Patents by Inventor Gary Mark Shafer
Gary Mark Shafer 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: 20160239794Abstract: According to some example embodiments, systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products are provided for monitoring articles, such as in a commercial environment. In one aspect, the invention can be a system comprising: a monitoring device configured for attachment to the article, the monitoring device including a display configured to display a price of the article; a server; and a router configured to maintain a wireless communications connection between the monitoring device and the server; wherein the monitoring device is configured to: receive a communication including a price change message; and modify a stored price in response to receiving the price change message.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2013Publication date: August 18, 2016Inventors: Gary Mark SHAFER, Michael MERCIER, Lee H. ECKERT, James Gordon WYATT
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Patent number: 9171439Abstract: A security apparatus and method for protecting merchandise items is presented. In the preferred embodiment, a merchandise security device includes a housing with an access door that has an open position and a closed position, a primary power source, a secondary power source and alarm system. The alarm system determines when a voltage of the primary power source drops below a threshold value. When the voltage drops below the threshold value, the alarm system switches to the secondary power source for its power. When the alarm system is in a standby mode, it will not generate alarms when operating on the secondary power source. However, when the alarm system has not been placed into a standby mode, the alarm system will generate alarms when operating on the secondary power source and the access door is in the open position.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2012Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence R. Yeager, Lee H. Eckert, Gary Mark Shafer
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Patent number: 8941471Abstract: A radiofrequency identification (RFID) multiplexer, which may be in a network, interprets an RF signal from an RFED reader as RFE) tag interrogation data. A single cable directs an RF signal from the RFID reader and RF control signals and/or RF power through the multiplexer. An RF sampler may be coupled to the cable; and an RF detector detects the RF signal from the cable via the RF sampler. A data decoder decodes and interprets the RF signal as the RFID tag interrogation data and forwards the RFID tag interrogation data to a control logic circuit as a MUX channel-change command. The logic circuit and decoder may be combined in a microcontroller, and an RF backscatter modulator coupled to the cable enables reverse communication with the RFID reader to determine whether another RFID multiplexer is coupled to the RFID multiplexer.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2006Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Tyco Fire & Security GmbHInventor: Gary Mark Shafer
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Publication number: 20140351098Abstract: According to some example embodiments, systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products are provided for monitoring articles, such as in a commercial environment. In one aspect, the invention can be a system comprising: a monitoring device configured for attachment to the article, the monitoring device including a display configured to display a price of the article; a server; and a router configured to maintain a wireless communications connection between the monitoring device and the server; wherein the monitoring device is configured to: receive a communication including a price change message; and modify a stored price in response to receiving the price change message.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2013Publication date: November 27, 2014Inventors: Gary Mark SHAFER, Michael MERCIER, Lee H. ECKERT, James Gordon WYATT
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Patent number: 8508367Abstract: Provided are embodiments of configurable monitoring devices, methods, systems, computer readable storage media and other means for dynamically transitioning the functionality, roles and/or modes of operation of networked devices. In some examples, the dynamic configuration of the configurable monitoring device may be accomplished wirelessly and used to monitor and track the location of retail products as well as thwart theft of the retail products.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2009Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Inventor: Gary Mark Shafer
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Patent number: 8452868Abstract: According to some example embodiments, systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products are provided for monitoring articles, such as in a commercial environment.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Inventors: Gary Mark Shafer, Michael Mercier, Lee H. Eckert, James Gordon Wyatt, Jr.
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Patent number: 8378823Abstract: An anti-theft security system that utilizes an electronic article surveillance (EAS) beacon that emits an electromagnetic field that a corresponding security tag transponder detects in determining whether to set off onboard transponder alarms or to remain dormant. The EAS beacon is a self-contained beacon that can be easily installed at any desired location and can utilize local utility power or revert to battery power. Among other things, this avoids the large installation, calibration and maintenance costs and tasks of conventional EAS pedestals. The EAS beacon includes coil panels that are secured to an elongated housing that can be flexed to avoid or minimize damage should something or someone come into contact with the panels. An audible/visible alarm is activated when such flexing or tampering occurs. A passive infrared detector is provided to reduce power consumption when the EAS beacon is operating on battery power.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Lee Eckert, Brian Vincent Conti, Gary Mark Shafer, Brian Wiese
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Patent number: 8378826Abstract: Exemplary systems, methods and other means for providing a key device that may be used with a monitoring system are discussed herein. The key device may be configured to communicate with one or more other devices, silence an alarm, commission a tag, decommission a tag, unlock a tag from an item, among other things. The key device may include rules that permit particular functionality based on, for example, time and/or location.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael Mercier, James Gordon Wyatt, Jr., Lee H. Eckert, Gary Mark Shafer
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Publication number: 20130009770Abstract: A security apparatus and method for protecting merchandise items is presented. In the preferred embodiment, a merchandise security device includes a housing with an access door that has an open position and a closed position, a primary power source, a secondary power source and alarm system. The alarm system determines when a voltage of the primary power source drops below a threshold value. When the voltage drops below the threshold value, the alarm system switches to the secondary power source for its power. When the alarm system is in a standby mode, it will not generate alarms when operating on the secondary power source. However, when the alarm system has not been placed into a standby mode, the alarm system will generate alarms when operating on the secondary power source and the access door is in the open position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2012Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Lawrence R. Yeager, Lee H. Eckert, Gary Mark Shafer
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Patent number: 8344884Abstract: According to some example embodiments, systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products are provided for triggering an alarm. In this regard, one example apparatus includes means for receiving an instruction to alarm a security gate device, and means for tuning a security resonator at a location such that a field generated by the security gate device interacts with the security resonator to cause the security gate device to trigger an alarm in response to at least receiving the instruction to alarm the security gate device.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2011Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael Mercier, Gary Mark Shafer, Lee H. Eckert
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Publication number: 20120210755Abstract: The present invention relates to a yoke device for use in combination with a security device. The security device includes a housing and a cable having a first end and a second end, whereby the second end is secured to the housing. The yoke device includes a first leg, a second leg, and a base portion extending therebetween. An eyelet or loop extends from each leg portion to define an opening therein. Each opening is sized to allow the first end of the cable to pass therethrough to facilitate forming a loop around an article of goods, while simultaneously securing the yoke device to the security device such that a first portion and a second portion of the article cannot be separated.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2012Publication date: August 23, 2012Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.Inventor: Gary Mark Shafer
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Patent number: 8120462Abstract: A method and system for determining the absence and presence of items in an RFID interrogation zone. At least one RFID reader transmits interrogation signals in an interrogation zone. Each RFID reader transmits interrogation signals having a forward amount of RF energy and receives response signals from the items in the interrogation zone having a reflected amount of RF energy. A detection circuit determines the presence and absence of items within the interrogation zone based at least in part on the reflected amount of RF energy.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2006Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Sensomatic Electronics, LLCInventor: Gary Mark Shafer
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Publication number: 20120001756Abstract: According to some example embodiments, systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products are provided for triggering an alarm. In this regard, one example apparatus includes means for receiving an instruction to alarm a security gate device, and means for tuning a security resonator at a location such that a field generated by the security gate device interacts with the security resonator to cause the security gate device to trigger an alarm in response to at least receiving the instruction to alarm the security gate device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2011Publication date: January 5, 2012Inventors: Michael Mercier, Gary Mark Shafer, Lee H. Eckert
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Patent number: 8009044Abstract: A detector, system including a detector and method for sensing motion within a detection region. The detector has a detection element and a focusing element aiming received energy corresponding to a presence within the detection region toward the detection element. The focusing element has a plurality of sections in which each of the plurality of sections establishes a corresponding detection zone within the detection region. The plurality of sections are arranged to allow a motion vector to be determined for an object passing through the detection region. The system includes a detector that generates pulses each time presence in a detector zone is detected as well as a central alarm panel. The central alarm panel receives the pulses and has processor that evaluates the timing between electrical pulses to determine the motion vector.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2006Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Sensormatic Electronics, LLCInventors: Gary Mark Shafer, Alfred Yarbrough
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Patent number: 7994911Abstract: According to some example embodiments, systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products are provided for triggering an alarm. In this regard, one example apparatus includes means for receiving an instruction to alarm a security gate device, and means for tuning a security resonator at a location such that a field generated by the security gate device interacts with the security resonator to cause the security gate device to trigger an alarm in response to at least receiving the instruction to alarm the security gate device.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2010Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael Mercier, Gary Mark Shafer, Lee H. Eckert
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Publication number: 20110084840Abstract: Exemplary systems, methods and other means for providing a key device that may be used with a monitoring system are discussed herein. The key device may be configured to communicate with one or more other devices, silence an alarm, commission a tag, decommission a tag, unlock a tag from an item, among other things. The key device may include rules that permit particular functionality based on, for example, time and/or location.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2010Publication date: April 14, 2011Inventors: Michael Mercier, James Gordon Wyatt, JR., Lee H. Eckert, Gary Mark Shafer
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Publication number: 20110074580Abstract: According to some example embodiments, systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products are provided for triggering an alarm. In this regard, one example apparatus includes means for receiving an instruction to alarm a security gate device, and means for tuning a security resonator at a location such that a field generated by the security gate device interacts with the security resonator to cause the security gate device to trigger an alarm in response to at least receiving the instruction to alarm the security gate device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventors: Michael Mercier, Gary Mark Shafer, Lee H. Eckert
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Publication number: 20110068921Abstract: Provided are embodiments of configurable monitoring devices, methods, systems, computer readable storage media and other means for dynamically transitioning the functionality, roles and/or modes of operation of networked devices. In some examples, the dynamic configuration of the configurable monitoring device may be accomplished wirelessly and used to monitor and track the location of retail products as well as thwart theft of the retail products.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2009Publication date: March 24, 2011Applicant: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventor: Gary Mark Shafer
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Publication number: 20110068906Abstract: Provided are embodiments of configurable monitoring devices, methods, systems, computer readable storage media and other means for locating devices. In some examples, the devices are attached to a retail or other type of article. The devices can be dynamically configurable and communicate wirelessly with other network entities.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2009Publication date: March 24, 2011Applicant: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Gary Mark Shafer, Michael Mercier
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Patent number: D678794Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2011Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.Inventors: Lee H. Eckert, Brian Vincent Conti, Gary Mark Shafer, Brian Wiese, David P. Christianson