Patents by Inventor John Wesley Swafford, Jr.
John Wesley Swafford, Jr. 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: 11580812Abstract: Sensor-equipped display management systems and methods that may be used to calculate a number of products removed from a display management system based upon motion of one or more mechanisms within the display management system. Additionally, the systems and methods may be used to detect patterns from the sensor data, which may be indicative of attempted theft of products stored within the display management system.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2019Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.Inventors: John Wesley Swafford, Jr., Michael Alvin Lembke
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Patent number: 11397914Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing information along a shelf edge of a retailer is described. On a display configured to be oriented along an edge of a shelf of a retailer, a first user interface including first information about a first product on the shelf is provided. At least one second user interface including at least one second information about at least one second product on the shelf is provided on the display. An individual is permitted to edit a parameter of the first user interface and/or the at least one second user interface. The parameter may include at least one of: a size of the user interface on the display, a shape of the user interface on the display, and a location of the user interface on the display. The first information and the at least one second information may be outputted concurrently to the display.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2019Date of Patent: July 26, 2022Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.Inventors: Bradley Thomas Johnson, John Wesley Swafford, Jr., Michael Alvin Lembke, Joseph Christian Ernest
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Publication number: 20200066084Abstract: Sensor-equipped display management systems and methods that may be used to calculate a number of products removed from a display management system based upon motion of one or more mechanisms within the display management system. Additionally, the systems and methods may be used to detect patterns from the sensor data, which may be indicative of attempted theft of products stored within the display management system.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2019Publication date: February 27, 2020Inventors: John Wesley Swafford, Jr., Michael Alvin Lembke
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Patent number: 10535216Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for detecting and communicating the position of a pusher assembly on a shelf. In an embodiment, a system includes a control module, a pusher assembly, and a laser scanner. The laser scanner is configured to transmit a swept beam to a mirrored reflective surface located behind the pusher assembly. The control module analyzes the laser beam at the laser scanner to detect the position of the pusher assembly on the shelf. In another embodiment, a system includes a control module, a pusher assembly, and an infrared transceiver that sends and receives infrared signals. The transceiver may be located behind the pusher assembly. The control module analyzes the infrared signals to determine the position of the pusher assembly on the shelf.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2017Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.Inventors: John Wesley Swafford, Jr., Michael Alvin Lembke
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Publication number: 20190220805Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing information along a shelf edge of a retailer is described. On a display configured to be oriented along an edge of a shelf of a retailer, a first user interface including first information about a first product on the shelf is provided. At least one second user interface including at least one second information about at least one second product on the shelf is provided on the display. An individual is permitted to edit a parameter of the first user interface and/or the at least one second user interface. The parameter may include at least one of: a size of the user interface on the display, a shape of the user interface on the display, and a location of the user interface on the display. The first information and the at least one second information may be outputted concurrently to the display.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2019Publication date: July 18, 2019Inventors: Bradley Thomas Johnson, John Wesley Swafford, JR., Michael Alvin Lembke, Joseph Christian Ernest
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Patent number: 10210478Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing information along a shelf edge of a retailer is described. On a display configured to be oriented along an edge of a shelf of a retailer, a first user interface including first information about a first product on the shelf is provided. At least one second user interface including at least one second information about at least one second product on the shelf is provided on the display. An individual is permitted to edit a parameter of the first user interface and/or the at least one second user interface. The parameter may include at least one of: a size of the user interface on the display, a shape of the user interface on the display, and a location of the user interface on the display. The first information and the at least one second information may be outputted concurrently to the display.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2018Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.Inventors: Bradley Thomas Johnson, John Wesley Swafford, Jr., Michael Alvin Lembke, Joseph Christian Ernest
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Publication number: 20180189727Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing information along a shelf edge of a retailer is described. On a display configured to be oriented along an edge of a shelf of a retailer, a first user interface including first information about a first product on the shelf is provided. At least one second user interface including at least one second information about at least one second product on the shelf is provided on the display. An individual is permitted to edit a parameter of the first user interface and/or the at least one second user interface. The parameter may include at least one of: a size of the user interface on the display, a shape of the user interface on the display, and a location of the user interface on the display. The first information and the at least one second information may be outputted concurrently to the display.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2018Publication date: July 5, 2018Inventors: Bradley Thomas Johnson, John Wesley Swafford, JR., Michael Alvin Lembke, Joseph Christian Ernest
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Patent number: 9898712Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing information along a shelf edge of a retailer is described. On a display configured to be oriented along an edge of a shelf of a retailer, a first user interface including first information about a first product on the shelf is provided. At least one second user interface including at least one second information about at least one second product on the shelf is provided on the display. An individual is permitted to edit a parameter of the first user interface and/or the at least one second user interface. The parameter may include at least one of: a size of the user interface on the display, a shape of the user interface on the display, and a location of the user interface on the display. The first information and the at least one second information may be outputted concurrently to the display.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.Inventors: Bradley Thomas Johnson, John Wesley Swafford, Jr., Michael Alvin Lembke, Joseph Christian Ernest
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Publication number: 20180047243Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for detecting and communicating the position of a pusher assembly on a shelf. In an embodiment, a system includes a control module, a pusher assembly, and a laser scanner. The laser scanner is configured to transmit a swept beam to a mirrored reflective surface located behind the pusher assembly. The control module analyzes the laser beam at the laser scanner to detect the position of the pusher assembly on the shelf. In another embodiment, a system includes a control module, a pusher assembly, and an infrared transceiver that sends and receives infrared signals. The transceiver may be located behind the pusher assembly. The control module analyzes the infrared signals to determine the position of the pusher assembly on the shelf.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2017Publication date: February 15, 2018Inventors: John Wesley Swafford, JR., Michael Alvin Lembke
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Patent number: 9805539Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for detecting and communicating the position of a pusher assembly on a shelf. In an embodiment, a system includes a control module, a pusher assembly, and a laser scanner. The laser scanner is configured to transmit a swept beam to a mirrored reflective surface located behind the pusher assembly. The control module analyzes the laser beam at the laser scanner to detect the position of the pusher assembly on the shelf. In another embodiment, a system includes a control module, a pusher assembly, and an infrared transceiver that sends and receives infrared signals. The transceiver may be located behind the pusher assembly. The control module analyzes the infrared signals to determine the position of the pusher assembly on the shelf.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2014Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.Inventors: John Wesley Swafford, Jr., Michael Alvin Lembke
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Patent number: 9222645Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a lighting assembly and method for illuminating a vertical planar area, such as a merchandise display. The lighting assembly can comprise two opposing support arms and a lighting bar extending between the two opposing support arms, a circuit board having a plurality of LEDs mounted to the inside of the lighting bar; and a plurality of reflective surfaces located adjacent to the plurality of LEDs, wherein the plurality of reflective surfaces are positioned such that the LEDs project a first light beam in a first direction and a second light beam in a second direction different than the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2013Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: RTC Industries, IncorporatedInventors: David S. Breslow, John Wesley Swafford, Jr.
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Patent number: 8938396Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for detecting and communicating the position of a pusher assembly on a shelf. In an embodiment, a system includes a control module, a pusher assembly, and a laser scanner. The laser scanner is configured to transmit a swept beam to a mirrored reflective surface located behind the pusher assembly. The control module analyzes the laser beam at the laser scanner to detect the position of the pusher assembly on the shelf. In another embodiment, a system includes a control module, a pusher assembly, and an infrared transceiver that sends and receives infrared signals. The transceiver may be located behind the pusher assembly. The control module analyzes the infrared signals to determine the position of the pusher assembly on the shelf.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2010Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.Inventors: John Wesley Swafford, Jr., Joseph Christian Ernest
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Patent number: 8864334Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a lighting assembly and method for illuminating a vertical planar area, such as a merchandise display. The lighting assembly can comprise a circuit board having a plurality of LEDs arranged in a substantially straight line and an LED driver circuit, and an integral lens assembly. The integral lens assembly can have a plurality of lenses and each of the plurality of lenses can be placed over a corresponding one of the plurality of LEDs. The lenses capture the light from the respective LED, modify its beam pattern, and re-project the light such that the light emitted from the lighting assembly is distributed substantially evenly in a vertical plane or direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2010Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.Inventors: John Wesley Swafford, Jr., David S. Breslow, Joseph Christian Ernest
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Publication number: 20140299620Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for detecting and communicating the position of a pusher assembly on a shelf. In an embodiment, a system includes a control module, a pusher assembly, and a laser scanner. The laser scanner is configured to transmit a swept beam to a mirrored reflective surface located behind the pusher assembly. The control module analyzes the laser beam at the laser scanner to detect the position of the pusher assembly on the shelf. In another embodiment, a system includes a control module, a pusher assembly, and an infrared transceiver that sends and receives infrared signals. The transceiver may be located behind the pusher assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2014Publication date: October 9, 2014Inventors: John Wesley Swafford, JR., Michael Alvin Lembke
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Patent number: 8812378Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for detecting and communicating the position of a pusher assembly on a shelf. In an embodiment, a system includes a control module, a pusher assembly, and a laser scanner. The laser scanner is configured to transmit a swept beam to a mirrored reflective surface located behind the pusher assembly. The control module analyzes the laser beam at the laser scanner to detect the position of the pusher assembly on the shelf. In another embodiment, a system includes a control module, a pusher assembly, and an infrared transceiver that sends and receives infrared signals. The transceiver may be located behind the pusher assembly. The control module analyzes the infrared signals to determine the position of the pusher assembly on the shelf.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2011Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.Inventors: John Wesley Swafford, Jr., Michael Alvin Lembke
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Publication number: 20110310598Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a lighting assembly and method for illuminating a vertical planar area, such as a merchandise display. The lighting assembly can comprise two opposing support arms and a lighting bar extending between the two opposing support arms, a circuit board having a plurality of LEDs mounted to the inside of the lighting bar; and a plurality of lenses placed over a corresponding one of the plurality of LEDs. The lens may be positioned around every other LED on the lighting bar to capture light from a respective LED, modify the beam pattern, and re-project the light such that the light emitted from the lighting assembly is distributed substantially evenly in a vertical plane or direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2011Publication date: December 22, 2011Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.Inventor: John Wesley Swafford, JR.
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Publication number: 20110282768Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for detecting and communicating the position of a pusher assembly on a shelf. In an embodiment, a system includes a control module, a pusher assembly, and a laser scanner. The laser scanner is configured to transmit a swept beam to a mirrored reflective surface located behind the pusher assembly. The control module analyzes the laser beam at the laser scanner to detect the position of the pusher assembly on the shelf. In another embodiment, a system includes a control module, a pusher assembly, and an infrared transceiver that sends and receives infrared signals. The transceiver may be located behind the pusher assembly. The control module analyzes the infrared signals to determine the position of the pusher assembly on the shelf.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2011Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: RTC Industries Inc.Inventors: John Wesley Swafford, JR., Joseph Christian Ernest
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Publication number: 20110063844Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a lighting assembly and method for illuminating a vertical planar area, such as a merchandise display. The lighting assembly can comprise a circuit board having a plurality of LEDs arranged in a substantially straight line and an LED driver circuit, and an integral lens assembly. The integral lens assembly can have a plurality of lenses and each of the plurality of lenses can be placed over a corresponding one of the plurality of LEDs. The lenses capture the light from the respective LED, modify its beam pattern, and re-project the light such that the light emitted from the lighting assembly is distributed substantially evenly in a vertical plane or direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Applicant: RTC INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: John Wesley Swafford, Jr., David S. Breslow, Joseph Christian Ernest
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Publication number: 20110055103Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for detecting and communicating the position of a pusher assembly on a shelf. In an embodiment, a system includes a control module, a pusher assembly, and a laser scanner. The laser scanner is configured to transmit a swept beam to a mirrored reflective surface located behind the pusher assembly. The control module analyzes the laser beam at the laser scanner to detect the position of the pusher assembly on the shelf. In another embodiment, a system includes a control module, a pusher assembly, and an infrared transceiver that sends and receives infrared signals. The transceiver may be located behind the pusher assembly. The control module analyzes the infrared signals to determine the position of the pusher assembly on the shelf.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2010Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: RTC Industries, Inc.Inventors: John Wesley Swafford, JR., Joseph Christian Ernest
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Patent number: D627905Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2010Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.Inventors: John Wesley Swafford, Jr., David Breslow