Patents by Inventor Randy L. Blankley, Jr.

Randy L. Blankley, Jr. 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: 20230146863
    Abstract: A system and method for implementing a scale based order assignment and fulfillment system is provided. The method includes receiving (via a user interface from a user) a request for an item from an entity. A database comprising links between zones is scanned and in response, a unit is assigned to a zone associated with a location of the item. The assignment results in the transmission of digital instructions to an electronic scale apparatus located within the zone and associated with the unit. The digital instructions executed for activating the electronic scale apparatus to enable a user to dynamically fulfil the request for the first item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2022
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    Inventors: Cherie BUHLER, Robert S. DAVIS, Evan CLINTON, James MEYER, Randy L. BLANKLEY, JR., Angel LOPEZ VILLEGAS
  • Patent number: 11623456
    Abstract: A printing device includes a thermal printhead with a plurality of print elements. A controller is configured to identify an out of specification status of at least one print element, wherein the controller is further configured to determine whether printing of a specific print field requires use of the print element having the out of specification status and, if so, to determine whether a print location of the specific print field can be shifted such that the print element having out of specification status will be one of (i) aligned with a gap in the specific print field or (ii) offset to one side of the specific print field. A weighing scale incorporating the printing device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Randy L. Blankley, Jr., Robert S. Davis
  • Publication number: 20230035190
    Abstract: A scale-based order management and fulfillment system includes a computer system configured as an order manager, the computer system connected for electronic receipt of customer orders from one or more external devices or systems; and a plurality of scales within a store. The computer system is configured to dynamically process customer orders for fulfillment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Inventors: Cherie BUHLER, Robert S. DAVIS, Evan CLINTON, James MEYER, Randy L. BLANKLEY, JR., Angel LOPEZ VILLEGAS
  • Patent number: 11300442
    Abstract: A weighing apparatus includes a load cell assembly with an elongated load cell body including a first three dimensional coordinate orientation defined by a first X-axis, a first Y-axis and a first Z-axis. An accelerometer unit is operatively connected to the elongated load cell body and having a second three-dimensional coordinate orientation defined by a second X-axis, a second Y-axis and a second Z-axis. A memory unit is mounted on the elongated load cell body, the memory unit storing data for aligning the second three-dimensional coordinate orientation of the accelerometer unit with the first three-dimensional coordinate orientation of the elongated load cell body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Randy L. Blankley, Jr., Juan C. Guzman, Hung B. Nguyen, Randall L. Redman
  • Publication number: 20220040994
    Abstract: A printing device includes a thermal printhead with a plurality of print elements. A controller is configured to identify an out of specification status of at least one print element, wherein the controller is further configured to determine whether printing of a specific print field requires use of the print element having the out of specification status and, if so, to determine whether a print location of the specific print field can be shifted such that the print element having out of specification status will be one of (i) aligned with a gap in the specific print field or (ii) offset to one side of the specific print field. A weighing scale incorporating the printing device is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2021
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Inventors: Randy L. Blankley, JR., Robert S. Davis
  • Publication number: 20210262851
    Abstract: A weighing system for a retail grocery environment is provided. The system includes a scale device with a weighing station and a scale device controller associated with the weighing station for determining a price of an item based upon the item weight, wherein the scale device further includes a first wireless transmitter/receiver associated with the scale controller. A portable, wireless communication module is carried by a scale operator, the wireless communication module including a display screen, a module controller with a memory, at least one operator control input and a second wireless transmitter/receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2020
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Inventors: Randy L. BLANKLEY, JR., Eric D. LANDES, Robert S. DAVIS, Douglas J. ANTONIDES, Lawrence A. PEVOAR
  • Publication number: 20210247229
    Abstract: A weighing apparatus includes a load cell assembly with an elongated load cell body including a first three dimensional coordinate orientation defined by a first X-axis, a first Y-axis and a first Z-axis. An accelerometer unit is operatively connected to the elongated load cell body and having a second three-dimensional coordinate orientation defined by a second X-axis, a second Y-axis and a second Z-axis. A memory unit is mounted on the elongated load cell body, the memory unit storing data for aligning the second three-dimensional coordinate orientation of the accelerometer unit with the first three-dimensional coordinate orientation of the elongated load cell body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Inventors: Randy L. Blankley, JR., Juan C. Guzman, Hung B. Nguyen, Randall L. Redman
  • Patent number: 11041751
    Abstract: A scale includes a weigh station for receiving items to be weighed, an operator interface configured to display information associated with scale operations and a controller operably coupled to the operator interface to effect display of information. The operator interface may be in the form of a touch-screen display that is used to facilitate ease of use and scale adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Debra L. Dyer, Robert S. Davis, James E. Highley, Jr., Jill M. Broering, Fredrick D. Knoop, Randy L. Blankley, Jr., John A. Dusing
  • Publication number: 20180060938
    Abstract: A scale-based customer queueing system includes a ticket dispense machine with an associated controller, and a plurality of scales within a store department. Each of the scales includes a weigh station for receiving items to be weighed, an operator interface configured to display information associated with scale operations, a customer facing interface for displaying information to customers and a controller operatively coupled to the operator interface to effect display of information thereon and to the customer interface to effect display of information thereon. The controller of a first scale of the plurality of scales is configured to operate the first scale as a master queuing scale that communicates with both the ticket dispense machine and the remaining scales of the plurality of scales to carry out a customer queueing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Robert S. Davis, Randy L. Blankley, JR., David K. Jackson, Aaron T. Swift, Ian C. Davis
  • Publication number: 20180023999
    Abstract: A scale includes a weigh station for receiving items to be weighed, an operator interface configured to display information associated with scale operations and a controller operably coupled to the operator interface to effect display of information. The operator interface may be in the form of a touch-screen display that is used to facilitate ease of use and scale adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Debra L. Dyer, Robert S. Davis, James E. Highley, JR., Jill M. Broering, Fredrick D. Knoop, Randy L. Blankley, JR., John A. Dusing
  • Patent number: 9810572
    Abstract: A scale includes a weigh station for receiving items to be weighed, an operator interface configured to display information associated with scale operations and a controller operably coupled to the operator interface to effect display of information. The operator interface may be in the form of a touch-screen display that is used to facilitate ease of use and scale adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Debra L. Dyer, Robert S. Davis, James E. Highley, Jr., Jill M. Broering, Fredrick D. Knoop, Randy L. Blankley, Jr., John A. Dusing
  • Patent number: 9562806
    Abstract: A scale includes a weigh station for receiving items to be weighed, an operator interface configured to display information associated with scale operations and a controller operably coupled to the operator interface to effect display of information. The operator interface may be in the form of a touch-screen display that is used to facilitate ease of use and scale adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Debra L. Dyer, Robert S. Davis, James E. Highley, Jr., Jill M. Broering, Fredrick D. Knoop, Randy L. Blankley, Jr., John A. Dusing
  • Patent number: 9494460
    Abstract: A scale includes a weigh station for receiving items to be weighed, an operator interface configured to display information associated with scale operations and a controller operably coupled to the operator interface to effect display of information. The operator interface may be in the form of a touch-screen display that is used to facilitate ease of use and scale adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Debra L. Dyer, Robert S. Davis, James E. Highley, Jr., Jill M. Broering, Fredrick D. Knoop, Randy L. Blankley, Jr., John A. Dusing
  • Patent number: 9377346
    Abstract: A scale includes a weigh station for receiving items to be weighed, an operator interface configured to display information associated with scale operations and a controller operably coupled to the operator interface to effect display of information. The operator interface may be in the form of a touch-screen display that is used to facilitate ease of use and scale adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Debra L. Dyer, Robert S. Davis, James E. Highley, Jr., Jill M. Broering, Fredrick D. Knoop, Randy L. Blankley, Jr., John A. Dusing
  • Patent number: 9377345
    Abstract: A scale includes a weigh station for receiving items to be weighed, an operator interface configured to display information associated with scale operations and a controller operably coupled to the operator interface to effect display of information. The operator interface may be in the form of a touch-screen display that is used to facilitate ease of use and scale adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Debra L. Dyer, Robert S. Davis, James E. Highley, Jr., Jill M. Broering, Fredrick D. Knoop, Randy L. Blankley, Jr., John A. Dusing
  • Publication number: 20150068819
    Abstract: A scale includes a weigh station for receiving items to be weighed, an operator interface configured to display information associated with scale operations and a controller operably coupled to the operator interface to effect display of information. The operator interface may be in the form of a touch-screen display that is used to facilitate ease of use and scale adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Debra L. Dyer, Robert S. Davis, James E. Highley, JR., Jill M. Broering, Fredrick D. Knoop, Randy L. Blankley, JR., John A. Dusing
  • Publication number: 20150068820
    Abstract: A scale includes a weigh station for receiving items to be weighed, an operator interface configured to display information associated with scale operations and a controller operably coupled to the operator interface to effect display of information. The operator interface may be in the form of a touch-screen display that is used to facilitate ease of use and scale adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Debra L. Dyer, Robert S. Davis, James E. Highley, JR., Jill M. Broering, Fredrick D. Knoop, Randy L. Blankley, JR., John A. Dusing
  • Publication number: 20150074577
    Abstract: A scale includes a weigh station for receiving items to be weighed, an operator interface configured to display information associated with scale operations and a controller operably coupled to the operator interface to effect display of information. The operator interface may be in the form of a touch-screen display that is used to facilitate ease of use and scale adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Debra L. Dyer, Robert S. Davis, James E. Highley, JR., Jill M. Broering, Fredrick D. Knoop, Randy L. Blankley, JR., John A. Dusing
  • Publication number: 20150074580
    Abstract: A scale includes a weigh station for receiving items to be weighed, an operator interface configured to display information associated with scale operations and a controller operably coupled to the operator interface to effect display of information. The operator interface may be in the form of a touch-screen display that is used to facilitate ease of use and scale adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Debra L. Dyer, Robert S. Davis, James E. Highley, JR., Jill M. Broering, Fredrick D. Knoop, Randy L. Blankley, JR., John A. Dusing
  • Publication number: 20150068818
    Abstract: A scale includes a weigh station for receiving items to be weighed, an operator interface configured to display information associated with scale operations and a controller operably coupled to the operator interface to effect display of information. The operator interface may be in the form of a touch-screen display that is used to facilitate ease of use and scale adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Debra L. Dyer, Robert S. Davis, James E. Highley, JR., Jill M. Broering, Fredrick D. Knoop, Randy L. Blankley, JR., John A. Dusing