Patents by Inventor Mark Horton

Mark Horton 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: 12605615
    Abstract: A performance monitoring bridge hand glove for cue sports cues includes a hand enclosure including segments from hand to at least knuckle for each of a middle finger, a pointer finger and a thumb. The glove further includes a thumb webbing sensor array embedded in a webbing portion between the thumb and the pointer finger, and a middle finger sensor array embedded in a distal end of one of the segments for the middle finger. The glove yet further includes a switch communicatively coupled to the thumb webbing sensor array and the middle finger sensor array and switched on by the thumb webbing sensor array and the middle finger sensor array. Finally, the glove includes a feedback element activated by the switch and a power source fixed to the hand enclosure powering the arrays, the switch and the feedback element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2024
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2026
    Assignee: SEYBERT'S BILLIARD CORPORATION
    Inventors: Charles Francis Chvala, Rick Matzke, Mark Horton, Sid Kreis, Benjamin Weisensel
  • Publication number: 20250375694
    Abstract: A performance monitoring bridge hand glove for cue sports cues includes a hand enclosure including segments from hand to at least knuckle for each of a middle finger, a pointer finger and a thumb. The glove further includes a thumb webbing sensor array embedded in a webbing portion between the thumb and the pointer finger, and a middle finger sensor array embedded in a distal end of one of the segments for the middle finger. The glove yet further includes a switch communicatively coupled to the thumb webbing sensor array and the middle finger sensor array and switched on by the thumb webbing sensor array and the middle finger sensor array. Finally, the glove includes a feedback element activated by the switch and a power source fixed to the hand enclosure powering the arrays, the switch and the feedback element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2024
    Publication date: December 11, 2025
    Applicant: Seybert's Billiard Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Francis Chvala, Rick Matzke, Mark Horton, Sid Kreis, Benjamin Weisensel
  • Publication number: 20250032893
    Abstract: Billiard ball movement prediction includes capturing imagery of a billiard ball while in motion and submitting the imagery to an inference engine trained to predict a metric of movement of the billiard ball based upon the captured imagery. Thereafter, the predicted metric of movement is transmitted to a remote computing device for viewing by the end user. In one aspect of the embodiment, the inference engine is trained with annotated video imagery including known speed, revolutions, angular direction and angular momentum. As such, the predicted metric can then include a predicted velocity of the billiard bill, a number of revolutions of the billiard ball during travel along the pool table, an angular direction of movement of the billiard ball relative to a direction of movement of a cue striking the billiard ball, and an angular momentum demonstrated by the movement of the billiard ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2023
    Publication date: January 30, 2025
    Applicant: Seybert's Billiard Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Francis Chvala, Rick Matzke, Mark Horton
  • Publication number: 20250025765
    Abstract: Cue stroke monitoring for player development includes the collection of cue stroke metrics for a real-time monitored cue sports player operating a cue in a cue sports game and the matching of the pool cue stroke metrics to a profile of a different cue sports player. Then, cue stroke content is retrieved which maps to the profile of the different cue sports player. Finally, a visualization of the pool cue stroke content is rendered in a mobile computing device of the real-time monitored cue sports player. In this way, temporally and metrically relevant feedback regarding the cue stroke of the monitored cue sports player is fed back to the monitored cue sports player so as to promote the development of the stroke of the cue sports player.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2023
    Publication date: January 23, 2025
    Applicant: Seybert's Billiard Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Francis Chvala, Mark Horton
  • Patent number: 8948742
    Abstract: A cooperative system for testing signal strength near a target area selected by a wireless provider is disclosed, using test units installed in the fleet vehicles of an unrelated service enterprise. The system in one embodiment includes an algorithm for comparing test parameters to the route data contained in the dispatch plan for the fleet vehicles, in order to identify the optimal routes on which to send test units. A computer software product for storing the parameters and executing the algorithms is also disclosed. Signal testing in a target area is accomplished through the symbiotic relationship between the testing units and the fleet vehicles, whereby the wireless provider benefits from unit carriage along routes already being traveled by the fleet vehicles for a different purpose. This Abstract is provided quickly inform a reader about the subject matter, and not for use interpreting the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventors: Mark Horton, Christopher T. Schenken
  • Publication number: 20140256266
    Abstract: A cooperative system for testing signal strength near a target area selected by a wireless provider is disclosed, using test units installed in the fleet vehicles of an unrelated service enterprise. The system in one embodiment includes an algorithm for comparing test parameters to the route data contained in the dispatch plan for the fleet vehicles, in order to identify the optimal routes on which to send test units. A computer software product for storing the parameters and executing the algorithms is also disclosed. Signal testing in a target area is accomplished through the symbiotic relationship between the testing units and the fleet vehicles, whereby the wireless provider benefits from unit carriage along routes already being traveled by the fleet vehicles for a different purpose. This Abstract is provided quickly inform a reader about the subject matter, and not for use interpreting the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Horton, Christopher T. Schenken
  • Patent number: 8768342
    Abstract: A cooperative system for testing signal strength near a target area selected by a wireless provider is disclosed, using test units installed in the fleet vehicles of an unrelated service enterprise. The system in one embodiment includes an algorithm for comparing test parameters to the route data contained in the dispatch plan for the fleet vehicles, in order to identify the optimal routes on which to send test units. A computer software product for storing the parameters and executing the algorithms is also disclosed. Signal testing in a target area is accomplished through the symbiotic relationship between the testing units and the fleet vehicles, whereby the wireless provider benefits from unit carriage along routes already being traveled by the fleet vehicles for a different purpose. This Abstract is provided quickly inform a reader about the subject matter, and not for use interpreting the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventors: Mark Horton, Christopher T. Schenken
  • Patent number: 8474354
    Abstract: A cutting device for food products having a handle, a neck portion, and a circular cutting blade. The handle is generally curved relative to its longitudinal axis and includes a top surface with a finger stop, the finger stop engaging a user's index finger during use. The handle length is sized in proportion to a typical user's hand so that a free end of the handle is proximate the user's palm. During use, the user's index finger engages a finger stop and top and bottom surfaces of the handle. A method of using such a flat food item cutting device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: Mark Horton
  • Patent number: 8374597
    Abstract: A cooperative system for testing signal strength near a target area selected by a wireless provider is disclosed, using test units installed in the fleet vehicles of an unrelated service enterprise. The system in one embodiment includes an algorithm for comparing test parameters to the route data contained in the dispatch plan for the fleet vehicles, in order to identify the optimal routes on which to send test units. A computer software product for storing the parameters and executing the algorithms is also disclosed. Signal testing in a target area is accomplished through the symbiotic relationship between the testing units and the fleet vehicles, whereby the wireless provider benefits from unit carriage along routes already being traveled by the fleet vehicles for a different purpose. This Abstract is provided quickly inform a reader about the subject matter, and not for use interpreting the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventors: Mark Horton, Christopher T. Schenken
  • Patent number: 8200585
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for determining the disposition of a shipped good, such as a car, damaged during transit. After the damage is detected, a digital image of the is obtained. The image is uploaded to a server typically along with the vehicle identification number and/or other identification data. The server determines the appropriate individual(s) to be contacted, and generates a notification message, typically including the URL of a web site where further information can be obtained. The appropriate individual (“user”) logs onto the server to view the digital images and provides input regarding the disposition of the good. The user may direct the damaged car to a repair shop, a dealer, or another destination. Alternatively, the user may indicate delivery of the car as originally planned. The server may notify other systems of the disposition as well. Other embodiments apply to the disposition of delivered packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Mark Horton
  • Publication number: 20110039498
    Abstract: A cooperative system for testing signal strength near a target area selected by a wireless provider is disclosed, using test units installed in the fleet vehicles of an unrelated service enterprise. The system in one embodiment includes an algorithm for comparing test parameters to the route data contained in the dispatch plan for the fleet vehicles, in order to identify the optimal routes on which to send test units. A computer software product for storing the parameters and executing the algorithms is also disclosed. Signal testing in a target area is accomplished through the symbiotic relationship between the testing units and the fleet vehicles, whereby the wireless provider benefits from unit carriage along routes already being traveled by the fleet vehicles for a different purpose. This Abstract is provided quickly inform a reader about the subject matter, and not for use interpreting the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventors: Mark Horton, Christopher T. Schenken
  • Patent number: 7868753
    Abstract: A system for manipulating data is provided. Such a system comprises a host system, a discrete portable data acquisition device for collecting the data, at least one of a wireless wide area network (WWAN) data radio, a wireless local area network (WLAN) data radio, and a wireless personal area network (WPAN) data radio operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device and configured to at least one of transmit the data to the host system, communicate with a peripheral device, and receive data, and a memory operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device for storing the data, the memory comprising a FLASH memory module, a DRAM memory module, and an NVDRAM memory module. Associated systems, devices, and methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Rhesa Jenkins, Craig Graham, Pamela Klouda, Prabhakar Thyagarjan, Jonathan Hock, Mike Shamel, David Snader, Mike Cutler, John Olsen, Mark Horton, Mike Kerr
  • Patent number: 7783524
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods that facilitate the prevention of fraud occurring in connection with credit cards, debit cards, smart cards and other payment cards that are used in transactions involving goods sold by a seller, delivered by a shipper, and purchased by a buyer. Specifically, the present invention provides systems and methods that allow for physical verification of a payment card (e.g., credit card) upon delivery of goods that are purchased in the context of a remote transaction between a buyer and a seller, including, for example, goods that are ordered via phone, mail order, fax or the Internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Horton
  • Patent number: 7773985
    Abstract: A cooperative system for testing signal strength near a target area selected by a wireless provider is disclosed, using test units installed in the fleet vehicles of an unrelated service enterprise. The system in one embodiment includes an algorithm for comparing test parameters to the route data contained in the dispatch plan for the fleet vehicles, in order to identify the optimal routes on which to send test units. A computer software product for storing the parameters and executing the algorithms is also disclosed. Signal testing in a target area is accomplished through the symbiotic relationship between the testing units and the fleet vehicles, whereby the wireless provider benefits from unit carriage along routes already being traveled by the fleet vehicles for a different purpose. This Abstract is provided quickly inform a reader about the subject matter, and not for use interpreting the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Horton, Christopher T. Schenken
  • Publication number: 20100042459
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for determining the disposition of a shipped good, such as a car, damaged during transit. After the damage is detected, a digital image of the is obtained. The image is uploaded to a server typically along with the vehicle identification number and/or other identification data. The server determines the appropriate individual(s) to be contacted, and generates a notification message, typically including the URL of a web site where further information can be obtained. The appropriate individual (“user”) logs onto the server to view the digital images and provides input regarding the disposition of the good. The user may direct the damaged car to a repair shop, a dealer, or another destination. Alternatively, the user may indicate delivery of the car as originally planned. The server may notify other systems of the disposition as well. Other embodiments apply to the disposition of delivered packages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Horton
  • Patent number: 7660577
    Abstract: The present invention is directed at systems and methods for gathering wireless communication data within a target geographic area. More specifically, selected fleet vehicles are equipped to gather wireless communication data from transmission towers while simultaneously performing other tasks. A signal testing device gathers the signal data while temporarily positioned in a selected fleet vehicle that passes within a target geographic area. The signal testing device is then transferred to other fleet vehicles that also traverse the target geographic area until the desired data from the identified area is collected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris R. Radosta, Mark Horton, Christopher T. Schenken
  • Patent number: 7640169
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for determining the disposition of a shipped good, such as a car, damaged during transit. After the damage is detected, a digital image of the is obtained. The image is uploaded to a server typically along with the vehicle identification number and/or other identification data. The server determines the appropriate individual(s) to be contacted, and generates a notification message, typically including the URL of a web site where further information can be obtained. The appropriate individual (“user”) logs onto the server to view the digital images and provides input regarding the disposition of the good. The user may direct the damaged car to a repair shop, a dealer, or another destination. Alternatively, the user may indicate delivery of the car as originally planned. The server may notify other systems of the disposition as well. Other embodiments apply to the disposition of delivered packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Horton
  • Patent number: 7552901
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, the mounting assembly includes a channel plate and a bracket for securely receiving the signal testing unit. The channel plate is securely mounted adjacent to a surface of a vehicle and includes a plurality of channels that extend through the plate. The bracket includes a housing for receiving the testing unit and one or more clips. Each clip engages a channel in the channel plate to mount the bracket to the channel plate. In addition, each clip includes at least one finger that includes an engaging portion. The clip is removably engaged into one of the channels by positioning the engaging portion of each finger adjacent the back side of the channel plate such that the bracket is positioned adjacent the front side of the channel plate. In one embodiment, the finger is spring biased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven L. Smith, Chris R. Radosta, Mark Horton, Daniel Silvernale, Christopher T. Schenken
  • Publication number: 20080307938
    Abstract: A cutting device for food products having a handle, a neck portion, and a circular cutting blade. The handle is generally curved relative to its longitudinal axis and includes a top surface with a finger stop, the finger stop engaging a user's index finger during use. The handle length is sized in proportion to a typical user's hand so that a free end of the handle is proximate the user's palm. During use, the user's index finger engages a finger stop and top and bottom surfaces of the handle. A method of using such a flat food item cutting device is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventor: Mark Horton
  • Patent number: D1031308
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: SEYBERT'S BILLIARD CORPORATION
    Inventors: Marwan Aylouche, Mark Horton