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).
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Patent number: 11941468Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 27, 2023Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: TEMPTIME CORPORATIONInventors: Marielle K. Smith, Jessica Bicek, Mohannad Abdo, Gene A. Hofer
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Publication number: 20240068886Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2022Publication date: February 29, 2024Applicant: Temptime CorporationInventors: Brian S. HUFFMAN, Deniz BOYU, Gene A. HOFER
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Publication number: 20230347671Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2023Publication date: November 2, 2023Inventors: Nisa A. Khan, Gene A. Hofer, Mohannad Abdo, Frederick Robert Grabiner, John Olson, Steven J. Vandercar
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Publication number: 20230236780Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2023Publication date: July 27, 2023Inventors: Joseph D. Moreira, Gene A. Hofer, Michael T. Cranston, Duanfeng He
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Publication number: 20230237298Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2023Publication date: July 27, 2023Applicant: Temptime CorporationInventors: Marielle K. SMITH, Jessica BICEK, Mohannad ABDO, Gene A. HOFER
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Patent number: 11701908Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 6, 2021Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: Zebra Technologies CorporationInventors: Nisa A. Khan, Gene A. Hofer, Mohannad Abdo, Frederick Robert Grabiner, John Olson, Steven J. Vandercar
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Patent number: 11645022Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 13, 2021Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: Zebra Technologies CorporationInventors: Joseph D. Moreira, Gene A. Hofer, Michael T. Cranston, Duanfeng He
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Publication number: 20230114227Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2021Publication date: April 13, 2023Applicant: Temptime CorporationInventors: Gene A. HOFER, Mohannad Abdo, Marielle K. Smith, Arianna E. HARDING
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Patent number: 11615280Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 31, 2020Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: TEMPTIME CORPORATIONInventors: Marielle K. Smith, Jessica Bicek, Mohannad Abdo, Gene A. Hofer
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Publication number: 20220314672Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2021Publication date: October 6, 2022Inventors: Nisa A. Khan, Gene A. Hofer, Mohannad Abdo, Frederick Robert Grabiner, John Olson, Steven J. Vandercar
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Publication number: 20220067468Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2020Publication date: March 3, 2022Inventors: Marielle K. SMITH, Jessica BICEK, Mohannad ABDO, Gene A. HOFER
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Patent number: 10421020Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 31, 2016Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignee: Zebra Technologies CorporationInventors: David Austerlade, Gene Hofer, James J. O'Hagan
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Patent number: 9604486Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 19, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: ZIH Corp.Inventors: Gene A. Hofer, Steven Vandercar, David A. Kelly
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Publication number: 20170043260Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2016Publication date: February 16, 2017Inventors: David Austerlade, Gene Hofer, James J. O'Hagan
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Patent number: 9517417Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 1, 2014Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: ZIH Corp.Inventors: David Austerlade, Gene Hofer, James J. O'Hagan
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Publication number: 20160052323Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2014Publication date: February 25, 2016Inventors: Gene A. Hofer, Steven Vandercar, David A. Kelley
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Publication number: 20150148129Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2014Publication date: May 28, 2015Inventors: David Austerlade, Gene Hofer, James J. O'Hagan
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Publication number: 20130260117Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2012Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: ZIH CORP.Inventor: Gene A. Hofer
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Patent number: 7967340Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 2, 2007Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: ZIH Corp.Inventors: Gene A. Hofer, Michael S. Weinhammer, Michael W. Paul
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Publication number: 20080030019Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2007Publication date: February 7, 2008Inventors: Gene Hofer, Michael Weinhammer, Michael Paul