Patents by Inventor Alfred L. Wicks

Alfred L. Wicks 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).

  • Magnetic targeting device
    Patent number: 7753913
    Abstract: A device and method for targeting objects and specifically for locating intramedullary screw openings is described. The device and method include a target magnet and a sensor comprising an elliptical array of magnetoresistive elements, designed to give information on the three-dimensional orientation of the magnet. The sensor array is designed such that each magnetoresistive element is a member of an opposing pair and relays information on their alignment with the target magnet. The array is connected to a display such that the position of the sensor in relation to the target magnet is easily discerned. The invention is lightweight and portable, capable of operating on batteries and can be used in primitive situations where a stable supply of electricity is not available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
    Inventors: David C. Szakelyhidi, Jr., Alex V. Cardinali, Joel D. Stitzel, Alfred A. Durham, Alfred L. Wicks
  • Method of dynamically determining the relative stiffness of a golf shaft
    Patent number: 6558278
    Abstract: A method of determining the frequencies of a golf club entails suspending the golf club in a substantial free state and thereafter striking or engaging the golf club to cause the same to vibrate or oscillate. Once the golf club has been excited, the method entails measuring the natural frequencies of the golf club. More particularly, in the substantial free state, the club is suspended by a flexible connector which is secured to the grip end of the club.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventors: Julian W. Bunn, III, Alfred L. Wicks
  • Method of dynamically determining the relative stiffness of a golf shaft
    Publication number: 20010006911
    Abstract: A method of determining the frequencies of a golf club entails suspending the golf club in a substantial free state and thereafter striking or engaging the golf club to cause the same to vibrate or oscillate. Once the golf club has been excited, the method entails measuring the natural frequencies of the golf club. More particularly, in the substantial free state, the club is suspended by a flexible connector which is secured to the grip end of the club.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2000
    Publication date: July 5, 2001
    Inventors: Julian W. Bunn, Alfred L. Wicks