Patents by Inventor Michael Bernstein

Michael Bernstein 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: 12190666
    Abstract: A user identification system includes one or more processors configured to receive a first indication of a vehicle identity of a vehicle at an entrance of a location and retrieve a user profile associated with the vehicle identity from a user profile database. The user profile includes one or more user identities of one or more users authorized to enter the location. The one or more processors are configured to receive a second indication of a current user identity of a current user positioned in the vehicle, determine that the current user identity corresponds to a particular user identity of the one or more user identities, and output a control signal indicative of instructions to enable access to the location in response to the current user identity corresponding to the particular user identity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventors: William Preston Culbertson, Gregory David Hansen, Mark Anthony Lopez, Will Kerns Maney, Keegan Patrick Hayes, Steven Michael Bernstein
  • Patent number: 12177319
    Abstract: Implementations selectively message member account data to client applications to reduce server load. When a monitored load on cloud servers meets a criteria, a hold status may be triggered. During the hold status, member accounts may be monitored and client applications may be transmitted push messages, for example when a change is detected in a member's monitored account. The push messages can contain the detected changes, such as a posted transaction that triggered the message. Implementations of the client application can be configured to display local data (stored from the push messages) during the hold status in response to a member's request to access/view their account. Because server to client communication is limited to messages that contain member account changes, an overall server load can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2024
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventors: Oscar Roberto Tijerina, Noe Alberto Martinez, Huihui Wu, Steven Michael Bernstein, Nickolaus Wayne O'Neal
  • Patent number: 12126765
    Abstract: Methods and systems described herein are directed to verifying a caller's identity and/or authorizing a caller's access to an account using a third party designated agent. A caller verification system can register an agent in association with an account holder's user account with an organization. When a caller attempts to access the account holder's user account during a phone call with a representative from the organization, the caller verification system can automatically request that the agent verify the caller's identity. In some implementations, the caller verification system can bridge or conference in the agent to the phone call to allow the agent to verify the caller's identity and indicate to the representative that the caller's identity matches that of the account holder. The caller verification system can also receive verification messages from the agent via text message, email, HTTP request, or other digital means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventors: Janelle Denice Dziuk, Jon D. Mceachron, Steven Michael Bernstein
  • Patent number: 12093932
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to techniques to simulate conditions while progressing towards a goal state using token conversions. Tokens can be assets associated with a defined goal and can be implemented to segment accounts for a defined purpose and to improve user planning. An account can be segmented by converting a portion of the user's account balance to tokens to progress towards the goal. In some implementations, a simulation can generate a target token conversion schedule that achieves a target number of tokens at a target date. However, user behavior can change the observed token amounts and cause deviations from the schedule. The simulations can alter the token conversion schedule and arrive at a new target date for the target number of tokens. In some implementations, automated agents and machine learning components can be used to implement the token tracking and simulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventors: Noe Alberto Martinez, Huihui Wu, Steven Michael Bernstein, Nickolaus Wayne O'Neal
  • Patent number: 12027032
    Abstract: A sensitive area activity monitoring system is provided. A non-intrusive sensor that does not provide image, video, or audio data is used to capture data in a sensitive area that is associated with an activity. The sensor data is logged and provided to a downstream service tasked with personalizing the service based upon the logged data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventors: William Preston Culbertson, II, Gregory David Hansen, Mark Anthony Lopez, Will Kerns Maney, Keegan Patrick Hayes, Steven Michael Bernstein
  • Patent number: 11983695
    Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein use WiFi signals detected from nearby WiFi networks to confirm the identity of a bank's customer logging in to his or her account at the bank. Specifically, the customer's computing device may detect signals from neighboring WiFi networks. The bank may then verify that the customer's accounts are being accessed from the customer's home or office by comparing the list of neighboring WiFi networks to a previously stored list of the neighboring networks. If the lists match, it is probable that the customer's accounts are being accessed from the customer's home or office, thus reducing the possibility that a fraudulent actor is trying to access the customer's accounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventors: Ryan Thomas Russell, Gregory Brian Meyer, Steven Michael Bernstein, David Ira Waters, Jr., Patrick Michael Luberus
  • Patent number: 11836805
    Abstract: A system comprising a plurality of sensor devices configured to acquire data related to a property and a processor configured to receive the data from the plurality of sensor devices and identify one or more hazardous conditions for the property based on the data. The processor is further configured to determine an amount of risk associated with the one or more hazardous conditions and initiate verification operations to confirm the one or more hazardous conditions in response to determining that the amount of risk associated with the one or more hazardous conditions exceeds a first threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION (USAA)
    Inventors: William Preston Culbertson, II, Gregory David Hansen, Mark Anthony Lopez, Will Kerns Maney, Keegan Patrick Hayes, Steven Michael Bernstein
  • Patent number: 11821863
    Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for detecting indicators for structural changes of NMR active test molecules in a test sample, or indicators for structural changes of the environment of said test molecules in relation to a reference molecule. Initial local similarity values are obtained, using a similarity function and representing a local similarity between a reference spectrum and a test spectrum within corresponding similarity regions (SRR, SRT). The initial local similarity values represent a similarity map (SM1) in which contours of a first shape type are indicators (I1) for structural changes of the test molecule, and in which contours of a second shape type are indicators (I2) for structural changes of the environment of said test molecule in relation to the reference molecule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Bruker BioSpin GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Fischer, Michael Bernstein, Michael Erich Wilhelm Fey, Ian Michael Clegg
  • Patent number: 11769145
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to techniques to simulate conditions while progressing towards a goal state using token conversions. Tokens can be assets associated with a defined goal and can be implemented to segment accounts for a defined purpose and to improve user planning. An account can be segmented by converting a portion of the user's account balance to tokens to progress towards the goal. In some implementations, a simulation can generate a target token conversion schedule that achieves a target number of tokens at a target date. However, user behavior can change the observed token amounts and cause deviations from the schedule. The simulations can alter the token conversion schedule and arrive at a new target date for the target number of tokens. In some implementations, automated agents and machine learning components can be used to implement the token tracking and simulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventors: Noe Alberto Martinez, Huihui Wu, Steven Michael Bernstein, Nickolaus Wayne O'Neal
  • Patent number: 11758020
    Abstract: Implementations selectively message member account data to client applications to reduce server load. When a monitored load on cloud servers meets a criteria, a hold status may be triggered. During the hold status, member accounts may be monitored and client applications may be transmitted push messages, for example when a change is detected in a member's monitored account. The push messages can contain the detected changes, such as a posted transaction that triggered the message. Implementations of the client application can be configured to display local data (stored from the push messages) during the hold status in response to a member's request to access/view their account. Because server to client communication is limited to messages that contain member account changes, an overall server load can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventors: Oscar Roberto Tijerina, Noe Alberto Martinez, Huihui Wu, Steven Michael Bernstein, Nickolaus Wayne O'Neal
  • Patent number: 11531991
    Abstract: A user authorization device (or UAD) physically connected to a user's router to aid in the authentication of the user. A bank server polls the user's router to verify that the UAD is connected to the router before granting the user the capability to perform transactions on the user's account that would be otherwise restricted. The bank server implements a set of policies designed by the user that require the UAD to be present for some transactions with the account to be performed. The presence of this device thus adds an extra layer of security to such financial transactions beyond the use of a username and password.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventors: Ryan Thomas Russell, Gregory Brian Meyer, Steven Michael Bernstein, David Ira Waters, Jr., Patrick Michael Luberus
  • Publication number: 20220167889
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for appendage worn biometric sensing devices. A moveable sensor carrier is captively retained in a housing containing the biometric device. A biasing component urges the moveable sensor carrier in contact with a skin surface of a monitored subject to maintain a regulated pressure of the movable carrier against the skin surface. A biometric sensor carried in the movable carrier enjoys an improved signal quality regardless of the exact positioning of the biometric sensor by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Applicant: Detect Biosciences Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Kriegstein, Michael Bernstein
  • Patent number: 11308500
    Abstract: A system and method for authenticating a user's computing device that has submitted a request for the transfer of funds from the user's account at a financial institution. An authentication server at the financial institution compares currently received identifying data to previously stored identifying data, then makes a determination as to whether to approve the request for the transfer of funds. The identifying data may include a snapshot of apps or of lists of items installed on the user's computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventors: Ryan Thomas Russell, Gregory Brian Meyer, Steven Michael Bernstein, David Ira Waters, Jr., Patrick Michael Luberus
  • Publication number: 20210262957
    Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for detecting indicators for structural changes of NMR active test molecules in a test sample, or indicators for structural changes of the environment of said test molecules in relation to a reference molecule. Initial local similarity values are obtained, using a similarity function and representing a local similarity between a reference spectrum and a test spectrum within corresponding similarity regions (SRR, SRT). The initial local similarity values represent a similarity map (SM1) in which contours of a first shape type are indicators (I1) for structural changes of the test molecule, and in which contours of a second shape type are indicators (I2) for structural changes of the environment of said test molecule in relation to the reference molecule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Inventors: Christian Fischer, Michael Bernstein, Michael Erich Wilhelm Fey, Ian Michael Clegg
  • Patent number: 9956491
    Abstract: A mobile toy and a stunt figure attachable with the mobile toy are described. In a desired aspect, the mobile toy is a skateboard-shaped toy having a skateboard deck with a flywheel positioned within the skateboard deck. The stunt figure is detachably attachable with the skateboard-shaped toy through snap-fit connection mechanisms on the skateboard-shaped toy. In a desired aspect, the stunt figure comprises at least one appendage and the stunt figure is attached with the skateboard-shaped toy through at least one appendage. The stunt figure can be formed in a variety of shapes to alter the form and center of gravity of the toy to provide for a variety of stunts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: JAKKS PACIFIC, INC.
    Inventors: Jim McCafferty, Dominic Laurienzo, Michael Bernstein, Gabriel Carlson, Greg Leong, Steven Douglas DeLacy
  • Publication number: 20170266573
    Abstract: A mobile toy and a stunt figure attachable with the mobile toy are described. In a desired aspect, the mobile toy is a skateboard-shaped toy having a skateboard deck with a flywheel positioned within the skateboard deck. The stunt figure is detachably attachable with the skateboard-shaped toy through snap-fit connection mechanisms on the skateboard-shaped toy. In a desired aspect, the stunt figure comprises at least one appendage and the stunt figure is attached with the skateboard-shaped toy through at least one appendage. The stunt figure can be formed in a variety of shapes to alter the form and center of gravity of the toy to provide for a variety of stunts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Jim McCafferty, Dominic Laurienzo, Michael Bernstein, Gabriel Carlson, Greg Leong, Steve DeLacy
  • Publication number: 20170088336
    Abstract: Described, is a gift box shaped container that opens to operate as a playset. The gift box shaped container includes a hack panel, two side panels, a front panel, a bottom panel, and a top panel serving as a lid. The lid is hingedly connected with the back panel and includes a decorative ribbon thereon. The front panel is hingedly connected with the bottom panel. Further, a latching mechanism connected with the lid and is operable for locking against the front panel. The latching mechanism includes a pull cord ribbon extending therefrom, with the pull cord ribbon connected with the latching mechanism such that pulling on the pull cord ribbon actuates the latching mechanism to cause the lid to detach from the front panel, thereby allowing a user to lift the lid and lower the front panel to convert the gift box shaped container into a playset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Bernstein, Gregory Frank, Danny Pestonji
  • Publication number: 20170076343
    Abstract: The present invention relates to gift boxes and, more particularly, to a collection of gift-shaped containers that can be provided in a display. Each of the gift-shaped containers contain a different and unknown toy therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Bernstein, Gregory Frank, Danny Pestonj
  • Publication number: 20160183701
    Abstract: Described is an improved polypropylene blanket constructed entirely of man-made fiber with a cotton-like hand. The improved polypropylene blanket provides longer life and low cost per usage due to its high thermal insulation, high strength and high abrasion resistance. This results in a blanket with a fast drying time that conserves energy and proves more durable than cotton-rich products. The blanket is soil resistant that attracts less dirt and dust, is resistant to fungi, molds and mildew and wicks away perspiration from the skin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Michael Bernstein, Asif Malik, Muhammad Mubashar
  • Publication number: 20160183700
    Abstract: Described is an improved polypropylene blanket constructed entirely of man-made fiber with a cotton-like hand. The improved polypropylene blanket provides longer life and low cost per usage due to its high thermal insulation, high strength and high abrasion resistance. This results in a blanket with a fast drying time that conserves energy and proves more durable than cotton-rich products. The blanket is soil resistant that attracts less dirt and dust, is resistant to fungi, molds and mildew and wicks away perspiration from the skin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Michael Bernstein, Asif Malik, Muhammad Mubashar