Patents by Inventor Philip E. Blair

Philip E. Blair 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: 7380122
    Abstract: What is disclosed herein is an identification apparatus comprising an array of conductive pins fixed onto a base component placed onto a primary device and in communication therewith. A set of shaped identifiers having a plurality of holes through which respective pins on the array of fixed pins pass. Each identifier being uniquely configured with at least one distinct location containing a conductive sleeve fitted therein which allows the passage therethrough of that particular pin for further use by subsequently placed identifiers. Each pin is in individual communication with the primary device such that the primary device can thereafter identify the placed identifiers so as to subsequently perform certain functions or other desired operations based on the type, configuration, and/or number of identifiers placed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Debora Margaret Hejza Litwiller, Philip E. Blair
  • Patent number: 6977595
    Abstract: A system for the secure physical attachment of a second device to a first device is disclosed comprising a first and second inter-connection attachment means in physical association with each device. The second inter-connection attachment means physically mates with its corresponding first inter-connection attachment means. Additionally, means for detecting the physical mating of each of the first and second inter-connection attachment means is provided. The detecting means is preferably associated with at least one of the devices and in communication with each of it's associated device's inter-connection attachment means. Means are provided for determining that the first and second inter-connection attachment means have been securely mated and, if not, means are provided for indicating the status of the completion of the secure attachment there between.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Debora Margaret Hejza Litwiller, Philip E. Blair
  • Patent number: 6885284
    Abstract: An identification apparatus comprises an array of conductive pins fixed onto a base component placed onto a primary device and in communication therewith. A set of shaped identifiers has a plurality of holes through which respective pins on the array of fixed pins pass. Each identifier is uniquely configured with at least one distinct location containing a conductive sleeve fitted therein which allows the passage therethrough of that particular pin for further use by subsequently placed identifiers. Each pin is in individual communication with the primary device such that the primary device can thereafter identify the placed identifiers so as to subsequently perform certain functions or other desired operations based on the type, configuration, and/or number of identifiers placed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Debora Margaret Hejza Litwiller, Philip E. Blair
  • Patent number: 6838975
    Abstract: An identification apparatus comprising an array of retractable conductive pins on a base component placed onto a primary device and in communication therewith. A set of shaped identifiers have a plurality of holes through which respective pins on the array of retractable pins pass, each identifier being uniquely configured with at least one distinct location containing a conductive plug or ‘cap’ fitted therein which blocks the passage therethrough of that particular pin thereby forcing said pin to retract into the base component to block further use of that pin by subsequently placed identifiers. Each retractable pin is in individual communication with the primary device such that, once one or more identifiers have been placed onto the pin array, the primary device can thereafter identify the placed identifiers so as to subsequently perform certain functions or other desired operations based on the type, configuration, and/or number of identifiers placed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Debora Margaret Hejza Litwiller, Philip E. Blair
  • Patent number: 6750755
    Abstract: An identification apparatus and method comprising an array of retractable pins in association with a housing attached to a base component through which each pin individually passes. The apparatus is attached to a primary device and in communication therewith. Each retractable pin is in individual physical contact with tension springs positioned below the pin and located in a containment sleeve within the housing. Each spring continuously exerts pressure on the base of their respective pins so as to push the pin up through the base component. At the base of each spring is a pressure sensitive pad in communication with the primary device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Debora Margaret Hejza Litwiller, Philip E. Blair
  • Publication number: 20040090427
    Abstract: An overlay for use with a screen, wherein the screen is a touch sensitive screen with a display containing at least one touch selectable feature thereon, wherein the overlay includes a substrate for placement over the screen, wherein the substrate has at least one hole positioned over the at least one touch selectable feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Philip E. Blair, Debora Margaret Hejza Litwiller
  • Patent number: 6696970
    Abstract: What is disclosed herein is an identification apparatus and method comprising an array of retractable pins in association with a housing attached to a base component through which each pin individually passes. The apparatus is attached to a primary device and in communication therewith. Each retractable pin is in individual physical contact with spring tension means positioned below the pin and located in a containment sleeve within the housing. Each spring continuously exerts pressure on the base of their respective pins so as to push the pin up through the base component. At the base of each spring is a pressure sensitive pad in communication with the primary device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Debora Margaret Hejza Litwiller, Philip E. Blair
  • Publication number: 20030117266
    Abstract: What is disclosed herein is an identification apparatus comprising an array of conductive pins fixed onto a base component placed onto a primary device and in communication therewith. A set of shaped identifiers having a plurality of holes through which respective pins on the array of fixed pins pass. Each identifier being uniquely configured with at least one distinct location containing a conductive sleeve fitted therein which allows the passage therethrough of that particular pin for further use by subsequently placed identifiers. Each pin is in individual communication with the primary device such that the primary device can thereafter identify the placed identifiers so as to subsequently perform certain functions or other desired operations based on the type, configuration, and/or number of identifiers placed thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Debora Margaret Hejza Litwiller, Philip E. Blair
  • Publication number: 20030120919
    Abstract: What is disclosed herein is an identification apparatus comprising an array of conductive pins fixed onto a base component placed onto a primary device and in communication therewith. A set of shaped identifiers having a plurality of holes through which respective pins on the array of fixed pins pass. Each identifier being uniquely configured with at least one distinct location containing a conductive sleeve fitted therein which allows the passage therethrough of that particular pin for further use by subsequently placed identifiers. Each pin is in individual communication with the primary device such that the primary device can thereafter identify the placed identifiers so as to subsequently perform certain functions or other desired operations based on the type, configuration, and/or number of identifiers placed thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation.
    Inventors: Debora Margaret Hejza Litwiller, Philip E. Blair
  • Publication number: 20030117264
    Abstract: What is disclosed herein is an identification apparatus and method comprising an array of retractable pins in association with a housing attached to a base component through which each pin individually passes. The apparatus is attached to a primary device and in communication therewith. Each retractable pin is in individual physical contact with spring tension means positioned below the pin and located in a containment sleeve within the housing. Each spring continuously exerts pressure on the base of their respective pins so as to push the pin up through the base component. At the base of each spring is a pressure sensitive pad in communication with the primary device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Debora Margaret Hejza Litwiller, Philip E. Blair
  • Publication number: 20030117265
    Abstract: What is disclosed herein is an identification apparatus comprising an array of retractable conductive pins on a base component placed onto a primary device and in communication therewith. A set of shaped identifiers having a plurality of holes through which respective pins on the array of retractable pins pass. Each identifier being uniquely configured with at least one distinct location containing a conductive plug or ‘cap’ fitted therein which blocks the passage therethrough of that particular pin thereby forcing said pin to retract into the base component to block further use of that pin by subsequently placed identifiers. Each retractable pin is in individual communication with the primary device such that, once one or more identifiers have been placed onto the pin array, the primary device can thereafter identify the placed identifiers so as to subsequently perform certain functions or other desired operations based on the type, configuration, and/or number of identifiers placed thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Debora Margaret Hejza Litwiller, Philip E. Blair
  • Publication number: 20030116625
    Abstract: What is disclosed herein is an identification apparatus and method comprising an array of retractable pins in association with a housing attached to a base component through which each pin individually passes. The apparatus is attached to a primary device and in communication therewith. Each retractable pin is in individual physical contact with spring tension means positioned below the pin and located in a containment sleeve within the housing. Each spring continuously exerts pressure on the base of their respective pins so as to push the pin up through the base component. At the base of each spring is a pressure sensitive pad in communication with the primary device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Debora Margaret Hejza Litwiller, Philip E. Blair
  • Publication number: 20030103799
    Abstract: A system for the secure physical attachment of a second device to a first device is disclosed comprising a first and second inter-connection attachment means in physical association with each device. The second inter-connection attachment means physically mates with its corresponding first inter-connection attachment means. Additionally, means for detecting the physical mating of each of the first and second inter-connection attachment means is provided. The detecting means is preferably associated with at least one of the devices and in communication with each of it's associated device's inter-connection attachment means. Means are provided for determining that the first and second inter-connection attachment means have been securely mated and, if not, means are provided for indicating the status of the completion of the secure attachment there between.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Debora Margaret Hejza Litwiller, Philip E. Blair