Patents by Inventor Robert Andrew Myers

Robert Andrew Myers 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: 11932438
    Abstract: A rotatable bag rack to support a plurality of bag types. The bag rack includes a stand and a rack. The rack is pivotally mounted to the stand so as to be rotatable about a pivot axis relative to the stand between a first position to hold a first bag type and a second position to hold a second bag type. The rack includes a pair of spaced apart arms to hold the first bag type that, in the first position, extends forward relative to the pivot axis. The rack, in the second position, extends downward relative to the pivot axis. The rack also includes a hanger fixed relative to the arms to hold a second bag type that, in the first position, extends backward relative to the pivot axis. The rack, in the second position, extends upward relative to the pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: TOSHIBA GLOBAL COMMERCE SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Andrew Myers, Kevin Gierl
  • Publication number: 20230114251
    Abstract: A self-checkout system can include a plurality of telescoped bagging arm segments moveably coupled together in an order according to respective diameters of the plurality of telescoped bagging arm segments. A scanning system can be configured to provide a characteristic of an item purchased by a user of the self-checkout system and a processor circuit can be operatively coupled to the plurality of telescoped bagging arm segments and to the scanning system, where the processor circuit can be configured to move the plurality of telescoped bagging arm segments relative to one another based on the characteristic of the item to be placed in a bag in use with the self-checkout system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Inventors: HYE SUK MAKLEY, ROBERT ANDREW MYERS
  • Patent number: 11574295
    Abstract: A self-checkout system can include a plurality of telescoped bagging arm segments moveably coupled together in an order according to respective diameters of the plurality of telescoped bagging arm segments. A scanning system can be configured to provide a characteristic of an item purchased by a user of the self-checkout system and a processor circuit can be operatively coupled to the plurality of telescoped bagging arm segments and to the scanning system, where the processor circuit can be configured to move the plurality of telescoped bagging arm segments relative to one another based on the characteristic of the item to be placed in a bag in use with the self-checkout system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Hye Suk Makley, Robert Andrew Myers
  • Publication number: 20220351172
    Abstract: A self-checkout (SCO) terminal in a retail store controls banks of lights to communicate context information to a customer in order to better inform them about various events. The context information may be related to a predetermined event, such as a self-checkout process or an emergency event, and is enhanced using the personal preferences of the customer using the SCO terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Inventors: Brad M. Johnson, Robert Andrew Myers, Scott Graham, William Laird Dungan, Timothy W. Crockett
  • Patent number: 11386411
    Abstract: A self-checkout (SCO) terminal in a retail store controls banks of lights to communicate context information to a customer in order to better inform them about various events. The context information may be related to a predetermined event, such as a self-checkout process or an emergency event, and is enhanced using the personal preferences of the customer using the SCO terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Brad M. Johnson, Robert Andrew Myers, Scott Graham, William Laird Dungan, Timothy W. Crockett
  • Publication number: 20210133720
    Abstract: A self-checkout (SCO) terminal in a retail store controls banks of lights to communicate context information to a customer in order to better inform them about various events. The context information may be related to a predetermined event, such as a self-checkout process or an emergency event, and is enhanced using the personal preferences of the customer using the SCO terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Brad M. Johnson, Robert Andrew Myers, Scott Graham, William Laird Dungan, Timothy W. Crockett
  • Publication number: 20200258068
    Abstract: A self-checkout system can include a plurality of telescoped bagging arm segments moveably coupled together in an order according to respective diameters of the plurality of telescoped bagging arm segments. A scanning system can be configured to provide a characteristic of an item purchased by a user of the self-checkout system and a processor circuit can be operatively coupled to the plurality of telescoped bagging arm segments and to the scanning system, where the processor circuit can be configured to move the plurality of telescoped bagging arm segments relative to one another based on the characteristic of the item to be placed in a bag in use with the self-checkout system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Inventors: Hye Suk Makley, Robert Andrew Myers
  • Patent number: 9387707
    Abstract: A paper tape printer includes a receipt printer and a scissor cutter for cutting off a receipt from a paper tape. The scissor cutter includes: a moving blade having a fixed range of motion; and an adjustable stationary blade, which is stationary during a cutting operation and is moveable laterally relative to the moving blade to allow the paper tape to be selectively (i) fully cut when the stationary blade is positioned for a full cut of the paper tape, or (ii) partially cut, when the stationary blade is repositioned laterally to a partial cut position relative to the moving blade, which enables a partial cut of the paper tape. If a full cut is desired, the stationary blade is positioned against the full width of the paper tape. For a partial cut, the stationary blade is positioned against only a portion of the width of the paper tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions Holdings Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Andrew Myers
  • Publication number: 20140186089
    Abstract: A paper tape printer includes a receipt printer and a scissor cutter for cutting off a receipt from a paper tape. The scissor cutter includes: a moving blade having a fixed range of motion; and an adjustable stationary blade, which is stationary during a cutting operation and is moveable laterally relative to the moving blade to allow the paper tape to be selectively (i) fully cut when the stationary blade is positioned for a full cut of the paper tape, or (ii) partially cut, when the stationary blade is repositioned laterally to a partial cut position relative to the moving blade, which enables a partial cut of the paper tape. If a full cut is desired, the stationary blade is positioned against the full width of the paper tape. For a partial cut, the stationary blade is positioned against only a portion of the width of the paper tape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: TOSHIBA GLOBAL COMMERCE SOLUTIONS HOLDINGS CORPORATION
    Inventor: ROBERT ANDREW MYERS
  • Patent number: 8690463
    Abstract: A receipt printer having a scissor cutter for cutting off a receipt from a paper roll. The scissor cutter includes a moving blade that articulates across an adjustable stationary blade. The adjustable stationary blade is adjustable laterally according to whether a full cut or a partial cut across the paper roll is desired. If a full cut is desired, the stationary blade is positioned against the full width of the paper roll. If a partial cut is desired, the stationary blade is positioned against only a portion of the width of the paper roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Toshiba Gloabl Commerce Solutions Holdings Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Andrew Myers
  • Patent number: 7976231
    Abstract: The illustrative embodiments described herein provide an apparatus and method for adjusting a gap in a printer. The apparatus includes the printer that has a print head transport shaft. The print head is slidably coupled to the transport shaft. The apparatus includes an adjusting plate comprising a groove. The adjusting plate is located at a first side of the printer. The adjusting plate is slidably coupled to the transport shaft via the groove. Moving the adjusting plate along a first axis changes a first position of the print head on the first side of the printer to form the gap. The first axis is perpendicular to the transport shaft. The apparatus also includes a spring. The spring biases the adjusting plate such that the groove is biased toward the transport shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Danny Hugh Addison, Stacy Leigh Arrington, Richard Hunter Harris, Robert Andrew Myers
  • Patent number: 7905670
    Abstract: The illustrative embodiments described herein provide an apparatus and method for exposing printable media. The apparatus includes a printer having a cover. The apparatus also includes a set of lifting arms coupled to the cover. The apparatus includes a slowing device engaged with the set of lifting arms. The slowing device is adapted to slow movement of the set of lifting arms when the cover is moved. The apparatus also includes a stage coupled to the set of lifting arms such that movement of the cover causes movement of the stage into a position. The stage is adapted to receive the printable media. The position facilitates exposure of the printable media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Stacy Leigh Arrington, Richard Hunter Harris, Robert Andrew Myers
  • Patent number: 7891895
    Abstract: A receipt printer having a scissor cutter for cutting off a receipt from a paper roll. The scissor cutter includes a moving blade that articulates across an adjustable stationary blade. The adjustable stationary blade is adjustable laterally according to whether a full cut or a partial cut across the paper roll is desired. If a full cut is desired, the stationary blade is positioned against the full width of the paper roll. If a partial cut is desired, the stationary blade is positioned against only a portion of the width of the paper roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Andrew Myers
  • Patent number: 7686526
    Abstract: A document feeder device is disclosed. The document feeder device includes a frame and at least one cantilevered roller shaft for advancing a document, where an unsupported end of the at least one cantilevered roller shaft floats. The document feeder device eliminates the need for a rigid frame to support the unsupported end. This decreases the cost of production by eliminating the need for additional frame hardware and/or more rigid frame hardware. The document feeder device can be implemented in existing designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Hye Suk Chi, Robert Andrew Myers
  • Patent number: 7648066
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for sorting purchase items. A selection module selects a plurality of categories. In one embodiment, the selection module receives a category selection. In addition, the selection module may receive a criterion selection for the category selection and receive a modification for the criterion selection. The selection module may further modify the criterion of the selected category with the modification. An identification module identifies a purchase item. An association module associates a selected category of the plurality of categories with the purchase item. A sorter sorts the purchase item to a specified bin. The specified bin is associated with the selected category. In one embodiment, a bagger may bag one or more purchase items from a bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Daniel Kangas, Robert Andrew Myers, Jeff David Thomas
  • Publication number: 20090154977
    Abstract: The illustrative embodiments described herein provide an apparatus and method for adjusting a gap in a printer. The apparatus includes the printer that has a print head transport shaft. The print head is slidably coupled to the transport shaft. The apparatus includes an adjusting plate comprising a groove. The adjusting plate is located at a first side of the printer. The adjusting plate is slidably coupled to the transport shaft via the groove. Moving the adjusting plate along a first axis changes a first position of the print head on the first side of the printer to form the gap. The first axis is perpendicular to the transport shaft. The apparatus also includes a spring. The spring biases the adjusting plate such that the groove is biased toward the transport shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Danny Hugh Addison, Stacy Leigh Arrington, Richard Hunter Harris, Robert Andrew Myers
  • Publication number: 20090110462
    Abstract: The illustrative embodiments described herein provide a method and apparatus for stabilizing printable media in a printer. The apparatus includes a platen for conveying printable media through a conveyance path. The apparatus also includes a set of guides for curving the printable media to form a stabilized printable media, wherein curving the printable media comprises decreasing a distance between a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge of the printable media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Stacy Leigh Arrington, Richard Hunter Harris, Dean Frederick Herring, Robert Andrew Myers
  • Publication number: 20090110463
    Abstract: The illustrative embodiments described herein provide an apparatus and method for exposing printable media. The apparatus includes a printer having a cover. The apparatus also includes a set of lifting arms coupled to the cover. The apparatus includes a slowing device engaged with the set of lifting arms. The slowing device is adapted to slow movement of the set of lifting arms when the cover is moved. The apparatus also includes a stage coupled to the set of lifting arms such that movement of the cover causes movement of the stage into a position. The stage is adapted to receive the printable media. The position facilitates exposure of the printable media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stacy Leigh Arrington, Richard Hunter Harris, Robert Andrew Myers
  • Publication number: 20080203651
    Abstract: A document feeder device is disclosed. The document feeder device includes a frame and at least one cantilevered roller shaft for advancing a document, where an unsupported end of the at least one cantilevered roller shaft floats. The document feeder device eliminates the need for a rigid frame to support the unsupported end. This decreases the cost of production by eliminating the need for additional frame hardware and/or more rigid frame hardware. The document feeder device can be implemented in existing designs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Hye Suk Chi, Robert Andrew Myers
  • Patent number: 7390136
    Abstract: A document feeder method is disclosed. The document feeder method includes providing at least one cantilevered roller shaft in the printer for advancing the document, and coupling a supported end of the at least one cantilevered roller shaft to a frame of the printer such that an unsupported end of the at least one cantilevered roller shaft floats. This decreases the cost of production by eliminating the need for additional frame hardware and/or more rigid frame hardware. The document feeder method can be implemented in existing designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Hye Suk Chi, Robert Andrew Myers