Patents by Inventor Gary Edward Will
Gary Edward Will 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: 20200160304Abstract: A system for storing key information for duplicating a key includes a kiosk comprising a key identification module. After identifying key blank and bitting pattern information for one or more master keys associated with a user, the kiosk receives a user request to store the identified key information on a remote device associated with the user. Upon verification of the user's identity, the kiosk may encrypt the identified key information, and transmit it to the remote device for storage. On a future visit, upon verification of the user's identity, a kiosk comprising a key identification module and a key cutting module may receive and decrypt the previously stored key information from the remote device. The kiosk may cut the key for the user via the key cutting module based on the previously stored key information.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2020Publication date: May 21, 2020Applicant: THE HILLMAN GROUP, INC.Inventors: Robert Clark MOORE, Gary Edward WILL
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Patent number: 10065442Abstract: A process and apparatus for sublimating images onto two or more products substantially simultaneously are disclosed. Software components are configured to receive input of a desired number of products to sublimate, and then determine a spatial arrangement of the printed images to sublimate the desired number of products substantially simultaneously. The apparatus is configured to print the images according to the spatial arrangement. The apparatus is configured, using a control, to sublimate multiple products substantially simultaneously in a single thermal cycle.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2017Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.Inventors: Gary Edward Will, Mark Leslie Tarter, Bryan Keith Solace, James Francis Huss
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Patent number: 10016986Abstract: A safe, integrated dye sublimation printer apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to print one or more images onto a selected product using one or more heating platens to sublimate the image. The heating platen is configured to sublimate one or more opposing sides of a product substantially simultaneously in a single thermal cycle. In some embodiments, the apparatus may be incorporated into a fully-enclosed vending machine to provide on-demand personalized sublimated products and accessories for a consumer.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2016Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.Inventors: Gary Edward Will, Mark Leslie Tarter, Bryan Keith Solace, James Francis Huss, Jordan Daniel Shoenhair
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Patent number: 10011120Abstract: A process and apparatus for sublimating printed images onto two or more sides of a product simultaneously using a single heating platen are disclosed. The apparatus is configured to print one or more images onto transfer media, then position the transfer media onto a substrate. A product to receive the sublimated image is positioned on top of the transfer media, and the apparatus manipulates the transfer media to substantially surround the product and place at least one image onto each side of the product to be sublimated. A single heating platen then engages the transfer media to sublimate the image. The heating platen is configured, using a control, to sublimate opposing sides of a product substantially simultaneously in a single thermal cycle.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2013Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.Inventors: Gary Edward Will, Mark Leslie Tarter, Bryan Keith Solace, James Francis Huss
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Patent number: 9984525Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for managing inventory within a vending apparatus are disclosed. The vending apparatus includes a robot, which is configured to include a camera or a sensor. The vending apparatus contains one or more storage containers filled with items for sale, and the one or more storage containers may include indicia that are readable by the robot and provide information to outside parties. The robot is configured to monitor the items for sale within the vending apparatus, as well as the level of inventory within each storage container. The vending apparatus may transmit information relating to its included items for sale to an external server, where maintenance and refreshment operations can be implemented in an efficient, cost-effective manner.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2014Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.Inventors: Gary Edward Will, Brian Rosner, Bryan Keith Solace
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Patent number: 9962979Abstract: A dye sublimation apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to either print one or more images onto transfer media, or to print images directly onto products. A selected product to receive the image(s) is positioned on a platen configured to receive one or more types of such products into channels matching those products' dimensions. Proper positioning of the transfer media (or the product, when directly printed) is facilitated by aligning fiducial markers printed on the transfer media and/or product with one or more lights disposed on the platen. The apparatus comprises one or more heating platens configured to sublimate one or more sides of the product in a single thermal cycle with a predetermined temperature, pressure, and duration based on properties of the product. The product platen is translated inside and out of the apparatus by a reversible motor.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2016Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.Inventors: Gary Edward Will, Byron Keith Grice, Brian David Rosner
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Publication number: 20170334228Abstract: A process and apparatus for sublimating images onto two or more products substantially simultaneously are disclosed. Software components are configured to receive input of a desired number of products to sublimate, and then determine a spatial arrangement of the printed images to sublimate the desired number of products substantially simultaneously. The apparatus is configured to print the images according to the spatial arrangement. The apparatus is configured, using a control, to sublimate multiple products substantially simultaneously in a single thermal cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2017Publication date: November 23, 2017Inventors: Gary Edward Will, Mark Leslie Tarter, Bryan Keith Solace, James Francis Huss
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Patent number: 9731534Abstract: A process and apparatus for sublimating printed images onto two or more products substantially simultaneously are disclosed. Software components are configured to receive input of a desired number of products to sublimate, and then determine a spatial arrangement of the printed images on transfer media to sublimate the desired number of products substantially simultaneously. The apparatus is configured to print the images onto the media according to the spatial arrangement, then position the media onto a substrate. The products are automatically placed on the media proximate to their corresponding printed images. The apparatus manipulates the media to substantially surround the products and places at least one image onto each side of each product to be sublimated. One or more heating platens engage the media to sublimate the images. The heating platens are configured, using a control, to sublimate multiple products substantially simultaneously in a single thermal cycle.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2013Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.Inventors: Gary Edward Will, Mark Leslie Tarter, Bryan Keith Solace, James Francis Huss
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Patent number: 9580932Abstract: A key assembly is disclosed. The key assembly may have a blade with a head portion, a shank, and a transition region connecting the head portion to the shank. The key assembly may also have a head configured to receive the blade. The head may have a shoulder located at the transition region to limit engagement of the head with the blade, and at least one tang located at an end of the head opposite the shoulder. The at least one tang may be configured to engage a recess located within a side of the head portion and inhibit removal of the head from the blade.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2015Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.Inventors: Phillip Gerlings, Michael James Schmidt, Gary Edward Will, Bryan K. Solace
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Publication number: 20170036472Abstract: A dye sublimation apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to either print one or more images onto transfer media, or to print images directly onto products. A selected product to receive the image(s) is positioned on a platen configured to receive one or more types of such products into channels matching those products' dimensions. Proper positioning of the transfer media (or the product, when directly printed) is facilitated by aligning fiducial markers printed on the transfer media and/or product with one or more lights disposed on the platen. The apparatus comprises one or more heating platens configured to sublimate one or more sides of the product in a single thermal cycle with a predetermined temperature, pressure, and duration based on properties of the product. The product platen is translated inside and out of the apparatus by a reversible motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2016Publication date: February 9, 2017Inventors: Gary Edward Will, Byron Keith Grice, Brian David Rosner
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Patent number: 9545808Abstract: A safe, integrated dye sublimation printer apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to print one or more images. In some embodiments, the apparatus may be incorporated into a fully-enclosed vending machine, equipped with one or more product storage containers, to provide on-demand personalized sublimated products and accessories for a consumer.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2016Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.Inventors: Brian Rosner, Gary Edward Will, Bryan Keith Solace
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Patent number: 9506272Abstract: A key assembly is disclosed. The key assembly may have a blade with a head portion, a shank, and a transition region connecting the head portion to the shank. The key assembly may also have a head configured to receive the blade. The head may have a shoulder located at the transition region to limit engagement of the head with the blade, and at least one tang located at an end of the head opposite the shoulder. The at least one tang may be configured to engage a recess located within a side of the head portion and inhibit removal of the head from the blade.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2014Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.Inventors: Phillip Gerlings, Michael James Schmidt, Gary Edward Will, Bryan K. Solace
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Publication number: 20160321632Abstract: A system for storing key information for duplicating a key includes a kiosk comprising a key identification module. After identifying key blank and bitting pattern information for one or more master keys associated with a user, the kiosk receives a user request to store the identified key information on a remote device associated with the user. Upon verification of the user's identity, the kiosk may encrypt the identified key information, and transmit it to the remote device for storage. On a future visit, upon verification of the user's identity, a kiosk comprising a key identification module and a key cutting module may receive and decrypt the previously stored key information from the remote device. The kiosk may cut the key for the user via the key cutting module based on the previously stored key information.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2016Publication date: November 3, 2016Inventors: Robert Clark Moore, Gary Edward Will
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Publication number: 20160311241Abstract: A safe, integrated dye sublimation printer apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to print one or more images. In some embodiments, the apparatus may be incorporated into a fully-enclosed vending machine, equipped with one or more product storage containers, to provide on-demand personalized sublimated products and accessories for a consumer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2016Publication date: October 27, 2016Inventors: Brian Rosner, Gary Edward Will, Bryan Keith Solace
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Patent number: 9446599Abstract: An automatic product sublimation process is disclosed allowing for point-of-sale customization of sublimation parameters in a retail environment. A dye sublimation transfer printing system is configured to print one or more images onto transfer media, then position the media onto a substrate. A selected product is positioned on top of the media. The system is configured to automatically determine, by a processor, one or more of a temperature and duration of a single thermal cycle to sublimate the one or more images onto the selected product. The determination may be based on properties of the product, characteristics of the images, or both. One or more heating platens engage the transfer media to sublimate the product in a single thermal cycle, wherein at least one of the cycle's temperature and duration match the determined values. The disclosed process improves the quality of the sublimation technique, yet requires no substantive operator training.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2015Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.Inventors: Gary Edward Will, Mark Leslie Tarter, Bryan Keith Solace, James Francis Huss
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Publication number: 20160221354Abstract: A safe, integrated dye sublimation printer apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to print one or more images onto a selected product using one or more heating platens to sublimate the image. The heating platen is configured to sublimate one or more opposing sides of a product substantially simultaneously in a single thermal cycle. In some embodiments, the apparatus may be incorporated into a fully-enclosed vending machine to provide on-demand personalized sublimated products and accessories for a consumer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2016Publication date: August 4, 2016Inventors: Gary Edward Will, Mark Leslie Tarter, Bryan Keith Solace, James Francis Huss, Jordan Daniel Shoenhair
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Patent number: 9403394Abstract: A safe, integrated dye sublimation transfer printer apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to print one or more images onto transfer media, then align the transfer media onto a substrate. A selected product to receive the sublimated image is positioned on top of the transfer media, and the apparatus brings the transfer media and one or more heating platens into contact to sublimate the image. The heating platen is configured to sublimate one or more opposing sides of a product substantially simultaneously in a single thermal cycle. In some embodiments, the apparatus may be incorporated into a fully-enclosed vending machine to provide on-demand personalized sublimated products and accessories for a consumer.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2014Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.Inventors: Brian Rosner, Gary Edward Will, Bryan Keith Solace
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Patent number: 9333788Abstract: A safe, integrated dye sublimation transfer printer apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to print one or more images onto transfer media, then align the transfer media onto a substrate. A selected product to receive the sublimated image is positioned on top of the transfer media, and one or more heating platens then engage the transfer media to sublimate the image. The heating platen is configured to sublimate one or more opposing sides of a product substantially simultaneously in a single thermal cycle. In some embodiments, the apparatus may be incorporated into a fully-enclosed vending machine to provide on-demand personalized sublimated products and accessories for a consumer.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2013Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.Inventors: Gary Edward Will, Mark Leslie Tarter, Bryan Keith Solace, James Francis Huss, Jordan Daniel Shoenhair
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Publication number: 20160097219Abstract: A key assembly is disclosed. The key assembly may have a blade with a head portion, a shank, and a transition region connecting the head portion to the shank. The key assembly may also have a head configured to receive the blade. The head may have a shoulder located at the transition region to limit engagement of the head with the blade, and at least one tang located at an end of the head opposite the shoulder. The at least one tang may be configured to engage a recess located within a side of the head portion and inhibit removal of the head from the blade.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2015Publication date: April 7, 2016Applicant: The Hillman Group Inc.Inventors: Phillip GERLINGS, Michael James SCHMIDT, Gary Edward WILL, Bryan K. SOLACE
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Publication number: 20160031228Abstract: A process and apparatus for sublimating printed images onto two or more sides of a product simultaneously using a single heating platen are disclosed. The apparatus is configured to print one or more images onto transfer media, then position the transfer media onto a substrate. A product to receive the sublimated image is positioned on top of the transfer media, and the apparatus manipulates the transfer media to substantially surround the product and place at least one image onto each side of the product to be sublimated. A single heating platen then engages the transfer media to sublimate the image. The heating platen is configured, using a control, to sublimate opposing sides of a product substantially simultaneously in a single thermal cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2015Publication date: February 4, 2016Inventors: Gary Edward Will, Mark Leslie Tarter, Bryan Keith Solace, James Francis Huss