Patents by Inventor James A. Maples

James A. Maples 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: 4514817
    Abstract: The position of the operator's finger or an actuating device on a transducing surface is used for controlling the level of utilization devices including theater lights controlled by an automated theater light control system. The transducing surface, which may be either an analog or a digital device, is elongated in shape and is immediately adjacent to an elongated display having individual light emitting devices to indicate the level of the utilization device being controlled. Circuitry connected to the tansducing surface produces a first signal to indicate when an operator's finger or an actuating device is present on the transducing surface, and it produces a second signal to indicate the position of the operator's finger or the actuating device on the transducing surface. The second signal is supplied to the display, and the first and second signals are supplied to the utilization device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1985
    Assignee: Robert B. Pepper
    Inventors: Robert B. Pepper, James A. Maples
  • Patent number: 4270171
    Abstract: The position of an operator's finger on a transducing surface is used for controlling the level of utilization devices including theater lights controlled by an automated theater light control system. The transducing surface, which may be either an analog or a digital device, is elongated in shape and is immediately adjacent to an elongated display having individual light-emitting devices to indicate the level of the utilization device being controlled. Circuitry connected to the transducing surface produces a first signal to indicate when an operator's finger is present on the transducing surface, and it produces a second signal to indicate the position of the operator's finger on the transducing surface. The second signal is supplied to the display, and the first and second signals are supplied to the utilization devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1981
    Inventors: James A. Maples, Robert B. Pepper
  • Patent number: 4139142
    Abstract: An anchor support for supporting a pipeline above the ground has a self-aligning support saddle that allows the pipeline to orient itself on the anchor support during construction to relieve stresses in the pipeline and to allow for variations from nominal pipeline elevation and angulation relative to the ground. The anchor support normally fixes the pipeline's position relative to the ground but also allows relative movement between the support and the pipeline upon occurrence of a seismic disturbance or other disturbance that would cause a dislocation of the pipeline and/or anchor support from its nominal position. The self-aligning support saddle, which includes a ball and socket connection for allowing the pipeline to orient itself over the saddle, is fastened to a shiftable subassembly that rests on a stationary base assembly affixed to one or more ground engaging vertical support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1979
    Assignees: Exxon Research & Engineering Company, Exxon Production Research Company
    Inventors: James A. Maple, Conrad E. Jacobson
  • Patent number: 4128219
    Abstract: The support assembly is constructed so that an aboveground pipeline resting thereon can move longitudinally and laterally relative to the path of the pipeline to allow for normal thermal contraction and expansion in the pipeline. The support assembly is also designed for earthquake contingencies to prevent damage to the pipeline and to the support assembly upon occurrence of relative movement between the pipeline and the support assembly that is greater than that encountered with normal thermally motivated movement. The support assembly includes a pair of vertical support members spaced transversely at a given location along the path of the pipeline, which vertical support members are interconnected by a transversely oriented cross member. The cross member is adjustable relative to the vertical support members to orient it horizontally and is further adjustable to accommodate tolerance variations that occur during the fabrication and construction of the components of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1978
    Assignee: Exxon Production Research Company
    Inventors: Noyle B. Kaigler, Jr., deceased, by Mary A. Kaigler, executrix, Spence L. Hochstein, James A. Maple
  • Patent number: RE33089
    Abstract: The position of the operator's finger or an actuating device on a transducing surface is used for controlling the level of utilization devices including theater lights controlled by an automated theater light control system. The transducing surface, which may be either an analog or a digital device, is elongated in shape and is immediately adjacent to an elongated display having individual light emitting devices to indicate the level of the utilization device being controlled. Circuitry connected to the transducing surface produces a first signal to indicate when an operator's finger or an actuating device is present on the transducing surface, and it produces a second signal to indicate the position of the operator's finger or the actuating device on the transducing surface. The second signal is supplied to the display, and the first and second signals are supplied to the utilization device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Inventors: Robert B. Pepper, James A. Maples