Patents Examined by Allyson Trail
  • Patent number: 9529969
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an event based tracking, health management, and patient and treatment monitoring system, and, more particularly, to an event based tracking, health management, and patient and treatment monitoring software system including a unique/custom scanable code (e.g., a quick-response (“QR”) code) created for a specific positive/negative event which is tied to at least one specific phone number or other unique identifier of a mobile device, and a software application stored on the mobile device which enables the mobile device to (i) scan the unique QR code (on a card or other item), and (ii) log QR code data indicating the completion (positive) or non-completion (negative) of the event (and related information) in real time into a particular profile in a database (e.g., in a cloud server) for event validation and authentication, health management, and/or patient and treatment monitoring, and for reporting the QR code data (and related information) to authorized clients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: RDFISOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Brianna B. Brennan, Sylvia J. Rowlands, Heath J. Stein
  • Patent number: 9523700
    Abstract: A sample identification system for an automated sampling and dispensing device is described. In an example implementation, the sample identification system includes a sample probe configured to contact a sample positioned within a sample vessel. Further, the sample identification system includes an identifier capture device configured to measure a sample identifier associated with the sample vessel and generate a data signal in response thereto, where the data signal corresponds to an identity of the at least one sample. During operation, the identifier capture device scans a sample holder, a sample vessel, or a table top of the automated sampling and dispensing device to measure the sample identifier and to generate the data signal in response thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler Yost, David Diaz, Daniel R. Wiederin, Kevin Hahn
  • Patent number: 9519897
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a reading apparatus which reads information from a RFID tag attached to a commodity comprises a housing which includes an opening serving as an entrance/exit of the commodity and space for housing the commodity inside; an antenna arranged in the space; an opening and closing lid for opening and closing the opening; a reading module which reads information relating to the commodity from the RFID tag attached to each commodity housed in the housing through the antenna; and an output module which outputs the information read by the reading module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Toshiyasu Terahara
  • Patent number: 9514348
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit, a determination unit, and a conversion unit. The acquisition unit acquires from a read image including a machine-readable code at least one of a position of the machine-readable code and character information included in the machine-readable code. The determination unit determines, based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit, a conversion method for a character code included in the machine-readable code. The conversion unit performs conversion of the character code in accordance with the conversion method determined by the determination unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Katsuya Koyanagi, Shigeru Okada, Minoru Sodeura, Hiroyuki Kishimoto, Shintaro Adachi, Shinji Hanaoka
  • Patent number: 9511601
    Abstract: A method of marking an egg is disclosed and comprises applying radiant energy to the shell of an egg so as to cause discoloration of the eggshell, thereby forming a marking comprising at least a traceability code and a freshness date. Apparatus is also disclosed for applying markings on eggs being processed by an egg-handling machine that is designed and configured to transport a plurality of eggs therethrough, wherein the apparatus comprises a radiant energy source located in proximity to the egg-handling machine, the radiant energy source being configured to apply radiant energy to the eggs as the eggs are transported past the radiant energy source to selectively discolor the shell of the eggs and form markings on the shell, including a freshness date and a traceability code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: TEN Media, LLC
    Inventor: Bradley E. Parker
  • Patent number: 9508064
    Abstract: A kiosk gift card system and method for purchasing and redeeming gift cards is disclosed. The system/method includes a gift card distribution kiosk that provides a user with access to a multitude of different forms of gift cards that may be purchased and printed onto customizable gift card stock. The kiosk includes a kiosk processor interface, a gift card dispenser, a card reader, and gift card management server connected to a network. The gift card management server, through the kiosk processor interface, provides vendor options to users to select and pay via the card reader. The kiosk may be used to redeem unused user gift cards for a reduced value user selected gift card, reduced cash value, full value store card, rewards points, bank debit, and/or an electronic code (eCode) towards online user purchases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Inventor: James Robert Curtis
  • Patent number: 9507986
    Abstract: An imaging system includes an optical system, an optical element, a lighting, and an imaging device. The optical system has different focus positions for different wavelengths of light. The optical element extends depth of field of the optical system. The lighting irradiates an object with illumination light of a wavelength that is designated from among multiple wavelengths. The imaging device captures an image of the object that is irradiated with the illumination light and is formed by the optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Taijiroh Morihisa
  • Patent number: 9508071
    Abstract: Back-up credentials data is stored for a user. A communication channel is established with a mobile device. A cryptogram is received from the mobile device, such that the cryptogram is relayed by the mobile device from an authentication device that interacted with the mobile device. The authentication device is associated with the user. The cryptogram is verified. In response to the verification of the cryptogram, the stored back-up credentials data is made accessible to the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: MasterCard International Incorporated
    Inventors: Simon Phillips, Mark Britten, Mehdi Collinge
  • Patent number: 9501736
    Abstract: A breakaway RFID tag is configured such that it comprises part of a Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCB). Thus, the breakaway RFID tag can be used to track the PCB as it migrates through a manufacturing process. In one embodiment, the RFID tag can be assembled first and then used to track the PCB as it is populated with components and installed into larger assemblies and ultimately into the end device. Once the PCB is installed into a larger assembly or the end device, the breakaway RFID tag is configured such that it can be broken off and attached to the outside of the larger assembly or end device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: NEOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Paul Elizondo, John Azevedo
  • Patent number: 9495574
    Abstract: A stack barcode reader may include an imager configured to image the stack barcode; an image memory configured to store an image datum of the stack barcode; and a data processor including a decoder configured to decode an encoded information expressed as the stack barcode, on the basis of the image datum. The decoder may be configured to measure width of a bar and a space of the stack barcode; measure a T-sequence, being a sequence of numerical values, according to line width of a bar and a space of the stack barcode; obtain a code-word corresponding to the T-sequence; and compare a cluster value obtained from the T-sequence with a theoretical cluster value, and modify the T-sequence by using the theoretical cluster value and the conversion table of T-sequence/code-word if there appears a difference between the two cluster values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: NIDEC SANKYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroshi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9489650
    Abstract: A process management system uses a radio frequency identification (RFID) detection system in the form of, for example, a phased array antenna based RFID detection system to track and manage material storage and flow in a manufacturing process or plant. The process management system operates in conjunction with the various machines that implement manufacturing stages or steps of the manufacturing process to assure that the correct materials and processing procedures are used at or on the various production machines of the process to produce a particular product as defined by a job number or job order. The process management system is thereby able to increase the efficiencies of the plant and to increase the quality of the plant production by reducing or eliminating waste, manufacturing errors and shipping errors in the production facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: A-1 Packaging Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth F. Schoening, William J. Greaves
  • Patent number: 9489670
    Abstract: A smart phone payment management system includes a synthetic barcode module and near field communication module. Each module is configured to wirelessly convey payment information to a point of sale, with the synthetic barcode module being available for use if the point of sale is not equipped with a compatible near field communication terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Conversant IP Management Inc.
    Inventor: Randy McGill
  • Patent number: 9483725
    Abstract: A device includes a semiconductor element and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The RFID tag is configured to provide information about at least one of a property of the device and a property of a manufacturing of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Infineon Technology
    Inventors: Jose Javier Padilla Alcaide, Carlos Castro Serrato
  • Patent number: 9483748
    Abstract: Electronic Product Codes (EPCs) can be read from RFID labels and tags to verify shipments. The EPCs are decoded to Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs), which are then matched to GTINs of products on a shipping list. If all of the decoded GTINs match and there are no GTINs in the shipment list that are left unmatched, then shipment verification is successful. If some of the decoded GTINs fail to match, the verification process fails with extra, unexpected products. If some of the GTINs in the shipping list are left unmatched, the verification process fails with the missing products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventors: Qiming Huang, Christopher Rusnak
  • Patent number: 9477957
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for transferring value from a voucher to a payment account associated with a consumer. One exemplary method includes receiving, at a computing device, a load request to transfer value from a voucher to a payment account associated with a consumer. The load request includes a selection, at the computing device, of a provider associated with the voucher, from multiple different available voucher providers. A transaction request is then communicated, by the computing device, to transfer the value from the voucher to the payment account. The transaction request includes an identification number for the voucher and an account number for the payment account. When a transfer authorization is received at the computing device in response to the transaction request, a confirmation is generated, by the computing device, indicating that the value from the voucher has been transferred to the payment account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: MASTERCARD INTERNATIONAL INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Ryan Bodman, Stephen Parento, Matthew Lanford, Claire Dudley-Hodson
  • Patent number: 9477856
    Abstract: A system for reading code symbols includes a camera, a user interface system, and a processor communicatively coupled to the camera and the user interface system. The user interface system includes a visual display. The processor is configured for (i) capturing an image including a code symbol, (ii) displaying the image on the visual display, (iii) determining whether the code symbol in the image is readable by the processor, and (iv) displaying on the visual display a positive indicator overlaying the code symbol in the image when the processor determines that the code symbol in the image is readable by the processor. The processor is further configured for reading the code symbol in the image in response to a selection input received from the user interface system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Gelay, Robert Michael Hussey, Bhishma Thakkar
  • Patent number: 9477958
    Abstract: A credit card reader is attached to a mobile device to process credit card transactions at the point of sale. A user of the credit card reader slides an authenticator card through the credit card reader to activate the credit card reader. Accordingly, the credit card reader may compare data stored in the authenticator card to an expected value for the data to determine whether the user is authorized to utilize the credit card reader. If there is a match, the credit card reader displays a unique password, known to the user, which the user can use to verify that the credit card reader is authentic. Further, if there is a match, the credit card reader may allow the user to process credit card transactions through the credit card reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Nima Sharifi Mehr
  • Patent number: 9477956
    Abstract: A method and system include receiving, by a computer from an e-Commerce website, a payment authorization request that comprises payment data and a Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number (MSISDN) associated with a mobile device; verifying the MSISDN by comparing MSISDN to a subscriber database; generating a message to verify a payment transaction at the e-Commerce website, after the MSISDN is validated; receiving the verification message at the mobile device; verifying the payment transaction by transmitting a mobile personal identification number (PIN) associated with the MSISDN in response to the verification message; generating an authorization message indicating the payment transaction is one of approved or declined; and transmitting the authorization message to a merchant associated with the e-Commerce website. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Mastercard International Incorporated
    Inventors: Akshat Gupta, Ricardo Pareja
  • Patent number: 9477855
    Abstract: A test robot may receive a test scenario for testing a fare management system. The test robot may program a fare card to store card information based on the test scenario. The test robot may provide an instruction to an actuator component to cause the actuator component to move the fare card within communicative proximity of a card reader device. The fare card, when moved within communicative proximity of the card reader device, may cause the card reader device to read the stored card information from the fare card and to provide updated card information, based on the stored card information, for storage by the fare card. The test robot may read the updated card information from the fare card. The test robot may provide test result information, based on the updated card information, to a test management device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Accenture Global Services Limited
    Inventors: Avishek Somani, Sunil Raina, Praveen Dhar
  • Patent number: 9464965
    Abstract: A method for creation of a non-destructive inspection (NDI) standard employs a coupon of bonded layers or a composite structure having a predetermined thickness. A predetermined pulse width is defined. The coupon and a laser source are positioned with respect to one another and the laser source is used to create a laser pulse having the predetermined pulse width to create a disbond or delamination in the bond layer at a predetermined location. The coupon may then be used as a standard for calibration of NDI inspection tools by scanning the coupon with the tool to provide an inspection output. The output is then examined to confirm that the disbond or delamination in the coupon is properly identified in the output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Richard H. Bossi, Alan F. Stewart, Marc J. Piehl