Patents by Inventor Robert A. Pierce

Robert A. Pierce 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: 20050273376
    Abstract: A computer system models customer response using observable data. The observable data includes transaction, product, price, and promotion. The computer system receives data observable from customer responses. A set of factors including customer traffic within a store, selecting a product, and quantity of selected product is defined as expected values, each in terms of a set of parameters related to customer buying decision. A likelihood function is defined for each of the set of factors. The parameters are solved using the observable data and associated likelihood function. The customer response model is time series of unit sales defined by a product combination of the expected value of customer traffic and the expected value of selecting a product and the expected value of quantity of selected product. A linear relationship is given between different products which includes a constant of proportionality that determines affinity and cannibalization relationships between the products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2004
    Publication date: December 8, 2005
    Inventors: Kenneth Ouimet, Robert Pierce
  • Publication number: 20050273377
    Abstract: A computer system models customer response using observable data. The observable data includes transaction, product, price, and promotion. The computer system receives data observable from customer responses. A set of factors including customer traffic within a store, selecting a product, and quantity of selected product is defined as expected values, each in terms of a set of parameters related to customer buying decision. A likelihood function is defined for each of the set of factors. The parameters are solved using the observable data and associated likelihood function. The customer response model is time series of unit sales defined by a product combination of the expected value of customer traffic and the expected value of selecting a product and the expected value of quantity of selected product. A linear relationship is given between different products which includes a constant of proportionality that determines affinity and cannibalization relationships between the products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2004
    Publication date: December 8, 2005
    Inventors: Kenneth Ouimet, Robert Pierce
  • Publication number: 20050229345
    Abstract: Attractiveness of consumer products is enhanced by use of scintillating fluorescent light collecting fibers contained in those products. The fibers collect ambient light of various wavelengths, some not visible, along their length which is collected within the fiber and emitted as visible light at the ends of the fibers. The emitted light can be used to enhance the consumer appeal of the product or promote its use. Specific consumer products disclosed include toothbrushes and liquid soap dispensers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Publication date: October 20, 2005
    Inventors: John Rouse, Martin Kiee, Robert Pierce, James Kernp, Albert Chen
  • Patent number: 6950717
    Abstract: A system for controlling the width and stitch density of a moving fabric web compacted by a fabric compaction system. The width control subsystem comprises a first camera which captures an image of a moving fabric web, and a first controller, wherein the first controller receives the captured image, calculates the width of the fabric web, and compares the calculated width to a first width set point. The stitch count control subsystem comprises a second camera that captures an image of a moving fabric web, and a second controller, wherein the second controller receives the captured image, calculates the stitch count of the fabric web, and compares the calculated stitch count to a first stitch count set point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Sara Lee Corporation
    Inventors: Glenn Robert Pierce, Jimmy Franklin Plyler, Donald Frank Austin, Michael Thomas Fox, Larry Thomas Clodfeller
  • Patent number: 6882358
    Abstract: Apparatus, system, and method for enabling eye-to-eye contact in video conferences. In general, the system and apparatus employ means for generating video images corresponding to real images that would be produced if a video camera were disposed at or behind a video display having a field of view directed toward a target object such as a participant. An image (either real, reflected, or holographic) is formed based on light reflected off of the target object, and object light corresponding to the image is received by the video camera, which produces a video signal containing the image. Typically, the means for generating the video images employs direct imaging, reflective imaging, or holographic imaging. The means for generating the video images are also configured in such a manner as to be substantially transparent to video conference participants viewing the display images on the video display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Terabeam Corporation
    Inventors: John Schuster, Robert Pierce, David Bajorins
  • Patent number: 6792351
    Abstract: A message containing a message identifier is received in a vehicle. The message identifier is compared with information associated with the vehicle. If message identifier and the vehicle information correspond in some manner, the message is reported to a vehicle operator and may be relayed to other vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Medius, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Pierce Lutter
  • Patent number: 6778073
    Abstract: A vehicle audio system includes a wireless audio sensor configured to wirelessly detect different portable audio sources brought into the vehicle. Audio output devices are located in the vehicle for outputting audio signals from the different audio sources. A processor selectively connects the different audio sources to the different audio output devices. In another aspect, the audio system includes object sensors that detect objects located outside the vehicle. The processor generates warning signals that are output from the different audio output devices according to where the objects are detected by the object sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Medius, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Pierce Lutter, Dan Alan Preston
  • Patent number: 6771208
    Abstract: A multi-sensor system includes multiple sensors that are integrated onto the same substrate forming a unitary multi-sensor platform that provides a known consistent physical relationship between the multiple sensors. A processor can also be integrated onto the substrate so that data from the multiple sensors can be processed locally by the multi-sensor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Medius, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Pierce Lutter, Tracey Olson
  • Patent number: PP15469
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Antirrhinum plant named ‘Sulte Laver’, characterized by its outwardly spreading, decumbent and mounded plant habit; freely branching habit; freely flowering habit; and numerous flowers that are light purple in color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Goldsmith Seeds, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Pierce
  • Patent number: PP15518
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Antirrhinum plant named ‘Sulte Litpinka’, characterized by its outwardly spreading, decumbent and mounded plant habit; freely branching habit; freely flowering habit; and numerous flowers that are light pink in color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Goldsmith Seeds, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Pierce
  • Patent number: PP15520
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Antirrhinum plant named ‘Sulte Redyel’, characterized by its outwardly spreading, decumbent and mounded plant habit; freely branching habit; freely flowering habit; and numerous flowers that are yellow and red purple in color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Goldsmith Seeds, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Pierce
  • Patent number: PP15541
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Antirrhinum plant named ‘Sulte Lityel’, characterized by its outwardly spreading, decumbent and mounded plant habit; freely branching habit; freely flowering habit; and numerous flowers that are light yellow in color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Goldsmith Seeds, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Pierce
  • Patent number: PP15586
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Antirrhinum plant named ‘Sulte Reeda’, characterized by its outwardly spreading, decumbent and mounded plant habit; freely branching habit; freely flowering habit; and numerous flowers that are dark red purple in color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Goldsmith Seeds, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Pierce
  • Patent number: PP15635
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Antirrhinum plant named ‘Sulte Broe’, characterized by its outwardly spreading, decumbent and mounded plant habit; freely branching habit; freely flowering habit; and numerous flowers that are orange in color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Goldsmith Seeds, INC
    Inventor: Robert Pierce
  • Patent number: PP15685
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Antirrhinum plant named ‘Sulte Pur’, characterized by its outwardly spreading, decumbent and mounded plant habit; freely branching habit; freely flowering habit; and numerous flowers that are purple in color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Goldsmith Seeds, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Pierce
  • Patent number: PP16737
    Abstract: A Calibrachoa cultivar particularly distinguished by its orange-colored flowers is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Goldsmith Seeds, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Pierce
  • Patent number: PP15427
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Calibrachoa plant named ‘Cal Pur’, characterized by its uniform, outwardly spreading, low mounding and trailing plant habit; freely and continuous branching habit; dense and bushy plant growth habit; and very freely flowering habit, numerous dark purple-colored flowers with yellow-colored throats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Goldsmith Seeds, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Pierce
  • Patent number: PP15447
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Antirrhinum plant named ‘Sulte Whit’, characterized by its outwardly spreading, decumbent and mounded plant habit; freely branching habit; freely flowering habit; and numerous flowers that are white in color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Goldsmith Seeds, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Pierce
  • Patent number: PP15448
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Calibrachoa plant named ‘Cal Litelaver’, characterized by its uniform, outwardly spreading, mounding and trailing plant habit; freely and continuous branching habit; dense and bushy plant growth habit; and very freely flowering habit, numerous light lavender-colored flowers with yellow-colored throats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Goldsmith Seeds, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Pierce
  • Patent number: PP15449
    Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Calibrachoa plant named ‘Cal Laver’, characterized by its uniform, outwardly spreading, mounding and trailing plant habit; freely and continuous branching habit; dense and bushy plant growth habit; and very freely flowering habit, numerous lavender-colored flowers with yellow-colored throats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Goldsmith Seeds, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Pierce