Patents by Inventor Francis C. Larkin

Francis C. Larkin 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: 4707599
    Abstract: Sensors in the infeed and output stackers, under control of the microprocessor, monitor the sheets. The apparatus is started automatically by placing sheets in the infeed. A count of the sheets is developed and displayed as the sheets are fed. When the infeed is empty and the output contains sheets, the count is retained. If sheets are removed from the outfeed, the count is retained and is reset only after more sheets are placed in the input. The same rules obtain for batching. The sensors cooperate with singles, holes and doubles detectors and have their again adjusted depending upon sheet density. Automatic threshold adjustment circuits compensate for dust build-up and component aging. Upon sheet detection, the sensing circuit threshold level is instantaneously shifted to prevent an abrupt change in intensity from the sheet covering the sensor to provide an erroneous indication of the presence of a subsequent sheet or sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Assignee: Brandt, Incorporated
    Inventors: William Sherman, III, Francis C. Larkin, Stephen J. Horvath
  • Patent number: 4703172
    Abstract: Sensors in the infeed and output stackers, under control of the microprocessor, monitor the sheets. The apparatus is started automatically by placing sheets in the infeed. A count of the sheets is developed and displayed as the sheets are fed. When the infeed is empty and the output contains sheets, the count is retained. If sheets are removed from the outfeed, the count is retained and is reset only after more sheets are placed in the input. The same rules obtain for batching. The sensors cooperate with singles, holes and doubles detectors and have their gain adjusted depending upon sheet density. Automatic threshold adjustment circuits compensate for dust build-up and component aging. Upon sheet detection, the sensing circuit threshold level is instantaneously shifted to prevent an abrupt change in intensity from the sheet covering the sensor to provide an erroneous indication of the presence of a subsequent sheet or sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1987
    Assignee: Brandt, Incorporated
    Inventors: William Sherman, III, Francis C. Larkin, Stephen J. Horvath
  • Patent number: 4671502
    Abstract: Sensors in the infeed and output stackers, under control of the microprocessor, monitor the sheets. The apparatus is started automatically by placing sheets in the infeed. A count of the sheets is developed and displayed as the sheets are fed. When the infeed is empty and the output contains sheets, the count is retained. If sheets are removed from the outfeed, the count is retained and is reset only after more sheets are placed in the input. The same rules obtain for batching. The sensors cooperate with singles, holes and doubles detectors and have their gain adjusted depending upon sheet density. Automatic threshold adjustment circuits compensate for dust build-up and component aging. Upon sheet detection, the sensing circuit threshold level is instantaneously shifted to prevent an abrupt change in intensity from the sheet covering the sensor to provide an erroneous indication of the presence of a subsequent sheet or sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Assignee: Brandt, Inc.
    Inventors: William Sherman, III, Francis C. Larkin, Stephen J. Horvath
  • Patent number: 4608704
    Abstract: Sensors in the infeed and output stackers, under control of the microprocessor, monitor the sheets. The apparatus is started automatically by placing sheets in the infeed. A count of the sheets is developed and displayed as the sheets are fed. When the infeed is empty and the output contains sheets, the count is retained. If sheets are removed from the outfeed, the count is retained and is reset only after more sheets are placed in the input. The same rules obtain for batching. The sensors cooperate with singles, holes and doubles detectors and have their gain adjusted depending upon sheet density. Automatic threshold adjustment circuits compensate for dust build-up and component aging. Upon sheet detection, the sensing circuit threshold level is instantaneously shifted to prevent an abrupt change in intensity from the sheet covering the sensor to provide an erroneous indication of the presence of a subsequent sheet or sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Assignee: Brandt, Incorporated
    Inventors: William Sherman, III, Francis C. Larkin, Stephen J. Horvath
  • Patent number: 4359062
    Abstract: An electronic coin dispenser provides a calculator and a printer besides dispensing coins and displaying the amount of change on an 8-digit LED display. The electromechanical coin dispensing elements and the thermal print head are controlled by a microcomputer, which is responsive to mode select signals to direct such operations as: dispensing amounts between $0.01-$4.99; dispensing the cents portion of a dollar and cents amount on the LED display; and automatically advancing the tape a plurality of lines so that the expended portion can be conveniently torn off. Split change for a quarter and a dollar is provided by operating dual-function keys labeled "0/25" and "00/$" respectively. Remote data is received by the microcomputer through a remote interface and amounts dispensed by remote command are displayed in a distinctive manner. The microcomputer also performs timing functions which are essential to the operation of the print head and coin dispensing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1982
    Assignee: Brandt, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard P. Uecker, Stephen J. Horvath, Francis C. Larkin