Patents by Inventor Mark Shafer

Mark Shafer 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).

  • Publication number: 20130006240
    Abstract: A surgical instrument guide for facilitating treatment of a target tissue is provided. The surgical instrument guide may be placed between two groups of tissue such that a first group of tissue is cut and a second group of tissue is protected from being cut. The surgical instrument guide may lift tissue and slide tissue along a surface so that a target tissue may be cut to a desired depth more easily during a surgical procedure. The surgical instrument guide may be releasably attachable to a surgical instrument or integrally formed therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: David J. McNally, Kim H. Manwaring, Mark Stringham, Mark Shafer
  • Publication number: 20130002422
    Abstract: According to some example embodiments, systems, apparatus, methods, computer readable media, and computer program products are provided for implementing a wireless shelf pusher activity detection system. One example apparatus is a monitoring device for monitoring theft or sales activity associated with a product pusher device. The monitoring device may include a sensor configured to detect movement of a pusher member of the product pusher device, a wireless communications interface, and a processor. The processor may be configured to receive at least one sensor signal from the sensor indicating movement of the pusher member, determine a product movement activity type based on characteristics of the at least one sensor signal, and generate, for transmission via the wireless communications interface, a pusher activity message indicating the product movement activity type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC
    Inventors: Brian Wiese, David Christianson, Mark Shafer
  • Patent number: 8344884
    Abstract: According to some example embodiments, systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products are provided for triggering an alarm. In this regard, one example apparatus includes means for receiving an instruction to alarm a security gate device, and means for tuning a security resonator at a location such that a field generated by the security gate device interacts with the security resonator to cause the security gate device to trigger an alarm in response to at least receiving the instruction to alarm the security gate device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Mercier, Gary Mark Shafer, Lee H. Eckert
  • Publication number: 20120210755
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a yoke device for use in combination with a security device. The security device includes a housing and a cable having a first end and a second end, whereby the second end is secured to the housing. The yoke device includes a first leg, a second leg, and a base portion extending therebetween. An eyelet or loop extends from each leg portion to define an opening therein. Each opening is sized to allow the first end of the cable to pass therethrough to facilitate forming a loop around an article of goods, while simultaneously securing the yoke device to the security device such that a first portion and a second portion of the article cannot be separated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Gary Mark Shafer
  • Patent number: 8243067
    Abstract: Technology creates a better visual perception of PMI data in a three dimensional representation of an object by adjusting the opacity of elements not normal to the view of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: SAP America, Inc
    Inventors: Max Konev, Mark Shafer, Jed Fisher
  • Patent number: 8120462
    Abstract: A method and system for determining the absence and presence of items in an RFID interrogation zone. At least one RFID reader transmits interrogation signals in an interrogation zone. Each RFID reader transmits interrogation signals having a forward amount of RF energy and receives response signals from the items in the interrogation zone having a reflected amount of RF energy. A detection circuit determines the presence and absence of items within the interrogation zone based at least in part on the reflected amount of RF energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Sensomatic Electronics, LLC
    Inventor: Gary Mark Shafer
  • Publication number: 20120001756
    Abstract: According to some example embodiments, systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products are provided for triggering an alarm. In this regard, one example apparatus includes means for receiving an instruction to alarm a security gate device, and means for tuning a security resonator at a location such that a field generated by the security gate device interacts with the security resonator to cause the security gate device to trigger an alarm in response to at least receiving the instruction to alarm the security gate device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Mercier, Gary Mark Shafer, Lee H. Eckert
  • Patent number: 8009044
    Abstract: A detector, system including a detector and method for sensing motion within a detection region. The detector has a detection element and a focusing element aiming received energy corresponding to a presence within the detection region toward the detection element. The focusing element has a plurality of sections in which each of the plurality of sections establishes a corresponding detection zone within the detection region. The plurality of sections are arranged to allow a motion vector to be determined for an object passing through the detection region. The system includes a detector that generates pulses each time presence in a detector zone is detected as well as a central alarm panel. The central alarm panel receives the pulses and has processor that evaluates the timing between electrical pulses to determine the motion vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Sensormatic Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: Gary Mark Shafer, Alfred Yarbrough
  • Patent number: 7994911
    Abstract: According to some example embodiments, systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products are provided for triggering an alarm. In this regard, one example apparatus includes means for receiving an instruction to alarm a security gate device, and means for tuning a security resonator at a location such that a field generated by the security gate device interacts with the security resonator to cause the security gate device to trigger an alarm in response to at least receiving the instruction to alarm the security gate device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Mercier, Gary Mark Shafer, Lee H. Eckert
  • Patent number: 7940262
    Abstract: Technology is disclosed for improving the rendering of a three-dimensional (3D) object. In one aspect, the technology applies multi-scale visibility patches and adjacency heuristics to restore proper face and normals orientation at a per-object and per-polygon level; and target where best to apply ray-casting metrics to refine visibility determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Right Hemisphere Limited
    Inventors: Max Konev, Mark Shafer, Jed Fisher
  • Publication number: 20110084840
    Abstract: Exemplary systems, methods and other means for providing a key device that may be used with a monitoring system are discussed herein. The key device may be configured to communicate with one or more other devices, silence an alarm, commission a tag, decommission a tag, unlock a tag from an item, among other things. The key device may include rules that permit particular functionality based on, for example, time and/or location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Michael Mercier, James Gordon Wyatt, JR., Lee H. Eckert, Gary Mark Shafer
  • Publication number: 20110074580
    Abstract: According to some example embodiments, systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products are provided for triggering an alarm. In this regard, one example apparatus includes means for receiving an instruction to alarm a security gate device, and means for tuning a security resonator at a location such that a field generated by the security gate device interacts with the security resonator to cause the security gate device to trigger an alarm in response to at least receiving the instruction to alarm the security gate device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Michael Mercier, Gary Mark Shafer, Lee H. Eckert
  • Publication number: 20110068906
    Abstract: Provided are embodiments of configurable monitoring devices, methods, systems, computer readable storage media and other means for locating devices. In some examples, the devices are attached to a retail or other type of article. The devices can be dynamically configurable and communicate wirelessly with other network entities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Mark Shafer, Michael Mercier
  • Publication number: 20110068921
    Abstract: Provided are embodiments of configurable monitoring devices, methods, systems, computer readable storage media and other means for dynamically transitioning the functionality, roles and/or modes of operation of networked devices. In some examples, the dynamic configuration of the configurable monitoring device may be accomplished wirelessly and used to monitor and track the location of retail products as well as thwart theft of the retail products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: Checkpoint Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Mark Shafer
  • Publication number: 20110072132
    Abstract: According to some example embodiments, systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products are provided for monitoring articles, such as in a commercial environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventors: Gary Mark Shafer, Michael Mercier, Lee H. Eckert, James Gordon Wyatt, JR.
  • Patent number: 7888140
    Abstract: An integrated circuit package may include a substrate and an integrated circuit. The substrate may include at least one region, and a first magnetic material associated with the at least one region. The integrated circuit may have a second magnetic material associated therewith. The second magnetic material may be attracted to the first magnetic material to coupled the integrated circuit to the at least one region of the substrate. The IC package may be utilized in an RFID tag of an RFID system. An associated method for assembling an integrated circuit to a substrate is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Sensormatic Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: Ming-Ren Lian, Gary Mark Shafer, George A. Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20100277322
    Abstract: An anti-theft security system that utilizes an electronic article surveillance (EAS) beacon that emits an electromagnetic field that a corresponding security tag transponder detects in determining whether to set off onboard transponder alarms or to remain dormant. The EAS beacon is a self-contained beacon that can be easily installed at any desired location and can utilize local utility power or revert to battery power. Among other things, this avoids the large installation, calibration and maintenance costs and tasks of conventional EAS pedestals. The EAS beacon includes coil panels that are secured to an elongated housing that can be flexed to avoid or minimize damage should something or someone come into contact with the panels. An audible/visible alarm is activated when such flexing or tampering occurs. A passive infrared detector is provided to reduce power consumption when the EAS beacon is operating on battery power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Lee Eckert, Brian Vincent Conti, Gary Mark Shafer, Brian Wiese
  • Publication number: 20100238030
    Abstract: A detector, system including a detector and method for sensing motion within a detection region. The detector has a detection element and a focusing element aiming received energy corresponding to a presence within the detection region toward the detection element. The focusing element has a plurality of sections in which each of the plurality of sections establishes a corresponding detection zone within the detection region. The plurality of sections are arranged to allow a motion vector to be determined for an object passing through the detection region. The system includes a detector that generates pulses each time presence in a detector zone is detected as well as a central alarm panel. The central alarm panel receives the pulses and has processor that evaluates the timing between electrical pulses to determine the motion vector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: ADT Security Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Mark Shafer, Alfred Yarbrough
  • Patent number: 7791540
    Abstract: A near field antenna is disclosed which is configured to read an RFID label such that a localized electric E field emitted by the antenna at an operating wavelength resides substantially within a zone defined by the near field. The localized E field directs a current distribution along an effective length of the antenna corresponding to a half-wave to a full-wave structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Sensormatic Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: Gary Mark Shafer, Karen Bellum Bomber, George A. Reynolds, Jr., John Ford, Ming-Ren Lian, Edward Di Carlo, Richard L. Copeland, Marcus Christopher
  • Publication number: 20100148965
    Abstract: A method and system for increasing the read range of a security tag by supplying an additional antenna system to the tag in order to provide power to a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) chip without the need to rely solely on power from the RFID reader. The security tag includes an RFID chip and a first antenna circuit coupled to the RFID chip where the first antenna circuit is adapted to decode interrogation signals from an RFID reader. The security tag also includes a second antenna circuit coupled to the RFID chip. The second antenna circuit is adapted to induce power from signals received from at least an alternate power source, such as an EAS transmitter, so that the RFID chip can be powered up and activated during an RFID interrogation round.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: SENSORMATIC ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark ALEXIS, Ming-Ren LIAN, Gary Mark SHAFER