Product Recycling Or Disposal Administration Patents (Class 705/308)
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Patent number: 11551189Abstract: A process for the segregation, sterilization, and purification of recycled plastic medical waste with the subsequent production of plastic products made therefrom is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for the front-end segregation of recycled plastic medical waste into a polypropylene waste stream and a mixed plastic waste stream. These segregated streams are further purified through a processing method that removes contaminating fibrous, metal and other waste products. Polypropylene and mixed plastic streams isolated using these methods yield a homogenous material that can be blended with other materials for the production of raw plastic or for extrusion to form commercial plastic products. A method for tracking regulated and non-regulated medical waste stream production kinetics and chain of custody from discrete waste disposal sites is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2020Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: Polycarbin, Inc.Inventors: James Philip O'Brien, Noah James Pyles
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Patent number: 11508021Abstract: Processes and systems determine sustainability of a virtual infrastructure of a distributed computing system. In one aspect, sustainability metrics are determined based on power usage by resources of the virtual infrastructure. Processes and systems also determine metrics that represent power wasted by idle virtual objects of the virtual infrastructure, reclaimable capacities of resources used by the virtual infrastructure, and one or more recommendations for reducing CO2 emissions and power wastage by the virtual infrastructure based on one or more of the sustainability metrics, the power wasted metrics, and the reclaimable capacity. Processes and systems display the sustainability metrics, power wasted metrics, and reclaimable capacity of the objects in a graphical user interface (“GUI”). The GUI displays alerts identifying objects wasting power and at least one recommendation for reducing CO2 emissions and power wastage.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2019Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: VMware, Inc.Inventors: Arman Hovhannisyan, Bella Margaryan, Khachik Nazaryan
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Patent number: 11475416Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for using video/still images captured by continuously recording optical sensors mounted on waste collection vehicles used in in the waste collection, disposal and recycling industry for operational and customer service related purposes. A system is provided for auditing the fill status of a customer waste container by a waste services provider during performance of a waste service activity.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2019Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: WM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY HOLDINGS LLCInventors: Kalpesh Patel, Barry Skolnick, Shivkumar Vithal, Pamela C. Jansen
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Patent number: 11445738Abstract: A food safety related management method includes: allowing a terminal to access an authenticated account; receiving reported data in relation to a defective food product from the terminal; searching a database for piece(s) of highly related data each related to a defective food product and each with a purchase time within a time interval that is defined based on the reported data; searching the piece(s) of highly related data for one(s) with overlapping issues of concern and identical merchant information with the reported data; creating a communication group for communication among accounts used to upload the reported data and said one(s) of the piece(s) of highly related data; and inserting the reported data into the database.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2019Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Inventor: Sheng-Chih Chang
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Patent number: 11379917Abstract: A server and a method for credit management is provided. The server stores registration information for a plurality of electric charging facility devices. The server further receives electric charging information recorded for a period of time, from each of the plurality of electric charging facility devices. The server further transmits the electric charging information received from each of the plurality of electric charging facility devices to an electronic device associated with an energy regulatory authority. The server further receives first credit information associated with each of the plurality of electric charging facility devices from the electronic device. The first credit information is calculated based on the electric charging information. The server further transmits the received first credit information to each of the plurality of electric charging facility devices.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2020Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Robert Uyeki
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Patent number: 11335086Abstract: Embodiment herein discloses methods and devices for waste management by using an artificial intelligence based waste object categorizing engine. The method includes acquiring at least one image and detecting at least one waste object from the at least one acquired image. Additionally, the method determines that the at least one detected waste object matches with a pre-stored waste object and identifies a type of the detected waste object using the pre-stored waste object. Furthermore, the method includes displaying the type of the detected waste object based on the identification.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2020Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Inventors: Roy William Jenkins, Maithreya Chakravarthula, Wolfgang Decker, Cristopher Luce, Christoper Heney, Clifton Luce
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Patent number: 11315085Abstract: A system, method and device for waste measurement for garbage truck fleets operated by waste pickup service are provided. The waste measurement device comprises one or more visible light cameras; one or more volume sensors; and a controller. The waste measurement device is deployed in front of a hopper of the garbage truck and the device is configured to measure the waste volume in the hopper using the volume sensors. The method calculates the waste volume emptied from the waste container by at least subtracting the measurement of the volume in the hopper before loading from the measurement of the volume after loading. The system manages the waste pickup services having garbage truck fleet with the waste measurement devices. The system optimizes and monitors the system operation conditioned upon the measurements provided from the waste measuring devices.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2017Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: GREENQ LTD.Inventors: Edy Candel, Shlomo Akiva Ashkenazi
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Patent number: 11273977Abstract: A waste bin comprises a sorting space for sorting waste paper products from other types of waste, a movable separation element comprising a plurality of openings, a physical property sensing mechanism for detecting a physical property of waste received in the sorting space, a removal element for moving waste from the sorting space to a waste paper product compartment, and a control for controlling the movable separation element and the removal element. The movable separation element is configured to move upon the application of an external force exceeding a threshold value. The control is configured to operate the removal element or the movable separation element, based on a detection result of the physical property sensing mechanism. Further, a method of sorting waste paper products from other types of waste in such a waste bin is provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2017Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: Essity Hygiene and Health AktiebolagInventors: Stig Giaever, Patrick Nilsson, Lars Ake Johansson, Johan Rubensson, Krisztian Schaffer
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Patent number: 11275943Abstract: Object disposal recommendations are generated by classifying an object within an image based on object recognition and metadata of the image and comparing the object and metadata to a corpus of object classification images. A current object state is determined relative to disposal recommendation, based on disposal policies. Responsive to determining disposal of the object in the current state is not recommended, one or more components of the object are identified, and a determination made as to a recommendation for disposal of the one or more object components. If a disposal recommendation is found for the one or more components of the object, the processor generates information to disassemble and prepare the one or more components of the object for disposal and provides disposal recommendation for the one or more components of the object.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2019Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Susan Jachin Christian, Pushpita Panigrahi, Michael Anson Lau, Romelia H. Flores
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Patent number: 10984394Abstract: One or more devices, systems and/or methods for managing waste are provided. For example, a waste profile may be generated, based upon inputs received from a first device via a profile interface of a waste data aggregation platform. An approval notice may be received, via an approval interface of the waste data aggregation platform, from a second device. Shipping information may be entered into a plurality of digital forms of a shipping documentation interface based upon the waste profile and/or one or more inputs received from the first device and/or the second device. A shipping order for shipment of the waste may be generated. One or more notifications corresponding to the shipment of the waste may be transmitted to one or more devices associated with the shipment. The waste profile may be analyzed to generate a risk report, a sustainability report, a landfill report, a raw material source report, etc.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2018Date of Patent: April 20, 2021Assignee: ENVIRONMENTAL DATA SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Daniel Paul Collins, Douglas Yoder, Raymond Lewis, Michael Haritakis, Patrick Sullivan
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Patent number: 10830694Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for measuring the isotope ratios of one or more trace gases based on optical absorption spectroscopy methods. The system includes an optical cavity containing a gas. The system also includes a laser optically coupled with the optical cavity, and a detector system for measuring absorption of laser light by the gas in the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2019Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Inventor: Serguei Koulikov
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Patent number: 10739326Abstract: An example method includes analyzing rock from an image of a sample region of the rock. The example method includes accessing element maps of the sample region in a database, with each element map including an array of pixels, and with each pixel having a value that represents how closely the pixel correlates to a chemical element; accessing a database storing threshold values for multiple chemical elements including the chemical element; determining a presence of a substance in a portion of the sample region corresponding to the pixel by determining whether a value of the pixel in each of the element maps is greater than, or less than, a threshold value for a corresponding chemical element; labeling the pixel based on the presence of the substance in the pixel; and outputting data representing the substance map for rendering on a graphical interface.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2018Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: David Jacobi, John Longo, Jordan Kone, Qiushi Sun
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Patent number: 10700917Abstract: A life cycle network management system for performing life cycle management of distributed network devices, each network device comprising a communication link to a central network management unit and an attached transponder configured to store life cycle data of the network device updated by said network device, wherein if the communication link between the network device and the central network management unit is at least temporarily unavailable the updated life cycle data of the network device stored in the attached transponder is read by an interrogation unit of the life cycle network management system and processed to provide a life cycle management result.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2018Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: ADVA OPTICAL NETWORKING SEInventors: Klaus Grobe, Michael Huthart
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Patent number: 10616667Abstract: The present invention provides a gas meter energy-saving motivating method and Internet of Things (IoT) system based on a compound IoT, and relates to the field of the IoT. According to the gas meter energy-saving motivating method and IoT system based on the compound IoT, each of management sub-platforms searches for family population information associated with Identification (ID) information, calculates an average monthly gas usage amount according to monthly gas usage amounts and the family population information, sorts monthly per capita gas usage amounts in a preset area according to ID information in an ascending order, and sends a sorting result to a service platform; and then, the service platform sends reward information to user sub-platforms corresponding to top-ranked N monthly per capita gas usage amounts according to the sorting result.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2019Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: CHENGDU QINCHUAN TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.Inventor: Zehua Shao
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Patent number: 10571444Abstract: A computer program product for providing data to a distributed blockchain database includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith. The program instructions are executable by a computer to cause the computer to receive sensor data from a first sensor unit at a first location, receive additional data corresponding to a first parameter at the first location and forecast data corresponding to the first parameter at the first location, convert the sensor data into a standardized format, generate predicted future sensor data based on a comparison between the additional data, the sensor data, and the forecast data, write the sensor data, the additional data, and predicted future sensor data into a ledger. and submit the ledger to a distributed blockchain database.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Risham Y. Chokshi, Autumn Good, William Livesey, Andie Schroeder
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Patent number: 10448997Abstract: The application provides a non-invasive measurement device (30) and method for the measurement of skin properties using laser light, the device comprising a probe module (70) and an imaging module (50). The application also provides a non-invasive treatment device (130, 230, 330, 430) and method comprising the measurement device/method. The probe module (70) provides a probe light beam (82) that enters the skin along the probe axis (71). The probe light beam (82) is separate from any treatment radiation beam (22), so that the probe light beam (82) can be optimized for the measurement. A more reliable skin measurement system is provided because it measures a plurality of positions along the probe axis (71), within a probe region (95). The measurement device and method may also comprise a treatment module (110) or treatment step. The skin parameters measured may then be directly used to control the treatment parameters.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2014Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Jonathan Alambra Palero, Martin Jurna, Babu Varghese, Margaret Ruth Horton
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Patent number: 10387586Abstract: The present invention relates a method for early warning analysis of eutrophication of a designed artificial water body, comprising: establishing a three-dimensional model of the designed artificial water according to the data corresponding to a planning scheme of the water body, wherein the three-dimensional model of the designed artificial water body comprises at least the designed artificial water body and surrounding buildings; according to the three-dimensional model of the designed artificial water body, analyzing the designed artificial water body through an ecological simulation technology to obtain at least one of the analysis results including hydrological mobility, hydraulic retention time, algal community composition of source water, designed water depth, water body surface wind field, solar radiation and temperature of the designed artificial water body; and assessing the risk of eutrophication of the designed artificial water body according to at least one of the analysis results of the ecologicType: GrantFiled: January 12, 2015Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: Urban Planning & Design Institute of ShenzhenInventors: Xiaojun Li, Feng Li, Lu Yu, Yan Du, Nian Ding
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Patent number: 10125347Abstract: The method of making a composite biomaterial employs a binding organism (a filamentous fungi that produce mycelium) based on the material physical properties required for the composite biomaterial and a modulating organism (bacteria, fungus or yeast) based on a desired effect of the modulating organism on the binding organism. The modulating organism is selected based on the desired effect on the binding organism.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2015Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: ECOVATIVE DESIGN, LLCInventor: Jacob Winiski
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Patent number: 10120598Abstract: A primary storage controller receives a write command from a host, to write data that is to be controlled by the primary storage controller. The data is written to local storage of the primary storage controller and subsequently the data is destaged from the local storage of the primary storage controller to store the data in an auxiliary storage of the primary storage controller. The data is transmitted to a secondary storage controller for writing the data to local storage of the secondary storage controller and for subsequently destaging the data from the local storage of the secondary storage controller to store the data in an auxiliary storage of the secondary storage controller. The data stored in the auxiliary storage of the primary storage controller is compared to the data stored in the auxiliary storage of the secondary storage controller to determine whether the write command is successfully executed.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Matthew G. Borlick, Lokesh M. Gupta, Brian A. Rinaldi, Micah Robison
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Patent number: 9946497Abstract: A document administration system includes an administration unit, a discrimination information image discriminating unit, and an image forming apparatus which, forms an image on a recording medium in case that the discrimination information image discriminating unit discriminates that the recording medium has the discrimination information image before the image is formed on the recording medium, and forms the image and the discrimination information image based on the discrimination information connected to the image on the recording medium in case that the discrimination information image discriminating unit discriminates that the recording medium does not have the discrimination information image before the image is formed on the recording medium.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2016Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hiroshi Hashidume, Kazuhiro Ogura, Minoru Yoshida, Akira Saito, Koichi Moriya
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Patent number: 9921923Abstract: A system, method, and auditing device for processing electronic devices to detect CPI. The auditing device may include a user interface for communicating information and receiving user input. The auditing device may also include a number of interfaces operable to communicate with the one or more electronic devices. The auditing device may also include a memory operable to store a plurality of libraries providing information for detecting CPI on a number of electronic devices including a number of makes, models, and configurations. The auditing device may also include logic operable to utilize the plurality of libraries to detect CPI included on the one or more electronic devices communicating with the testing device, record an identification of an electronic device in response to detecting the CPI is present on the electronic device, and store an alert associated with the identification indicating that CPI is present on the electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2013Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: FedEx Supply Chain Logistics & Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Brian Gventer, Ken Nguyen, Kevin Asbury, Joel McCarty, Mike Lowry
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Patent number: 9866664Abstract: An apparatus for assessing a mobile device comprises a housing with a faraday cage. The faraday cage may include a chamber having an ingress mechanism allowing a user to position the mobile device within the chamber, a wireless transceiver coupled to one or more antennas, and one or more imaging devices. The apparatus may also include one or more processors communicatively coupled to the wireless transceiver and the imaging device(s). When the mobile device is positioned within the chamber, the processor(s) may use the wireless transceiver to establish a wireless communication link with the mobile device, and use the imaging device(s) to capture one or more images of the mobile device. Alone or in conjunction with a remote server, the apparatus may use information obtained from the mobile device, and/or one or more images of the mobile device, to assess the mobile device for various purposes.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2017Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: INTELLIBOXES GROUP LIMITEDInventors: Somnath Sinha, Ranjith Tharayil Suresh
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Patent number: 9840901Abstract: A hydraulic fracturing system for fracturing a subterranean formation including a pump in communication via pump components with a wellbore that intersects the formation, and that pressurizes fluid in the wellbore, the fluid comprising a fracturing fluid slurry. The system further includes hydraulic fracturing system components for making the fracturing fluid slurry, and a monitoring system that selectively captures and transmits real time images of at least one of the hydraulic fracturing system components or pump components to enable remote monitoring of the at least one of the hydraulic fracturing system components or pump components.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2016Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: U.S. WELL SERVICES, LLCInventors: Jared Oehring, Brandon N. Hinderliter
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Patent number: 9691256Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a method for presenting prompt information that recommends removing contents from a garbage container. The method includes acquiring garbage information and garbage decaying benchmark information of the contents in the garbage container; determining whether the contents in the garbage container have mold or odor based on the garbage information and the garbage decaying benchmark information; and presenting the prompt information that recommends removing the contents from the garbage container when it is determined that the contents in the garbage container have mold or odor.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2016Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: Xiaomi Inc.Inventors: Ke Wu, Xinyu Liu
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Patent number: 9665907Abstract: Methods, including service methods, articles of manufacture, systems, articles and programmable devices are provided for linking and utilizing monetary and carbon credit accounts through a programmable arbitrating device providing a transaction interface to the buyer. A composite price is set for an item having a monetary portion and a carbon credit portion, a buyer executing a purchase of the item through an input to the arbitrating device transaction interface, the arbitrating device automatically charging a monetary payments from the buyer's monetary account, carbon credit payments from the buyer's carbon credit account, a difference between the payments and the composite price debited to the buyer's carbon credit account balance for a monetary value of the difference as a function of a monetary-carbon exchange rate, or to the buyer's monetary account for a carbon credit value of the difference as a function of the monetary-carbon exchange rate.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2008Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Rick A. Hamilton, II, James R. Kozloski, Brian M. O'Connell, Clifford A. Pickover, Keith R. Walker
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Patent number: 9514493Abstract: A system of systems to monitor data for carbon flux, for example, at scales capable of managing regional net carbon flux and pricing carbon financial instruments is disclosed. The system of systems can monitor carbon flux in forests, soils, agricultural areas, body of waters, flue gases, and the like. The system includes a means to identify and quantify sources of carbon based on simultaneous measurement of isotopologues of carbon dioxide, for example, industrial, agricultural or natural sources, offering integration of same in time and space. Carbon standards are employed at multiple scales to ensure harmonization of data and carbon financial instruments.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2013Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: PLANETARY EMISSIONS MANAGEMENT, INC.Inventor: Bruno D. V. Marino
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Patent number: 9347818Abstract: The disclosure describes a novel approach of utilizing a collection bin for a side loading waste collection vehicle. The collection bin includes a weighing system with a processor for measuring the weight of material collected from each waste container and associating this weight with appropriate data, such as the owner of the waste container.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2014Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: THE CUROTTO-CAN, LLCInventor: John Michael Curotto
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Patent number: 9283321Abstract: A system for recording the wasting of fluids includes a waste disposal unit and a sensor system, having a sensor. The sensor can have one or more sensor elements in fluid communication with a fluid as it is wasted from a container into the waste disposal unit. The sensor system is configured to identify one or more drugs within the fluid and record the identity of the one or more drugs in a computer-readable medium electrically coupled to the sensor system.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2012Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Elizabeth Nelson, Bart D. Peterson, William R. Marshall, Bryan G. Davis
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Patent number: 9269205Abstract: An environmental impact measurement system for an aircraft includes a one-way data interface and a processing system. The one-way data interface is adapted to continuously receive and transmit aircraft data and flight plan data. The processing system is in operable communication with the one-way data interface to receive the aircraft data and the flight plan data transmitted therefrom. The processing system is configured, upon receipt of the aircraft data and the flight plan data, to generate at least data representative of real-time environmental impact of the aircraft, and recommendations for improving the real-time environmental impact of the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2014Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Andrew Fannon Lamkin, Matthew Warpinski, Duke Buster, Joseph J. Nutaro
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Patent number: 9137297Abstract: The present invention relates to information management systems for a home appliance, and more particularly, to an information management system for a home appliance which is embodied to enable to communicate between the home appliance and a server system for providing information a user requires, quickly. The information management system for a home appliance includes a home appliance having a predetermined ID, and a server system having the ID of the home appliance recorded thereon, and provided to be able to communicate with the home appliance for transmitting/receiving predetermined information with the home appliance upon request from the home appliance with the ID recorded thereon, already.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2012Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Yanghwan Kim, Hyoungjun Park, Jonghoon Shim
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Publication number: 20150120582Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to an index for measurement and comparison of recycling, reuse, and disposal of waste within and among organizations. Some embodiments feature computer display of information regarding recycling, reuse, and disposal. Other embodiments include computer storage media including instructions that, when implemented, allow one to display information regarding recycling, reuse, and disposal.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2014Publication date: April 30, 2015Inventors: Albert Matyasovsky, Lloyd Rhoades, Brendan Bagley
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Publication number: 20150112876Abstract: According to an embodiment, a method for providing information related to a product comprises receiving an input including information regarding a product purchased by a customer, and detecting a type of the product purchased by the customer. The method further comprises acquiring information related to how to dispose of the product in accordance with the detected type, and outputting the information.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2013Publication date: April 23, 2015Applicants: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA, KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventor: Susumu HAKAMADA
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Publication number: 20150088767Abstract: Techniques for improving the efficiency of an electronic marketplace are disclosed herein. In particular, methods for implementing reusable packaging in fulfillment of orders by participants who are both consumers and sellers in an electronic marketplace are described. The reusable packaging may be provided on a one-to-one basis as compared to a seller's pending outgoing orders and an order placed by the seller acting as a consumer to an electronic marketplace, on a one-to-N basis as compared to the seller's selling history, or may be based on a multi-modal assessment of the seller's past and pending orders and accommodate multiple representative orders. Reusable packaging may include a wide variety of containers and additional materials to aid a seller in its use.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2013Publication date: March 26, 2015Applicant: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Anand Varadarajan
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Patent number: 8966238Abstract: The described embodiments include an electronic device that performs configuration operations. During operation, an administrative electronic device receives an indication that an electronic device that is presently checked out to a user is to be checked in. The administrative electronic device then requests a backup file with information from the electronic device, wherein the information comprises information about one or more changes made to the electronic device since the electronic device was checked out. Next, the administrative electronic device receives the backup file from the electronic device. The administrative electronic device then restores the electronic device to an initial state, wherein, in the initial state, changes made to the electronic device since the electronic device was checked out are reversed to return the electronic device to the initial state.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2012Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Todd R. Fernandez, Maxwell O. Drukman, Christopher D. Espinosa, Andreas W. Wendker
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Patent number: 8930280Abstract: A method for recycling a mail piece by a user that utilizes a postage-paid indicator that includes an intelligent barcode and the postal system which scans the intelligent barcode and compares it with a first data file that contains information concerning the distribution of funds generated from the sale of the recycle indicator and a second data file that contains information concerning a recycling destination of the mail piece to which the postage-paid recycle indicator is affixed by the user.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2012Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Inventor: Frank W. Delfer
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Publication number: 20140379588Abstract: A method for waste management, including recording an image of content within a waste container; extracting a set of content parameters from the image; characterizing the content within the waste container based on the set of content parameters; and routing a waste removal vehicle based on the content characterization.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2014Publication date: December 25, 2014Inventors: Jason Skylar Gates, Benjamin Chehebar
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Publication number: 20140365381Abstract: A waste recycling system and method for collecting, maintaining the custody of, and tracking targeted waste from collection to recycling. The system and method utilizes tagged containers, preferably electronically tagged plastic bags containing the targeted waste to allow sorting of the targeted waste from a general waste stream or recyclable waste stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2013Publication date: December 11, 2014Inventors: David Borowski, William Huddleston, Benjamin A. Thorp
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Patent number: 8903551Abstract: Data center environmental sensing is provided by a measurement system that detects environmental events from inputs received from a plurality of movable sensors. The sensors are moved in response to detection of an event to a region of the data center associated with the event, providing increased spatial resolution of the measurement in the region of the event. Events such as leakage between hot and cold aisles of a data center can be detected by the system, which may use one or more movable devices that can be moved around, between and over equipment, to carry multiple sensors toward the source of the event, providing both diagnostic and detailed environmental information.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2011Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Wael El-Essawy, Heather L. Hanson, Thomas W. Keller, Jr., Juan C. Rubio
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Publication number: 20140279412Abstract: Proposed is a computer-implemented method for a recycling company to increase recycling demand, the computer including a processor system having at least one processor and a memory system. The method comprises registering, by the computer, a recycler with a recycling company, wherein the recycler obtains identification. The computer then enters the recycler's identification to begin a transaction for recycling. The type of material to be recycled is entered into the computer. The processor system evaluates a value for the recyclable material and determines the total payment to be paid to the recycler. A portion that is less than or equal to the total payment given to a fund is entered into the computer, and the final payment to be paid to the recycler is computed. The final payment is the total payment less the portion given to the fund. On completion of the above operations, the transaction is logged.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventors: Elisah DUMAS, Elijah Dumas
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Publication number: 20140279577Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the management of waste and information related to waste processing. A waste processing unit is configured to receive and at least partially process waste, such as organic based food waste. As part of the collection process, the waste processing unit can include a user interface and input devices that receive or generate waste processing information associated with the deposit of the waste in the waste processing unit. The waste processing information can be processed locally by the waste processing unit. Additionally, the collected or processed waste processing information can be transmitted to a waste processing unit information service for further data collection and analysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: WISErg CorporationInventors: Ken Deering, Scot Fordyce, Larry LeSueur, Jose Lugo, Victor V. Tryon, Michael Bridges, Lee Wilkerson, Trevor Lewis
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Publication number: 20140279576Abstract: A network of collection, charging and/or distribution machines collect, charge and/or distribute portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). In some embodiments, if the user selects to change their current portable electrical power storage device exchange plan to a two-portable electrical power storage device exchange plan while exchanging their current portable electrical power storage device, the user will return their current portable electrical power storage device and will receive two portable electrical power storage devices in exchange at the collection, charging and distribution machine. The user may also be required to pay additional fees and/or commit to additional obligations while at the collection, charging and distribution machine in order to change to the different portable electrical power storage device exchange plan.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Gogoro, Inc.Inventor: Hok-Sum Horace Luke
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Patent number: 8818908Abstract: A system for providing a fee associated with a location for an ordered object. In response to receiving an order for an object from a customer that includes a location for where to ship the object, it is determined whether the location requires a fee for the object. The fee for the object for the location is requested from a fee service in response to determining that the location does require the fee for the object. The fee for the object for the location is received from the fee service. The fee for the object for the location is added to a customer price and a first customer response. Then, the first customer response that includes the fee for the object for the location is sent to the customer.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2007Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Brad M. Altice, Anandakrishnan Narayanan, Joanne O'Lear, William J. Reilly
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Publication number: 20140229392Abstract: A system-engineering is invented to install facilities for water- and energy-recycling, either in or near a city, and/or in a pre-existing or a new city park, includes one by an utility company to collect carbon emissions wherein the carbon dioxide is produced by burning of high-carbon fuels or lime, one by the same utility company to treat polluted waters and sewage-treatment discharges after the carbon emissions and polluted water are mixed in a series of water-conditioners, properly spaced to keep the mixture of the emissions and the waste-water treatment discharges at a designated value for biodynamic water-purification or for breeding of planktons as raw materials to be refined into biofuels. The system engineering renders the environment-engineering undertakings such as CCU, biodynamical water-purification, and manufacturing of biofuels enormously profitable for a public utility company.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2014Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: Tarim Resource Recycling Co.Inventor: Kenneth J. Hsu
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Publication number: 20140214697Abstract: This invention relates to a refuse collection system and method in which there are provided a plurality of households, each having their own refuse bin, a control centre computer in communication with each of the refuse bins, and a plurality of collection vehicles in communication with the control centre computer. An RFID tag with information regarding the type of refuse is associated with refuse prior to the refuse being placed in the refuse bin. Preferably, the refuse is placed in a dedicated pod with an RFID attached thereto. The bin has an RFID reader that reads the RFID tag, determines what types of refuse are contained within the bin and thereafter transmits the information to the control centre computer. The control centre computer thereafter schedules the delivery of one or more types of refuse from the refuse bins and transmits a collection itinerary to a collection vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2012Publication date: July 31, 2014Inventor: Paul Terence McSweeney
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Publication number: 20140214505Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus is provided that identifies recycling or other environmentally beneficial activities and provides the user with easily understood data about the environmental impact of such activities. The activities are measured and may be used to provide incentives for recycling, such as credits for online applications, positions on a leaderboard, identification of recycling achievements on social networking sites, and financial and other rewards.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Inventors: Eva Louise Shuster-Arechiga, Gary Stephen Shuster
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Publication number: 20140207692Abstract: A method for operating a plastics recycling system, including: detecting the energy consumption of individual or several or all energy consumers of the plastics recycling system, detecting an operating state of the plastics recycling system, identifying the energy consumers required for the operating state, using a hierarchy of the energy consumers depending on their energy consumption and/or their operating mode and/or the operating state of the plastics recycling system, and supplying the required energy consumers with energy taking into account said hierarchy, where the maximum peak power supplied to the entirety of the required energy consumers is smaller than the sum of the rated peak powers of the individual required energy consumers.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2013Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: KRONES AGInventor: Norbert Peters
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Publication number: 20140156542Abstract: A system for repurposing electronic components is provided. The system utilizes a distributed software system which assists in the valuation and repurposing of a pre-owned electronic component.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2013Publication date: June 5, 2014Inventor: Joseph McKeown
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Publication number: 20140156541Abstract: A recycling method is disclosed that includes the steps of compacting recyclable material into a fixed bale of recyclable material while concurrently weighing the OCC in the compactor and independently of the force that the compactor applies to the material or to the bale, assigning an individual identifier to the fixed bale in which the identifier includes at least the weight of the bale, and sending the fixed identified bale to a destination selected from the group consisting of shippers, mills, rebalers, or a customers for the baled recyclable material.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2012Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: BACE, LLCInventors: Frederick Waite, Drew Sigmund, JR., Matthew Perry
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Patent number: 8738423Abstract: An approach is provided to analyze consumer behavior data. In the approach, location data corresponding to the consumers is identified. Discarded tagged packages are received from the consumers. The discarded tagged packages include wireless tags that associate the discarded tagged packages product identifiers. At a refuse collection point, each of the wireless tags are read (e.g., using an RFID reader). The reading retrieves the product identifiers associated from the tags on the discarded packages. The product identifiers and the location data are stored in a data store. Consumer consumption maps are generated from the stored product identifiers and location data.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2013Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Ruthie D. Lyle
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Publication number: 20140143161Abstract: A system for collecting end-of-life mobile phones includes a kiosk apparatus for performing an authentication procedure in which an authentication request is made using registration information including registrant information and end-of-life mobile phone information and a barcode label is issued when an authentication number is input according to the authentication request, and an identifying procedure for storing or discharging the end-of-life mobile phone by checking the presence of the barcode label attached thereto and identifying whether the mobile terminal is a normal mobile phone when the end-of-life mobile phone is put therein; and an integrated operation system having an operating system program to communicate with a plurality of kiosk apparatuses through a network, issue the authentication number corresponding to the authentication request of the kiosk apparatus, and check and statistically analyze an individual or integrated collection amount of kiosk apparatuses.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2012Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: ECO-SAVE, INC.Inventor: Sang-Won Ahn