Patents by Inventor Robert J. Wolf
Robert J. Wolf 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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Publication number: 20140266980Abstract: An altered shopping experience can be provided in a retail store. Various devices can be used to provide a stimulus (e.g. a smell or sound) to encourage the customer to purchase a product, to entertain the customer, or to provide information to the customer. Devices can also be provided for creating a forced perspective to give the appearance that an aisle is shorter than it is. Devices can also be provided to automatically identify ingredients in a recipe and identify retail stores that offer the ingredients at the best price, or to accept reservations for particular products in the case of an emergency.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventors: Alexander D. Wissner-Gross, Timothy M. Sullivan, Robert J. Wolf, Robert V. Brazell
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Publication number: 20140258031Abstract: An altered shopping experience can be provided in a retail store. Various devices can be used to provide a stimulus (e.g. a smell or sound) to encourage the customer to purchase a product, to entertain the customer, or to provide information to the customer. Devices can also be provided for creating a forced perspective to give the appearance that an aisle is shorter than it is. Devices can also be provided to automatically identify ingredients in a recipe and identify retail stores that offer the ingredients at the best price, or to accept reservations for particular products in the case of an emergency.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Inventors: Alexander D. Wissner-Gross, Timothy M. Sullivan, Robert J. Wolf, Robert V. Brazell
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Publication number: 20140164123Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for providing a conversational user interface (CUI) which interacts audibly with a customer of a retail location. The CUI can ask questions to or respond to questions from the customer, provide audible information regarding products or services available within the retail location, or otherwise assist the customer as the customer shops at the retail location. The CUI can be provided on virtually any device capable of outputting audio content including portable devices such as mobile phones, smart phones, tablets, gaming devices, and stationary devices such as televisions, monitors, or other display devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2012Publication date: June 12, 2014Inventors: Alexander D. Wissner-Gross, Timothy M. Sullivan, Robert J. Wolf, Robert V. Brazell
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Publication number: 20140164122Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for identifying the location of a customer within a retail environment using a smart device carried by the customer. One or more transponders can be located in the retail environment and can communicate with the smart device to determine the location of the smart device. Once the location of the smart device is determined, customized content can be displayed to the customer carrying the smart device. The customized content can be related to a product that is displayed in proximity of the location of the smart device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2012Publication date: June 12, 2014Inventors: Alexander D. Wissner-Gross, Murray M. Sullivan, Robert J. Wolf, Robert V. Brazell
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Publication number: 20140004940Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to providing recreational activities or social interactions within a retail store. The recreational activities or social interactions can create a fun, spontaneous, and exciting atmosphere which may increase store interest or consumer loyalty. The recreational activities or social interactions can be provided on a display device such as a customer's mobile phone, or a stationary display attached to a shelf or other structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2012Publication date: January 2, 2014Inventors: Alexander D. Wissner-Gross, Timothy M. Sullivan, Robert J. Wolf, Robert V. Brazell
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Publication number: 20140006152Abstract: The present invention relates to advertising in stores through the use of video displays that can present customized advertisements when a customer is recognized as being in proximity to the video display. Video displays can be used in stores to display customizable advertisements of a particular vendor. These advertisements can be selectively modified, personalized, and/or customized for a particular customer when that customer is recognized as being in proximity to the video display. This recognition can use the customer's mobile communication device, such as a cell phone, which can be recognized by the system as being in proximity to the video display. This recognition can also read information from a user's identification card, such as a loyalty card, in proximity to the video display. Customized content can be moved from one display to another as the customer moves through a store.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2012Publication date: January 2, 2014Inventors: Alexander D. Wissner-Gross, Timothy M. Sullivan, Robert J. Wolf, Robert V. Brazell
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Publication number: 20140006159Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for providing an altered shopping experience in a retail store. For example, various devices can be used to provide a stimulus (e.g. a smell or sound) to encourage the customer to purchase a product, to entertain the customer, or to provide information to the customer. Devices can also be provided for creating a forced perspective to give the appearance that an aisle is shorter than it is. Devices can also be provided to automatically identify ingredients in a recipe and identify retail stores that offer the ingredients at the best price, or to accept reservations for particular products in the case of an emergency.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2012Publication date: January 2, 2014Inventors: Alexander D. Wissner-Gross, Timothy M. Sullivan, Robert J. Wolf, Robert V. Brazell
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Publication number: 20130346204Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing a map of a retail store to guide a customer in the retail store. A map can be displayed in a user interface on a customer's computing device such as a smart phone. The customer can provide input to the user interface that requests assistance in locating one or more products in the store. The user interface can update the map to provide the requested assistance.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2012Publication date: December 26, 2013Inventors: Alexander D. Wissner-Gross, Timothy M. Sullivan, Robert J. Wolf, Robert V. Brazell
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Patent number: 8361358Abstract: A method of recycling fiberglass reinforced plastics. The steps include grinding used fiber reinforced plastic material such as scraps with a grinder into a predetermined length to form a grinded reinforced plastic material. The grinded reinforced material is then mixed with a mixing agent to form a composite material that is heated in order to cure the composite material to form a panel.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2007Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Astoria Industries of Iowa, Inc.Inventor: Robert J. Wolf
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Patent number: 7503553Abstract: A flexible utility body mount assembly is provided for connecting a utility body to the frame of a utility truck. The mount comprises a frame bracket rigidly attached to the truck frame and a body bracket rigidly attached to the utility body. The frame bracket includes a block and a spacer. A compression element travels through a bore within the block and connects the body and frame brackets. The block limits the lateral movement of the mount. The spacer fits between the utility body and the truck frame and allows for proper alignment between the body and frame brackets. The compression element comprises a bolt, a compression spring and a rebound element such that the compression spring is secured about the bottom side of the block while the rebound element is secured about the top.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2003Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Astoria Industries of Iowa, Inc.Inventors: Jack D. Brannan, Robert J. Wolf
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Publication number: 20080217811Abstract: A method of recycling fiberglass reinforced plastics. The steps include grinding used fiber reinforced plastic material such as scraps with a grinder into a predetermined length to form a grinded reinforced plastic material. The grinded reinforced material is then mixed with a mixing agent to form a composite material that is heated in order to cure the composite material to form a panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2007Publication date: September 11, 2008Applicant: ASTORIA INDUSTRIES OF IOWA, INC.Inventor: Robert J. Wolf
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Patent number: 7344406Abstract: A wiring harness connector having a wire divider with a housing that receives wiring from an electrical system of a truck. The wire divider is connected to an electrical adapter that has pins that electrically and physically connect to the wiring system of the truck. The electrical adapter additionally is electrically connected to both a male and female receptacle such that corresponding male or female receptacles may be connected to the electrical system of a truck topper or an auxiliary device.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Astoria Industries of IowaInventor: Robert J. Wolf
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Patent number: 7111744Abstract: A crane mount assembly having a mounting base and tower, the base having a pair of longitudinal members in parallel spaced alignment with transverse members positioned therebetween, and a top and bottom plate secured between the longitudinal members and the transverse members to create a torsion cell. The tower includes a base plate with a plurality of side panels that extend vertically from the base plate, and a mounting plate that is secured to the top of the side panels to create a hollow chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2003Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: Astroria Industries of Iowa, Inc.Inventors: Jack D. Brannan, Robert J. Wolf
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Patent number: 6843454Abstract: A wrist rest assembly for use along the front edge of a device to be operated by a person's hands or fingers, such as in front of a computer keyboard, including an elongate base on which is supported an elongate pad comprising a layer of gel within the covering. The pad has sufficient thickness between its top and bottom surfaces and width between its edges to afford supporting a users wrists on said top surface with a portion of the layer of gel beneath and conforming to the supported wrists and to afford significant motion of the top surface of the pad with the supported wrists relative to the bottom surface in a plane generally parallel to the upper surface of the base. The base has a top portion supporting the pad, a bottom portion adapted to be supported on a horizontal surface; and structure that allows the top portion to be supported on the bottom portion with the top surface of the pad at a predetermined one of several different distances above that horizontal surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2003Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Robert J. Wolf, Thomas J. Barnidge, Wayne K. Darvell, Kenneth J. Kirchhoff
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Publication number: 20040201155Abstract: A flexible utility body mount assembly is provided for connecting a utility body to the frame of a utility truck. The mount comprises a frame bracket rigidly attached to the truck frame and a body bracket rigidly attached to the utility body. The frame bracket includes a block and a spacer. A compression element travels through a bore within the block and connects the body and frame brackets. The block limits the lateral movement of the mount. The spacer fits between the utility body and the truck frame and allows for proper alignment between the body and frame brackets. The compression element comprises a bolt, a compression spring and a rebound element such that the compression spring is secured about the bottom side of the block while the rebound element is secured about the top.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2003Publication date: October 14, 2004Applicant: Astoria Industries of Iowa, Inc.Inventors: Jack D. Brannan, Robert J. Wolf
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Publication number: 20040195196Abstract: A crane mount assembly having a mounting base and tower, the base having a pair of longitudinal members in parallel spaced alignment with transverse members positioned therebetween, and a top and bottom plate secured between the longitudinal members and the transverse members to create a torsion cell. The tower includes a base plate with a plurality of side panels that extend vertically from the base plate, and a mounting plate that is secured to the top of the side panels to create a hollow chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2003Publication date: October 7, 2004Applicant: Astoria Industries of Iowa, Inc.Inventors: Jack D. Brannan, Robert J. Wolf
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Publication number: 20040035986Abstract: A wrist rest assembly for use along the front edge of a device to be operated by a person's hands or fingers, such as in front of a computer keyboard, including an elongate base on which is supported an elongate pad comprising a layer of gel within the covering. The pad has sufficient thickness between its top and bottom surfaces and width between its edges to afford supporting a users wrists on said top surface with a portion of the layer of gel beneath and conforming to the supported wrists and to afford significant motion of the top surface of the pad with the supported wrists relative to the bottom surface in a plane generally parallel to the upper surface of the base. The base has a top portion supporting the pad, a bottom portion adapted to be supported on a horizontal surface; and structure that allows the top portion to be supported on the bottom portion with the top surface of the pad at a predetermined one of several different distances above that horizontal surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2003Publication date: February 26, 2004Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Robert J. Wolf, Thomas J. Barnidge, Wayne K. Darvell, Kenneth J. Kirchhoff
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Patent number: 6626403Abstract: A wrist rest assembly for use along the front edge of a device to be operated by a person's hands or fingers, such as in front of a computer keyboard, including an elongate base on which is supported an elongate pad comprising a layer of gel within the covering. The pad has sufficient thickness between its top and bottom surfaces and width between its edges to afford supporting a users wrists on the top surface with a portion of the layer of gel beneath and conforming to the supported wrists and to afford significant motion of the top surface of the pad with the supported wrists relative to the bottom surface in a plane generally parallel to the upper surface of the base. The base has a top portion supporting the pad, a bottom portion adapted to be supported on a horizontal surface; and structure that allows the top portion to be supported on the bottom portion with the top surface of the pad at a predetermined one of several different distances above that horizontal surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2000Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Robert J. Wolf, Thomas J. Barnidge, Wayne K. Darvell, Kenneth J. Kirchhoff
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Patent number: 6512452Abstract: A brake circuit that includes parallel electrical paths extending from the brake controller, through connectors, to the trailer brakes. The circuit having a primary circuit path extending from the power supply to a connector, through a diode to the brakes and back to the power supply and a secondary circuit extending from the power supply to a connector, through a diode to the brakes and a back to the power supply, and a pair of indicator lights connected to each circuit path between the connector and diode at one end and the power supply at the other end.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2000Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: Astoria Industries of Iowa Inc.Inventors: Jack D. Brannan, Robert J. Wolf
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Patent number: 6494418Abstract: A wrist rest assembly for use along the front edge of a device to be operated by a person's hands or fingers, such as in front of a computer keyboard, including an elongate base on which is supported an elongate pad comprising a layer of gel within the covering. The pad has sufficient thickness between its top and bottom surfaces and width between its edges to afford supporting a users wrists on top surface with a portion of the layer of gel beneath and conforming to the supported wrists and to afford significant motion of the top surface of the pad with the supported wrists relative to the bottom surface in a plane generally parallel to the upper surface of the base. The base has a top portion supporting the pad, a bottom portion adapted to be supported on a horizontal surface; and structure that allows the top portion to be supported on the bottom portion with the top surface of the pad at a predetermined one of several different distances above that horizontal surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 1998Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Robert J. Wolf, Thomas J. Barnidge, Wayne K. Darvell, Kenneth J. Kirchhoff