Patents by Inventor Richard G. Confer

Richard G. Confer 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: 4767968
    Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a control system which permits operation of electrically powered apparatus in any one of several active modes from a controller mounted remotely from the apparatus. The system is particularly useful for controlling the operation of at least a pair of light sources. The system permits switching, from the controller, energizing power from an energized light source to a de-energized light source. Electrical communication between the controller of the system and the light head can be provided by only two electrical conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1988
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Michael Geanous, Richard G. Confer, Richard C. Bainbridge
  • Patent number: 4745930
    Abstract: A force sensing insole is disclosed which is adapted to be used in association with an electro-goniometer for analyzing the gait of a patient. The insole includes a body member composed of three overlying sheets of thin plastic material which are bonded together, with the intermediate sheet having cut-outs in each of the heel, ball and toe portions so as to define three separate internal chambers. A contact switch is positioned in each of the open chambers, and which comprises a plurality of parallel fingers formed of conductive ink on the inwardly facing surface of one of the outer sheets, and an area of conductive material on the inwardly facing surface of the outer sheet. The body member includes a laterally extending flexible strip, and which is adapted to flex and extend outwardly from the wearer's shoe. Also, lines of conductive ink are provided in the body member which extend from each of the contact switches to a terminal positioned at the end of the strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1988
    Assignee: Chattanooga Corporation
    Inventor: Richard G. Confer
  • Patent number: 4734625
    Abstract: A preferred control circuit is adapted particularly for use in a system that controls the operation of at least a pair of light sources. The system permits switching, at a controller remote from the light head which contains the light sources, energizing power from an energized light source to a de-energized light source. The circuit monitors the integrity of the energized light source and switches energizing power from the energized light source to the de-energized light source when the energized light source fails. The circuit monitors the integrity of the de-energized light source and energizes a failed filament indicator when the de-energized light source fails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Michael Geanous, Richard G. Confer
  • Patent number: 4537276
    Abstract: A device for transmitting sound from a speaker in a first area, such as a sterile or clean field, to a second area such as a nonsterile or nonclean field. The device includes a sound conduit having an inlet and an outlet and being of sufficient length to permit placement of the inlet in the first area and placement of the outlet in the second area, means, such as a filter mask, for securing the inlet in an operative position relative to the speaker's mouth, and a coupler connected to the outlet. A microphone and means for adjusting the sound pressure transmitted through the conduit are preferably also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1985
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventor: Richard G. Confer
  • Patent number: 4458179
    Abstract: A controller for controlling operation of a multi-filament lamp is provided that permits selection of the filament to be energized from a control box placed at a remote location from the lamp. Only two leads are required to electrically connect the control box to the lamp. The controller automatically switches energizing power from a burned out filament to an alternate filament. The controller can also include a source of alternate power for the controller in the event that primary power is lost. The controller can also include a lock out feature which prevents switching energizing power at the control box from an energized filament to a failed filament.1. Field of the InventionThe present invention relates to controllers for lamps and, in particular, a controller for a lamp having more than one light source that permits control of the lamp from a location remote from the lamp.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1984
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Richard C. Bainbridge, Richard G. Confer, Carl C. Krihwan, William R. Miller