Patents by Inventor Bryan Keith Solace

Bryan Keith Solace 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: 20240054849
    Abstract: A self-service kiosk includes a housing and an imaging device in a key fob receptacle in the housing. The imaging device captures an image of a master key fob placed in the receptacle. The kiosk includes a key fob dispenser having a dispensing slot to receive a duplicated key fob and a dispensing mechanism to dispense the duplicated key fob into the dispensing slot. The kiosk also includes a processor that receives an image from the imaging device, and detects a presence of the master key fob in the key fob receptacle based on an analysis of the received image. Upon detecting the presence of the master key fob, the processor reads codes stored on the master key fob, writes the codes on a blank key fob to generate the duplicated key fob, and causes the dispensing mechanism to dispense the duplicated key fob in the dispensing slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2023
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Applicant: THE HILLMAN GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Byron Keith GRICE, Michael Kenneth HART, Michael James SCHMIDT, Brian David ROSNER, Ari BENNETT, Robert FOORD, Bryan Keith SOLACE
  • Patent number: 10065442
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for sublimating images onto two or more products substantially simultaneously are disclosed. Software components are configured to receive input of a desired number of products to sublimate, and then determine a spatial arrangement of the printed images to sublimate the desired number of products substantially simultaneously. The apparatus is configured to print the images according to the spatial arrangement. The apparatus is configured, using a control, to sublimate multiple products substantially simultaneously in a single thermal cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Edward Will, Mark Leslie Tarter, Bryan Keith Solace, James Francis Huss
  • Patent number: 10016986
    Abstract: A safe, integrated dye sublimation printer apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to print one or more images onto a selected product using one or more heating platens to sublimate the image. The heating platen is configured to sublimate one or more opposing sides of a product substantially simultaneously in a single thermal cycle. In some embodiments, the apparatus may be incorporated into a fully-enclosed vending machine to provide on-demand personalized sublimated products and accessories for a consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Edward Will, Mark Leslie Tarter, Bryan Keith Solace, James Francis Huss, Jordan Daniel Shoenhair
  • Patent number: 10011120
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for sublimating printed images onto two or more sides of a product simultaneously using a single heating platen are disclosed. The apparatus is configured to print one or more images onto transfer media, then position the transfer media onto a substrate. A product to receive the sublimated image is positioned on top of the transfer media, and the apparatus manipulates the transfer media to substantially surround the product and place at least one image onto each side of the product to be sublimated. A single heating platen then engages the transfer media to sublimate the image. The heating platen is configured, using a control, to sublimate opposing sides of a product substantially simultaneously in a single thermal cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Edward Will, Mark Leslie Tarter, Bryan Keith Solace, James Francis Huss
  • Patent number: 9984525
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for managing inventory within a vending apparatus are disclosed. The vending apparatus includes a robot, which is configured to include a camera or a sensor. The vending apparatus contains one or more storage containers filled with items for sale, and the one or more storage containers may include indicia that are readable by the robot and provide information to outside parties. The robot is configured to monitor the items for sale within the vending apparatus, as well as the level of inventory within each storage container. The vending apparatus may transmit information relating to its included items for sale to an external server, where maintenance and refreshment operations can be implemented in an efficient, cost-effective manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Edward Will, Brian Rosner, Bryan Keith Solace
  • Publication number: 20170334228
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for sublimating images onto two or more products substantially simultaneously are disclosed. Software components are configured to receive input of a desired number of products to sublimate, and then determine a spatial arrangement of the printed images to sublimate the desired number of products substantially simultaneously. The apparatus is configured to print the images according to the spatial arrangement. The apparatus is configured, using a control, to sublimate multiple products substantially simultaneously in a single thermal cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: Gary Edward Will, Mark Leslie Tarter, Bryan Keith Solace, James Francis Huss
  • Patent number: 9731534
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for sublimating printed images onto two or more products substantially simultaneously are disclosed. Software components are configured to receive input of a desired number of products to sublimate, and then determine a spatial arrangement of the printed images on transfer media to sublimate the desired number of products substantially simultaneously. The apparatus is configured to print the images onto the media according to the spatial arrangement, then position the media onto a substrate. The products are automatically placed on the media proximate to their corresponding printed images. The apparatus manipulates the media to substantially surround the products and places at least one image onto each side of each product to be sublimated. One or more heating platens engage the media to sublimate the images. The heating platens are configured, using a control, to sublimate multiple products substantially simultaneously in a single thermal cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Edward Will, Mark Leslie Tarter, Bryan Keith Solace, James Francis Huss
  • Patent number: 9545808
    Abstract: A safe, integrated dye sublimation printer apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to print one or more images. In some embodiments, the apparatus may be incorporated into a fully-enclosed vending machine, equipped with one or more product storage containers, to provide on-demand personalized sublimated products and accessories for a consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Rosner, Gary Edward Will, Bryan Keith Solace
  • Publication number: 20160311241
    Abstract: A safe, integrated dye sublimation printer apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to print one or more images. In some embodiments, the apparatus may be incorporated into a fully-enclosed vending machine, equipped with one or more product storage containers, to provide on-demand personalized sublimated products and accessories for a consumer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Inventors: Brian Rosner, Gary Edward Will, Bryan Keith Solace
  • Patent number: 9446599
    Abstract: An automatic product sublimation process is disclosed allowing for point-of-sale customization of sublimation parameters in a retail environment. A dye sublimation transfer printing system is configured to print one or more images onto transfer media, then position the media onto a substrate. A selected product is positioned on top of the media. The system is configured to automatically determine, by a processor, one or more of a temperature and duration of a single thermal cycle to sublimate the one or more images onto the selected product. The determination may be based on properties of the product, characteristics of the images, or both. One or more heating platens engage the transfer media to sublimate the product in a single thermal cycle, wherein at least one of the cycle's temperature and duration match the determined values. The disclosed process improves the quality of the sublimation technique, yet requires no substantive operator training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Edward Will, Mark Leslie Tarter, Bryan Keith Solace, James Francis Huss
  • Publication number: 20160221354
    Abstract: A safe, integrated dye sublimation printer apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to print one or more images onto a selected product using one or more heating platens to sublimate the image. The heating platen is configured to sublimate one or more opposing sides of a product substantially simultaneously in a single thermal cycle. In some embodiments, the apparatus may be incorporated into a fully-enclosed vending machine to provide on-demand personalized sublimated products and accessories for a consumer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: Gary Edward Will, Mark Leslie Tarter, Bryan Keith Solace, James Francis Huss, Jordan Daniel Shoenhair
  • Patent number: 9403394
    Abstract: A safe, integrated dye sublimation transfer printer apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to print one or more images onto transfer media, then align the transfer media onto a substrate. A selected product to receive the sublimated image is positioned on top of the transfer media, and the apparatus brings the transfer media and one or more heating platens into contact to sublimate the image. The heating platen is configured to sublimate one or more opposing sides of a product substantially simultaneously in a single thermal cycle. In some embodiments, the apparatus may be incorporated into a fully-enclosed vending machine to provide on-demand personalized sublimated products and accessories for a consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Rosner, Gary Edward Will, Bryan Keith Solace
  • Patent number: 9333788
    Abstract: A safe, integrated dye sublimation transfer printer apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to print one or more images onto transfer media, then align the transfer media onto a substrate. A selected product to receive the sublimated image is positioned on top of the transfer media, and one or more heating platens then engage the transfer media to sublimate the image. The heating platen is configured to sublimate one or more opposing sides of a product substantially simultaneously in a single thermal cycle. In some embodiments, the apparatus may be incorporated into a fully-enclosed vending machine to provide on-demand personalized sublimated products and accessories for a consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Edward Will, Mark Leslie Tarter, Bryan Keith Solace, James Francis Huss, Jordan Daniel Shoenhair
  • Publication number: 20160031228
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for sublimating printed images onto two or more sides of a product simultaneously using a single heating platen are disclosed. The apparatus is configured to print one or more images onto transfer media, then position the transfer media onto a substrate. A product to receive the sublimated image is positioned on top of the transfer media, and the apparatus manipulates the transfer media to substantially surround the product and place at least one image onto each side of the product to be sublimated. A single heating platen then engages the transfer media to sublimate the image. The heating platen is configured, using a control, to sublimate opposing sides of a product substantially simultaneously in a single thermal cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Gary Edward Will, Mark Leslie Tarter, Bryan Keith Solace, James Francis Huss
  • Publication number: 20150336395
    Abstract: An automatic product sublimation process is disclosed allowing for point-of-sale customization of sublimation parameters in a retail environment. A dye sublimation transfer printing system is configured to print one or more images onto transfer media, then position the media onto a substrate. A selected product is positioned on top of the media. The system is configured to automatically determine, by a processor, one or more of a temperature and duration of a single thermal cycle to sublimate the one or more images onto the selected product. The determination may be based on properties of the product, characteristics of the images, or both. One or more heating platens engage the transfer media to sublimate the product in a single thermal cycle, wherein at least one of the cycle's temperature and duration match the determined values. The disclosed process improves the quality of the sublimation technique, yet requires no substantive operator training.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Inventors: Gary Edward Will, Mark Leslie Tarter, Bryan Keith Solace, James Francis Huss
  • Publication number: 20150310694
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for managing inventory within a vending apparatus are disclosed. The vending apparatus includes a robot, which is configured to include a camera or a sensor. The vending apparatus contains one or more storage containers filled with items for sale, and the one or more storage containers may include indicia that are readable by the robot and provide information to outside parties. The robot is configured to monitor the items for sale within the vending apparatus, as well as the level of inventory within each storage container. The vending apparatus may transmit information relating to its included items for sale to an external server, where maintenance and refreshment operations can be implemented in an efficient, cost-effective manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: The Hillman Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Edward Will, Brian Rosner, Bryan Keith Solace
  • Patent number: 9120326
    Abstract: An automatic product sublimation process is disclosed allowing for point-of-sale customization of sublimation parameters in a retail environment. A dye sublimation transfer printing system is configured to print one or more images onto transfer media, then position the media onto a substrate. A selected product is positioned on top of the media. The system is configured to automatically determine, by a processor, one or more of a temperature and duration of a single thermal cycle to sublimate the one or more images onto the selected product. The determination may be based on properties of the product, characteristics of the images, or both. One or more heating platens engage the transfer media to sublimate the product in a single thermal cycle, wherein at least one of the cycle's temperature and duration match the determined values. The disclosed process improves the quality of the sublimation technique, yet requires no substantive operator training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Edward Will, Mark Leslie Tarter, Bryan Keith Solace, James Francis Huss
  • Publication number: 20150029288
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for sublimating printed images onto two or more sides of a product simultaneously using a single heating platen are disclosed. The apparatus is configured to print one or more images onto transfer media, then position the transfer media onto a substrate. A product to receive the sublimated image is positioned on top of the transfer media, and the apparatus manipulates the transfer media to substantially surround the product and place at least one image onto each side of the product to be sublimated. A single heating platen then engages the transfer media to sublimate the image. The heating platen is configured, using a control, to sublimate opposing sides of a product substantially simultaneously in a single thermal cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: THE HILLMAN GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Gary Edward Will, Mark Leslie Tarter, Bryan Keith Solace, James Francis Huss
  • Publication number: 20150029285
    Abstract: An automatic product sublimation process is disclosed allowing for point-of-sale customization of sublimation parameters in a retail environment. A dye sublimation transfer printing system is configured to print one or more images onto transfer media, then position the media onto a substrate. A selected product is positioned on top of the media. The system is configured to automatically determine, by a processor, one or more of a temperature and duration of a single thermal cycle to sublimate the one or more images onto the selected product. The determination may be based on properties of the product, characteristics of the images, or both. One or more heating platens engage the transfer media to sublimate the product in a single thermal cycle, wherein at least one of the cycle's temperature and duration match the determined values. The disclosed process improves the quality of the sublimation technique, yet requires no substantive operator training.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: THE HILLMAN GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Gary Edward Will, Mark Leslie Tarter, Bryan Keith Solace, James Francis Huss
  • Patent number: D979575
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: THE HILLMAN GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Rodrigo Serzedello, Bryan Keith Solace, Michael Kenneth Hart