Patents by Inventor Edward J. Shank

Edward J. Shank 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: 5828294
    Abstract: This invention relates to signaling systems of the type used by customers in a service facility, such as taverns, restaurants and stores, to alert service personnel that a specific customer desires service. One embodiment is limited to one or more local indicators used by customers to transmit signals for service to service personnel in the vicinity of the local indicators. Another embodiment uses local indicators and remote indicators. The local indicators have transmitters that transmit customers' signals for service to the remote indicators, that are equipped to alert service personnel anywhere on the premises that one or more specific customers desire service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Edward J. Shank
  • Patent number: 5594409
    Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the invention comprises proximity actuated signalling apparatus, for use in restaurants and the like, permitting a customer to conveniently inform service personnel that service is desired. A local unit positioned within a convenient distance of the customer is actuated by the customer touching the unit to turn on a light emitting indicator. Optionally, a transmitter is actuated to generate a radiated signal which turns on one or more remote indicators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: Edward J. Shank