Patents by Inventor Thomas C. Prentice

Thomas C. Prentice 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: 6007631
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a multiple head dispensing system having independently controlled dispensing heads. Each of the dispensing heads may be independently controlled to provide simultaneous, asynchronous operation and to allow dispensing of different materials onto substrates. Independent control of the dispensing heads is accomplished under the control of a controller in conjunction with a plurality of gantry systems, each of which positions one of the multiple dispensing heads over a substrate that is to receive dispensing material. In some embodiments, each gantry system utilizes two drive mechanisms, arranged in parallel, that provide movement of the dispensing head over an x-y plane. Multiple conveyor systems are utilized that allow parallel processing of work products in the dispensing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Speedline Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Prentice, Brian P. Prescott, Thomas Purcell, Stephen S. Helm, Donald J. Martin, Kevin Brown, James P. Donnelly
  • Patent number: 5903125
    Abstract: A positioning system for moving a device over an xy-plane has a drive mechanism with pivotable arms for moving a carriage over the xy-plane by driving it from one side. This drive mechanism allows the system to be made narrow along the other side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Speedline Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Prentice, Brian P. Prescott
  • Patent number: 5886494
    Abstract: A positioning system for moving a device over an xy-plane has a drive mechanism with pivotable arms for moving a carriage over the xy-plane by driving it from one side. This drive mechanism allows the system to be made narrow along the other side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Camelot Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C . Prentice, Brian P. Prescott
  • Patent number: 4838515
    Abstract: An X, Y, Z (and .theta.) article positioner and method are disclosed in which two axial elements, one inclined at an angle .alpha. and the other inclined at an angle -.alpha., are utilized in conjunction with each other to accomplish moves in a pure X or pure Z direction or a combination thereof. Each axial element is driven by a lead screw, which in turn is driven by a motor. Pure X movement is achieved by driving the lead screws the same amount, at the same rate, in the same direction. Conversely, to achieve a pure Z movement, the two lead screws are driven the same amount, at the same rate, but in opposite directions. In the preferred embodiment, three superposed and independently driven wedges are used to provide the desired single axis or combinational axis movement to position a workpiece in X, Y and Z with rotational movement of the three wedges providing .theta. axis positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: Teledyne, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas C. Prentice
  • Patent number: 4644102
    Abstract: A digitizing tablet is disclosed in which two multiplexors are connected to alternate conductive loop elements in each plane of elements. The two multiplexors are connected to a differential amplifier. The signals from the differential amplifier are demodulated. The demodulated signal is provided to an integrator. A microprocessor controlled reset switch is connected across the integrator to reset the integrator after the completion of each measurement. Grounded copper strips are used in the space formed within and between the conductive loop elements of the digitizing tablet to shield the loop elements from capacitive interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1987
    Assignee: Pencept, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry A. Blesser, Thomas C. Prentice
  • Patent number: 4638119
    Abstract: A position indicating implement is disclosed having a first coil connected to a current source and a second coil inductively coupled with the first coil. A capacitor is connected in series with the second coil so that the current in the first coil induces a phase shifted current in the second coil. A tip extends from the barrel of the position indicating implement of the present invention. The tip is designed for placement on and movement over a digitizing tablet. A switch has been located near the tip so that it is easily accessible to a user's finger while holding the implement.The power source providing an alternating current to the first coil includes a digital switching circuit for producing a step function which approximates a sine wave and lacks any components at the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth harmonics. The step function is filtered to produce a sine wave for delivery to the first coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1987
    Assignee: Pencept, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry A. Blesser, Thomas C. Prentice
  • Patent number: 4428864
    Abstract: A substrate is provided with a refractory oxide coating by contacting the substrate with a dispersion of a solid particulate phase in a liquid phase, subsequently followed by firing to produce the coating, the dispersion comprising at least a first and a second refractory oxide component.In order to produce a coating of controlled purity, e.g. for certain catalytic, electronic or other appications, the first refractory oxide component (e.g. an alumina) is obtained from a purifiable liquid or solid precursor therefor and constitutes part at least of the solid phase, and the second refractory oxide component is either obtained from a purifiable liquid or solid precursor therefor and constitutes part of the solid phase or is a purifiable liquid precursor (e.g. a water-soluble silicone) constituting part at least of the liquid phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1984
    Assignee: United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
    Inventors: James A. Cairns, Edward S. Lane, Thomas C. Prentice, David L. Segal, David C. Sammon