Patents by Inventor Peter A. Lam

Peter A. Lam 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: 5594443
    Abstract: An apparatus for improving the quality of an analog signal reproduced from digital samples by limiting the amount of sampling and quantization noise present within reproduced analog signals. The apparatus is comprised of a D/A converter coupled to an interpolator processing original digital samples operating at a reproduction rate greater than the original sampling frequency and at a digital resolution greater than or equal to the original digital samples to generate digital pseudo-samples. The processed digital pseudo-samples are then provided to the D/A converter at the reproduction rate. As a consequence of the increase in the reproduction rate, sampling noise is moved further away in the frequency domain from the original analog signal, thus eliminating or reducing the requirement for a low-pass filter. Due to the increased number of samples and the increased digital resolution of the samples, the reproduction errors are further minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: Peter A. Lam
  • Patent number: 5511701
    Abstract: An adjustable garment hanger (20) is disclosed having extension members (34, 36) which move laterally on a hanger frame (22). The extension members move as a result of engagement between a pair of flexible racks (44, 46) and a medially disposed pinion (50). Disclosed embodiments include manual adjustment knobs (380) and bidirectional electric motors (402) coupled to the pinion. Embodiments also include apparatus for indicating hanger size obtained by movement of the extension members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventor: Peter A. Lam
  • Patent number: 5473307
    Abstract: Transducer apparatus (10) responsive to external perturbations is disclosed having an electrically responsive transducer circuit (12) energized when a display member (18) and an elongate member (20) move from a gravity determined quiescent orientation (30A) therebetween to an external perturbation driven activate orientation (30B) therebetween. In various embodiments, the members are respectively responsive to air movement and acceleration. In one embodiment, the elongate member carries a first electrical contact (21) to abut a second electrical contact (22) carried by the display member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Inventor: Peter A. Lam
  • Patent number: 5267886
    Abstract: A plush toy is configured to replicate a dog and includes a battery-powered squeeze-operated light within one of the dog's front feet. The light is operated by raising the light supporting foot and squeezing the foot to energize the battery-powered light. A control circuit within the toy body controls a plurality of flashing lights and a sound output speaker to produce a series of predetermined sounds together with flashing lights when the control circuit is triggered. A pair of light responsive motion sensors are supported within the toy body and respond to changes of seam in close proximity to the front portion of the toy to trigger the operation of the control circuit and the production of sound and flashing lights. A manual trigger switch is also provided to initiate sound and light flashing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Josephine D. Wood, Peter A. Lam
  • Patent number: 5102019
    Abstract: A clothes hanger in which each hanger arm is adjustable in length by means of an extender arm mounted for and operated by a mechanical system so that the extender arms move simultaneously either inward or outward by the same distance. The mechanical system may be hand operated or driven by an electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Inventor: Peter A. Lam
  • Patent number: 4844475
    Abstract: Interactive game apparatus is disclosed which includes one or more photosensitive weapon devices which can interact with a coded video display and with each other to provide two-way interaction, where each weapon may score against an opponent and may be hit by an opponent. Accessory devices in the form of a photosensitive light source and a rotating mirror act to increase the excitement of the game play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary M. Saffer, Wayne R. Halford, Jay M. Bro, Peter C. Hill, Shahram Naghshineh, Janice E. Rosenthal, Scott T. Boden, Peter A. Lam, Paul A. Williams