Patents by Inventor John Hird
John Hird 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).
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Publication number: 20190077652Abstract: A valve for a vapour recovery system including a valve body having an inlet and an outlet, a valve seat within the valve body, a valve closure member releasably engageable with the valve seat, a socket portion for receiving a pipe member, a plurality of engagement members configured to be releasably engageable with a portion of a pipe member received in the socket portion for releasably retaining the pipe member in the socket portion, and an actuation member mounted on the valve body. The actuation member includes a recess for receiving each of the engagement members and is displaceable between a first position in which the engagement members are received in the recesses in the actuation member, and a second position in which the actuation member urges the engagement members inwardly towards a deployed configuration in which they engage with and retain a pipe member located in the socket portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2017Publication date: March 14, 2019Inventors: David BAILEY, John HIRD
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Patent number: 6892408Abstract: The invention provides a method of operating a laundry appliance (10) comprising an outer casing (12) and a drum (50) rotatably mounted within the outer casing (12), the drum (50) having at least two rotatable portions (60, 70) which are capable of being rotated in either a synchronized mode or a non-synchronized mode, the method comprising the steps of: (a) introducing water to the interior of the drum (50); (b) heating the water to a desired temperature; (c) rotating the drum (50) to effect a washing action; and (d) spinning the drum (50) at a relatively high speed so as to remove water therefrom. In one aspect, the drum (50) is rotated in the non-synchronized mode either during or immediately after the step of introducing water to the interior of the drum (50). This helps to distribute the washing liquid throughout the wash load.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2001Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Dyson LimitedInventors: Guy Austin Goddard, Malcolm John Hird, David Ions
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Patent number: 6843079Abstract: A laundry appliance comprises a drum for receiving articles to be laundered, the drum comprising at least two rotatable drum portions and a drive capable of operating the drum in a plurality of different drum modes. The drum modes include a mode in which the rotatable drum portions are driven so as to cause relative rotation between them. A controller (100) controls the appliance to perform a plurality of different wash programs, each wash program having an associated drum mode. Each wash program comprises a sequence of stages, with a drum mode being associated with each stage. The drum modes can differ in respect of (a) use (or non-use) of relative rotation between the drum portions (b) the ratio of time that the drum portions rotate compared to the time that they are at rest, and (c) the speed at which the drum portions are rotated. The intensity of a wash program can be varied, inter alia, by varying the length of the wash stage.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2001Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: Dyson LimitedInventor: Malcolm John Hird
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Publication number: 20040019977Abstract: The invention provides a method of operating a laundry appliance (10) comprising an outer casing (12) and a drum (50) rotatably mounted within the outer casing (12), the drum (50) having at least two rotatable portions (60, 70) which are capable of being rotated in either a synchronized mode or a non-synchronized mode, the method comprising the steps of: (a) introducing water to the interior of the drum (50); (b) heating the water to a desired temperature; (c) rotating the drum (50) to effect a washing action; and (d) spinning the drum (50) at a relatively high speed so as to remove water therefrom. In one aspect, the drum (50) is rotated in the non-synchronized mode either during or immediately after the step of introducing water to the interior of the drum (50). This helps to distribute the washing liquid throughout the wash load.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2003Publication date: February 5, 2004Inventors: Guy Austin Goddard, Malcolm John Hird, David Ions
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Publication number: 20030145392Abstract: A laundry appliance, such as a washing machine, comprises a drum for receiving a load of articles to be laundered. The drum comprises at least two rotatable drum portions and a drive which can rotate the drum portions relative to one another. A controller causes the appliance to perform a laundering cycle which includes a spin cycle in which the drum is rotated at high speed. Before the spin cycle, the controller detects whether there is an imbalance of the load in the drum and, in the event of an imbalance, the controller causes the appliance to redistribute the load by causing the drive rotate the drum portions relative to one another. In the event of a continued imbalance, the controller can repeat the redistribute operation or it can limit the spin speed during the spin cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2002Publication date: August 7, 2003Inventor: Malcolm John Hird
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Publication number: 20030061840Abstract: A laundry appliance comprises a drum for receiving articles to be laundered, the drum comprising at least two rotatable drum portions and a drive capable of operating the drum in a plurality of different drum modes. The drum modes include a mode in which the rotatable drum portions are driven so as to cause relative rotation between them. A controller (100) controls the appliance to perform a plurality of different wash programmes, each wash programme having an associated drum mode. Each wash programme comprises a sequence of stages, with a drum mode being associated with each stage. The drum modes can differ in respect of (a) use (or non-use) of relative rotation between the drum portions (b) the ratio of time that the drum portions rotate compared to the time that they are at rest, and (c) the speed at which the drum portions are rotated. The intensity of a wash programme can be varied, inter alia, by varying the length of the wash stage.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2002Publication date: April 3, 2003Inventor: Malcolm John Hird
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Patent number: 5960072Abstract: A telephone system and method of operation are disclosed which use a microprocessor control system (10), a speech generator (34) and speech memory (46) to automatically place calls without the need of a live operator. The telephone receives a destination telephone number and billing format information from a user. The microprocessor control system (10) alters the access format of the destination number and places the call as a direct dial telephone call. The billing format information is stored in a call record memory (11). The billing format information may later be retrieved to facilitate the billing of charges for the call to an appropriate party.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1993Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: Intellicall, Inc.Inventors: John A. Hird, Lindsey D. Owen, Michael R. Rice
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Patent number: 5513738Abstract: A coin handling system prevents jamming of the coin chutes of coin operated machines and keeps foreign objects out of coin validators and other internal mechanisms of coin operated machines. A coin chute 15 guides coins into the coin validator 24. An exit end of coin chute 15 is moved from a rest position above the coin validator 24 to a position above a return chute 25. Coin chute 15 then separates into two pieces, causing large foreign matter to fall out of the coin chute 15. Foreign objects that are pushed into coin chute 15 are forced out of coin chute 15 by slots 30 formed on the back edge of coin chute 15. Foreign objects are thus prevented from going further into coin chute 15 and coin validator 24. A bevelled edge 29 is formed on an edge of chute piece 23, one of two pieces forming coin chute 15. Foreign objects are pushed into coin chute 15, it impacts bevelled edge 29, causing coin chute 15 to separate into two chute pieces.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1993Date of Patent: May 7, 1996Assignee: Intellicall, Inc.Inventors: John A. Hird, Mark E. Kerr
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Patent number: 5483581Abstract: A telephone system and method of operation are disclosed which use a microprocessor control system (10), a speech generator (34) and speech memory (46) to automatically place collect calls without the need of a live operator. The telephone uses the microprocessor control system (10) and a speech record/playback generator (44) to receive a destination number and a recorded name from a user. The telephone uses the speech generator (34) to play audio messages to prompt the user throughout the process. The phone informs a called party of the identity of the user and receives responses from the called party through a DTMF receiver (52). A communication path is established through a telephone line interface (38) if the phone receives a response indicating the called party accepts the charges for the collect call. The microprocessor control system (10) generates a billing record for the call which is stored in a call record memory (11). The billing record can later be retrieved to facilitate billing the call.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1994Date of Patent: January 9, 1996Assignee: Intellicall, Inc.Inventors: John A. Hird, Lindsey D. Owen, Michael R. Rice
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Patent number: 5441138Abstract: A coin handling system comprising an improved coin chute (115) for guiding coins in a coin operated machine is provided comprising a first chute piece (122) and a second chute piece (123), each forming an opposite sidewall of the chute (115). An internal bevelled surface (129) is formed on the backwall (140) of one of the chute pieces (122, 123) so that foreign objects forced into the chute (115) and impacting the backwall (140) will cause the chute (115) to separate into the chute pieces (122, 123) and thereby cause the foreign object to leave the chute (115). Additionally, external bevelled surfaces (144, 148) are formed on the chute pieces (122, 123) so that if a foreign object impacts the outside of the chute (115), the chute (115) separates 15 into the chute pieces (122, 123) and allows continued movement of the foreign object. Thus, the foreign object does not become caught in the coin chute (115). In another aspect of the invention, ridges (130) are formed on the backwall (140) of the chute (115).Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1994Date of Patent: August 15, 1995Assignee: Intellicall, Inc.Inventors: John A. Hird, Mark E. Kerr
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Patent number: 5400400Abstract: A pay telephone (10) is disclosed which comprises a front housing assembly (12) and a rear housing assembly (14). A rear board housing (16) is coupled to modules disposed within front housing assembly (12) through a pair of cables (48) and (50) coupled to an interconnect board (46) disposed in front housing assembly (12). Front housing assembly (12) engages rear housing assembly (14) on opposite vertical sidewalls of rear housing assembly (14) through the use of locking hooks (36a)-(36e) and locking hooks (42a)-(42e) and locking receiving slots (40a)-(40e) and locking receiving slots (52a)-(52e).Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1993Date of Patent: March 21, 1995Assignee: Intellicall, Inc.Inventors: John A. Hird, Todd J. Betz
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Patent number: 5388680Abstract: A coin handling system comprising an improved coin chute (115) for guiding coins in a coin operated machine is provided comprising a first chute piece (122) and a second chute piece (123), each forming an opposite sidewall of the chute (115). An internal bevelled surface (129) is formed on the backwall (140) of one of the chute pieces (122, 123) so that foreign objects forced into the chute (115) and impacting the backwall (140) will cause the chute (115) to separate into the chute pieces (122, 123) and thereby cause the foreign object to leave the chute (115). Additionally, external bevelled surfaces (144, 148) are formed on the chute pieces (122,123) so that if a foreign object impacts the outside of the chute (115), the chute (115) separates into the chute pieces (122, 123) and allows continued movement of the foreign object. Thus, the foreign object does not become caught in the coin chute (115). In another aspect of the invention, ridges ( 130) are formed on the backwall (140) of the chute (115).Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1992Date of Patent: February 14, 1995Assignee: Intellicall, Inc.Inventors: John A. Hird, Mark E. Kerr
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Patent number: 5367561Abstract: A cash access system is provided for disbursing funds to consumers, such as the guest of a hotel, according to instructions of the consumer. The system comprises circuitry for receiving instructions associated with the request from a selected one of a plurality of input terminals, for validating the request with the relevant authority, for instructing the management associated with the input terminals to disburse the funds to the consumer and for billing the consumer for the withdrawal.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 1992Date of Patent: November 22, 1994Assignee: First City Texas-DallasInventors: B. Michael Adler, John A. Hird, Lindsey D. Owen
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Patent number: 5319701Abstract: A telephone system and method of operation are disclosed which use a microprocessor control-system (10), a speech generator (34) and speech memory (46) to automatically place collect calls without the need of a live operator. The telephone uses the microprocessor control system (10) and a speech record/playback-generator (44) to receive a destination number and a recorded name from a user. The telephone uses the speech generator (34) to play audio messages to prompt the user throughout the process. The phone informs a called party of the identity of the user and receives responses from the called party through a DTMF receiver (52). A communication path is established through a telephone line interface (38) if the phone receives a response indicating the called party accepts the charges for the collect call. The microprocessor control system (10) generates a billing record for the call which is stored in a call record memory (11). The billing record can later be retrieved to facilitate billing the call.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1993Date of Patent: June 7, 1994Assignee: First City, Texas-DallasInventors: John A. Hird, Lindsey D. Owen, Michael R. Rice
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Patent number: 5255770Abstract: A coin handling system prevents jamming of the coin chutes of coin operated machines and keeps foreign objects out of coin validators and other internal mechanisms of coin operated machines. A coin chute 15 guides coins into the coin validator 24. An exit end of coin chute 15 is moved from a rest position above the coin validator 24 to a position above a return chute 25. Coin chute 15 then separates into two pieces, causing large foreign matter to fall out of the coin chute 15. Foreign objects that are pushed into coin chute 15 are forced out of coin chute 15 by slots 30 formed on the back edge of coin chute 15. Foreign objects are thus prevented from going further into coin chute 15 and coin validator 24. A bevelled edge 29 is formed on an edge of chute piece 23, one of two pieces forming coin chute 15. Foreign objects are pushed into coin chute 15, it impacts bevelled edge 29, causing coin chute 15 to separate into two chute pieces.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1991Date of Patent: October 26, 1993Assignee: First City, Texas-DallasInventors: John A. Hird, Mark E. Kerr
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Patent number: 5131027Abstract: A telephone system and method of operation are disclosed which use a microprocessor control system (10), a speech generator (34) and speech memory (46) to interact with a calling party placing a long distance phone call. The telephone receives a billing account number from the calling party through a keypad (24). The telephone determines the validity of the billing account number and, if the billing account number is valid, a communication path is established through a telephone line interface (38). Valid billing account numbers are stored in the telephone for a predetermined period of time. The stored numbers are polled prior to the validation process to determine if an entered number has already been validated. In this manner, a calling party making multiple calls with the same billing account number need only wait for his account number to be verified once.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1990Date of Patent: July 14, 1992Assignee: Intellicall, Inc.Inventors: John A. Hird, Lindsey D. Owen, Michael R. Rice
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Patent number: 5113433Abstract: A telephone system and method of operation are disclosed which use a microprocessor control system (10), a speech generator (34) and speech memory (46) to automatically place calls without the need of a live operator. The telephone receives a destination telephone number and billing format information from a user. The microprocessor control system (10) alters the access format of the destination number and places the call as a direct dial telephone call. The billing format information is stored in a call record memory (11). The billing format information may later be retrieved to facilitate the billing of charges for the call to an appropriate party.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1990Date of Patent: May 12, 1992Assignee: Intellicall, Inc.Inventors: John A. Hird, Lindsey D. Owen, Michael R. Rice
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Patent number: 5093858Abstract: A telephone system and method of operation are disclosed which use a microprocessor control system (10), a speech generator (34) and speech memory (46) to automatically place collect calls without the need of a live operator. The telephone uses the microprocessor control system (10) and a speech record/playback generator (44) to receive a destination number and a recorded name from a user. The telephone uses the speech generator (34) to play audio messages to prompt the user throughout the process. The phone informs a called party of the identity of the user and receives responses from the called party through a DTMF receiver (52). A communication path is established through a telephone line interface (38) if the phone receives a response indicating the called party accepts the charges for the collect call. The microprocessor control system (10) generates a billing record for the call which is stored in a call record memory (11). The billing record can later be retrieved to facilitate billing the call.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1990Date of Patent: March 3, 1992Assignee: Intellicall, Inc.Inventors: John A. Hird, Lindsey D. Owen, Michael R. Rice
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Patent number: 5090548Abstract: A coin handling system is provided to prevent the jamming of coin chutes used in coin operated machines and to keep foreign objects forced into coin chutes out of coin validators and other internal mechanisms of coin operated machines. The invention comprises a coin chute 15 for guiding coins into a coin validator 24 in which the exit end of coin chute 15 can be moved from a rest position above the entry to coin validator 24 to a position above a return chute 25. The coin chute can then be separated into two pieces, causing lodged coins and foreign matter to fall out of the coin chute. In another aspect of the invention, foreign objects like coat hangers that are pushed into coin chute 15 are forced out of coin chute 15 by slots 30 which are formed on the back edge of coin chute 15. Coat hangers or other objects are thus prevented from going further into coin chute 15 and coin validator 24.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1990Date of Patent: February 25, 1992Assignee: Intellicall, Inc.Inventors: John A. Hird, Mark E. Kerr
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Patent number: D342251Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1992Date of Patent: December 14, 1993Assignee: Intellicall, Inc.Inventors: John A. Hird, Todd J. Betz, John A. Renfro, Ray S. Naeini