Patents by Inventor Billy L. Weaver

Billy L. Weaver has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8098485
    Abstract: A detection sensor for detecting proximately occurring events such as traffic patterns. The detection sensor includes a housing having several apertures and a wireless network sensor located in the housing. The wireless network sensor has several sensors for detecting events occurring proximate them, a processor for receiving and processing data from the sensors, and a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data. Each of the sensors is contained within one of the apertures, and the apertures have shapes configured to provide for varying types of coverage areas for each of the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Billy L. Weaver, Silva K. Theiss, Kathy L. Hagen
  • Publication number: 20110310037
    Abstract: Presently described are articles such as antennas, EMI shields, and touch screen sensors as well as patterned substrates having overlaid micropatterns with low visibility. Also described are methods of determining the visibility of a patterned substrate. In one embodiment, a patterned substrate is described comprising a visible light transparent substrate; and at least two overlaid electrically conductive mesh micropatterns, wherein each mesh has a repeating cell geometry and the combination of overlaid micropatterns has a spatial contrast threshold at a distance of 30000 units of greater than ?35 decibels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Cristin E. Moran, Matthew H. Frey, Brian L. Linzie, Billy L. Weaver
  • Publication number: 20110260741
    Abstract: Capacitive sensing devices are provided that include a sensing pattern of conductive traces disposed upon the surface of a substrate and a first passive circuit element that includes a metallic conductor disposed upon the same surface of the substrate. In some embodiments, the first passive circuit element is a component of an electronic circuit that can be, for example, a low pass filter. Provided capacitive sensing devices are useful, for example, when incorporated into projected touch screen display panels for use on electronic devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Billy L. Weaver, Matthew H. Frey, Lijun Zu, Cristin E. Moran
  • Patent number: 8035511
    Abstract: A method for processing data collected via a wireless network sensor includes providing information in a variety of ways based upon the processed data. The network sensor has a plurality of sensors for detecting events occurring proximate the sensors in a monitored space, a processor for receiving and processing data from the sensors, and a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data. The received data is processed to determine pedestrian traffic patterns in the monitored space, which can be used to design a layout and placement of goods for sale in the monitored space. The information for the pedestrian traffic patterns can also be provided in exchange for a fee to customers requesting it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Billy L. Weaver, Robert L. Brott, Silva K. Theiss, Jennifer R. Yi, Kathy L. Hagen
  • Patent number: 8026808
    Abstract: A method for displaying an indication of data collected via a wireless network sensor involves processing the collected data to generate reports. The wireless network sensor includes a plurality of sensors for detecting events occurring proximate the sensors, a processor for receiving and processing data from the sensors, and a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data. The method displays an indication of parsed events, episodes, vectors, links, and paths based upon the received data. Another method displays a representation of a location of each sensor in the wireless network sensors in a monitored environment and information related to data collected via the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Billy L. Weaver, Robert L. Brott, Silva K. Theiss, James J. Bartol, Scott E. Brigham, Eileen M. Gorrell, Kathy L. Hagen, Jennifer R. Yi
  • Patent number: 8013731
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing data collected via a wireless network sensor includes modules for receiving and processing the data. The wireless network sensor includes a plurality of sensors for detecting events occurring proximate the sensors, a processor for receiving and processing data from the sensors, and a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data. The apparatus also includes modules for parsing events, episodes, vectors, links, and paths based upon the received data. The paths can be used to generate a representation of traffic patterns in a space monitored by wireless network sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Billy L. Weaver, Silva K. Theiss, Eileen M. Gorrell, Kathy L. Hagen, James J. Bartol, Scott E. Brigham, Anthony L. Hill, Jennifer R. Yi, M. Benton Free
  • Patent number: 7990262
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing data collected via a wireless network sensor includes modules for receiving and processing the data. The wireless network sensor includes a plurality of sensors for detecting events occurring proximate the sensors, a processor for receiving and processing data from the sensors, and a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data. The apparatus also includes modules for parsing events, episodes, vectors, links, and paths based upon the received data. The paths can be used to generate a representation of traffic patterns in a space monitored by wireless network sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Billy L. Weaver, Silva K. Theiss, Eileen M. Gorrell, Kathy L. Hagen, James J. Bartol, Scott E. Brigham, Anthony L. Hill, Jennifer R. Yi, M. Benton Free
  • Publication number: 20110108858
    Abstract: Light emitting systems are disclosed. The light emitting system emits an output light that has a first color. The light emitting system includes a first electroluminescent device that emits light at a first wavelength in response to a first signal. The first wavelength is substantially independent of the first signal. The intensity of the emitted first wavelength light is substantially proportional to the first signal. The light emitting system further includes a first luminescent element that includes a second electroluminescent device and a first light converting layer. The second electroluminescent device emits light at a second wavelength in response to a second signal. The first light converting layer includes a semiconductor potential well and converts at least a portion of light at the second wavelength to light at a third wavelength that is longer than the second wavelength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Michael A. Haase, James A. Thielen, Catherine A. Leatherdale, Billy L. Weaver, Terry L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20110035271
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing data collected via a wireless network sensor includes modules for receiving and processing the data. The wireless network sensor includes a plurality of sensors for detecting events occurring proximate the sensors, a processor for receiving and processing data from the sensors, and a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data. The apparatus also includes modules for parsing events, episodes, vectors, links, and paths based upon the received data. The paths can be used to generate a representation of traffic patterns in a space monitored by wireless network sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Billy L. Weaver, Silva K. Theiss, Eileen M. Gorrell, Kathy L. Hagen, James J. Bartol, Scott E. Brigham, Anthony L. Hill, Jennifer R. Yi, M. Benton Free
  • Publication number: 20090196206
    Abstract: A detection sensor for detecting proximately occurring events such as traffic patterns. The detection sensor includes a housing having several apertures and a wireless network sensor located in the housing. The wireless network sensor has several sensors for detecting events occurring proximate them, a processor for receiving and processing data from the sensors, and a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data. Each of the sensors is contained within one of the apertures, and the apertures have shapes configured to provide for varying types of coverage areas for each of the sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Billy L. Weaver, Silva K. Theiss, Kathy L. Hagen
  • Publication number: 20090009340
    Abstract: A method for processing data collected via a wireless network sensor includes providing information in a variety of ways based upon the processed data. The network sensor has a plurality of sensors for detecting events occurring proximate the sensors in a monitored space, a processor for receiving and processing data from the sensors, and a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data. The received data is processed to determine pedestrian traffic patterns in the monitored space, which can be used to design a layout and placement of goods for sale in the monitored space. The information for the pedestrian traffic patterns can also be provided in exchange for a fee to customers requesting it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Billy L. Weaver, Robert L. Brott, Silva K. Theiss, Jennifer R. Yi, Kathy L. Hagen
  • Publication number: 20090009323
    Abstract: A method for displaying an indication of data collected via a wireless network sensor involves processing the collected data to generate reports. The wireless network sensor includes a plurality of sensors for detecting events occurring proximate the sensors, a processor for receiving and processing data from the sensors, and a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data. The method displays an indication of parsed events, episodes, vectors, links, and paths based upon the received data. Another method displays a representation of a location of each sensor in the wireless network sensors in a monitored environment and information related to data collected via the sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Billy L. Weaver, Robert L. Brott, Silva K. Theiss, James J. Bartol, Scott E. Brigham, Eileen M. Gorrell, Kathy L. Hagen, Jennifer R. Yi
  • Publication number: 20090009339
    Abstract: A wireless network sensor includes several sensors for detecting events occurring proximate the sensors. It also includes a processor for receiving and processing data from the sensors and a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data. The processor is programmed to determine if an event occurred related to a particular change in a signal level of a signal received from one of the sensors and compress the event data. The compressed data can then be wirelessly sent to a computer for additional processing such as providing an indication of traffic patterns in an area monitored by the wireless network sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Eileen M. Gorrell, Billy L. Weaver, Kathy L. Hagen, Silva K. Theiss, James J. Bartol, Scott E. Brigham
  • Publication number: 20090009317
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing data collected via a wireless network sensor includes modules for receiving and processing the data. The wireless network sensor includes a plurality of sensors for detecting events occurring proximate the sensors, a processor for receiving and processing data from the sensors, and a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data. The apparatus also includes modules for parsing events, episodes, vectors, links, and paths based upon the received data. The paths can be used to generate a representation of traffic patterns in a space monitored by wireless network sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Billy L. Weaver, Silva K. Theiss, Eileen M. Gorrell, Kathy L. Hagen, James J. Bartol, Scott E. Brigham, Anthony L. Hill, Jennifer R. Yi, M. Benton Free
  • Publication number: 20080284801
    Abstract: A display apparatus includes an liquid crystal display panel having a frame response time of less than 5 milliseconds, drive electronics configured to drive the liquid crystal display panel to black between images that are provided to the liquid crystal display panel at a rate of at least 90 images per second, and a backlight positioned to provide light to the liquid crystal display panel. The backlight includes a right eye solid state light source and a left eye solid state light source capable of being modulated between the right eye solid state light source and a left eye solid state light source at a rate of at least 90 Hertz.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Scott E. Brigham, John C. Schultz, Billy L. Weaver
  • Publication number: 20080246837
    Abstract: A display apparatus includes an autosteroscopic liquid crystal display panel having a frame response time of less than 10 milliseconds, and a backlight positioned to provide light to the autosteroscopic liquid crystal display. The backlight includes a right eye solid state light source and a left eye solid state light source capable of being modulated between the right eye solid state light source and a left eye solid state light source at a rate of at least 90 Hertz.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: John C. Schultz, William J. Bryan, Alan G. Hulme-Lowe, Michael J. Sykora, Billy L. Weaver
  • Publication number: 20080175995
    Abstract: A system for printing adhesives immerses a wire in a reservoir of adhesive for a period of time sufficient to allow the wire to be coated with the adhesive. The system places the coated wire in close proximity to a designated medium onto which the adhesive will be applied and directs a stream of gas to contact the coated wire and cause at least some of the adhesive on the wire to be deposited onto the designated medium. Two-part ink systems include a fluid and a second material that is microencapsulated in the fluid, a second material that exists as a microemulsion in the fluid, and two fluids that are mixed or combined upon jetting and that react on the print medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Scott A. Boyd, Jennifer L. Lee, Richard L. Severance, Billy L. Weaver
  • Patent number: 7148882
    Abstract: The invention provides a novel capacitive device configured to detect differences in an applied force over a continuous range of applied force that includes zero force. The device includes first and second electrodes that are spaced apart a predetermined distance from each other in a rest position. A measurable capacitance exists between the first and second electrodes. Structured elements having a predetermined maximum dimension are positioned in the device to control the predetermined distance between the first and second electrodes. An applied force to the device causes a change in the distance between the first and second electrodes and a related change in the capacitance that can be measured to determine information related to the applied force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovatie Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert F. Kamrath, Michael E. Hamerly, Billy L. Weaver
  • Publication number: 20040227736
    Abstract: The invention provides a novel capacitive device configured to detect differences in an applied force over a continuous range of applied force that includes zero force. The device includes first and second electrodes that are spaced apart a predetermined distance from each other in a rest position. A measurable capacitance exists between the first and second electrodes. Structured elements having a predetermined maximum dimension are positioned in the device to control the predetermined distance between the first and second electrodes. An applied force to the device causes a change in the distance between the first and second electrodes and a related change in the capacitance that can be measured to determine information related to the applied force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Robert F. Kamrath, Michael E. Hamerly, Billy L. Weaver
  • Patent number: 6708491
    Abstract: A micrometer sized, single-stage, vertical thermal actuator capable of repeatable and rapid movement of a micrometer-sized optical device off the surface of a substrate. The vertical thermal actuator is constructed on a surface of a substrate. At least one hot arm has a first end anchored to the surface and a free end located above the surface. A cold arm has a first end anchored to the surface and a free end. The cold arm is located above the hot arm relative to the surface. A member mechanically and electrically couples the free ends of the hot and cold arms such that the member moves away from the substrate when current is applied to at least the hot arm. The hot arm can optionally include a grounding tab to minimize thermal expansion of the cold arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Billy L. Weaver, Douglas P. Goetz, Kathy L. Hagen, Mike E. Hamerly, Robert G. Smith, Silva K. Theiss