Patents Assigned to Lowe's Companies, Inc.
  • Patent number: 10721224
    Abstract: Techniques described herein are directed to a system and methods for enabling a transfer of access rights for an electronic device between users. In embodiments of the system, a first user (e.g., a transferor) may, upon determining that access rights should be granted to a second user (e.g., a transferee), generate a transaction record. The transaction record may then be provided to a registry network, which may verify a digital signature of the transaction record as well as a current ownership status. Upon verification, the transaction record may be written to an ownership registry and a mobile application server may be notified of the transaction. Once notified, the mobile application server may transmit a device key to a user device associated with the transferee. Once the device key has been received at the transferee user device, it may be used to issue commands to the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: LOWE'S COMPANIES, INC.
    Inventors: Mason E. Sheffield, Jonothon Frederick Douglas, Paul Michael Sisneros, Joseph Ygona Laurino
  • Patent number: 10701561
    Abstract: Techniques described herein are directed to a system and methods for issuing commands to an electronic device as well as techniques for transferring a device key to a user device associated with a user who has gained authorization to issue commands to the electronic device. In some embodiments, a device key may be conveyed directly from an access device to a user device. In some embodiments, the device key may be conveyed to a user device by a mobile application server which is in communication with the user device upon receiving an indication that an operator of the user device is authorized to issue commands to the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: LOWE'S COMPANIES, INC.
    Inventors: Mason E. Sheffield, Jonothon Frederick Douglas, Paul Michael Sisneros
  • Patent number: 10679372
    Abstract: Described herein are a system and methods for efficiently using depth and image information for a space to generate a 3D representation of that space. In some embodiments, an indication of one or more points is received with respect to image information, which is then mapped to corresponding points within depth information. A boundary may then be calculated to be associated with each of the points based on the depth information at, and surrounding, each point. Each of the boundaries are extended outward until junctions are identified as bounding the boundaries in a direction. The system may determine whether the process is complete or not based on whether any of the calculated boundaries are currently unlimited in extent in any direction. Once the system determines that each of the boundaries is limited in extent, a 3D representation of the space may be generated based on the identified junctions and/or boundaries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: LOWE'S COMPANIES, INC.
    Inventor: Mason E. Sheffield
  • Patent number: 10657712
    Abstract: Described herein are a system and techniques for performing partially or fully automatic retopology of an object model. In some embodiments, the techniques may involve categorizing and/or segmenting an object model into a number of regions. 3D data in each region may then be compared to 3D data in corresponding regions for a number of similar object models in order to identify a closest matching corresponding region. The techniques may also involve identifying a set of edges stored in relation to each closest matching corresponding region for each region of an object model. Each set of edges may be conformed to the 3D data of its corresponding region. Once conformed, the sets of edges may be compiled into a cage for the object model, from which a mesh may be generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: LOWE'S COMPANIES, INC.
    Inventors: Mason E. Sheffield, Oleg Alexander, Jonothon Frederick Douglas
  • Patent number: 10619811
    Abstract: A flame simulator includes a light beam source that projects a beam of light, a flame screen, a light beam mover that imparts movement to at least a part of the light beam source, and a range limiter. The light beam source includes a light source adapted to produce light and at least one light conditioner adapted to act on the light from the light source to produce the beam of light with a color, size and shape that mimics a flame when the beam strikes the flame screen. The range limiter is operatively associated with the light beam source so that the beam of light, when being projected, strikes at least a portion of the flame screen and causes illumination of the flame screen by the beam of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: LOWE'S COMPANIES, INC.
    Inventor: Guillermo Enrique Baeza
  • Patent number: 10594049
    Abstract: A connector includes a cable tray configured to receive and retain a cable in a stable position and couple with a top cap configured to create an electrical connection with the cable as the top cap is manipulated in a predetermined manner while coupled with the cable tray. An upper surface of the cable tray is configured to receive the cable (e.g., while the cable is generally parallel with the longitudinal axis of the cable tray). The cable tray also includes a finger extending beyond the first end for some distance longitudinally. The finger includes a protrusion that protrudes to some extent in a transverse direction so that a cable-accommodating gap is defined between the protrusion and the first end. The protrusion is configured to bear against the cable and retain the cable in the stable position when the cable is inserted between the protrusion and the first end (before, during and/or after an electrical connection is established).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Lowe's Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean Tuck McGregor, James Michael Broughman, Allen R. Nelson, Darren Michael Mark, Laura Winfield Alexander, Donald Collins Meves
  • Patent number: 10580202
    Abstract: Techniques described herein are directed to a system and methods for generating 3D models of an object which accurately depict reflective properties of the object. To do this, an image of an object is captured and a rendered image of the object is generated from the image. The system then generates a lighting effect which approximates an effect of the actual light source on the appearance of the object when the image was captured. A number of rendered images of the object are generated using the lighting effect, each having different visual material property values. Once the rendered images have been generated, the system may compare the generated rendered images to the actual image in order to identify the rendered image which best approximates the actual image. The visual material property values associated with the best approximation are then assigned to the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: LOWE'S COMPANIES, INC.
    Inventors: Mason E. Sheffield, Oleg Alexander
  • Patent number: 10424110
    Abstract: Described herein are a system and methods for generating 3D models using imaging data obtained from an array of camera devices. In embodiments, a stochastic shape distribution may be applied upon an object to be modeled in invisible ink. The system activates a first lighting mode which causes the stochastic shape distribution to be visible and captures a first set of images that depict the stochastic shape distribution on the object. The system then activates a second lighting mode that causes the stochastic shape distribution to be hidden and captures images of the object as it would normally appear (without the stochastic shape distribution). The images having the stochastic shape distribution may be used to determine alignment information for the images within the set of images. That alignment information may then be attributed to the second set of images and used to generate the 3D model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: LOWE'S COMPANIES, INC.
    Inventors: Mason E. Sheffield, Oleg Alexander, Jonothon Frederick Douglas, Guillermo Enrique Baeza
  • Patent number: 10410266
    Abstract: Methods, devices, systems and computer readable media can be configured to facilitate receipt of a unique product identifier. The unique product identifier can correspond to a customized product. In one embodiment, an account identifier is received. The account identifier may correspond to an online account of a consumer purchasing the customized product. In an embodiment, an object associated with the online account is determined. The object may represent a portion of a building. In an embodiment, the object is associated with the customized product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: LOWE'S COMPANIES, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy Darren Norman, Bryan Wilbourne Pruet
  • Patent number: 10384366
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide improved storage options for push-sticks used in connection with rip fences on table saws and similar cutting devices where push-sticks might be used. The push-stick storage system may include a rip fence and a push-stick retention mechanism. The push-stick retention mechanism may be defined by upright side walls that define a channel or slot therebetween for receiving a push-stick. The retention mechanism may also include a stop (or a stop block) positioned at a first position within the channel, and a retainer positioned at a second position within the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: LOWE'S COMPANIES, INC.
    Inventors: Adriane Dian Cooley, Benjamin Worth Coble, Kevin C. Y. Chang
  • Patent number: 10366531
    Abstract: Described herein are systems for generating 3D models. A first point cloud of data for an object may be generated based on boundary information obtained by the object boundary detector(s). Dimensions for the object may be determined based on the first point cloud of data. A second point cloud of data may be generated based on the dimensions for the object and a configuration of light projectors where the second point cloud corresponds to potential coordinates for a location where the robotic member and end effector can be positioned along a path around the object to capture the image data of the object. A path may be generated to avoid collision between the object and the robotic member or end effector while optimizing the number of capture location points within the second point cloud of data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: LOWE'S COMPANIES, INC.
    Inventor: Mason E. Sheffield
  • Patent number: 10235797
    Abstract: Techniques described herein are directed to a system and methods for generating 3D models of an object which accurately depict reflective properties of the object. To do this, an image of an object is captured and a rendered image of the object is generated from the image. The system then generates a lighting effect which approximates an effect of the actual light source on the appearance of the object when the image was captured. A number of rendered images of the object are generated using the lighting effect, each having different visual material property values. Once the rendered images have been generated, the system may compare the generated rendered images to the actual image in order to identify the rendered image which best approximates the actual image. The visual material property values associated with the best approximation are then assigned to the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: LOWE'S COMPANIES, INC.
    Inventors: Mason E. Sheffield, Oleg Alexander
  • Patent number: 10192115
    Abstract: Described herein are a system and methods for generating a record of objects, as well as respective positions for those objects, with respect to a user. In some embodiments, a user may use a user device to scan an area that includes one or more objects. The one or more objects may be identified from image information obtained from the user device. Positional information for each of the one or more objects may be determined from depth information obtained from a depth sensor installed upon the user device. In some embodiments, the one or more objects may be mapped to object models stored in an object model database. The image information displayed on the user device may be augmented so that it depicts the object models associated with the one or more objects instead of the actual objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Lowe's Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mason E. Sheffield, Josh Shabtai
  • Patent number: 10122997
    Abstract: Described herein are a system and methods for generating 3D models using imaging data obtained from an array of camera devices. In embodiments, the system may determine a depth or range between an object and the array of camera device. Based on this depth information, the system may automatically identify appropriate framing information for that array of camera devices based on operational constraints. One or more properties of the camera devices in the array of camera devices may then be adjusted in order to obtain image information in accordance with the identified framing information. The object may then be rotated in accordance with the operational constraints and the process may be repeated until a full set of images has been obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: LOWE'S COMPANIES, INC.
    Inventors: Mason E. Sheffield, Oleg Alexander
  • Patent number: 10111562
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention described herein relate to vacuum cleaners. The vacuum cleaners described herein can include a motor, a lid, a collection receptacle, and at least one support member to permit access to the interior of the vacuum cleaner. Also described herein are vacuum cleaners having a motor, a lid, a collection receptacle, and an accessory holder that can be pivotally mounted to the collection receptacle to permit access to the contents thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: LOWE'S COMPANIES, INC.
    Inventors: Jay Fording, Eduardo Gonzalez, Michael McDermott, Claude E. Reynolds, Jr., James Townsend, Trevor N. Devine, Steven P. Gerstein, Kevin D. Fry
  • Patent number: 10099301
    Abstract: A saw machine worktable positioning mechanism includes a pivot shaft, an operating member and a first positioning unit so arranged that operating the operating member can drive the first positioning unit to move a positioning member of the first positioning unit relative to the base of the saw machine in one of two reversed directions to lock the worktable of the saw machine to the base or to unlock the worktable from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: LOWE'S COMPANIES, INC.
    Inventors: Hung Jung Chiang, Wen Chin Chiang
  • Patent number: 10080475
    Abstract: Systems and indicators of cleaning effectiveness are provided for deployment in an environment where samples of different vacuum cleaners are displayed for consideration by potential purchasers or renters of such vacuum cleaners to facilitate comparisons of cleaning effectiveness between or among the different vacuum cleaners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: LOWE'S COMPANIES, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan Bryant Grey, Adriane Dian Cooley, Bruce Ferris, Chris Murray, Elliott Hedman, Brian Slate
  • Patent number: D837025
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Lowe's Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Joseph Demers, Joseph Allen Berlepsch
  • Patent number: D867091
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: LOWE'S COMPANIES, INC.
    Inventors: Jay Kinsley Fording, Alexander Wade Ogle, Jonathan Bryant Grey, Robert Daniel Lyalls, Scott Andrew Suttle, Ludwin Miguel Mora, James Huang Lua
  • Patent number: D889927
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: LOWE'S COMPANIES, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Joseph Demers, Joseph Allen Berlepsch