Patents by Inventor Charles E. Colby

Charles E. Colby 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: 6563533
    Abstract: A ergonomically designed apparatus for selectively actuating remote robotics cameras. The present invention enables an operator to leave his hand on the robotics controller while selecting any one of several remote robotics cameras. In one embodiment, a selector unit comprises twelve buttons each corresponding to one remote robotics cameras arranged in two columns. The robotics controller, comprising a joystick having a rotatable knob on a top end, is juxtaposed adjacent to a vertical side of the columns of buttons such that an operator may adjust the robotics controller while simultaneously selecting the remote robotics cameras. The camera selector may include a first circuit board containing passive electronics perpendicularly coupled to a second circuit board containing active electronics. The first circuit board and the buttons may be mounted to the face panel by closely placed screws and heavy spacers designed to withstand physical shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Colby