Patents by Inventor Gary M. Tearston

Gary M. Tearston 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).

  • Publication number: 20140111329
    Abstract: A privacy indicator is disclosed that uses a controller on an inside of a door with an indicator on the outside of the door, thereby optionally indicating a “busy” or “in use” state, or privacy request inside the door. A vertical-orientation-adjustable magnetic or acceleration sensitive switch may be used to cancel the “in use” state. An initial adjustment circuit is used to adjust the vertical position of the switch to allow for vertically misaligned mounting surfaces. The latched “in use” condition serves as a privacy request, reducing embarrassment when used in toilet stalls or bathrooms, or when other potentially embarrassing activities are being performed. Upon opening of the door, a radial acceleration is induced on a pendulum switch, whereupon the latched condition is cancelled, and the indicator no longer indicates the latched privacy request condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventor: Gary M. Tearston