Patents by Inventor Mark Sehmer

Mark Sehmer 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: 11783144
    Abstract: A transportable container is enabled with radio frequency identification (“RFID”) technologies to maintain automated inventory levels of those items that are inside the container. The inventory data is communicated via wireless methods, such as cellular or Wi-Fi, to a remote device such as enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system. The ERP system may use the inventory data received from the remote device to automatically update appropriately and generate appropriate records (e.g., container inventory, restocking, invoicing, etc.). In some embodiments, automated RFID scans are triggered when the container is opened and subsequently closed. The container may include RF containment/screening to prevent inadvertent scanning of RFID tags outside of the container. The container may also include a location device to allow the location of the container to be readily determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Promega Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Pleshek, Brian George, Travis Phillips, Mark Sehmer
  • Publication number: 20220164675
    Abstract: A multi-tenant, RFID system that may be Cloud based or run on a local area network (LAN) for distributed RFID devices and RFID applications. The RFID system a central abstraction and translation layer between RFID devices installed in geographically diverse locations and applications. RFID devices initiate communication to a Cloud or LAN network over to send events and receive commands RFID applications can receive RFID tag data, device health, and requested and derived events from the RFID system to automatically run processes based on the provided data. Applications manage RFID devices and settings in the RFID system using command and configuration interfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2021
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Inventors: Mark Sehmer, Travis Phillips, Mike Lohmeier
  • Patent number: 11164144
    Abstract: A multi-tenant, RFID system that may be Cloud based or run on a local area network (LAN) for distributed RFID devices and RFID applications. The RFID system a central abstraction and translation layer between RFID devices installed in geographically diverse locations and applications. RFID devices initiate communication to a Cloud or LAN network over to send events and receive commands. RFID applications can receive RFID tag data, device health, and requested and derived events from the RFID system to automatically run processes based on the provided data. Applications manage RFID devices and settings in the RFID system using command and configuration interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Promega Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Sehmer, Travis Phillips, Mike Lohmeier
  • Patent number: 10839170
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tray for use with a cloud application platform is described. A cloud application, operatively coupled to the RFID tray via the cloud application platform, issues a command to the RFID tray. The issued command is received by an embedded agent of the RFID tray. Based on the received command, the RFID tray performs an RFID scan of one or more RFID-tagged items placed on or in the RFID tray, and the embedded agent sends the tag information from the one or more RFID-tagged items to a cloud application of the cloud network that tracks an inventory of the RFID-tagged items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: PROMEGA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark Sehmer, John Kuehl
  • Publication number: 20200034582
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tray for use with a cloud application platform is described. A cloud application, operatively coupled to the RFID tray via the cloud application platform, issues a command to the RFID tray. The issued command is received by an embedded agent of the RFID tray. Based on the received command, the RFID tray performs an RFID scan of one or more RFID-tagged items placed on or in the RFID tray, and the embedded agent sends the tag information from the one or more RFID-tagged items to a cloud application of the cloud network that tracks an inventory of the RFID-tagged items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Mark Sehmer, John Kuehl
  • Patent number: 10546161
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tray for use with a cloud application platform is described. A cloud application, operatively coupled to the RFID tray via the cloud application platform, issues a command to the RFID tray. The issued command is received by an embedded agent of the RFID tray. Based on the received command, the RFID tray performs an RFID scan of one or more RFID-tagged items placed on or in the RFID tray, and the embedded agent sends the tag information from the one or more RFID-tagged items to a cloud application of the cloud network that tracks an inventory of the RFID-tagged items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: PROMEGA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark Sehmer, John Kuehl
  • Publication number: 20190333002
    Abstract: A multi-tenant, RFID system that may be Cloud based or run on a local area network (LAN) for distributed RFID devices and RFID applications. The RFID system a central abstraction and translation layer between RFID devices installed in geographically diverse locations and applications. RFID devices initiate communication to a Cloud or LAN network over to send events and receive commands. RFID applications can receive RFID tag data, device health, and requested and derived events from the RFID system to automatically run processes based on the provided data. Applications manage RFID devices and settings in the RFID system using command and configuration interfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Inventors: Mark Sehmer, Travis Phillips, Mike Lohmeier
  • Patent number: 10445537
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) encoding device can comprise an applicator, an RFID reader with an antenna, and a housing having a receptacle. The receptacle can be configured to receive a vial. The applicator can be configured to apply an RFID tag to the vial. The RFID reader can have at least one antenna. The antenna can be configured to communicate with the RFID tag. The device can be configured to communicate with a host computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Inventors: Travis Phillips, Brian George, Nicholas Roman Dachniwskyj, Mark Sehmer
  • Publication number: 20190303633
    Abstract: A transportable container is enabled with radio frequency identification (“RFID”) technologies to maintain automated inventory levels of those items that are inside the container. The inventory data is communicated via wireless methods, such as cellular or Wi-Fi, to a remote device such as enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system. The ERP system may use the inventory data received from the remote device to automatically update appropriately and generate appropriate records (e.g., container inventory, restocking, invoicing, etc.). In some embodiments, automated RFID scans are triggered when the container is opened and subsequently closed. The container may include RF containment/screening to prevent inadvertent scanning of RFID tags outside of the container. The container may also include a location device to allow the location of the container to be readily determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2019
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Inventors: Joseph Pleshek, Brian George, Travis Phillips, Mark Sehmer
  • Patent number: 10395076
    Abstract: A mobile RFID container, such as a case, cargo container, vehicle, etc., includes an RFID detector configured to conduct an RFID scan to generate scan data concerning the items carried in the mobile RFID container, and location determining circuitry for generating location data concerning the location of the mobile RFID container. A method for distributing RFID-tagged items using the mobile RFID container includes placing a plurality of RFID-tagged items in the mobile RFID container, conducting one or more RFID scans to generate scan data concerning the contents of the RFID container, and processing the scan data and location data to determine the location of the mobile RFID container at times when the contents of the RFID container have changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: PROMEGA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Travis Phillips, Mark Sehmer
  • Publication number: 20190130139
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tray for use with a cloud application platform is described. A cloud application, operatively coupled to the RFID tray via the cloud application platform, issues a command to the RFID tray. The issued command is received by an embedded agent of the RFID tray. Based on the received command, the RFID tray performs an RFID scan of one or more RFID-tagged items placed on or in the RFID tray, and the embedded agent sends the tag information from the one or more RFID-tagged items to a cloud application of the cloud network that tracks an inventory of the RFID-tagged items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Publication date: May 2, 2019
    Inventors: Mark Sehmer, John Kuehl
  • Publication number: 20180341440
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) system can include, for example, a device configured to communicate with a printer and a cloud network. In some examples, the device is separate from the printer. The device can be configured to provide two-way communication with the cloud network and the printer, to receive a request from the cloud network, and to cause the printer to print based on the request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Jason Gennaro, Travis Phillips, Mark Sehmer, Jason Collins
  • Publication number: 20180232548
    Abstract: A mobile RFID container, such as a case, cargo container, vehicle, etc., includes an RFID detector configured to conduct an RFID scan to generate scan data concerning the items carried in the mobile RFID container, and location determining circuitry for generating location data concerning the location of the mobile RFID container. A method for distributing RFID-tagged items using the mobile RFID container includes placing a plurality of RFID-tagged items in the mobile RFID container, conducting one or more RFID scans to generate scan data concerning the contents of the RFID container, and processing the scan data and location data to determine the location of the mobile RFID container at times when the contents of the RFID container have changed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Travis Phillips, Mark Sehmer
  • Patent number: 9979095
    Abstract: According to certain inventive techniques, a system includes a plurality of shelves in an interior chamber of a cold-storage apparatus, an RFID antenna assembly in the cold-storage apparatus, and a controller. Each of the shelves can support items that are connected a corresponding RFID tag. The RFID antenna assembly includes a plurality of RFID antenna elements that direct a transmission of radio frequenc(ies) towards the plurality of shelves. The controller is in communication with the RFID antenna assembly and can individually and separately control each of the RFID antenna elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: PROMEGA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark Sehmer, Brian George, Joe Pleshek, Travis Phillips
  • Patent number: 9977928
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tray for use with a cloud application platform is described. A cloud application, operatively coupled to the RFID tray via the cloud application platform, issues a command to the RFID tray. The issued command is received by an embedded agent of the RFID tray. Based on the received command, the RFID tray performs an RFID scan of one or more RFID-tagged items placed on or in the RFID tray, and the embedded agent sends the tag information from the one or more RFID-tagged items to a cloud application of the cloud network that tracks an inventory of the RFID-tagged items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: PROMEGA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark Sehmer, John Kuehl
  • Patent number: 9953197
    Abstract: A mobile RFID container, such as a case, cargo container, vehicle, etc., includes an RFID detector configured to conduct an RFID scan to generate scan data concerning the items carried in the mobile RFID container, and location determining circuitry for generating location data concerning the location of the mobile RFID container. A method for distributing RFID-tagged items using the mobile RFID container includes placing a plurality of RFID-tagged items in the mobile RFID container, conducting one or more RFID scans to generate scan data concerning the contents of the RFID container, and processing the scan data and location data to determine the location of the mobile RFID container at times when the contents of the RFID container have changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: PROMEGA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Travis Phillips, Mark Sehmer
  • Publication number: 20180082088
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tray for use with a cloud application platform is described. A cloud application, operatively coupled to the RFID tray via the cloud application platform, issues a command to the RFID tray. The issued command is received by an embedded agent of the RFID tray. Based on the received command, the RFID tray performs an RFID scan of one or more RFID-tagged items placed on or in the RFID tray, and the embedded agent sends the tag information from the one or more RFID-tagged items to a cloud application of the cloud network that tracks an inventory of the RFID-tagged items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Inventors: Mark Sehmer, John Kuehl
  • Publication number: 20180004988
    Abstract: A transportable container is enabled with radio frequency identification (“RFID”) technologies to maintain automated inventory levels of those items that are inside the container. The inventory data is communicated via wireless methods, such as cellular or Wi-Fi, to a remote device such as enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system. The ERP system may use the inventory data received from the remote device to automatically update appropriately and generate appropriate records (e.g., container inventory, restocking, invoicing, etc.). In some embodiments, automated RFID scans are triggered when the container is opened and subsequently closed. The container may include RF containment/screening to prevent inadvertent scanning of RFID tags outside of the container. The container may also include a location device to allow the location of the container to be readily determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph Pleshek, Brian George, Travis Phillips, Mark Sehmer
  • Publication number: 20170300724
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) encoding device can comprise an applicator, an RFID reader with an antenna, and a housing having a receptacle. The receptacle can be configured to receive a vial. The applicator can be configured to apply an RFID tag to the vial. The RFID reader can have at least one antenna. The antenna can be configured to communicate with the RFID tag. The device can be configured to communicate with a host computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Travis Phillips, Brian George, Nicholas Roman Dachniwskyj, Mark Sehmer
  • Patent number: 9704000
    Abstract: A transportable container is enabled with radio frequency identification (“RFID”) technologies to maintain automated inventory levels of those items that are inside the container. The inventory data is communicated via wireless methods, such as cellular or Wi-Fi, to a remote device such as enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system. The ERP system may use the inventory data received from the remote device to automatically update appropriately and generate appropriate records (e.g., container inventory, restocking, invoicing, etc.). In some embodiments, automated RFID scans are triggered when the container is opened and subsequently closed. The container may include RF containment/screening to prevent inadvertent scanning of RFID tags outside of the container. The container may also include a location device to allow the location of the container to be readily determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: PROMEGA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joseph Pleshek, Brian George, Travis Phillips, Mark Sehmer