Patents by Inventor Robin Thompson

Robin Thompson 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: 11950571
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and/or method of identifying an activity of an animal. The activity may include the animal drinking, eating, urination, or defecating. Motion data of a first animal may be received, for example, via a sensor. Predetermined signatures of one or more second animals may be received. The predetermined signatures of the one or more second animals may be associated with one or more activities of the one or more second animals. A signature of an activity of the first animal may be determined based on the motion data of the first animal. Based on the signature of the activity of the first animal and the predetermined signatures of the second animal, the activity of the first animal may be identified. The identified activity of the first animal may be displayed via a display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Hills Pet Nutrition, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan Wernimont, Robin Thompson
  • Publication number: 20240023522
    Abstract: A pet amusement device may comprise at least one housing that may comprise, a memory, a power source, a transceiver, and/or at least one sensor. The sensor may be configured to detect one or more parameters corresponding to at least one pet interaction with the device. The device may comprise a processor that may be configured to receive the one or more parameters. The processor may be configured to generate data corresponding to the one or more parameters. The processor may transmit one or more signals corresponding to the data to one or more remote servers. The device may comprise at least one haptic motor configured to generate at least some vibration through the at least one housing. The processor may be configured to control the at least some vibration based on an occurrence of a predetermined condition, or a command from the one or more remote servers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Applicant: Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan WERNIMONT, Cheryl STIERS, Janae Michelle BRADLEY, John Michael MCCOY, JR., Robin THOMPSON, Michael Edward MARINELLO, Austin LUGINBILL, Jose Mateus RAITZ PERSCH, Kylie Wilkerson, Aaron STORY
  • Publication number: 20230141529
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for tracking an animal comprising—for example: an electronic device configured to be implanted within an animal and comprising: one or more sensors configured to determine information relating to the animal; a memory device configured to store the information relating to the animal; a communication interface configured to wirelessly and transcutaneously communicate the information to an external device according to predetermined priority rules; and a battery device for providing power to at least one of the one or more sensors or the communication interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2022
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    Applicant: Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan WERNIMONT, Jodi VONDRAN, Robin THOMPSON
  • Publication number: 20230145392
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for tracking an animal comprising—for example: an electronic device configured to be coupled to an animal, the electronic device comprising: one or more sensors comprising at least one of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or a magnetometer, the one or more sensors configured to determine location or movement information relating to the animal; a memory device configured to store the location or movement information relating to the animal; a communication interface configured to wirelessly communicate the location or movement information to an external device; and a battery device for providing power the at least one of the one or more sensors or the communication interface; and a charging device configured to wirelessly provide power to the battery device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2022
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    Applicant: Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan WERNIMONT, Jodi VONDRAN, Robin THOMPSON
  • Publication number: 20230147909
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for monitoring an animal comprising: an electronic device configured to be implanted within an animal, the electronic device comprising: one or more sensors comprising at least one of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or a magnetometer, the one or more sensors configured to determine location or movement information relating to the animal; a memory device configured to store the location or movement information relating to the animal; a communication interface configured to wirelessly communicate the location or movement information to an external device; and a battery device for providing power to at least one of the one or more sensors or the communication interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2022
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    Applicant: Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan WERNIMONT, Jodi VONDRAN, Robin THOMPSON
  • Publication number: 20230073738
    Abstract: A method, device, and system for determining a body attribute of an animal may be provided. For example, a system may include a sensor configured to capture image data relating to the animal. One or more processors may be configured to receive the captured image data relating to the animal; identify portions relating to the animal depicted within the image data; input, into a machine learning model, the portions relating to the animal depicted within the image data; and determine, via the machine learning model, an ideal body weight (IBW), a body condition score (BCS) of the animal, a body fat index (BFI) of the animal, a weight or other attributes of the animal or part of the animal including height, width, length, depth, diameter, radius, circumference, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Applicant: Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan WERNIMONT, Robin THOMPSON, Stephen G. MATTHEWS
  • Publication number: 20220104464
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and/or method of identifying an activity of an animal. The activity may include the animal drinking, eating, urination, or defecating. Motion data of a first animal may be received, for example, via a sensor. Predetermined signatures of one or more second animals may be received. The predetermined signatures of the one or more second animals may be associated with one or more activities of the one or more second animals. A signature of an activity of the first animal may be determined based on the motion data of the first animal. Based on the signature of the activity of the first animal and the predetermined signatures of the second animal, the activity of the first animal may be identified. The identified activity of the first animal may be displayed via a display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Applicant: Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan WERNIMONT, Robin THOMPSON
  • Publication number: 20220087229
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and/or method of determining a condition of an animal is provided. Movement data of the animal for a predetermined time period may be received. The movement data may include at least one of an acceleration and/or velocity of the animal, a distance traveled by the animal, a location of the animal, and/or steps taken by the animal. A gait of the animal may be determined for the predetermined time period based on the movement data of the animal. A duration and/or a frequency of the gait of the animal may be determined. An activity level of the animal for the predetermined time period may be determined based on at least one of the duration or the frequency of the gait of the animal. The activity level of the animal may be caused to be displayed via a display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Applicant: Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan WERNIMONT, Robin THOMPSON
  • Publication number: 20220044788
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and/or method of may determine a caloric requirement of an animal. Animal characteristic data including a weight, body type, or breed of the animal may be received. Movement data of the animal may be received (e.g., received via a sensor) for a first predetermined time period. The movement data may include a speed of the animal, a distance traveled by the animal, a location of the animal, and/or steps taken by the animal. An activity level of the animal during the first predefined time period may be determined based on the movement data of the animal. A caloric requirement of the animal during a second predetermined time period may be determined. The caloric requirement of the animal may be based on the activity level of the animal and/or the animal characteristic data of the animal. The caloric requirement of the animal may be displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Applicant: Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan Wernimont, Kristen Carnagey, Cheryl Stiers, Robin Thompson, Visalakshi Lakshmanan Narayanan
  • Publication number: 20220039358
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and/or method of determining a caloric requirement of an animal may be provided. In an aspect, animal characteristic data comprising a breed of an animal or a condition of the animal may be received. Durational parameters of the animal for a first predetermined time duration may be received. The durational parameters may include at least one of an activity level of the animal, a weight of the animal, or an amount of calories consumed by the animal during the first predetermined time period. A caloric requirement of the animal during a second predetermined time period may be determined. The caloric requirement of the animal may be based on the animal characteristic data of the animal and/or the durational parameters of the animal during the first predetermined time period. The caloric requirement of the animal during the second predetermined time period may be displayed via a display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Applicant: Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan Wernimont, Kristen Carnagey, Jodi Vondran, Mark Szczerbaniewicz, Robin Thompson
  • Patent number: 9522756
    Abstract: A fastening system and method to removably attach change part components to a capping or filling machine in order to adapt a general purpose machine for use with a specific size or shape container. The fastening system and method uses magnetic forces to pull component parts into alignment and to interlock portions of interchangeable components. In addition, a blocking component is interposed between two other interchangeable component parts or within mushroom slots, securing the components in place, aided by biasing magnets. This system and method relies on a combination of mechanical and magnetic forces by using mechanical forces to reinforce or supplement biasing magnetic forces, and vice versa, creating a durable connection that will withstand the rigors of the filling and capping process, yet which is simple to assemble and disassemble without tools. The less intricate component parts are less prone to damage during assembly, use or disassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: PNEUMARIC SCALE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul Celli, Jr., John Toth, Robin Thompson, Patrick Reeves
  • Patent number: 9149919
    Abstract: A fastening system and method to removably attach change part components to a capping or filling machine in order to adapt a general purpose machine for use with a specific size or shape container. The fastening system and method uses magnetic forces to pull component parts into alignment and to interlock portions of interchangeable components. In addition, a blocking component is interposed between two other interchangeable component parts or within mushroom slots, securing the components in place, aided by biasing magnets. This system and method relies on a combination of mechanical and magnetic forces by using mechanical forces to reinforce or supplement biasing magnetic forces, and vice versa, creating a durable connection that will withstand the rigors of the filling and capping process, yet which is simple to assemble and disassemble without tools. The less intricate component parts are less prone to damage during assembly, use, or disassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: PNEUMATIC SCALE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul Celli, Jr., John Toth, Robin Thompson, Patrick Reeves
  • Publication number: 20080058248
    Abstract: The subject invention relates to novel Xenorhabdus toxin complex (TC) proteins and genes that encode these proteins. More specifically, the subject invention relates to TC genes and proteins obtainable from Xenorhabdus bovienii strain ILM104.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: Dow AgroSciences LLC
    Inventors: Patricia Apel-Birkhold, Timothy Hey, Robin Thompson, Thomas Meade, Ze-Sheng Li, Sean Russell, Joel Sheets, Justin Lira, Kristin Fencil, Jon Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20070243875
    Abstract: A method and system for forwarding calls in telecommunication networks are provided. More particularly, control of late call forwarding logic and routing is placed at the home network Gateway MSC and HLR, thus removing the home network service provider's dependency on the visited network capabilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Inventors: Sudha Gouthama, Robin Thompson, Mark Ristich, Angelica Remoquillo, Suzann Hua, E-Ling Lou
  • Publication number: 20070121595
    Abstract: An exemplary method provides ringback information to a calling party device. A call establishment request is received in an Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network from the calling party device by a session initiation protocol, SIP, application server, SIP-AS. Ringback information associated with the called party, which may require condition evaluation such as time-of-day, day-of-week or may be unconditionally determined, is identified in response to the call establishment request. A push transmission technique is used by the SIP-AS to transmit the ringback information via one or more bearer packets sent from the SIP-AS to the calling party device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Publication date: May 31, 2007
    Inventors: Ramachendra Batni, Stinson Mathai, Darius Polikaitis, Ranjan Sharma, Robin Thompson
  • Publication number: 20070121901
    Abstract: Devices, networks, and methods are disclosed for providing a plurality of answering message options to a called party for answering an incoming call. When a call is received in a called device, the called device identifies a plurality of answering messages predefined by the called party. The called device then provides answering message options to the called party based on the identified answering messages. The called party selects one of the answering message options. Responsive to the selection by the called party, the called device and/or the communication network transmits an answering message to the calling party. The answering message in essence “answers” the call for the called party. The called party does not actually have to speak into the called device to answer the call.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Publication date: May 31, 2007
    Inventors: Stinson Mathal, Robin Thompson, George Varghese
  • Publication number: 20060264213
    Abstract: The dual registration system tracks two serving Mobile Switching Centers for each subscriber. The registrations are differentiated as IP Multimedia Subsystem for voice call delivery purposes and CDMA Mobile Switching Center for IP access and other non-voice services. The registration message from the IP Multimedia Subsystem is enhanced via protocol extensions to include an indication that this registration is from the IP Multimedia Subsystem and is to indicate the target Mobile Switching Center for IP Multimedia Subsystem services, such as VoIP. The Home Location Register is enhanced to store two Mobile Switching Centers as the serving Mobile Switching Centers for the dual mode subscriber. The Home Location Register logic is extended to route service to the appropriate Mobile Switching Center depending on service offered, subscriber preferences, and the registration status.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Publication date: November 23, 2006
    Applicant: Lucent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robin Thompson
  • Publication number: 20060177803
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved system and method for training distribution management between a system server and an agent associated with a computer-based system agent. The method includes determining training appropriate for the agent, storing training material associated with the training at the system server and polling the system agent to determine whether the system agent is in communication with the system server. If the system agent is in communication with the system server, a determination is made whether a training opportunity is present. If a training opportunity is present, the agent is notified that training is available. A determination is made whether the agent is willing to accept training. If the agent is willing to accept training, the training material is provided to the agent via the system agent. The invention facilitates improved training necessary to develop and coach agents to provide superior customer service.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventors: David Pennington, Edward Ovalles, Robin Thompson
  • Publication number: 20060105766
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for delivering a call request to a mobile unit. A call request is received for a dual mode mobile unit that is able to access a plurality of communication networks utilizing a plurality of communication protocols. The call request is routed to a call delivery application server, which determines which of the communication networks to deliver the call request. The call request is sent to the determined communication network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Publication date: May 18, 2006
    Inventors: Maria Azada, Richard Ejzak, Ruth Gayde, Donna Sand, Robin Thompson
  • Publication number: 20050155104
    Abstract: The subject invention relates to novel Xenorhabdus toxin complex (TC) proteins and genes that encode these proteins. More specifically, the subject invention relates to TC genes and proteins obtainable from Xenorhabdus bovienii strain ILM104.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Publication date: July 14, 2005
    Inventors: Patricia Apel-Birkhold, Timothy Hey, Robin Thompson, Thomas Meade, Ze Li, Sean Russell, Joel Sheets, Justin Lira, Kristin Fencil, Jon Mitchell