Patents by Inventor Mark Vincent Bowles

Mark Vincent Bowles 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: 20170083886
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes various embodiments of methods and systems for operating a kiosk that is configured to purchase electronic items from a user. One or more cameras on the kiosk record a transaction which is stored as a record on a computer-readable medium. A record is also kept of the times at which events occur such as the user activating a control or button, as well as times when graphical user interface (GUI) screens are presented to the user. The transaction record can be analyzed in real time or at a later date to determine why some transactions are not completed or to improve the user experience with the kiosk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: John Edward Silva, Mark Vincent Bowles, Jeffrey Ploetner
  • Publication number: 20160328684
    Abstract: A recycling kiosk for recycling and financial remuneration for submission of an electronic device is disclosed herein. The recycling kiosk includes an inspection area with preferably two mirrored, domed hemispheres positioned about a transparent table and cameras for imaging an electronic device placed on the table. The recycling kiosk also includes a processor, a display and a user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Inventors: Mark Vincent Bowles, Jeffrey Ploetner, John Andrew Beane
  • Publication number: 20160284019
    Abstract: A process for a pre-acquisition auction for recycled electronic devices is disclosed herein. A plurality of pre-acquisition purchase prices are established with each of the plurality of pre-acquisition purchase prices established for a recycled electronic device in a predetermined condition, and each of the pre-acquisition purchase prices established by a winning bid from a bidder of a plurality of bidders for a recycled electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Inventors: Mark Vincent Bowles, Thomas L. Tullie, Eric Rosser
  • Publication number: 20160275460
    Abstract: Systems and methods for recycling electronic and/or other consumer electronic devices are disclosed herein. A kiosk configured in accordance with one embodiment of the technology includes a laser device, an imaging device, a processor operably coupled to the laser device and/or the imaging device, and a non-transitory computer readable medium having instructions stored therein that are executable by the processor. The laser device is configured to form a laser beam line across at least one exterior surface of the electronic device, the imaging device is configured to acquire an image of the laser beam line, and the instructions are executable by the processor to determine one or more physical attributes of the electronic device based at least in part on an evaluation of the laser beam line in the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventors: Jeffrey Ploetner, Mark Vincent Bowles
  • Publication number: 20160275518
    Abstract: Hardware and/or software systems and associated methods for user verification at a kiosk are described herein. In various embodiments, the present technology includes systems and methods associated with verifying that a user matches an identification photo, comparing a user at a kiosk to a known image of the user, comparing a user's image to images of persons who are blocked from kiosk use, recognizing the presence of potential hawkers, etc. Various other aspects of the present technology are described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventors: Mark Vincent Bowles, Jeffrey Ploetner, John Andrew Beane, Andrew Spaventa
  • Publication number: 20160171575
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes various embodiments of methods and systems for identifying a device that is being offered for purchase from a user at a kiosk. In some embodiments, the kiosk queries a database to determine or corroborate the type of equipment being offered for purchase based on an unique identifier such as an IMEI/MEID number or a TAC code for the device. In one embodiment the database may be a database created by a governing organization that associates IMEI/MIED numbers with particular equipment types. In another embodiment, a database stores records of transactions involving particular types of equipment and TAC numbers associated with the types of equipment used in the transaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Mark Vincent Bowles, John Silva, Christopher Ray Dawson
  • Publication number: 20160171544
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes various embodiments of methods and systems for providing a kiosk with coupon/promotion information that is selected for the physical location of the kiosk or the owner of the location where the kiosk is located. A server computer is connected to the kiosks through a communication network that may include a wired or wireless link. A database at the server stores information about coupons/promotions that is transmitted to individual kiosks and stored in memory. The coupon/promotion information is sent to one or more kiosks when an operator of the server chooses to update the information. In another embodiment, a kiosk sends identifying information that can be analyzed to determine if any new coupon/promotion information is available for the kiosk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Larry Heminger, Mark Vincent Bowles, Eric Rosser
  • Publication number: 20160171456
    Abstract: Systems and associated methods for recycling and performing other processes with consumer electronic devices are described herein. In various embodiments, the present technology includes systems and methods for identifying and evaluating a used or pre-owned consumer electronic device, such as a mobile phone, laptop, etc. to facilitate purchasing the device. In some embodiments, the present technology includes a counter-top evaluation terminal that evaluates a device and facilitates purchase and recycling of the device. Various other aspects of the present technology are described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventor: Mark Vincent Bowles
  • Publication number: 20160132840
    Abstract: Hardware and software application systems and associated methods for obtaining information from, evaluating, and pricing mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, and/or other electronic devices for recycling and/or other processing are described herein. In various embodiments, the present technology includes systems and methods associated with an electronic evaluator device that facilitates processing (e.g., purchasing at a consumer-operated kiosk) a target device. In some embodiments, the present technology includes using an app on the evaluator device to obtain information from the target device, identify the target device, evaluate the target device, price the target device, etc. Various other aspects of the present technology are described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Mark Vincent Bowles, Randal Erman, John Andrew Beane
  • Publication number: 20160125367
    Abstract: Systems and associated methods for recycling and performing other processes with consumer electronic devices are described herein. In various embodiments, the present technology includes systems and methods for identifying and evaluating an electronic device to facilitate processing (e.g., purchasing) the device. In some embodiments, the present technology includes a self-service evaluation apparatus and a cashier terminal that identifies and evaluates a device and that facilitates purchase and recycling of the device. Various other aspects of the present technology are described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventors: Mark Vincent Bowles, Michael Librizzi, Jeffrey Ploetner, John Andrew Beane, Eric Rosser
  • Publication number: 20160125548
    Abstract: Systems and associated methods for processing insurance claims and performing other processes associated with mobile phones and other electronic devices are described herein. In various embodiments, the present technology includes systems and methods for identifying and evaluating an electronic device to facilitate processing insurance claims for the device. In some embodiments, the present technology includes a self-serve kiosk configured to identify a device, evaluate a device, and facilitate processing insurance claims. In some embodiments, a self-serve kiosk is provided that can identify and evaluate a device, and present one or more insurance offers to a user. Various other aspects of the present technology are described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventors: Mark Vincent Bowles, Eric Rosser
  • Publication number: 20160098690
    Abstract: Wireless-enabled kiosk systems and associated methods for recycling and performing other processes with mobile phones and other electronic devices are described herein. In various embodiments, the present technology includes systems and methods for wirelessly connecting a consumer-operated kiosk with an electronic device to facilitate processing (e.g., purchasing) the device. In some embodiments, the present technology includes using a wireless link to identify a device, evaluate a device, resolve device issues to enable purchase of the device, locate a device, etc. Various other aspects of the present technology are described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Inventors: John Silva, Jeffrey Ploetner, Mark Vincent Bowles, John Andrew Beane, Michael Librizzi, Randal Erman
  • Publication number: 20160098689
    Abstract: Software application systems and associated methods for recycling, purchasing, and/or performing other processes with mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, and/or other electronic devices at a kiosk are described herein. In various embodiments, the present technology includes systems and methods associated with an electronic device to facilitate a consumer-operated kiosk processing (e.g., purchasing) the electronic device. In some embodiments, the present technology includes using a mobile app to identify an electronic device, evaluate the electronic device, resolve device issues to enable purchase of the electronic device, etc. Various other aspects of the present technology are described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Inventors: Mark Vincent Bowles, Randal Erman, Jarrod Hammes, Jeffrey Ploetner, John Silva, Rick Segil
  • Publication number: 20150293860
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring data from a recycled electronic device such as a mobile phone is disclosed herein. The apparatus is preferably a recycling kiosk which includes electrical connectors and an inspection area with an upper chamber, a lower chamber, a transparent plate and at least one camera in order to perform a visual analysis and an electrical analysis of the electronic device for determination of a value of the electronic device. The recycling kiosk also includes a processor managing the transfer of data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Applicant: ECOATM, INC.
    Inventor: Mark Vincent Bowles
  • Publication number: 20140156883
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring data from a recycled electronic device such as a mobile phone is disclosed herein. The apparatus is preferably a recycling kiosk which includes electrical connectors and an inspection area with an upper chamber, a lower chamber, a transparent plate and at least one camera in order to perform a visual analysis and an electrical analysis of the electronic device for determination of a value of the electronic device. The recycling kiosk also includes a processor managing the transfer of data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: ECOATM, INC.
    Inventor: Mark Vincent Bowles
  • Publication number: 20130311318
    Abstract: A recycling kiosk for recycling and financial remuneration for submission of an electronic device such as a mobile phone is disclosed herein. The recycling kiosk includes electrical connectors and an inspection area with an upper chamber, a lower chamber, a transparent plate and at least one camera in order to perform a visual analysis and an electrical analysis of the electronic device for determination of a value of the electronic device. The recycling kiosk also includes a processor and a display for user interaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Librizzi, Mark Vincent Bowles, Thomas L. Tullie, John Andrew Beane, Jeff Ploetner, John Miller, Neil Vesco
  • Publication number: 20130275314
    Abstract: The system enables one to securely recycle an electronic device in a publicly accessible location. In particular, the embodiment described may be used by a mobile phone owner to submit his/her mobile phone for recycling via an electronic kiosk and receive compensation in some form. The compensation might be dispersed via cash, voucher, credit or debit card, or other magnetic or electronic transaction methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Mark Vincent Bowles
  • Publication number: 20120191562
    Abstract: A recycling kiosk for recycling and financial remuneration for submission of an electronic device such as a mobile phone is disclosed herein. The recycling kiosk includes electrical connectors and an inspection area with an upper chamber, a lower chamber, a transparent plate and at least one camera in order to perform a visual analysis and an electrical analysis of the electronic device for determination of a value of the electronic device. The recycling kiosk also includes a processor and a display for user interaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: ECO ATM INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Mark Vincent Bowles, Thomas L. Tullie, John Andrew Beane, Jeff Ploetner, John Miller, Neil Vesco
  • Patent number: D669891
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: ecoATM, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Vincent Bowles, Thomas L. Tullie, John Andrew Beane, John Miller, Neil Vesco, Charles Stanley Curbbun, William John Leach, Lee-Anne Stossell