Patents by Inventor Gerald S. Fain

Gerald S. Fain 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: 11406217
    Abstract: The techniques described herein provide a globally networked on-demand coffee blending and brewing system. In particular, the system herein can hold coffee beans of distinctly different origins and taste profiles in sealed environmentally controlled “smart hoppers”, and can dynamically grind and blend any combination of available beans based on “flavor profiling” to create a user's desired cup of coffee. Additionally, the network connectivity of the system herein provides advanced collaboration within the coffee community, such as for sharing coffee blends, providing feedback to all levels of the supply chain, and indicating fair trade authenticity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Inventor: Gerald S. Fain
  • Publication number: 20190307285
    Abstract: The techniques described herein provide a globally networked on-demand coffee blending and brewing system. In particular, the system herein can hold coffee beans of distinctly different origins and taste profiles in sealed environmentally controlled “smart hoppers”, and can dynamically grind and blend any combination of available beans based on “flavor profiling” to create a user's desired cup of coffee. Additionally, the network connectivity of the system herein provides advanced collaboration within the coffee community, such as for sharing coffee blends, providing feedback to all levels of the supply chain, and indicating fair trade authenticity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Inventor: Gerald S. Fain
  • Patent number: 10362894
    Abstract: The techniques described herein provide a globally networked on-demand coffee blending and brewing system. In particular, the system herein can hold coffee beans of distinctly different origins and taste profiles in sealed environmentally controlled “smart hoppers”, and can dynamically grind and blend any combination of available beans based on “flavor profiling” to create a user's desired cup of coffee. Additionally, the network connectivity of the system herein provides advanced collaboration within the coffee community, such as for sharing coffee blends, providing feedback to all levels of the supply chain, and indicating fair trade authenticity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Inventor: Gerald S. Fain
  • Publication number: 20160338525
    Abstract: The techniques described herein provide a globally networked on-demand coffee blending and brewing system. In particular, the system herein can hold coffee beans of distinctly different origins and taste profiles in sealed environmentally controlled “smart hoppers”, and can dynamically grind and blend any combination of available beans based on “flavor profiling” to create a user's desired cup of coffee. Additionally, the network connectivity of the system herein provides advanced collaboration within the coffee community, such as for sharing coffee blends, providing feedback to all levels of the supply chain, and indicating fair trade authenticity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventor: Gerald S. Fain
  • Publication number: 20110119153
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a novel “fair trade receipt” may be generated or otherwise supported for products and services found in commerce, such as in e-commerce or conventional in-person commerce. The fair trade receipt may be generated based upon supply-chain disclosures by sellers of the products/services related to fair trade principles. For instance, these disclosures may concern, among other things, the explicit or general nature of the material used, origin of the material, methods of collection, manufacturing methods and techniques, assembly of product parts, method and materials for packaging, shipping and transportation, consequences to the environment, etc. An algorithm used to compile the supply-chain disclosures may then result in a visual indication (e.g., a seal) and/or printed report (e.g., receipt) on the respective product or service criteria produced in advance of sale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Gerald S. Fain, Stephen M. Fain, Richard E. Friedman, Lawrence R. Schultz, Joseph A. Shrand
  • Publication number: 20100274606
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a centralized website may be generated, stored, and executed on servers, where the centralized website has a particular “look and feel” (e.g., a template). In association with granting online e-franchise rights to a secondary entity, a secondary website may be generated, stored, and executed (e.g., on the servers) for the secondary entity and its particular field of endeavor, where each secondary website has the same particular look and feel as the centralized website. Stored content for the secondary website may be managed and monitored to ensure that it (in addition to the business practice of the secondary entity) is operated in accordance with standards set forth by the centralized entity. In this manner, novel e-commerce models may be created and operated, such as a virtual community of associated alliance members that may be accessed by outside users familiar with and confident in the community.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventors: Gerald S. Fain, Stephen M. Fain, Richard E. Friedman, Lawrence R. Schultz, Joseph A. Shrand