Patents by Inventor Paul Nielsen

Paul Nielsen 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: 7979723
    Abstract: A motion sensor arrangement is presented for dispenser capable point-of-purchase devices. The invention includes one or more motion sensors and a power management circuit facilitating activation of visual and motion display elements and/or a dispensing mechanism. Motion sensors are attached to a shelf-mountable display unit and capable of determining the presence of a person within the vicinity of the device. Power management circuit communicates with the motion sensors and display elements, examples including light emitting diodes and motorized drive devices. The power management circuit activates one or more display elements to communicate queues to a person within visual range of the point-of-purchase device. The dispensing mechanism ejects a coupon or product information sheet when a person is sensed within the vicinity of the point-of-purchase device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Clever Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Dooley, Paul Nielsen
  • Patent number: 7865831
    Abstract: A self-powered video display device provides an automated point of purchase advertising display that includes a readily programmable and re-programmable operating system. The display device is updated through the connection of a memory card or handheld computer and the transfer of video and other files over the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Clever Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Dooley, Paul Nielsen
  • Patent number: 7711643
    Abstract: A self-service terminal, such as an automated teller machine (12), is described. The terminal (12) has a display (52), and includes means (44,84) for accessing a mobile portal (30), whereby the terminal (12) is operable to retrieve information adapted for viewing on a portable device, and to present at least some of the retrieved information to a user on the display (52). The terminal (12) may also include a printer (56) for providing a user with a printed version of some of the information presented on the display (52). A network of self-service terminals is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Nielsen, Mel Walter
  • Patent number: 7680689
    Abstract: An ATM network is coupled to a data warehouse. Information about transactions, the timing of transactions and advertisements displayed on or near ATM terminals in the network are stored in the data warehouse. Complex queries performed on the data warehouse are then used to provide information about the effectiveness of advertisements displayed on or near the ATM terminals and also to enable choices of subsets of the terminals to be made to provide information about suitable subsets for advertising placement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Nielsen
  • Patent number: 7653206
    Abstract: A digital audio device. According to one aspect of the invention, the device includes a memory and an analog input system configured to record analog audio signals to the memory as digital audio data. The device further includes a digital input configured to download digital audio data to the memory, as well as an analog output system configured to generate analog playback signals decoded from digital audio data stored in the memory. Furthermore, the device includes a digital output configured to upload digital audio data from the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Collins, Paul Nielsen, Kevin Harmon
  • Patent number: 7637420
    Abstract: A self-service terminal, such as an ATM (Automated Teller Machine). The ATM has a communication port for interfacing with a user's portable electronic device. The ATM is operable to receive a transaction authorization from the user's portable electronic device, to examine the transaction authorization, and to dispense an item to fulfil a requested transaction associated with the transaction authorization, without the terminal preparing an authorization request to a remote computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Marcus Haley, Paul Nielsen
  • Patent number: 7568116
    Abstract: A self-powered video display device provides an automated point of purchase advertising display that includes a motion sensing feature, a power management function to manage power usage depending on sensed motion, and a readily programmable and re-programmable operating system. The display device is updated through the connection of a memory card or handheld computer and the transfer of video files over the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Clever Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Dooley, Paul Nielsen
  • Patent number: 7426053
    Abstract: A module (38), a terminal (12) including the module, and a system (10) including the terminal (12), are described. The module may be a printer module (38) comprising a print engine (60), a microcontroller (62), and a wireless receiver (66), such as a wireless modem, so that the module (38) is operable to receive data from a remote server (18) and to print the received data. The module (38) also includes a coupler (70 or 270) for directing data received from the wireless modem (66) to the microcontroller (62) and for directing data from the terminal (12) to the microcontroller (62). A method of printing tickets at a terminal (12) and a method of retro-fitting a self-service terminal (12) are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Jim Henderson, Mel Walter, Martin R. Smith, Wolf D. Rossmann, Paul Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20080215443
    Abstract: A motion sensor arrangement is presented for dispenser capable point-of-purchase devices. The invention includes one or more motion sensors and a power management circuit facilitating activation of visual and motion display elements and/or a dispensing mechanism. Motion sensors are attached to a shelf-mountable display unit and capable of determining the presence of a person within the vicinity of the device. Power management circuit communicates with the motion sensors and display elements, examples including light emitting diodes and motorized drive devices. The power management circuit activates one or more display elements to communicate queues to a person within visual range of the point-of-purchase device. The dispensing mechanism ejects a coupon or product information sheet when a person is sensed within the vicinity of the point-of-purchase device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Christopher Dooley, Paul Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20080077422
    Abstract: An automated point of purchase advertising device includes at least one motion sensor, and a power management function to manage power usage depending on the sensor on the automated device determining the presence of a person in a vicinity of the device. A control circuit connected to the sensor causes the device to display video information, play audio sound, and/or create a light effect. The device also operates in different power modes based at least in part on the determination of the presence of a person by the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: Christopher Dooley, Paul Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20070271143
    Abstract: A self-powered video display device provides an automated point of purchase advertising display that includes a motion sensing feature, a power management function to manage power usage depending on sensed motion, and a readily programmable and re-programmable operating system. The display device is updated through the connection of a memory card or handheld computer and the transfer of video files over the connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventors: Christopher Dooley, Paul Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20070266323
    Abstract: A self-powered video display device provides an automated point of purchase advertising display that includes a readily programmable and re-programmable operating system. The display device is updated through the connection of a memory card or handheld computer and the transfer of video and other files over the connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Publication date: November 15, 2007
    Inventors: Christopher Dooley, Paul Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20070188804
    Abstract: A module (38), a terminal (12) including the module, and a system (10) including the terminal (12), are described. The module may be a printer module (38) comprising a print engine (60), a microcontroller (62), and a wireless receiver (66), such as a wireless modem, so that the module (38) is operable to receive data from a remote server (18) and to print the received data. The module (38) also includes a coupler (70 or 270) for directing data received from the wireless modem (66) to the microcontroller (62) and for directing data from the terminal (12) to the microcontroller (62). A method of printing tickets at a terminal (12) and a method of retro-fitting a self-service terminal (12) are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Inventors: Jim Henderson, Mel Walter, Martin Smith, Wolf Rossmann, Paul Nielsen
  • Patent number: 7233408
    Abstract: A module (38), a terminal (12) including the module, and a system (10) including the terminal (12), are described. The module may be a printer module (38) comprising a print engine (60), a microcontroller (62), and a wireless receiver (66), such as a wireless modem, so that the module (38) is operable to receive data from a remote server (18) and to print the received data. The module (38) also includes a coupler (70 or 270) for directing data received from the wireless modem (66) to the microcontroller (62) and for directing data from the terminal (12) to the microcontroller (62). A method of printing tickets at a terminal (12) and a method of retro-fitting a self-service terminal (12) are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Jim Henderson, Mel Walter, Martin R. Smith, Wolf D. Rossmann, Paul Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20070087283
    Abstract: The present invention is a method of forming a toner image on a receiving sheet. he method includes forming an electrostatic image on a primary image member and toning the image with a dry toner to form a toner image. The toner includes toner particles having a diameter of between 4 and 10 microns and transfer assisting particles appended to the toner particles surface. The transfer assisting particles have a diameter of between 20 and 100 nm. The toner image is transferred from the primary image member to an intermediate image member having an overcoat layer, the overcoat layer having a Young's modulus of from 250 to 500 MPa. The toner image is transferred from the intermediate image member to a receiving sheet wherein the intermediate image member drives the primary image member or the receiving sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Donald Webster, Biao Tan, Craig Cody, Rodney Bucks, Charles Hewitt, M.Cristina Dejesus, Paul Nielsen, Diane Herrick
  • Publication number: 20060273164
    Abstract: A point of sale advertising device that includes a display mechanism with a first screen and a second screen and the screens are facing in substantially different directions. The device also includes a display controller in communication with the screens, the display controller adapted to receive a price message and a timing instruction, to store the price message and timing instruction, and to transfer the price message to the first screen and second screen for display on the first screen and the second screen for a time period indicated by the stored timing instruction. The device also includes a price control switch in communication with the display controller, the price control switch being adapted to be actuated manually, and when actuated, prevents the price message from being displayed on the first screen and the second screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Publication date: December 7, 2006
    Applicant: News America Marketing Properties, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Dooley, Arthur Rotelli, Robert Frichette, George Kringel, Paul Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20060225486
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring relative humidity of a mixture that provides a quick response time for thermal lag while affording protection to fragile sensors. In one aspect, the invention is a method for calculating the relative humidity of a mixture comprising measuring a chamber relative humidity (RHC) within a chamber enclosing an humidity sensor; measuring a first temperature (TC) within the chamber; measuring a second temperature (TA) separate from said chamber, said second temperature being the temperature of the mixture; and calculating the mixture relative humidity (RHA) based on the chamber relative humidity, a first value representing the first temperature and a second value representing the second temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Publication date: October 12, 2006
    Inventors: Richard Kellerman, Paul Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20060166592
    Abstract: An electronic drawing toy is disclosed for drawing and gaming applications used with a video monitor, wherein a complexity of the toy is minimized to facilitate use by young children.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventors: Paul Nielsen, Christopher Dooley, Loren Taylor
  • Patent number: 7033249
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus used for cleaning equipment including extremely high voltage energized electrical equipment using a dry ice blasting stream as the cleaning agent. The apparatus comprises a cleaning wand and a heating mechanism for impeding the formation of condensation and/or frost on the outer surface of the wand, thereby enabling the wand to operate for prolonged periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority
    Inventors: Bernhard Alexander Spalteholz, Geoffrey Paul Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20050188747
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring relative humidity of a mixture that provides a quick response time for thermal lag while affording protection to fragile sensors. In one aspect, the invention is an apparatus comprising: a chamber having a membrane covering an opening in the chamber, the membrane being permeable to water vapor while impermeable to liquid water; a humidity sensor for measuring relative humidity of the mixture within the chamber; a first temperature sensor for measuring a temperature relating to the mixture within the chamber; a second temperature sensor for measuring temperature of the mixture at a point exterior to the chamber; and a processor for receiving signals representing the measurements taken by the humidity sensor, the first temperature sensor, and the second temperature sensor and programmed to calculate relative humidity of the mixture at the point exterior to the chamber as a function thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Publication date: September 1, 2005
    Inventors: Richard Kellerman, Paul Nielsen