Patents by Inventor Michael Franklin

Michael Franklin 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: 20260028731
    Abstract: A bipolar plate arrangement comprises a first plate portion and a separate second plate portion juxtaposed and connected to one another, the first plate portion and the second plate portion defining a plurality of aligned port apertures. An inner seal is positioned between the first plate portion and the second plate portion, the inner seal, the first plate portion, and the second plate portion together defining a plurality of fluid passages providing fluid communication between the port apertures and a corresponding fluid aperture defined in one of the first plate portion or the second plate portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2025
    Publication date: January 29, 2026
    Inventor: Michael Franklin
  • Patent number: 12399948
    Abstract: Example embodiments of the present disclosure include a system comprising a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program and a computer-implemented method for providing an interactive and social fitting room experience. Consistent with some embodiments, the method may include selecting a target audience to poll for feedback on an image of an individual wearing a garment in a fitting room. The method may further include transmitting the image to a computing device of each member of the target audience, and compiling feedback regarding the image from members of the target audience. The method may further include causing the compiled feedback to be displayed to the individual on an interactive mirror display in the fitting room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2025
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Healey Cypher, Tracy Ogishi, Darren Endo, Michael Franklin, Lars Wensel
  • Patent number: 11920368
    Abstract: A pool skimmer guard assembly for keeping a pool skimmer free from obstructions includes a rod that is comprised of a resiliently bendable material. In this way the rod can be bent into a U-shape. Thus, the rod can be positioned in an intake of a pool skimmer having the rod curving outwardly from the intake. A pair of grips is each coupled to the rod such that each of the grips is positioned in the intake of the pool skimmer when the rod is bent into the U-shape. Each of the grips has a gripping edge that is perpendicularly oriented with the rod. In this way the gripping edge of each of the grips can engage a respective edge of the intake thereby inhibiting the rod from being dislodged from the intake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Inventors: Michael Franklin, Chevone Franklin
  • Publication number: 20230235586
    Abstract: A pool skimmer guard assembly for keeping a pool skimmer free from obstructions includes a rod that is comprised of a resiliently bendable material. In this way the rod can be bent into a U-shape. Thus, the rod can be positioned in an intake of a pool skimmer having the rod curving outwardly from the intake. A pair of grips is each coupled to the rod such that each of the grips is positioned in the intake of the pool skimmer when the rod is bent into the U-shape. Each of the grips has a gripping edge that is perpendicularly oriented with the rod. In this way the gripping edge of each of the grips can engage a respective edge of the intake thereby inhibiting the rod from being dislodged from the intake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventors: Michael Franklin, Chevone Franklin
  • Publication number: 20230088447
    Abstract: Example embodiments of the present disclosure include a system comprising a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program and a computer-implemented method for providing an interactive and social fitting room experience. Consistent with some embodiments, the method may include selecting a target audience to poll for feedback on an image of an individual wearing a garment in a fitting room. The method may further include transmitting the image to a computing device of each member of the target audience, and compiling feedback regarding the image from members of the target audience. The method may further include causing the compiled feedback to be displayed to the individual on an interactive mirror display in the fitting room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2022
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Applicant: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Healey Cypher, Tracy Ogishi, Darren Endo, Michael Franklin, Lars Wensel
  • Patent number: 11544341
    Abstract: Example embodiments of the present disclosure include a system comprising a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program and a computer-implemented method for providing an interactive and social fitting room experience. Consistent with some embodiments, the method may include selecting a target audience to poll for feedback on an image of an individual wearing a garment in a fitting room. The method may further include transmitting the image to a computing device of each member of the target audience, and compiling feedback regarding the image from members of the target audience. The method may further include causing the compiled feedback to be displayed to the individual on an interactive mirror display in the fitting room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Healey Cypher, Tracy Ogishi, Darren Endo, Michael Franklin, Lars Wensel
  • Publication number: 20220092134
    Abstract: Example embodiments of the present disclosure include a system comprising a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program and a computer-implemented method for provisioning follow up messages to individuals after an in-store retail shopping experience. Consistent with some embodiments, the method may include identifying an item of interest to an individual while in a retail store. The method may further include detecting the individual leaving the retails store, and in response to the individual leaving the retail store, transmitting a message to a mobile device of the individual to remind the individual of the item of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Applicant: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Healey Cypher, Tracy Ogishi, Darren Endo, Michael Franklin, Lars Wensel
  • Patent number: 11188606
    Abstract: Example embodiments of the present disclosure include a system comprising a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program and a computer-implemented method for providing an interactive graphical user interface (GUI) on an interactive mirror display responsive to user interest. Consistent with some embodiments, the method may include identifying an item of interest to an individual in a retail store and accessing detailed product information for the item from a product database. The method may further include generating the interactive GUI using the detailed product information and causing the interactive GUI to be presented to the individual on the interactive mirror display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Healey Cypher, Tracy Ogishi, Darren Endo, Michael Franklin, Lars Wensel
  • Patent number: 10967775
    Abstract: An inflatable seat cushion apparatus for comfort and pain prevention includes a cushion bladder having a bladder front side, a bladder back side, a bladder top side, a bladder bottom side, a bladder left side, and a bladder right side defining a bladder inside. A pump is coupled to the cushion bladder. The pump is coupled to the bladder left side within the bladder inside and has an intake vent and a power switch extending through the bladder left side. The power switch activates the pump to inflate the bladder inside. A release valve is coupled to the cushion bladder and extends through the bladder left side to selectively deflate the bladder inside. A pair of foam wings is coupled to the cushion bladder. The pair of foam wings is coupled to the bladder top side adjacent the bladder left side and the bladder right side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Michael Franklin
  • Publication number: 20210046856
    Abstract: An inflatable seat cushion apparatus for comfort and pain prevention includes a cushion bladder having a bladder front side, a bladder back side, a bladder top side, a bladder bottom side, a bladder left side, and a bladder right side defining a bladder inside. A pump is coupled to the cushion bladder. The pump is coupled to the bladder left side within the bladder inside and has an intake vent and a power switch extending through the bladder left side. The power switch activates the pump to inflate the bladder inside. A release valve is coupled to the cushion bladder and extends through the bladder left side to selectively deflate the bladder inside. A pair of foam wings is coupled to the cushion bladder. The pair of foam wings is coupled to the bladder top side adjacent the bladder left side and the bladder right side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2019
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Inventor: Michael Franklin
  • Patent number: 10706117
    Abstract: Example embodiments of the present disclosure include a system comprising a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program and a computer-implemented method for providing a recommendation based on a level of buying intent of an individual. Consistent with some embodiments, the method may include monitoring an amount of time an individual wears a particular item while in a fitting room of a retail store, and determining an interest level of the individual in purchasing the item based on the amount of time the individual wears the item. The method may further include generating and providing a recommendation for an additional based on the determined level of intent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Healey Cypher, Tracy Ogishi, Darren Endo, Michael Franklin, Lars Wensel
  • Patent number: 10664543
    Abstract: Example embodiments of the present disclosure include a system comprising a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program and a computer-implemented method for providing a customized fitting room environment. Consistent with some embodiments, the method may include identifying a garment being brought into a fitting room, and determining a garment type of the garment. The method may further include adjusting one or more environmental settings of the fitting room based on the garment type. Additional aspects of the present disclosure include further adjusting environmental settings based on various combinations of user data and a desired use case of the garment specified by the individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Healey Cypher, Tracy Ogishi, Darren Endo, Michael Franklin, Lars Wensel
  • Publication number: 20190361943
    Abstract: Example embodiments of the present disclosure include a system comprising a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program and a computer-implemented method for providing an interactive graphical user interface (GUI) on an interactive mirror display responsive to user interest. Consistent with some embodiments, the method may include identifying an item of interest to an individual in a retail store and accessing detailed product information for the item from a product database. The method may further include generating the interactive GUI using the detailed product information and causing the interactive GUI to be presented to the individual on the interactive mirror display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Applicant: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Healey Cypher, Tracy Ogishi, Darren Endo, Michael Franklin, Lars Wensel
  • Publication number: 20190303414
    Abstract: Example embodiments of the present disclosure include a system comprising a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program and a computer-implemented method for providing an interactive and social fitting room experience. Consistent with some embodiments, the method may include selecting a target audience to poll for feedback on an image of an individual wearing a garment in a fitting room. The method may further include transmitting the image to a computing device of each member of the target audience, and compiling feedback regarding the image from members of the target audience. The method may further include causing the compiled feedback to be displayed to the individual on an interactive mirror display in the fitting room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Inventors: Healey Cypher, Tracy Ogishi, Darren Endo, Michael Franklin, Lars Wensel
  • Patent number: 10366174
    Abstract: Example embodiments of the present disclosure include a system comprising a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program and a computer-implemented method for providing an interactive and social fitting room experience. Consistent with some embodiments, the method may include selecting a target audience to poll for feedback on an image of an individual wearing a garment in a fitting room. The method may further include transmitting the image to a computing device of each member of the target audience, and compiling feedback regarding the image from members of the target audience. The method may further include causing the compiled feedback to be displayed to the individual on an interactive mirror display in the fitting room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Healey Cypher, Tracy Ogishi, Darren Endo, Michael Franklin, Lars Wensel
  • Patent number: 10311161
    Abstract: Example embodiments of the present disclosure include a system comprising a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program and a computer-implemented method for providing an interactive graphical user interface (GUI) on an interactive mirror display responsive to user interest. Consistent with some embodiments, the method may include identifying an item of interest to an individual in a retail store and accessing detailed product information for the item from a product database. The method may further include generating the interactive GUI using the detailed product information and causing the interactive GUI to be presented to the individual on the interactive mirror display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Healey Cypher, Tracy Ogishi, Darren Endo, Michael Franklin, Lars Wensel
  • Publication number: 20190110408
    Abstract: A device for supporting a tree limb. The device includes a Y-shaped structure comprising a V-shaped portion and a stem portion. In some embodiments, the V-portion can be situated to contact a tree branch or tree trunk to provide support to the tree. In embodiments, a telescoping stem portion having a longitudinal axis and first and second ends is provided. A releasable coupler can be included for varying the length of the telescoping stem portion between the first and second ends. A V-shaped portion is fixedly coupled to the first end of the stem portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventor: Michael Franklin
  • Publication number: 20190005143
    Abstract: Example embodiments of the present disclosure include a system comprising a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program and a computer-implemented method for provisioning follow up messages to individuals after an in-store retail shopping experience. Consistent with some embodiments, the method may include identifying an item of interest to an individual while in a retail store. The method may further include detecting the individual leaving the retails store, and in response to the individual leaving the retail store, transmitting a message to a mobile device of the individual to remind the individual of the item of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Healey Cypher, Tracy Ogishi, Darren Endo, Michael Franklin, Lars Wensel
  • Patent number: 10083243
    Abstract: Example embodiments of the present disclosure include a system comprising a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program and a computer-implemented method for providing an interactive graphical user interface (GUI) on an interactive mirror display. Consistent with some embodiments, the method may include identifying an item based on an identifier obtained from an identification device affixed to the item and accessing in item record for the item from a product database. The method may further include generating the interactive GUI using information included in the item record and causing the interactive GUI to be presented on the interactive mirror display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: eBay Inc.
    Inventors: Healey Cypher, Tracy Ogishi, Darren Endo, Michael Franklin, Lars Wensel
  • Patent number: D1005464
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Rheem Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: H. Gene Havard, Jr., Michael Franklin, Hamid Ouabdenbi, Hari Kanagala, John R. Jones, Shawn Allan Reed, Daniel Ryan Schmalz