Patents by Inventor Frederick W. Roberts
Frederick W. Roberts 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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Publication number: 20110193716Abstract: An apparatus includes a container and a content identification device providing an audible identification of the contents of the container. The container can be included in an automatic dispensing system. A method is also provided. The method includes providing a container, and producing an audible identification of contents of the container in response to one of: opening the container, a request to access the contents of the container, or actual access of the contents of the container by a user.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2011Publication date: August 11, 2011Applicant: UPMCInventors: Jeffrey S. Goff, Frederick W. Roberts
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Patent number: 7813966Abstract: Controlling overtime in an auction is disclosed. A first time interval and a second time interval are defined. A first closing time for a first lot is also defined. A first bid is received for the first lot. A second bid is received for the first lot. A correlation between the second bid and the first bid is determined. The first closing time is extended using the second time interval if the correlation between the second bid and the first bid satisfies a trigger criterion. The trigger criterion is selected from a group consisting of a rank behind market and a quantity behind market.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Ariba, Inc.Inventors: Marc Alaia, David J. Becker, Anthony F. Bernard, Daniel C. Heckmann, Sam E. Kinney, Jr., Glen T. Meakem, Vincent F. Rago, Jason Reneau, Frederick W. Roberts, William D. Rupp, Robert G. Stevens
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Patent number: 7792707Abstract: Control of overtime in an auction is disclosed. A first time interval, a second time interval, and a first closing time for a first lot are defined. It is determined that at least one new bid for the first lot is received during the first time interval. The new bid is received close to the first closing time. The first closing time is extended using the second time interval if the correlation between the new bid and the at least one other bid satisfies a trigger criterion that is based on a rank of the new bid and the at least one other bid.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2007Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Ariba, Inc.Inventors: Marc Alaia, David J. Becker, Anthony F. Bernard, Daniel C. Heckmann, Sam E. Kinney, Jr., Glen T. Meakem, Vincent F. Rago, Jason W. Reneau, Frederick W. Roberts, William D. Rupp, Robert G. Stevens
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Patent number: 7571137Abstract: A method and system for conducting electronic auctions is described. A dynamic lot closing extension feature avoids collisions in closing times of multiple lots by dynamically extending the closing time of a subsequent lot if a preceding lot's closing time is extended to be too close to the subsequent lot's then-currently scheduled closing time. Scheduled closing times can be extended with a flexible overtime feature, in which the properties of the event triggering the extension and the duration of the overtime period(s) can be tailored to a particular auction, particular lots of products within an auction, and to the particular time within an auction process. The bidding status of a lot can be set to a “pending” status after the nominal closing time for submission of bids to allow bidders to alert the auction coordinator of technical problems in submission of bids. This allows the possibility for a lot to be return to open status for further bidding by all bidders.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: Ariba, Inc.Inventors: Marc Alaia, David J. Becker, Anthony F. Bernard, Daniel C. Heckmann, Sam E. Kinney, Jr., Glen T. Meakem, Vincent F. Rago, Jason W. Reneau, Frederick W. Roberts, William D. Rupp, Robert G. Stevens
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Patent number: 7558746Abstract: Information about a first lot and a second lot is displayed. The information includes a first closing time for the first lot, and a second closing time for the second lot. The second closing time is later than the first closing time. Responsive to the receipt of a bid for the first lot within a first predefined timer interval of the first closing time, an updated first closing time for the first lot is determined. The updated first closing time is displayed. If the updated first closing time is less than a second predefined time interval from the second closing time, an updated second closing time is displayed.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2006Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Ariba, Inc.Inventors: Marc Alaia, David J. Becker, Anthony F. Bernard, Daniel C. Heckmann, Sam E. Kinney, Jr., Glen T. Meakem, Vincent F. Rago, Jason Reneau, Frederick W. Roberts, William D. Rupp, Robert G. Stevens
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Publication number: 20080162332Abstract: A method and system for conducting electronic auctions is described. A dynamic lot closing extension feature avoids collisions in closing times of multiple lots by dynamically extending the closing time of a subsequent lot if a preceding lot's closing time is extended to be too close to the subsequent lot's then-currently scheduled closing time. Scheduled closing times can be extended with a flexible overtime feature, in which the properties of the event triggering the extension and the duration of the overtime period(s) can be tailored to a particular auction, particular lots of products within an auction, and to the particular time within an auction process. The bidding status of a lot can be set to a “pending” status after the nominal closing time for submission of bids to allow bidders to alert the auction coordinator of technical problems in submission of bids. This allows the possibility for a lot to be return to open status for further bidding by all bidders.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: Marc Alaia, David J. Becker, Anthony F. Bernard, Daniel C. Heckmann, Sam E. Kinney, Glen T. Meakem, Vincent F. Rago, Jason W. Reneau, Frederick W. Roberts, William D. Rupp, Robert G. Stevens
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Patent number: 7395238Abstract: A method and system for conducting electronic auctions is described. A dynamic lot closing extension feature avoids collisions in closing times of multiple lots by dynamically extending the closing time of a subsequent lot if a preceding lot's closing time is extended to be too close to the subsequent lot's then-currently scheduled closing time. Scheduled closing times can be extended with a flexible overtime feature, in which the properties of the event triggering the extension and the duration of the overtime period(s) can be tailored to a particular auction, particular lots of products within an auction, and to the particular time within an auction process. The bidding status of a lot can be set to a “pending” status after the nominal closing time for submission of bids to allow bidders to alert the auction coordinator of technical problems in submission of bids. This allows the possibility for a lot to be return to open status for further bidding by all bidders.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: Ariba, Inc.Inventors: Marc Alaia, David J. Becker, Anthony F. Bernard, Daniel C. Heckmann, Sam E. Kinney, Jr., Glen T. Meakem, Vincent F. Rago, Jason Reneau, Frederick W. Roberts, William D. Rupp, Robert G. Stevens
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Publication number: 20080154763Abstract: A first lot and a second lot are presented to a plurality of bidders in a multi-lot electronic auction between an originator and the plurality of bidders. A closing time of the first lot precedes a closing time of the second lot. Bids are received from the plurality of bidders for the first lot. A closing time of the first lot is extended by an incremental amount of time upon an occurrence of an overtime trigger. If the difference in time between the extended closing time of the first lot precedes a closing time of the second lot by less than a minimum time interval, the closing time of the second lot is extended by the incremental amount of time.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Marc Alaia, David J. Becker, Anthony F. Bernard, Daniel C. Heckmann, Sam E. Kinney, Glen T. Meakem, Vincent F. Rago, Jason W. Reneau, Frederick W. Roberts, William D. Rupp, Robert G. Stevens
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Publication number: 20080147533Abstract: A method and system for conducting electronic auctions is described. A dynamic lot closing extension feature avoids collisions in closing times of multiple lots by dynamically extending the closing time of a subsequent lot if a preceding lot's closing time is extended to be too close to the subsequent lot's then-currently scheduled closing time. Scheduled closing times can be extended with a flexible overtime feature, in which the properties of the event triggering the extension and the duration of the overtime period(s) can be tailored to a particular auction, particular lots of products within an auction, and to the particular time within an auction process. The bidding status of a lot can be set to a “pending” status after the nominal closing time for submission of bids to allow bidders to alert the auction coordinator of technical problems in submission of bids. This allows the possibility for a lot to be return to open status for further bidding by all bidders.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: June 19, 2008Inventors: Marc Alaia, David J. Becker, Anthony F. Bernard, Daniel C. Heckmann, Sam E. Kinney, Glen T. Meakem, Vincent F. Rago, Jason W. Reneau, Frederick W. Roberts, William D. Rupp, Robert G. Stevens
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Publication number: 20080133377Abstract: A method and system for conducting electronic auctions is described. A dynamic lot closing extension feature avoids collisions in closing times of multiple lots by dynamically extending the closing time of a subsequent lot if a preceding lot's closing time is extended to be too close to the subsequent lot's then-currently scheduled closing time. Scheduled closing times can be extended with a flexible overtime feature, in which the properties of the event triggering the extension and the duration of the overtime period(s) can be tailored to a particular auction, particular lots of products within an auction, and to the particular time within an auction process. The bidding status of a lot can be set to a “pending” status after the nominal closing time for submission of bids to allow bidders to alert the auction coordinator of technical problems in submission of bids. This allows the possibility for a lot to be return to open status for further bidding by all bidders.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2007Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventors: Marc Alaia, David J. Becker, Anthony F. Bernard, Daniel C. Heckmann, Sam E. Kinney, Glen T. Meakem, Vincent F. Rago, Jason W. Reneau, Frederick W. Roberts, William D. Rupp, Robert G. Stevens
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Patent number: 7283980Abstract: A method and system for conducting electronic auctions is described. A dynamic lot closing extension feature avoids collisions in closing times of multiple lots by dynamically extending the closing time of a subsequent lot if a preceding lot's closing time is extended to be too close to the subsequent lot's then-currently scheduled closing time. Scheduled closing times can be extended with a flexible overtime feature, in which the properties of the event triggering the extension and the duration of the overtime period(s) can be tailored to a particular auction, particular lots of products within an auction, and to the particular time within an auction process. The bidding status of a lot can be set to a “pending” status after the nominal closing time for submission of bids to allow bidders to alert the auction coordinator of technical problems in submission of bids. This allows the possibility for a lot to be return to open status for further bidding by all bidders.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2001Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Ariba, Inc.Inventors: Marc Alaia, David J. Becker, Anthony F. Bernard, Daniel C. Heckmann, Sam E. Kinney, Jr., Glen T. Meakem, Vincent F. Rago, Jason Reneau, Frederick W. Roberts, William D. Rupp, Robert G. Stevens
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Patent number: 7152043Abstract: A method and system for conducting electronic auctions is described. A dynamic lot closing extension feature avoids collisions in closing times of multiple lots by dynamically extending the closing time of a subsequent lot if a preceding lot's closing time is extended to be too close to the subsequent lot's then-currently scheduled closing time. In one embodiment, scheduled closing times can be extended with a flexible overtime feature, in which the properties of the event triggering the extension and the duration of the overtime period(s) can be tailored to a particular auction, particular lots of products within an auction, and to the particular time within an auction process.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2001Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: Ariba, Inc.Inventors: Marc Alaia, David J. Becker, Anthony F. Bernard, Daniel C. Heckmann, Sam E. Kinney, Jr., Glen T. Meakem, Vincent F. Rago, Jason Reneau, Frederick W. Roberts, William D. Rupp, Robert G. Stevens
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Publication number: 20020077959Abstract: A method and system for conducting electronic auctions is described. Lots in the auction are comprised of line items. Line item guidelines determine how adjustments are made to line item bid values when the value of the lot bid is adjusted. The value of a line item bid cannot be adjusted to exceed the line item bid maximum, or go below the line item bid minimum.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2001Publication date: June 20, 2002Inventors: Marc Alaia, David J. Becker, Anthony F. Bernard, Daniel C. Heckmann, Sam E. Kinney, Glen T. Meakem, Vincent F. Rago, Jason Reneau, Frederick W. Roberts, William D. Rupp, Robert G. Stevens
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Publication number: 20020046148Abstract: A method and system for conducting electronic auctions is described. A dynamic lot closing extension feature avoids collisions in closing times of multiple lots by dynamically extending the closing time of a subsequent lot if a preceding lot's closing time is extended to be too close to the subsequent lot's then-currently scheduled closing time. Scheduled closing times can be extended with a flexible overtime feature, in which the properties of the event triggering the extension and the duration of the overtime period(s) can be tailored to a particular auction, particular lots of products within an auction, and to the particular time within an auction process. The bidding status of a lot can be set to a “pending” status after the nominal closing time for submission of bids to allow bidders to alert the auction coordinator of technical problems in submission of bids. This allows the possibility for a lot to be return to open status for further bidding by all bidders.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2001Publication date: April 18, 2002Applicant: FreeMarkets OnLine, Inc.Inventors: Marc Alaia, David J. Becker, Anthony F. Bernard, Daniel C. Heckmann, Sam E. Kinney, Glen T. Meakem, Vincent F. Rago, Jason Reneau, Frederick W. Roberts, William D. Rupp, Robert G. Stevens
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Publication number: 20010037285Abstract: A method and system for conducting electronic auctions is described. A dynamic lot closing extension feature avoids collisions in closing times of multiple lots by dynamically extending the closing time of a subsequent lot if a preceding lot's closing time is extended to be too close to the subsequent lot's then-currently scheduled closing time. Scheduled closing times can be extended with a flexible overtime feature, in which the properties of the event triggering the extension and the duration of the overtime period(s) can be tailored to a particular auction, particular lots of products within an auction, and to the particular time within an auction process. The bidding status of a lot can be set to a “pending” status after the nominal closing time for submission of bids to allow bidders to alert the auction coordinator of technical problems in submission of bids. This allows the possibility for a lot to be return to open status for further bidding by all bidders.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2001Publication date: November 1, 2001Applicant: Free Markets OnLine, Inc.Inventors: Marc Alaia, David J. Becker, Anthony F. Bernard, Daniel C. Heckmann, Sam E. Kinney, Glen T. Meakem, Vincent F. Rago, Jason Reneau, Frederick W. Roberts, William D. Rupp, Robert G. Stevens
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Publication number: 20010032173Abstract: A method and system for conducting electronic auctions is described. A dynamic lot closing extension feature avoids collisions in closing times of multiple lots by dynamically extending the closing time of a subsequent lot if a preceding lot's closing time is extended to be too close to the subsequent lot's then-currently scheduled closing time. Scheduled closing times can be extended with a flexible overtime feature, in which the properties of the event triggering the extension and the duration of the overtime period(s) can be tailored to a particular auction, particular lots of products within an auction, and to the particular time within an auction process. The bidding status of a lot can be set to a “pending” status after the nominal closing time for submission of bids to allow bidders to alert the auction coordinator of technical problems in submission of bids. This allows the possibility for a lot to be return to open status for further bidding by all bidders.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2001Publication date: October 18, 2001Applicant: FreeMarkets Online, Inc.Inventors: Marc Alaia, David J. Becker, Anthony F. Bernard, Daniel C. Heckmann, Sam E. Kinney, Glen T. Meakem, Vincent F. Rago, Jason Reneau, Frederick W. Roberts, William D. Rupp, Robert G. Stevens
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Publication number: 20010027434Abstract: A method and system for conducting electronic auctions is described. A dynamic lot closing extension feature avoids collisions in closing times of multiple lots by dynamically extending the closing time of a subsequent lot if a preceding lot's closing time is extended to be too close to the subsequent lot's then-currently scheduled closing time. Scheduled closing times can be extended with a flexible overtime feature, in which the properties of the event triggering the extension and the duration of the overtime period(s) can be tailored to a particular auction, particular lots of products within an auction, and to the particular time within an auction process. The bidding status of a lot can be set to a “pending” status after the nominal closing time for submission of bids to allow bidders to alert the auction coordinator of technical problems in submission of bids. This allows the possibility for a lot to be return to open status for further bidding by all bidders.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2001Publication date: October 4, 2001Applicant: Free Markets OnLine, Inc.Inventors: Marc Alaia, David J. Becker, Anthony F. Bernard, Daniel C. Heckmann, Sam E. Kinney, Glen T. Meakem, Vincent F. Rago, Jason Reneau, Frederick W. Roberts, William D. Rupp, Robert G. Stevens
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Patent number: 6230147Abstract: A method and system for conducting electronic auctions is described. A dynamic lot closing extension feature avoids collisions in closing times of multiple lots by dynamically extending the closing time of a subsequent lot if a preceding lot's closing time is extended to be too close to the subsequent lot's then-currently scheduled closing time. Scheduled closing times can be extended with a flexible overtime feature, in which the properties of the event triggering the extension and the duration of the overtime period(s) can be tailored to a particular auction, particular lots of products within an auction, and to the particular time within an auction process. The bidding status of a lot can be set to a “pending” status after the nominal closing time for submission of bids to allow bidders to alert the auction coordinator of technical problems in submission of bids. This allows the possibility for a lot to be return to open status for further bidding by all bidders.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 1999Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignee: FreeMarkets, Inc.Inventors: Marc Alaia, David J. Becker, Anthony F. Bernard, Daniel C. Heckmann, Sam E. Kinney, Jr., Glen T. Meakem, Vincent F. Rago, Jason Reneau, Frederick W. Roberts, William D. Rupp, Robert G. Stevens
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Patent number: 6230146Abstract: A method and system for conducting electronic auctions is described. A dynamic lot closing extension feature avoids collisions in closing times of multiple lots by dynamically extending the closing time of a subsequent lot if a preceding lot's closing time is extended to be too close to the subsequent lot's then-currently scheduled closing time. Scheduled closing times can be extended with a flexible overtime feature, in which the properties of the event triggering the extension and the duration of the overtime period(s) can be tailored to a particular auction, particular lots of products within an auction, and to the particular time within an auction process. The bidding status of a lot can be set to a “pending” status after the nominal closing time for submission of bids to allow bidders to alert the auction coordinator of technical problems in submission of bids. This allows the possibility for a lot to be return to open status for further bidding by all bidders.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1999Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignee: FreeMarkets, Inc.Inventors: Marc Alaia, David J. Becker, Anthony F. Bernard, Daniel C. Heckmann, Sam E. Kinney, Jr., Glen T. Meakem, Vincent F. Rago, Jason Reneau, Frederick W. Roberts, William D. Rupp, Robert G. Stevens
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Patent number: 6223167Abstract: A method and system for conducting electronic auctions is described. A dynamic lot closing extension feature avoids collisions in closing times of multiple lots by dynamically extending the closing time of a subsequent lot if a preceding lot's closing time is extended to be too close to the subsequent lot's then-currently scheduled closing time. Scheduled closing times can be extended with a flexible overtime feature, in which the properties of the event triggering the extension and the duration of the overtime period(s) can be tailored to a particular auction, particular lots of products within an auction, and to the particular time within an auction process. The bidding status of a lot can be set to a “pending” status after the nominal closing time for submission of bids to allow bidders to alert the auction coordinator of technical problems in submission of bids. This allows the possibility for a lot to be return to open status for further bidding by all bidders.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: FreeMarkets, Inc.Inventors: Marc Alaia, David J. Becker, Anthony F. Bernard, Daniel C. Heckmann, Sam E. Kinney, Jr., Glen T. Meakem, Vincent F. Rago, Jason Reneau, Frederick W. Roberts, William D. Rupp, Robert G. Stevens