Patents by Inventor Charles Kidd

Charles Kidd 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).

  • Publication number: 20220030965
    Abstract: A protective arm cover utilizes a set of curved rigid panels to create a firm, structurally-sound guard with an opening for a user's arm. A set of metal ties may be used to join adjacent panels, securing the panels end-to-end. The panels and ties may utilize sets of holes to enable connection and size adjustment, thus preventing the apparatus from consuming too much space on the bed and simultaneously ensuring that the user's arm is comfortably supported during sleep. Shifting aligned holes in the panels and ties allows for adjustment of the diameter of the arm space. An inner padding within the arm opening created by the panels ensures that the user's arm is cushioned from the rigid panels. Similarly, an outer padding prevents the user's head from contacting the panels and ties while the user rests. Thus, the apparatus may prevent damage or discomfort to an extremity during sleep.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventor: Charles Kidd
  • Patent number: 5751846
    Abstract: A discrete transform image data compression system in which frequency transform coefficients are modified in accordance with a matrix of quantizer values employs a predefined plurality of quantization matrices to adaptively select, on a document-by-document basis, an approximate memory packet size for each document's compressed image data storage by selecting one of the plurality of quantization matrices in accordance with the packet size estimate obtained for each document image. Additionally, the system employs generation of contrast reduction and gray level stretch remapping curves as a function of global image data characteristics, such as a gray level histogram of the document image data. The remapping curves are utilized to preprocess the image data for more effective data compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Unisys Corporation
    Inventors: Michael John Higgins-Luthman, Robert Charles Kidd, Robert Dennis Klein, Robert Chihsung Yen, Charles Martin Zalinski
  • Patent number: 4700134
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for magnetically measuring the amount and location of magnetite (Fe.sub.3 O.sub.4) debris adhering to the exterior of heat exchanger tubes which can be made of Inconel. A probe containing one or more coils of electrical wire is used to traverse the interior of the subject tube. One of the probe coils is energized with direct electric current to magnetize the magnetite coating on the tube exterior as the probe traverses the tube. The thickness of the magnetized coating is deduced from measurement of the voltage generated across a second coil of wire on a probe which traverses the tube at constant velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1987
    Assignee: Anco Engineers, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry D. Scharton, George B. Taylor, Charles Kidd