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).

  • Publication number: 20140266980
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Alexander D. Wissner-Gross, Timothy M. Sullivan, Robert J. Wolf, Robert V. Brazell
  • Publication number: 20140258031
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Alexander D. Wissner-Gross, Timothy M. Sullivan, Robert J. Wolf, Robert V. Brazell
  • Publication number: 20140164123
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Alexander D. Wissner-Gross, Timothy M. Sullivan, Robert J. Wolf, Robert V. Brazell
  • Publication number: 20140164122
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Alexander D. Wissner-Gross, Murray M. Sullivan, Robert J. Wolf, Robert V. Brazell
  • Publication number: 20140004940
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Alexander D. Wissner-Gross, Timothy M. Sullivan, Robert J. Wolf, Robert V. Brazell
  • Publication number: 20140006152
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Alexander D. Wissner-Gross, Timothy M. Sullivan, Robert J. Wolf, Robert V. Brazell
  • Publication number: 20140006159
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Alexander D. Wissner-Gross, Timothy M. Sullivan, Robert J. Wolf, Robert V. Brazell
  • Publication number: 20130346204
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Alexander D. Wissner-Gross, Timothy M. Sullivan, Robert J. Wolf, Robert V. Brazell
  • Patent number: 8361358
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Astoria Industries of Iowa, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Wolf
  • Patent number: 7503553
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Astoria Industries of Iowa, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack D. Brannan, Robert J. Wolf
  • Publication number: 20080217811
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: ASTORIA INDUSTRIES OF IOWA, INC.
    Inventor: Robert J. Wolf
  • Patent number: 7344406
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Astoria Industries of Iowa
    Inventor: Robert J. Wolf
  • Patent number: 7111744
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Astroria Industries of Iowa, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack D. Brannan, Robert J. Wolf
  • Patent number: 6843454
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Wolf, Thomas J. Barnidge, Wayne K. Darvell, Kenneth J. Kirchhoff
  • Publication number: 20040201155
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Applicant: Astoria Industries of Iowa, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack D. Brannan, Robert J. Wolf
  • Publication number: 20040195196
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Applicant: Astoria Industries of Iowa, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack D. Brannan, Robert J. Wolf
  • Publication number: 20040035986
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Wolf, Thomas J. Barnidge, Wayne K. Darvell, Kenneth J. Kirchhoff
  • Patent number: 6626403
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Wolf, Thomas J. Barnidge, Wayne K. Darvell, Kenneth J. Kirchhoff
  • Patent number: 6512452
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Astoria Industries of Iowa Inc.
    Inventors: Jack D. Brannan, Robert J. Wolf
  • Patent number: 6494418
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Wolf, Thomas J. Barnidge, Wayne K. Darvell, Kenneth J. Kirchhoff