Patents by Inventor Gene Hofer

Gene Hofer 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: 11941468
    Abstract: A secure indicator includes a substrate, a barcode symbol that has a plurality of barcode modules provided on the substrate, and a security material positioned proximate the barcode symbol on the substrate. The security material is configured to be activated by irradiation at one or more predetermined activation wavelengths. Additionally, the barcode symbol is configured to be read (i) before the security material is activated and (ii) while the security material is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: TEMPTIME CORPORATION
    Inventors: Marielle K. Smith, Jessica Bicek, Mohannad Abdo, Gene A. Hofer
  • Publication number: 20240068886
    Abstract: A temperature exposure indicator includes a substrate, a first electrode and a second electrode on the substrate, the second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode, a temperature responsive material disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the temperature responsive material comprises an insulating material and conductive particles, and an absorbent coupled to the temperature responsive material. In response to exposure to a temperature above a predetermined threshold temperature, at least a portion of the insulating material of the temperature responsive material is absorbed into the absorbent coupled to the temperature responsive material, changing an electrical property of the temperature responsive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2022
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Applicant: Temptime Corporation
    Inventors: Brian S. HUFFMAN, Deniz BOYU, Gene A. HOFER
  • Publication number: 20230347671
    Abstract: A media processing device includes: a media processing head; a ribbon transport assembly configured to transport ribbon along a ribbon path between a ribbon dispenser and the media processing head; a graphite applicator disposed along the ribbon path, the graphite applicator configured to apply a combination of graphite and graphene to an active side of the ribbon via frictional engagement with the ribbon; and a media transport assembly configured to transport media from a media supply to the media processing head for transfer of at least a portion of the combination of graphite and graphene from the active side of the ribbon onto the media via application of at least one of heat and pressure at the media processing head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Nisa A. Khan, Gene A. Hofer, Mohannad Abdo, Frederick Robert Grabiner, John Olson, Steven J. Vandercar
  • Publication number: 20230236780
    Abstract: In some implementations, a device may identify, for a printing operation, a media type associated with media involved in the printing operation. The device may receive, from a sensor, a sensor measurement associated with an ambient condition of the printer. The device may determine, using a print optimization model, a printing configuration for the printing operation based on the media type and the ambient condition, wherein the print optimization model is trained based on reference data associated with historical printing operations associated with one or more printers, wherein the reference data includes reference configurations associated with the historical printing operations, respective media types of media used in the historical printing operations, and corresponding ambient conditions of the one or more printers during the historical printing operations. The device may cause the printer to perform the printing operation according to the printing configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2023
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventors: Joseph D. Moreira, Gene A. Hofer, Michael T. Cranston, Duanfeng He
  • Publication number: 20230237298
    Abstract: A secure indicator includes a substrate, a barcode symbol that has a plurality of barcode modules provided on the substrate, and a security material positioned proximate the barcode symbol on the substrate. The security material is configured to be activated by irradiation at one or more predetermined activation wavelengths. Additionally, the barcode symbol is configured to be read (i) before the security material is activated and (ii) while the security material is activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2023
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Applicant: Temptime Corporation
    Inventors: Marielle K. SMITH, Jessica BICEK, Mohannad ABDO, Gene A. HOFER
  • Patent number: 11701908
    Abstract: A media processing device includes: a media processing head; a ribbon transport assembly configured to transport ribbon along a ribbon path between a ribbon dispenser and the media processing head; a graphite applicator disposed along the ribbon path, the graphite applicator configured to apply a combination of graphite and graphene to an active side of the ribbon via frictional engagement with the ribbon; and a media transport assembly configured to transport media from a media supply to the media processing head for transfer of at least a portion of the combination of graphite and graphene from the active side of the ribbon onto the media via application of at least one of heat and pressure at the media processing head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Nisa A. Khan, Gene A. Hofer, Mohannad Abdo, Frederick Robert Grabiner, John Olson, Steven J. Vandercar
  • Patent number: 11645022
    Abstract: In some implementations, a device may identify, for a printing operation, a media type associated with media involved in the printing operation. The device may receive, from a sensor, a sensor measurement associated with an ambient condition of the printer. The device may determine, using a print optimization model, a printing configuration for the printing operation based on the media type and the ambient condition, wherein the print optimization model is trained based on reference data associated with historical printing operations associated with one or more printers, wherein the reference data includes reference configurations associated with the historical printing operations, respective media types of media used in the historical printing operations, and corresponding ambient conditions of the one or more printers during the historical printing operations. The device may cause the printer to perform the printing operation according to the printing configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph D. Moreira, Gene A. Hofer, Michael T. Cranston, Duanfeng He
  • Publication number: 20230114227
    Abstract: A customizable temperature exposure indicator and methods for making the same are disclosed. The temperature exposure indicator includes a substrate, a printing region of the substrate forming a heat sensitive media that is configured to darken when it is heated by a thermal printhead, the darkening being permanent with respect to subsequent cooling of the media; at least one memory thermochromic composition provided on an indicator region of the substrate, the thermochromic composition is configured to have high temperature color state when it is heated above a high temperature threshold, and to remain in the high temperature color state until it is cooled below a low temperature threshold, the thermochromic composition is configured to have a low temperature color state when it is cooled below the low temperature threshold and to maintain the low temperature threshold until it is heated above the high temperature threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2021
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Applicant: Temptime Corporation
    Inventors: Gene A. HOFER, Mohannad Abdo, Marielle K. Smith, Arianna E. HARDING
  • Patent number: 11615280
    Abstract: A secure indicator includes a substrate, a barcode symbol that has a plurality of barcode modules provided on the substrate, and a security material positioned proximate the barcode symbol on the substrate. The security material is configured to be activated by irradiation at one or more predetermined activation wavelengths. Additionally, the barcode symbol is configured to be read (i) before the security material is activated and (ii) while the security material is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: TEMPTIME CORPORATION
    Inventors: Marielle K. Smith, Jessica Bicek, Mohannad Abdo, Gene A. Hofer
  • Publication number: 20220314672
    Abstract: A media processing device includes: a media processing head; a ribbon transport assembly configured to transport ribbon along a ribbon path between a ribbon dispenser and the media processing head; a graphite applicator disposed along the ribbon path, the graphite applicator configured to apply a combination of graphite and graphene to an active side of the ribbon via frictional engagement with the ribbon; and a media transport assembly configured to transport media from a media supply to the media processing head for transfer of at least a portion of the combination of graphite and graphene from the active side of the ribbon onto the media via application of at least one of heat and pressure at the media processing head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2021
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Inventors: Nisa A. Khan, Gene A. Hofer, Mohannad Abdo, Frederick Robert Grabiner, John Olson, Steven J. Vandercar
  • Publication number: 20220067468
    Abstract: A secure indicator includes a substrate, a barcode symbol that has a plurality of barcode modules provided on the substrate, and a security material positioned proximate the barcode symbol on the substrate. The security material is configured to be activated by irradiation at one or more predetermined activation wavelengths. Additionally, the barcode symbol is configured to be read (i) before the security material is activated and (ii) while the security material is activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventors: Marielle K. SMITH, Jessica BICEK, Mohannad ABDO, Gene A. HOFER
  • Patent number: 10421020
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided for transmitting participant data relating to one or more participants that are available in a fantasy game, the fantasy game is at least partially related to a players performance in a sporting event; receiving a selected participant data indication from at least one user, the selected participant data indication provides selection of at least one participant from the participant data; generating a participant data update for one or more participants based on the selected participant data indication; the participant data is defined by a time period comprising an event and is calculated based on blink data transmitted from a location tag mounted to the participant; and transmitting the participant data update, the participant data update is viewable via a user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: David Austerlade, Gene Hofer, James J. O'Hagan
  • Patent number: 9604486
    Abstract: Provided is thermally imagable media in which selected areas may be thermally activated to change color. The thermally imagable media includes a substrate having a first and second surface, the first surface supporting a thermally imagable coating, an extender coating, and a top coating such that when activated the thermally imagable coating produces a visible color. The thermally imagable media is activated in a direct thermal printer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Gene A. Hofer, Steven Vandercar, David A. Kelly
  • Publication number: 20170043260
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are disclosed for providing analytics including participant statistical data or game status data. In one embodiment, a method is provided for transmitting participant data relating to one or more participants that are available in a fantasy game, the fantasy game is at least partially related to a players performance in a sporting event; receiving a selected participant data indication from at least one user, the selected participant data indication provides selection of at least one participant from the participant data; generating a participant data update for one or more participants based on the selected participant data indication; the participant data is defined by a time period comprising an event and is calculated based on blink data transmitted from a location tag mounted to the participant; and transmitting the participant data update, the participant data update is viewable via a user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: David Austerlade, Gene Hofer, James J. O'Hagan
  • Patent number: 9517417
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are disclosed for providing analytics including participant statistical data or game status data. In one embodiment, a method is provided for transmitting participant data relating to one or more participants that are available in a fantasy game, the fantasy game is at least partially related to a players performance in a sporting event; receiving a selected participant data indication from at least one user, the selected participant data indication provides selection of at least one participant from the participant data; generating a participant data update for one or more participants based on the selected participant data indication; the participant data is defined by a time period comprising an event and is calculated based on blink data transmitted from a location tag mounted to the participant; and transmitting the participant data update, the participant data update is viewable via a user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: David Austerlade, Gene Hofer, James J. O'Hagan
  • Publication number: 20160052323
    Abstract: Provided is thermally imagable media in which selected areas may be thermally activated to change color. The thermally imagable media includes a substrate having a first and second surface, the first surface supporting a thermally imagable coating, an extender coating, and a top coating such that when activated the thermally imagable coating produces a visible color. The thermally imagable media is activated in a direct thermal printer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Gene A. Hofer, Steven Vandercar, David A. Kelley
  • Publication number: 20150148129
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are disclosed for providing analytics including participant statistical data or game status data. In one embodiment, a method is provided for transmitting participant data relating to one or more participants that are available in a fantasy game, the fantasy game is at least partially related to a players performance in a sporting event; receiving a selected participant data indication from at least one user, the selected participant data indication provides selection of at least one participant from the participant data; generating a participant data update for one or more participants based on the selected participant data indication; the participant data is defined by a time period comprising an event and is calculated based on blink data transmitted from a location tag mounted to the participant; and transmitting the participant data update, the participant data update is viewable via a user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: David Austerlade, Gene Hofer, James J. O'Hagan
  • Publication number: 20130260117
    Abstract: Identification devices (e.g., wristbands) including a face stock comprising a tough polyolefin material and a flexible vinyl layer are provided. A direct thermal chemistry layer can be deposited directly onto a top surface of the face stock or alternatively a pre-print color layer can be depositing directly onto the top surface of the face stock and the direct thermal chemistry layer can be deposited/located onto the free side of the pre-print layer. The flexible vinyl layer can be adhered to a bottom side of the face stock via an adhesive tie-layer sandwiched between the bottom side of the face stock and the flexible vinyl layer. If desired, an anti-cling layer can also be incorporated into the identification devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: ZIH CORP.
    Inventor: Gene A. Hofer
  • Patent number: 7967340
    Abstract: Slip and protective label assemblies are provided, as well as methods of manufacture and application to a receiving face. In one case, the assembly includes a slip layer and a protective layer, with the slip layer divided into a slip portion that is printed upon, a surrounding border portion, and a tab portion. The reverse side of the slip layer is coated with a release coating such that the slip layer may be removably laminated to the protective layer using an adhesive. In another case, direct thermal stock is laminated to an intermediate layer to form a slip laminate, which is adhered to a protective layer to form the assembly. In all cases, the border portion of the slip layer or slip laminate may be removed to attach the label to a receiving face, and the protective layer may be peeled away to provide access to the printed slip portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Gene A. Hofer, Michael S. Weinhammer, Michael W. Paul
  • Publication number: 20080030019
    Abstract: Slip and protective label assemblies are provided, as well as methods of manufacture and application to a receiving face. In one case, the assembly includes a slip layer and a protective layer, with the slip layer divided into a slip portion that is printed upon, a surrounding border portion, and a tab portion. The reverse side of the slip layer is coated with a release coating such that the slip layer may be removably laminated to the protective layer using an adhesive. In another case, direct thermal stock is laminated to an intermediate layer to form a slip laminate, which is adhered to a protective layer to form the assembly. In all cases, the border portion of the slip layer or slip laminate may be removed to attach the label to a receiving face, and the protective layer may be peeled away to provide access to the printed slip portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventors: Gene Hofer, Michael Weinhammer, Michael Paul