Patents by Inventor Donald R. Brewer

Donald R. Brewer 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: 20240081787
    Abstract: A method of full-field or “ping-based” Doppler ultrasound imaging allows for detection of Doppler signals indicating moving reflectors at any point in an imaging field without the need to predefine range gates. In various embodiments, such whole-field Doppler imaging methods may include transmitting a Doppler ping from a transmit aperture, receiving echoes of the Doppler ping with one or more separate receive apertures, detecting Doppler signals and determining the speed of moving reflectors. In some embodiments, the system also provides the ability to determine the direction of motion by solving a set of simultaneous equations based on echo data received by multiple receive apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Donald F. SPECHT, Kenneth D. BREWER, David M. SMITH, Josef R. CALL, Viet Nam LE, Bruce R. RITZI
  • Patent number: 8514170
    Abstract: A smaller sized flip dot display utilizes a magnetically actuated pixel that rotates between two orientations. The orientations display two different optical states. A simulated dot matrix design improves the aesthetics and consumer appeal, and also permits a flip dot display capable of producing a positive contrast display image with darker colored “ON” pixels contrasting with brighter background and “OFF” pixels by reducing the visibility of the spacing gap between each rotating pixel and the surrounding background. An interwoven configuration of magnetic actuators with a coil around each arm of a U-shaped core may result in lower power consumption, low production cost, and small size required for use in consumer and small mobile devices such as watches and mobile phones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Art Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Brewer, David B. Cope, Andrew M. Wright, Christopher J. Corcoran
  • Publication number: 20120314546
    Abstract: A digital wrist watch includes a flexible digital display having an axis of curvature around which the display bends that is electrically connected to a microcontroller unit and is also electrically connected to a power source. Some of the plurality of electrical connections are positioned over at least one of a plurality of links that are configured to restrict twisting of the flexible digital display. The power source includes a battery positioned in an opening defined by one of the plurality of links The battery at least partially overlaps the plane of that link, The flexible digital display is selected from the group consisting of an electrophoretic display, a liquid crystal display, or an organic light emitting diode display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Donald R. Brewer, Stefan Andren
  • Publication number: 20110158057
    Abstract: A smaller sized flip dot display utilizes a magnetically actuated segment that rotates between two orientations. The orientations display two different optical states. There are disclosed various designs implementing magnetic actuators in conjunction with one or more of microcontrollers, capacitors, balanced flippers, sequentially driven flippers and other features to reduce power consumption of small mobile devices such as watches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Donald R. Brewer, Andrew M. Wright, David B. Cope
  • Publication number: 20080239164
    Abstract: A projector assembly includes a projector for projecting images and a plurality of speakers for reproducing sound. The projector assembly further includes a mounting bracket connected to a surface. The projector assembly includes a support assembly connected to the mounting bracket, wherein the projector and the plurality of speakers are supported by the support assembly. A projection screen system includes a projector, a mounting assembly, and a projection screen assembly. The projection screen assembly includes a first plurality of speakers for reproducing sound transmitted thereto and a projection screen to receive the projected image. The projection screen assembly is mounted to the mounting assembly and the mounting assembly can be mounted to a horizontal surface and a vertical surface. The system includes a power cable to provide AC power between the projection screen assembly and the projector in the projector assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: EPSON AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Ernie Liang, Rajeev Mishra, Donald R. Brewer
  • Patent number: 7009915
    Abstract: The present invention includes a dual display watch module comprising a watch face with selectively changing backgrounds which is capable of displaying the time of day using an analog display superimposed over the color-changing watch face thereby creating unique optical effects and patterns and which has a significantly reduced overall thickness. The invention includes a novel configuration of the internal components of the timepiece resulting in a significant reduction in the thickness of the subject timepiece, thereby enhancing the comfort of the individual wearing the timepiece. The novel configuration comprises positioning two smaller sized batteries in the same spatial plane as the PCB and analog watch movement instead of the conventional stacked assembly arrangement whereby a larger battery is placed directly behind the PCB. This allows for an overall thinner movement, thereby resulting in a significantly thinner watch without detracting from the functionality of the watch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Fossil, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Brewer, Terrence Chan, Ronald Nalumen, Danny So, Vernon Yau
  • Patent number: 6982931
    Abstract: A watch face uses liquid crystal displays along with a reflective polarizer to produce backgrounds with selective appearances. Therein, the watch employs a polarizer to produce polarized light that is passed downward to a liquid crystal display. The liquid crystal display selectively rotates or does not rotate the polarized light. If the light is rotated, a reflective polarizer layer located beneath the liquid crystal display reflects the rotated light back upward off its surface to provide the watch face with a first color. If the light is not rotated, then the light is transmitted through the reflective polarizer layer to a reflective dial surface disposed beneath. The light is then reflected off the dial surface to provide the watch face with a second color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Fossil, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Brewer, Diarmiud John St. Colum Bland
  • Patent number: 6977868
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for synchronizing and updating the memory of an external digital device, such as a personal digital assistant, and the memory of a watch via a two way communication link providing for the synchronous transfer of data between the devices. The data transfer is accomplished by placing the external digital device and watch into an alignment device which secures and positions each device in an appropriate spatial relationship allowing data to be transferred between devices. A separate integrated display controller provides for operation of the watch display thereby conserving power required to operate the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Fossil, Inc
    Inventors: Donald R. Brewer, Jeffrey Keith Bruneau, Brian Richard Delaney
  • Patent number: 6937212
    Abstract: A system and method for driving a liquid crystal display (LCD) having at least one segment. The system includes an LCD driver connected to a segment of the LCD. A processor is connected to the LCD driver. The processor may be selectively configured into any of at least two multiplexing modes, where the at least two multiplexing modes produce at least three voltage levels for driving the at least one segment of the LCD. Another embodiment includes a system and method for driving an LCD having a segment including a first and second electrode. An LCD driver is coupled to the first and second electrode. A processor is coupled the LCD driver. The processor initiates a substantially periodic signal on the first electrode and a delay signal having a time delay relative to the substantially periodic signal. The signals on the first and second electrodes form an RMS voltage to drive the segment of the LCD to any of at least three display voltage levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Fossil, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Brewer, Lee Tak Chun
  • Publication number: 20040057578
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a phone module contained within a wristphone unit that can be inserted into a supporting watchband style carriage, or removed and inserted in a conventional cell phone style carriage. Other features can include speaker and microphone components in both the watch carriage and the cell phone carriage, allowing smaller components to be used in the wrist-worn configuration. Other features may be separated from the core phone module such as a numeric keypad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Donald R. Brewer
  • Publication number: 20030198141
    Abstract: A watch face uses liquid crystal displays along with a reflective polarizer to produce backgrounds with selective appearances. Therein, the watch employs a polarizer to produce polarized light that is passed downward to a liquid crystal display. The liquid crystal display selectively rotates or does not rotate the polarized light. If the light is rotated, a reflective polarizer layer located beneath the liquid crystal display reflects the rotated light back upward off its surface to provide the watch face with a first color. If the light is not rotated, then the light is transmitted through the reflective polarizer layer to a reflective dial surface disposed beneath. The light is then reflected off the dial surface to provide the watch face with a second color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: Donald R. Brewer, Diarmiud John St. Colum Bland
  • Patent number: 6621766
    Abstract: An electrophorectic display is used in a watch, allowing for a dynamic range of new shapes and environments of use. The present invention addresses many of the shortcomings of the prior art watch technology. Specifically, a watch that embodies the present invention is uses addressable reflective display technology such as electronic ink or gyricons. This allows a watch display that features some flexibility. Further, the display can be shaped into a variety of interesting and novel designs that cannot be accomplished using prior art displays. The flexibility of the display also allows for the novel placement of the watch display. For example, the display can be placed onto a shoe, allowing a runner to see the time without having to move his arm into a viewing position. The watch display could also be placed into a wallet, or on a purse or belt. Any flexible garment or accessory could now incorporate a watch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Fossil, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Brewer, Chan Chin Pang John, Jeffrey Keith Bruneau
  • Patent number: 6618327
    Abstract: A system and method for driving a liquid crystal display (LCD) having at least one segment. The system includes an LCD driver connected to a segment of the LCD. A processor may be selectively configured into any of at least two multiplexing modes, where the at least two multiplexing modes produce at least three voltage levels for driving the at least one segment of the LCD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Fossil, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Brewer, Lee Tak Chun
  • Publication number: 20030165085
    Abstract: A watch face uses liquid crystal displays along with a reflective polarizer to produce backgrounds with selective appearances. Therein, the watch employs a polarizer to produce polarized light that is passed downward to a liquid crystal display. The liquid crystal display selectively rotates or does not rotate the polarized light. If the light is rotated, a reflective polarizer layer located beneath the liquid crystal display reflects the rotated light back upward off its surface to provide the watch face with a first color. If the light is not rotated, then the light is transmitted through the reflective polarizer layer to a reflective dial surface disposed beneath. The light is then reflected off the dial surface to provide the watch face with a second color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventors: Donald R. Brewer, Diarmiud John St. Colum Bland
  • Publication number: 20030165086
    Abstract: The present invention includes a dual display watch module comprising a watch face with selectively changing backgrounds which is capable of displaying the time of day using an analog display superimposed over the color-changing watch face thereby creating unique optical effects and patterns and which has a significantly reduced overall thickness. The invention includes a novel configuration of the internal components of the timepiece resulting in a significant reduction in the thickness of the subject timepiece, thereby enhancing the comfort of the individual wearing the timepiece. The novel configuration comprises positioning two smaller sized batteries in the same spatial plane as the PCB and analog watch movement instead of the conventional stacked assembly arrangement whereby a larger battery is placed directly behind the PCB. This allows for an overall thinner movement, thereby resulting in a significantly thinner watch without detracting from the functionality of the watch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventors: Donald R. Brewer, Terrence Chan, Ronald Nalumen, Danny So, Vernon Yau
  • Publication number: 20030151982
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for synchronizing and updating the memory of an external digital device, such as a personal digital assistant, and the memory of a watch via a two way communication link providing for the synchronous transfer of data between the devices. The data transfer is accomplished by placing the external digital device and watch into an alignment device which secures and positions each device in an appropriate spatial relationship allowing data to be transferred between devices. A separate integrated display controller provides for operation of the watch display thereby conserving power required to operate the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Donald R. Brewer, Jeffrey Keith Bruneau, Brian Richard Delaney
  • Publication number: 20030026171
    Abstract: An electrophorectic display is used in a watch, allowing for a dynamic range of new shapes and environments of use. The present invention addresses many of the shortcomings of the prior art watch technology. Specifically, a watch that embodies the present invention is uses addressable reflective display technology such as electronic ink or gyricons. This allows a watch display that features some flexibility. Further, the display can be shaped into a variety of interesting and novel designs that cannot be accomplished using prior art displays. The flexibility of the display also allows for the novel placement of the watch display. For example, the display can be placed onto a shoe, allowing a runner to see the time without having to move his arm into a viewing position. The watch display could also be placed into a wallet, or on a purse or belt. Any flexible garment or accessory could now incorporate a watch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Donald R. Brewer, Chan Chin Pang John, Jeffrey Keith Bruneau
  • Publication number: 20030016590
    Abstract: The bi-stability of electrophoretic and gyricon display technologies allows a display to maintain its image for a period of time without the driving electronics activated. The watch takes advantage of this attribute by being powered once a minute. This minimizes power consumption while not decreasing the functionality of the watch. Unlike LCDs, every segment of an electrophoretic display can be addressed by a conductive matrix, even segments encircled by other addressable segments. This allows the watch to have a visual alarm wherein every segment is inverted at a predetermined rate. In other words, time could be displayed in dark numbers against a light background. The image would then be inverted so that the light numbers would be displayed on a dark background. The display can be purposefully forced to all light or all dark until the users queries the watch for the time. This provides an aesthetic effect until the user actually needs to see the time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: Donald R. Brewer, William David Jansen
  • Patent number: D490008
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Fossil, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Brewer, Diarmiud John St. Colum Bland
  • Patent number: D494556
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Fossil, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Brewer, Matthew Emeott