Patents by Inventor James E. Hoadley

James E. Hoadley 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).

  • Back-lit button assembly
    Patent number: 5477024
    Abstract: A method of providing a clear image on a component including the steps of providing a transparent member having first and second opposite sides, providing a layer of opaque material on the second side of the transparent member and ablating away a predetermined pattern of the opaque layer by directing a laser beam at portions of the first side of the transparent member corresponding to the predetermined pattern, the laser beam passing through the transparent member to contact and ablate the opaque layer and provide a clear image through the transparent member corresponding to the predetermined pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Share, Donald L. Van Erden, James E. Hoadley
  • Method of making a laser ablated formed cap
    Patent number: 5376314
    Abstract: A method of providing a clear image on a component including the steps of providing a transparent member having first and second opposite sides, providing a layer of opaque material on the second side of the transparent member and ablating away a predetermined pattern of the opaque layer by directing a laser beam at portions of the first side of the transparent member corresponding to the predetermined pattern, the laser beam passing through the transparent member to contact and ablate the opaque layer and provide a clear image through the transparent member corresponding to the predetermined pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Share, Donald L. Van Erden, James E. Hoadley