Patents Assigned to ZIH Corp.
  • Patent number: 10052895
    Abstract: An example disclosed media processing device includes a housing defining a media receiving area configured to receive the media; a first media support arm extending from the housing proximate the media receiving area for engaging a first end of the media, wherein the first media support arm is biased to slidably translate along the housing to provide a holding force to the first side of the media, wherein the first media support arm includes a first locking element; a media cover configured to move between a closed position and an open position, the media cover including a second locking element, wherein the first locking element of the first media support arm is configured to engage the second locking element of the media cover when the media cover is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Richard J. Preliasco, Roy P. Lyman
  • Patent number: 10050650
    Abstract: An example disclosed method for registering an unregistered radio frequency (RF) location tag carried by a participant includes receiving blink data from an unregistered RF location tag; determining a tag location based on the blink data received from the unregistered RF location tag; directing a camera to view the tag location determined based on the blink data received from the unregistered RF location tag; identifying a participant at the tag location using image data obtained by the camera; and registering the unregistered RF location tag with the identified participant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: James J. O'Hagan, Rodrigo G. Alonso, Michael A. Wohl
  • Patent number: 10035365
    Abstract: An example disclosed media processing device includes an image processing unit; a first optical registration sensor; and a second optical registration sensor spaced apart from the first optical registration sensor along a first axis by a first distance associated with a gap between media units on a web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Clive Hohberger, David Womack, Bruce N. Alleshouse, James Clark, Wolfgang Strobel
  • Patent number: 10005295
    Abstract: Provided herein is a media processing device including a printhead assembly, a frame, and a biasing element. The printhead assembly includes a printhead and a printhead bracket, where the printhead assembly extends in a longitudinal direction between a first end and a second end, and where the printhead bracket includes a biasing force receiving element. The frame may be configured to receive and support the printhead assembly, where the frame includes a first portion disposed adjacent to the first end of the printhead assembly, and a second frame portion is disposed adjacent to the second end of the printhead assembly. The biasing element may extend between the first frame portion and the second frame portion, where the biasing element may engage the biasing force receiving element of the printhead assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Larry E. Smolenski, David L. Garbe
  • Patent number: 9995818
    Abstract: An example disclosed system for locating a signal source includes a receiver; and a plurality of node devices, wherein the receiver includes processing circuitry configured to perform operations including generating signal timing information including one or more pulses corresponding to a correlation with one or more frequencies based on each of a plurality of wireless signal streams, each of the wireless signal streams including a signal of interest; applying times and one or more determined gains for the signal of interest to permit estimate of a phase of the received signal; obtaining, from a memory device that stores the wireless signal streams, symbols of the signal of interest based on window periods associated with the pulses; formatting the symbols; and determining time-of-arrival information based on the formatted symbols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Robert Boyd, Jerald W. English, Thomas L. Richardson, Michael A. Wohl
  • Patent number: 9994043
    Abstract: An example media processing device includes a coupler configured to transmit wireless signals to an encoding area, the coupler to transmit the wireless signals via a plurality of radiating elements; a controller to control which set of the radiating elements is to transmit the wireless signals; and a processor to adapt the coupler to a transponder configuration by: encoding a first transponder of the transponder configuration using the first set of the radiating elements to transmit the wireless signals; executing a first encoding evaluation on the encoded first transponder; encoding a second transponder of the transponder configuration using the second set of the radiating elements to transmit the wireless signals; executing a second encoding evaluation on the encoded second transponder; and selecting, based on the first and second encoding evaluations, the first set or the second set as a preferred radiating set for the transponder configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Boris Y. Tsirline, Mao Tian, Karl Torchalski
  • Patent number: 9983303
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer readable media are disclosed for providing timing-based distance measurement to a passive radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tag using one or more wideband RF signals synchronized with the standard narrowband RF signal. In some embodiments, the narrowband RF signal activates a passive RFID tag creating a backscatter reflection target which returns a modulated narrowband signal and a wideband signal from the passive RFID tag. The one or more wideband receivers determine time-of-flight and/or time-of-arrival measurements for the returned wideband signal. A location measurement is then calculated for the passive RFID tag using the tag data, the known location of the wideband transceivers, and the time-of-flight/time-of-arrival data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: David S. Wisherd, Robert W. Boyd
  • Patent number: 9985672
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer readable media are disclosed for providing analytics for evaluating performance using real time data on movement and proximity of tagged objects. In one embodiment, a method is provided for evaluating a player that includes correlating at least one tag to the player; receiving blink data transmitted by the at least one tag; and determining tag location data based on the blink data. The method further includes receiving player role data; comparing the tag location data to player dynamics/kinetics models based at least in part on the player role data; determining player location data based on the comparing the tag location data to the player dynamics/kinetics models; and determining player performance information based on comparing the player location data to stored player location data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Michael A. Wohl, James J. O'Hagan
  • Patent number: 9975360
    Abstract: An example disclosed printer configured to peel media from a backing includes a peeler assembly that is engageable between a peeling position, wherein the printer is configured to peel the media from the backing, and a non-peeling position, wherein the printer is not configured to peel the media from the backing; a sensor configured to send a signal corresponding to a position of the peeler assembly; and a printer controller configured to receive the position of the peeler assembly from the sensor and configured to adjust at least one print setting in response to receiving the signal corresponding to the position of the peeler assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Richard J. Preliasco, Roy P. Lyman, David F. Beck, Craig A. Horrocks, Patrick J. Hegarty
  • Patent number: 9962976
    Abstract: Provided herein are devices, systems, methods and various means, including those related to printer systems and, more particularly, relate to methods, apparatuses, systems and other means for monitoring a printer ribbon. Some embodiments use a multi-element detector, which is configured to detect a particular type of light emitted from a light emitter. The multi-state detector can include two sensors, one of which includes a polarizer filter that blocks polarized light. Embodiments can be used to determine, among other things, whether or not a printer ribbon is installed in a printer without the use of a snap plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Robert Edward Lass, Jr., Robert A. Ehrhardt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9962972
    Abstract: Printhead carriers and adapters are disclosed. An example disclosed print mechanism includes a printhead carrier including first and second pivot mechanisms; and a toggle assembly to, when in an engaged position, apply a force to the printhead carrier with the printhead carrier in a closed configuration, wherein the closed configuration enables printing operations, when in a disengaged position, allow the printhead carrier to transition to an open configuration via the first pivot mechanism, wherein the open configuration provides access to a printhead carried by the printhead carrier, and when in the disengaged position, allow the printhead carrier to transition to an access configuration via the second pivot mechanism, wherein the access configuration enables removal of the printhead from the printhead carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Robert P. Gotschewski, Timothy T. Anderson
  • Patent number: 9953195
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer readable media are disclosed for providing variable blink rate ultra-wideband (UWB) communications. Some embodiments may provide for a radio frequency (RF) tag including a motion sensor, processing circuitry, and a UWB transmitter. The motion sensor may be configured to generate one or more motion data values indicating motion of the RF tag. The UWB transmitter may be configured to transmit blink data at variable blink rates. The processing circuitry may be configured to receive the one or more motion data values from the motion sensor, determine a blink rate for the UWB transmitter based on the one or more motion data values, and control the UWB transmitter to wirelessly transmit the blink data at the blink rate. In some embodiments, the RF tag may include a UWB receiver and the blink rate may be controlled remotely by a system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Belinda Turner, Aitan Ameti, Edward A. Richley, Alexander Mueggenborg
  • Patent number: 9953196
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer readable media are disclosed for providing variable blink rate ultra-wideband (UWB) communications. Some embodiments may provide for a radio frequency (RF) tag including a motion sensor, processing circuitry, and a UWB transmitter. The motion sensor may be configured to generate one or more motion data values indicating motion of the RF tag. The UWB transmitter may be configured to transmit blink data at variable blink rates. The processing circuitry may be configured to receive the one or more motion data values from the motion sensor, determine a blink rate for the UWB transmitter based on the one or more motion data values, and control the UWB transmitter to wirelessly transmit the blink data at the blink rate. In some embodiments, the RF tag may include a UWB receiver and the blink rate may be controlled remotely by a system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Belinda Turner, Aitan Ameti, Edward A. Richley, Alexander Mueggenborg
  • Patent number: 9925796
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product are described herein for controlling a printing device. In an example embodiment, a print line is divided into frames and frame dot states are determined based on neighboring frame dot states. Maximum motor speeds of the printing device may be adjusted so that actual motor speeds change gradually during printing. The print engine may detect a printhead type by sending a signal to the printhead and receiving a response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Hegarty, Michael L. Lamontagne
  • Patent number: 9925795
    Abstract: An example disclosed printer includes a base; a lid hingedly attached to the base movable between a closed position in which the lid is secured to the base, and an open position in which the lid is at least partially separated from the base; a cavity defined between the lid and the base, wherein the cavity is inaccessible when the lid is in the closed position and the cavity is accessible when the lid is in the open position; a ribbon positioning assembly disposed within the cavity that is pivotably attached to at least one of the lid or the base wherein the ribbon positioning assembly is configured to move between a printing position when the lid is in the closed position, and an accessible position when the lid is in the open position, wherein the ribbon positioning assembly comprises a ribbon tensioning mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Randal Wong, Petrica D. Balcan, Shu-Hsun Chiang, Kuan-Ying Lu, Chia-Wen Chang
  • Patent number: 9919540
    Abstract: A media processing device includes a cavity configured to receive a supply of media; a media exit; a fixed media guide configured to guide the media along a media feed path from the cavity to the media exit; a platen roller configured to move the media along the media feed path from the supply toward the media exit; and a movable media guide extending laterally across the media feed path at a position between the platen roller and the cavity. The movable media guide is biased toward the media feed path and is configured to apply a force to the media. The movable media guide is convexly curved toward the media feed path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Randal Wong Mun Hon, Petrica Dorinel Balcan, Kuan-Ying Lu, Lawrence E. Smolenski, David L. Garbe
  • Patent number: 9908345
    Abstract: A modular print drive assembly and platen assembly are provided. The modular print drive assembly is structured for insertion and removal from a printer, the modular print drive assembly and includes a print drive housing defining a plurality of printer mount fasteners, a printhead coupled to and supported by the print drive housing, a platen latch assembly coupled to and supported by the print drive housing. The platen latch assembly is structured to removably receive a platen in position to define a nip between the platen and the printhead The modular print drive also includes a platen drive motor coupled to and supported by the print housing, wherein the platen drive motor is supported by the print housing in position to drive the platen upon receipt within the platen latch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: David F. Beck, Richard J. Preliasco, Gregory R. Preliasco, Matthew D. Corvese, Robert A. Hutnak, Anthony R. Helberg, Roy P. Lyman, Christine M. Holden
  • Patent number: 9895917
    Abstract: Provided herein are devices, methods and other means, including those related to printers, as well as computer readable media for storing code to execute instructions for a device, and other systems for providing and supporting mobile printing and other types of devices. An example disclosed printer includes circuitry that includes: a processor; connector circuitry; and input/output circuitry; a first circuit board onto which the processor is disposed; a second circuit board onto which the connector circuitry is disposed; and a third circuit board onto which the input/output circuitry is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Matthew D. Corvese, Roy P. Lyman, Gregory J. Klein, Patrick J. Hegarty, Michael L. Lamontagne, Raymond J. LeBlanc, David F. Beck
  • Patent number: 9880283
    Abstract: A system is provided for tracking an asset within a geographic area. The system includes an antenna mast supportable by, and extending upward from, an object configured to move or facilitate movement of the asset. The antenna mast is capable of supporting a plurality of wireless locating units of a plurality of geo-spatial positioning systems, which are configured to locate a respective one or more locating units, and thereby the asset, within the geographic area. The system also includes a controller positionable on the object and configured to control operation of the wireless locating units. The controller is further configured to direct transmission of data to a host via one of the locating units or another wireless transmitter, and in a manner that accounts for a wireless link between the respective locating unit or other wireless transmitter and the host.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Tom Richardson, Santiago Romero, David S. Wisherd, Michael A. Wohl
  • Patent number: D822594
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventor: Matthew D. Corvese