Patents by Inventor Lester E. Burgess

Lester E. Burgess 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: 5886615
    Abstract: A pressure sensitive sparkless switching device includes a layer of piezoresistive cellular polymer foam, at least two conductive layers, and an insulative spacer element having at least one opening. When pressure is applied to the device the piezoresistive foam disposes itself through the opening of the spacer element and makes electrical contact between the conductive layers. The resistance of the piezoresistive foam varies with the amount of pressure applied to provide an analog as well as on-off function. The device may also provide multiple switching, and shear detection capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Lester E. Burgess
  • Patent number: 5856644
    Abstract: A freely hanging drape sensor distinguishing between weak and strong activation of the sensor includes a piezoresistive cellular material and standoff layer for providing an analog signal correlated with the strength of an activating force, as well as an on-off function. The drape sensor can be used in conjunction with moving objects, such as electrically operated doors to provide safety door edges. Alternatively, the drape sensor can be used as freely hanging curtains to detect objects moving into contact therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventor: Lester E. Burgess
  • Patent number: 5828289
    Abstract: A pressure sensitive sparkless switching device includes a layer of piezoresistive cellular polymer foam, at least two conductive layers, and an insulative spacer element having at least one opening. When pressure is applied to the device the piezoresistive foam disposes itself through the opening of the spacer element and makes electrical contact between the conductive layers. The resistance of the piezoresistive foam varies with the amount of pressure applied to provide an analog as well as on-off function. The device may also provide multiple switching, and shear detection capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Lester E. Burgess
  • Patent number: 5695859
    Abstract: A pressure sensitive sparkless switching device includes a layer of piezoresistive cellular polymer foam, at least two conductive layers, and an insulative spacer element having at least one opening. When pressure is applied to the device the piezoresistive foam disposes itself through the opening of the spacer element and makes electrical contact between the conductive layers. The resistance of the piezoresistive foam varies with the amount of pressure applied to provide an analog as well as on-off function. The device may also provide multiple switching, and shear detection capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventor: Lester E. Burgess
  • Patent number: 5612679
    Abstract: A method of configuring an electrolytic tilt sensor having a plurality of non-precious metal electrodes and a common electrode at least partially immersed in an electrolyte and included within an electrical circuit with a voltage supply by maintaining the power at the electrodes of the tilt sensor below a predetermined threshold power density measured at an immersed surface of the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Inventor: Lester E. Burgess
  • Patent number: 5060527
    Abstract: A tactile sensor for providing information as to the distribution and magnitude of tactile force applied to its surface, having a compression sensitive layer of conductive elastomeric cellular material in conjunction with an elastomeric cover layer and a base layer having one or more electrodes in conductive contact with the cellular material. The elastomeric cover layer has a conductive bottom surface in contact with the compression sensitive layer. The circuit path between the outer layers is such that the conductivity varies in response to deformation caused by tactile pressure applied thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Inventor: Lester E. Burgess
  • Patent number: 4801367
    Abstract: An improved dental crown veneer composite which has excellent appearance and wear characteristics and which can be installed in a single office visit is disclosed. Also described is a method of installation, a method of producing said dental crown composite and useful tools for practicing the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Assignee: White Cap Dental Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Lester E. Burgess, Joe J. Capista, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4671801
    Abstract: An integrated, continuous (or batch) process for the beneficiation and/or liquefaction of coal, especially low rank coals, is provided, the process generally involving admixing coal with an organic liquid medium under high shear agitation, further beneficiating the coal by admixing the same in an aqueous medium optionally containing a monomer and a polymerization catalyst therefor and subjecting the resultant coal product to further high shear agitation in the presence of certain organic liquid media to provide a liquefied coal extract product and a further solid coal product. Beneficiated solid and liquefied coal products are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Assignee: The Standard Oil Company
    Inventors: Lester E. Burgess, Robert G. Hagstrom, David E. Herman, Phillip E. McGarry
  • Patent number: 4668193
    Abstract: An improved dental crown veneer composite which has excellent appearance and wear characteristics and which can be installed in a single office visit is disclosed. Also described is a method of installation, a method of producing said dental crown composite and useful tools for practicing the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Assignee: White Cap Dental Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Lester E. Burgess, Joe J. Capista, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4622046
    Abstract: Stabilized high solids content coal-oil mixtures are provided by the admixture of coal and oil in the presence of a saturated or unsaturated fatty acid and a gel-forming agent under selected conditions of admixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1986
    Assignee: The Standard Oil Company
    Inventors: Joseph D'Intino, Carl E. Eckman, Lester E. Burgess
  • Patent number: 4605494
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for froth flotation separation of the components of a slurry, having particular utility for the beneficiation of coal by the flotation separation of coal particles from impurities associated therewith, such as ash and sulfur. In this arrangement, a forward product stream is formed in which a mixture of the particulate matter slurry and the chemical reagents is sprayed through a nozzle at a first relatively low pressure onto the surface of water in a forward stream flotation tank to create a floating froth phase containing therein a first quantity of the particulate matter. The remainder of the particulate matter slurry separates from the froth phase by sinking in the water, and the froth phase is separated as a first product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1986
    Assignee: Sohio Alternate Energy Development Co.
    Inventors: Lester E. Burgess, Phillip E. McGarry, David E. Herman
  • Patent number: 4597858
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for froth flotation separation of the components of a slurry, having particular utility for the beneficiation of coal by the flotation separation of coal particles from impurities associated therewith such as ash and sulfur. In this arrangement, a forward product stream is formed in which a first quantity of chemical reagents is mixed with the particulate matter slurry. The treated particulate matter slurry is then sprayed through a nozzle onto the surface of water in a forward stream flotation tank to create a floating froth phase containing therein a first quantity of the particulate matter. The remainder of the particulate matter slurry separates from the froth phase by sinking in the water, and the froth phase is separated as a first product. The remainder of the particulate matter slurry is then directed to a scavenger product stream in which an additional quantity of chemical reagents is mixed with the remainder of the separated particulate matter slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1986
    Assignee: Sohio Alternate Energy Development Co.
    Inventors: Lester E. Burgess, Phillip E. McGarry, David E. Herman
  • Patent number: 4564369
    Abstract: An improved process for the beneficiation of coal and the separation of impurities therefrom comprising subjecting coal to surface treatment by contact with an aqueous medium comprising polymerizable monomer, polymerization catalyst and liquid organic carrier, thereby rendering said coal hydrophobic and oleophilic, the improvement comprising the high shear intermixing of the surface treated coal with at least one water wash medium thereby providing for the removal of further hydrophilic impurities, such as mineral ash from the coal. Apparatus for carrying out the process and the products prepared therefrom are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1986
    Assignee: The Standard Oil Company
    Inventors: Lester E. Burgess, Karl M. Fox, Phillip E. McGarry, David E. Herman
  • Patent number: 4536372
    Abstract: Mine run coal is pulverized and the extended surfaces of the coal particles are rendered hydrophobic and oilophilic by a chemical bonding and graft polymerization reaction with a water unsoluble organic polymerizable monomer under peroxidation influence in a predominantly water reaction medium.The mineral ash present in the coal and particularly the iron pyrites remains hydrophilic and is separated from the polymeric organic surface bonded coal product in a water washing step wherein the washed coal floats on and is recovered from the water phase and the ash is removed with the separated wash water in a critical wash step.Excess water is removed from the beneficiated hydrophobic surface-altered coal product mechanically. The hydrophobic and oilophilic organic polymeric surface bonded coating about the coal particles is fortified by inclusion of additional unbound free fatty acids by further small additions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1985
    Assignee: The Standard Oil Company
    Inventors: Lester E. Burgess, Karl M. Fox, Phillip E. McGarry, David E. Herman
  • Patent number: 4526585
    Abstract: A process for the production of beneficiated coal and coal slurries having low ash, and sulfur involving admixing coal in an aqueous medium with a surface treating admixture comprising a polymerizable monomer, polymerization catalyst and a liquid organic carrier thereby rendering said coal highly hydrophobic and oleophilic. The resultant beneficiated coal product is formed into coal slurries, such as coal-oil mixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1985
    Assignee: The Standard Oil Company
    Inventors: Lester E. Burgess, Karl M. Fox, Phillip E. McGarry
  • Patent number: 4412843
    Abstract: A process for the production of beneficiated coal and coal slurries having low ash, and sulfur involving admixing coal in an aqueous medium with a surface treating admixture comprising a polymerizable monomer, polymerization catalyst and a liquid organic carrier thereby rendering said coal highly hydrophobic and oleophilic. The resultant beneficiated coal product is formed into coal slurries, such as coal-oil mixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1983
    Assignee: Gulf & Western Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Lester E. Burgess, Karl M. Fox, Phillip E. McGarry
  • Patent number: 4406664
    Abstract: An improved process for the beneficiation of coal and the separation of impurities therefrom comprising subjecting coal to surface treatment by contact with an aqueous medium comprising polymerizable monomer, polymerization catalyst and liquid organic carrier, thereby rendering said coal hydrophobic and oleophilic, the improvement comprising the high shear intermixing of the surface treated coal with at least one water wash medium thereby providing for the removal of further hydrophilic impurities, such as mineral ash from the coal. Apparatus for carrying out the process and the products prepared therefrom are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1983
    Assignee: Gulf & Western Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Lester E. Burgess, Karl M. Fox, Phillip E. McGarry, David E. Herman
  • Patent number: 4332593
    Abstract: Mine run coal is pulverized and the extended surfaces of the coal particles are rendered hydrophobic and oilophilic by a chemical bonding and graft polymerization reaction with a water insoluble organic polymerizable monomer under peroxidation influence in a predominantly water reaction medium.The mineral ash present in the coal and particularly the iron pyrites remains hydrophilic and is separated from the polymeric organic surface bonded coal product in a water washing step wherein the washed coal floats on and is recovered from the water phase and the ash is removed with the separated wash water in a critical wash step.Excess water is removed from the beneficiated hydrophobic surface-altered coal product mechanically. The hydrophobic and oilophilic organic polymeric surface bonded coating about the coal particles is fortified by inclusion of additional unbound free fatty acids by further small additions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1982
    Assignee: Gulf & Western Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Lester E. Burgess, Karl M. Fox, Phillip E. McGarry, David E. Herman
  • Patent number: 4304573
    Abstract: Mine run coal is pulverized and the extended surfaces of the coal particles are rendered hydrophobic and oilophilic by a chemical bonding and graft polymerization reaction with a water unsoluble organic polymerizable monomer under peroxidation influence in a predominantly water reaction medium.The mineral ash present in the coal and particularly the iron pyrites remains hydrophilic and is separated from the polymeric organic surface bonded coal product in a water washing step wherein the washed coal floats on and is recovered from the water phase and the ash is removed with the separated wash water in a critical wash step.The hydrophobic and oilophilic organic polymeric surface bonded coating about the coal particles is fortified by inclusion of additional unbound free fatty acids by further small additions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1981
    Assignee: Gulf & Western Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Lester E. Burgess, Karl M. Fox, Phillip E. McGarry
  • Patent number: 3931020
    Abstract: A lubricant for high temperature metal forging applications comprises a water soluble inorganic salt whose melting point is below the metal working temperature, in admixture with an inorganic salt which decomposes to a gas at temperature below the metal working temperature, and one or more particulate lubricants. The low melting point inorganic salt is sodium nitrite and the decomposible salt is sodium bicarbonate. The particulate lubricant material may be graphite and/or zinc oxide pigment powder. Water may be added to the mixture and, in such case, surfactants and thickening agents are added to the formulation. Minor amounts of other ingredients such as an anti-oxidant, may also be added to the water-based embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1974
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1976
    Assignee: Gulf & Western Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Lester E. Burgess, Sheldon A. Spachner