Wadsworth, OH, United States of America

Stephen Neal Hardy

This inventor holds 172 USPTO granted patents and 10 published patent applications and 45 EPO patents, primarily in Inventory Management (CPC class A47F1-126). Top assignees: Rtc Industries, Inc., American Greetings Corporation, The Procter Gamble Company. Active years: 1984-2024.

IDiyas Innovation Intelligence. (2026). Inventor Profile: Stephen Neal Hardy. Retrieved from https://idiyas.com/inventor/stephen-neal-hardy

Data source: USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) public patent records. Weekly synchronization. How IDiyas builds this profile

USPTO Granted Patents = 172 

% Patents Active = 93.6

 

Average Co-Inventor Count = 1.2

ph-index = 42

Forward Citations = 5,811(Granted Patents)

Forward Citations (Not Self Cited) = 2,586(Dec 10, 2025)


Inventors with similar research interests:


Location History:

  • Akron, OH (US) (1984)
  • Copely, OH (US) (1994)
  • Copley, OH (US) (1986 - 1995)
  • Wadswoth, OH (US) (2016)
  • Wadsworth, OH (US) (1997 - 2023)

Company Filing History:


Years Active: 1984-2024

Loading Chart...
Loading Chart...
Areas of Expertise:
Inventory Management
Product Management
Display System
Trackless Pusher
Securement System
Collapsible Insulating Device
Management System
Application System
172 patents (USPTO):Explore Patents

Title: The Innovative Mind of Stephen Neal Hardy

Introduction

Stephen Neal Hardy, based in Wadsworth, Ohio, is a prolific inventor known for his significant contributions to various technological advancements. With a remarkable portfolio of 172 patents to his name, Hardy has made notable strides in the field of inventory management and product display systems. His inventions not only enhance efficiency but also tackle issues related to theft and product arrangement.

Latest Patents

Among his latest innovations is a "System for Inventory Management" that comprises sensor-equipped display management systems and methods. This system is designed to calculate the number of products removed based on the motion of mechanisms within the display. Additionally, it utilizes sensor data to detect patterns that may indicate attempted theft of products stored in the system.

Another notable patent is for a "Product Management Display System with Trackless Pusher Mechanism." This ingenious system utilizes a trackless pusher that moves along the surface of a shelf to improve the merchandising of products. With thin dividers that separate products into rows, the design allows for self-adjustment of the dividers and maximizes storage capacity on the tray, accommodating products in a tight-fitting manner as they are pushed forward.

Career Highlights

Stephen has built his career at prominent companies such as Rtc Industries, Inc. and American Greetings Corporation. His experience in these organizations has provided him with the foundation to develop innovative solutions that meet market demands while improving operational efficiency.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Hardy has collaborated with talented individuals, including coworkers Max E. Syvuk and Tony Dipaolo. These collaborations have fostered a creative environment that encourages the sharing of ideas and the development of groundbreaking technologies.

Conclusion

Stephen Neal Hardy stands out as a notable inventor, with a rich history of innovations that address practical challenges in inventory and product management. His work not only reflects his creative prowess but also his commitment to enhancing the efficiency of retail operations. As he continues to innovate, the impact of his inventions will undoubtedly be felt across various industries.

Profile summary based on public USPTO records.
Data Sources: USPTO Patent Grant XML, Patent Center, EPO & CIPO • Normalized by IDiyas Innovation Graph. Methodology & provenance architecturePlease report any incorrect information to [email protected]
Loading…