Patents by Inventor Perry Pierce
Perry Pierce 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).
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Patent number: 11135728Abstract: A lid assembly for a portable biochar kiln and system is disclosed. An example of a lid assembly includes a cylindrical sidewall, a rim around the cylindrical sidewall, and a top portion having an opening formed therein. A removable stack is configured to fit over the opening formed in the top portion to direct exhaust from the portable biochar kiln. A gasket cover is interchangeable with the removable stack to fit over the opening formed in the top portion to form a substantially airtight seal over the opening formed in the top portion when a burn is complete in the portable biochar kiln to self-extinguish embers in the portable biochar kiln.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2019Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: Biochar Now, LLCInventors: Mikel Olander, Perry Pierce, II, William T. Beierwaltes, James G. Gaspard, II
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Patent number: 10883052Abstract: A biochar kiln is disclosed. An example of the biochar kiln includes a kiln body having a sidewall, a floor attached to the sidewall, and a removable lid. The example biochar kiln also includes a plurality of semi-independent combustion cells. The example biochar kiln also includes an outside vent pipe loading to a center of the semi-independent combustion cells to provide combustion air.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2019Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: BIOCHAR NOW, LLCInventors: Mikel Olander, Perry Pierce, II, William T. Beierwaltes, James G. Gaspard, II
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Patent number: 10751885Abstract: A gripper assembly for a portable biochar kiln and system is disclosed. An example of a gripper includes an attachment for connecting to a loader, the attachment having a mating surface configured for engagement with the biochar kiln. The example gripper assembly also includes a substantially C-shaped claw having a first arm and a second arm. The example gripper assembly also includes a motor on the attachment. The motor operates to open and close the first and second arms in a pinch-and-release motion to grasp and release the biochar kiln. The motor further operates to rotate the first and second arms to tilt the biochar kiln for dumping operations. The motor further operates to raise and lower the first and second arms to raise and lower the biochar kiln relative to the ground for moving operations.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2018Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: Biochar Now, LLCInventors: Mikel Olander, Perry Pierce, II, William T. Beierwaltes, James G. Gaspard, II, Donald P. Aupperle
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Patent number: 10649548Abstract: The structure and devices described herein provide an improved attachment for a peripheral device, such as a stylus, to a computing device when not in use. A stylus may have magnets contained therein that cooperate with magnets in a computing device to magnetically secure the stylus to the computing device when not in use. In addition, a retractable interlock may automatically extend from the stylus when the stylus is in proximity of the computing device. The interlock is received in a receptacle of the computing device to provide an improved attachment through the mechanical interaction of the interlock and the receptacle. The interlock is biased in a retracted position and automatically extends through magnetic attraction with the computing device.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2016Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Gabriel J. Pirie, Bradley Edgar Clements, Casey Cook Zelig, Ryan Charles Eylander, Anthony Reed, Perry Pierce
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Publication number: 20200078956Abstract: A lid assembly for a portable biochar kiln and system is disclosed. An example of a lid assembly includes a cylindrical sidewall, a rim around the cylindrical sidewall, and a top portion having an opening formed therein. A removable stack is configured to fit over the opening formed in the top portion to direct exhaust from the portable biochar kiln. A gasket cover is interchangeable with the removable stack to fit over the opening formed in the top portion to form a substantially airtight seal over the opening formed in the top portion when a burn is complete in the portable biochar kiln to self-extinguish embers in the portable biochar kiln.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2019Publication date: March 12, 2020Inventors: Mikel Olander, Perry Pierce, II, William T. Beierwaltes, James G. Gaspard, II
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Publication number: 20190330533Abstract: A biochar kiln is disclosed. An example of the biochar kiln includes a kiln body having a sidewall, a floor attached to the sidewall, and a removable lid. The example biochar kiln also includes a plurality of semi-independent combustion cells. The example biochar kiln also includes an outside vent pipe loading to a center of the semi-independent combustion cells to provide combustion air.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2019Publication date: October 31, 2019Inventors: Mikel Olander, Perry Pierce, II, William T. Beierwaltes, James G. Gaspard, II
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Patent number: 10385274Abstract: A portable biochar kiln and system is disclosed. An example of a portable biochar kiln system includes a kiln body. A ridge is provided around an outside perimeter of the kiln body. A removable lid is provided to cover and uncover an opening in the top of the kiln body. An edge is provided around an outside perimeter of the removable lid. The example portable biochar kiln system also includes a gripper attachment for heavy machinery. The gripper attachment is configured for engagement with the ridge to raise and lower the kiln body. The gripper attachment is also configured for engagement with the edge of the lid to cover and uncover the kiln body.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2017Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: Biochar Now, LLCInventors: Mikel Olander, Perry Pierce, II, William T. Beierwaltes, James G. Gaspard, II
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Patent number: 10385273Abstract: A biochar kiln is disclosed. An example of the biochar kiln includes a body having a one-piece rolled wall, a curved floor attached to the sidewall by a single weld line, and a removable lid. The example biochar kiln includes a plurality of semi-independent combustion cells. The example biochar kiln also includes a ventilation subsystem, an ember suppression subsystem, and a stack subsystem. A control subsystem may configured to monitor a plurality of zones of the biochar kiln for a plurality of process control variables, to produce a quality biochar product with well-managed emissions.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2017Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: Biochar Now, LLCInventors: Mikel Olander, Perry Pierce, II, William T. Beierwaltes, James G. Gaspard, II
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Publication number: 20190030725Abstract: A gripper assembly for a portable biochar kiln and system is disclosed. An example of a gripper includes an attachment for connecting to a loader, the attachment having a mating surface configured for engagement with the biochar kiln. The example gripper assembly also includes a substantially C-shaped claw having a first arm and a second arm. The example gripper assembly also includes a motor on the attachment. The motor operates to open and close the first and second arms in a pinch-and-release motion to grasp and release the biochar kiln. The motor further operates to rotate the first and second arms to tilt the biochar kiln for dumping operations. The motor further operates to raise and lower the first and second arms to raise and lower the biochar kiln relative to the ground for moving operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2018Publication date: January 31, 2019Inventors: Mikel Olander, Perry Pierce, II, William T. Beierwaltes, James G. Gaspard, II, Donald P. Aupperle
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Publication number: 20180059817Abstract: The structure and devices described herein provide an improved attachment for a peripheral device, such as a stylus, to a computing device when not in use. A stylus may have magnets contained therein that cooperate with magnets in a computing device to magnetically secure the stylus to the computing device when not in use. In addition, a retractable interlock may automatically extend from the stylus when the stylus is in proximity of the computing device. The interlock is received in a receptacle of the computing device to provide an improved attachment through the mechanical interaction of the interlock and the receptacle. The interlock is biased in a retracted position and automatically extends through magnetic attraction with the computing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2016Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: Gabriel J. Pirie, Bradley Edgar Clements, Casey Cook Zelig, Ryan Charles Eylander, Anthony Reed, Perry Pierce
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Publication number: 20170283704Abstract: A portable biochar kiln and system is disclosed. An example of a portable biochar kiln system includes a kiln body. A ridge is provided around an outside perimeter of the kiln body. A removable lid is provided to cover and uncover an opening in the top of the kiln body. An edge is provided around an outside perimeter of the removable lid. The example portable biochar kiln system also includes a gripper attachment for heavy machinery. The gripper attachment is configured for engagement with the ridge to raise and lower the kiln body. The gripper attachment is also configured for engagement with the edge of the lid to cover and uncover the kiln body.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2017Publication date: October 5, 2017Inventors: Mikel Olander, Perry Pierce, II, William T. Beierwaltes, James G. Gaspard, II
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Publication number: 20170283703Abstract: A biochar kiln is disclosed. An example of the biochar kiln includes a body having a one-piece rolled wall, a curved floor attached to the sidewall by a single weld line, and a removable lid. The example biochar kiln includes a plurality of semi-independent combustion cells. The example biochar kiln also includes a ventilation subsystem, an ember suppression subsystem, and a stack subsystem. A control subsystem may configured to monitor a plurality of zones of the biochar kiln for a plurality of process control variables, to produce a quality biochar product with well-managed emissions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2017Publication date: October 5, 2017Inventors: Mikel Olander, Perry Pierce, II, William T. Beierwaltes, James G. Gaspard, II
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Patent number: 7337969Abstract: A method for improving the readability of composite images by determining available areas on a document where no text or graphics will be printed in visible ink and printing one or more 2-D bar code with invisible ink at a size pre-determined based on the available areas. The one or more auxiliary 2-D bar codes are printed in luminescent ink, either invisible or lightly colored when viewed under white light.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2005Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Critelli, Judith D. Auslander, Perry A. Pierce, Charles R. Malandra, Jr.
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Publication number: 20070229700Abstract: Techniques for automatically adjusting and/or optimizing the color and/or intensity of the illuminating light used in a vision system is presented. The intensity of each of a plurality of illuminating light colors is allowed to be independently adjusted to adapt the illumination light based on the color of a part feature against the part feature background of a part being viewed by the vision system to produce high contrast between the part feature and background. Automated contrast optimization may be achieved by stepping through all available color combinations and evaluating the contrast between the part feature and background to select a color combination having a “best” or acceptable contrast level.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2007Publication date: October 4, 2007Inventors: Casey Shaw, Ronald Anderson, Perry Pierce
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Patent number: 7110965Abstract: A method and system for electronically selling a data item such as a song, a literature piece or a picture. A data repository is used for a seller to store the data item that the seller wishes to sell for a fee. The data repository is accessible to a buyer who deposits a fund to the data repository prior to downloading the data item. Preferably, the data repository is connected to a telecommunication network such as the Internet so that the buyer can download the purchased data item directly through the telecommunication network. Preferably, the seller posts a price which is the maximum amount the seller wishes to collect and sets a minimum amount that the seller is willing to collect from the buyer for downloading the data item. Preferably, the buyer makes an offer to the data repository wherein a software program is used to check whether the offered price falls within the fee range as set by the seller.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1999Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventor: Perry A. Pierce
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Publication number: 20060022050Abstract: A method for improving the readability of composite images by determining available areas on a document where no text or graphics will be printed in visible ink and printing one or more 2-D bar code with invisible ink at a size pre-determined based on the available areas. The one or more auxiliary 2-D bar codes are printed in luminescent ink, either invisible or lightly colored when viewed under white light.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2005Publication date: February 2, 2006Inventors: Michael Critelli, Judith Auslander, Perry Pierce, Charles Malandra
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Patent number: 6957196Abstract: FIG. 6 shows the operation of modules 22 in processing a request for a digital postal indicium. At 72 the selected one of modules 22 receives the indicium request and the requested meter record and, at 76 confirms that sufficient funds are available. If not the request is rejected at 78; again in a manner whose details form no part of the subject invention. At 80 the selected module constructs an indicium message having an appended indicium signature, which when printed in relevant part on a mailpiece will evidence payment of postage in the amount shown, and at 84 updates the requested meter record and appends a meter record signature. Generation of indicia and updating meter records is more fully described in specifications for the Information Based Indicia Program (IBIP) published by the United States Postal Service and further discussion is not believed necessary for an understanding of the subject invention.) At 86 the selected module updates the audit data.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2000Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Cordery, Richard W. Heiden, Perry A. Pierce, Kevin L. Strobel
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Patent number: 6948660Abstract: A method for improving the readability of composite images by determining available areas on a document where no text or graphics will be printed in visible ink and printing one or more 2-D bar code with invisible ink at a size pre-determined based on the available areas. The one or more auxiliary 2-D bar codes are printed in luminescent ink, either invisible or lightly colored when viewed under white light.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2003Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Critelli, Judith D. Auslander, Perry A. Pierce, Charles R. Malandra, Jr.
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Patent number: 6902265Abstract: Machine-readable light-colored or invisible, but luminescent, postage-evidencing symbology and dark, readable other postage information are printed, preferably in a single print operation, to provide large amounts of information without diminishing read rates. The resulting combination image can be printed independent of substrate material to enable the provision of a high information density without obscuring any one component. The postage-evidencing symbology is printed in large-format and can include redundant information within an IBI image or between an IBI and visible dark image for a variety of practical purposes. In a preferred form, the images are printed using conventional ink jet printers using water-based inks. In one embodiment of this type, the images are printed with a conventional two-cartridge color ink jet printer by printing postage-evidencing symbology with a single-color ink and printing the visible dark image as a composite dark color from a standard multi-color cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2003Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Critelli, Judith D. Auslander, Perry A. Pierce
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Patent number: 6868407Abstract: A cryptographic method for providing a level of security by a postage security device, which generates a digital token using a cryptographic key. When it is required to make a key change in order to improve the level of security, the postage security devices replaces the cryptographic key with a new cryptographic key, wherein the new cryptographic key has a key length that is equal to or greater than the replaced cryptographic key. The new cryptographic key can be generated by the postage security device based on a given key length, or selected from a plurality of replacement keys stored in a storage device.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2000Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventor: Perry A Pierce