Patents by Inventor Jeffrey L. Parker

Jeffrey L. Parker 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: 5572317
    Abstract: The system includes improvements to a remote tracking system for the control of the field of view of a camera. The system provides for improved motor control for PAN and TILT functions and expanded modes of operation in both the automatic and manual operation of the system. These improvements also include several tracking response and command programs for control based upon the error between the desired position of the camera field of view and its actual position. In addition, a universal learning remote unit is provided to learn commands from the IR remote unit for those cameras that have such features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: ParkerVision, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Parker, David F. Sorrells, Jonathan D. Mix, Richard C. Looke
  • Patent number: 5570177
    Abstract: The system includes distance measuring capability for use in the local and remote control of a camera lens for automatic and programmable control of ZOOM perspective, FOCUS, IRIS and other functions of the camera in conjunction with the programming of an included microcomputer-controlled automatic tracking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: ParkerVision, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Parker, David F. Sorrells, John D. Mix
  • Patent number: 5561519
    Abstract: The system includes improvements to a remote tracking system for motion picture as well as still picture cameras. The system provides for improved motor control for PAN and TILT functions including motor turn-off in the event of stall; the use of optical means to provide position feedback through the use of a light-blocking disk graduated on a "gray scale" which eliminates mechanical contacts; mechanical levers that are motor driven for operation of ON/OFF and ZOOM functions of a motion picture camera or shutter control for a still camera via either the base or remote unit command circuitry. The remote unit is formed as a hand-held wand and also provides audio circuitry. A space diversity RF receiver is used to improve the communication link between the remote unit and the base unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: ParkerVision, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Parker, David F. Sorrells, John D. Mix, Richard P. Daber
  • Patent number: 5561518
    Abstract: The system includes improvements to a remote tracking system for motion picture as well as still picture cameras. The system provides for improved motor control for PAN and TILT functions including motor turn-off in the event of stall; the use of optical means to provide position feedback through the use of a light-blocking disk graduated on a "gray scale" which eliminates mechanical contacts; mechanical levers that are motor driven for operation of ON/OFF and ZOOM functions of a motion picture camera or shutter control for a still camera via either the base or remote unit command circuitry. The remote unit is formed as a hand-held wand and also provides audio circuitry. A space diversity RF receiver is used to improve the communication link between the remote unit and the base unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: ParkerVision, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Parker, David F. Sorrells, John D. Mix, Richard P. Daber
  • Patent number: 5517300
    Abstract: The system includes improvements to a remote tracking system for motion picture as well as still picture cameras. The system provides for improved motor control for PAN and TILT functions including motor turn-off in the event of stall; the use of optical means to provide position feedback through the use of a light-blocking disk graduated on a "gray scale" which eliminates mechanical contacts; mechanical levers that are motor driven for operation of ON/OFF and ZOOM functions of a motion picture camera or shutter control for a still camera via either the base or remote unit command circuitry. The remote unit is formed as a hand-held wand and also provides audio circuitry. A space diversity RF receiver is used to improve the communication link between the remote unit and the base unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: ParkerVision, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Parker, David F. Sorrells, John D. Mix, Richard P. Daber
  • Patent number: 5471296
    Abstract: The system includes distance measuring capability for use in the local and remote control of a camera lens for automatic and programmable control of ZOOM perspective, FOCUS, IRIS and other functions of the camera in conjunction with the programming of an included microcomputer-controlled automatic tracking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: ParkerVision, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Parker, David F. Sorrells, John D. Mix
  • Patent number: 5465144
    Abstract: The system includes a mobile remote unit sensitive to infrared (IR) signals transmitted by a base or stationary unit and an IR transmitter which is placed behind a rotating lens whose position at any time is known with precision resulting in the IR signal being "scanned" across an area. The remote unit detects when the peak strength of the signal occurs and provides this data via an RF signal to the base unit wherein the exact effective angle between the axis of the IR signal and the remote unit creates an error signal used by the base unit to position the camera mounted thereon. Transmitters for TILT and two PAN positions, PAN 1 and PAN 2, are used to include range calculations for ZOOM functions. Command circuitry to override the automatic tracking function is provided in each of the units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: ParkerVision, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Parker, David F. Sorrells, John D. Mix, Richard P. Daber
  • Patent number: 5432597
    Abstract: The system includes improvements to a remote tracking system for the control of the field of view of a camera. The system provides for improved motor control for PAN and TILT functions and expanded modes of operation in both the automatic and manual operation of the system. These improvements also include several tracking response and command programs for control based upon the error between the desired position of the camera field of view and its actual position. In addition, a universal learning remote unit is provided to learn commands from the IR remote unit for those cameras that have such features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Parkervision, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Parker, David F. Sorrells, Jonathan D. Mix, Richard C. Looke
  • Patent number: 5268734
    Abstract: The system includes a mobile remote unit sensitive to infrared (IR) signals transmitted by a base or stationary unit and an IR transmitter which is placed behind a rotating lens whose position at any time is known with precision resulting in the IR signal being "scanned" across an area. The remote unit detects when the peak strength of the signal occurs and provides this data via an RF signal to the base unit wherein the exact effective angle between the axis of the IR signal and the remote unit creates an error signal used by the base unit to position the camera mounted thereon. Transmitters for TILT and two PAN positions, PAN 1 and PAN 2, are used to include range calculations for ZOOM functions. Command circuitry to override the automatic tracking function is provided in each of the units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: ParkerVision, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Parker, David F. Sorrells, John D. Mix, Richard P. Daber
  • Patent number: 5179524
    Abstract: A fan-powered mixing box assembly through which conditioned air is supplied to a plurality of zones is controlled by a programmable fan-box monitor. The assembly comprises a mixing box, a multi-speed fan and a heating element having several stages. The monitor receives data from and transmits data to a plurality of programmable zone thermostats each of which controls a zone via a duct damper through which air enters the zone. The monitor receives data from duct temperature and duct air pressure sensors for use in controlling the fan and heating element. Also, the monitor is responsive to signals representative of the real time for operating the assembly in setback modes when the various zones are not occupied. The monitor modulates a master damper for control of supply air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Parker, Edward Parker
  • Patent number: 5179421
    Abstract: The system includes a base unit sensitive to infrared (IR) signals transmitted by a mobile remote unit to an IR receiver which is placed behind a rotating set of signal blocking blinders whose position at any time defines a view angle with a position known with precision resulting in the IR signal reception scanning across an area. The base unit detects when the peak strength of the signal occurs and utilizes this data to determine the exact effective angle between the axis of the IR signal and the base unit to create an error signal used by the base unit to position the camera mounted thereon. Receivers for TILT and two PAN positions, PAN 1 and PAN 2, are used to include range calculations for ZOOM functions. Command circuitry to override the automatic tracking function is provided in the base unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignee: ParkerVision, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Parker, David F. Sorrells, John D. Mix, Richard P. Daber
  • Patent number: 4947928
    Abstract: A microcomputer-based system coordinator for variable air volume (VAV) system through which conditioned air is supplied to a plurality of zones. The VAV system coordinator (VSC) is used to coordinate a central system VAV cooling and heating operation based on the zone requirements of its associated slave thermostats and fan box monitors. The VSC is used as a slave VSC which receives information from zone thermostats and fan box monitors and communicates with a master VSC which is used for overall system coordination. The VSC also receives information from temperature and humidity sensors and the real time for use in system operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Edward Parker, Jeffrey L. Parker
  • Patent number: 4931948
    Abstract: An improved monitoring and control system for a heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) unit which provides zone control in plural zones in which each zone includes a thermostat which controls a damper for its zone. One thermostat is selected and programmed to function as a monitor or master thermostat for selective actuation of the HVAC unit as well as controlling its zone damper. The other thermostats are programmed to function as slave thermostats and are interfaced with the master thermostat thereby allowing for independent zonal control in a multiple zone system which uses a single zone HVAC unit. The master thermostat may also receive control signals and data from higher intelligence such as a computer. Each thermostat is microcomputer-controlled with provision for both local and manufacturer programming via supplemental memory devices. The master thermostat contains a real time clock for time-basing the entire system with attendant advantages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Parker Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Parker, Edward Parker
  • Patent number: 4843084
    Abstract: A microcomputer-controlled thermostat for use in monitoring and controlling a single zone HVAC system which provides conditioned air to one or more zones. The thermostat can be programmed and used either as a monitor thermostat to control the HVAC unit alone and/or to control the HVAC unit and its damper in a multiple zone mode. The thermostat is also programmed as a slave thermostat in a master-slave relationship with a monitor thermostat. The microcomputer memory is supplemented with additional ROM containing control algorithms for use in system operation. Logic circuitry is used to recognize commands as being for operation of the HVAC unit, the operation of the damper, or selection of which systems sensors are to be enabled. A real time clock circuit in the monitor thermostat is used to supply data for time-based system operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Assignee: Parker Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Parker, Edward Parker
  • Patent number: 4829447
    Abstract: A microcomputer-controlled bypass controller for use in maintaining a minimum airflow through a heating/cooling unit and limit the static pressure in the supply air truck duct. The bypass controller functions to control the operation of a bypass damper which regulates the airflow through a duct that bypasses air from the supply truck duct to the return. The bypass controller also measures the air flow via an air flow sensor and communicates with a microcomputer-controlled thermostat to coordinate transitions between heating and cooling cycles in association with a second sensor which monitors the duct temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Parker Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Parker, Edward Parker
  • Patent number: 4646964
    Abstract: A temperature control system used in association with a heating and cooling system supplying warm or cool air to a duct system for maintaining accurate temperature in a zone of multiple zones utilizing a microcomputer based thermostat for modulating a damper assembly in the duct system feeding the zone, thereby controlling the volume of air flow in the duct system to the zone to match the load in each zone. The thermostat has a digital readout display thereon indicating the temperature to be maintained in the zone and which can selectively display the duct temperature of air and/or the zone temperature of the air. The thermostat controls a damper assembly which includes a stepper motor for pivoting the damper blade between open and closed positions with the duct temperature sensor located before the damper blade in the duct. Calibration to provide setting of the zone temperature to conform with an accurate thermometer is provided in the thermostat, as well as selectable stop positions for the damper blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Assignee: Parker Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Parker, Edward Parker
  • Patent number: 4530395
    Abstract: A monitoring and control system for a heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) unit which provides zone control in plural zones in which each zone includes a control thermostat that is interfaced with the monitoring system so that each zone thermostat controls the HVAC unit as well as a damper unit for that particular zone thereby enabling independent zonal control in a multiple zone system which uses a single zone HVAC unit. The monitor considers individual zone needs, damper positions, amount of demand in the zone, mode of the zone damper and other factors which affect the comfort of zone occupants and, in response to signals from the thermostats, decides how and when to control the HVAC unit so that, in effect, a single zone HVAC unit becomes a multiple zone system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1985
    Assignee: Parker Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Parker, Edward Parker
  • Patent number: 4487363
    Abstract: A bypass control system and method monitors and controls the amount of air recirculated through a bypass duct from the air supply outlet supplied by a fan and motor from a single zone HVAC unit to the air intake thereof, a stepper motor driven bypass damper is located in the bypass duct having a damper blade movable between opened and closed positions and intermediate positions therebetween, and a bypass monitor is connected to the bypass damper for controlling the operation of the stepper motor of the bypass damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1984
    Assignee: Parker Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Parker, Edward Parker
  • Patent number: D304692
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Assignee: Parker Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Parker, Edward Parker
  • Patent number: D304911
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1989
    Assignee: Parker Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Parker, Edward Parker