Patents Examined by Daniel I. Walsh
  • Patent number: 11263613
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, an information processing apparatus, comprises a database configured to store a first list of commodities determined as having been removed from a store display shelf and a second list of commodities registered by a customer in a sales transaction using a mobile terminal. A processor is configured to detect that a commodity has been removed from a store display shelf based on entry of the commodity on the first list, detect a registration of the commodity by the customer in the sales transaction based on entry of the commodity on the second list, and measure an elapsed time from the time of detecting that the commodity has been removed from the store display shelf. When the elapsed time exceeds a threshold value without the registration of the commodity being detected, the processor causes an output of warning notification information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Fumiko Motoki
  • Patent number: 11238713
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a wireless identification tag configured to harvest ambient energy and transmit an identification signal intermittently, and system and methods for use thereof. In one implementation, the tag may include a transmitter configured to transmit a first signal to a first receiver in a first frequency, and to transmit a second signal to a second receiver in the first frequency. The tag may also include an energy storage component configured for collecting and storing ambient energy and for powering transmission of the transmitter. The tag may also include a circuit configured to monitor energy stored in the energy storage component, and to prevent the transmitter from transmitting the first signal to the first receiver when the energy stored in the energy storage component is insufficient to transmit the second signal to the second receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: NEXITE LTD.
    Inventors: Anat Shakedd, Lior Shakedd
  • Patent number: 11238247
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and reader system including an array of circular resonators with interdigitated capacitor fingers wherein the fingers of each pair are radially aligned and bars disposed between the resonators to reduce coupling between adjacent resonators, wherein subsets of the resonators resonate at respective different resonant frequencies, and the resonators of each of the subsets have the same resonant frequency; and the radio frequency response produced by the tag at a resonant frequency varies depending on the activation of resonators of the subset corresponding to the resonant frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: RFID Technologies Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Yanfu Bai, Nigel Wing, Nemai Chandra Karmakar, Md Shakil Bhuiyan
  • Patent number: 11232667
    Abstract: A coin dispenser dispenses coins having plural coin diameters ranging from a smallest coin diameter to a largest coin diameter. The coin dispenser comprises: a plurality of coin tubes, each coin tube being configured to hold a stack of coins having a same coin diameter, a base plate arranged under the coin tubes, the base plate forming support area's for supporting the stacks of coins held by the coin tubes, the base plate having dispensing edges each forming an edge of the base plate, each dispensing edge associated with a respective coin tube and being spaced apart, in a respective dispensing direction, from the support area of that coin tube, and a plurality of actuators, each actuator associated with a respective coin tube and configured to push the coin at the lowest position in the respective stack of coins held by the coin tube in the respective dispensing direction from the support area to an over the respective dispensing edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: SUZO INTERNATIONAL (NEDERLAND) B.V.
    Inventors: Edwin Andre Roodenburg, Dennis Verhaar
  • Patent number: 11227130
    Abstract: There is provided an information processing device including: a processing unit configured to select a first processing mode in which static information is transmitted or a second processing mode in which dynamic information according to a process is transmitted on a basis of a predetermined request recognized in contactless communication with an external device and to perform a process corresponding to a selected processing mode. The processing unit selects the first processing mode in a case in which the recognized predetermined request is a read request for causing information to be transmitted and selects the second processing mode in a case in which the recognized predetermined request is a write request for causing information to be written in a recording medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Teruyama
  • Patent number: 11195387
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to an automatic teller machine (ATM) network. A computing device may monitor operations in the ATM network. The computing device may determine an ATM refill route for a cash truck based on the monitoring the ATM network and/or based on refill notifications sent by an ATM. An ATM may communicate with a second ATM to pre-stage a user transaction at the second ATM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Sandeep Kumar Chauhan, Ravikiran Subramanya Rao, Sneha Padiyar
  • Patent number: 11188723
    Abstract: A combination magnetic-stripe card reader with integrated contact-less chip card read/write functions, a direct replacement for a standard player tracking magnetic-stripe card reader installed in slot machines. It is a form, fit and function for existing player tracking readers, having the same front panel appearance, the same physical envelope, using the same mounting method, using the same cable connections and operating in the identical manner. The combined functions requires two command sets and a method to distinguish between them, the legacy command set of the existing reader to be replaced which is typically strings of American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) eight bit characters with a line terminator character and the contact-less chip card requiring the ability to send and receive all possible eight bit values with varying length commands and not having a dedicated character value to indicate the end of a command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Miller
  • Patent number: 11182571
    Abstract: A card reader for processing an inserted magnetic card may be equipped with a front sensor arranged in the vicinity of an insertion opening for a magnetic card to detect the insertion of the magnetic card, a rear sensor for detecting the magnetic card when the magnetic card is fully inserted, a magnetic field generating unit for generating a magnetic field in the vicinity of the insertion opening for a magnetic card, and a control unit for controlling a magnetic field to be generated by said magnetic field generating unit at a first strength or at a second strength weaker than the first strength. The control unit may control the strength of the magnetic field to be generated by the magnetic field generating unit at the second strength while the first time period elapses after the rear sensor has detected the magnetic card and then has stopped sensing it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: NIDEC SANKYO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akihiro Negishi
  • Patent number: 11138401
    Abstract: A handheld barcode reader includes a reader enclosure constructed from a dielectric material and a screen engaging member operatively coupled with the reader enclosure. The reader enclosure includes a nose portion and a handle portion coupled with the nose portion and is adapted to accommodate a user's hand. The screen engaging member is constructed from a conductive material and includes an extension member coupled with the nose portion of the reader enclosure and at least one arm member extending from the nose portion of the reader enclosure to the handle portion of the reader enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Dino Ottavio Gregorich, Samuel A. I. Lippert, Garrett R. Woodford
  • Patent number: 11126902
    Abstract: An optically variable device uses a data storage layer with a nano-optical bit system to store data. The optically variable device encodes the data using spectral signatures (such as colors) as variables. In some embodiments, the optically variable device uses angle multiplexing to store machine-readable data and an image. The optically variable device can be used as a secure data storage medium for a large volume of data. The storage capacity can be increased by increasing the number of color variables and by introducing additional variables such as intensity and polarization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: IE-9 Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Sasan Vosoogh-Grayli, Siamack Vosoogh-Grayli
  • Patent number: 11119328
    Abstract: Methods and systems are for aligning a light projection engine (e.g., in a virtual reality headset) are described. An assembly for aligning the light projection engine includes a frame, an optical waveguide assembly; and the light projection engine. Embodiments include assemblies for aligning based on a pivot point, an optical axis, an X, a Y, and a Z axis, and with six degrees of freedom. In addition, an embodiment includes three planar joints that allow for alignment of the light projection engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Flex Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Chester, Robert J. Groppo, Zhang Yunqi, Ori Jacobi
  • Patent number: 11113486
    Abstract: A light emitting apparatus includes a light source, and a processor configured to perform control to cause the light source to blink in a blink pattern corresponding to output information including identification information unique to the light emitting apparatus, and configured to, when causing the light source to blink by repeating the blink pattern, change a time interval between the blink patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp.
    Inventor: Kiyofumi Aikawa
  • Patent number: 11106962
    Abstract: An apparatus for arranging an electronic data carrier on a component of a fluidic system is proposed. The apparatus includes the electronic data carrier. An insert is provided that can be inserted into a main body, which insert, in a first position with respect to the main body, vacates a release space in order for at least one cable portion of a cable to be introduced. In a second position with respect to the main body, the insert secures itself and the at least one cable portion to the main body such that they cannot be pulled out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: GEMUE GEBR. MUELLER APPARATEBAU GMBH & CO. KOMMANDITGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Klaus Frankenbach
  • Patent number: 11100492
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is taught wherein a light smartcard may be utilized to make transactions so that a user only has to carry one card and not be encumbered with the multiple cards that now have to deal with. This is accomplished with a third party API service provider. This could also be thought of your own personal cloud that carries only your cards and only your information including virtual currencies as well. Now you only have to carry one and one card only. You can spend from any of your other accounts through this one card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Inventors: Peter Garrett, Paz Rheinstein, Mark Boys
  • Patent number: 11092302
    Abstract: An electronic artificial candle includes a barrel with a first through hole at a top. A mounting tube is fixed to an inner surface of the top of the barrel and has a top to which an elongate first bracket is snap-fitted. The first bracket is arranged radially. A second bracket is swingable suspended on the first bracket. An upper portion of the second bracket passes through the first through hole. The second bracket is arranged inside the barrel. A hollow and transparent flame cover is fixed to the top of the second bracket, inside which at least one LED is fixed. At least one magnet is fixed to a lower end of the second bracket. A magnetic coil is fixed to the bottom of the mounting tube. The LED and the magnetic coil are electrically connected to a power control board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: GUANGDONG LIGHTING SILK ROADS CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD
    Inventors: Wenfeng Wu, Haicheng Cai, Wei Wang
  • Patent number: 11087297
    Abstract: Methods and systems for completing financial operations via a contactless automated teller machine are disclosed. An ATM includes a network interface circuit enabling the ATM to exchange information over a network, an input/output device configured to exchange data with a input/output device of a mobile device, and an ATM circuit. The ATM circuit receives an ATM transaction request via a short-range wireless communication between the mobile device and the input/output device. The ATM transaction request includes authentication information associated with a user of the mobile device. The ATM circuit transmits the ATM transaction request to the network for approval and receives an approval message from a financial institution computing system indicating that the user is authorized to create financial operation requests. The ATM circuit completes a financial operation request created by the user by dispensing an amount of a currency or displaying requested account information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
    Inventors: Michael R. Thomas, Jerome Rhodes, Hemesh Yadav, Steven E. Puffer
  • Patent number: 11080579
    Abstract: A card assembly includes an insulating planar body and a magnetic stripe assembly coupled with the planar body. The magnetic stripe assembly includes a magnetic layer configured to magnetically store information and a metal layer that provides at least one of a security feature, a decorative feature, or other functional feature. The metal layer has a small thickness such that the metal layer prevents conduction of electrostatic discharge (ESD) through the magnetic stripe assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Szumski, Suwit John Sangkaratana, Roger D. Strasemeier
  • Patent number: 11081799
    Abstract: An antenna device is provided that can be designed easily and includes a flat antenna of which communication characteristics do not change significantly even when there exist metallic objects or the like in the surroundings. Moreover, the flat antenna is provided with an antenna-side signal line path conductor, an antenna-side first ground conductor, a matching circuit part, and an antenna-side connector part which are provided in an antenna-side insulator. The antenna device further includes a signal transmission cable that is provided with a radiation area setting part in the vicinity of a cable-side connector part. The antenna device is designed such that, by connecting the antenna-side connector part and the cable-side connector part to each other, substantially the entire surface of the flat antenna serves as a radiation part that radiates electromagnetic waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Noboru Kato, Masahiro Ozawa
  • Patent number: 11077643
    Abstract: A drone frame includes first and second carbon fiber layers, and a center clear layer positioned between the first and second carbon fiber layers. A cutout is formed through an entire thickness of the first carbon fiber layer so as to expose a portion of the center clear layer. An LED unit is positioned in the cutout. The LED unit has a plurality of LEDs on a bottom thereof such that the LEDs abut the center clear layer. Light is transmitted from the LEDs through the center clear layer so as to illuminate the perimeter of the drone frame. A composite material used in the drone frame and a method of forming the composite material and drone frame are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Inventor: Tarek Maalouf
  • Patent number: 11073958
    Abstract: Provided is an antenna device that performs the reading of information via near field wireless communication by using a plurality of antenna patterns, and that has no insensitive area on the touch surface. An antenna device that reads information via near field wireless communication includes an antenna layer 20 that includes a plurality of antenna patterns 21a to 21l arrayed in parallel with one another, wherein at least a part of the antenna patterns 21a to 21l are arranged so as to overlap with one another when the antenna layer 20 is viewed in a plan view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignees: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOPPAN FORMS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinji Yamagishi, Yasuhiro Sugita, Jean Mugiraneza, Yuki Owashi, Yoshitaka Kawanabe