Patents by Inventor Jeffrey D. SHEPARD

Jeffrey D. SHEPARD 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: 11967658
    Abstract: A method is provided that integrates an autonomous energy harvesting capacity in vehicles in an aesthetically neutral manner. A unique set of structural features combine to implement a hidden energy harvesting system on a surface of the vehicle to provide electrical power to the vehicle, and/or to electrically-powered devices in the vehicle. Color-matched, image-matched and/or texture-matched optical layers are formed over energy harvesting components, including photovoltaic energy collecting components. Optical layers are tuned to scatter selectable wavelengths of electromagnetic energy back in an incident direction while allowing remaining wavelengths of electromagnetic energy to pass through the layers to the energy collecting components below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Face International Corporation
    Inventors: Clark D. Boyd, Bradbury R Face, Jeffrey D Shepard
  • Patent number: 11966066
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering material compositions comprising particularly-formed multi-layer micron-sized particles that are substantially transparent, yet that exhibit selectable coloration based on their physical properties suspended in substantially transparent matrix or binder materials to facilitate delivery onto substrates, particularly aerosol or aspirated delivery. The disclosed physical properties of the particles are controllably selectable refractive indices to provide an opaque-appearing energy transmissive material when pluralities of the particles are suspended in the substantially transparent matrix material. The multiply-layered (up to 30+ constituent layers) particles result in an overall particle diameter of less than 5 microns, substantially equivalent to paint pigment particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Face International Corporation
    Inventors: Clark D Boyd, Bradbury R Face, Jeffrey D Shepard
  • Patent number: 11957922
    Abstract: A method is provided for producing an electrically-powered device and/or component that is embeddable in a solid structural component, and a system, a produced device and/or a produced component is provided. The produced electrically powered device includes an attached autonomous electrical power source in a form of a unique, environmentally-friendly structure configured to transform thermal energy at any temperature above absolute zero to an electric potential without any external stimulus including physical movement or deformation energy. The autonomous electrical power source component provides a mechanism for generating renewable energy as primary power for the electrically-powered device and/or component once an integrated structure including the device and/or component is deployed in an environment that restricts future access to the electrical power source for servicing, recharge, replacement, replenishment or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: FACE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Clark D Boyd, Bradbury R Face, Jeffrey D Shepard
  • Patent number: 11945189
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for forming electromagnetic energy transmissive layers, which are particularly configured to selectively scatter specific and selectable wavelengths of electromagnetic energy, while allowing remaining wavelengths to pass therethrough. Processes are provided by which to form, or otherwise incorporate, one or more energy scattering layers, including uniquely implementing optical light scattering techniques in such energy scattering layers, and to objects, object portions, wall plates, lenses, filters, screens and the like that are formed of, or that otherwise incorporate, such transmissive energy-scattering layers. Refractive indices of particles fixed in a matrix are tunable in order that the finished layers provide an opaque appearance when viewed from an energy-incident excited by light in the visible spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Face International Corporation
    Inventors: Clark D Boyd, Bradbury R Face, Jeffrey D Shepard
  • Patent number: 11938700
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for forming one-way light transmissive layers implementing optical light scattering techniques in those layers, and to objects, object portions, lenses, filters, screens and the like that are formed of, or that otherwise incorporate, such one-way light transmissive layers. Processes are provided by which to form, or otherwise incorporate, one or more one-way light transmissive, or substantially transparent, object portions or layers in solid or hollow objects Individual one-way light transmissive layers are formed of substantially-transparent sub-micrometer spheres, including micro-particles and/or nano-particles, with nano-voids incorporated between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Face International Corporation
    Inventors: Clark D Boyd, Bradbury R Face, Jeffrey D Shepard
  • Patent number: 11917506
    Abstract: A method is provided that integrated a unique set of structural features for concealing self-powered sensor and communication devices in aesthetically neutral, or camouflaged, packages that include energy harvesting systems that provide autonomous electrical power to sensors, data processing and wireless communication components in the portable, self-contained packages. Color-matched, image-matched and/or texture-matched optical layers are formed over energy harvesting components, including photovoltaic energy collecting components. Optical layers are tuned to scatter selectable wavelengths of electromagnetic energy back in an incident direction while allowing remaining wavelengths of electromagnetic energy to pass through the layers to the energy collecting components below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Inventors: Clark D Boyd, Bradbury R Face, Jeffrey D Shepard
  • Publication number: 20230408739
    Abstract: A particularly-formed multi-layer micron-sized particle is provided that is substantially transparent, yet that exhibits selectable coloration based on its physical properties. The disclosed physical properties of the particle are controllably selectable refractive indices to provide an opaque-appearing energy transmissive material when pluralities of the particles are suspended in a substantially transparent matrix material. Multiply-layered (up to 30+ constituent layers) particles result in an overall particle diameter of less than 5 microns. The material suspensions render the particles deliverable as aspirated or aerosol compositions onto substrates to form layers that selectively scatter specific wavelengths of electromagnetic energy while allowing remaining wavelengths of the incident energy to pass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Applicant: FACE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Clark D. BOYD, Bradbury R. FACE, Jeffrey D. SHEPARD
  • Patent number: 11740393
    Abstract: A particularly-formed multi-layer micron-sized particle is provided that is substantially transparent, yet that exhibits selectable coloration based on its physical properties. The disclosed physical properties of the particle are controllably selectable refractive indices to provide an opaque-appearing energy transmissive material when pluralities of the particles are suspended in a substantially transparent matrix material. Multiply-layered (up to 30+ constituent layers) particles result in an overall particle diameter of less than 5 microns. The material suspensions render the particles deliverable as aspirated or aerosol compositions onto substrates to form layers that selectively scatter specific wavelengths of electromagnetic energy while allowing remaining wavelengths of the incident energy to pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: FACE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Clark D Boyd, Bradbury R Face, Jeffrey D Shepard
  • Publication number: 20230256256
    Abstract: A method is provided for producing an electrically-powered device and/or component that is embeddable in a solid structural component, and a system, a produced device and/or a produced component is provided. The produced electrically powered device includes an attached autonomous electrical power source in a form of a unique, environmentally-friendly structure configured to transform thermal energy at any temperature above absolute zero to an electric potential without any external stimulus including physical movement or deformation energy. The autonomous electrical power source component provides a mechanism for generating renewable energy as primary power for the electrically-powered device and/or component once an integrated structure including the device and/or component is deployed in an environment that restricts future access to the electrical power source for servicing, recharge, replacement, replenishment or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2023
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Applicant: FACE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Clark D BOYD, Bradbury R FACE, Jeffrey D SHEPARD
  • Publication number: 20230158788
    Abstract: A method is provided that integrates an autonomous energy harvesting capacity in a mobile device in an aesthetically neutral manner. A unique set of structural features combine to implement a hidden energy harvesting system on a surface of the mobile device body structure or casing to provide electrical power to the mobile device, and/or to individually electrically-powered components in the mobile device. Color-matched, image-matched and/or texture-matched optical layers are formed over energy harvesting components, including photovoltaic energy collecting components. Optical layers are tuned to scatter selectable wavelengths of electromagnetic energy back in an incident direction while allowing remaining wavelengths of electromagnetic energy to pass through the layers to the energy collecting components below. The layers appear opaque when observed from a light incident side, while allowing at least 50%, and as much as 80+%, of the energy impinging on the energy or incident side to pass through the layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2023
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Applicant: FACE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Clark D BOYD, Bradbury R FACE, Jeffrey D SHEPARD
  • Publication number: 20230114932
    Abstract: Methods are provided for forming a particular multi-layer micron-sized particle that is substantially transparent, yet that exhibits selectable coloration based on its physical properties. The disclosed physical properties of the particle are controllably selectable refractive indices to provide an opaque-appearing energy transmissive material when pluralities of the particles are suspended in a substantially transparent matrix material. Multiply-layered (up to 30+ constituent layers) particles result in an overall particle diameter of less than 5 microns. The material suspensions render the particles deliverable as aspirated or aerosol compositions onto substrates to form layers that selectively scatter specific wavelengths of electromagnetic energy while allowing remaining wavelengths of the incident energy to pass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Applicant: FACE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Clark D. BOYD, Bradbury R. FACE, Jeffrey D. SHEPARD
  • Patent number: 11571583
    Abstract: A method is provided for producing an electrically-powered device and/or component that is embeddable in a solid structural component, and a system, a produced device and/or a produced component is provided. The produced electrically powered device includes an attached autonomous electrical power source in a form of a unique, environmentally-friendly structure configured to transform thermal energy at any temperature above absolute zero to an electric potential without any external stimulus including physical movement or deformation energy. The autonomous electrical power source component provides a mechanism for generating renewable energy as primary power for the electrically-powered device and/or component once an integrated structure including the device and/or component is deployed in an environment that restricts future access to the electrical power source for servicing, recharge, replacement, replenishment or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: FACE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Clark D Boyd, Bradbury R Face, Jeffrey D Shepard
  • Patent number: 11554576
    Abstract: A method is provided that integrates an autonomous energy harvesting capacity in a mobile device in an aesthetically neutral manner. A unique set of structural features combine to implement a hidden energy harvesting system on a surface of the mobile device body structure or casing to provide electrical power to the mobile device, and/or to individually electrically-powered components in the mobile device. Color-matched, image-matched and/or texture-matched optical layers are formed over energy harvesting components, including photovoltaic energy collecting components. Optical layers are tuned to scatter selectable wavelengths of electromagnetic energy back in an incident direction while allowing remaining wavelengths of electromagnetic energy to pass through the layers to the energy collecting components below. The layers appear opaque when observed from a light incident side, while allowing at least 50%, and as much as 80+%, of the energy impinging on the energy or incident side to pass through the layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: FACE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Clark D Boyd, Bradbury R Face, Jeffrey D Shepard
  • Patent number: 11513264
    Abstract: Methods are provided for forming a particular multi-layer micron-sized particle that is substantially transparent, yet that exhibits selectable coloration based on its physical properties. The disclosed physical properties of the particle are controllably selectable refractive indices to provide an opaque-appearing energy transmissive material when pluralities of the particles are suspended in a substantially transparent matrix material. Multiply-layered (up to 30+ constituent layers) particles result in an overall particle diameter of less than 5 microns. The material suspensions render the particles deliverable as aspirated or aerosol compositions onto substrates to form layers that selectively scatter specific wavelengths of electromagnetic energy while allowing remaining wavelengths of the incident energy to pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: FACE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Clark D Boyd, Bradbury R Face, Jeffrey D Shepard
  • Publication number: 20220305759
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for forming energy filter layers or shutter components, including energy scattering layers that are actively electrically switchable. The energy filters or shutter components are operable between at least a first mode in which the layers, and thus the presentation of the shutter components, appear substantially transparent when viewed from an energy/light incident side, and a second mode in which the layers, and thus the presentation of the energy filters or shutter components, appear opaque to the incident energy impinging on the energy incident side. The differing modes are selectable by electrically energizing, differentially energizing and/or de-energizing electric fields in a vicinity of the energy scattering layers. Refractive indices of transparent particles, and the transparent matrices in which the particles are fixed, are tunable according to the applied electric fields. The energy scattering layers may conceal a sensor such as a camera or photovoltaic cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2022
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Applicant: FACE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Clark D. BOYD, Bradbury R. Face, Jeffrey D. Shepard
  • Publication number: 20220310696
    Abstract: An electrically-powered device, structure and/or component is provided that includes an attached electrical power source in a form of a unique, environmentally-friendly energy harvesting element or component. The energy harvesting component provides a mechanism for generating autonomous renewable energy, or a renewable energy supplement, in the integrated circuit system, structure and/or component. The energy harvesting element includes a first conductor layer, a low work function layer, a dielectric layer, and a second conductor layer that are particularly configured in a manner to promote electron migration from the low work function layer, through the dielectric layer, to the facing surface of the second conductor layer in a manner that develops an electric potential between the first conductor layer and the second conductor layer. The energy harvesting component includes a plurality of energy harvesting elements electrically connected to one another to increase an electrical power output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2022
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Applicant: FACE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Clark D. BOYD, Bradbury R. Face, Jeffrey D. Shepard
  • Publication number: 20220302326
    Abstract: A method is provided that integrates an autonomous energy harvesting capacity in vehicles in an aesthetically neutral manner. A unique set of structural features combine to implement a hidden energy harvesting system on a surface of the vehicle to provide electrical power to the vehicle, and/or to electrically-powered devices in the vehicle. Color-matched, image-matched and/or texture-matched optical layers are formed over energy harvesting components, including photovoltaic energy collecting components. Optical layers are tuned to scatter selectable wavelengths of electromagnetic energy back in an incident direction while allowing remaining wavelengths of electromagnetic energy to pass through the layers to the energy collecting components below.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2022
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Applicant: FACE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Clark D. BOYD, Bradbury R Face, Jeffrey D Shepard
  • Publication number: 20220242094
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for forming body structures including energy filters/shutter components, including energy/light directing/scattering layers that are actively electrically switchable. The filters or components are operable between at least a first mode in which the layers, and thus the presentation of the shutter components, appear substantially transparent when viewed from an energy/light incident side, and a second mode in which the layers, and thus the presentation of the energy filters or shutter components, appear opaque to the incident energy impinging on the energy incident side. The differing modes are selectable by electrically energizing, differentially energizing and/or de-energizing electric fields in a vicinity of the energy scattering layers, including electric fields generated between a paid of transparent electrodes sandwiching an energy scattering layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2022
    Publication date: August 4, 2022
    Applicant: FACE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Clark D. BOYD, Bradbury R Face, Jeffrey D Shepard
  • Publication number: 20220248193
    Abstract: A method is provided that integrated a unique set of structural features for concealing self-powered sensor and communication devices in aesthetically neutral, or camouflaged, packages that include energy harvesting systems that provide autonomous electrical power to sensors, data processing and wireless communication components in the portable, self-contained packages. Color-matched, image-matched and/or texture-matched optical layers are formed over energy harvesting components, including photovoltaic energy collecting components. Optical layers are tuned to scatter selectable wavelengths of electromagnetic energy back in an incident direction while allowing remaining wavelengths of electromagnetic energy to pass through the layers to the energy collecting components below.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2022
    Publication date: August 4, 2022
    Inventors: Clark D. BOYD, Bradbury R. FACE, Jeffrey D. SHEPARD
  • Patent number: 11358370
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for forming energy filter layers or shutter components, including energy scattering layers that are actively electrically switchable. The energy filters or shutter components are operable between at least a first mode in which the layers, and thus the presentation of the shutter components, appear substantially transparent when viewed from an energy/light incident side, and a second mode in which the layers, and thus the presentation of the energy filters or shutter components, appear opaque to the incident energy impinging on the energy incident side. The differing modes are selectable by electrically energizing, differentially energizing and/or de-energizing electric fields in a vicinity of the energy scattering layers. Refractive indices of transparent particles, and the transparent matrices in which the particles are fixed, are tunable according to the applied electric fields. The energy scattering layers may conceal a sensor such as a camera or photovoltaic cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: FACE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Clark D. Boyd, Bradbury R Face, Jeffrey D Shepard