Patents by Inventor George B. Hovorka

George B. Hovorka 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: 7016115
    Abstract: A system for and method of generating electromagnetic radiation in which the radiation has both a first and second utility. The electromagnetic radiation is modulated to produce electronically detectable variations to achieve the second utility, the variations not affecting the first utility. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation is visible light. In this embodiment, the first utility is illumination and the second utility is the transmission of data. In another embodiment, the invention provides a lamp for generating visible light capable of providing illumination and transmitting data to a receiver. Any variations in the visible light resulting from the data transmission are imperceptible by a human eye regardless of the nature of the data being transmitted. In yet another embodiment, a power line carrier modem or wireless network may be used with the present invention to transmit information to the source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Talking Lights, LLC
    Inventors: Steven B. Leeb, Gary Livshin, Al-Thaddeus Avestruz, Roderick T. Hinman, Elmer C. Lupton, Deron K. Jackson, George B. Hovorka
  • Patent number: 6954591
    Abstract: Network for transmitting and using electromagnetic radiation for two or more functionally different useful purposes. Such a network may be comprised of a signal source apparatus to provide information, an electromagnetic radiation generator capable of being modulated for providing electromagnetic radiation, electronic circuitry for modulating the electromagnetic radiation generator, medium through which the electromagnetic radiation passes and is transmitted, a receiver apparatus for receiving and demodulating the modulated electromagnetic radiation, a first user means for processing and making use of the information to achieve a useful functional purpose, and second user means for achieving a useful functional purpose from said radiation said useful functional purpose being different from the purpose of said first user means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventors: Elmer C. Lupton, Steven B. Leeb, George B. Hovorka, Deron Jackson, Billie L. Bentzen
  • Patent number: 6881929
    Abstract: A portable heat sealer for sealing heavy grade thermoplastic films comprises a plurality of adjacent, segmented heating elements positioned along the underside of a heated sealing bar. The segmented heating elements are under the control of a microprocessor for controlling the energy applied to the heated sealing bar to avoid the formation of hot spots and to obtain a strong seal. Each heating element is maintained in firm contact with the heated sealing bar by means of a tension spring. A thermoplastic film bag is placed on the heated sealing bar and a movable sealer jaw is lowered on top of the bag. A jaw switch is activated by the sealer jaw which turns-on power to the heat sealer. A latch 32 attaches to a clip on the end of the sealer jaws and secures the sealer jaw in place. Pilot lights are provided to indicate to an operator the cycles of “ready”, “heat” and “cool”.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Idolon Technologies
    Inventor: George B. Hovorka
  • Patent number: 6794831
    Abstract: A system for and method of generating electromagnetic radiation in which the radiation has both a first and second utility. The electromagnetic radiation is modulated to produce electronically detectable variations to achieve the second utility, the variations not affecting the first utility. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation is visible light. In this embodiment, the first utility is illumination and the second utility is the transmission of data. In another embodiment, the invention provides a lamp for generating visible light capable of providing illumination and transmitting data to a receiver. Any variations in the visible light resulting from the data transmission are imperceptible by a human eye regardless of the nature of the data being transmitted. In yet another embodiment, a power line carrier modem may be used with the present invention to transmit information to the source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Talking Lights LLC
    Inventors: Steven B. Leeb, Deron K. Jackson, Elmer C. Lupton, George B. Hovorka
  • Publication number: 20040020913
    Abstract: A portable heat sealer for sealing heavy grade thermoplastic films comprises a plurality of adjacent, segmented heating elements positioned along the underside of a heated sealing bar. The segmented heating elements are under the control of a microprocessor for controlling the energy applied to the heated sealing bar to avoid the formation of hot spots and to obtain a strong seal. Each heating element is maintained in firm contact with the heated sealing bar by means of a tension spring. A thermoplastic film bag is placed on the heated sealing bar and a movable sealer jaw is lowered on top of the bag. A jaw switch is activated by the sealer jaw which turns-on power to the heat sealer. A latch 32 attaches to a clip on the end of the sealer jaws and secures the sealer jaw in place. Pilot lights are provided to indicate to an operator the cycles of “ready”, “heat” and “cool”.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: George B. Hovorka
  • Publication number: 20030035177
    Abstract: Network for transmitting and using electromagnetic radiation for two or more functionally different useful purposes. Such a network may be comprised of a signal source apparatus to provide information, an electromagnetic radiation generator capable of being modulated for providing electromagnetic radiation, electronic circuitry for modulating the electromagnetic radiation generator, medium through which the electromagnetic radiation passes and is transmitted, a receiver apparatus for receiving and demodulating the modulated electromagnetic radiation, a first user means for processing and making use of the information to achieve a useful functional purpose, and second user means for achieving a useful functional purpose from said radiation said useful functional purpose being different from the purpose of said first user means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventors: Elmer C. Lupton, Steven B. Leeb, George B. Hovorka, Deron Jackson, Billie L. Bentzen
  • Publication number: 20030030386
    Abstract: A system for and method of generating electromagnetic radiation in which the radiation has both a first and second utility. The electromagnetic radiation is modulated to produce electronically detectable variations to achieve the second utility, the variations not affecting the first utility. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation is visible light. In this embodiment, the first utility is illumination and the second utility is the transmission of data. In another embodiment, the invention provides a lamp for generating visible light capable of providing illumination and transmitting data to a receiver. Any variations in the visible light resulting from the data transmission are imperceptible by a human eye regardless of the nature of the data being transmitted. In yet another embodiment, a power line carrier modem may be used with the present invention to transmit information to the source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Steven B. Leeb, Deron K. Jackson, Elmer C. Lupton, George B. Hovorka
  • Patent number: 6504633
    Abstract: Transceiver system including a transmitter and receiver. The transmitter transmits radiation having a varying operating frequency. It is preferred that the radiation be visible light. The operating frequency is varied in a way that eliminates visible flicker. A receiver receives the encoded radiation, decodes the coded data, and delivers the decoded data signal to an output stage. The output may be audio information textural information or graphical information. A two level coding scheme is preferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Talking Lights
    Inventors: George B. Hovorka, Steven B. Leeb, Deron Jackson, Elmer C. Lupton
  • Patent number: 6400482
    Abstract: A communications network comprised of a source of information to be transmitted in the form of a signal, one or more transmitters which emit light suitable for illumination and including means for modulating the light with the information signal, a medium such as a fluid through which the light passes, and one or more receivers for receiving the light and demodulating the signal to obtain the information. A user for the information may be a device, such as a computer or a compact disk player, or it may be a person, perhaps with some form of sensory or mental impairment. The information may be encrypted, may provide directional guidance, such as to a user moving in a vehicle, and/or may be transmitted simultaneously over multiple channels. Various types of visible light assemblies may be employed, with varying power inputs and outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Talking Lights, LLC
    Inventors: Elmer C. Lupton, Steven B. Leeb, George B. Hovorka, Deron Jackson, Billie L. Bentzen
  • Patent number: 6198230
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating electromagnetic radiation in which the radiation has both a first and second utility. The electromagnetic radiation is modulated to produce electronically detectable variations to achieve the second utility, the variations not affecting the first utility. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation is visible light. In this embodiment, the first utility is illumination and the second utility is the transmission of data. In another embodiment, the invention provides a lamp for generating visible light capable of providing illumination and transmitting data to a receiver. Any variations in the visible light resulting from the data transmission are imperceptible by a human eye regardless of the nature of the data being transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Talking Lights
    Inventors: Steven B. Leeb, George B. Hovorka, Deron Jackson, Elmer C. Lupton
  • Patent number: 6060321
    Abstract: A disposable ultraviolet dosimeter for rapid visual estimation of cumulative exposure to UV-A and UV-B radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: George B. Hovorka
  • Patent number: 5017009
    Abstract: A new immunoassay system is provided for the detection of ligands or ligand binding partners in solution in a heterogeneous format. The invention relies upon the detection of back scattered light from an evanescent wave disturbed by the presence of a colloidal gold label brought to the interface by an immunological reaction. The evanescent wave existing at the interface in turn is the result of a totally internally reflected incident light wave. Placement of the detector at a back angle above the critical angle insures a superior signal-to-noise ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: Ortho Diagnostic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest G. Schutt, Richard S. Dondero, William P. Hansen, George B. Hovorka, Raymond E. Meyer, Karin L. Utberg, David L. Greenwood