Patents by Inventor Michael Lane Polk
Michael Lane Polk 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).
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Patent number: 11707800Abstract: A marking system for decorating one or more workpieces includes a plurality of marking stations that can mark product images on blank workpieces to produce product workpieces, at least some of which have different sizes, shapes, materials, or a combination thereof, a control system that can select one of the plurality of marking stations and send product image data to the selected one of the plurality of marking stations, and a robotic manipulator that can transport a blank workpiece to the selected marking station under the control of the robotic manipulator. The selected marking station can mark the product image the blank workpiece based on the product image data which produces a product workpiece. The robotic manipulator can remove the product workpiece from the selected one of the plurality of marking stations.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2022Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: Shutterfly, L.L.CInventors: Michael Lane Polk, David Lynn Hall
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Publication number: 20230158603Abstract: A marking system for decorating one or more workpieces includes a plurality of marking stations that can mark product images on blank workpieces to produce product workpieces, at least some of which have different sizes, shapes, materials, or a combination thereof, a control system that can select one of the plurality of marking stations and send product image data to the selected one of the plurality of marking stations, and a robotic manipulator that can transport a blank workpiece to the selected marking station under the control of the robotic manipulator. The selected marking station can mark the product image the blank workpiece based on the product image data which produces a product workpiece. The robotic manipulator can remove the product workpiece from the selected one of the plurality of marking stations.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2022Publication date: May 25, 2023Applicant: Shutterfly, LLCInventors: Michael Lane Polk, David Lynn Hall
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Patent number: 11648628Abstract: A method for matching and tracking workpieces in laser etching operation includes generating by the computer a label image that uniquely identifies the workpiece, moving a laser head to the workpiece, setting the laser head to a first power level by a power controller, etching the product image on the workpiece using a laser beam emitted from the laser head, wherein the laser beam is modulated at the first power level in accordance with a product image in a pixel wise fashion across the workpiece, moving the laser head to the label by the transport mechanism, setting the laser head to a second power level by the power controller, etching the label image on the workpiece using a laser beam emitted from the laser head, wherein the laser beam is modulated at the second power level in accordance with the label image in a pixel wise fashion across the label.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2022Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: Shutterfly, LLCInventors: David Lynn Hall, Michael Lane Polk, Gregory Lee Franklin
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Patent number: 11524360Abstract: A marking system for decorating one or more workpieces includes a plurality of marking stations that can mark product images on blank workpieces to produce product workpieces, at least some of which have different sizes, shapes, materials, or a combination thereof, a control system that can select one of the plurality of marking stations and send product image data to the selected one of the plurality of marking stations, and a robotic manipulator that can transport a blank workpiece to the selected marking station under the control of the robotic manipulator. The selected marking station can mark the product image the blank workpiece based on the product image data which produces a product workpiece. The robotic manipulator can remove the product workpiece from the selected one of the plurality of marking stations.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2019Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: Shutterfly, LLCInventors: Michael Lane Polk, David Lynn Hall
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Publication number: 20220379407Abstract: A method for matching and tracking workpieces in laser etching operation includes generating by the computer a label image that uniquely identifies the workpiece, moving a laser head to the workpiece, setting the laser head to a first power level by a power controller, etching the product image on the workpiece using a laser beam emitted from the laser head, wherein the laser beam is modulated at the first power level in accordance with a product image in a pixel wise fashion across the workpiece, moving the laser head to the label by the transport mechanism, setting the laser head to a second power level by the power controller, etching the label image on the workpiece using a laser beam emitted from the laser head, wherein the laser beam is modulated at the second power level in accordance with the label image in a pixel wise fashion across the label.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2022Publication date: December 1, 2022Applicant: Shutterfly, LLCInventors: David Lynn Hall, Michael Lane Polk, Gregory Lee Franklin
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Patent number: 11389904Abstract: A method for matching and tracking workpieces in laser etching operation includes generating by the computer a label image that uniquely identifies the workpiece, moving a laser head to the workpiece, setting the laser head to a first power level by a power controller, etching the product image on the workpiece using a laser beam emitted from the laser head, wherein the laser beam is modulated at the first power level in accordance with a product image in a pixel wise fashion across the workpiece, moving the laser head to the label by the transport mechanism, setting the laser head to a second power level by the power controller, etching the label image on the workpiece using a laser beam emitted from the laser head, wherein the laser beam is modulated at the second power level in accordance with the label image in a pixel wise fashion across the label.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2020Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: Shutterfly, LLCInventors: David Lynn Hall, Michael Lane Polk, Gregory Lee Franklin
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Publication number: 20220068164Abstract: A repositionable display panel includes a rigid image plate that includes a front surface configured to receive a colorant to form an image thereon and a back surface opposite to the first surface. The rigid image plate is defined by an image plate thickness and image plate widths. A spacer block is defined by a spacer block thickness and spacer block widths smaller than the image plate widths. A pressure-sensitive adhesive layer between the back surface of the rigid image plate and the spacer block bonds the rigid image plate and the spacer block together.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2021Publication date: March 3, 2022Applicant: Shutterfly, LLCInventors: Michael Lane Polk, Gregory Lee Franklin
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Patent number: 11138910Abstract: A repositionable display panel includes a rigid image plate that includes a front surface configured to receive a colorant to form an image thereon and a back surface opposite to the first surface. The rigid image plate is defined by an image plate thickness and image plate widths. A spacer block is defined by a spacer block thickness and spacer block widths smaller than the image plate widths. A pressure-sensitive adhesive layer between the back surface of the rigid image plate and the spacer block bonds the rigid image plate and the spacer block together.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2020Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: Shutterfly, LLCInventors: Michael Lane Polk, Gregory Lee Franklin
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Publication number: 20200331101Abstract: A method for matching and tracking workpieces in laser etching operation includes generating by the computer a label image that uniquely identifies the workpiece, moving a laser head to the workpiece, setting the laser head to a first power level by a power controller, etching the product image on the workpiece using a laser beam emitted from the laser head, wherein the laser beam is modulated at the first power level in accordance with a product image in a pixel wise fashion across the workpiece, moving the laser head to the label by the transport mechanism, setting the laser head to a second power level by the power controller, etching the label image on the workpiece using a laser beam emitted from the laser head, wherein the laser beam is modulated at the second power level in accordance with the label image in a pixel wise fashion across the label.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2020Publication date: October 22, 2020Inventors: David Lynn Hall, Michael Lane Polk, Gregory Lee Franklin
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Patent number: 10703122Abstract: A method for matching and tracking workpieces in laser etching operation includes generating by the computer a label image that uniquely identifies the workpiece, moving a laser head to the workpiece, setting the laser head to a first power level by a power controller, etching the product image on the workpiece using a laser beam emitted from the laser head, wherein the laser beam is modulated at the first power level in accordance with a product image in a pixel wise fashion across the workpiece, moving the laser head to the label by the transport mechanism, setting the laser head to a second power level by the power controller, etching the label image on the workpiece using a laser beam emitted from the laser head, wherein the laser beam is modulated at the second power level in accordance with the label image in a pixel wise fashion across the label.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2018Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: Shutterfly, LLCInventors: David Lynn Hall, Michael Lane Polk, Gregory Lee Franklin
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Publication number: 20200016690Abstract: A marking system for decorating one or more workpieces includes a plurality of marking stations that can mark product images on blank workpieces to produce product workpieces, at least some of which have different sizes, shapes, materials, or a combination thereof, a control system that can select one of the plurality of marking stations and send product image data to the selected one of the plurality of marking stations, and a robotic manipulator that can transport a blank workpiece to the selected marking station under the control of the robotic manipulator. The selected marking station can mark the product image the blank workpiece based on the product image data which produces a product workpiece. The robotic manipulator can remove the product workpiece from the selected one of the plurality of marking stations.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2019Publication date: January 16, 2020Inventors: Michael Lane Polk, David Lynn Hall
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Publication number: 20190001723Abstract: A method for matching and tracking workpieces in laser etching operation includes generating by the computer a label image that uniquely identifies the workpiece, moving a laser head to the workpiece, setting the laser head to a first power level by a power controller, etching the product image on the workpiece using a laser beam emitted from the laser head, wherein the laser beam is modulated at the first power level in accordance with a product image in a pixel wise fashion across the workpiece, moving the laser head to the label by the transport mechanism, setting the laser head to a second power level by the power controller, etching the label image on the workpiece using a laser beam emitted from the laser head, wherein the laser beam is modulated at the second power level in accordance with the label image in a pixel wise fashion across the label.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2018Publication date: January 3, 2019Inventors: David Lynn Hall, Michael Lane Polk, Gregory Lee Franklin
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Publication number: 20170320348Abstract: A laser etching system for forming customized image patterns on workpieces, includes a computer that receives a product image and generates a label image, a laser head to emit a laser beam, a transport system that can scan the laser head across a workpiece or a label associated with the workpiece, a laser head driver that can modulate the laser beam in accordance to the product image or the label image that uniquely identifies the workpiece, and a power controller that can set the laser beam a first power level or a second power level. The laser head can scan across and etch the workpiece at the first power level in pixel-wise fashion to reproduce the product image on the workpiece. The laser head can scan across and etch the label at the second power level in pixel-wise fashion to reproduce the label image on the label.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2016Publication date: November 9, 2017Inventors: David Lynn Hall, Michael Lane Polk, Gregory Lee Franklin
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Patent number: 9272567Abstract: The application of image transfer paper and a wrap to a curved surface of a container is described. A device for affixing the image transfer paper and wrap includes a base, a support member to support the container, and two wrap applicator arms coupled to the base in a pivoting manner. The support member includes a shoulder and, when the container is placed upon the support member, an edge of the container around an opening of the container rests upon the shoulder and a perimeter of the shoulder extends beyond a perimeter of the edge of the container. The shoulder receives the image transfer paper and aligns the image transfer paper with the edge of the container. Each wrap applicator arm is configured to receive a respective end of the wrap. Rotating the wrap applicator arms about the support member stretches the wrap around the container and image transfer paper.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2011Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: FUJIFILM NORTH AMERICA CORPORATIONInventors: Michael Lane Polk, Gregory Lee Franklin, Armand Wayne DeSollar
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Direct-to-product transfer of personalized images and tracking labels using a single composite image
Patent number: 8885206Abstract: The printing tracking labels as a part of a composite image of personalized images for photo products includes receiving a plurality of personalized images and a plurality of label images, each label image including order tracking information associated with one of the plurality of personalized images. A composite image including the plurality of personalized images and the plurality of label images is generated. The position of each personalized image within the composite image corresponds to a position of a separate photo product on a printer tray and the position of each label image within the composite image corresponds to a position of a separate label on the printer tray. The composite image is printed onto the plurality of photo products and the plurality of labels.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2012Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Fujifilm North America CorporationInventor: Michael Lane Polk -
Patent number: 8733868Abstract: A direct-to-product printing tray to hold a photo product and a plurality of labels in place while a composite image is printed on the photo product and a first label. The direct-to-product printing tray includes a label-dispensing system within the direct-to-product tray. The label-dispensing system is configured to automatically advance a second label to a position previously occupied by the first label in response to the removal of the first label from the label-dispensing system.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2012Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Fujifilm North America CorporationInventors: Michael Lane Polk, Gregory Lee Franklin
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Publication number: 20140139572Abstract: A direct-to-product printing tray to hold a photo product and a plurality of labels in place while a composite image is printed on the photo product and a first label. The direct-to-product printing tray includes a label-dispensing system within the direct-to-product tray. The label-dispensing system is configured to automatically advance a second label to a position previously occupied by the first label in response to the removal of the first label from the label-dispensing system.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2012Publication date: May 22, 2014Inventors: Michael Lane Polk, Gregory Lee Franklin
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Patent number: 8657109Abstract: Universal packaging for beverage containers of different sizes is described. The universal packaging includes a bottom support structure including an opening having an interior floor surface. A raised cylinder extends upwards from the interior floor surface. A beverage container of a first height fits within the opening in the bottom support by placing an open side of the beverage container down upon the interior floor surface, the raised cylinder extending into an interior of the beverage container of the first height. A beverage container of a second height, the second height being less than the first height, fits within the opening in the bottom support by placing a solid bottom surface of the beverage container of the second height down upon an upper surface of the raised cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2011Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Fujifilm North America CorporationInventors: Denton Ouzts, Michael Lane Polk
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Patent number: D766179Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Shutterfly, Inc.Inventor: Michael Lane Polk
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Patent number: D990566Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2020Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: Shutterfly, LLCInventors: Michael Lane Polk, Gregory Lee Franklin