Customer Service Patents (Class 186/35)
  • Patent number: 11829954
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method, computer program product and computing system for: defining a plurality of known error types within a payroll platform for use within an automotive space; obtaining performance information for a plurality of performance-based employees within the automotive space; and processing the performance information based, at least in part, upon the plurality of known error types to identify one or more errors within the performance information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: BCIT, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Phillips, Michael C. Smith, Cynthia Chen, Travis J. Haley, Sean T. Cacace
  • Patent number: 11823134
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method, computer program product and computing system for: enabling a user to define a first compensation plan for one or more performance-based employees within an automotive space; enabling the user to define a second compensation plan for the one or more performance-based employees within the automotive space; and comparing the first compensation plan to the second compensation plan to determine one or more differential characteristics for the second compensation plan with respect to the first compensation plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: BCIT, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Phillips, Michael C. Smith, Cynthia Chen, Travis J. Haley, Sean T. Cacace
  • Patent number: 11665249
    Abstract: At least one computer-readable medium on which are stored instructions that, when executed by one or more processing devices, enable the one or more processing devices to perform a method. The method includes the steps of providing over a network a request for first information from a second service provider at a job site characterizing a first service provided by a first service provider at the job site, receiving over the network from the second service provider the first information, providing over the network a request for second information from a third service provider at the job site characterizing a second service provided by the second service provider at the job site, and receiving over the network from the third service provider the second information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Peter L. Rex
    Inventor: Peter L. Rex
  • Patent number: 11222382
    Abstract: A system and method for providing location and time-based scheduling of preparation and delivery of goods and/or services. Customer's app on a personal device and service-side software, with a transaction server (Eatelli) provide ordering, geo-location, estimated arrival, delivery of order goods with little to no interaction with service personnel. Automatic location and check-in is facilitated via geo-location or scanning of location-sensors/markers. Service attendants can provide delivery of goods without engaging the customer and be directed to the location of the customer at the servicing institution. Management of ordering, billing, re-ordering, up-keep of the customer can be adjudicated via the software and location markers. The system and method avoids queuing delays typically found in restaurants and take-out/pick-up orders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Eatelli Inc.
    Inventor: Marcus Belke
  • Patent number: 11089887
    Abstract: A retail shower door display assembly is provided with a point-of-sale display unit sized to be received within a retail store aisle. A first array of shower door glass panes is oriented within the display unit. Each shower door glass pane of the first array has a height, a thickness and a width. A second array of shower door glass panes is oriented within the display unit. Each shower door glass pane of the second array has a height, a thickness and a width that is different than the width of the first array of shower door glass panes. An array of shower door tracks is oriented within the display unit. Each shower door track of the array has a common length. An array of towel bars is oriented within the display unit. Each towel bar of the array has a common length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: LIBERTY HARDWARE MFG. CORP.
    Inventors: James Allen Austin, III, Matthew Klein, Patrick Boehnen, Laura Hawkins
  • Patent number: 11058237
    Abstract: A retail shower door display assembly is provided with a point-of-sale display unit sized to be received within a retail store aisle. A first array of shower door glass panes is oriented within the display unit. Each shower door glass pane of the first array has a height, a thickness and a width. A second array of shower door glass panes is oriented within the display unit. Each shower door glass pane of the second array has a height, a thickness and a width that is different than the width of the first array of shower door glass panes. An array of shower door tracks is oriented within the display unit. Each shower door track of the array has a common length. An array of towel bars is oriented within the display unit. Each towel bar of the array has a common length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: LIBERTY HARDWARE MFG. CORP.
    Inventors: James Allen Austin, III, Matthew Klein, Patrick Boehnen, Laura Hawkins
  • Patent number: 11049089
    Abstract: A payment system is provided comprising a transponder, an associated account with account settings, and transponder reading equipment/systems for electronic toll collection and electronic entry into contests, sweepstakes, games, and/or lotteries. Methods are provided to facilitate use of a transponder, an account, and related transponder reading equipment to simultaneously pay a toll and facilitate purchase of a lottery ticket. An account may be debited for a toll and a contest, game, or lottery entry, and credited if one is won. The payment method and system may be used to purchase goods, such as gasoline, and to simultaneously electronically enter contests, sweepstakes, games, and/or lotteries. The purchase of goods/services with a vehicle-mounted transponder may also employ use of rounding amounts to facilitate the electronic purchase of game or lottery tickets or entry to other contests, games, or sweepstakes, wherein the rounding amounts may aggregate to comprise an award that may be won.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Inventor: Curtis A. Evans
  • Patent number: 11051152
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sensor network, Machine Type Communication (MTC), Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication, and technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the above technologies, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. A user equipment in a communication system, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, includes: a controller that determines at least one communication service to deactivate among communication services that are able to be provided and a transmitter that transmits, to a server, a message for identifying the at least one communication service to deactivate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong-Han Park, Duckey Lee, Sang-Soo Lee, Sung-Ho Choi, Sang-Bum Kim, Soeng-Hun Kim, Woo-Seong Kim, Ju-Ho Lee, Jae-Hyuk Jang
  • Patent number: 10423991
    Abstract: A network system provides interventions to providers to reduce the likelihood that its users will experience safety incidents. The providers provide service to the users such as transportation. Providers who are safe and have positive interpersonal behavior may be perceived by users as high quality providers. However, other providers may be more prone to cause safety incidents. A machine learning model is trained using features derived from service received by users of the network system. Randomized experiments and trained models predict the effectiveness of various interventions on a provider based on characteristics of the provider and the feedback received for the provider. As interventions are sent to providers, the change in feedback can indicate whether the intervention was effective. By providing messages proactively, the network system may prevent future safety incidents from occurring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Uber Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Sangick Jeon
  • Patent number: 9902570
    Abstract: A canister delivery system includes a vacuum unit. The vacuum unit includes a tube, a canister receiving cylinder and a canister that is slidably positioned within the tube. The vacuum unit selectively urges the canister in the tube. Thus, the canister is selectively delivered into and drawn out of the canister receiving cylinder. The canister is selectively removed from the canister receiving cylinder. The tube is vertically oriented in a vehicle drive through and the canister receiving cylinder is aligned with a vehicle. An extension unit is coupled to the tube. The extension unit selectively extends the canister receiving cylinder outwardly from the tube when the canister is delivered into the canister receiving cylinder. Thus, the extension unit positions the canister receiving cylinder within reach of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Inventor: Paul Munyon
  • Patent number: 8944823
    Abstract: A method of facilitating the identification of portable consumer articles at a point of purchase display, the method including the steps of: providing a plurality of portable consumer articles each with tactilely sensible information thereon that identifies at least one of: a) a general nature of the article and/or its contents; and b) a provider of the article; and displaying the plurality of articles at the point of purchase display in a manner that allows potential consumers to lift and handle each of the plurality of articles so as to thereby readily determine through tactile sensing of the information at least one of: a) the general nature of the handled article and/or its contents; and b) the provider of the handled article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: George Kasboske
  • Patent number: 8776445
    Abstract: A pharmacy workspace that has a prescription station that has a prescription desk; a pharmacist station that has a pharmacist desk that is distinct from the prescription desk; a clinic station that has an examination room; and a reception desk that is centrally positioned between the three stations and separated from them by only an open circulation area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Walgreen Co.
    Inventors: Nimesh S. Jhaveri, Archana Dhruve, Heather K. Hill, Dejan Kozic, Laura Jean Tebbe, Susan G. Heald, Warit Tulyathorn, Mark A. Jones, Sara B. Frisk, Jennifer M. Levin, Jennifer A. Comiskey, David T. Blanchard
  • Patent number: 8776446
    Abstract: A pharmacist workstation that has a desk that is accessible to customers at a customer position in front of the desk; pharmacist seating directly behind the desk, from which a pharmacist can directly interact with a customer in front of the desk; a pass-through window to a secure preparation area; and a private consulting area that has an entrance that is located to a side of the pharmacist seating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Walgreen Co.
    Inventors: Nimesh S. Jhaveri, Archana Dhruve, Heather K. Hill, Dejan Kozic, Laura J. Tebbe, Susan G. Heald, Warit Tulyathorn, Mark A. Jones, Sara B. Frisk, Jennifer M. Levin, Jennifer A. Comiskey, David T. Blanchard
  • Patent number: 8707630
    Abstract: A retail pharmacy workspace that has a clinic station where common acute health issues such as the flu and ear infections can be addressed by a medical assistant; boundary walls that at least partially surround the clinic station and include a doorway and a screening wall that has front and back ends and no doorway between those ends; at least one examination room within the boundary walls; a waiting room within the boundary walls, between the examination room and the doorway; a prescription station where prescriptions are filled; a pharmacy waiting area outside the boundary walls of the clinic station; and parallel rows of seating in the pharmacy waiting area that define front and back limits of a seating area that are arranged on lines that intersect the screening wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Walgreen Co.
    Inventors: Nimesh S. Jhaveri, Archana Dhruve, Heather K. Hill, Dejan Kozic, Laura Jean Tebbe, Susan G. Heald, Warit Tulyathorn, Mark A. Jones, Sara B. Frisk, Jennifer M. Levin, Jennifer A. Comiskey, David T. Blanchard
  • Patent number: 8687020
    Abstract: A restaurant comprising a virtual reality environment simulating travel by a mode of transportation, such as a train or a boat, to allow individuals seating in the restaurant to have the impression of travelling while enjoying their meals. The restaurant comprises a dining room having side walls, each side wall having a series of windows. Screens are placed on opposed facing sides of the dining room at a distance behind the side walls. A set of projectors is provided for projecting a seamless flow of continuous passing by images of a landscape on the screens. A display control unit synchronizes the projection of the passing by images on the screens in order to create an illusion of travel through the landscape when viewed through the windows in the side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Carole Moquin
  • Patent number: 7882933
    Abstract: A method and a central-belt machine are provided for filling an order container. The central-belt machine includes two central belt provided with articles along a virtual window of an order, and the articles being discharged to the order container at a filling point at the front longitudinal end (V) of the central belt. The two central belts (1, 2) of the central-belt machine, are arranged vertically one above the other, to fill the order container (3), for an order, by at least one interposed vertical conveyor (4) at a single filling point (P) of the lower central belt (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Knabb Logistik Automation GmbH
    Inventor: Karl Freudelsperger
  • Patent number: 7874423
    Abstract: The invention provides a device and a method for packaging of one or more neckties for retail display. The device includes a hanger part for hanging neckties on a rack, and a fastener part for holding the neckties together so as to maintain an orderly appearance. The device is inexpensive, convenient to use, and offers enhanced opportunity for brand identification and advertisement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: AW Chang Corporation
    Inventor: William Chang
  • Patent number: 7791495
    Abstract: A data processing system for analyzing customer and employee interactions in a service establishment is disclosed. The data processing system comprises a plurality of remote customer, employee units and a central unit. The units each include a transceiver to send and receive signals. The signals are all received by the central unit and relayed to the appropriate unit. The central unit time stamps and records all signals in a database. The system further comprises an evaluation program which analyzes the signal data to provide employee performance ratings and staffing recommendations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: ESP Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Devin Green, Drew Palmer, Edmond J. Dougherty, Jr., Todd A. Binkowski, Daniel Green
  • Patent number: 7782177
    Abstract: A data processing system for analyzing customer and employee interactions in a service establishment is disclosed. The data processing system comprises a plurality of remote customer, employee units and a central unit. The units each include a transceiver to send and receive signals. The signals are all received by the central unit and relayed to the appropriate unit. The central unit time stamps and records all signals in a database. The system further comprises an evaluation program which analyzes the signal data to provide employee performance ratings and staffing recommendations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: ESP Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Devin Green, Drew Palmer, Edmond J. Dougherty, Jr., Todd A. Binkowski, Daniel Green
  • Patent number: 7513636
    Abstract: A plurality of lighting fixtures with interchangeable sensors and transmitters are displayed for sale to the consuming public such that a customer of such a display may easily choose a specific lighting fixture and combine it with a specific sensor and/or transmitter enabling the customer to buy a lighting fixture meeting a customer's aesthetic and functional requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: IQ Group Sdn Bhd
    Inventor: Daniel John Beasley
  • Publication number: 20090050497
    Abstract: The invention provides a device and a method for packaging of one or more neckties for retail display. The device includes a hanger part for hanging neckties on a rack, and a fastener part for holding the neckties together so as to maintain an orderly appearance. The device is inexpensive, convenient to use, and offers enhanced opportunity for brand identification and advertisement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: William Chang
  • Patent number: 7466231
    Abstract: A self-checkout system 1 includes a console 2 for interacting with a user, in the form of consumer 3. This consumer 3 is located within a spatially defined control zone 4 during such interaction. An interface 5 is responsive to console 2 for receiving a first signal 6 indicative of an audible representation 7. A processor 8 is responsive to the signal 6 for selectively defining a second signal, in the form of ultrasonic transmission 9. An output, in the form of an ultrasonic transducer 10, is responsive to processor 8 for propagating transmission 9 to provide only in the control zone 4 audible representation 7. Representation 7 is substantially inaudible outside of zone 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel B. Seevers
  • Publication number: 20070267253
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for recording a literary work. An apparatus for recording a literary work can include a booth and a recording system. The recording system can include a display screen, a microphone and a CPU. A user can interact with the recording system to record a literary work. In one method, the user can activate the recording system and the recording system can prompt the user to enter information, for example information about the user and about the literary work that the user wishes to read. The user can then read the literary work and the recording system can make an audio or video recording of the reading.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventor: Ryan Tauer
  • Patent number: 6970831
    Abstract: A method for evaluating customer service performance is implemented by a computer software application. Customers are presented with transaction specific questions to evaluate particular employees. A customer's response to a survey question is stored on a computer. Different performance indicators are calculated for the employee based on the responses to the customer surveys. The employee is evaluated based on these performance indicators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: PerforMax, Inc.
    Inventors: Nancy L. Anderson, Lois J. Pannkuk
  • Patent number: 6848542
    Abstract: A method and system for providing advertising effectiveness searching capabilities, predictive modeling capabilities and usage mining in a location-based services system is disclosed. During operation of the location-based services system, usage information for advertising campaigns placed on the location-based services system is stored. Advertisers are provided with the ability to enter a search request form on a remote terminal to mine the usage information. The search request is then transmitted to an application that searches usage information to generate a response to said search request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Accenture LLP
    Inventors: Michael L. Gailey, Eric A. Portman, Michael J. Burgiss, Chad S. Holmes, Angela King Smith
  • Patent number: 6782974
    Abstract: A server call system that enables the customer to be in direct contact with the server at all times. A keypad is disposed at customer locations and adapted to receive item requests from the customer. The keypad is in wireless communication with a server pager carried by a designated server. The customer inputs an item request into the keypad and it is sent to a predetermined or dynamically determined server pager for fulfillment. In this manner, not only is the efficiency of the establishment increased by eliminating wait time by customers for submitting a request to their server, but the server can effectively serve more areas with less direct customer contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Richard Leifer
  • Publication number: 20040099485
    Abstract: The invention relates to an off-road vehicle course associated with a commercial complex, such as vehicle dealership or group of dealerships, wherein consumers can test drive the off-road vehicles that they are interested in buying before making their purchase decisions, in the off-road conditions that the vehicles are designed for. The present invention also contemplates a business method wherein the dealership or dealerships can promote the off-road vehicle course as a means of attracting customers to the dealership or dealerships. The present invention also contemplates using an off-road vehicle course as a means of providing recreational entertainment to attract patrons to a commercial complex, such as a shopping center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Roy Higgs
  • Patent number: 6688435
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the order and delivery of goods in which the goods are transported to one or more storage containers that are maintained in a drive-up storage, retrieval, and dispensing mechanism. Goods are ordered via the Internet, telephone, or other electronic method, retrieved from a warehouse or store, and transported to the storage container by truck or by a regional train system designed for passenger use. The storage container accepts packages, which are placed into a plastic storage box and moved by an elevator assembly to a particular storage bin located in a matrix of bins arranged in columns and rows. When a customer arrives to pick up a package, he or she drives up to the device and communicates with the system via a keypad and display screen to identify the order and present appropriate identification of the person or other means of maintaining security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventors: Craig Alexander Will, Michael Stephen Will
  • Patent number: 6578671
    Abstract: A method and system for automatic drop off and pick up of merchandise on which service is desired. The system includes a processing device for input of data related to merchandise to be dropped off, a drop off section for receiving the merchandise being dropped off and retaining the merchandise for performing the desired service and a pick up section for storing the merchandise after the desired service has been performed and returning the merchandise to the customer upon receipt of payment by the means for receiving the claim ticket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Raymond Shen
  • Patent number: 6263316
    Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for the automated retailing of refreshments and other basic consumer products to a vehicle occupant as the vehicle passes through a toll station having an automated payment capability. Examples of such toll stations include electronic toll collection (ETC) tollbooths and parking facilities. In each case, product charge is added to, or bundled with, the toll charge and payment is automatically rendered, typically via an electronic debit from a pre-paid account, or an electronic charge to a consumer credit account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Momente, LLC
    Inventors: Zafar Khan, Melissa Chadwick
  • Patent number: 4735290
    Abstract: In an area accessible to browsing customers, at least one multiple-compartment display rack is provided. Each cell in the display rack removably receives an open-ended transparent plastic envelope containing a display card preferably printed with photographics, artwork and verbal indicia unique to a particular valuable article or service which is potentially available. Filed in series with the display card so as to have an end which protrudes further from the envelope mouth than the display card are a number of cards (from one to a plurality) which are tokens of units of the particular article or service, plus an additional card. Each of the first mentioned cards contains on its protruding end a consumer instruction, such as "TAKE CARD TO REGISTER", and elsewhere on its body, the title of the particular article to service. The additional card bears as its flag a consoling legend, such as "SORRY I'M RENTED".
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1988
    Assignee: The Southland Corporation
    Inventor: Frank Byrley
  • Patent number: 4306388
    Abstract: The restaurant dining system disclosed in the specification comprises dining and bar areas, a cocktail lounge, a kitchen and an order-taking post separate from and adjacent the dining and bar areas to facilitate the direct delivery of food and drink orders taken by telephone from patrons in the dining area and cocktail lounge in visual communication with the order-taking person (FIGS. 1-4). A combined piano bar-bandstand straddles the bar area and dance floor (FIG. 1). Variably-translucent panels control visual communication with the dining area (FIGS. 1, 8). Each table has its own speaker and volume control for music playing (FIG. 5). Detachable carpet panels permit the movement of telephone and audio cables coupled to the tables (FIG. 6). A phone protection system signals the cutting of any telephone cable (FIG. 7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1981
    Inventor: Seymour C. Yuter