SHELF DISPLAY TO PROVIDE PURCHASE INCENTIVES
    Publication number: 20020120495
    Abstract: Retail systems and methods employing a product shelf display to provide purchase incentives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: KEN R. POWELL, THOMAS M. HINTZ, ELEANOR B. MAXWELL
  • System and method employing portable cards to monitor a commercial system
    Patent number: 6317650
    Abstract: A system and method employing portable cards, carried by consumers, to monitor a commercial system. In one exemplary embodiment, when a consumer uses a card at a vending machine, the vending machine may write data, reflecting a condition of the vending machine, onto the card. Subsequently, when the consumer uses the card at another machine, the other machine may read the condition data from the card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: SoftCard Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ken R. Powell, Kevin W. Hartley, Thomas M. Hintz, Eleanor B. Maxwell, Corey C. Snook
  • Wearable telecommunications apparatus with voice/speech control features
    Patent number: 6236969
    Abstract: A wearable communication apparatus is in the form of a self-contained telephone headset that includes an integral antenna, stand-alone power supply and on-board electronics and circuitry for RF and I/R communication. The headset includes a mouthpiece that is rotatably mounted to a central housing that contains the bulk of the apparatus electronics. The mouthpiece includes an ear speaker and microphone, as well as the rechargeable power supply. The rotating end of the mouthpiece includes an array of electrical contacts that are configured to contact a complementary contact array on the central housing. The electrical contacts provide for the communication of electrical power and information between the mouthpiece and its components and the central housing and its components. The headset can be activated by rotation of the mouthpiece into its operative position and deactivated by rotation out of this position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Ruppert, Thomas M. Hintz, Kathleen M. Hintz