Patents by Inventor R. Benjamin Knapp

R. Benjamin Knapp 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: 7938789
    Abstract: A massager (12) includes an inductively chargeable battery (48), avoiding the need to deal with batteries and cords while providing a pleasant exothermic warmth. Different embodiments of sealing and skinning (13) make the massager (12) hygienically safe and fluid- and water-resistant. Sophisticated controls (50) provide the massager with the ability to respond to direct-mounted user controls (20, 22), wireless communication controls such as remote controls (30) and a plethora of other protocol-compatible devices, systems and media. A mating base (14) supports the massager (12) for inductive charging in a stable, aesthetically pleasant and safe relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Jimmyjane, Inc.
    Inventors: Ethan Frederic Imboden, Roland Jeffrey Wyatt, R Benjamin Knapp, Ken Paul Koller, John Richard Rees
  • Patent number: 7815582
    Abstract: A massager (12) includes an inductively chargeable battery (48), avoiding the need to deal with batteries and cords while providing a pleasant exothermic warmth. Different embodiments of sealing and skinning (13) make the massager (12) hygienically safe and fluid- and water-resistant. Sophisticated controls (50) provide the massager with the ability to respond to direct-mounted user controls (20, 22), wireless communication controls such as remote controls (30) and a plethora of other protocol-compatible devices, systems and media. A mating base (14) supports the massager (12) for inductive charging in a stable, aesthetically pleasant and safe relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Jimmyjane, Inc.
    Inventors: Ethan Frederic Imboden, Roland Jeffrey Wyatt, R. Benjamin Knapp, Ken Paul Koller, John Richard Rees
  • Patent number: 7749178
    Abstract: A massager (12) includes an inductively chargeable battery (48), avoiding the need to deal with batteries and cords while providing a pleasant exothermic warmth. Different embodiments of sealing and skinning (13) make the massager (12) hygienically safe and fluid- and water-resistant. Sophisticated controls (50) provide the massager with the ability to respond to direct-mounted user controls (20, 22), wireless communication controls such as remote controls (30) and a plethora of other protocol-compatible devices, systems and media. A mating base (14) supports the massager (12) for inductive charging in a stable, aesthetically pleasant and safe relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Jimmyjane, Inc.
    Inventors: Ethan Frederic Imboden, Roland Jeffrey Wyatt, R. Benjamin Knapp, Ken Paul Koller, John Richard Rees
  • Patent number: 7446253
    Abstract: A system and method of enhancing guitar instruction based on Tablature Plus encoding of playing techniques within a MIDI file or other data structure, that may be rendered on an associated player application that provides multimedia output of the piece being played including a number of playing techniques. The system hardware for encoding the information includes string motion monitoring, and optionally a hand motion and finger positioning sensor, such as a data glove or a video motion capture system, for simultaneously registering the actions of the guitarist while playing the piece. The software comprises algorithms for determining note pitch and duration, and for extracting playing techniques from the data being collected. Multimedia player software is also described which renders a visual and audio output for the Tablature Plus encoded file, wherein the encoded playing techniques are represented within the display output. The system is adaptable to instruction for any instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: MTW Studios, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Benjamin Knapp, Robert L. Miller, Kevin A. McFarland
  • Patent number: 7223913
    Abstract: A system and method of enhancing guitar instruction based on Tablature Plus encoding of playing techniques within a MIDI file or other data structure, that may be rendered on an associated player application that provides multimedia output of the piece being played including a number of playing techniques. The system hardware for encoding the information includes string motion monitoring, and optionally a hand motion and finger positioning sensor, such as a data glove or a video motion capture system, for simultaneously registering the actions of the guitarist while playing the piece. The software comprises algorithms for determining note pitch and duration, and for extracting playing techniques from the data being collected. Multimedia player software is also described which renders a visual and audio output for the Tablature Plus encoded file, wherein the encoded playing techniques are represented within the display output. The system is adaptable to instruction for any instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Vmusicsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Benjamin Knapp, Robert L. Miller, Kevin A. McFarland
  • Patent number: 7221263
    Abstract: A lighting system adapted to mount on a motorcycle or bicycle helmet. The lighting system includes a one or more accelerometers coupled to the helmet and a processor adapted to process the signals from the accelerometers. The accelerometers may be mounted to the helmet, or the motorcycle or bicycle. The lighting system further includes a light mounted on the helmet that is responsive to the processed signal such that the light illuminates as result of a deceleration force. The system may also include filtering software to remove helmet motion artifact and other noise from the signal. Remote wheel speed indicators may also be used in conjunction with or in place of the accelerometers. Mounting tabs may also be included to releasably attach the lighting unit to the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Zero Nine Design, LLC
    Inventors: David Moore, John D. Hebert, R. Benjamin Knapp, Richard Greene, Derek Loh
  • Patent number: 6995310
    Abstract: A system and method of enhancing guitar instruction based on Tablature Plus encoding of playing techniques within a MIDI file or other data structure, that may be rendered on an associated player application that provides multimedia output of the piece being played including a number of playing techniques. The system hardware for encoding the information comprises a pickup head for registering string motion, and optionally a hand motion and finger positioning sensor, such as a data glove, for simultaneously registering the actions of the guitarist while playing the piece. The software comprises algorithms for determining note pitch and duration, and for extracting playing techniques from the data being collected. Multimedia player software is also described which renders a visual and audio output for the Tablature Plus encoded file, wherein the encoded playing techniques are represented within the display output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Emusicsystem
    Inventors: R. Benjamin Knapp, J. Daniell Hebert, Robert L. Miller, Kevin A. McFarland
  • Publication number: 20040034484
    Abstract: A premise system that is reliable, easy to install and easy to maintain, that provides data to a computing platform detailing the energy usage of the consumer, allowing the utility company to dynamically adjust rates and output levels so as to increase cost savings. An energy management system according to the invention is designed as a network of devices installed in the home or small office to efficiently make use of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (“HVAC”) units and other appliances. Module devices installed on the network may communicate and transmit energy usage data to a central server, for example, located at the utility company. The utility company monitors the usage data as the data is periodically received and is able to generate messages that initiate energy saving programs specific to each premise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Michael V. Solomita, Alan Ewald, J. Daniell Hebert, R. Benjamin Knapp, Greg McGurk
  • Patent number: 5491492
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the position of each eye of a human operator (12) with respect to a fixed reference point or with respect to each other by using electro-oculogram signals produced by eye movement. Human operator (12) wears sensor assembly (10) which includes a plurality of sensors (14) which are arranged to monitor right and left, as well as horizontal and vertical eye movement. The sensed electro-oculogram signals are processed by a microprocessor (60) into separate positional signals representing upward movement, downward movement, movement to the left, movement to the right, convergence, and divergence. These positional signals are used to control three dimensional imagery on a computer, video game, or other apparatus to be controlled, or for strabismus measurement and diagnosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Biocontrol Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Benjamin Knapp, Lisa E. Hake, Hugh S. Lusted
  • Patent number: 5422689
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the position of each eye of a human operator (12) with respect to a fixed reference point or with respect to each other by using electro-oculogram signals produced by eye movement. Human operator (12) wears sensor assembly (10) which includes a plurality of sensors (14) which are arranged to monitor right and left, as well as horizontal and vertical eye movement. The sensed electro-oculogram signals are processed by a microprocessor (60) into separate positional signals representing upward movement, downward movement, movement to the left, movement to the right, convergence, and divergence. These positional signals are used to control three dimensional imagery on a computer, video game, or other apparatus to be controlled, or for strabismus measurement and diagnosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Biocontrol Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Benjamin Knapp, Lisa E. Hake, Hugh S. Lusted
  • Patent number: 5293187
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the position of each eye of a human operator (12) with respect to a fixed reference point or with respect to each other by using electro-oculogram signals produced by eye movement. Human operator (12) wears sensor assembly (10) which includes a plurality of sensors (14) which are arranged to monitor right and left, as well as horizontal and vertical eye movement. The sensed electro-oculogram signals are processed by a microprocessor (60) into separate positional signals representing upward movement, downward movement, movement to the left, movement to the right, convergence, and divergence. These positional signals are used to control three dimensional imagery on a computer, video game, or other apparatus to be controlled, or for strabismus measurement and diagnosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Biocontrol Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Benjamin Knapp, Lisa E. Hake, Hugh S. Lusted