Patents by Inventor Elliott Grant
Elliott Grant 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).
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Patent number: 8342393Abstract: Systems and methods allow units of produce to be traced back to the fields in which the produce was grown. In the field, a harvest form is completed with harvest information at the time of the harvest. In some instances, labels having unique codes are used to label the produce in the field, and two additional labels are placed on the harvest form to associate a range of unique codes with the harvest information on the form. The labels used to label the produce can also be marked with a lot code and date at the time of harvest. In other instances, empty packages arrive at the field already marked with a range of associated unique codes. In the field, harvest information is recorded and associated with the range of unique codes by scanning one or more of the packages.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2011Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: YottaMark, Inc.Inventors: Elliott Grant, Matthew Self
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Publication number: 20120318861Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for associating traceability codes on clamshells with unique identifiers on containers in which the empty clamshells are packed for later use. In various methods, the clamshells are marked with traceability codes and stacked together, one traceability code is read from one of the clamshells in each stack, a unique identifier is read from a container, and the stack is placed in the container. The traceability code is stored in association with the unique identifier for later retrieval. An exemplary table for making clamshell-to-container associations comprises a scanner for reading traceability codes and rails for positioning stacks of clamshells proximate to the scanner. The table can also comprise a second scanner positioned to read unique identifiers from containers placed proximate thereto. The table can further comprise a computing system to make and store the associations.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Inventors: Elliott Grant, J. Scott Carr, Albert Anthony Luna, Sean Calhoon
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Publication number: 20120298741Abstract: A client system receives a request for a set of unique security codes and also receives product data associated with a product on which the security codes are to be printed. The client sends at least some of the product data to a host system and receives a batch identifier from the host. The host stores received product data with the batch identifier. The client generates the set of security codes and then provides the codes to be printed on the product. After the products enter the stream of commerce, the host can receive an authentication request including a security code, and in response the host will verify that the security code is valid and return to the requestor the authentication result and at least part of the product data associated with the batch identifier.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2012Publication date: November 29, 2012Inventors: Elliott Grant, Warwick Robert Stirling, Matthew Self
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Publication number: 20120280042Abstract: Systems and methods allow units of produce to be traced back to the fields in which the produce was grown. In the field, a harvest form is completed with harvest information at the time of the harvest. In some instances, labels having unique codes are used to label the produce in the field, and an additional label is placed on the harvest form to associate a range of unique codes for an entire roll of labels with the harvest information on the form. In the alternative, the label can be read, such as with a hand-held device and associated with harvest information also entered through the hand-held device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Inventors: Elliott Grant, Albert Anthony Luna, Juan Garibay
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Patent number: 8300806Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that employ two or more cryptographically linked codes. The codes, when encrypted, become cipher texts that appear unrelated. The codes described herein are characterized by a series of bits including one or more switch bits. The cipher text of a code having a switch bit in one state will appear to be unrelated to the cipher text of another code differing only in that the switch bit is in the opposite state. The cryptographically linked codes can be used in various combinations, such as on a product and its packaging, on a product and a component of the product, on a certificate packaged with the product and on the packaging, or on outer and inner packagings of the product.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2008Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: YottaMark, Inc.Inventor: Elliott Grant
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Patent number: 8286869Abstract: Rolls of pre-printed case labels are distributed at a harvest for labeling cases of produce. The labels on each roll include sequential codes that each span a unique range. Part or all of each roll's range can be associated with harvest data, including picker and block identifications. The association can be made by placing a label from each roll on a harvest form bearing harvest data, or by entering harvest data into an electronic device and using the device to read a unique code from a label. Pickers then harvest produce, fill cases, and label the cases from their rolls. The association of ranges to pickers allows a subsequently read unique code from a filled case to be properly credited to the correct picker. The association of ranges to blocks allows subsequently obtained quality information to be correlated to specific blocks.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2012Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: YottaMark, Inc.Inventor: Elliott Grant
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Patent number: 8261973Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for associating traceability codes on clamshells with unique identifiers on containers in which the empty clamshells are packed for later use. In various methods, the clamshells are marked with traceability codes and stacked together, one traceability code is read from one of the clamshells in each stack, a unique identifier is read from a container, and the stack is placed in the container. The traceability code is stored in association with the unique identifier for later retrieval. An exemplary table for making clamshell-to-container associations comprises a scanner for reading traceability codes and rails for positioning stacks of clamshells proximate to the scanner. The table can also comprise a second scanner positioned to read unique identifiers from containers placed proximate thereto. The table can further comprise a computing system to make and store the associations.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2012Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: YottaMark, Inc.Inventors: Elliott Grant, J. Scott Carr, Albert Anthony Luna, Sean Calhoon
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Patent number: 8245927Abstract: A client system receives a request for a set of unique security codes and also receives product data associated with a product on which the security codes are to be printed. The client sends at least some of the product data to a host system and receives a batch identifier from the host. The host stores received product data with the batch identifier. The client generates the set of security codes and then provides the codes to be printed on the product. After the products enter the stream of commerce, the host can receive an authentication request including a security code, and in response the host will verify that the security code is valid and return to the requestor the authentication result and at least part of the product data associated with the batch identifier.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2010Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: YottaMark, Inc.Inventors: Elliott Grant, Warwick Robert Stirling, Matthew Self
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Patent number: 8240564Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for associating traceability codes on clamshells with unique identifiers on containers in which the empty clamshells are packed for later use. In various methods, the clamshells are marked with traceability codes and stacked together, one traceability code is read from one of the clamshells in each stack, a unique identifier is read from a container, and the stack is placed in the container. The traceability code is stored in association with the unique identifier for later retrieval. An exemplary table for making clamshell-to-container associations comprises a scanner for reading traceability codes and rails for positioning stacks of clamshells proximate to the scanner. The table can also comprise a second scanner positioned to read unique identifiers from containers placed proximate thereto. The table can further comprise a computing system to make and store the associations.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: YottaMark, Inc.Inventors: Elliott Grant, J. Scott Carr, Albert Anthony Luna, Sean Calhoon
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Publication number: 20120181334Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for associating traceability codes on clamshells with unique identifiers on containers in which the empty clamshells are packed for later use. In various methods, the clamshells are marked with traceability codes and stacked together, one traceability code is read from one of the clamshells in each stack, a unique identifier is read from a container, and the stack is placed in the container. The traceability code is stored in association with the unique identifier for later retrieval. An exemplary table for making clamshell-to-container associations comprises a scanner for reading traceability codes and rails for positioning stacks of clamshells proximate to the scanner. The table can also comprise a second scanner positioned to read unique identifiers from containers placed proximate thereto. The table can further comprise a computing system to make and store the associations.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2012Publication date: July 19, 2012Inventors: Elliott Grant, J. Scott Carr, Albert Anthony Luna, Sean Calhoon
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Patent number: 8210430Abstract: A shelf code in a machine readable format, such as on a QR code on a printed card, is provided where bulk merchandise displayed in a bin. When the bin is stocked from a case bearing a case code, the case code is associated with the shelf code. Lot-specific and lot-independent information previously associated with the case code is then linked to the shelf code. Consumers scan the shelf code with a mobile device to establish a communication channel to access the linked information. Retailers and producers use the channel to reach the consumer, and to solicit feedback from the consumer at a known time and location. A mobile device can also be used to associate quality assessments of merchandise to the shelf code. Analysis of consumer ratings and quality inspection assessments that are tied to time and location can provide valuable insights to both producers and retailers.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2011Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: YottaMark, Inc.Inventors: Elliott Grant, J. Scott Carr
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Patent number: 8196827Abstract: Rolls of pre-printed case labels are distributed at a harvest for labeling cases of produce. The labels on each roll include sequential codes that each span a unique range. Part or all of each roll's range can be associated with harvest data, including picker and block identifications. The association can be made by placing a label from each roll on a harvest form bearing harvest data, or by entering harvest data into an electronic device and using the device to read a unique code from a label. Pickers then harvest produce, fill cases, and label the cases from their rolls. The association of ranges to pickers allows a subsequently read unique code from a filled case to be properly credited to the correct picker. The association of ranges to blocks allows subsequently obtained quality information to be correlated to specific blocks.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2011Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: YottaMark, Inc.Inventor: Elliott Grant
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Patent number: 8152063Abstract: Rolls of pre-printed case labels are distributed at a harvest for labeling the cases of packed produce. The labels on each roll include common information such as the type of produce, the packing configuration, the country of origin, the company identifier, and a SKU. Labels on the same roll include a common batch number, while labels on different rolls include different batch numbers. The company, SKU and batch numbers are subsequently associated in a database with harvest event data to provide traceability back to the harvest and forward from the harvest to those cases packed at that harvest. Optionally, each label can also include a unique code, a field to place a date stamp, and/or a field to place a ranch stamp.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2009Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: YottaMark, Inc.Inventors: Elliott Grant, J. Scott Carr
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Patent number: 8155313Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that employ two or more cryptographically linked codes. The codes, when encrypted, become cipher texts that appear unrelated. The codes described herein are characterized by a series of bits including one or more switch bits. The cipher text of a code having a switch bit in one state will appear to be unrelated to the cipher text of another code differing only in that the switch bit is in the opposite state. The cryptographically linked codes can be used in various combinations, such as on a product and its packaging, on a product and a component of the product, on a certificate packaged with the product and on the packaging, or on outer and inner packagings of the product.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2008Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: YottaMark, Inc.Inventor: Elliott Grant
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Publication number: 20120059660Abstract: Lot identification codes marked on packaging comprise a fixed number of digits with substrings representing each of a date, a SKU, a lot number, and optionally a line and a checksum. The same fixed number of digits is used for the lot identification codes employed by multiple producers across an industry, or across multiple industries. The lot identification codes are therefore readily recognizable by search engines and otherwise reduce the number of steps required for consumers and others along the supply chain to obtain lot-specific information about packaged goods. Additionally, whenever an individual submits a lot identification code, it provides an opportunity to collect information about the product at that point along the supply chain. The information can link the quality of the product at the time and place of the request to the time and place of the packaging.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2010Publication date: March 8, 2012Inventors: Elliott Grant, J. Scott Carr
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Publication number: 20110215148Abstract: Systems and methods allow units of produce to be traced back to the fields in which the produce was grown. In the field, a harvest form is completed with harvest information at the time of the harvest. In some instances, labels having unique codes are used to label the produce in the field, and two additional labels are placed on the harvest form to associate a range of unique codes with the harvest information on the form. The labels used to label the produce can also be marked with a lot code and date at the time of harvest. In other instances, empty packages arrive at the field already marked with a range of associated unique codes. In the field, harvest information is recorded and associated with the range of unique codes by scanning one or more of the packages.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2011Publication date: September 8, 2011Inventors: Elliott Grant, Matthew Self
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Publication number: 20110084129Abstract: A Produce Traceability Initiative compliant case label includes the GTIN, the lot code, an optional date, and a short numeric voice code. The voice code is derived from the GTIN and the lot code and the date when present by an algorithm. Cases of goods that include these case labels are shipped by the source of goods to a distribution center for redistribution to retailers. The distribution center records the GTIN, lot code and optional date upon receipt. The distribution center uses the same algorithm to generate voice codes, and then uses the voice codes to direct pickers to fill orders from specific lots using automated pick systems. Pickers use the voice codes to find the intended cases and to confirm that cases from the intended lot were picked, or to indicate a different lot was picked. The distribution center then associates the lot code of the picked lot with the outgoing order.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2010Publication date: April 14, 2011Inventor: Elliott Grant
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Publication number: 20110084127Abstract: A Produce Traceability Initiative compliant case label includes the GTIN, the lot code, and a short numeric voice code. The voice code is derived from the GTIN and the lot code by an algorithm. Cases of goods that include these case labels are shipped by the source of goods to a distribution center for redistribution to retailers. The distribution center records the GTIN and lot code upon receipt. The distribution center uses the same algorithm to generate voice codes, and then uses the voice codes to direct pickers to fill orders from specific lots using automated pick systems. Pickers use the voice codes to find the intended cases and to confirm that cases from the intended lot were picked, or to indicate a different lot was picked. The distribution center then associates the lot code of the picked lot with the outgoing order.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2009Publication date: April 14, 2011Inventor: Elliott Grant
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Patent number: 7909239Abstract: Systems and methods allow units of produce to be traced back to the fields in which the produce was grown. In the field, a harvest form is completed with harvest information at the time of the harvest. In some instances, labels having unique codes are used to label the produce in the field, and two additional labels are placed on the harvest form to associate a range of unique codes with the harvest information on the form. In other instances, the produce packages arrive at the field already marked with the unique codes. The empty marked packages are themselves packed in boxes, where each box has a unique box code. The unique codes on the empty marked packages are associated in advance with the unique box code on the box, and in the field the unique box code is associated with the harvest information.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2008Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: YottaMark, Inc.Inventors: Elliott Grant, Matthew Self
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Publication number: 20100299263Abstract: A client system receives a request for a set of unique security codes and also receives product data associated with a product on which the security codes are to be printed. The client sends at least some of the product data to a host system and receives a batch identifier from the host. The host stores received product data with the batch identifier. The client generates the set of security codes and then provides the codes to be printed on the product. After the products enter the stream of commerce, the host can receive an authentication request including a security code, and in response the host will verify that the security code is valid and return to the requestor the authentication result and at least part of the product data associated with the batch identifier.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2010Publication date: November 25, 2010Inventors: Elliott Grant, Warwick Robert Stirling, Matthew Self