Patents by Inventor Gary A. Taylor

Gary A. Taylor 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: 11694527
    Abstract: Security systems and methods for protecting retail display merchandise from theft are provided. For example, a security system includes a sensor configured to removably engage an input port of an item of merchandise, and a monitoring component configured to wirelessly communicate with the sensor and to removably support the sensor thereon, wherein the monitoring component and the sensor are configured to communicate with one another to determine a proximity of the item of merchandise relative to the monitoring component, wherein the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal when the proximity between the monitoring component and the sensor is not within a predetermined range, and wherein the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal in response to the sensor being removed from the input port of the item of merchandise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathon D. Phillips, Michael R. Johnston, Jeffrey A. Grant, Gary A. Taylor, William B. Howell
  • Publication number: 20230177902
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for preventing unauthorized access to server racks. In one example, a system includes an electronic key and an electronic lock configured to be attached to the server rack. The electronic lock is configured to communicate with the electronic key for determining whether the electronic key is authorized to unlock or lock the lock. The electronic lock includes a handle configured to be disengaged from the electronic lock when the electronic key is authorized, and the handle is configured to be actuated to unlock the lock for accessing the server rack when the handle is disengaged from the electronic lock. The electronic lock is configured to re-lock only when the handle is engaged with the electronic lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2021
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventors: Christopher J. Fawcett, Gary A. Taylor, Jeffrey A. Grant, Ethan Evan Wood, David N. Berglund
  • Publication number: 20230145820
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems, devices, lockable enclosures, and methods for data centers. In one example, a lockable enclosure for a data drive is provided. The lockable enclosure includes a housing configured to retain a first data drive and a latch contained within the housing and configured to receive a second data drive, wherein the latch is configured to move within the housing for dispensing the first data drive from the housing while the second data drive remains secured therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2023
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    Inventors: Christopher J. Fawcett, Jeffrey A. Grant, David N. Berglund, Gary A. Taylor
  • Patent number: 11620886
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to security systems for securing an item of merchandise from theft or unauthorized removal. For example, the security system may include a sensor configured to be coupled to the item of merchandise and a base configured to removably support the sensor and the item of merchandise thereon. The sensor includes at least one electrical contact and an inductive coil, and the base includes at least one electrical contact and driving electronics for the inductive coil. The sensor is configured to transfer power inductively to the item of merchandise when the at least one electrical contact of the sensor contacts the at least one electrical contact of the base to thereby allow the driving electronics to energize the inductive coil, wherein the sensor is configured to cease transferring power to the item of merchandise when the sensor is lifted off of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Taylor, David N. Berglund
  • Publication number: 20230084359
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to security systems for securing an item of merchandise from theft or unauthorized removal. For example, the security system may include a sensor configured to be coupled to the item of merchandise and a base configured to removably support the sensor and the item of merchandise thereon. The sensor includes at least one electrical contact and an inductive coil, and the base includes at least one electrical contact and driving electronics for the inductive coil. The sensor is configured to transfer power inductively to the item of merchandise when the at least one electrical contact of the sensor contacts the at least one electrical contact of the base to thereby allow the driving electronics to energize the inductive coil, wherein the sensor is configured to cease transferring power to the item of merchandise when the sensor is lifted off of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2022
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Inventors: Gary A. Taylor, David N. Berglund
  • Publication number: 20220408576
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems, devices, lockable enclosures, and methods for data centers. In one example, a lockable enclosure for a data drive is provided. The lockable enclosure includes a housing configured to retain a first data drive and a latch contained within the housing and configured to receive a second data drive, wherein the latch is configured to move within the housing for dispensing the first data drive from the housing while the second data drive remains secured therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2022
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Inventors: Christopher J. Fawcett, Jeffrey A. Grant, David N. Berglund, Gary A. Taylor
  • Patent number: 11487738
    Abstract: By obtaining metadata for transactions submitted by a service to a log-first distributed database of a provider network, a metrics manager may determine database replica performance for those transactions and notify clients of potential performance issues. When an instance of the service submits a write transaction to the log-first distributed database, the transaction may include a host name and a timestamp for the submission of the transaction. At a later point in time, a write applier may obtain the transaction and apply it to a local database replica, along with an additional timestamp for the application of the transaction to the replica. A metrics manager may obtain the transaction timestamps from the replica and calculate a latency metric for the propagation of the transaction from the particular service instance/instance host to the replica. The latency metric may be stored or transmitted to an endpoint (e.g., a client or administrator).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michele Ficarra, Gary Taylor, Shane Stacey, Carlo Bergonzini
  • Publication number: 20220338644
    Abstract: Modular sweep detectors, systems, and methods for securing items of merchandise from theft and are provided. In one example, a modular sweep detector includes a housing configured to engage a pusher of a pusher device and a sensor configured to engage a biasing member of the pusher device. The biasing member is configured to be biased in response to movement of the pusher. The sensor is configured to detect movement of the pusher for determining if a predetermined number of items of merchandise have been removed from the pusher device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Grant, Gary A. Taylor, David N. Berglund
  • Publication number: 20220341219
    Abstract: A merchandise security device is provided. The merchandise security device may include a lock mechanism operably engaged with a shape memory material configured to receive electrical power for locking and unlocking the lock mechanism. The shape memory material may be configured to change in shape in response to receiving electrical power to thereby lock or unlock the lock mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Applicant: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Taylor, Jeffrey A. Grant, David N. Berglund
  • Publication number: 20220309886
    Abstract: Merchandise security systems and methods are provided. In one example, a merchandise security system includes a plurality of security devices arranged in a wireless network, wherein the plurality of security devices are arranged in a planogram and each configured to protect one or more items from theft, each of the plurality of security devices configured to wirelessly communicate data with a remote device. The system also includes a plurality of electronic keys arranged in the wireless network and configured to wirelessly communicate data with the plurality of security devices and/or the remote device. Each of the plurality of electronic keys is configured to operate the plurality of security devices. The system also includes a gateway configured to receive the data from the plurality of security devices and electronic keys via wireless communication, wherein the gateway is configured to communicate the data to the remote computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2022
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Inventors: Kyle Baker, Gary A. Taylor, Steven R. Bohon, Jeffrey A. Grant, Christopher J. Fawcett, James Richard Terrell, II
  • Publication number: 20220309887
    Abstract: Merchandise security systems and methods are provided. In one example, a merchandise security system includes a plurality of security devices arranged in a wireless network, wherein the plurality of security devices are arranged in a planogram and each configured to protect one or more items from theft, each of the plurality of security devices configured to wirelessly communicate data with a remote device. The system also includes a plurality of electronic keys arranged in the wireless network and configured to wirelessly communicate data with the plurality of security devices and/or the remote device. Each of the plurality of electronic keys is configured to operate the plurality of security devices. The system also includes a gateway configured to receive the data from the plurality of security devices and electronic keys via wireless communication, wherein the gateway is configured to communicate the data to the remote computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2022
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Inventors: Kyle Baker, Gary A. Taylor, Steven R. Bohon, Jeffrey A. Grant, Christopher J. Fawcett, James Richard Terrell, II
  • Publication number: 20220292940
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to merchandise security systems and methods for displaying and protecting items of merchandise from theft. A merchandise security system and method according to the invention includes at least one tag and a plurality of nodes positioned within a display area. The plurality of nodes are operable for determining a location of the tag. The wireless beacon tracking system further includes a server operably associated with the plurality of nodes for receiving information related to the location of the tag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2022
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Inventors: David N. Berglund, Christopher J. Fawcett, Gary A. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20220270452
    Abstract: Security systems and methods for protecting portable electronic devices from theft are provided. For example, a security system includes a sensor configured to be secured to a portable electronic device, and a monitoring component configured to wirelessly communicate with the sensor and to removably support the sensor thereon, wherein the monitoring component and the sensor are configured to communicate with one another to determine a proximity of the portable electronic device relative to the monitoring component, wherein the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal when the proximity between the monitoring component and the sensor is not within a predetermined range. The sensor and the monitoring component are configured to communicate with one another for initially setting the predetermined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2022
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventors: Kevin A. Burtness, Jonathon D. Phillips, Michael R. Johnston, Jeffrey A. Grant, Gary A. Taylor, William B. Howell
  • Patent number: 11412863
    Abstract: Modular sweep detectors, systems, and methods for securing items of merchandise from theft and are provided. In one example, a modular sweep detector includes a housing configured to engage a pusher of a pusher device and a sensor configured to engage a biasing member of the pusher device. The biasing member is configured to be biased in response to movement of the pusher. The sensor is configured to detect movement of the pusher for determining if a predetermined number of items of merchandise have been removed from the pusher device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Grant, Gary A. Taylor, David N. Berglund
  • Patent number: 11414888
    Abstract: A merchandise security device is provided. The merchandise security device may include a lock mechanism operably engaged with a shape memory material configured to receive electrical power for locking and unlocking the lock mechanism. The shape memory material may be configured to change in shape in response to receiving electrical power to thereby lock or unlock the lock mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Taylor, Jeffrey A. Grant, David N. Berglund
  • Patent number: 11393308
    Abstract: In one example, a connector assembly for providing security to an article of merchandise is provided. The connector assembly includes a cord having a plurality of conductors and a body portion connected to the cord. The connector assembly also includes a connection portion engaged with the body portion and including a plurality of engagement members. Each of the engagement members is electrically connected to a respective conductor in the cord, and the connection portion is configured to engage the article of merchandise to thereby electrically connect the engagement members to one another for establishing a sense loop through the conductors in the cord. Interruption of the sense loop is indicative of a security event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathon D. Phillips, Gary A. Taylor, Christopher J. Fawcett, Eric Brutke
  • Patent number: 11381042
    Abstract: In one example, the connector includes a body portion configured to be connected to a cord and a connection portion engaged with the body portion and comprising a plurality of conductors. The connection portion includes a conductive shield electrically connected to a plurality of the conductors when the connection portion is not engaged with the article of merchandise, and the connection portion also includes at least one ground conductor that is not electrically connected to the remaining conductors and/or the conductive shield when the connection portion is not engaged with the article of merchandise. At least one of the conductors and/or the conductive shield is configured to cooperate with the ground conductor to define a sense loop when the connector is engaged with the article of merchandise, and interruption of the sense loop is indicative of a security event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Grant, Gary A. Taylor, Christopher J. Fawcett, Jonathon D. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20220207522
    Abstract: Turning now to the drawings, systems and methods for transferring funds in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated. In one embodiment, a method for conducting peer-to-peer transfers includes obtaining a cash-out request data using a fund transfer server system, wherein the cash-out request data includes target account data and fund data, the target account data includes metadata identifying a consumer account and specifies an account to which funds will be provided, and the fund data describes the funds to be provided in response to redeeming the cash-out request, generating a cash-out code based on cash-out request data using the fund transfer server system, providing the cash-out code using the fund transfer server system, obtaining cash-out code redemption data using the fund transfer server system, wherein the cash-out code redemption data identifies the provided cash-out code, and transmitting a request to provide the funds described by the fund data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2022
    Publication date: June 30, 2022
    Applicant: Green Dot Corporation
    Inventors: Gary Taylor Driggs, David Gullett, Helena Mao, Calvin Park, Vijay Pamamurthy, Jeffrey Wang
  • Patent number: 11361635
    Abstract: Merchandise security systems and methods are provided. In one example, a merchandise security system includes a plurality of security devices arranged in a wireless network, wherein the plurality of security devices are arranged in a planogram and each configured to protect one or more items from theft, each of the plurality of security devices configured to wirelessly communicate data with a remote device. The system also includes a plurality of electronic keys arranged in the wireless network and configured to wirelessly communicate data with the plurality of security devices and/or the remote device. Each of the plurality of electronic keys is configured to operate the plurality of security devices. The system also includes a gateway configured to receive the data from the plurality of security devices and electronic keys via wireless communication, wherein the gateway is configured to communicate the data to the remote computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: InVue Security Products Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle Baker, Gary A. Taylor, Steven R. Bohon, Jeffrey A. Grant, Christopher J. Fawcett, James Richard Terrell, II
  • Publication number: 20220180719
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems, devices, and methods for displaying and securing articles of merchandise. In one example, a merchandise security system includes a plurality of articles of merchandise on display in a retail store and at least one machine learning camera configured to capture images of one or more of the articles of merchandise for detecting information regarding the articles of merchandise, making predictions based on such information, and providing notifications based on such information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Grant, Christopher J. Fawcett, Laura Abbott Lynch, Gary A. Taylor, David N. Berglund, James Richard Terrell, II