Patents by Inventor R. Shepard

R. Shepard 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: 6216620
    Abstract: An apparatus for high speed attachment of a cord to a piece of receiving material is characterized by one or more pins which engage the cord, pierce the receiving material and draw the cord through the receiving material from the first side to a second side thereof so that open loops are formed in the cord on the second side of the receiving material. The pins may be implemented as a push pin and spreader pin pairs movably mounted relative to each other and each of which are adapted to grasp the cord and penetrate the receiving material. The loop(s) are formed as the push pin and spreader pin move relative to each other. The apparatus further comprises a floating shuttle, not attached to the frame of the apparatus but supported by a series of gear assemblies. The pins move relative to the shuttle in a single direction causing the shuttle to engage an end portion of the cord, drawing the cord through the open loops so as to complete the lacing stitch of the cord through the receiving material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Daniel R. Shepard
  • Patent number: 6213040
    Abstract: A apparatus for high speed attachment of a cord to a piece of receiving material is characterized by one or more pins which engage the cord, pierce the receiving material and draw the cord through the receiving material from the first side to a second side thereof so that an open loop is formed in the cord on the second side of the receiving material. The pins may be implemented as a push pin and a spreader pin pairs movably mounted relative to each other and each of which are adapted to grasp the cord and penetrate the receiving material. The loop(s) are formed as the push pin and spreader pin move relative to each other. The apparatus further comprises a floating shuttle, not attached to the frame of the apparatus but supported by a series of gear assemblies, which moves relative to the pins and engages an end portion of the cord, drawing the cord through the open loop so as to complete the lacing stitch of the cord through the receiving material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Daniel R. Shepard
  • Patent number: 6098116
    Abstract: A digital control system automatically senses when a new controller is attached to a network and determines the number and types of I/O Ports that are attached to the new controller. The digital control system formats and displays the I/O Port information upon request by a user. The digital control system program also includes an automatic configuration program that responds to sensing of a new controller by automatically configuring the input/output (I/O) subsystem. The user adds a new controller without setting any physical switches or nodes. A user optionally supplies configuration information for a device into a database, prior to connection of a device. Upon connection of the device, the device is automatically sensed and configured using the database configuration information, without setting of physical switches or node address information on the devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Fisher-Rosemont Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Nixon, Ken D. Krivoshein, John R. Shepard, Dan D. Christensen, Duncan Schleiss
  • Patent number: 5889694
    Abstract: A read-only data storage and retrieval device is presented having no moving parts and requiring very low power. Addressing can be accomplished sequentially where the address increments automatically or can be accomplished randomly. High density storage is achieved through the use of a highly symmetric diode matrix that is addressed in both coordinate directions; its symmetry makes the Dual-addressed Rectifier Storage (DRS) Array very scaleable, particularly when made as an integrated circuit. For even greater storage flexibility, multiple digital rectifier storage arrays can be incorporated into the device, one or more of which can be made removable and interchangeable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: Daniel R. Shepard
  • Patent number: 5673218
    Abstract: A read-only data storage and retrieval device is presented having no moving parts and requiring very low power. Addressing can be accomplished sequentially where the address increments automatically or can be accomplished randomly. High density storage is achieved through the use of a highly symmetric diode matrix that is addressed in both coordinate directions; its symmetry makes the Dual-addressed Rectifier Storage (DRS) Array very scaleable, particularly when made as an integrated circuit. For even greater storage flexibility, multiple digital rectifier storage arrays can be incorporated into the device, one or more of which can be made removable and interchangeable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventor: Daniel R. Shepard
  • Patent number: 5277810
    Abstract: Structure and method for extracting juice from fruit and vegetable matter. The container comprises a flexible pleated body that tends to an expanded configuration. Each end of the body has rigid caps screwably attached that are flat on their exterior ends for receiving an axial force imparted by a press. The straining cap is perforated thereby allowing the extracted juice to pass from the container. A means for filtering the juice is placed upon the straining cap. A plug is attached as an integral part of either cap. Said plug evacuates the volume of the collapsed container in the final stages of extraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventor: Joel R. Shepard
  • Patent number: 5117451
    Abstract: A voice messaging system for use with a telephone system. The preferred embodiment comprises a voice messaging system which interfaces to a PBX through a feature phone interface, the voice messaging system emulating a feature phone. The PBX supplies information to the voice messaging system such as information on the origination and history of the call. The present invention discloses improved methods of handling calls directed to the voice messaging system based on the information supplied by the PBX.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: VMX/OPCOM
    Inventors: David J. Ladd, Gregory E. Pounds, Tim J. Kusumi, Peter A. Bonee, Robert R. Shepard
  • Patent number: 5088641
    Abstract: The specification discloses a container including a pair of dividers for providing four cells. Divider slots are such that one divider cannot be caught on the bottom surface of the other divider when the container is folded from a flat position to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: Rapid-Packaging Corporation
    Inventor: Gerald R. Shepard
  • Patent number: 5080985
    Abstract: This invention relates to a seal for a cylindrical alkaline cell. The member includes a metal support having an annular spring disposed at the outer periphery. The spring is placed under compression by a radial crimp and the spring is adapted to expand and contract whereby the seal is maintained during thermal cycling. The member also includes a plastic grommet having an annular vent designed to open at very high pressures whereby said seal member is particularly useful in alkaline cells having little or no mercury whereby high internal pressures can develop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: Duracell Inc.
    Inventors: Marian Wiacek, Vance R. Shepard, Jr., Robert A. Yoppolo, Robert J. Payne, Peter J. Pope, Boris Falczuk
  • Patent number: 4999264
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a gelling agent between the plastic seal and the outer cover of an electrochemical cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Assignee: Duracell Inc.
    Inventors: Vance R. Shepard, Jr., Michelle Wolf
  • Patent number: 4926462
    Abstract: A voice messaging system for use with a telephone system. The preferred embodiment comprises a voice messaging system which interfaces to a PBX through a feature phone interface, the voice messaging system emulating a feature phone. The PBX supplies information to the voice messaging system such as information on the origination and history of the call. The present invention discloses improved methods of handling calls directed to the voice messaging system based on the information supplied by the PBX.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignee: VMX/OPCOM
    Inventors: David J. Ladd, Gregory E. Pounds, Tim J. Kusumi, Peter A. Bonee, Robert R. Shepard
  • Patent number: 4872420
    Abstract: A disposable cat litter box is disclosed comprising a liner pan for receiving cat litter, with the liner pan having an open top, bottom and sides and cat litter disposed in the liner pan. A disposal bag having an opening at least equal to the bottom of the liner pan and a drawstring around the opening is attached to the bottom of the exterior of the liner pan with the opening of the disposal bag around the sides of the liner pan. A covering lid is secured to the top of the liner pan to hold the cat litter inside the liner pan with a tear cord for removing the lid from the liner pan to expose the cat litter during use. After use, pulling on the drawstring causes the opening of the bag to cover the open top and fully enclose the liner pan and any used cat litter therein. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Inventor: Daniel R. Shepard
  • Patent number: 4737249
    Abstract: A process for the electrochemical production of hydrogen from an aqueous alkaline electrolyte characterized by the use as a cathode of a material having the general formula AB.sub.5 H.sub.x wherein A is one or more of rare earth metals and calcium, B is nickel or cobalt and x is a number, generally from 4 to 8 characteristic of saturation of the AB.sub.5 -compound with hydrogen. The hydrogen is generated at a relatively low overpotential and thus at high efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1988
    Assignee: Inco Alloys International, Inc.
    Inventors: Vance R. Shepard, Jr., Dale E. Hall, John T. Arms, William D. K. Clark
  • Patent number: 4313037
    Abstract: An improved telephone station set for use with a switching system which senses flashing is disclosed. A separate flash key is included on the set. Depression of the flash key causes decoupling of the set for a predetermined time which corresponds to the flash window. Depression of the hook switch, assures decoupling of the set for a sufficiently long period of time so that a hang-up is detected even if the hook switch is immediately released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1982
    Assignee: Rolm Corporation
    Inventor: Robert R. Shepard
  • Patent number: 4111030
    Abstract: An improved press cushion includes a piston which is disposed within a cylinder chamber. The head end of the cylinder chamber is arranged for communication with a compressed fluid, such as nitrogen gas. The rod end of the cylinder chamber is arranged for communication with a source of air which is free of contaminants found in the immediate environment of the cylinder assembly. Although clean air could be obtained from the atmosphere at a location spaced from the press, the rod end of the cylinder is advantageously connected to a low pressure supply of clean air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1978
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn R. Shepard, John B. Terrell