Patents by Inventor Charles Summers Ballew

Charles Summers Ballew 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: 8056275
    Abstract: An apparatus for creating a water disk effect without water. The apparatus includes first and second disks, each having a first side with a substantially planar surface and a second side with a surface textured with a three dimensional (3D) pattern or topography including raised, arcuate ridges in a whirlpool or spiral arrangement. The apparatus includes a housing that supports the first and second disks for independent rotation about a common axis. The disks are positioned such that the first sides are proximate but spaced apart to avoid contact, such that the 3D patterns face outward toward viewers of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a drive assembly rotating the first disk in a first direction and concurrently rotating the second disk in a second direction opposite the first direction. A water disk effect is created during counter rotation when light from the Sun or other source strikes the disks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Summers Ballew
  • Publication number: 20110045227
    Abstract: An apparatus for creating a water disk effect without water. The apparatus includes first and second disks, each having a first side with a substantially planar surface and a second side with a surface textured with a three dimensional (3D) pattern or topography including raised, arcuate ridges in a whirlpool or spiral arrangement. The apparatus includes a housing that supports the first and second disks for independent rotation about a common axis. The disks are positioned such that the first sides are proximate but spaced apart to avoid contact, such that the 3D patterns face outward toward viewers of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a drive assembly rotating the first disk in a first direction and concurrently rotating the second disk in a second direction opposite the first direction. A water disk effect is created during counter rotation when light from the Sun or other source strikes the disks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: CHARLES SUMMERS BALLEW