Patents by Inventor Tom Schulz

Tom Schulz 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: 10631691
    Abstract: A system and control method for determining an amount of paper product dispensed from a dispenser or remaining in the dispenser is provided. The paper product is initially loaded in the dispenser as a paper product formation, such as a roll or stack of the product. At defined intervals, a digital image of an aspect of the paper product formation in the dispenser is taken and transmitted to a digital imager processor. A feature of the digital image that changes as the paper product formation decreases in size as the paper product is dispensed is analyzed and compared with a predetermined value of the feature at a predefined size of the paper product formation to determine an amount of the paper product dispensed or remaining in the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldside, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Becker, Charlene Dunbar, Jason Kirkland, Warren Moede, Tom Schulz, Chrissy Sheehan, Peter W. Shipp, Jr., Matt Zielinski, Paul F. Tramontina
  • Patent number: 10037678
    Abstract: A washroom system and related operations method are provided wherein patrons receive a personalized message or other personalized washroom experience. A washroom facility is configured with a receiver that receives a respective ID signal unique to particular patrons that enter the facility. The unique ID signal is transmitted by a device carried by the patrons. A processor system is in communication with the receiver for receipt of the unique ID signals. The processor system includes a memory with a file associated with each of the unique ID signals, the files containing information on the respective patron associated with the unique ID signal that is retrieved by the processor and used to generate and transmit the personalized message to a broadcast device in the washroom facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Becker, Charlene Dunbar, Jason Kirkland, Warren Moede, Tom Schulz, Chrissy Sheehan, Peter W. Shipp, Jr., Matt Zielinski, Paul F. Tramontina
  • Publication number: 20180008104
    Abstract: A system and control method for determining an amount of paper product dispensed from a dispenser or remaining in the dispenser is provided. The paper product is initially loaded in the dispenser as a paper product formation, such as a roll or stack of the product. At defined intervals, a digital image of an aspect of the paper product formation in the dispenser is taken and transmitted to a digital imager processor. A feature of the digital image that changes as the paper product formation decreases in size as the paper product is dispensed is analyzed and compared with a predetermined value of the feature at a predefined size of the paper product formation to determine an amount of the paper product dispensed or remaining in the dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Stephen Becker, Charlene Dunbar, Jason Kirkland, Warren Moede, Tom Schulz, Chrissy Sheehan, Peter W. Shipp, Jr., Matt Zielinski, Paul F. Tramontina
  • Publication number: 20170372589
    Abstract: A washroom system and related operations method are provided wherein patrons receive a personalized message or other personalized washroom experience. A washroom facility is configured with a receiver that receives a respective ID signal unique to particular patrons that enter the facility. The unique ID signal is transmitted by a device carried by the patrons. A processor system is in communication with the receiver for receipt of the unique ID signals. The processor system includes a memory with a file associated with each of the unique ID signals, the files containing information on the respective patron associated with the unique ID signal that is retrieved by the processor and used to generate and transmit the personalized message to a broadcast device in the washroom facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Stephen Becker, Charlene Dunbar, Jason Kirkland, Warren Moede, Tom Schulz, Chrissy Sheehan, Peter W. Shipp, Jr., Matt Zielinski, Paul F. Tramontina