Patents by Inventor Frank Whittier

Frank Whittier 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).

  • Patent number: 11636535
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing information relating to recycling activities are described. One embodiment described herein is directed to a method for accessing aggregated recycling information for use and/or display in connection with an account-based recycling program. The method comprises receiving first and second container information, the first container information concerning a plurality of first containers for a first recycling transaction and the second container information concerning a plurality of second containers for a second recycling transaction. The first and second container information is stored and associated account information concerning at least one consumer account. The method further comprises accessing, in response to receiving a query relating to a plurality of recycling transactions, information relating to at least the first and second containers so as to enable the use and/or display of aggregated recycling information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Count & Crush Systems, LLC
    Inventors: William Hunscher, Frank Whittier
  • Patent number: 11037235
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing information relating to recycling activities are described. One embodiment described herein is directed to a method for accessing aggregated recycling information for use and/or display in connection with an account-based recycling program. The method comprises receiving first and second container information, the first container information concerning a plurality of first containers for a first recycling transaction and the second container information concerning a plurality of second containers for a second recycling transaction. The first and second container information is stored and associated account information concerning at least one consumer account. The method further comprises accessing, in response to receiving a query relating to a plurality of recycling transactions, information relating to at least the first and second containers so as to enable the use and/or display of aggregated recycling information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Count & Crush Systems, LLC
    Inventors: William Hunscher, Frank Whittier
  • Publication number: 20200211102
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing information relating to recycling activities are described. One embodiment described herein is directed to a method for accessing aggregated recycling information for use and/or display in connection with an account-based recycling program. The method comprises receiving first and second container information, the first container information concerning a plurality of first containers for a first recycling transaction and the second container information concerning a plurality of second containers for a second recycling transaction. The first and second container information is stored and associated account information concerning at least one consumer account. The method further comprises accessing, in response to receiving a query relating to a plurality of recycling transactions, information relating to at least the first and second containers so as to enable the use and/or display of aggregated recycling information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Applicant: Count & Crush Systems, LLC
    Inventors: William Hunscher, Frank Whittier
  • Patent number: 10607283
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing information relating to recycling activities are described. One embodiment described herein is directed to a method for accessing aggregated recycling information for use and/or display in connection with an account-based recycling program. The method comprises receiving first and second container information, the first container information concerning a plurality of first containers for a first recycling transaction and the second container information concerning a plurality of second containers for a second recycling transaction. The first and second container information is stored and associated account information concerning at least one consumer account. The method further comprises accessing, in response to receiving a query relating to a plurality of recycling transactions, information relating to at least the first and second containers so as to enable the use and/or display of aggregated recycling information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Count & Crush Systems, LLC
    Inventors: William Hunscher, Frank Whittier
  • Publication number: 20190019248
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing information relating to recycling activities are described. One embodiment described herein is directed to a method for accessing aggregated recycling information for use and/or display in connection with an account-based recycling program. The method comprises receiving first and second container information, the first container information concerning a plurality of first containers for a first recycling transaction and the second container information concerning a plurality of second containers for a second recycling transaction. The first and second container information is stored and associated account information concerning at least one consumer account. The method further comprises accessing, in response to receiving a query relating to a plurality of recycling transactions, information relating to at least the first and second containers so as to enable the use and/or display of aggregated recycling information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Applicant: Count & Crush Systems, LLC
    Inventors: William Hunscher, Frank Whittier
  • Patent number: 10089685
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing information relating to recycling activities are described. One embodiment described herein is directed to a method for accessing aggregated recycling information for use and/or display in connection with an account-based recycling program. The method comprises receiving first and second container information, the first container information concerning a plurality of first containers for a first recycling transaction and the second container information concerning a plurality of second containers for a second recycling transaction. The first and second container information is stored and associated account information concerning at least one consumer account. The method further comprises accessing, in response to receiving a query relating to a plurality of recycling transactions, information relating to at least the first and second containers so as to enable the use and/or display of aggregated recycling information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Count & Crush Systems, LLC
    Inventors: William Hunscher, Frank Whittier
  • Publication number: 20170236200
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing information relating to recycling activities are described. One embodiment described herein is directed to a method for accessing aggregated recycling information for use and/or display in connection with an account-based recycling program. The method comprises receiving first and second container information, the first container information concerning a plurality of first containers for a first recycling transaction and the second container information concerning a plurality of second containers for a second recycling transaction. The first and second container information is stored and associated account information concerning at least one consumer account. The method further comprises accessing, in response to receiving a query relating to a plurality of recycling transactions, information relating to at least the first and second containers so as to enable the use and/or display of aggregated recycling information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: Count & Crush Systems, LLC
    Inventors: William Hunscher, Frank Whittier
  • Publication number: 20150235184
    Abstract: An electronic terminal is described for us in the context of recycling activity. The terminal can be located at a recycling return center. The terminal can provide a consumer with access to the consumer's recycling account information. The terminal can include a scanner for identifying the consumer. Methods of operation of the terminal are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Applicant: Count & Crush Systems, LLC
    Inventors: William Hunscher, Frank Whittier, Tracy Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20150235185
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing information relating to recycling activities are described. One embodiment described herein is directed to a method for accessing aggregated recycling information for use and/or display in connection with an account-based recycling program. The method comprises receiving first and second container information, the first container information concerning a plurality of first containers for a first recycling transaction and the second container information concerning a plurality of second containers for a second recycling transaction. The first and second container information is stored and associated account information concerning at least one consumer account. The method further comprises accessing, in response to receiving a query relating to a plurality of recycling transactions, information relating to at least the first and second containers so as to enable the use and/or display of aggregated recycling information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Applicant: Count & Crush Systems, LLC
    Inventors: William Hunscher, Frank Whittier
  • Patent number: 9047652
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing information relating to recycling activities are described. One embodiment described herein is directed to a method for accessing aggregated recycling information for use and/or display in connection with an account-based recycling program. The method comprises receiving first and second container information, the first container information concerning a plurality of first containers for a first recycling transaction and the second container information concerning a plurality of second containers for a second recycling transaction. The first and second container information is stored and associated account information concerning at least one to consumer account. The method further comprises accessing, in response to receiving a query relating to a plurality of recycling transactions, information relating to at least the first and second containers so as to enable the use and/or display of aggregated recycling information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Count & Crush Systems, LLC
    Inventors: William Hunscher, Frank Whittier
  • Publication number: 20120292387
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing information relating to recycling activities are described. One embodiment described herein is directed to a method for accessing aggregated recycling information for use and/or display in connection with an account-based recycling program. The method comprises receiving first and second container information, the first container information concerning a plurality of first containers for a first recycling transaction and the second container information concerning a plurality of second containers for a second recycling transaction. The first and second container information is stored and associated account information concerning at least one to consumer account. The method further comprises accessing, in response to receiving a query relating to a plurality of recycling transactions, information relating to at least the first and second containers so as to enable the use and/or display of aggregated recycling information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Count & Crush Systems, LLC
    Inventors: William Hunscher, Frank Whittier
  • Publication number: 20120265589
    Abstract: A method for recycling recyclable material involving revenue sharing of the value of the recyclable material for individualized users based upon the amount, quality and/or value of the recyclables contributed by each individual user. A system for recycling recyclable material involving a densification apparatus, a processor, and a computer for allowing revenue sharing of the value of recyclable material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Frank Whittier
  • Publication number: 20110145173
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for managing information relating to recycling activities. In one embodiment, a method is provided in which a consumer returns beverage containers to a redemption kiosk offering a significantly improved consumer experience. Rather than having to wait for an attendant to count the containers and provide value in exchange, an account is maintained for the consumer to which the containers' value is ascribed. The redemption kiosk projects a neat and sanitary appearance, and is designed to be situated in a parking lot outside a retail location so as not to occupy valuable floor space. Information on consumer recycling activities is captured and analyzed to support marketing activities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: William Hunscher, Frank Whittier
  • Patent number: 7317962
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for managing information related to recyclable containers. In one embodiment, an assembly is provided which comprises an intake port, a plurality of densification devices each configured to density a recyclable container, a computer-readable medium on which is stored container information, a scanning device for determining a characteristic of the container, and a processor which selects one of the plurality of densification devices to which the recyclable container should be conveyed based on the characteristic determined by the scanning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Count & Crush, LLC
    Inventor: Frank Whittier
  • Publication number: 20070276686
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for managing consumer recycling activities. In one embodiment, a method is provided for performing a redemption transaction involving a return of recyclable containers by a consumer to a return center and a transfer of value to the consumer in exchange for the recyclable containers. In accordance with this method, a receptacle is provided to a consumer at a first time. The receptacle is usable to drop off recyclable containers at the return center, and is identifiable via an identifier. At a subsequent time, the receptacle, with recyclable containers, is received at the return center. The containers are processed to determine a value to be provided to the consumer. The value is then automatically transferred to an account designated by the consumer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Applicant: Count & Crush, LLC
    Inventors: William Hunscher, Frank Whittier, Tracy Hawkins
  • Publication number: 20070174071
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for managing information relating to recycling activities. In one embodiment, a method is provided in which a consumer returns beverage containers to a redemption kiosk offering a significantly improved consumer experience. Rather than having to wait for an attendant to count the containers and provide value in exchange, an account is maintained for the consumer to which the containers' value is ascribed. The redemption kiosk projects a neat and sanitary appearance, and is designed to be situated in a parking lot outside a retail location so as not to occupy valuable floor space. Information on consumer recycling activities is captured and analyzed to support marketing activities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Applicant: C&C Acquisition, LLC
    Inventors: William Hunscher, Frank Whittier
  • Publication number: 20070174073
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for managing information relating to consumer recycling activities. In one embodiment, a method is provided in which a consumer returns beverage containers to a redemption kiosk offering a significantly improved consumer experience. Rather than having to wait for an attendant to count the containers and provide value in exchange, an account is maintained for the consumer to which the containers' value is ascribed. The redemption kiosk projects a neat and sanitary appearance, and is designed to be situated in a parking lot outside a retail location so as not to occupy valuable floor space. Information on consumer recycling activities is captured and analyzed to support marketing activities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Applicant: C&C Acquisition, LLC
    Inventors: William Hunscher, Frank Whittier
  • Publication number: 20060167580
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for managing information related to recyclable containers. In one embodiment, an assembly is provided which comprises an intake port, a plurality of densification devices each configured to density a recyclable container, a computer-readable medium on which is stored container information, a scanning device for determining a characteristic of the container, and a processor which selects one of the plurality of densification devices to which the recyclable container should be conveyed based on the characteristic determined by the scanning device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Applicant: Evergreen Environmental, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Whittier