Inventory Patents (Class 235/385)
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Patent number: 11978014Abstract: Examples provide a tag manager component that identifies a plurality of stationary RFID tags located within a three-dimensional space outside an item display area based on an analysis of RFID tag data associated with the plurality of RFID tag readers. A zone detection component analyzes item data associated with a plurality of items corresponding to the plurality of stationary RFID tags and location data associated with the three-dimensional space using a set of per-item criteria. The set of per-item criteria includes a per-item minimum threshold number of items per unit of three-dimensional space and/or a minimum threshold stationary time-period. A verification component analyzes sensor data and/or transaction data to verify whether the three-dimensional space is a termination zone. If the three-dimensional space is a termination zone, an inventory manager component removes the plurality of items from perpetual inventory.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2022Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLCInventors: Jeremy Tingler, Steven Lewis
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Patent number: 11978005Abstract: An inventory management system provides automated management of medical item inventory and maintenance of a digital chain of custody for medical items. Medical items are labeled with an RFID-encoded tag that also displays a 2D barcode. The RFID tag and the 2D barcode both encode the same serialized Electronic Product Code (EPC) data for each specific item. Reading of the RFID tag is performed using a fixed or handheld RFID reader. Reading of the 2D barcode is performed using a handheld mobile device, such as a tablet or smart phone. The two-technology label allows for the digital chain of custody to be updated by means of RFID scanning in locations where RFID readers are available and by using a smart phone or tablet to read the 2D barcode in locations where RFID readers are unavailable.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2021Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: DeRoyal Industries, Inc.Inventors: Brian C. DeBusk, Joe L. Smith, Mary E. Kaylor
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Patent number: 11941573Abstract: A system and method for food traceability from a food service location to the consumer is disclosed. The method comprises marking food items with a received label as the food items are received. This received label identifies a storage location for the food item and generates traceability information for the food item. If the food item is not intended for storage, then the food item is transferred to a prep table and unique item information is generated for the food item. The food item can then be prepped for usage. During the prepping process, the food item's expiration date is verified, and a serial number is generated, and a use by date is calculated. If the prepped food item is to be served to a consumer, a label is generated with traceability information, and unneeded ingredients are re-purposed or properly disposed of.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2023Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: Avery Dennison Retail Information Services LLCInventors: Jeanne Duckett, Michael Schaberl, Txus Carrion
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Patent number: 11921870Abstract: When a client requests a data import job, a remote storage service provider provisions a shippable storage device that will be used to transfer client data from the client to the service provider for import. The service provider generates security information for the data import job, provisions the shippable storage device with the security information, and sends the shippable storage device to the client. The service provider also sends client-keys to the client, separate from the shippable storage device (e.g., via a network). The client receives the device, encrypts the client data and keys, transfers the encrypted data and keys onto the device, and ships it back to the service provider. The remote storage service provider authenticates the storage device, decrypts client-generated keys using the client-keys stored at the storage service provider, decrypts the data using the decrypted client-side generated keys, and imports the decrypted data.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2022Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Frank Paterra, Firat Basarir
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Patent number: 11907902Abstract: A pharmacy kit is managed by defining multiple rules for determining whether a segment of a pharmacy kit is satisfactorily stocked, selecting at least one rule among the multiple rules according to a kit stocking contingency, an prompting a user to stock the segment of the pharmacy kit according to the selected at least one rule.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2021Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Bluesight, Inc.Inventors: Kevin William MacDonald, David Mario Pedra, Timothy James Leo Kress-Spatz, Christian Lee Doyle, Eric Brody
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Patent number: 11900209Abstract: A system and method of a tool control program that provides real-time tracking of critical data points relating to production tools between the point of issuance to a designated user to the point of return of each production tool by the designated user, including intermediate events such as sharpening, repair and damage analysis, whereby each critical data point is capable of being linked to a unique asset number assigned to each production tool and a unique designated user number in real-time providing for management, regulatory compliance and/or employee accountability relating to each production tool. The tool control program having an integrated software relating to scanning production tools in relation to the critical data points, such that real-time data analytics can be obtained and utilized for risk management and asset visibility.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2023Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: Innova Zones LLCInventors: Travis Brian Barker, Zack Suther
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Patent number: 11900351Abstract: A system and method for tracking marine equipment is provided. Generally, the system and method of the present disclosure are designed to generate indicia corresponding to the inventory level of marine equipment used for a particular marine activity. To facilitate the assignment of indicia reflecting the inventory level of marine equipment used for a marine activity, the system and method of the present disclosure uses a plurality of equipment profiles having a defined lower limit and quantity associated with each piece of marine equipment. The lower limit may be manually input or automatically generated. The quantity may be tracked by the system using equipment transmitters and equipment sensors. In a preferred embodiment, the indicia indicate whether the quantity of a piece of marine equipment has fallen below a certain specified level as defined by the user. Users may purchase new marine equipment from third-party retailers via the user interface.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2021Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Inventor: John Calagaz
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Patent number: 11894133Abstract: A pharmaceutical storage box to be stored in a pharmaceutical refrigerator and managed by a controller, the pharmaceutical storage box includes: a storage portion to store a pharmaceutical, the pharmaceutical having an IC tag attached thereto; and an antenna configured to receive information of the IC tag.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2021Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: PHC HOLDINGS CORPORATIONInventors: Akinobu Okuda, Hideyuki Morii, Susumu Takagi
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Patent number: 11893532Abstract: Aspects of the technology described herein provide a system for an improved inventory system using RFID information. A first user device may initiate a team scanning session and a second user device may join the team scanning session. RFID scan data received by each of the first user device and the second user device may be filtered, aggregated, and sent to an inventory system using a first IoT topic. An inventory list for the team scanning session may be updated with the information provided by each of the first and second user devices and published to each of the user devices using a second IoT topic. Additional RFID scan data received by each user device may trigger an indication to the user that a particular RFID scan data had not yet been scanned during the team scanning session.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2023Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: NIKE, INC.Inventors: Andrew Fead, Fredy Rusli
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Patent number: 11883852Abstract: Provided herein are processing systems, computer readable media, and methods for processing undeliverable delivery items. A system includes a camera and a hardware processor operably connected to the camera and configured to perform operations that include capturing, using the camera, an image of a delivery item that is undeliverable to an intended recipient or at an intended delivery location, the image including an address of the intended recipient. The operations also include embedding, by the hardware processor, processing data with the image to thereby generate an embedded image as a printable file, the embedded image including the image of the delivery item framed by a template area that includes a reason for the delivery item being undeliverable. The operations also include notifying a sender of the delivery item that the delivery item is undeliverable via a hard copy printout of the embedded image.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2022Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICEInventors: Derek H. Miller, Thomas J. Graham
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Computer vision system and method of label detection, reading, and registration of labels on objects
Patent number: 11886953Abstract: A computer vision system for automatic identification, tracking and management of inventory and/or assets, wherein: the computer vision system is programmed with predetermined and configurable image data conditions that identify and capture certain types of movement; the computer vision system is programmed to constantly capture and process image data from one or more sets of sensors to detect the image data conditions; the computer vision system is programmed to trigger the process of identifying all objects and extracting label information from objects present in a field of view of the system if the image data conditions are fulfilled; the computer vision system processes the image data with one or more object detection algorithms and label detection algorithms and generate correspondences between objects and labels identified; and the computer vision system running change detection algorithms and semantic analysis to detect if any object was moved, removed, occluded and if any new objects were added in toType: GrantFiled: April 12, 2021Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: Position Imaging, Inc.Inventors: Narasimhachary Nallana Chakravarty, Guohua Min, Edward L Hill -
Patent number: 11853834Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic shelf labelling system, wherein the system has a server which is designed to individually address a plurality of shelf labels in order to communicate data with them in an addressed manner, and wherein the system has at least one access point which is connected to the server and is designed for radio communication of the data with the shelf labels, and wherein the system has a near-field communication (NFC) sub-system on a shelf edge strip of a shelf, wherein the NFC sub-system is characterised in such a way that the shelf edge strip has an NFC reader which is designed for radio-based communication with the access point, and in such a way that at least one conductor loop is provided which is connected to the NFC reader, formed along the shelf edge strip and functioning for NFC communication with an NFC-enabled shelf label, wherein at least one NFC-enabled shelf label is attached to the shelf edge strip corresponding to the conductor loop, and wherein the NFC reader is desType: GrantFiled: December 23, 2019Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: SES-IMAGOTAG GmbHInventor: Andreas Rössl
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Patent number: 11843607Abstract: A device including a processor and a memory, in which the memory includes executable instructions for detecting that a first user has invited a second user to a communication session, wherein the first user is associated with a first user account registered to a first domain platform and the second user is not associated with any of user accounts registered to the first domain platform, the first domain platform defining a first user privilege granted to the user accounts registered to the first domain platform; causing a second user account associated with the second user to be created and registered to a second domain platform, the second domain platform being different from the first domain platform and defining a second user privilege granted to user accounts registered to the second domain platform; and granting the second user account the second user privilege.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2022Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Arvind Muthukrishnan, Mansoor Jafry, Ramakrishna Juluri, Ariel Gordon
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Patent number: 11834133Abstract: A system and method for tracking marine equipment is provided. Generally, the system and method of the present disclosure are designed to generate indicia corresponding to the inventory level of marine equipment used for a particular marine activity. To facilitate the assignment of indicia reflecting the inventory level of marine equipment used for a marine activity, the system and method of the present disclosure uses a plurality of equipment profiles having a defined lower limit and quantity associated with each piece of marine equipment. The lower limit may be manually input or automatically generated. The quantity may be tracked by the system using equipment transmitters and equipment sensors. In a preferred embodiment, the indicia indicate whether the quantity of a piece of marine equipment has fallen below a certain specified level as defined by the user. Users may purchase new marine equipment from third-party retailers via the user interface.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2021Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: Fishing Chaos, IncInventor: John Calagaz
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Patent number: 11836673Abstract: Example methods and systems are directed to a managed inventory. A database may store information regarding items owned by a user. The information regarding an item may include a quantity owned and one or more triggering events. Based on the occurrence of a triggering event, an order for the item may be placed without user intervention. Data to the database may be provided by one or more sensors. Triggering events may be defined in terms of sensor data. The triggering event may be defined by a user or through machine learning. The order may be placed using a predetermined modality or a dynamically-determined modality based on one or more criteria, such as price, shipping speed, and the urgency of the order.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2021Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: EBAY INC.Inventors: Dane Glasgow, Steve Yankovich, Marc Peter Hosein, Shweta Pogde, Snigdha Mokkapati, Gokulkrishna B. Pillai, Sri Harsha Chevuru, Dinesh Kumar Damodharan, Chethan Narayan, Vinay Rajashekar Nagar, Suraj Chhetri
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Patent number: 11836658Abstract: In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided herein useful to assess or determine available cargo capacity for multiple commercial product delivery vehicles (“delivery vehicles”). In some embodiments, systems are provided to assess delivery vehicles and may include multiple electronic user devices each having a delivery agent interface operating thereon and an association with one or more delivery agents. At least one control circuit is communicatively coupled to the electronic user devices. By one approach, the control circuit may estimate delivery requirements for purchased orders, which includes volume requirements and geometric configurations of purchased orders.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2017Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: WALMART APOLLO, LLCInventors: Bruce W. Wilkinson, Todd D. Mattingly
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Patent number: 11836569Abstract: A system combining readers for RFID transponders and Bluetooth® devices for for automated roadway tolling and monitoring is described. Because of the ubiquity of Bluetooth® devices, filtering methods are described to narrow received Bluetooth® signals to a particular monitored traffic lane and to further associate the Bluetooth® signal with a registered RFID toll tag in a vehicle. Signal strength of the Bluetooth® signal at each of a plurality of receiver antennas may be used to identify the location of the Bluetooth® device that emitted the signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2020Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: AMTECH SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Kelly Gravelle, John Todd Elson, Greg Lantz, Michael Melville, Paul Hamel
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Patent number: 11827313Abstract: A system and method for tracking marine equipment is provided. Generally, the system and method of the present disclosure are designed to generate indicia corresponding to the inventory level of marine equipment used for a particular marine activity. To facilitate the assignment of indicia reflecting the inventory level of marine equipment used for a marine activity, the system and method of the present disclosure uses a plurality of equipment profiles having a defined lower limit and quantity associated with each piece of marine equipment. The lower limit may be manually input or automatically generated. The quantity may be tracked by the system using equipment transmitters and equipment sensors. In a preferred embodiment, the indicia indicate whether the quantity of a piece of marine equipment has fallen below a certain specified level as defined by the user. Users may purchase new marine equipment from third-party retailers via the user interface.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2020Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Inventor: John Calagaz
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Patent number: 11797796Abstract: A multi-level distribution and tracking method is described. Processing equipment processes multi-level distribution items, the multi-level distribution items being associated with first, second, and third level entities. The multi-level distribution items include a computer readable code thereon. The processing equipment captures an image of the multi-level distribution item, reads a computer readable code associated with the first level entity, sender information for the second level entity, and destination address information for the third level entity. The distribution system delivers the item to the destination address for the third level entity. The processing equipment generates scan information based on the processing of the multi-level distribution item, and can send the tracking information to the first level entity.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2022Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: United States Postal ServiceInventors: Victoria K. Stephen, Elke Reuning-Elliott
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Patent number: 11797783Abstract: A self-contained, mobile Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) asset tracker and hardware assembly and method of use thereof. The mobile RFID asset tracker includes a frame mounted on locking swivel casters which provide a mobile base for mounting of an RFID antenna, RFID reader and other electrical equipment thereon. An electronics control box, which is adjustably mounted on the frame, houses the RFID reader, a custom Printed Circuit Board (PCB) control module, cellular and WIFI modems, and a power source. The electronics control box is operatively engaged via Input/Output (IO) ports and cabling to an external indicator assembly and to the external adjustably mounted RFID antenna.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2022Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: ENGINEERED PRODUCTS OF OHIO, LLCInventors: Brian Blank, Christopher Scott Williams
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Patent number: 11789109Abstract: A first estimation unit estimates, based on pieces of information on the reception strength acquired by an acquisition unit in a first time period, a location of a transmitter. A first determination unit determines, based on the location of the transmitter estimated by the first estimation unit, an area in which the transmitter is present. A second estimation unit estimates, based on pieces of information on the reception strength acquired in a second time period, the location of the transmitter. A second determination unit determines, based on the location of the transmitter estimated by the second estimation unit, the area in which the transmitter is present. A correction unit corrects, when a determination result by the first determination unit is different from a determination result by the second determination unit, the determination result by the first determination unit to the determination result by the second determination unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2020Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yanfeng Wang, Nobuyuki Shibano, Yan Rong, Masayuki Amano, Mari Nakanishi, Kazuhiro Matsumoto, Chihiro Terayama
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Patent number: 11752275Abstract: The present invention relates to an RDID tag enabled shield assembly that provides a sterile enclosure of a medicament delivery port of a medicament container. The container can be a needleless pre-filled syringe, a vial, a cartridge, or a collapsible bag or pouch. The RFID tag is fixedly attached to one or more components of the shield assembly through co-molding or another form of permanent or removable attachment. The present invention also relates to a method of tracking the life cycle of a medicament container or a medicament injection device where the RFID tag enabled shield assembly attached to the medicament container. Data is written to or read from the RFID tag during the entire life cycle of the medicament container or injection device, including assembly, packaging, storing, distribution and use.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2019Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: SHL MEDICAL AGInventors: Markus Bauss, Thomas Dietl
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Patent number: 11752715Abstract: A plant (2) for building tyres comprises a system for managing initial components (3); a system for managing the manufacturing of semi-finished products (4) starting from one or more initial components; a system for managing the building of a green tyre (5) starting from one or more semi-finished products; a system for managing the curing of said green tyre (6). The logical set of a control unit (8) for the plant (2) and/or of one or more from among control units (8a-8e) for the management systems (3-6) and/or of a automatic visual control system (7) is programmed for controlling at least two parameters, assigning to each of these a quality index (I), discarding a tyre being processed when a quality index (I) corresponding to said discard level (5) is assigned to at least one of said parameters and feedbacking the control result of at least one parameter in order to verify the quality index (I) of the parameters.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2019Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: PIRELLI TYRE S.p.A.Inventors: Gianni Mancini, Riccardo Antoj, Vincenzo Boffa
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Patent number: 11752522Abstract: Read events capturing parcel information as a parcel is transported through a facility is received, and a configuration file mapping readers capturing the read events to workspace locations within the facility is accessed. Utilizing the read events and configuration file, one or more locations are determined for a parcel being transported through a facility. The locations may form a most likely path, or sequence of locations, through the facility. The determined locations may be utilized for generating one or more graphical user interface elements for tracking parcel and/or other operational aspects. For example, a graphical user interface may indicate errors, such as errors in the parcel's path and slowdowns, detected from the read events. Additionally, volume of parcels over time may be determined from the read events. Further, a graphical user interface may indicate employee performance based on errors and/or read events attributed to the employee.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2020Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Mallory Freeman, Timothy Major, David Wu, Lauren Skorb, Matthew Britton
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Patent number: 11748706Abstract: An adaptive inventory management system for use in a materials handling facility storing a plurality of items that are each associated with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. The management system including a global inventory database subsystem and a RFID interrogator subsystem comprising a plurality of RFID interrogators that are each configured to read the unique identifier of the RFID tag associated with each of the plurality of items that are within a defined boundary of at least one scan zone generated by the respective RFID interrogator and to communicate the unique identifier of the each scanned RFID tag identified within each scan zone of the respective RFID interrogator to the global inventory database subsystem. The management system being selectively configured to effect user desired levels of fidelity and/or resolution with respect to the generated unique identifier of the each scanned RFID tag within a defined space of the materials handling facility.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2022Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: VenaResources, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan Michael Butler, Timm Sebastian Redder
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Patent number: 11741427Abstract: An inventory control system is described that includes a tool storage device including a drawer or a tray providing a pallet, wherein the pallet includes storage locations for objects; a sensing device configured to form an image of the storage locations; and a data processor configured to determine presence or absence of the pallet and presence or absence of objects within the storage locations of the pallet using the information from the image.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2022Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: Snap-On IncorporatedInventors: Preston Phillips, David C. Fly, Matthew J. Lipsey, Joseph Chwan, Frederick J. Rogers
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Patent number: 11727443Abstract: Disclosed is a technique for passively monitoring the number of guests in a rental property. Mobile device broadcasts intended for connecting the device to a wireless network contain information about that device. This information includes unique identifiers such as MAC addresses. Detecting these broadcasts and filtering out those devices that are expected enables a property owner to have a semi-accurate number of guests within their property without actually being at the property, or visibly observing the guests in an obtrusive fashion. Guests are able to enjoy themselves in privacy and the property owner is able to monitor the safety of their property.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2021Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: BLUEZOO, INC.Inventors: Jan Willem Korver, Thomas Sandholm, Philippe Rene Morin, Thibault de Lacheze-Murel, Guillaume Tenant de la Tour, Paul-Ambroise Augustin Duquenne, Jerome Lejeune, Amanda Mills, Thuong Ho, Hang Ung
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Patent number: 11727344Abstract: A system for identifying and grouping alimentary elements for physical transfer, the system comprising a computing device and an identification device, wherein the computing device is configured to receive a plurality of orders. Computing device may generate an identifier for each order, wherein an identifier is a machine-readable label that can be recognized using an identification device. Device may scan the machine-readable label using an identification device, wherein the identification device identifies the identifier from the machine-readable label and places an order into an active queue. Computing device may combine, using the orders in an active queue, orders that are to be transferred together, wherein combining further comprises determining which orders should be combined based upon an optimal path of transfer, and provide, to a user device, grouping instructions corresponding to which orders should be grouped.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2020Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: KPN INNOVATIONS, LLC.Inventor: Kenneth Neumann
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Patent number: 11714399Abstract: Systems and methods are described for managing articles. The systems and methods described herein may comprise an example method for manufacturing an article. The systems and methods provides an end-to-end manufacturing value chain as a closed system and feedback loop.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2022Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: The North Face Apparel Corp.Inventors: Graham Page, Anthony Perez, Angelique Dietz, Charles Rogers, Abolfazl Aghanouri, Subra Goparaju, Demitri Balabanov
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Patent number: 11686878Abstract: The present disclosure relates to electromagnetic marker devices for locating hidden or buried objects. One embodiment includes an antenna having a plurality of conductive windings enclosed in a housing made of a low dielectric constant material and an electronic circuit including a circuit board having circuit elements disposed thereon and electrically coupled to the conductive windings through a connector. The circuit elements receive an input signal having a first frequency from an above-ground transmitter, convert the input signal to a power supply to power up the electronic circuit, generate, in response to the input signal, an output signal having a second frequency different from the first frequency, and provide the output signal, via the antenna element, to an above-ground receiver.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2022Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: SEESCAN, INCInventors: Stephanie M. Bench, Mark S. Olsson, Matthew D. Bockman
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Patent number: 11687947Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an automated automotive enrollment system and method for automatically enrolling a vehicle whereafter the vehicle may be registered with one or more subscription-based events based on customer and vehicle data associations. In one more embodiments, a computer implemented method provides for identifying customer and vehicle information in conjunction with registration and subscription event opportunities, and provides for activating an associated subscription set in response to the specific customer and vehicle information so that the vehicle is suitably enrolled.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2020Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: Aeris Communications, Inc.Inventors: Michelle Lynne Avary, Henry Plager
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Patent number: 11682095Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for transacting, recording, validating and/or verifying agricultural products. The 2018 Farm Act rescinded industrial hemp from Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Although industrial hemp has a variety of uses, the Government's biggest concern is the ingestion of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Commercial regulation typically balances a variety of factors: e.g., consumer protection, regulatory overhead, market competition, tax revenue, public policy, etc. In contrast, law enforcement has a singular purpose, and may go to extraordinary lengths to stop criminal activity. Various embodiments described herein provide a blockchain ledger-based supply chain that allows many commercial and regulatory entities to independently cooperate. Every transaction is permanently and transparently recorded within a chain-of-custody; the chain-of-custody enables a traceability. A variety of new applications are enabled by the blockchain ledger-based supply chain.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2020Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Inventor: Mark Coast
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Patent number: 11682096Abstract: Described is a digitized mail control system. The system may include a server having a memory storing mail data associated with a user and a user computing device coupled to the server. The server may be programmed to receive an access signal from the user computing device that has accessed the system. In response to receiving the access signal, the server may process the user data and locate the stored mail data associated with the user data. The server may then create and send for execution on the user computing device instruction to display mail data including sender information and action buttons associated with predetermined actions to take in response to the sender information. The server may receive a signal including a selected action associated with a selected action button with regard to a selected sender and automatically execute program code corresponding to the selected action.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2021Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Inventor: Charles Isgar
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Patent number: 11657361Abstract: A system and method for food traceability from a food service location to the consumer is disclosed. The method comprises marking food items with a received label as the food items are received. This received label identifies a storage location for the food item and generates traceability information for the food item. If the food item is not intended for storage, then the food item is transferred to a prep table and unique item information is generated for the food item. The food item can then be prepped for usage. During the prepping process, the food item's expiration date is verified, and a serial number is generated, and a use by date is calculated. If the prepped food item is to be served to a consumer, a label is generated with traceability information, and unneeded ingredients are re-purposed or properly disposed of.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2019Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: Avery Dennison Retail Information Services LLCInventors: Jeanne Duckett, Michael Schaberl, Txus Carrion
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Patent number: 11645614Abstract: A system and a method for the automated fulfillment of retail orders in a facility is disclosed. A sorting control device aggregates a plurality of orders into a master picklist divides the master picklist into sub-picklists based on a location of the items. The sub-picklists, a first location of an item, and the location of a dock to a conveyor system are transmitted to an autonomous guided vehicle (AGV). The AGV navigates to the first location and obtains the item. The AGV iterates the sub-picklist navigating and retrieving each item. The AGV navigates to the AGV dock of a conveyor system and deposits the items at an inlet of the conveyor system. The conveyor system scans each of the items as they pass through a scan tube. Based on the scanning, each item is directed by a set of computer controlled rollers and actuated platforms to a destination isolation wing.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2019Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: WALMART APOLLO, LLCInventors: Jeremy Velten, Jason Bellar
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Patent number: 11636739Abstract: An apparatus for storing a medium includes a safe having an entrance for replenishment and recovery to which a transit cassette is selectively connected, a reception unit configured to deposit and withdraw a medium by a customer, an identification unit serving to identify whether the medium is a normal banknote or a rejection banknote, a deposit cassette configured to store the medium deposited through the reception unit, a recycle cassette configured to store the medium recognized as the normal banknote, a conveyance path configured to convey the medium, and a control unit configured to control the conveyance path.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2021Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: HYOSUNG TNS INC.Inventors: Hyun Soo Jang, Jun Young Kim, Jin Yu Lim, Dahye Shin
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Patent number: 11625024Abstract: A lockout tagout auditing and guidance system provides a mobile device that can guide an individual to particular tags either to perform the operations required for lockout procedures or to perform an auditing activity. In both cases, images of the tags are obtained and imaged and tag locations compared to corresponding information in the database to assess the existence and clarity of the tags for auditing purposes.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2019Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventor: David A. Vasko
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Patent number: 11625691Abstract: A method for facilitating recycling an object is provided. The object is produced to include a detecting device that detects a condition of the object, and wirelessly sends out the detected condition of the object, so that a dealer shop may receive the detected condition of the object, and send the same to a server. The server determines whether the object has worn out based on the detected condition, and sends a message to a mobile device related to a consumer of the object for notifying the consumer that the object has worn out, thereby motivating the consumer to recycle the object.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2019Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: SIMPLE GREEN CO., LTD.Inventors: Chen-I Kao, Shang-Chieh Kao, Shu-Chen Huang, Yu-Chuan Wu, Hsueh-Fang Kao, Yung-Ping Lai, Boghosian Glenn Malcolm
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Patent number: 11607691Abstract: A system and method facilitates transfers of specimen containers (e.g., vials with caps) between storage cassettes and carrier cassettes. The storage cassettes are designed to be stored in cryogenic refrigerators while the carrier cassettes are designed to be temporarily stored in a portable carrier. Identification information is read from wireless transponders carried by the specimen containers. Visual mappings of the positions of the specimen container in the cassettes is provided. Presence and position of the specimen containers in the cassettes is verified, and alerts of inconsistencies provided along with corrective commands. Inventories of specimen container and even specific specimen holders are provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2020Date of Patent: March 21, 2023Assignee: TMRW LIFE SCIENCES, INC.Inventors: William Alan Blair, Timothy Alan Sharp, Amit Gupta, Kathryn Josephine Go, William Nicholas Garbarini, Jr.
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Patent number: 11605053Abstract: Aspects of the technology described herein provide a system for an improved inventory system using RFID information. A first user device may initiate a team scanning session and a second user device may join the team scanning session. RFID scan data received by each of the first user device and the second user device may be filtered, aggregated, and sent to an inventory system using a first IoT topic. An inventory list for the team scanning session may be updated with the information provided by each of the first and second user devices and published to each of the user devices using a second IoT topic. Additional RFID scan data received by each user device may trigger an indication to the user that a particular RFID scan data had not yet been scanned during the team scanning session.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2021Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Fead, Fredy Rusli
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Patent number: 11599762Abstract: According to one embodiment, a reading apparatus includes a shielding body, an antenna, and a reader and writer. The shielding body is formed in a box shape with an upper opening, to place an accommodating body and to shield radio waves. The antenna is provided in the shielding body to receive information from an RFID tag attached to a product that is passing through the opening. The reader and writer is connected to the antenna to read information of the product from the information received by the antenna.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2021Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKA KAISHAInventors: Sadatoshi Oishi, Yuki Koike, Sunao Tsuchida, Jun Yaginuma
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Patent number: 11590644Abstract: A custom tool accessory to hold a tool, the custom tool accessory including a body, at least one tongue disposed at a first side of the body, at least one tongue receiving groove disposed at a second side of the body opposite from the first side of the body, and a tool holding portion disposed on the body to hold the tool. At least one magnet is attached to the underside of a metallic base plate that is in turn secured to the underside of the body. A retainer surrounds the at least one magnet and also underlies the area of the bottom of the base plate that is not covered by the at least one magnet.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2021Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Inventor: Jonathan Hurley
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Patent number: 11587023Abstract: A method and associated system for managing an item in a place. Positional information about an operating object and positional information about the item is monitored at regular intervals by a receiver receiving locational coordinates of a tag associated with the item and a tag carried by the operating object. Based on the positional information, it is detected i) that the item in the place is being moved, (ii) that the operating object inside the place is moving, (iii) a distance between the location of the operating object and the item, and (iv) that the operating object inside the place and the item in the place are within a previously specified distance of each other. After the previous detections, it is determined that the operating object has illegitimately taken the item, which triggers preventing the operating object from removing the item from the place.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2016Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Yamato Kamaya, Kazutaka Kubota, Hidekazu Tanaka
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Patent number: 11562492Abstract: Physical object boundary detection techniques and systems are described. In one example, an augmented reality module generates three dimensional point cloud data. This data describes depths at respective points within a physical environment that includes the physical object. A physical object boundary detection module is then employed to filter the point cloud data by removing points that correspond to a ground plane. The module then performs a nearest neighbor search to locate a subset of the points within the filtered point cloud data that correspond to the physical object. Based on this subset, the module projects the subset of points onto the ground plane to generate a two-dimensional boundary. The two-dimensional boundary is then extruded based on a height determined from a point having a maximum distance from the ground plane from the filtered cloud point data.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2020Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: eBay Inc.Inventors: Patrick Ryan Nelson, Jinrong Xie, Randall Chall Fry
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Patent number: 11556892Abstract: A method for tracking and storing unique asset information with respect to at least one asset comprises providing at least one asset having an associated tag, capturing the tag and associated asset properties to a device, wherein the associated asset properties include the global position of the device at the time of capturing the tag with the device, storing the tag and asset properties as asset information to a database wherein the asset information is associated with the tag and global position of the device, and displaying asset information associated with at least the stored tag.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2021Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Douglas B. Gundel, Corey D. Renfro, Rama Raju B. Dutta, Bhargavi Devalla
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Patent number: 11551537Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to systems and methods for detecting misplaced items in an establishment. In one implementation, the system may include at least one processor configured to receive from at least one reader in the establishment, identification signals of tags read by the reader; determine current locations of the tags; and record the current locations of the tags. The processor may also be configured to access a designated location in the establishment for each of the tags; and determine, by comparing the current locations with the designated locations, a particular tag with a current location that differs from the designated location of the particular tag. The processor may also be configured to generate a notification signal when the current location of the particular tag does not match the designated location of the particular tag.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2020Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: NEXITE LTD.Inventors: Anat Shakedd, Lior Shakedd
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Patent number: 11551052Abstract: A low-cost, multi-function adhesive tape platform with a form factor that unobtrusively integrates one or more transducers and one or more wireless communication devices in an adhesive product system. In an aspect, the adhesive product system integrates transducer and wireless communication components within a flexible adhesive structure in a way that not only provides a cost-effective platform for interconnecting, optimizing, and protecting the constituent components but also maintains the flexibility needed to function as an adhesive product that can be deployed seamlessly and unobtrusively into various applications and workflows, including sensing, notification, security, and object tracking applications, and asset management workflows such as manufacturing, storage, shipping, delivery, and other logistics associated with moving products and other physical objects.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2020Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Inventor: Ajay Khoche
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Patent number: 11551536Abstract: A server device includes: an identification information storage configured to store identification information stored in identification tags; an identification information storage configured to store a baggage list where the items are listed for each activity; a schedule acquisition unit configured to acquire schedule information of the user; and a list generator configured to generate a baggage list according to an activity included in the schedule information of the user when the boarding of the user is identified. The list generator receives a plurality of schedule items that are set for a point of time after the boarding of the user is identified from the schedule acquisition unit and combines baggage lists that correspond to activities in the plurality of schedule items that have been received so as to generate a baggage list for checking in order to check whether there are enough baggage items.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2019Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Koichi Suzuki
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Patent number: 11537984Abstract: An adaptive inventory management system for use in a materials handling facility storing a plurality of items that are each associated with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. The management system including a global inventory database subsystem and a RFID interrogator subsystem comprising a plurality of RFID interrogators that are each configured to read the unique identifier of the RFID tag associated with each of the plurality of items that are within a defined boundary of at least one scan zone generated by the respective RFID interrogator and to communicate the unique identifier of the each scanned RFID tag identified within each scan zone of the respective RFID interrogator to the global inventory database subsystem. The management system being selectively configured to effect user desired levels of fidelity and/or resolution with respect to the generated unique identifier of the each scanned RFID tag within a defined space of the materials handling facility.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2022Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Inventors: Jonathan Michael Butler, Timm Sebastian Redder
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Patent number: 11533583Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to identifying points of interest by generating and storing virtual geofence information that is captured around a physical structure based in part on global positioning system (GPS) data from a plurality of devices that is then processed to identify GPS trajectory and kernel density estimation. Specifically, the techniques include receiving, at the network-based control computer, GPS data from a plurality of devices and grouping the GPS data from the plurality of devices to generate GPS trajectory information for each group of the plurality of devices. Based on the GPS trajectory information, the network-based control computer may calculate kernel density estimation and determine an isoline on a virtual map for the each group of the plurality of devices.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2021Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: Omnitracs, LLCInventor: Ryan Leonard Miller