Patents by Inventor Douglas Martin

Douglas Martin 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).

  • Auto-calibration systems for coin counting devices
    Patent number: 9003861
    Abstract: Systems and methods for calibrating a coin sensor are disclosed herein. An auto-calibrating coin sensor configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a movable carrier holding at least one test coin or other test object. The carrier can move the test object past or through the coin sensor to calibrate the coin sensor. Embodiments of the present technology can include rotatable and linearly moveable carriers that are configured to move an attached test object through a coin sensor. Additionally, auto-calibrating coin sensors in accordance with the present technology can be configured to initiate an auto-calibration based on the commencement of a coin counting session, a set schedule, a temperature change, and/or other events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Outerwall Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Martin, Michael A. Stoy
  • COIN COUNTING AND SORTING MACHINES
    Publication number: 20150075945
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and associated methods for counting and sorting coins are described herein. In one embodiment, a coin processing machine can include a coin input region, a coin counting portion, and a coin sorting portion. The coin counting portion can include a first hopper that receives coins from the coin input region, and a coin discriminator that receives the coins from the first hopper and discriminates the coins to determine their value. The coin sorting portion can include a second coin hopper that receives the coins from the coin discriminator, and a coin sorter that receives the coins from the second hopper and sorts the coins into individual denominations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Douglas A. Martin
  • Coin counting and sorting machines
    Patent number: 8967361
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and associated methods for counting and sorting coins are described herein. In one embodiment, a coin processing machine can include a coin input region, a coin counting portion, and a coin sorting portion. The coin counting portion can include a first hopper that receives coins from the coin input region, and a coin discriminator that receives the coins from the first hopper and discriminates the coins to determine their value. The coin sorting portion can include a second coin hopper that receives the coins from the coin discriminator, and a coin sorter that receives the coins from the second hopper and sorts the coins into individual denominations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Outerwall Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Martin
  • Infant Monitor System and Method
    Publication number: 20150009029
    Abstract: The invention is a system and method for monitoring the breathing and movement of an infant. The invention is a baby monitor system comprising an infant sensor, a base unit, and a parent unit. The infant sensor is attached to the clothing of the infant. As the infant moves or breaths, a transducer in the infant sensor generates a signal which is relayed by the infant sensor to the base. If the base fails to receive a signal from the infant sensor then the base sends an alarm signal to the parent unit. The system may contain multiple parent units or multiple infant sensors. Furthermore, the system may utilize a server computer. The base sends information to a server computer which may be retrieved through the internet by a user on a client computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Douglas Martin
  • COIN COUNTING AND/OR SORTING MACHINES AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20140335770
    Abstract: Coin processing apparatuses, such as consumer or commercial coin processing apparatuses for counting and/or sorting coins, are described herein. The apparatuses can include coin conveyors having a plurality of individual coin carriers linked together to form a chain. In some embodiments, each of the coin carriers includes a corresponding pocket that is configured to receive a coin from a coin hopper as the carrier chain passes through the coin hopper during its cycle. The coin carriers can carry the coins past one or more sensors for identification or “discrimination” of the coin denomination. After discrimination, the coins can be knocked from the carrier pockets and into, e.g., a selected coin chute for transfer to a collection bin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: Douglas A. Martin
  • Method for selectively enabling and disabling read caching in a storage subsystem
    Patent number: 8874854
    Abstract: A mechanism for selectively disabling and enabling read caching based on past performance of the cache and current read/write requests. The system improves overall performance by using an autonomic algorithm to disable read caching for regions of backend disk storage (i.e., the backstore) that have had historically low cache hit ratios. The result is that more cache becomes available for workloads with larger hit ratios, and less time and machine cycles are spent searching the cache for data that is unlikely to be there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Lee Charles La Frese, Joshua Douglas Martin, Justin Thomson Miller, Vernon Walter Miller, James Russell Thompson, Yan Xu, Olga Yiparaki
  • Robotic finger assembly
    Patent number: 8857874
    Abstract: A robotic hand includes a finger with first, second, and third phalanges. A first joint rotatably connects the first phalange to a base structure. A second joint rotatably connects the first phalange to the second phalange. A third joint rotatably connects the third phalange to the second phalange. The second joint and the third joint are kinematically linked such that the position of the third phalange with respect to the second phalange is determined by the position of the second phalange with respect to the first phalange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chris A. Ihrke, Lyndon Bridgwater, Myron A. Diftler, Douglas Martin Linn, Robert J. Platt, Jr., Brian Hargrave, Scott R. Askew, Michael C. Valvo
  • Human grasp assist device with exoskeleton
    Patent number: 8849453
    Abstract: A grasp assist system includes a glove, actuator assembly, and controller. The glove includes a digit, i.e., a finger or thumb, and a force sensor. The sensor measures a grasping force applied to an object by an operator wearing the glove. Phalange rings are positioned with respect to the digit. A flexible tendon is connected at one end to one of the rings and is routed through the remaining rings. An exoskeleton positioned with respect to the digit includes hinged interconnecting members each connected to a corresponding ring, and/or a single piece of slotted material. The actuator assembly is connected to another end of the tendon. The controller calculates a tensile force in response to the measured grasping force, and commands the tensile force from the actuator assembly to thereby pull on the tendon. The exoskeleton offloads some of the tensile force from the operator's finger to the glove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Bryan J Bergelin, Chris A. Ihrke, Donald R. Davis, Douglas Martin Linn, Lyndon B. J. Bridgwater
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR EXCHANGING AND/OR TRANSFERRING VARIOUS FORMS OF VALUE
    Publication number: 20140289111
    Abstract: Methods and systems for exchanging various forms of value, including coins, currency, credit, debit, and/or bank account funds, for prepaid cash cards, credit cards, phone cards, and the like. In one embodiment, a value exchange machine includes a coin input region, a coin sorting/counting apparatus, a card reader, and a communications facility configured to communicate with a remote computer network. In another embodiment, a value exchange system includes one or more of the value exchange machines connected to one or more remote computers via a communications link. A user wishing to purchase, for example, a prepaid cash card can visit one of the value exchange machines, select the desired transaction, and pay for the card with coins, currency, a credit card, a debit card, and/or bank account funds. After confirming payment, the value exchange machine dispenses the card to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: OUTERWALL INC.
    Inventors: Michael Doran, Douglas A. Martin, Scott A. Dean, Jessaca Jacobson, Kim P. Hanson, Kerry Smith
  • MULTI-FUNCTION CARD HANDLING APPARATUS AND METHODS OF OPERATION
    Publication number: 20140263385
    Abstract: A multi-function card dispenser and related apparatuses, systems, and methods for processing credit cards, phone cards, in-store gift cards, and the like at customer-operated kiosks and other machines. In one embodiment, a card apparatus can include a card hopper having a card eject surface and a card track having a card transport surface positioned below the card eject surface. A first roller is configured to rotate to draw a first card from a card port and onto the card track. A second roller is configured to rotate to dispense a second (ejected) card from the card hopper and onto the card track and further toward the card port. In one embodiment, the second roller is further configured to rotate to deposit cards below the card hopper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: COINSTAR, INC.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Martin
  • COIN COUNTING AND SORTING MACHINES
    Publication number: 20140238816
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and associated methods for counting and sorting coins are described herein. In one embodiment, a coin processing machine can include a coin input region, a coin counting portion, and a coin sorting portion. The coin counting portion can include a first hopper that receives coins from the coin input region, and a coin discriminator that receives the coins from the first hopper and discriminates the coins to determine their value. The coin sorting portion can include a second coin hopper that receives the coins from the coin discriminator, and a coin sorter that receives the coins from the second hopper and sorts the coins into individual denominations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Coinstar, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Martin
  • Method of manufacturing a load cell assembly and methods of folding a circuit device
    Patent number: 8813347
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a load cell assembly and methods of folding a circuit device are disclosed. A flexible circuit body including a strip having at least one hinge is provided, with the strip being in a first position or an unfolded position. A plurality of strain gauges are attached to the strip, with the hinge disposed between the strain gauges. A jig is provided and the strip of the flexible circuit body is folded along the hinge utilizing the jig to define a second position or folded position of the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Roland J. Menassa, Pamela R. Patterson, Geoffrey P. McKnight, Guillermo A. Herrera, Hung D. Nguyen, Douglas Martin Linn, Chris A. Ihrke
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR EXCHANGING AND/OR TRANSFERRING VARIOUS FORMS OF VALUE
    Publication number: 20140201012
    Abstract: Methods and systems for exchanging various forms of value, including coins, currency, credit, debit, and/or bank account funds, for prepaid cash cards, credit cards, phone cards, and the like. In one embodiment, a value exchange machine includes a coin input region, a coin sorting/counting apparatus, a card reader, and a communications facility configured to communicate with a remote computer network. In another embodiment, a value exchange system includes one or more of the value exchange machines connected to one or more remote computers via a communications link. A user wishing to purchase, for example, a prepaid cash card can visit one of the value exchange machines, select the desired transaction, and pay for the card with coins, currency, a credit card, a debit card, and/or bank account funds. After confirming payment, the value exchange machine dispenses the card to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: OUTERWALL INC.
    Inventors: Michael Doran, Douglas A. Martin, Scott A. Dean, Jessaca Jacobson, Kim P. Hanson, Kerry Smith
  • Access monitoring systems for use with consumer-operated kiosks and other enclosures
    Patent number: 8760296
    Abstract: Systems and associated methods for monitoring and/or controlling access to interior portions of consumer-operated kiosks and other enclosures are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a consumer-operated kiosk includes an enclosure having a door movable between a closed position that prevents access to the enclosure and an open position that permits access to the enclosure. In this embodiment, an identifier, such as an RFID transponder or tag, is mounted to one of the enclosure or the door, and a reader, such as an RFID reader, is mounted to the other of the enclosure or the door. When the door is closed, the reader detects the identifier. Conversely, when the door moves away form the closed position, the reader ceases to detect the identifier and can generate/send a signal indicating that the door is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Outerwall Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Martin
  • Mechanical implement utilizing active material actuation
    Patent number: 8718813
    Abstract: A mechanical implement adapted for use in an autonomously functioning device, such as a robot arm, and including an active material, such as shape memory polymer, element that when activated and/or deactivated is operable to modify the mechanical impedance of a joint or link in the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Nilesh D. Mankame, Douglas Martin Linn, James W. Wells, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson
  • VOIP conferencing
    Patent number: 8699384
    Abstract: A VoIP-based conferencing system readily handles different protocols, load balance media resources and deals with fail-over situations. The VOIP conferencing system has a gateway coupled to the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). A Voice Server Director (VSD) is coupled to the gateway and performs the control function of the conferencing system. The VSD has a back-to-back user agent. The VSD controls a media server, which mixes the audio (signals), and the media server receives the data portion of a conference call from the gateway. The media server is coupled to a bridge that controls an on-going conference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: American Teleconferencing Services, Ltd.
    Inventors: J. Douglas Martin, Randolph J. Leigh, Andrew Dionysius Ghinaudo, Robert G. Fries
  • METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A LOAD CELL ASSEMBLY AND METHODS OF FOLDING A CIRCUIT DEVICE
    Publication number: 20130326863
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a load cell assembly and methods of folding a circuit device are disclosed. A flexible circuit body including a strip having at least one hinge is provided, with the strip being in a first position or an unfolded position. A plurality of strain gauges are attached to the strip, with the hinge disposed between the strain gauges. A jig is provided and the strip of the flexible circuit body is folded along the hinge utilizing the jig to define a second position or folded position of the strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: ROLAND J. MENASSA, PAMELA R. PATTERSON, GEOFFREY P. MCKNIGHT, GUILLERMO A. HERRERA, HUNG D. NGUYEN, DOUGLAS MARTIN LINN, CHRIS A. IHRKE
  • OPTICAL COIN DISCRIMINATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR USE WITH CONSUMER-OPERATED KIOSKS AND THE LIKE
    Publication number: 20130322730
    Abstract: Systems and associated methods for optical coin discrimination are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for discriminating coins includes obtaining a digital image of a coin, identifying the outline of the coin using a suitable algorithm, and determining the diameter of the coin using the outline of the coin. The method of this embodiment further includes generating a rectangular image of the coin using, for example, a log-polar transform, generating a series of, for example, Fourier transforms from the rectangular image, and identifying spectral peak locations and intensities in the Fourier transform results. The diameter of the coin, spectral peak location, spectral peak intensity of the coin and/or other aspects of the coin can then be compared to known values for different coins to discriminate the coin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Borg, Douglas A. Martin, Timothy P. Harrington
  • ACCESS MONITORING SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH CONSUMER-OPERATED KIOSKS AND OTHER ENCLOSURES
    Publication number: 20130307386
    Abstract: Systems and associated methods for monitoring and/or controlling access to interior portions of consumer-operated kiosks and other enclosures are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a consumer-operated kiosk includes an enclosure having a door movable between a closed position that prevents access to the enclosure and an open position that permits access to the enclosure. In this embodiment, an identifier, such as an RFID transponder or tag, is mounted to one of the enclosure or the door, and a reader, such as an RFID reader, is mounted to the other of the enclosure or the door. When the door is closed, the reader detects the identifier. Conversely, when the door moves away form the closed position, the reader ceases to detect the identifier and can generate/send a signal indicating that the door is open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: COINSTAR, INC.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Martin
  • Robotic finger assembly
    Patent number: 8562049
    Abstract: A robotic hand includes a finger with first, second, and third phalanges. A first joint rotatably connects the first phalange to a base structure. A second joint rotatably connects the first phalange to the second phalange. A third joint rotatably connects the third phalange to the second phalange. The second joint and the third joint are kinematically linked such that the position of the third phalange with respect to the second phalange is determined by the position of the second phalange with respect to the first phalange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Chris A. Ihrke, Lyndon Bridgwater, Myron A. Diftler, Douglas Martin Linn, Robert Platt, Brian Hargrave, Scott R. Askew, Michael C. Valvo