Patents by Inventor Dennis R. Blackburn

Dennis R. Blackburn 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: 5600910
    Abstract: A modular display system is disclosed for displaying a map, graph, chart or other planar graphic representation in a plurality of planar modules capable of being disposed in a planar contiguous array having a smooth, markable surface. Each module is formed of a generally rectangular planar base portion having a plurality of planar projecting tongues and planar grooves, a rectangular portion of a map, graph, chart or other planar graphic representation, and a rectangular planar transparent cover portion. The aligned attachment of a base portion, a graphic portion, and a cover portion using adhesive forms a module. By temporary interlocking planar arrangement of modules, with tongues and grooves of each base portion in mating disposition with the grooves and tongues of other base portions, a planar surface is provided with the graphic portions capable of being viewed through the cover portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Inventor: Dennis R. Blackburn
  • Patent number: 4700315
    Abstract: A control system to control a glow discharge apparatus, as for ion nitriding, utilizing operator selected parameters. Normally, the control system in an automatic state sequences through a glow discharge process by progressively changing modes. The sequence includes an idle mode, a pumpdown mode, a warming mode, a processing mode, a cooldown mode, and a cycle complete mode. The sequence can be interrupted by the control system to provide a plurality of special states, other than the automatic state, including a manual state, a hold state, a manual reentrant state, a power supply shutdown state, or a furnace shutdown state. While in the processing mode the control system regulates the pressure of an ionized gas in a chamber and the temperature of a workpiece within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1987
    Assignee: Wellman Thermal Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis R. Blackburn, August J. Pelsor