Patents by Inventor Michael Spall

Michael Spall 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).

  • Publication number: 20250108755
    Abstract: A display system having a dynamic display and a lighting system. The lighting system includes a first light source for generating a first light within a first optical spectrum, a second light source for generating a second light within a second optical spectrum, a first sensor activated when detecting light within the first optical spectrum, and a second sensor activated when detecting light within the second optical spectrum. The lighting system further includes a controller that selectively activates one or more of the first light source and the second light source based on a combination of the first sensor and the second sensor activated. The lighting system also includes a light redistribution element that receives the first light and the second light and directs the first light and the second light toward the display. A showing of the designated information is not disrupted by the second light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2024
    Publication date: April 3, 2025
    Applicant: ReviverMx, Inc.
    Inventors: John Michael Spall, Matthias Thomas Peter Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 12162405
    Abstract: A digital license plate includes a display system capable of showing a license number readable by camera systems even under poor external lighting conditions. A light redistribution element is positioned near the display system and a lighting system is positioned to direct light from the light redistribution element and toward the display system. In some embodiments the lighting system includes a narrowband lighting element such as can be provided by a narrowband light source, and the display system includes an electrophoretic or LCD display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: ReviverMx, Inc.
    Inventors: John Michael Spall, Matthias Thomas Peter Pfeiffer
  • Publication number: 20240025339
    Abstract: A digital license plate includes a display system capable of showing a license number readable by camera systems even under poor external lighting conditions. A light redistribution element is positioned near the display system and a lighting system is positioned to direct light from the light redistribution element and toward the display system. In some embodiments the lighting system includes a narrowband lighting element such as can be provided by a narrowband light source, and the display system includes an electrophoretic or LCD display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Applicant: ReviverMx, Inc.
    Inventors: John Michael Spall, Matthias Thomas Peter Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 11801787
    Abstract: A digital license plate includes a display system capable of showing a license number readable by camera systems even under poor external lighting conditions. A light redistribution element is positioned near the display system and a lighting system is positioned to direct light from the light redistribution element and toward the display system. In some embodiments the lighting system includes a non-visible lighting element such as can be provided by an infrared source, and the display system includes an electrophoretic or LCD display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Inventors: John Michael Spall, Matthias Thomas Peter Pfeiffer
  • Publication number: 20220410797
    Abstract: A digital license plate includes a display system capable of showing a license number readable by camera systems even under poor external lighting conditions. A light redistribution element is positioned near the display system and a lighting system is positioned to direct light from the light redistribution element and toward the display system. In some embodiments the lighting system includes a non-visible lighting element such as can be provided by an infrared source, and the display system includes an electrophoretic or LCD display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Inventors: John Michael Spall, Matthias Thomas Peter Pfeiffer
  • Publication number: 20220344799
    Abstract: An antenna system of an unmanned aerial vehicle, the antenna system including a first loop antenna system, a second loop antenna system, and a feed line. The second loop antenna system is spaced apart from the first loop antenna system. The feed line extends between and connects the first loop antenna system and the second loop antenna system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Inventors: John Michael Spall, Adrian Matthew Cooke
  • Patent number: 11387546
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cross loop antenna system for an aerial vehicle. In one embodiment, the cross loop antenna system includes a cross bar antenna and a ground plane. The cross bar antenna includes two thin coplanar perpendicular bars that intersect in the middle and are parallel to the ground plane. Each bar couples to the ground plane at each end, comprising an antenna loop. Thus, the cross loop antenna system comprises two intersecting single-fed loops. The antenna can operate at a wavelength that is approximately twice the length of the bars. In such an embodiment, the antenna system may be resonant. The distance between the bars and the ground plane may be relatively small, thus minimalizing the vertical profile of the antenna. The antenna may be operated as a dual-band antenna and may produce an omnidirectional radiation pattern. An aerial vehicle may include two such antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: John Michael Spall, Adrian Matthew Cooke
  • Publication number: 20210119326
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cross loop antenna system for an aerial vehicle. In one embodiment, the cross loop antenna system includes a cross bar antenna and a ground plane. The cross bar antenna includes two thin coplanar perpendicular bars that intersect in the middle and are parallel to the ground plane. Each bar couples to the ground plane at each end, comprising an antenna loop. Thus, the cross loop antenna system comprises two intersecting single-fed loops. The antenna can operate at a wavelength that is approximately twice the length of the bars. In such an embodiment, the antenna system may be resonant. The distance between the bars and the ground plane may be relatively small, thus minimalizing the vertical profile of the antenna. The antenna may be operated as a dual-band antenna and may produce an omnidirectional radiation pattern. An aerial vehicle may include two such antennas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2020
    Publication date: April 22, 2021
    Inventors: John Michael Spall, Adrian Matthew Cooke
  • Patent number: 10854962
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cross loop antenna system for an aerial vehicle. In one embodiment, the cross loop antenna system includes a cross bar antenna and a ground plane. The cross bar antenna includes two thin coplanar perpendicular bars that intersect in the middle and are parallel to the ground plane. Each bar couples to the ground plane at each end, comprising an antenna loop. Thus, the cross loop antenna system comprises two intersecting single-fed loops. The antenna can operate at a wavelength that is approximately twice the length of the bars. In such an embodiment, the antenna system may be resonant. The distance between the bars and the ground plane may be relatively small, thus minimalizing the vertical profile of the antenna. The antenna may be operated as a dual-band antenna and may produce an omnidirectional radiation pattern. An aerial vehicle may include two such antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: John Michael Spall, Adrian Matthew Cooke
  • Publication number: 20200006843
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cross loop antenna system for an aerial vehicle. In one embodiment, the cross loop antenna system includes a cross bar antenna and a ground plane. The cross bar antenna includes two thin coplanar perpendicular bars that intersect in the middle and are parallel to the ground plane. Each bar couples to the ground plane at each end, comprising an antenna loop. Thus, the cross loop antenna system comprises two intersecting single-fed loops. The antenna can operate at a wavelength that is approximately twice the length of the bars. In such an embodiment, the antenna system may be resonant. The distance between the bars and the ground plane may be relatively small, thus minimalizing the vertical profile of the antenna. The antenna may be operated as a dual-band antenna and may produce an omnidirectional radiation pattern. An aerial vehicle may include two such antennas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventors: John Michael Spall, Adrian Matthew Cooke
  • Patent number: 10396443
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cross loop antenna system for an aerial vehicle. In one embodiment, the cross loop antenna system includes a cross bar antenna and a ground plane. The cross bar antenna includes two thin coplanar perpendicular bars that intersect in the middle and are parallel to the ground plane. Each bar couples to the ground plane at each end, comprising an antenna loop. Thus, the cross loop antenna system comprises two intersecting single-fed loops. The antenna can operate at a wavelength that is approximately twice the length of the bars. In such an embodiment, the antenna system may be resonant. The distance between the bars and the ground plane may be relatively small, thus minimalizing the vertical profile of the antenna. The antenna may be operated as a dual-band antenna and may produce an omnidirectional radiation pattern. An aerial vehicle may include two such antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: GoPro, Inc.
    Inventors: John Michael Spall, Adrian Matthew Cooke
  • Publication number: 20170179582
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cross loop antenna system for an aerial vehicle. In one embodiment, the cross loop antenna system includes a cross bar antenna and a ground plane. The cross bar antenna includes two thin coplanar perpendicular bars that intersect in the middle and are parallel to the ground plane. Each bar couples to the ground plane at each end, comprising an antenna loop. Thus, the cross loop antenna system comprises two intersecting single-fed loops. The antenna can operate at a wavelength that is approximately twice the length of the bars. In such an embodiment, the antenna system may be resonant. The distance between the bars and the ground plane may be relatively small, thus minimalizing the vertical profile of the antenna. The antenna may be operated as a dual-band antenna and may produce an omnidirectional radiation pattern. An aerial vehicle may include two such antennas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventors: John Michael Spall, Adrian Matthew Cooke
  • Publication number: 20170168481
    Abstract: Disclosed is a configuration for displaying a user interface on a device (e.g., a remote controller) to assist a user in correctly orienting the device for improved communication with an aerial vehicle. Position information is received by device from the aerial vehicle. The remote controller detects its own position and orientation. Based on the orientation of the remote controller and the relative position of the remote controller and aerial vehicle, the remote controller displays an indication to the user to assist the user in orienting the remote controller so that one or more directional antennas of the remote controller are oriented for effective communication between the device and the aerial vehicle. Also disclosed is an antenna configuration within a housing of a remote controller. The antenna configuration includes two ceramic patch antennas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Sean Michael Flanigan, Joseph Anthony Enke, Adrian Matthew Cooke, John Michael Spall
  • Patent number: 8307971
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a document track, a processing device, and a selector gate after the processing device. The document track includes a second, return path extending from a location at the selector gate to a location before the processing device. A bi-directional drive mechanism receives the document as the document passes through the selector gate in the forward direction. A gate actuator selectively moves the selector gate. Upon the bi-directional drive mechanism reversing direction after receiving the document to drive the document in the reverse direction, when the selector gate is in the first position, the selector gate diverts the document into the return path and re-introduces the document to the processing device with the document now in a reverse orientation. When the selector gate is in the second position, the selector gate allows the document traveling in the reverse direction to be re-introduced, in reverse, to the processing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Burroughs Payment Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Michael Spall, Johan P. Bakker
  • Patent number: 8294919
    Abstract: A document processor receives a document to be processed and captures data from the document. The document processor includes a plurality of processing devices and conveys documents past the plurality of processing devices to allow the processing devices to perform operations on the documents. A programmable endorser prints an endorsement on a document as the document is processed. The programmable endorser includes a plurality of character segments in the form of various shapes such that the endorsement is printed by building characters from the character segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Burroughs Payment Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Johan P. Bakker, J. Michael Spall
  • Patent number: 8141692
    Abstract: An apparatus for capturing images from checks and other financial and payment-related documents includes a base unit including an input slot for receiving a document to be processed. A transport stage located within the base unit receives the document from the input slot. The transport stage includes a document track, a processing device located along the document track, and a one-way gate located along the document track after the processing device. The document track includes a second, return path extending from a location at the one-way gate to a location before the processing device. A bi-directional drive mechanism receives the document as the document passes through the one-way gate in the forward direction. The bi-directional drive mechanism then reverses direction to drive the document in the reverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Burroughs Payment Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Michael Spall, Johan P. Bakker
  • Patent number: 8087660
    Abstract: A compact, desktop document processor for use on a counter-top is provided. A low-profile document feeding machine includes a feeder, a hopper, at least one processing device, and an output pocket. The apparatus further includes a reversible motor including a shaft, a first one-way clutch, a second one-way clutch, a nudger device, and a jogging device. The nudger device is drivingly connected to the motor through the first one-way clutch such that driving the motor in a forward direction drives the nudger device to urge a document from a document stack in the hopper into the feeder. The jogging device is drivingly connected to the motor through the second one-way clutch such that driving the motor in a reverse direction drives the jogging device to align the documents in the document stack prior to feeding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Burroughs Payment Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James Michael Spall, Johan P. Bakker
  • Patent number: 7984904
    Abstract: A document processing system includes a document track composed of a pair of opposing rigid track walls. The documents are moved along the document track in a series to allow operations to be performed on the documents. An apparatus for detecting a document with an attachment includes a strike plate formed by a separate section of a wall of the document track. A magnet is arranged to attract material toward the strike plate. An accelerometer is mounted to the strike plate. The accelerometer detects an impact of an attachment to the strike plate when a document with an attachment passes the strike plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventors: Johan P. Bakker, J. Michael Spall, Thomas J. Shelton
  • Patent number: 7887046
    Abstract: A low-profile document feeding machine includes a feeder, a hopper, at least one processing device, and an output pocket. The feeder feeds documents one at a time from a document stack in the hopper for processing by the at least one processing device and reception by the output pocket. The hopper has a hopper floor including a hopper floor extension that extends beyond a footprint of the low-profile document feeding machine so as to better support longer documents. The hopper floor extension extend a to a sufficient extent such that a total length of the hopper floor is at least about 5.5 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Burroughs Payment Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Johan P. Bakker, J. Michael Spall
  • Patent number: 7887047
    Abstract: A low-profile document feeding machine includes a feeder, a hopper, at least one processing device, and an output pocket. The feeder feeds documents one at a time from a document stack in the hopper for processing by the at least one processing device and reception by the output pocket. The hopper includes a floor-wall construction for holding the document stack. The floor-wall construction is configured to column-form documents in the document stack. The column-forming provides increased stiffness in the vertical direction and prevents documents from falling/folding over due to top-heaviness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Burroughs Payment Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Johan P. Bakker, J. Michael Spall