Patents Assigned to W. W. Grainger, Inc.
  • Patent number: 9613283
    Abstract: A system and method uses an image manipulating application to define in an object image a plurality of discrete cells. Predefined image information is substituted for image information in selected ones of the plurality of discrete cells to form a translated version of the object image. The translated version of the object image may then be provided to an image recognition capable search engine to obtain search results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: W.W. Grainger, Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffry A. Westphal
  • Patent number: 9535930
    Abstract: A system and method uses one or more images provided to an image recognition capable search engine to obtain search results. The image recognition system may use one or more image match algorithms to create one or more possible product match sets. In the event multiple product match sets are created, the search results may be limited to product that appears in one or more of the plural possible product match sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: W.W. Grainger, Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffry A. Westphal
  • Patent number: 9524005
    Abstract: An example data center server rack may generally include a cabinet, a mounting fixture, and a trough. The mounting fixture may support one or more server units that are received within the cabinet. The trough may be attached to a sidewall of the cabinet. Openings in a sidewall of the cabinet may correspond to openings in a sidewall of the trough such that cables coupled to the one or more server units may be routed into the trough. The trough may include a bracket disposed between its sidewalls, with the bracket including one or more power strips. By routing the cables into the trough, the serviceability of and airflow through the data center server rack are improved. To prevent the diversion of airflow into the trough, boots may be secured at openings through which cables pass, with the boot covering a portion of the cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: W.W. Grainger, Inc.
    Inventors: Sigifredo J. Saez, Damon Boyd
  • Patent number: 9466003
    Abstract: A system and method uses an image manipulating application to define in an object image a plurality of discrete cells. Predefined image information is substituted for image information in selected ones of the plurality of discrete cells to form a translated version of the object image. The translated version of the object image may then be provided to an image recognition capable search engine to obtain search results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: W. W. Grainger, Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffry A. Westphal
  • Patent number: 9418379
    Abstract: A system and method for allowing a consumer to quickly access product information and/or commerce functionalities as related to one or more products that are associated with an electronic document, such as a web page, that is currently being viewed by the consumer in an electronic document viewing program, such as an Internet browser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: W.W. GRAINGER, INC.
    Inventor: Geoffry A. Westphal
  • Patent number: 9378522
    Abstract: A noninstrusive system and method of scanning an object having component parts includes a vendor based data repository of component parts and a matching processor to receive a scanned image representative of the assembled object and to provide suggested and/or matched component parts for purchase from the vendor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: W.W. GRAINGER, INC.
    Inventor: Erwin Munoz Cruz
  • Patent number: 9332837
    Abstract: An assembly for holding and displaying books, or items having a book-like structure includes a book attached to a hinged book-holding device, which displays the book in various positions. The hinge allows the book to move in at least two positions, a first standing position and a second, inclined position. The disclosed book-holding system also comprises a stabilizing mechanism that, when activated, provides a broader structural base. Thus, when the book is inclined and opened, the stabilizing mechanism holds the entire system steady so it does not tilt open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: W.W. GRAINGER, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas Edward Pencak
  • Patent number: 9230256
    Abstract: Catalog pages on which appear identified products and catalog pages on which appear products purchased-with the identified products are selected and aggregated to form a customized, electronic catalog.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: W. W. Grainger, Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffry A. Westphal
  • Patent number: 9208401
    Abstract: A system and method uses one or more images provided to an image recognition capable search engine to obtain search results. The image recognition system may use one or more image match algorithms to create one or more possible product match sets. In the event multiple product match sets are created, the search results may be limited to product that appears in one or more of the plural possible product match sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: W.W. Grainger, Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffry A. Westphal
  • Patent number: 9150044
    Abstract: A bookholder apparatus adapted to support a plurality of pages of reading material and to be slidable across a support surface includes a front cover, a back cover, and a spine operable coupled to the front cover and the back cover. The bookholder allows the container to be moved between an open position and a closed position, wherein the plurality of pages are supported within the container. A plurality of roller elements are mounted to an outer surface and within a perimeter of at least one of the front cover, the back cover, or the spine to allow the bookholder to slide and/or roll across a support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: W.W. Grainger, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Edward Pencak
  • Publication number: 20150120614
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for optimizing prices for products and services based on consumer survey data, or at least based on the principle that non-flat prices such as $0.99, $3.95, $49.99, for example, create negative impressions about merchants. The system may retrieve a current price from a database and identify a price class or a price range to which the current price corresponds. The system may then execute a pricing process that is associated with the identified price class or price range. The pricing process computes an offer price that a majority of consumers will perceive as being more fair than the current price.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: W.W. GRAINGER, INC.
    Inventor: Geoffry A. Westphal
  • Patent number: 9009291
    Abstract: A system determines if functionality offered via a Web site is being underutilizing by a user, e.g., not being using at all or not being using with some desired degree of regularity. When it is determined that the functionality offered via the Web site is being underutilized by the user, the system provides to content of the Web site a cue, e.g., audio and/or visual, for directing the attention of the user to the functionality offered via the Web site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: W.W. Grainger, Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffry A. Westphal
  • Patent number: 9001147
    Abstract: A system and method uses an image manipulating application to define in an object image a plurality of discrete cells. Predefined image information is substituted for image information in selected ones of the plurality of discrete cells to form a translated version of the object image. The translated version of the object image may then be provided to an image recognition capable search engine to obtain search results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: W.W. Grainger, Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffry A. Westphal
  • Publication number: 20150081470
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for personalizing messages that are sent to a recipient when a user of a website wishes to “share” a particular webpage or content thereof with the recipient. The apparatus and methods, which are founded on non-transitory computer readable media, involve using information available about the recipient as well as information about a product or service displayed on the webpage to identify supplemental content to include in the message to the recipient regarding the shared webpage. The recipient's prior browsing and purchasing histories with the website, as well as the purchasing tendencies of other customers, may be particularly helpful in identifying relevant supplemental content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: W.W. GRAINGER, INC.
    Inventor: Geoffry A. Westphal
  • Publication number: 20150074205
    Abstract: A user associates a supply chain event with a personalized message. The system causes the personalized message (or a link thereto) to be sent to a recipient using a selected dissemination method when the supply chain event occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: W.W. GRAINGER, INC.
    Inventor: Geoffry A. Westphal
  • Patent number: 8972291
    Abstract: A system and method can monitor inventory of product within storage bins of a storage facility by mounting cameras to the storage bins. The cameras and a user processing device may be operably connected to a network such that the user processing device is in communication with the cameras. Further, the user processing device may search records of a database that correspond to product stored in the storage facility. Once a product of interest is identified, a location of the relevant storage bin may be provided to the user processing device, along with an image and/or video captured by the camera to show contents of the storage bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: W.W. Grainger, Inc.
    Inventors: George C. Rimnac, Geoffry A. Westphal
  • Publication number: 20150008661
    Abstract: A bookholder apparatus adapted to support a plurality of pages of reading material and to be slidable across a support surface includes a front cover, a back cover, and a spine operable coupled to the front cover and the back cover. The bookholder allows the container to be moved between an open position and a closed position, wherein the plurality of pages are supported within the container. A plurality of roller elements are mounted to an outer surface and within a perimeter of at least one of the front cover, the back cover, or the spine to allow the bookholder to slide and/or roll across a support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: W.W. Grainger, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Edward Pencak
  • Patent number: D737852
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: W.W. GRAINGER, INC.
    Inventors: Angelica Maria De La Rosa, Leonard Perez, Jennifer Marie Urban, Nicholas Marc Paredes
  • Patent number: D753665
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: W.W. Grainger, Inc.
    Inventor: Hala Farouk El-Hmayssi
  • Patent number: D773324
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: W.W. Grainger, Inc.
    Inventors: Brice Klein, Alessia Serafino, Reena Patel