Patents by Inventor John Michael Lacriola

John Michael Lacriola 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).

  • Coupon sorting system and method of sorting coupons
    Patent number: 5819954
    Abstract: A system for sorting coupons according to information contained within bar codes or similar markings printed thereon. The system includes a storage bin in which the coupons are received and from which they are removed one at a time. A coupon picker removes the coupon from the storage bin and deposits it upon a conveyor belt at a loading station. The information contained on the coupon is read by an appropriate scanner which ascertains through the use of an appropriate data processing system the address of a receiving bin in which the coupon is to be deposited. The position of the coupon on the conveyor belt is tracked and when the coupon arrives at the address of the receiving bin an air jet is activated to propel the coupon from the conveyor belt into the receiving bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Ralphs Grocery Company
    Inventor: John Michael Lacriola