Patents by Inventor Alan Ziegler

Alan Ziegler 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: 20190180250
    Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to retrieve an appointment from a service appointment schedule. The processor is also configured to contact a vehicle associated with the retrieved appointment and determine if the vehicle is on-site at a service location. The processor is further configured to query a current vehicle location and vehicle destination if the vehicle is not on-site. Also, the processor is configured to determine if the vehicle is en-route to the service location based on the vehicle location and destination and update the appointment schedule with an expected arrival time if the vehicle is en-route. Once the vehicle is on-site, the processor can perform numerous interactions with the vehicle to provide a highly automated customer experience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Inventors: Kenneth James McCaffrey, David Alan Ziegler
  • Publication number: 20190156300
    Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to retrieve an appointment from a service appointment schedule. The processor is also configured to contact a vehicle associated with the retrieved appointment and determine if the vehicle is on-site at a service location. The processor is further configured to query a current vehicle location and vehicle destination if the vehicle is not on-site. Also, the processor is configured to determine if the vehicle is en-route to the service location based on the vehicle location and destination and update the appointment schedule with an expected arrival time if the vehicle is en-route. Once the vehicle is on-site, the processor can perform numerous interactions with the vehicle to provide a highly automated customer experience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Kenneth James McCaffrey, David Alan Ziegler
  • Publication number: 20160125366
    Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to retrieve an appointment from a service appointment schedule. The processor is also configured to contact a vehicle associated with the retrieved appointment and determine if the vehicle is on-site at a service location. The processor is further configured to query a current vehicle location and vehicle destination if the vehicle is not on-site. Also, the processor is configured to determine if the vehicle is en-route to the service location based on the vehicle location and destination and update the appointment schedule with an expected arrival time if the vehicle is en-route. Once the vehicle is on-site, the processor can perform numerous interactions with the vehicle to provide a highly automated customer experience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventors: Kenneth James McCaffrey, David Alan Ziegler
  • Publication number: 20050011580
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for the efficient and controllable delivery of cryogen liquid droplets into thin walled containers before they are sealed, the pressurization of the sealed container caused by the evaporation of the liquid cryogen causing the walls of the container to stiffen. Discharge of the droplets immediately upstream of the container sealing station is facilitated using a horizontal displacement assembly to transport metered droplets from a liquid dosing unit to the point of injection above the container. The horizontal displacement assembly may be provided with internal heaters to prevent freeze up, and a sensor to confirm droplet discharge. It may also be provided with a separate source of heated nitrogen gas, which can be used to back purge the dispensing unit should it become clogged, to melt any frozen liquid occlusions which may have formed in the cryogen supply line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Publication date: January 20, 2005
    Inventor: Alan Ziegler