Patents by Inventor J. Paul Knox

J. Paul Knox 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).

  • Putting target
    Patent number: 5174574
    Abstract: A golf putting device includes a shell which presents a ball receiving chamber open at the front to receive incoming putted golf balls. A row of LED's across the front of the compartment may be selectively energized to vary the target area from cycle to cycle. An infrared transmitter on one side of the chamber emits energy which is received by two receivers located on the opposite side of the chamber. By sensing the time one beam is intercepted by the ball and using the known ball size, the ball speed can be calculated. By sensing the interval between the times the two beams are intercepted and using the ball speed, the position of the ball transversely can be calculated to determine whether it is on target or off target. An automatic ball return mechanism includes a paddle which sweeps the ball forward in the chamber and pivots to eject the ball back to the starting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: Golf Vegas International, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Paul Knox, Robert B. Murray, III, Clinton L. Smith
  • Rolling ball speed and position indicating device and method
    Patent number: 5067718
    Abstract: A golf putting device includes a shell which presents a ball receiving chamber open at the front to receive incoming putted golf balls. A row of LED's across the front of the compartment may be selectively energized to vary the target area from cycle to cycle. An infrared transmitter on one side of the chamber emits energy which is received by two receivers located on the opposite side of the chamber. By sensing the time one beam is intercepted by the ball and using the known ball size, the ball speed can be calculated. By sensing the interval between the times the two beams are intercepted and using the ball speed, the positon of the ball transversely can be calculated to determine whether it is on target or off target. An automatic ball return mechanism includes a paddle which sweeps the ball forward in the chamber and pivots to eject the ball back to the starting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: Golf Vegas International, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Paul Knox, Robert B. Murray, III, Clinton L. Smith
  • Plug door for a railroad freight car
    Patent number: 4043078
    Abstract: The plug door of a railroad freight car is restrained against falling by elongated slide members in the upper track connected to the crank operating rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1977
    Inventors: Kenneth I. Dyche, J. Paul Knox, Ronald I. Swearengin