Patents by Inventor Bruce A. Howard

Bruce A. Howard 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: 20180211464
    Abstract: A system and method for determining the presence of an individual at a particular spot within a location preferably based on the strength of signals received from beacons assigned to the particular spot by a software application (“App”) running on an electronic device of the individual. In one embodiment, certain presence calculations are performed by the App. In another embodiment, the App forwards information regarding the received beacon signals to an electronic identification and location tracking system and the presence calculations are performed by the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Inventors: BRUCE HOWARD KUSENS, MICHAEL KUSENS
  • Patent number: 10013831
    Abstract: A system and method for determining the presence of an individual at a particular spot within a location preferably based on the strength of signals received from beacons assigned to the particular spot by a software application (“App”) running on an electronic device of the individual. In one embodiment, certain presence calculations are performed by the App. In another embodiment, the App forwards information regarding the received beacon signals to an electronic identification and location tracking system and the presence calculations are performed by the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: COLLATERAL OPPORTUNITIES, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Howard Kusens, Michael Kusens
  • Patent number: 10002391
    Abstract: A computer implement method that assist healthcare payers in identifying potentially fraudulent claims and which requests confirmation preferably from a healthcare provider or patient of services rendered by the healthcare provider or products received by the patient. Confirmation of equipment and services can occur at different times in the settlement process including, but not limited to, prior to payments being made to health care providers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: PIONETECHS, INC.
    Inventor: Bruce Howard Kusens
  • Publication number: 20180167816
    Abstract: A method and system for automatically terminating access or initiating a logout session for a restricted access system by determining that an authorized user has left the vicinity of the restricted access system. The authorized user preferably carries a wireless transmitter which transmits an authorization signal. When the authorized user leaves the vicinity of the restricted access system after logging in, the signal is no longer received by a wireless receiver or too weak of a signal, such that an access control system in communication with the wireless receiver automatically causes the restricted access system to initiate a logout action in order to prevent or reduce the chance of an unauthorized user gaining access to the restricted access system. In one embodiment the signal strength from the authorization signal at the time of logon is used as a baseline signal strength for future calculations that determine when to initiate an automatic termination of access to the restricted access system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Inventors: BRUCE HOWARD KUSENS, MICHAEL KUSENS
  • Patent number: 9997001
    Abstract: A method and system that allows authorized individuals access into controlled access locations and the ability to grant temporary and limited access to guests into these locations. The method and system allows for navigational services to be provided to members and guests, and real-time tracking and confirmation to members and administrators that guests have arrived at their destination and did not enter any unauthorized areas. The method preferably can work through a system of wireless radio, sound and/or light-based beacons communicating with member and guest's electronic devices. Members and administrators can send one or more temporary electronic access keys to a guest's smartphone or other electronic device. Wireless radio, sound and/or light-based beacons provide an access control and location tracking system with real-time data about the member and guest whereabouts, allowing for the confirmation and tracking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: COLLATERAL OPPORTUNITIES, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Howard Kusens, Michael Kusens
  • Publication number: 20180151010
    Abstract: A method and system that allows authorized individuals access into controlled access locations and the ability to grant temporary and limited access to guests into these locations. The method and system allows for navigational services to be provided to members and guests, and real-time tracking and confirmation to members and administrators that guests have arrived at their destination and did not enter any unauthorized areas. The method preferably can work through a system of wireless radio, sound and/or light-based beacons communicating with member and guest's electronic devices. Members and administrators can send one or more temporary electronic access keys to a guest's smartphone or other electronic device. Wireless radio, sound and/or light-based beacons provide an access control and location tracking system with real-time data about the member and guest whereabouts, allowing for the confirmation and tracking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Publication date: May 31, 2018
    Inventors: Bruce Howard Kusens, Michael Kusens
  • Patent number: 9984521
    Abstract: A method and system that allows authorized individuals access into controlled access locations and the ability to grant temporary and limited access to guests into these locations. The method and system allows for navigational services to be provided to members and guests, and real-time tracking and confirmation to members and administrators that guests have arrived at their destination and did not enter any unauthorized areas. The method preferably can work through a system of wireless radio, sound and/or light-based beacons communicating with member and guest's electronic devices. Members and administrators can send one or more temporary electronic access keys to a guest's smartphone or other electronic device. Wireless radio, sound and/or light-based beacons provide an access control and location tracking system with real-time data about the member and guest whereabouts, allowing for the confirmation and tracking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: COLLATERAL OPPORTUNITIES, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Howard Kusens, Michael Kusens
  • Publication number: 20180096550
    Abstract: A method and system that allows authorized individuals access into controlled access locations and the ability to grant temporary and limited access to guests into these locations. The method and system allows for navigational services to be provided to members and guests, and real-time tracking and confirmation to members and administrators that guests have arrived at their destination and did not enter any unauthorized areas. The method preferably can work through a system of wireless radio, sound and/or light-based beacons communicating with member and guest's electronic devices. Members and administrators can send one or more temporary electronic access keys to a guest's smartphone or other electronic device. Wireless radio, sound and/or light-based beacons provide an access control and location tracking system with real-time data about the member and guest whereabouts, allowing for the confirmation and tracking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: BRUCE HOWARD KUSENS, MICHAEL KUSENS
  • Patent number: 9920839
    Abstract: A controlled leakage, hydrostatic, mechanical seal that eliminates sources of contact friction; advantageously locating contact friction forces to be in alignment with the seal face centroid; optimizes the seal face design to achieve maximum hydrostatic film stiffness and minimum sensitivity to radial taper; eliminating unnecessary O-rings and other sources of significant force variation; utilizes a design-for-manufacture approach to design hardware that can be consistently manufactured to precise tolerances; optimizes the double delta channel seal to achieve adequate compression, minimal frictional drag force, and maximum wear resistance; eliminates sources of circumferential waviness such as bolt preload and other non-axisymmetric features; and, thermally isolates components of different materials to mitigate the deformation due to differential thermal expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. LaPresti, Arnaud Milan, Bruce A. Howard, Michael P. Skocik
  • Patent number: 9871780
    Abstract: A method and system for automatically terminating a logout session for a restricted access system by determining that an authorized user has left the vicinity of the restricted access system. The authorized user preferably carries a wireless transmitter which transmits an authorization signal. When the authorized user leaves the vicinity of the restricted access system after logging in, the signal is no longer received by a wireless receiver or too weak of a signal, such that an access control system in communication with the wireless receiver automatically causes the restricted access system to initiate a logout action in order to prevent or reduce the chance of an unauthorized user gaining access to the restricted access system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: COLLATERAL OPPORTUNITIES, LLC
    Inventor: Bruce Howard Kusens
  • Patent number: 9858741
    Abstract: A method and system that allows authorized individuals access into controlled access locations and the ability to grant temporary and limited access to guests into these locations. The method and system allows for navigational services to be provided to members and guests, and real-time tracking and confirmation to members and administrators that guests have arrived at their destination and did not enter any unauthorized areas. The method preferably can work through a system of wireless radio, sound and/or light-based beacons communicating with member and guest's electronic devices. Members and administrators can send one or more temporary electronic access keys to a guest's smartphone or other electronic device. Wireless radio, sound and/or light-based beacons provide an access control and location tracking system with real-time data about the member and guest whereabouts, allowing for the confirmation and tracking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: COLLATERAL OPPORTUNITIES, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Howard Kusens, Michael Kusens
  • Publication number: 20170352212
    Abstract: A method and system that allows authorized individuals access into controlled access locations and the ability to grant temporary and limited access to guests into these locations. The method and system allows for navigational services to be provided to members and guests, and real-time tracking and confirmation to members and administrators that guests have arrived at their destination and did not enter any unauthorized areas. The method preferably can work through a system of wireless radio, sound and/or light-based beacons communicating with member and guest's electronic devices. Members and administrators can send one or more temporary electronic access keys to a guest's smartphone or other electronic device. Wireless radio, sound and/or light-based beacons provide an access control and location tracking system with real-time data about the member and guest whereabouts, allowing for the confirmation and tracking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: BRUCE HOWARD KUSENS, MICHAEL KUSENS
  • Publication number: 20170116790
    Abstract: A system and method for automating parking at a facility such as, but not limited to, a parking garage. Using vehicle sensors located at the monitored parking spaces, information received from the vehicle sensors can be used by an electronic parking system to determine which spaces are open or otherwise available. Registered users can be notified of the available spaces and then can select which spot they want where multiple spaces are presented to them. The user's payment information can also be setup, such that the payment for parking at the selected space is automatically deducted by the parking system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Inventors: BRUCE HOWARD KUSENS, MICHAEL KUSENS
  • Publication number: 20170109770
    Abstract: A method and system for automatically terminating a logout session for a restricted access system by determining that an authorized user has left the vicinity of the restricted access system. The authorized user preferably carries a wireless transmitter which transmits an authorization signal that is also used for permitting access to the restricted access system. When the authorized user leaves the vicinity of the restricted access system after logging in, the signal is no longer received by a wireless receiver or too weak of a signal, such that an access control system in communication with the wireless receiver automatically causes the restricted access system to initiate a logout action in order to prevent or reduce the chance of an unauthorized user gaining access to the restricted access system. The restricted access system can be a rewards tracking system, such as, but not limited to, a rewards tracking system for a gaming machine or gaming table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: BRUCE HOWARD KUSENS, MICHAEL KUSENS
  • Publication number: 20170094477
    Abstract: A system and method for determining the presence of an asset or person at a particular spot within a location. The asset or person is provided with a beacon transmitting a beacon signal. A plurality of receivers are disposed throughout the location. In one embodiment, two or more adjacent or nearby receivers are grouped together to define a receiver cluster. The receiver cluster having the highest average signal strength from the signal being transmitted from the beacon of the asset or person as determined by an electronic identification and location tracking system determines the particular area within the location where the asset or person is present at.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: BRUCE HOWARD KUSENS, MICHAEL KUSENS
  • Publication number: 20160371786
    Abstract: Systems and methods obtain credentials from an insurance policy applicant to access one or more third party medical record sources holding medical records related to the insurance policy applicant. The systems and methods may automatically retrieve the relevant medical records, and may further provide the applicant an opportunity to comment on the retrieved records and/or add relevant documents or files before transmitting the medical records to a medical record recipient, such as an insurance underwriter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventors: BRUCE HOWARD KUSENS, MICHAEL KUSENS
  • Publication number: 20160364535
    Abstract: A computer system consolidates and analyzes information related to a patient to evaluate possible third-party liability for the patient's healthcare expenses. In some instances, multiple sources are searched for different indicators of possible third-party liability and/or for evidence as to whether particular healthcare expenses are subject to third-party liability conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventor: BRUCE HOWARD KUSENS
  • Patent number: 9466163
    Abstract: A method and system that allows authorized individuals access into controlled access locations and the ability to grant temporary and limited access to guests into these locations. The method and system allows for navigational services to be provided to members and guests, and real-time tracking and confirmation to members and administrators that guests have arrived at their destination and did not enter any unauthorized areas. The method preferably can work through a system of wireless radio, sound and/or light-based beacons communicating with member and guest's electronic devices. Members and administrators can send one or more temporary electronic access keys to a guest's smartphone or other electronic device. Wireless radio, sound and/or light-based beacons provide an access control and location tracking system with real-time data about the member and guest whereabouts, allowing for the confirmation and tracking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: COLLATERAL OPPORTUNITIES, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Howard Kusens, Michael Kusens
  • Publication number: 20160247342
    Abstract: A method and system that allows authorized individuals access into controlled access locations and the ability to grant temporary and limited access to guests into these locations. The method and system allows for navigational services to be provided to members and guests, and real-time tracking and confirmation to members and administrators that guests have arrived at their destination and did not enter any unauthorized areas. The method preferably can work through a system of wireless radio, sound and/or light-based beacons communicating with member and guest's electronic devices. Members and administrators can send one or more temporary electronic access keys to a guest's smartphone or other electronic device. Wireless radio, sound and/or light-based beacons provide an access control and location tracking system with real-time data about the member and guest whereabouts, allowing for the confirmation and tracking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Inventors: BRUCE HOWARD KUSENS, MICHAEL KUSENS
  • Patent number: 9424699
    Abstract: A method and system that allows authorized individuals access into controlled access locations and the ability to grant temporary and limited access to guests into these locations. The method and system allows for navigational services to be provided to members and guests, and real-time tracking and confirmation to members and administrators that guests have arrived at their destination and did not enter any unauthorized areas. The method preferably can work through a system of wireless radio, sound and/or light-based beacons communicating with member and guest's electronic devices. Members and administrators can send one or more temporary electronic access keys to a guest's smartphone or other electronic device. Wireless radio, sound and/or light-based beacons provide an access control and location tracking system with real-time data about the member and guest whereabouts, allowing for the confirmation and tracking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: COLLATERAL OPPORTUNITIES, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Howard Kusens, Michael Kusens