Patents by Inventor John W. Matthews

John W. Matthews 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: 8427077
    Abstract: Various lighting devices and related methods are provided. In one example, a portable lighting device includes a light source, lighting control circuitry, first and second power terminals adapted to receive a battery power source, first and second electrical connections between the lighting control circuitry and the first and second power terminals, a third electrical connection between the second power terminal and the lighting control circuitry, and a switch adapted to selectively connect and disconnect the third electrical connection. The lighting control circuitry is adapted to operate the light source in response to a signal received over the third electrical connection in response to the switch. The first and second electrical connections are adapted to provide constant power to the lighting control circuitry while the battery power source is connected to the first and second power terminals regardless of operation of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: SureFire, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Matthews, William A. Hunt
  • Patent number: 8425078
    Abstract: Various lighting devices and related methods are provided. In one example, a portable lighting device includes a light source, lighting control circuitry, a body, and a tailcap assembly attached to an end of the body. The tailcap assembly includes a multi-position joystick adapted to pivot relative to the body in response to lateral pressure and move vertically relative to the body in response to vertical pressure. The tailcap assembly also includes switches adapted to provide signals to the lighting control circuitry in response to pivot movement and vertical movement of the joystick. The lighting control circuitry is adapted to operate the light source in response to the signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: SureFire, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Matthews, Ammar Burayez, Luis M. Sanchez, William A. Hunt, Michael D. Picciotta, Andrew CastaƱeda
  • Publication number: 20130043807
    Abstract: Various techniques are provided for implementing a lighting device variable control using a variable inductor. In various examples, the variable control may be implemented with a plurality of continuous or stepped settings. The variable control may be adjusted by a user-actuated movement of a part of the lighting device, such as the depression of a tail cap or another appropriate physical control to change the inductance of the variable inductor. An oscillating signal may be induced in a variable inductor circuit that includes the variable inductor. The oscillating signal may exhibit characteristics, such as frequency, that change with the inductance of the variable inductor. Such characteristics may be measured to determine a setting of the variable control and which may be used to adjust the brightness or other attributes of the lighting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: SureFire, LLC
    Inventors: Ammar Burayez, Ivan Ivanov, William A. Hunt, John W. Matthews
  • Publication number: 20130043795
    Abstract: Various techniques are provided for programming lighting devices. In one example, a lighting device includes a light emitting diode (LED). The lighting device also includes a microcontroller configured to receive a programming signal generated by the LED in response to illumination of the LED with an externally-supplied light signal modulated with the programming signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: SureFire, LLC
    Inventors: Ammar Burayez, Ivan Ivanov, William A. Hunt, John W. Matthews
  • Patent number: 8313477
    Abstract: A device and methods for the real-time monitoring of stem cells in a stem cell transplant. The device comprises a linear member and particle detection device configured to occupy the lumen of a catheter while the catheter is in place to administer a stem cell transplant to a delivery site in the body of a patient. Monitoring of the stem cells permits the device to provide signals to a computer processor for the determination of one or more characteristics of stem cells in the stem cell transplant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventors: Jackie R. See, Carl J. Buczek, John W. Matthews
  • Publication number: 20120272818
    Abstract: A device can include a noise suppressor for a firearm. The noise suppressor can have a front end and at least one protrusion extending from the front end. The noise suppressor can have a plurality of protrusions. For example, a plurality of spikes can be formed upon the front end of the noise suppressor. The protrusions can be configured to be useful for self-defense or other purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: SureFire, LLC
    Inventors: Barry W. Dueck, Karl R. Honigmann, Brooke C. Smith, John W. Matthews
  • Publication number: 20120268920
    Abstract: Various lighting devices and related methods are provided. In one example, a lighting device includes a main member including a central axis. The lighting device also includes a bezel surrounding at least a portion of the main member and adapted to be concentrically rotated about the central axis. The lighting device also includes a lens asymmetrically disposed in the bezel and adapted to rotate with the bezel. The lens includes a light inlet offset from the central axis. The lighting device also includes a plurality of light sources fixed relative to the main member. Rotation of the bezel relative to the main member causes the light inlet to rotate through an arc about the central axis to selectively align different ones of the light sources with the light inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: SUREFIRE, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Matthews, Michael D. Picciotta, William Wells
  • Publication number: 20120186132
    Abstract: Various gun sights for firearms and related methods of use are provided. In one embodiment, the sight includes an apparatus adapted to be mounted at a rear end of a firearm and arranged to occlude one eye of a user of the firearm and to generate an illuminated dot that is disposed such that it is generally centered on the longitudinal axis of the barrel of the firearm. The gun sight produces a collimated beam of light that creates an image of an illuminated dot by either a refractive method or a reflective method. In use, a dominant eye of the user is occluded by the sight and the other eye of the user is focused on the target. The user then adjusts the position of the gun relative to the target such that the user perceives the illuminated dot of the sight to be positioned on the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: SUREFIRE, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Matthews, Mark Buczek, Mark Squire
  • Patent number: 8209895
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for easily, quickly and reliably longitudinally securing and rotationally locking a noise suppressor or other auxiliary device to the muzzle end of a firearm barrel, and to a fixture such as a flash suppressor affixed to the muzzle end of the firearm, and for easily, quickly and reliably removing the noise suppressor or other auxiliary device therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: SureFire, LLC
    Inventors: Barry W. Dueck, John W. Matthews, Brook C. Smith
  • Patent number: 8182109
    Abstract: Various lighting device implementations and related methods may be used to selectively provide various types of light in response to user-actuated controls. In one example, a lighting device includes a plurality of light sources, a body, a head, and one or more controls adapted to adjust operation of the light sources. The body includes a housing. The head includes a bezel adapted to rotate relative to the body to select between at least a first one of the light sources and a second one of the light sources. The head also includes a lens adapted to rotate eccentrically relative to a centerline of the head in response to rotation of the bezel. The lens includes a light inlet adapted to be selectively positioned over the first light source, the second light source, or neither of the light sources as the lens rotates eccentrically relative to the centerline of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: SureFire, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Matthews, Michael D. Picciotta, William Wells
  • Publication number: 20120106170
    Abstract: A sight system is provided which may be selectively used in a variety of different ways. In one example, the sight system may be positioned on a rifle to provide a rifle sight system. In this example, the sight system may be positioned on the rifle barrel a substantial distance away from a user's eye. Advantageously, such an implementation may permit a user to effectively sight the rifle without compromising situational awareness. In another example, the sight system may be used to provide a telescopic sight with a reticle (e.g., a dot, crosshair, mark, or other appropriate shape) superimposed on an image (e.g., a zoomed or non-zoomed image) displayed from a camera. In another example, the sight system may be used to provide an occluded sight in which a camera and/or display of the sight system is disabled. As a result, a reticle may be displayed over an opaque background.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: SUREFIRE, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Matthews, John McCrickerd, Mark Buczek, Mark Squire
  • Publication number: 20120102808
    Abstract: A sight system is provided which may be selectively used in a variety of different ways. In one example, the sight system may be positioned on a rifle to provide a rifle sight system. In this example, the sight system may be positioned on the rifle barrel a substantial distance away from a user's eye. Advantageously, such an implementation may permit a user to effectively sight the rifle without compromising situational awareness. In another example, the sight system may be used to provide a reflex sight with a reticle (e.g., a dot, crosshair, mark, or other appropriate shape) superimposed on an image (e.g., a zoomed or non-zoomed image) displayed from a camera. In another example, the sight system may be used to provide an occluded sight in which a camera and/or display of the sight system is disabled. As a result, a reticle may be displayed over an opaque background.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: SUREFIRE, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Matthews, Mark Buczek, Mark Squire
  • Patent number: 8147089
    Abstract: Various structures are provided that may be advantageously used in one or more illumination device designs. In one example, a lens is movable among a plurality of light sources to facilitate selection of which light source is used to provide light for the illumination device. In another example, electric power is provided only to the light source that is used to provide light for the illumination device. Rotation of a bezel of the light source can determine which light sources provides light for the light source and which light source receives electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: SureFire, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Matthews, Michael D. Picciotta, William Wells
  • Publication number: 20120068625
    Abstract: Various lighting devices and related methods are provided. In one example, a portable lighting device includes a light source, lighting control circuitry, first and second power terminals adapted to receive a battery power source, first and second electrical connections between the lighting control circuitry and the first and second power terminals, a third electrical connection between the second power terminal and the lighting control circuitry, and a switch adapted to selectively connect and disconnect the third electrical connection. The lighting control circuitry is adapted to operate the light source in response to a signal received over the third electrical connection in response to the switch. The first and second electrical connections are adapted to provide constant power to the lighting control circuitry while the battery power source is connected to the first and second power terminals regardless of operation of the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: SUREFIRE, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Matthews, William A. Hunt
  • Publication number: 20120068624
    Abstract: Various lighting devices and related methods are provided. In one example, a portable lighting device includes a light source, lighting control circuitry, a body, and a tailcap assembly attached to an end of the body. The tailcap assembly includes a multi-position joystick adapted to pivot relative to the body in response to lateral pressure and move vertically relative to the body in response to vertical pressure. The tailcap assembly also includes switches adapted to provide signals to the lighting control circuitry in response to pivot movement and vertical movement of the joystick. The lighting control circuitry is adapted to operate the light source in response to the signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: SUREFIRE, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Matthews, Ammar Burayez, Luis M. Sanchez, William A. Hunt, Michael D. Picciotta, Andrew CastaƱeda
  • Patent number: 8127484
    Abstract: A rail clamp mount that may be quickly and easily firmly secured to a rail, such as a rail carried by a gun, and that may be quickly and easily released from the rail. A preferred embodiment comprises a mount base including a first rail-engaging surface; a generally U-shaped, somewhat elastic clamping member carried by the mount base and including two second rail-engaging surfaces at the ends of the legs of the U, and a third second rail-engaging surface at the end of the center section of the clamping member between the legs of the U, the second rail-engaging surfaces being opposed to and transversely spaced from the first rail-engaging surface; a cam mechanism mounting the clamping member to the mount base for imparting transverse movement to the clamping member when actuated; and an actuator for the cam mechanism including a throw handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: SureFire, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Matthews, Timothy F. La France, Michael D. Picciotta
  • Patent number: 8117780
    Abstract: Various gun sights for firearms and related methods of use are provided. In one embodiment, the sight includes an apparatus adapted to be mounted at a rear end of a firearm and arranged to occlude one eye of a user of the firearm and to generate an illuminated dot that is disposed such that it is generally centered on the longitudinal axis of the barrel of the firearm. The gun sight produces a collimated beam of light that creates an image of an illuminated dot by either a refractive method or a reflective method. In use, a dominant eye of the user is occluded by the sight and the other eye of the user is focused on the target. The user then adjusts the position of the gun relative to the target such that the user perceives the illuminated dot of the sight to be positioned on the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: SureFire, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Matthews, Mark Buczek, Mark Squire
  • Patent number: 8096674
    Abstract: Various techniques are provided for implementing a lighting device with selectable output level switching. In one example, a lighting device includes a light source, a controller adapted to provide one or more signals to control the operation of the light source, a power terminal adapted to receive a power source, and a tailcap assembly. The tailcap assembly includes a tailcap, a push button, and a washer disposed in the tailcap. The washer includes at least one arm adapted to be pushed against a surface to selectively connect the controller to the power terminal in response to a manipulation of the tailcap assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: SureFire, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Matthews, Paul Y. Kim, William A. Hunt, Luis M. Sanchez, Ammar Burayez
  • Publication number: 20110283589
    Abstract: Various gun sights for firearms and related methods of use are provided. In one embodiment, the sight includes an apparatus adapted to be mounted at a rear end of a firearm and arranged to occlude one eye of a user of the firearm and to generate an illuminated dot that is disposed such that it is generally centered on the longitudinal axis of the barrel of the firearm. The gun sight produces a collimated beam of light that creates an image of an illuminated dot by either a refractive method or a reflective method. In use, a dominant eye of the user is occluded by the sight and the other eye of the user is focused on the target. The user then adjusts the position of the gun relative to the target such that the user perceives the illuminated dot of the sight to be positioned on the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: SureFire, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Matthews, Mark Buczek, Mark Squire
  • Patent number: D676991
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: SureFire, LLC
    Inventors: Luis Araujo, Kevin Skehan, Douglas J. Port, John W. Matthews