Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090113714 | Orthodontic treatment aligners based on CT data - A system and method for orthodontic alignment includes a radiographic template. The radiographic template has a plurality of metallic markers. A negative impression of a patient's dental arch is made. At least one orthodontic treatment aligner is produced. The aligner is manufactured based in part on a computed axial tomography (CT) scan of a patient wearing the radiographic template and a separate scan of the radiographic template, wherein the data is processed by superimposition of the orthodontic aligner on the CT images of the patient including a jaw in axial and panoramic views. In this manner, the tooth above the gum line, represented by the negative impression as well as the tooth below the gum line, represented by the CT data is used to design the orthodontic aligner. | 05-07-2009 |
20120191421 | Oral Template for Integrated CT and Optical Images for Dental Implant Drilling Templates and Orthodontic Aligners - A method for producing a virtual model of a patient includes placing a radiographic template in contact with a first surface of the patient. The radiographic template includes a plurality of radio-opaque markers and a shape of known dimensions. A negative impression of the first surface is formed by the radiographic template. A first CT scan of the radiographic template and said first surface is performed. The radiographic template is removed from the first surface. A second CT scan of the radiographic template apart from the first surface is performed. The first CT scan and said second CT scan are merged to produce an artifact-corrected image. An optical scan of the radiographic template including the negative impression is performed. The artifact-corrected image and the optical scan are merged based on the shape of known dimensions to produce a virtual model of said patient. | 07-26-2012 |
20120214121 | Orthodontic Treatment Integrating Optical Scanning and CT Scan Data - A process for creating a dental model to avoid periodontal defects during planned dental work includes obtaining CT scan data and optical scan data of a patient's dentition and integrating the CT scan data and the optical scan data by at least one of surface to surface registration, registration of radiographic markers, and registration of optical markers of known dimensions, to produce a dental model that includes the dentition and underlying bone and root structures. The process then segments anatomic sites of the tooth roots and underlying bone. A plan for the dental work is then generated based on the segmented anatomic sites, whereby the plan avoids periodontal defects based on the knowledge of the anatomic sites of the roots and underlying cortical bones in the dental model. | 08-23-2012 |
20120230567 | REMOVABLE HANDLE SCAN BODY FOR IMPRESSION TRAYS AND RADIOGRAPHIC TEMPLATES FOR INTEGRATED OPTICAL AND CT SCANNING - A device for use in optical scanning and CT scanning including a radiographic template and at least one shape of known dimension (SKD). The radiographic template includes a plurality of radio-opaque markers and is configured to take an impression of at least one surface of a patient. The SKD is removably attached to the radiographic template and serves as a basis for registration of data of a CT scan of the device with data of an optical scan of the device. The device may further comprise a mounting plate. The SKD is mounted on the mounting plate such that the at least one SKD is in an exact same position with respect to surfaces in a model formed from the impression as when the impression of the patient is formed in the radiographic template. | 09-13-2012 |
20120255928 | Straw Holder Integrated with a Beverage Container - A beverage container having a mouth includes a straw holder having a straw support portion dimensioned for placement across the mouth of the container and comprising an aperture designed to receive a straw therethrough and support the straw with respect to the straw support portion. A first retaining portion of the straw holder is connected to the straw support portion and connected or connectable to the container. The straw support portion being movably arranged on the first connecting portion for moving from a first position to a second position relative to the first retaining portion. The aperture for receiving the straw is aligned with the mouth of the container when the first connecting portion is in a connected position on the container. | 10-11-2012 |
20140120488 | Orthodontic Treatment Aligners Based on CT Data - A system and method for orthodontic alignment includes a radiographic template. The radiographic template has a plurality of metallic markers. A negative impression of a patient's dental arch is made. At least one orthodontic treatment aligner is produced. The aligner is manufactured based in part on a computed axial tomography (CT) scan of a patient wearing the radiographic template and a separate scan of the radiographic template, wherein the data is processed by superimposition of the orthodontic aligner on the CT images of the patient including a jaw in axial and panoramic views. In this manner, the tooth above the gum line, represented by the negative impression as well as the tooth below the gum line, represented by the CT data is used to design the orthodontic aligner. | 05-01-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090060941 | Methods for the treatment of diabetes, the reduction of body fat, improvement of insulin sensitivity, reduction of hyperglycemia, and reduction of hypercholesterolemia with chromium complexes, conjugated fatty acids, and/or conjugated fatty alcohols - A composition for treating insulin-dependent diabetes, reducing body fat, improving insulin sensitivity, reducing hyperglycemia, and reducing hypercholesterolemia with at least one chromium complex and a conjugated fatty acid or conjugated fatty alcohol is disclosed. A method of treating a subject suffering from insulin-dependent diabetes by administering a composition that includes at least one chromium complex and a conjugated fatty acid or conjugated fatty alcohol is similarly provided. The administration of a composition containing an effective dose of at least one chromium complex and a conjugated fatty acid or conjugated fatty alcohol for the treatment of obesity is likewise provided. | 03-05-2009 |
20090136539 | Methods for the treatment of diabetes, the reduction of body fat, improvement of insulin sensitivity, reduction of hyperglycemia, and reduction of hypercholesterolemia with chromium complexes, conjugated fatty acids, and/or conjugated fatty alcohols - A composition for treating insulin-dependent diabetes, reducing body fat, improving insulin sensitivity, reducing hyperglycemia, and reducing hypercholesterolemia with at least one chromium complex and a conjugated fatty acid or conjugated fatty alcohol is disclosed. A method of treating a subject suffering from insulin-dependent diabetes by administering a composition that includes at least one chromium complex and a conjugated fatty acid or conjugated fatty alcohol is similarly provided. The administration of a composition containing an effective dose of at least one chromium complex and a conjugated fatty acid or conjugated fatty alcohol for the treatment of obesity is likewise provided. | 05-28-2009 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080318373 | Method of fabricating self-aligned bipolar transistor having tapered collector - A method is provided for making a bipolar transistor which includes a tapered, i.e. frustum-shaped, collector pedestal having an upper substantially planar surface, a lower surface, and a slanted sidewall extending between the upper surface and the lower surface, the upper surface having substantially less area than the lower surface. The collector pedestal can be formed on a surface of a collector active region exposed within an opening extending through first and second overlying dielectric regions, where the opening defines vertically aligned edges of the first and second dielectric regions. | 12-25-2008 |
20090134429 | TRANSISTOR STRUCTURE WITH MINIMIZED PARASITICS AND METHOD OF FABRICATING THE SAME - A transistor having minimized parasitics is provided including an emitter having a recessed extrinsic emitter portion atop an intrinsic emitter portion; a base including an intrinsic base portion in electrical contact with the intrinsic emitter portion and an extrinsic base portion in electrical contact with the intrinsic base portion and electrically isolated from the recessed extrinsic emitter portion by a set of emitter/base spacers; and a collector in electrical contact with the intrinsic base portion. The transistor may further include extrinsic base having top surfaces entirely silicided to the emitter/base spacer. Additionally, the transistor may include a base window opening within the transistor's active area. Methods of forming the above-described transistor are also provided. | 05-28-2009 |
20100176453 | LOW COST FABRICATION OF DOUBLE BOX BACK GATE SILICON-ON-INSULATOR WAFERS WITH BUILT-IN SHALLOW TRENCH ISOLATION IN BACK GATE LAYER - A semiconductor wafer structure for manufacturing integrated circuit devices includes a bulk substrate; a lower insulating layer formed on the bulk substrate, the lower insulating layer formed from a pair of separate insulation layers having a bonding interface therebetween; an electrically conductive layer formed on the lower insulating layer, the electrically conductive layer further having one or more shallow trench isolation (STI) regions formed therein; an etch stop layer formed on the electrically conductive layer and the one or more STI regions; an upper insulating layer formed on the etch stop layer; and a semiconductor layer formed on the upper insulating layer. A subsequent active area level STI scheme, in conjunction with front gate formation over the semiconductor layer, is also disclosed. | 07-15-2010 |
20100176482 | LOW COST FABRICATION OF DOUBLE BOX BACK GATE SILICON-ON-INSULATOR WAFERS WITH SUBSEQUENT SELF ALIGNED SHALLOW TRENCH ISOLATION - A semiconductor substrate structure for manufacturing integrated circuit devices includes a bulk substrate; a lower insulating layer formed on the bulk substrate, the lower insulating layer formed from a pair of separate insulation layers having a bonding interface therebetween; an electrically conductive layer formed on the lower insulating layer; an insulator with etch stop characteristics formed on the electrically conductive layer; an upper insulating layer formed on the etch stop layer; and a semiconductor layer formed on the upper insulating layer. A scheme of subsequently building a dual-depth shallow trench isolation with the deeper STI in the back gate layer self-aligned to the shallower STI in the active region in such a semiconductor substrate is also disclosed. | 07-15-2010 |
20100187607 | LOW COST FABRICATION OF DOUBLE BOX BACK GATE SILICON-ON-INSULATOR WAFERS WITH BUILT-IN SHALLOW TRENCH ISOLATION IN BACK GATE LAYER - A semiconductor wafer structure for manufacturing integrated circuit devices includes a bulk substrate; a lower insulating layer formed on the bulk substrate, the lower insulating layer formed from a pair of separate insulation layers having a bonding interface therebetween; an electrically conductive layer formed on the lower insulating layer, the electrically conductive layer further having one or more shallow trench isolation (STI) regions formed therein; an etch stop layer formed on the electrically conductive layer and the one or more STI regions; an upper insulating layer formed on the etch stop layer; and a semiconductor layer formed on the upper insulating layer. A subsequent active area level STI scheme, in conjunction with front gate formation over the semiconductor layer, is also disclosed. | 07-29-2010 |
20120112309 | LOW COST FABRICATION OF DOUBLE BOX BACK GATE SILICON-ON-INSULATOR WAFERS WITH SUBSEQUENT SELF ALIGNED SHALLOW TRENCH ISOLATION - A semiconductor substrate structure for manufacturing integrated circuit devices includes a bulk substrate; a lower insulating layer formed on the bulk substrate, the lower insulating layer formed from a pair of separate insulation layers having a bonding interface therebetween; an electrically conductive layer formed on the lower insulating layer; an insulator with etch stop characteristics formed on the electrically conductive layer; an upper insulating layer formed on the etch stop layer; and a semiconductor layer formed on the upper insulating layer. A scheme of subsequently building a dual-depth shallow trench isolation with the deeper STI in the back gate layer self-aligned to the shallower STI in the active region in such a semiconductor substrate is also disclosed. | 05-10-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080237648 | MULTI-LEVEL INTERCONNECTIONS FOR AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT CHIP - Multilevel metallization layouts for an integrated circuit chip including transistors having first, second and third elements to which metallization layouts connect. The layouts minimize current limiting mechanism including electromigration by positioning the connection for the second contact vertically from the chip, overlapping the planes and fingers of the metallization layouts to the first and second elements and forming a pyramid or staircase of multilevel metallization layers to smooth diagonal current flow. | 10-02-2008 |
20090190640 | Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit with On-Chip Noise Source for Self-Test - Radio frequency integrated circuits with on-chip noise source for use in the performance of tests and/or calibrations. For example, a radio frequency integrated circuit comprises at least one noise source residing on the radio frequency integrated circuit, the noise source being controllable by a digital input, and a radio frequency circuit residing on the radio frequency integrated circuit and being coupled to the noise source, wherein at least one attribute of the radio frequency circuit is determinable by controlling the noise source via the digital input. | 07-30-2009 |
20090278207 | Electromigration-Complaint High Performance FET Layout - An electrical contact structure distributes current along a length thereof. The electrical contact structure includes a plurality of n metal rectangles on n levels of metal. The rectangle on one metal level is at least as wide in width and vertically covers in width the rectangle on the metal level immediately below. The rectangle on one metal level is shorter in length than and substantially aligned at a first end with the rectangle on the metal level immediately below. Rectangle first ends are substantially aligned. Features of an exemplary FET transistor of this invention are a source and drain terminal electrical contact structure, a multi-level metal ring connecting gate rectangles on both ends, and a wider-than-minimum gate-to-gate spacing. The invention is useful, for example, in an electromigration-compliant, high performance transistor. | 11-12-2009 |
20120112819 | ELECTROMIGRATION-COMPLAINT HIGH PERFORMANCE FET LAYOUT - An electrical contact structure distributes current along a length thereof. The electrical contact structure includes a plurality of n metal rectangles on n levels of metal. The rectangle on one metal level is at least as wide in width and vertically covers in width the rectangle on the metal level immediately below. The rectangle on one metal level is shorter in length than and substantially aligned at a first end with the rectangle on the metal level immediately below. Rectangle first ends are substantially aligned. Features of an exemplary FET transistor of this invention are a source and drain terminal electrical contact structure, a multi-level metal ring connecting gate rectangles on both ends, and a wider-than-minimum gate-to-gate spacing. The invention is useful, for example, in an electromigration-compliant, high performance transistor. | 05-10-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20160063580 | System, apparatus, and method for template-based adaptive review - A system for template-based adaptive review includes an adaptive review server, further including a processor, a non-transitory memory, an input/output, a review engine, and a review template store; and an adaptive review device, further including a processor, a non-transitory memory, an input/output, a review controller, and a review store; such that the adaptive review device can retrieve a list of review templates from the review template store, and a user can select and fill out the review template by providing check box, dropdown list, text and numeric user inputs to a set of review sentences associated with the review template, whereby a user review is completed. Also disclosed is a method for template-based adaptive review, including selecting a review template, selecting a review sentence, viewing the review sentence, providing user input, and repeating until all review sentences have been selected, whereby the review is completed. | 03-03-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20150123788 | TRACKING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A hybrid tracking system for monitoring the location of a plurality of objects within an environment includes a plurality of RFID/IR tags associated with and configured to be attached to the plurality of objects within the environment. A plurality of IR-based sensors are positioned within the environment and configured to monitor the location of each of the plurality of RFID/IR tags within the environment and generate IR-based location information for each of the plurality of RFID/IR tags. A plurality of RFID-based sensors are positioned within the environment and configured to monitor the location of each of the plurality of RFID/IR tags within the environment and generate RFID-based location information for each of the plurality of RFID/IR tag. A computing system is configured to receive the IR-based location information and the RFID-based location information for each of the plurality of RFID/IR tags, and generate position information concerning each of the RFID/IR tags within the environment. | 05-07-2015 |
20150123789 | TRACKING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method, computer program product, and computing system for receiving IR-based location information and RFID-based location information for each of a plurality of RFID/IR tags that are associated with and configured to be releasably attached to a plurality of medical professionals within a medical facility. Position information is generated concerning each of the RFID/IR tags within the medical facility, | 05-07-2015 |
20150123790 | TRACKING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method, computer program product, and computing system for receiving IR-based location information and RFID-based location information for each of a plurality of RFID/IR tags that are associated with and configured to be releasably attached to a plurality of medical patients within a medical facility. Position information is generated concerning each of the RFID/IR tags within the medical facility. | 05-07-2015 |
20150123791 | TRACKING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method, computer program product, and computing system for receiving IR-based location information and RFID-based location information for each of a plurality of RFID/IR tags that are associated with and configured to be attached to a plurality of medical device within a medical facility. Position information is generated concerning each of the RFID/IR tags within the medical facility. | 05-07-2015 |
20150123792 | TRACKING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A tracking system for monitoring the location of a plurality of objects within a medical facility includes a plurality of wireless tags associated with and configured to be attached to the plurality of objects within the medical facility. A plurality of wireless sensors are positioned within the medical facility and configured to monitor the location of each of the plurality of wireless tags within the medical facility and generate location information for each of the plurality of wireless tags. A computing system is configured to: receive the location information for each of the plurality of wireless tags, associate time stamp information with the location information received for each of the plurality of wireless tags, and determine a time/proximity based level of performance between at least two of the plurality of wireless tags based, at least in part, upon the location information and the time stamp information. | 05-07-2015 |
20150123793 | TRACKING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method, computer program product, and computing system for receiving IR-based location information and RFID-based location information for each of a plurality of RFID/IR tags that are associated with and configured to be releasably attached to a plurality of medical staff within a medical facility. Position information is generated concerning each of the RFID/IR tags within the medical facility. | 05-07-2015 |
20150127368 | TRACKING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method, computer program product, and computing system for receiving IR-based location information and RFID-based location information for each of a plurality of RFID/IR tags. Each of the plurality of RFID/IR tags are: associated with and configured to be releasably attached to at least one medical professional within a medical facility, associated with and configured to be releasably attached to at least one medical patient within the medical facility, or associated with and configured to be attached to at least one medical device within the medical facility. Position information is generated concerning each of the RFID/IR tags within the medical facility. Time stamp information is associated with the IR-based location information and the RFID-based location information received for each of the plurality of RFID/IR tags. Time-based movement information is generated concerning each of the RFID/IR tags within the medical facility. A time/proximity based level of performance is determined between the at least one medical professional and the at least one medical patient. | 05-07-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080307374 | METHOD, SYSTEM, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR MAPPING A LOGICAL DESIGN ONTO AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT WITH SLACK APPORTIONMENT - A logical design including multiple logical blocks is mapped onto an integrated circuit chip. A chip level floor plan is created on the chip, including temporary areas on the chip set aside for accommodating logical blocks having logical content including timing requirements based on the logical design. The temporary areas are translated into physical cells on the chip with pins assigned for inputs and outputs for the logical blocks. The logical blocks are mapped to the physical cells on the chip in a time sensitive manner using timing assertions to form temporary logical partitions. Blocks on the chip, including the temporary logical partitions, are connected based on the timing assertions. A timing analysis is performed on the chip to determine timing slack associated with each temporary logical partition. A determination is made whether the timing slack is acceptable. If the timing slack is not acceptable, the slack is apportioned for, and apportioned slack information is fed back in the form of timing assertions. Mapping, connecting, performing a timing analysis, and apportioning for slack are repeated until the timing slack associated with each temporary logical partition is determined to be acceptable. | 12-11-2008 |
20090245008 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING VOLTAGE POWER GATING - A system and method for providing voltage power gating. The system includes a device for providing voltage power gating. The device includes logic circuitry, a mechanism for receiving a control signal associated with the logic circuitry and a selector. The control signal indicates an active state or an idle state of the logic circuitry. The selector enables a power source to the logic circuitry in response to the control signal indicating the active state. The selector also disables the power source to the logic circuitry in response to the control signal indicating the idle state. Thus, the power source is dynamically eliminated from the logic circuitry on the device when it is in the idle state. | 10-01-2009 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130310970 | MODULAR VENDING WITH CENTRALIZED ROBOTIC GANTRY - A vending arrangement for computerized vending machines, retail displays, automated retail stores, utilizes a centralized, robotic gantry associated with companion modules for vending a plurality of selectable products. The modularized design enables deployment of half-sized or larger, full sized machines. The robotic gantry is deployed in a centralized module disposed adjacent display and inventory modules. Inventory modules can be fitted to both gantry sides, and doors can be fitted to the gantry front or rear. The gantry comprises an internal, vertically displaceable elevator utilizing a central conveyor for laterally, horizontally moving selected items from associated display and inventory positions to a vending position. Computerized software enables the display and vending functions, and controls elevator movement to dispense products from twin sides of the gantry by appropriately controlling the conveyor. | 11-21-2013 |
20160080855 | Jewelry Having Electronic Modules - Disclosed is a deconstructed computer that operates as multifunctional headphones having an ornamental appearance. In one embodiment, the headphones include a plurality of modular beads that are connected by a wire in an open necklace configuration. The wire and the modular beads are distributed and shaped so that they can be comfortably draped and counter-balanced around a wearer's body, such as in the manner of jewelry. Additionally, the wire and the modular beads can be adjusted in multiple configurations without falling off or slipping into unwanted positions. Each of the modular beads include various types of input and output devices to communicate with one another and/or other external electronic devices paired thereto. | 03-17-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090288965 | Container with secondary substance, preferably a liquid for attachment to and mixing with container of a primary liquid - An apparatus for adding a secondary substance to a primary liquid within a sealed container, for example, a shot of liquor to be added to a can of soda. A secondary container contains the secondary substance preferably a liquid and has a frangible seal. A mechanism sealingly and mechanically attaches the secondary container to the hull of a primary container having primary liquid. A frangible seal is provided to the secondary container. A penetrator is disposed at least partially within the housing of the secondary container and is at least partially surrounded by the attachment mechanism. —The penetrator causes rupture of the seal and mechanically penetrates through the hull of the primary container. The substance from the secondary container mixes with the liquid of the primary container. The secondary container may attach to the top, side, or bottom of a conventional primary container, a soda can. | 11-26-2009 |
20100100236 | Vending machines with lighting interactivity and item-based lighting systems for retail display and automated retail stores - Vending machines, automated retail stores, and retail displays with computer controlled, item-based lighting that produces variable visual effects in conjunction with actual or potential vends to provide an enhanced vending experience. Offered products are stored within display tubes that are arranged in orderly geometric arrays. RGB lighting through a plurality of LED banks within polygonal circuit boards associate with each display tube are controlled by a computer activation system that senses the presence of a customer, and the selection of a vend. Combinations of differently colored LED's are computer controlled on a per product basis to artistically illuminate available products and assist customers. Pre-programmed lighting sequences can switch LED off and on, vary their intensity, and alter resultant colors. A touch screen computer responds to user inputs for selections and transactions. Sensors detect the presence of potential customers, even without a customer input, to vary a display and attract mode. | 04-22-2010 |
20100103131 | Interactive and 3-D multi-senor touch selection interface for an automated retail store, vending machine, digital sign, or retail display - Vending machines, automated retail stores, and retail displays with a computer controlled, activation system that senses either the gesture of a customer proximate product display tubes or a touch-screen selection on a computer screen. Item-based lighting produces variable visual effects in conjunction with actual or potential vends to provide an enhanced vending experience. Offered products are stored within display tubes that are arranged in orderly geometric arrays. RGB lighting through a plurality of LED banks associated with each display tube are controlled by the activation system Combinations of differently colored LED's are computer controlled on a per product basis to artistically illuminate available products and assist customers. Pre-programmed lighting sequences can switch LEDs off and on, vary their intensity, and alter resultant colors. | 04-29-2010 |
20100262282 | Customer retention system and process in a vending unit, retail display or automated retail store - A vending system comprising numerous remote vending machines, retail displays, and automated retail stores connected to a communication network access a central database so that each remote machine provides and responds to personalized customer information. Each machine comprises a display containing products to be vended and a plurality of touchable product viewing areas for initiating a vend. A computer recognizes customer data derived from peripheral inputs. Software communicates with the database for establishing customer profiles and either recognizing customers or registering customers by generating a global unique identifier. Subroutines initiate the dispensing of items in response to preselected conditions associated with each GUID. | 10-14-2010 |
20110054673 | Modular vending with centralized robotic gantry - A vending arrangement for computerized vending machines, retail displays, automated retail stores, utilizes a centralized, robotic gantry associated with companion modules for vending a plurality of selectable products. The modularized design enables deployment of half-sized or larger, full sized machines. The robotic gantry is deployed in a centralized module disposed adjacent display and inventory modules. Inventory modules can be fitted to both gantry sides, and doors can be fitted to the gantry front or rear. The gantry comprises an internal, vertically displaceable elevator utilizing a central conveyor for laterally, horizontally moving selected items from associated display and inventory positions to a vending position. Computerized software enables the display and vending functions, and controls elevator movement to dispense products from twin sides of the gantry by appropriately controlling the conveyor. | 03-03-2011 |
20130335353 | INTERACTIVE AND 3-D MULTI-SENSOR TOUCH SELECTION INTERFACE FOR AN AUTOMATED RETAIL STORE, VENDING MACHINE, DIGITAL SIGN, OR RETAIL DISPLAY - Vending machines, automated retail stores, and retail displays with a computer controlled, activation system that senses either the gesture of a customer proximate product display tubes or a touch-screen selection on a computer screen. Item-based lighting produces variable visual effects in conjunction with actual or potential vends to provide an enhanced vending experience. Offered products are stored within display tubes that are arranged in orderly geometric arrays. RGB lighting through a plurality of LED banks associated with each display tube are controlled by the activation system Combinations of differently colored LED's are computer controlled on a per product basis to artistically illuminate available products and assist easterners. Pre-programmed lighting sequences can switch LEDs off and on, vary their intensity, and alter resultant colors. | 12-19-2013 |
20130345860 | CUSTOMER RETENTION SYSTEM AND PROCESS IN A VENDING UNIT, RETAIL DISPLAY OR AUTOMATED RETAIL STORE - A vending system comprising numerous remote vending machines, retail displays, and automated retail stores connected to a communication network access a central database so that each remote machine provides and responds to personalized customer information. Each machine comprises a display containing products to be vended and a plurality of touchable product viewing areas for initiating a vend. A computer recognizes customer data derived from peripheral inputs. Software communicates with the database for establishing customer profiles and either recognizing customers or registering customers by generating a global unique identifier. Subroutines initiate the dispensing of items in response to preselected conditions associated with each GUID. | 12-26-2013 |