Patents by Inventor Derek J. Hampson

Derek J. Hampson 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: 10114983
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and related methods for shaping near field interrogation signals are discussed herein. An example spindle supported near field communication (NFC) device includes a spindle configured to mount to a mounting surface, the spindle having an axis of rotation; a beam shaping NFC device including: a ferromagnetic core portion coaxial with the spindle; a coil disposed around the core portion, the coil to generate a near field interrogation signal; a first ferromagnetic flange portion to direct the near field interrogation signal in directions extending radially from the axis and to restrict the near field interrogation signal from extending in a first axial direction associated with the axis; and a second ferromagnetic flange portion to direct the near field interrogation signal in the directions extending radially from the axis and to restrict the near field interrogation signal from extending in a second axial direction associated with the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Robert Ehrhardt, Robert S. Gawelczyk, Derek J. Hampson, Dan Monnier, James M. Rehberger, Mark B. Urban
  • Publication number: 20170193252
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and related methods for shaping near field interrogation signals are discussed herein. An example spindle supported near field communication (NFC) device includes a spindle configured to mount to a mounting surface, the spindle having an axis of rotation; a beam shaping NFC device including: a ferromagnetic core portion coaxial with the spindle; a coil disposed around the core portion, the coil to generate a near field interrogation signal; a first ferromagnetic flange portion to direct the near field interrogation signal in directions extending radially from the axis and to restrict the near field interrogation signal from extending in a first axial direction associated with the axis; and a second ferromagnetic flange portion to direct the near field interrogation signal in the directions extending radially from the axis and to restrict the near field interrogation signal from extending in a second axial direction associated with the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Robert Ehrhardt, Robert S. Gawelczyk, Derek J. Hampson, Dan Monnier, James M. Rehberger, Mark B. Urban
  • Patent number: 9632734
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and related methods for shaping near field interrogation signals are discussed herein. Some embodiments may provide for a spindle supported near field communication (NFC) device including a spindle configured to mount to a mounting surface, and a beam shaping NFC device. The beam shaping NFC device may include: a ferromagnetic component including a core portion, wherein the core portion defines a core cavity and the spindle is inserted within the core cavity; and a wire coil disposed around the core portion. The ferromagnetic component may be configured to concentrate near field interrogation signals generated by the wire coil toward a near field interrogation region and away from the mounting surface, or other components capable of causing interference or degradation of the near field interrogation signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Robert Ehrhardt, Robert S. Gawelczyk, Derek J. Hampson, Dan Monnier, James M. Rehberger, Mark B. Urban
  • Patent number: 9513856
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and related methods for shaping near field interrogation signals are discussed herein. Some embodiments may provide for a printer that includes a housing and a beam shaping near field communication (NFC) device secured with the interior surface. The beam shaping NFC device may include a ferromagnetic component including a core portion and a bottom flange portion. The beam shaping NFC device may further include a wire coil disposed around the core portion. The ferromagnetic component may concentrate near field interrogation signals generated by the wire coil toward a near field interrogation region and away from nearby conductive components, such as the interior surface of the printer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: ZIH Corp.
    Inventors: Robert A. Ehrhardt, Robert S. Gawelczyk, Derek J. Hampson, Dan E. Monnier, James M. Rehberger, Mark B. Urban
  • Patent number: 6052054
    Abstract: A portable scoreboard system has motion sensing capability for providing theft protection. The system includes a main scoreboard and a remote control device. The main scoreboard includes a housing, a display panel configured to show predetermined parameters of one or more sporting events, a main microcontroller operating the display panel, a motion sensor unit responsive to movement of the scoreboard by sending an activation signal to the main microcontroller, an alarm operated by the main microcontroller and made to sound upon the main microcontroller receiving the signal from the motion sensor unit, and an RF receiver and antenna connected to the main microcontroller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventors: Derek J. Hampson, Craig Witcraft