Patents by Inventor Alain Sager

Alain Sager has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240028578
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a method and apparatus for storing data for a batch of manufactured items. The method comprises defining in a processor, using a lower limit identifier and an upper limit identifier, a range of unique item identifiers for the batch, wherein each manufactured item in the batch is allocated a unique item identifier falling within the range. The item identifiers are stored in allocated storage space. If an upper limit identifier is specified for each time interval, an amount of storage specified for all manufactured items during a production time period is calculated as a sum of a first product and a second product, the first product being a product of a production time and a size allocated to each upper limit identifier, and the second product being a product of the production time, a total number of manufactured items, and a percentage of unused identifiers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Erwan FRADET, Alain SAGER, Patrick MAUROUX, Patrick CHANEZ, Philippe CHATELAIN
  • Patent number: 11797512
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a method and apparatus for storing data for a batch of manufactured items. The method comprises defining in a processor, using a lower limit identifier and an upper limit identifier, a range of unique item identifiers for the batch, wherein each manufactured item in the batch is allocated a unique item identifier falling within the range. The item identifiers are stored in allocated storage space. If an upper limit identifier is specified for each time interval, an amount of storage specified for all manufactured items during a production time period is calculated as a sum of a first product and a second product, the first product being a product of a production time and a size allocated to each upper limit identifier, and the second product being a product of the production time, a total number of manufactured items, and a percentage of unused identifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: PHILIP MORRIS USA INC.
    Inventors: Erwan Fradet, Alain Sager, Patrick Mauroux, Patrick Chanez, Philippe Chatelain
  • Publication number: 20230316211
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying manufactured items in containers, where each container is suitable for containing two or more units, and where the method comprises the steps of: associating each unit with a unique unit identifier, uniquely identifying each unit, allocating two or more units to be contained in each container, uniquely identifying each container, for each container, determining one or more ranges of unit identifiers of the two or more units allocated to the container, and storing, in a database, a container identifier for each container, each container identifier being coupled, in the database, to the one or more ranges of unit identifiers of the two or more units allocated to the container. There is also provided methods and apparatus for authenticating, tracking and tracing the units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick CHANEZ, Alain SAGER, Philippe CHATELAIN, Erwan FRADET
  • Patent number: 11710091
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying manufactured items in containers, where each container is suitable for containing two or more units, and where the method comprises the steps of: associating each unit with a unique unit identifier, uniquely identifying each unit, allocating two or more units to be contained in each container, uniquely identifying each container, for each container, determining one or more ranges of unit identifiers of the two or more units allocated to the container, and storing, in a database, a container identifier for each container, each container identifier being coupled, in the database, to the one or more ranges of unit identifiers of the two or more units allocated to the container. There is also provided methods and apparatus for authenticating, tracking and tracing the units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: PHILIP MORRIS USA INC.
    Inventors: Patrick Chanez, Alain Sager, Philippe Chatelain, Erwan Fradet
  • Publication number: 20220309517
    Abstract: Manufactured goods are marked or labeled with a secure unique identifier. A central checking centre allows users to verify the authenticity of a particular good such as a cigarette pack or carton via any convenient interface such as the internet or a cell phone. A system of secret sharing allows secure authentication of each item and prevents code breaking or misuse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2022
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Alain SAGER, Philippe CHATELAIN, Erwan FRADET
  • Patent number: 11379854
    Abstract: Manufactured goods are marked or labeled with a secure unique identifier. A central checking centre allows users to verify the authenticity of a particular good such as a cigarette pack or carton via any convenient interface such as the internet or a cell phone. A system of secret sharing allows secure authentication of each item and prevents code breaking or misuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: PHILIP MORRIS USA INC.
    Inventors: Alain Sager, Philippe Chatelain, Erwan Fradet
  • Publication number: 20210406809
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying manufactured items in containers, where each container is suitable for containing two or more units, and where the method comprises the steps of: associating each unit with a unique unit identifier, uniquely identifying each unit, allocating two or more units to be contained in each container, uniquely identifying each container, for each container, determining one or more ranges of unit identifiers of the two or more units allocated to the container, and storing, in a database, a container identifier for each container, each container identifier being coupled, in the database, to the one or more ranges of unit identifiers of the two or more units allocated to the container. There is also provided methods and apparatus for authenticating, tracking and tracing the units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick CHANEZ, Alain SAGER, Philippe CHATELAIN, Erwan FRADET
  • Patent number: 11144863
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying manufactured items in containers, where each container is suitable for containing two or more units, and where the method comprises the steps of: associating each unit with a unique unit identifier, uniquely identifying each unit, allocating two or more units to be contained in each container, uniquely identifying each container, for each container, determining one or more ranges of unit identifiers of the two or more units allocated to the container, and storing, in a database, a container identifier for each container, each container identifier being coupled, in the database, to the one or more ranges of unit identifiers of the two or more units allocated to the container. There is also provided methods and apparatus for authenticating, tracking and tracing the units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Chanez, Alain Sager, Philippe Chatelain, Erwan Fradet
  • Patent number: 11120387
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying manufactured items in containers, where each container is suitable for containing two or more units, and where the method comprises the steps of: associating each unit with a unique unit identifier, uniquely identifying each unit, allocating two or more units to be contained in each container, uniquely identifying each container, for each container, determining one or more ranges of unit identifiers of the two or more units allocated to the container, and storing, in a database, a container identifier for each container, each container identifier being coupled, in the database, to the one or more ranges of unit identifiers of the two or more units allocated to the container. There is also provided methods and apparatus for authenticating, tracking and tracing the units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: PHILIP MORRIS USA INC.
    Inventors: Patrick Chanez, Alain Sager, Philippe Chatelain, Erwan Fradet
  • Patent number: 11080719
    Abstract: Manufactured goods are marked or labelled with a secure unique identifier. A central checking centre allows users to verify the authenticity of a particular good such as a cigarette pack or carton via any convenient interface such as the internet or a cell phone. A system of secret sharing allows secure authentication of each item and prevents code breaking or misuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Alain Sager, Philippe Chatelain, Erwan Fradet
  • Publication number: 20190361863
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a method and apparatus for storing data for a batch of manufactured items. The method comprises defining in a processor, using a lower limit identifier and an upper limit identifier, a range of unique item identifiers for the batch, wherein each manufactured item in the batch is allocated a unique item identifier falling within the range. The item identifiers are stored in allocated storage space. If an upper limit identifier is specified for each time interval, an amount of storage specified for all manufactured items during a production time period is calculated as a sum of a first product and a second product, the first product being a product of a production time and a size allocated to each upper limit identifier, and the second product being a product of the production time, a total number of manufactured items, and a percentage of unused identifiers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Applicant: PHILIP MORRIS USA INC.
    Inventors: Erwan FRADET, Alain SAGER, Patrick MAUROUX, Patrick CHANEZ, Philippe CHATELAIN
  • Patent number: 10380095
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a method and apparatus for storing data for a batch of manufactured items. The method comprises defining in a processor, using a lower limit identifier and an upper limit identifier, a range of unique item identifiers for the batch, wherein each manufactured item in the batch is allocated a unique item identifier falling within the range. The item identifiers are stored in allocated storage space. If an upper limit identifier is specified for each time interval, an amount of storage specified for all manufactured items during a production time period is calculated as a sum of a first product and a second product, the first product being a product of a production time and a size allocated to each upper limit identifier, and the second product being a product of the production time, a total number of manufactured items, and a percentage of unused identifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Erwan Fradet, Alain Sager, Patrick Mauroux, Patrick Chanez, Philippe Chatelain
  • Patent number: 10083197
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a method and apparatus for storing data for a batch of manufactured items. The method comprises defining in a processor, using a lower limit identifier and an upper limit identifier, a range of unique item identifiers for the batch, wherein each manufactured item in the batch is allocated a unique item identifier falling within the range. The item identifiers are stored in allocated storage space. If an upper limit identifier is specified for each time interval, an amount of storage specified for all manufactured items during a production time period is calculated as a sum of a first product and a second product, the first product being a product of a production time and a size allocated to each upper limit identifier, and the second product being a product of the production time, a total number of manufactured items, and a percentage of unused identifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Erwan Fradet, Alain Sager, Patrick Mauroux, Patrick Chanez, Philippe Chatelain
  • Publication number: 20180218179
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a method and apparatus for storing data for a batch of manufactured items. The method comprises defining in a processor, using a lower limit identifier and an upper limit identifier, a range of unique item identifiers for the batch, wherein each manufactured item in the batch is allocated a unique item identifier falling within the range. The item identifiers are stored in allocated storage space. If an upper limit identifier is specified for each time interval, an amount of storage specified for all manufactured items during a production time period is calculated as a sum of a first product and a second product, the first product being a product of a production time and a size allocated to each upper limit identifier, and the second product being a product of the production time, a total number of manufactured items, and a percentage of unused identifiers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: PHILIP MORRIS USA INC.
    Inventors: Erwan FRADET, Alain SAGER, Patrick MAUROUX, Patrick CHANEZ, Philippe CHATELAIN
  • Patent number: 10019606
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a method and apparatus for storing data for a batch of manufactured items. The method comprises defining in a processor, using a lower limit identifier and an upper limit identifier, a range of unique item identifiers for the batch, wherein each manufactured item in the batch is allocated a unique item identifier falling within the range. The item identifiers are stored in allocated storage space. If an upper limit identifier is specified for each time interval, an amount of storage specified for all manufactured items during a production time period is calculated as a sum of a first product and a second product, the first product being a product of a production time and a size allocated to each upper limit identifier, and the second product being a product of the production time, a total number of manufactured items, and a percentage of unused identifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Erwan Fradet, Alain Sager, Patrick Mauroux, Patrick Chanez, Philippe Chatelain
  • Publication number: 20170345018
    Abstract: Manufactured goods are marked or labelled with a secure unique identifier. A central checking centre allows users to verify the authenticity of a particular good such as a cigarette pack or carton via any convenient interface such as the internet or a cell phone. A system of secret sharing allows secure authentication of each item and prevents code breaking or misuse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Alain Sager, Philippe Chatelain, Erwan Fradet
  • Publication number: 20170270467
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying manufactured items in containers, where each container is suitable for containing two or more units, and where the method comprises the steps of: associating each unit with a unique unit identifier, uniquely identifying each unit, allocating two or more units to be contained in each container, uniquely identifying each container, for each container, determining one or more ranges of unit identifiers of the two or more units allocated to the container, and storing, in a database, a container identifier for each container, each container identifier being coupled, in the database, to the one or more ranges of unit identifiers of the two or more units allocated to the container. There is also provided methods and apparatus for authenticating, tracking and tracing the units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Patrick Chanez, Alain Sager, Philippe Chatelain, Erwan Fradet
  • Publication number: 20170262864
    Abstract: Manufactured goods are marked or labeled with a secure unique identifier. A central checking centre allows users to verify the authenticity of a particular good such as a cigarette pack or carton via any convenient interface such as the internet or a cell phone. A system of secret sharing allows secure authentication of each item and prevents code breaking or misuse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Alain Sager, Philippe Chatelain, Erwan Fradet
  • Publication number: 20170235976
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a method and apparatus for storing data for a batch of manufactured items. The method comprises defining in a processor, using a lower limit identifier and an upper limit identifier, a range of unique item identifiers for the batch, wherein each manufactured item in the batch is allocated a unique item identifier falling within the range. The item identifiers are stored in allocated storage space. If an upper limit identifier is specified for each time interval, an amount of storage specified for all manufactured items during a production time period is calculated as a sum of a first product and a second product, the first product being a product of a production time and a size allocated to each upper limit identifier, and the second product being a product of the production time, a total number of manufactured items, and a percentage of unused identifiers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: PHILIP MORRIS USA INC.
    Inventors: Erwan FRADET, Alain SAGER, Patrick MAUROUX, Patrick CHANEZ, Philippe CHATELAIN
  • Patent number: 9721260
    Abstract: A method and apparatus includes providing a cryptographic key, in an inactive state, to a point in a supply chain for manufactured items, providing the cryptographic key, in an active state, and an activation code for activating the cryptographic key, to a verification center, and providing the activation code to the point in the supply chain in response to the point in the supply chain transmitting information relating to the received cryptographic key. The method includes generating, at the point in the supply chain, an identification (ID) code for each manufactured item, derived from the cryptographic key in the active state and a dynamic key generated for each batch of manufactured items. Including providing the dynamic key for each batch of manufactured items to the verification center, marking each manufactured item with the ID code, and counting the actual or correct number of ID codes marked on the manufactured items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: INEXTO SA
    Inventors: Philippe Chatelain, Patrick Chanez, Erwan Fradet, Alain Sager