Patents by Inventor L. Stephen Pilcher

L. Stephen Pilcher 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).

  • Pointing device having improved automatic gain control and information reporting
    Patent number: 5359348
    Abstract: An improved optical pointing device utilizing a moveable unit having a voltage-to-frequency converter (VFC). The VFC emits pulses with separation proportional to the angular rotative and/or translational position of the moveable unit, which pulses are applied to an LED of the moveable unit. A microcomputer in a base unit measures separation of the pulses received by a photodetector to determine the components of the angular rotative and/or translational position of the moveable unit. In accordance with another aspect, automatic gain control circuitry is located in the moveable unit, thereby eliminating the need for two-way communication to achieve consistency of operation in a prescribed space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Selectech, Ltd.
    Inventors: L. Stephen Pilcher, Donald S. Odell