Patents by Inventor Maxwell Ralph Willis

Maxwell Ralph Willis 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: 9958398
    Abstract: Apparatus and corresponding methods for measuring a plurality of parameters of a cut gemstone while it is positioned at a single measurement location. Apparatus comprise a plurality of light sources, each configured to emit light at a different one of a plurality of emission wavelengths or ranges of wavelengths such that the emitted light illuminates at least part of the measurement location. Apparatus further comprise a sensor assembly configured to sense light at a plurality of sensing wavelengths or ranges of wavelengths for measuring the plurality of parameters. The sensed light is received at the sensor assembly from the measurement location as a result of illumination of a cut gemstone located at the measurement location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: De Beers UK Ltd.
    Inventors: Nicholas Matthew Davies, Siobhan D'Gama, Peter Stanley Rose, Maxwell Ralph Willis
  • Patent number: 9796536
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for orientating discrete objects, such as gemstones, is described. The method comprises providing the objects on a travelling path; providing a pair of opposed walls (38) extending generally along the direction of the path; and generating relative oscillatory movement (14) between the pair of walls (38) and the travelling path (in a direction generally transverse to the direction of the path), so that the pair of walls (38) imparts lateral force to the objects to thereby urge them into their most stable orientation as they progress along the path. A device for checking the orientation of the discrete objects is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: DE BEERS UK LTD.
    Inventors: Siobhan D'Gama, Maxwell Ralph Willis, Nicholas Matthew Davies, Graham Ralph Powell
  • Publication number: 20140119613
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for orientating discrete objects, such as gemstones, is described. The method comprises providing the objects on a travelling path; providing a pair of opposed walls (38) extending generally along the direction of the path; and generating relative oscillatory movement (14) between the pair of walls (38) and the travelling path (in a direction generally transverse to the direction of the path), so that the pair of walls (38) imparts lateral force to the objects to thereby urge them into their most stable orientation as they progress along the path. A device for checking the orientation of the discrete objects is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: DE BEERS CENTENARY AG
    Inventors: Siobhan D'Gama, Maxwell Ralph Willis, Nicholas Matthew Davies, Graham Ralph Powell