Patents by Inventor Paul M. Pappas

Paul M. Pappas 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: 6743151
    Abstract: An improved sensor is mounted at the tip of the blade of either foil or epee for scoring during fencing competition. The sensor transforms axial force, and optionally radial force, into changes in electrical resistance in one, or optionally two circuits. The resistance change is transformed into voltage change by a voltage divider circuit. The voltage is converted to a digital measurement by an analog-to-digital converter and compared to a reference value by a digital control element, such as a microprocessor. Push-button calibration is achieved by storing the reference value resulting from the force produced by gravity acting on a standard mass. When both radial and axial force components are sensed, the angle of the force relative to the axis of the sensor (and blade) can be computed and used to qualify the validity of the touché. A scoring box adapter performs the sensing and calibrating functions and provides signals for the inputs of scoring boxes and other equipment of prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventors: Edward J. Riggs, Paul M. Pappas
  • Publication number: 20020032101
    Abstract: An improved sensor is mounted at the tip of the blade of either foil or epee for scoring during fencing competition. The sensor transforms axial force, and optionally radial force, into changes in electrical resistance in one, or optionally two circuits. The resistance change is transformed into voltage change by a voltage divider circuit. The voltage is converted to a digital measurement by an analog-to-digital converter and compared to a reference value by a digital control element, such as a microprocessor. Push-button calibration is achieved by storing the reference value resulting from the force produced by gravity acting on a standard mass. When both radial and axial force components are sensed, the angle of the force relative to the axis of the sensor (and blade) can be computed and used to qualify the validity of the touché. A scoring box adapter performs the sensing and calibrating functions and provides signals for the inputs of scoring boxes and other equipment of prior art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: Edward J. Riggs, Paul M. Pappas
  • Patent number: 5870458
    Abstract: An electronic device connecting a single telephone line conductor pair to voice, data modem, and facsimile equipment automatically detects the nature of each incoming call and switches the telephone line to the appropriate equipment connection without requiring human intervention. Incoming calls are classified by the detection or lack of detection of CNG and data modem reverse originate, or originate carrier signal evoked by sending mixed ringback and data answer carrier. The invention forwards distinctive ring and optionally detects, stores, and forwards Automatic caller Number Identification (ANI) signals to selected equipment. To protect incoming and outgoing calls from interruption, the invention provides busy signal to the devices not selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventors: Paul M. Pappas, Edward J. Riggs