Patents by Inventor Joel W. Benson

Joel W. Benson 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: 7383193
    Abstract: A mail system is implemented with secure stamps that are coded to identify the person who purchases the stamps. The system also defines a relative security risk for any such person and handles mail submitted by that person according to the defined risk. This system facilitates the identification of possibly hazardous mail and the persons who send such mail through the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventors: Joel W. Benson, Zachary K. Benson
  • Publication number: 20040073399
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing the surface contour of the human foot uses an array of sensing pins that are resiliently biased in an extended position by springs. As a foot is pressed down on the pins, a counter counts decrements of vertical movement and therefore generates a count state that corresponds to the relative displacement of the foot in relation to the pins. As each pin contacts the surface of the foot, a control mechanism automatically stores the relative displacement position at which the pin is touched by the foot. These stored values provide a digital representation of the sensed contour of the foot. This digital data may be used to provide a contour image of the foot or select or manufacture shoes or shoe inserts. The contour data may also be used to obtain medical information concerning the shape of the foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Joel W. Benson, John T. Wellehan
  • Patent number: 6654705
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing the surface contour of the human foot uses an array of sensing pins that are resiliently biased in an extended position by springs. As a foot is pressed down on the pins, a counter counts decrements of vertical movement and therefore generates a count state that corresponds to the relative displacement of the foot in relation to the pins. As each pin contacts the surface of the foot, a control mechanism automatically stores the relative displacement position at which the pin is touched by the foot. These stored values provide a digital representation of the sensed contour of the foot. This digital data may be used to provide a contour image of the foot or select or manufacture shoes or shoe inserts. The contour data may also be used to obtain medical information concerning the shape of the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventors: Joel W. Benson, John T. Wellehan
  • Publication number: 20030088426
    Abstract: A mail system is implemented with secure stamps that are coded to identify the person who purchases the stamps. The system also defines a relative security risk for any such person and handles mail submitted by that person according to the defined risk. This system facilitates the identification of possibly hazardous mail and the persons who send such mail through the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventors: Joel W. Benson, Zachary K. Benson