Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm John F. McGowan
  • Patent number: 6380535
    Abstract: Disclosed are flow separation detectors and, more particularly feedback sensor arrangements adapted to provide for the measurement of surface aerodynamic flow phenomena, and especially with regard to aerodynamic flow separation which is encountered over a surface. In order to obviate or ameliorate the electrical energy requirements in the provision of feedback sensor arrangements, particularly such which are employed for a closed-loop control of aerodynamic flow separation; for instance, that on the wing of an aircraft wherein there can be encountered a breakdown of a boundary-layer flow which may adversely affect the performance of the aircraft, provided is a novel system of flow separation sensors which are based on fiber optics and which may be employed for separation feedback control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Todd G. Wetzel, Sandra F. Feldman
  • Patent number: 6292563
    Abstract: In a folding communication apparatus with a housing rotatably connected by a hinge to a movable form, wherein movement of the hinge alters the speaker volume. A folding portable radio set includes a switch for reducing the speaker volume when the communication apparatus is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: RadioShack Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Clark, Wayne Wilson
  • Patent number: 5955996
    Abstract: A tunable capacitive coupling to a monopole antenna is provided which integrates the tuning mechanism into the supporting structure for the antenna. The base of the antenna is insulated from and supported by a cylindrical clamping assembly such as a metal compression ferrule in cooperation with an adjustment collar. This clamping mechanism enables the ferrule to be tightened like a drill bit in a chuck at any position along the base of the antenna. The coupling capacitance formed between the antenna radiator and the compression ferrule is proportional to the insertion depth of the antenna into the compression ferrule, thereby enabling the antenna to be tuned. The coupling method of the present invention enables repeatable tuning of the antenna either upward or downward in frequency within the band of frequencies accommodated by the particular antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Tandy Corporation
    Inventor: Norris M. Clubb
  • Patent number: 5742671
    Abstract: In a multi-line telephone system, an improved method is provided for automatically detecting and indicating the status of each of a plurality of telephone lines despite variations in battery voltages on the line or lines and without requiring any adjustments by the user. Each of the lines in a system can be polled sequentially or individually as desired. The improved method measures the present voltage level associated with the selected line, distinguishes the condition of on-or-off hook or on-hold from other possible states, compares and processes the present measured voltage level in a state matrix, and updates the status indication of the selected telephone line accordingly. Status conditions which are detected and indicated by this method include on-hook, off-hook, and on-hold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Tandy Corporation
    Inventors: Walter E. Parkerson, Roger D. Forrester
  • Patent number: 5594601
    Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a method for programing or editing, or both, the order of performance of digitally recorded information tracks, such as an audio recording, stored sequentially in an appropriate medium. The method allows a user to program or edit, via keystrokes, a program or sequence of tracks to be played. An apparatus for playing information tracks queued to be replayed in a predetermined sequence includes a key pad, which is used to enter commands and numeric information to establish a program queue, a display, which is used to display program events, and an interface processor, coupled to the key pad and the display, which is used to control the commands received from and sent to the key pad and to send display messages to the display. The apparatus also includes a control processor, coupled to the interface processor, which establishes from information stored on a medium in a sequential order, an ordered sequence of information tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Tandy Corporation
    Inventors: Frank P. Mimick, Daniel W. Staudacher