Patents by Inventor Donna K. Barton

Donna K. Barton 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: 8852127
    Abstract: A system configured to monitor ambient illumination experienced by a subject. In one embodiment, the system comprises an illumination sensor, a timer, and a storage module. The illumination sensor is configured to monitor an intensity of ambient illumination within two or more wavelength ranges by generating one or more output signals that convey information related to the intensity of ambient illumination within the two or more wavelength ranges. The timer is configured to indicate the passage of periods of time. The storage module is configured to store information related to the intensity of ambient illumination within the two or more wavelength ranges, as conveyed by the one or more output signals, for individual periods of time. The system is portable to be carried by the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Ric Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Florian G. Bell, Donna K. Barton, Charles A. Czeisler
  • Publication number: 20080319354
    Abstract: A system configured to monitor ambient illumination experienced by a subject. In one embodiment, the system comprises an illumination sensor, a timer, and a storage module. The illumination sensor is configured to monitor an intensity of ambient illumination within two or more wavelength ranges by generating one or more output signals that convey information related to the intensity of ambient illumination within the two or more wavelength ranges. The timer is configured to indicate the passage of periods of time. The storage module is configured to store information related to the intensity of ambient illumination within the two or more wavelength ranges, as conveyed by the one or more output signals, for individual periods of time. The system is portable to be carried by the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: RIC Investments, LLC.
    Inventors: Florian G. Bell, Donna K. Barton, Charles A. Czeisler
  • Patent number: 7250777
    Abstract: A device for measuring a resistance includes a comparator. A D-type flip-flop has its D input connected to the output of the comparator and its latch input connected for receiving a pulse signal at a fixed pulse repetition rate. A reference voltage source is connected to a first of the inputs of the comparator and an integrator is coupled between an output of the flip-flop and the second of the two inputs of the comparator. The integrator includes a resistor whereby the integrator develops a voltage at the second input of the comparator that depends on the pulse repetition rate and on the resistance of the resistor. The comparator, the integrator and the flip-flop are connected in a negative feedback loop such that at steady state the voltage developed by the integrator at the second input of the comparator is substantially equal to the reference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Mini-Mitter Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Rick Allen Kobbe, Florian G. Bell, Donna K. Barton
  • Patent number: 6814706
    Abstract: A skin patch includes first and second layers of material and a telesensor sandwiched between the first and second layers. The first layer has a coating of skin-compatible adhesive material on its face that is remote from the second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Mini Mitter Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Donna K. Barton, Florian G. Bell, Jesse S. Laird, Thomas Clifton Meyer
  • Publication number: 20040215098
    Abstract: A skin patch includes first and second layers of material and a telesensor sandwiched between the first and second layers. The first layer has a coating of skin-compatible adhesive material on its face that is remote from the second layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Applicant: MINI-MITTER COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Donna K. Barton, Florian G. Bell, Jesse S. Laird, Thomas Clifton Meyer
  • Patent number: 6629776
    Abstract: A thermometer is disclosed that utilizes a thermistor as a temperature sensor, to control the period and duty cycle of a multivibrator circuit. A second circuit, controlled by a microcontroller, measures both the charge and discharge times of the oscillation. From the ratio of these parameters, a precise indication of temperature can be obtained that is independent of temperature variations within the active components and the charging capacitor of the multivibrator circuit. The method is also independent of the value of the charging capacitor. Furthermore, by measuring the same ratio when a fixed resistor is substituted for the thermistor, a cell constant can be derived. The cell constant is used to calibrate the non-ideal response of the multivibrator circuit, thus providing a more accurate measurement of temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Mini-Mitter Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Florian G. Bell, Donna K. Barton, Jesse S. Laird, Christopher T. Jones
  • Publication number: 20020107436
    Abstract: A skin patch includes first and second layers of material and a telesensor sandwiched between the first and second layers. The first layer has a coating of skin-compatible adhesive material on its face that is remote from the second layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: Donna K. Barton, Florian G. Bell, Jesse S. Laird, Thomas Clifton Meyer
  • Publication number: 20020105436
    Abstract: A thermometer is disclosed that utilizes a thermistor as a temperature sensor, to control the period and duty cycle of a multivibrator circuit. A second circuit, controlled by a microcontroller, measures both the charge and discharge times of the oscillation. From the ratio of these parameters, a precise indication of temperature can be obtained that is independent of temperature variations within the active components and the charging capacitor of the multivibrator circuit. The method is also independent of the value of the charging capacitor. Furthermore, by measuring the same ratio when a fixed resistor is substituted for the thermistor, a cell constant can be derived. The cell constant is used to calibrate the non-ideal response of the multivibrator circuit, thus providing a more accurate measurement of temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: Florian G. Bell, Donna K. Barton, Jesse S. Laird, Christopher T. Jones