Patents Assigned to ZIH Corp.
  • Patent number: 9604475
    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: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Larry E. Smolenski, David L. Garbe
  • Patent number: 9602152
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer readable media are disclosed for determining events and outputting events based on real-time data for location and movement of objects and audio data. In one embodiment, a method is provided for a method of determining play events that at least includes receiving audio data, wherein the audio data is received from at least one of a memory or a sensor; determining an event probability based on comparing the audio data to an audio profile; and generating an event based on the event probability satisfying a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Michael A. Wohl, Cynthia Traeger, James J. O'Hagan
  • Patent number: 9600463
    Abstract: An XML processing system and methods of processing XML data are disclosed. An example disclosed method includes obtaining an extensible stylesheet language transformation (XSLT) stylesheet; transforming, via the processor, data of an extensible markup language (XML) data stream into transformed XML data using the XSLT stylesheet; and generating, via the processor, a printable representation of the data of the XML data stream based on the transformed XML data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventor: Bruce N. Alleshouse
  • Patent number: 9571143
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer readable media are disclosed for providing interference rejection in ultra-wideband real time locating systems. In one embodiment, an ultra-wideband (UWB) receiver is configured to: receive a composite signal, the composite signal comprising a UWB signal transmitted from within a monitored region and an interference signal transmitted from a source positioned outside the monitored region; filtering at least a first component of the composite signal representing the interference signal with a tunable notch filter to generate a filtered signal; determining an interference level in the filtered signal; and adjust the tunable notch filter to reduce the interference level. Corresponding systems, methods, and computer-readable storage medium are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventor: Edward A. Richley
  • Patent number: 9561646
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed for providing a high speed adaptive thermal printhead interface. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided comprising at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program instructions, the computer program instructions being configured to, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to determine identifier information for a connected printhead; retrieve printhead interface configuration data for a configurable printhead interface based at least in part on the identifier information; configure printhead interface circuitry in accordance with the printhead interface configuration data; and enable communication with the printhead through the configurable printhead interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Dwight D. Dipert, Ashok K. Charles, Daniel Donato, Robert Ehrhardt, David Schmitt
  • Patent number: 9550371
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for a portable printer are provided. An example disclosed printer includes a housing defining a ribbon receiving area, wherein the ribbon receiving area is configured to receive a ribbon cartridge comprising a cartridge frame structured to support a supply spool, a take-up spool, and a ribbon extending between the supply spool and the take-up spool; and a printhead support extending from the housing for receiving a printhead, wherein the printhead support defines first and second channels disposed on opposite sides of the printhead, and wherein each of the first and second channels is structured to receive at least part of the cartridge frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Richard J. Preliasco, Roy P. Lyman
  • Patent number: 9550380
    Abstract: A device for processing media may include a system and method for loading and unloading consumable supplies of a media processing device, and more particularly, a system and method for providing a compact form factor media processing device which provides convenient access to the replaceable components of the media processing device. A media processing device may include a base and a lid hingedly attached to the base, moveable between a closed position in which the lid is secured to the base, and an open position. A cavity may be defined between the lid and the base, where 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. The media processing device may include a ribbon positioning assembly disposed within the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Petrica Dorinel Balcan, Randal Wong Mun Hon, Kuan-Ying Lu
  • Patent number: 9531415
    Abstract: Systems and related methods providing for determining activities of individuals are discussed herein. Circuitry may be configured to wirelessly receive tag signals from a plurality of RF location tags. Two or more of the RF location tags may be positioned on an individual, such as at positions that may at least partially define a human frame. The circuitry may be configured to correlate the two or more RF location tags with the individual. Location data for each of the two or more RF location tags may be determined based on the received tag signals. An activity of the individual may be determined based on the location data. In some embodiments, one or more activities involving multiple individuals may be determined based on RF location tags and sensors positioned on each of the multiple individuals. Furthermore, sensor data from the sensors may be communicated over the UWB channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Jill Stelfox, Michael Wohl, James O'Hagan, Cynthia Traeger
  • Patent number: 9524460
    Abstract: Media rolls, support structures for the media rolls, and media processing systems are provided. A media roll may include an identification transponder having retrievable information regarding the media units and associated media unit transponders wound around a core of the media roll. A support structure may include a spindle for supporting a media roll and include an identification coupler for communicating with the identification transponder. In addition to the spindle having the identification coupler, the media processing systems may include a second coupler for encoding the media unit transponders and a printhead for printing indicia onto the media units. The information retrieved from the identification transponder may be used to adjust one or more encoding and/or printing settings of the systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Boris Y. Tsirline, Karl Torchalski, Martin Andreas Karl Schwan, Steven Kovanko, Anthony Brown, Chris Aiello, Daniel F. Donato, Robert Gawelczyk, Tom Zwier, William Shuff
  • Patent number: 9519046
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining signal source location in wireless local area networks are disclosed. An example method includes receiving, from a first signal reader, a first time-of-arrival measurement for a first radio frequency (RF) signal generated by a first wireless local area network (WLAN) signal source located at a first known location, the first time-of-arrival measurement being relative to a first clock of the first signal reader; receiving, from a second signal reader, a second time-of-arrival measurement for the RF signal, the second time-of-arrival measurement being relative to a second clock of the second signal reader, wherein the first clock is not synchronized with the second clock; defining a first time relationship between the first clock and a system time based on the first time-of-arrival measurement; and defining a second time relationship between the second clock and the system time based on the second time-of-arrival measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventor: Robert W. Boyd
  • Patent number: 9520630
    Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to isolation devices, systems, methods and various means, for isolating ignition causing signals and/or explosions from hazardous or explosive environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Edward A. Richley, Daniel F. Donato
  • Patent number: 9517417
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are disclosed for providing analytics including participant statistical data or game status data. In one embodiment, a method is provided for transmitting participant data relating to one or more participants that are available in a fantasy game, the fantasy game is at least partially related to a players performance in a sporting event; receiving a selected participant data indication from at least one user, the selected participant data indication provides selection of at least one participant from the participant data; generating a participant data update for one or more participants based on the selected participant data indication; the participant data is defined by a time period comprising an event and is calculated based on blink data transmitted from a location tag mounted to the participant; and transmitting the participant data update, the participant data update is viewable via a user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: David Austerlade, Gene Hofer, James J. O'Hagan
  • Patent number: 9513856
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and related methods for shaping near field interrogation signals are discussed herein. Some embodiments may provide for a printer that includes a housing and a beam shaping near field communication (NFC) device secured with the interior surface. The beam shaping NFC device may include a ferromagnetic component including a core portion and a bottom flange portion. The beam shaping NFC device may further include a wire coil disposed around the core portion. The ferromagnetic component may concentrate near field interrogation signals generated by the wire coil toward a near field interrogation region and away from nearby conductive components, such as the interior surface of the printer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Robert A. Ehrhardt, Robert S. Gawelczyk, Derek J. Hampson, Dan E. Monnier, James M. Rehberger, Mark B. Urban
  • Patent number: 9503592
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide systems, methods, and apparatuses for leveraging near field communications (NFC) in conjunction with printer devices. Examples of the disclosure provide for novel methods of interfacing with printers configured to use near field communications using NFC enabled readers and output media. Examples include using a smart phone to access data stored on an NFC tag associated with the printer. The data provided by the NFC tag may include printer status information, printer configuration information, network information, or other data relating to operation and maintenance of the printer. The printer may also encode the NFC tag dynamically, including encoding data to NFC tags included on print media. The printer may encode an NFC tag associated with media with a variety of information in support of various use cases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Michael Fein, Dean H. Lodwig, Joseph Sargon Sayad
  • Patent number: 9493017
    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: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: David F. Beck, Richard J. Preliasco
  • Patent number: 9487022
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide improvements to printers including the use of engineered structures to limit bending, flexing, and/or twisting during impacts and the use of impact absorbing materials to prevent cracks and breaks. Design features and materials add to the rigidity of the printer design to prevent twisting and flexing during impacts and add to the strength of the printer design in typical breakage areas. For example, embodiments provide improvements that strengthen traditional break areas by the use of improved materials and design optimization to distribute impact forces. Embodiments allow the printer to maintain an operational status following a drop test and/or a tumble test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Robert A. Hutnak, James A. Lucas, Anthony R. Helberg, Mathew D. Corvese, Roy P. Lyman
  • Patent number: 9475319
    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 a housing including a base portion and a defining portion, wherein the base portion includes a battery receptacle; a removable battery cover; and a belt clip receptacle configured to receive a removable belt clip, wherein the removable battery cover is to secure a belt clip in the belt clip receptacle when the removable battery cover is mated with the battery receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    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: D771051
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: David F. Beck, Roy P. Lyman, Jorge Tomas
  • Patent number: RE46223
    Abstract: A near-field coupling device that may facilitate communications with a transponder is provided. The near-field coupling device may include a ground plane, a dielectric substrate, one or more conductive strips and a terminating load. The conductive strips together with the ground planes form coupling elements. The near-field coupling device further includes one or more switching elements for selectively connecting and disconnecting the coupling elements with a transceiver. The connected coupling elements define a total characteristic impedance. Using the switching element, the ratio between the total characteristic impedance of the connected coupling elements and the terminating load may be changed in order to adjust the distribution of an electromagnetic field along the coupling elements according to the type and position of the transponder to be processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Mao Tian, Karl Torchalski, Boris Y. Tsirline
  • Patent number: D774129
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Kuan-Ying Lu, Shushuo Wu, Lance Hussey, Harnish Jani, Greg Vanderpol