Patents by Inventor Clark D. Boyd

Clark D. Boyd 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: 12358270
    Abstract: A method is provided that integrates an autonomous energy harvesting capacity in a mobile device in an aesthetically neutral manner. A unique set of structural features combine to implement a hidden energy harvesting system on a surface of the mobile device body structure or casing to provide electrical power to the mobile device, and/or to individually electrically-powered components in the mobile device. Color-matched, image-matched and/or texture-matched optical layers are formed over energy harvesting components, including photovoltaic energy collecting components. Optical layers are tuned to scatter selectable wavelengths of electromagnetic energy back in an incident direction while allowing remaining wavelengths of electromagnetic energy to pass through the layers to the energy collecting components below. The layers appear opaque when observed from a light incident side, while allowing at least 50%, and as much as 80+%, of the energy impinging on the energy or incident side to pass through the layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2025
    Inventors: Clark D Boyd, Bradbury R Face, Jeffrey D Shepard
  • Patent number: 12296555
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for forming body structures including energy filters/shutter components, including energy/light directing/scattering layers that are actively electrically switchable. The filters or components are operable between at least a first mode in which the layers, and thus the presentation of the shutter components, appear substantially transparent when viewed from an energy/light incident side, and a second mode in which the layers, and thus the presentation of the energy filters or shutter components, appear opaque to the incident energy impinging on the energy incident side. The differing modes are selectable by electrically energizing, differentially energizing and/or de-energizing electric fields in a vicinity of the energy scattering layers, including electric fields generated between a paid of transparent electrodes sandwiching an energy scattering layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2025
    Assignee: FACE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Clark D. Boyd, Bradbury R Face, Jeffrey D Shepard
  • Publication number: 20250151620
    Abstract: A method for forming a unique, environmentally-friendly energy harvesting element is provided. A configuration of the energy harvesting element causes the energy harvesting element to autonomously generate renewable energy for use in electronic systems, electronic devices and electronic system components. The energy harvesting element includes a first conductor layer, a low work function layer, a dielectric layer, and a second conductor layer that are particularly configured in a manner to promote electron migration from the low work function layer, through the dielectric layer, to the facing surface of the second conductor layer in a manner that develops an electric potential between the first conductor layer and the second conductor layer. An energy harvesting component is also provided that includes a plurality of energy harvesting elements electrically connected to one another to increase a power output of the electric harvesting component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2025
    Publication date: May 8, 2025
    Applicant: FACE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Clark D. Boyd
  • Publication number: 20250138226
    Abstract: A particularly-formed multi-layer micron-sized particle is provided that is substantially transparent, yet that exhibits selectable coloration based on its physical properties. The disclosed physical properties of the particle are controllably selectable refractive indices to provide an opaque-appearing energy transmissive material when pluralities of the particles are suspended in a substantially transparent matrix material. Multiply-layered (up to 30+constituent layers) particles result in an overall particle diameter of less than 5 microns. The material suspensions render the particles deliverable as aspirated or aerosol compositions onto substrates to form layers that selectively scatter specific wavelengths of electromagnetic energy while allowing remaining wavelengths of the incident energy to pass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2024
    Publication date: May 1, 2025
    Applicant: FACE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Clark D. Boyd, Bradbury R. Face, Jeffrey D. Shepard
  • Patent number: 12280576
    Abstract: A system is provided that integrates an autonomous energy harvesting capacity in a mobile device in an aesthetically neutral manner. A unique set of structural features combine to implement a hidden energy harvesting system on a surface of the mobile device body structure or casing to provide electrical power to the mobile device, and/or to individually electrically-powered components in the mobile device. Color-matched, image-matched and/or texture-matched optical layers are formed over energy harvesting components, including photovoltaic energy collecting components. Optical layers are tuned to scatter selectable wavelengths of electromagnetic energy back in an incident direction while allowing remaining wavelengths of electromagnetic energy to pass through the layers to the energy collecting components below. The layers appear opaque when observed from a light incident side, while allowing at least 50%, and as much as 80+%, of the energy impinging on the energy or incident side to pass through the layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2025
    Assignee: Face International Corporation
    Inventors: Clark D. Boyd, Bradbury R. Face, Jeffrey D. Shepard
  • Publication number: 20250080958
    Abstract: A method is provided that integrated a unique set of structural features for concealing self-powered sensor and communication devices in aesthetically neutral, or camouflaged, packages that include energy harvesting systems that provide autonomous electrical power to sensors, data processing and wireless communication components in the portable, self-contained packages. Color-matched, image-matched and/or texture-matched optical layers are formed over energy harvesting components, including photovoltaic energy collecting components. Optical layers are tuned to scatter selectable wavelengths of electromagnetic energy back in an incident direction while allowing remaining wavelengths of electromagnetic energy to pass through the layers to the energy collecting components below.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2024
    Publication date: March 6, 2025
    Applicant: Face International Corporation
    Inventors: Clark D. Boyd, Bradbury R. Face, Jeffrey D. Shepard
  • Patent number: 12201021
    Abstract: A method for forming a unique, environmentally-friendly energy harvesting element is provided. A configuration of the energy harvesting element causes the energy harvesting element to autonomously generate renewable energy for use in electronic systems, electronic devices and electronic system components. The energy harvesting element includes a first conductor layer, a low work function layer, a dielectric layer, and a second conductor layer that are particularly configured in a manner to promote electron migration from the low work function layer, through the dielectric layer, to the facing surface of the second conductor layer in a manner that develops an electric potential between the first conductor layer and the second conductor layer. An energy harvesting component is also provided that includes a plurality of energy harvesting elements electrically connected to one another to increase a power output of the electric harvesting component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2025
    Assignee: FACE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Clark D Boyd
  • Patent number: 12181693
    Abstract: A particularly-formed multi-layer micron-sized particle is provided that is substantially transparent, yet that exhibits selectable coloration based on its physical properties. The disclosed physical properties of the particle are controllably selectable refractive indices to provide an opaque-appearing energy transmissive material when pluralities of the particles are suspended in a substantially transparent matrix material. Multiply-layered (up to 30+ constituent layers) particles result in an overall particle diameter of less than 5 microns. The material suspensions render the particles deliverable as aspirated or aerosol compositions onto substrates to form layers that selectively scatter specific wavelengths of electromagnetic energy while allowing remaining wavelengths of the incident energy to pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2024
    Assignee: FACE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Clark D Boyd, Bradbury R Face, Jeffrey D Shepard
  • Publication number: 20240418913
    Abstract: A security system is provided that integrates a unique set of structural features for concealing self-powered sensor and communication devices in aesthetically neutral, or camouflaged, packages that include energy harvesting systems that provide autonomous electrical power to sensors, data processing and wireless communication components in the portable, self-contained packages. Color-matched, image-matched and/or texture-matched optical layers are formed over energy harvesting components, including photovoltaic energy collecting components. Optical layers are tuned to scatter selectable wavelengths of electromagnetic energy back in an incident direction while allowing remaining wavelengths of electromagnetic energy to pass through the layers to the energy collecting components below.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2024
    Publication date: December 19, 2024
    Applicant: Face International Corporation
    Inventors: Clark D. Boyd, Bradbury R. Face, Jeffrey D. Shepard
  • Publication number: 20240382774
    Abstract: A unique, environmentally-friendly micron scale autonomous electrical power source is provided for generating renewable energy, or a renewable energy supplement, in electronic systems, electronic devices and electronic system components. The autonomous electrical power source includes a first conductor with a facing surface conditioned to have a low work function, a second conductor with a facing surface having a comparatively higher work function, and a dielectric layer of not more than 200 Angstroms in thickness sandwiched between the respective facing surfaces of the first conductor and the second conductor. The autonomous electrical power source is configured to harvest minimal thermal energy from any source in an environment above absolute zero. An autonomous electrical power source component is also provided that includes a plurality of autonomous electrical power source constituent elements electrically connected to one another to increase a power output of the autonomous electrical power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2024
    Publication date: November 21, 2024
    Applicant: Face International Corporation
    Inventor: Clark D. Boyd
  • Publication number: 20240319416
    Abstract: Methods are provided for forming a particular multi-layer micron-sized particle that is substantially transparent, yet that exhibits selectable coloration based on its physical properties. The disclosed physical properties of the particle are controllably selectable refractive indices to provide an opaque-appearing energy transmissive material when pluralities of the particles are suspended in a substantially transparent matrix material. Multiple-layered (up to 30+ constituent layers) particles result in an overall particle diameter of less than 5 microns. The material suspensions render the particles deliverable as aspirated or aerosol compositions onto substrates to form layers that selectively scatter specific wavelengths of electromagnetic energy while allowing remaining wavelengths of the incident energy to pass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2024
    Publication date: September 26, 2024
    Applicant: Face International Corporation
    Inventors: Clark D. Boyd, Bradbury R. Face, Jeffrey D. Shepard
  • Publication number: 20240292756
    Abstract: An electrically-powered device, structure and/or component is provided that includes an attached autonomous electrical power source in a form of a unique, environmentally-friendly structure that is configured to transform thermal energy at any temperature above absolute zero to an electric potential without any external stimulus including physical movement or deformation energy. The autonomous electrical power source component provides a mechanism for generating renewable energy, or a renewable energy supplement, as primary or auxiliary power for the electrically-powered device, structure and/or component. The autonomous electrical power source component is formed of one or more elements, each of which includes a first conductor having a surface with a comparatively low work function, a second conductor having a surface with the comparatively high work function and a dielectric layer on a scale of 200 Angstrom or less interposed between the conductors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2024
    Publication date: August 29, 2024
    Applicant: Face International Corporation
    Inventors: Clark D. Boyd, Bradbury R. Face, Jeffrey D. Shepard
  • Patent number: 12072512
    Abstract: A security system is provided that integrates a unique set of structural features for concealing self-powered sensor and communication devices in aesthetically neutral, or camouflaged, packages that include energy harvesting systems that provide autonomous electrical power to sensors, data processing and wireless communication components in the portable, self-contained packages. Color-matched, image-matched and/or texture-matched optical layers are formed over energy harvesting components, including photovoltaic energy collecting components. Optical layers are tuned to scatter selectable wavelengths of electromagnetic energy back in an incident direction while allowing remaining wavelengths of electromagnetic energy to pass through the layers to the energy collecting components below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: FACE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Clark D Boyd, Bradbury R Face, Jeffrey D Shepard
  • Publication number: 20240266450
    Abstract: A method is provided that integrates an autonomous energy harvesting capacity in vehicles in an aesthetically neutral manner. A unique set of structural features combine to implement a hidden energy harvesting system on a surface of the vehicle to provide electrical power to the vehicle, and/or to electrically-powered devices in the vehicle. Color-matched, image-matched and/or texture-matched optical layers are formed over energy harvesting components, including photovoltaic energy collecting components. Optical layers are tuned to scatter selectable wavelengths of electromagnetic energy back in an incident direction while allowing remaining wavelengths of electromagnetic energy to pass through the layers to the energy collecting components below.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2024
    Publication date: August 8, 2024
    Applicant: Face International Corporation
    Inventors: Clark D. Boyd, Bradbury R. Face, Jeffrey D. Shepard
  • Publication number: 20240260469
    Abstract: A unique, environmentally-friendly micron scale autonomous electrical power source is provided in a configuration that generates renewable energy for use in electronic systems, electronic devices and electronic system components. The configuration includes a first conductor with a facing surface conditioned to have a low work function, a second conductor with a facing surface having a comparatively higher work function, and a dielectric layer, not more than 200 Angstrom thick, sandwiched between the respective facing surfaces of the first conductor and the second conductor. The autonomous electrical power source formed according to the disclosed method is configured to harvest minimal thermal energy from any source in an environment above absolute zero. An autonomous electrical power source component is also provided that includes a plurality of autonomous electrical power source constituent elements electrically connected to one another to increase a power output of the autonomous electrical power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2024
    Publication date: August 1, 2024
    Applicant: Face International Corporation
    Inventor: Clark D. Boyd
  • Patent number: 12048850
    Abstract: A unique, environmentally-friendly micron scale autonomous electrical power source is provided for generating renewable energy, or a renewable energy supplement, in electronic systems, electronic devices and electronic system components. The autonomous electrical power source includes a first conductor with a facing surface conditioned to have a low work function, a second conductor with a facing surface having a comparatively higher work function, and a dielectric layer of not more than 200 Angstroms in thickness sandwiched between the respective facing surfaces of the first conductor and the second conductor. The autonomous electrical power source is configured to harvest minimal thermal energy from any source in an environment above absolute zero. An autonomous electrical power source component is also provided that includes a plurality of autonomous electrical power source constituent elements electrically connected to one another to increase a power output of the autonomous electrical power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2024
    Assignee: FACE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Clark D Boyd
  • Publication number: 20240246320
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for forming electromagnetic energy transmissive layers, which are particularly configured to selectively scatter specific and selectable wavelengths of electromagnetic energy, while allowing remaining wavelengths to pass therethrough. Processes are provided by which to form, or otherwise incorporate, one or more energy scattering layers, including uniquely implementing optical light scattering techniques in such energy scattering layers, and to objects, object portions, wall plates, lenses, filters, screens and the like that are formed of, or that otherwise incorporate, such transmissive energy-scattering layers. Refractive indices of particles fixed in a matrix are tunable in order that the finished layers provide an opaque appearance when viewed from an energy-incident excited by light in the visible spectrum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2024
    Publication date: July 25, 2024
    Applicant: Face International Corporation
    Inventors: Clark D. Boyd, Bradbury R. Face, Jeffrey D. Shepard
  • Publication number: 20240217213
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for forming one-way light transmissive layers implementing optical light scattering techniques in those layers, and to objects, object portions, lenses, filters, screens and the like that are formed of, or that otherwise incorporate, such one-way light transmissive layers. Processes are provided by which to form, or otherwise incorporate, one or more one-way light transmissive, or substantially transparent, object portions or layers in solid or hollow objects Individual one-way light transmissive layers are formed of substantially-transparent sub-micrometer spheres, including micro-particles and/or nano-particles, with nano-voids incorporated between them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2024
    Publication date: July 4, 2024
    Applicant: Face International Corporation
    Inventors: Clark D. Boyd, Bradbury R. Face, Jeffrey D. Shepard
  • Patent number: 12001033
    Abstract: Methods are provided for forming a particular multi-layer micron-sized particle that is substantially transparent, yet that exhibits selectable coloration based on its physical properties. The disclosed physical properties of the particle are controllably selectable refractive indices to provide an opaque-appearing energy transmissive material when pluralities of the particles are suspended in a substantially transparent matrix material. Multiply-layered (up to 30+ constituent layers) particles result in an overall particle diameter of less than 5 microns. The material suspensions render the particles deliverable as aspirated or aerosol compositions onto substrates to form layers that selectively scatter specific wavelengths of electromagnetic energy while allowing remaining wavelengths of the incident energy to pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: FACE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Clark D Boyd, Bradbury R Face, Jeffrey D Shepard
  • Patent number: 11980102
    Abstract: An electrically-powered device, structure and/or component is provided that includes an attached autonomous electrical power source in a form of a unique, environmentally-friendly structure that is configured to transform thermal energy at any temperature above absolute zero to an electric potential without any external stimulus including physical movement or deformation energy. The autonomous electrical power source component provides a mechanism for generating renewable energy, or a renewable energy supplement, as primary or auxiliary power for the electrically-powered device, structure and/or component. The autonomous electrical power source component is formed of one or more elements, each of which includes a first conductor having a surface with a comparatively low work function, a second conductor having a surface with the comparatively high work function and a dielectric layer on a scale of 200 nm or less interposed between the conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: FACE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Clark D Boyd, Bradbury R Face, Jeffrey D Shepard